Author: Sylvia Mercedes
Series: Bride of the Shadow King Series book #1
Category: Fantasy Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️
A historical romance but with trolls, sure I’m game. I found this gem randomly on Kindle Unlimited and was pleasantly surprised to find myself deep into a brand new magical world with an arranged marriage that has more deceit and kingdom-wrecking consequences than I would have thought possible.
"Nothing about this situation is fair. Nothing about it is right. But we don't get to choose the trials fate sends our way." - Faraine
Faraine is a lovely, spirited but reserved young woman who knows her place as the daughter of a king. She accepted her fate a long time ago but has been told she is a disappointment for so long, she believes it wholeheartedly. Her gods gift is debilitating but she still does her best to do what's right and puts everyone else above her own wants and needs. I hope over time, she finds her spine and her voice.
"Hidden away. Not married and producing babies. Not ensuring the military support of our nearest neighbors. Useless. Disappointment. It's all there." - Faraine
Vor is desperate for a way to save his world, and as the Shadow King, he must put his kingdom. With lives at stake, he is willing to enter into an arranged marriage if it will help his people, no matter that his heart may belong to another. Even though, within his very own council, treasonous conspirators are waiting in the wings to usurp him and leave the kingdom to crumble.
I found Faraine and Vor's relationship super sweet. They found respite from their individually crushing responsibilities when they were together but there are so many things standing in front of their happiness. Both are forced to make hard decisions, some against the very people they love, and not all problems can be solved without tearing apart loyalties and duty.
"While I may not control much about my life, I can control what goes on inside my mind. I will not indulge in foolish dreaming. Not now. Not ever." - Faraine
Despite the fantasy genre and lack of spice, this story gets dark and violent pretty quickly. This is the first in a trilogy, so it ends on a cliffhanger that will have you picking up book two immediately, I know I did after writing this review. As a fair warning, the books are very long, so expect a fairly large time commitment to finish all three - clear your calendar!
Tropes and Themes: Fae, Arranged Marriage, Cliffhanger, Fantasy Romance, Magic, Slow Burn.
Blurb
A shunned princess. A reluctant king.
A marriage that could save both their kingdoms . . . but destroy their hearts.
Though she is the oldest daughter, Princess Faraine lives in the background, shunned from court and kept out of sight. Her chronic illness makes her a liability to the crown, and she has learned to give place to her beautiful, favored younger sister in all things.
When the handsome and enigmatic Shadow King comes seeking a bride, Faraine is not surprised that her sister is his choice.
Though not eager to take a human bride, King Vor is willing to do what is necessary for the sake of his people. When he meets the lively Princess Ilsevel, he quickly agrees to a marriage arrangement.
So why can’t he get the haunting eyes of her older sister out of his head?
When disaster strikes and the marriage alliance is compromised, Faraine suddenly finds herself forced to take her sister’s place . . . regardless of her new husband’s desires. Can she find a place at Vor’s side as his queen? Or is his heart forever closed to the woman who deceived him so cruelly?
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