Answers to who killed her family. A trial to death. Is the truth worth the risk?Master Mage Rielle is counting the months to her wedding when an unexpected invitation arrives from Magehold–to compete for magister. The magister’s mantle has been her dream for over a decade, but rumors accuse Magehold of shadowy deeds, among them killing families to collect promising young novices.Piracy has been … young novices.
Piracy has been rampant along the Emaurrian coast, and Jon has his hands full with Immortals attacking, his forces spread too thin to handle it all. When Magehold announces the winner of the Magister Trials will be granted one boon, Rielle is determined to ask for an end to the piracy that threatens so many others and harmed her own family… and to investigate whether Magehold was responsible. But when she arrives, she learns that the trials have only one rule: survive.
Magehold could easily stamp out the piracy claiming countless lives, and if she wins the trials, Rielle could see it done. But with the other mages competing to kill, strangers hunting her in the shadows, and mysterious factions working behind the scenes, trying to win the test could mean the end of her life. Will the trials give her the answers she seeks and the aid Emaurria sorely needs, or will they be her end?
If you like the fantasy romance of A Court of Thorns and Roses*, the dark intrigue of the Black Jewels series, the epic adventure of* Game of Thrones*, and a heroine who never gives up, you’ll love this romantic epic fantasy series.*
Buy Court of Shadows and dive into a medieval world sensual and dark, full of magic and greed, love and blades, where factions vie for influence and there are no easy choices…
(Note: This is an adult fantasy novel, and as such, there are adult situations depicted, including adult language, violence, romance, depression, alcohol and/or drug use, etc. This is the third book in a projected six-book series, so although this book’s story is complete, it is not a standalone novel.)
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If you like romance, drama, humor, breath-taking action and a touch of magic, look no further! The third book in this amazing series, Court of Shadows takes all of these to dizzying, fantastic heights. Rielle and Brennan’s relationship takes center stage, and the arc of their romance is so extremely well written that each reader will be able to find an aspect of it that’s applicable to them. And their sexiness together is off-the-charts, making it a true page-turner.
Since the previous books, the landscape for the core team of characters has expanded, yet Miranda Honfleur focuses in on each of the people we’ve come to know and love – Jon, Leigh, Olivia, etc. – showing the complexities of political intrigue that they must navigate while immersing them in rich, emotional and deeply personal journeys. With a few new, multi-faceted and fascinating characters joining the fray and blended into the story so well, I can’t wait to see where each character goes. Yet through it all, Rielle continues to shine with the fierce, compassionate strength we’ve seen from her all along.
Court of Shadows pulls you deeper into the web of mystery and magic, battles and beautiful character arcs, and tugs at the heart with its raw emotion, gut-wrenching moments and surprises. Miranda Honfleur is in a class by herself. This has fast become one of my favorite series of all time.
I like how this is about more than just one main character and story. Seeing the different angles really makes the intrigue so much more interesting.
I greatly enjoyed Court of Shadows.
This story takes many turns and although I would love to see all the characters I’ve grown attached to find happiness I find myself rooting for some more than others.
I truly love how well this author can shift from each set of characters. Taking individual stories and weaving them together to create one magnificent tale where all of their lives are interconnected.
I also really love how each character is multifaceted and has depth. Through out their journeys they continuously grow and change.
Can’t wait to dive into Queen of the Shining Sea.
This book continues very soon after Book 2, with the characters introduced and developed in the previous books. I advise reading Book 1 and 2 before starting Book 3, it is NOT a stand-alone. There is a lot of “dithering” as the relationships among the principles see-saw back and forth, hand-wringing and second-guessing. This got somewhat tiresome. The relationship between Rielle and Brennan culminates in an intense sexual release for both of them. The relationships among Rielle, Jon, Olivia, and Brennan are unresolved and a continual source of tension and dithering. Finally, after much ado in earlier chapters, the exciting battle scenes as Leigh, Ambriel, Della, and Katia try to rescue Ava from her fureur and stop the horror she was releasing were very well done. It was difficult to stop reading once the battles were joined, and at the same time, Rielle’s trial to become a Magister is putting everyone close to her in grave danger. That’s a concurrent very tense segment, as they walk a fine line between rebellion and following the “no rules” instruction by the Grand Divinus. The exciting action in the final chapters made up for the drag in the earlier chapters.
Sometimes, I just want Rielle to stab Brennan. In the butt. With an ice spike. I don’t care that magic doesn’t work on him, he just needs something stronger than a kick. This whole book was Rielle in danger and Brennan trying to “domesticate” her. I understand where he’s coming from, he’s found someone amazing, and he’s terrified that he’ll lose her. Putting her in a pretty little cage is not the way to accomplish that though.
My only complaint is that I would have liked to have seen more building about the mage trials than all the back and forth with Rielle and Brennan. I know love makes you do stupid things but their relationship is toxic. Brennan is trying, but he is fundamentally broken. He is insecure and jealous and after the way he has treated her, he should be. He is on the road to redemption, but it’s a long road. And uphill. With a bag of bricks on his back.
I loved the way that it ended. There is some hope left. The addition of the new characters in this book were great and I love the immortal creatures. Leigh meeting with the covens lent a powerful reminder that the world keeps turning even though our main characters are tied up in politics.
This was definitely a book where I kept wanting to read it but didn’t want it to end. At random points in real life, I would just think of certain words from the story and be instantly transported back. Can’t wait to start on the next installment of my new favorite series.
Great addition to the series. It is beautifully written and continues the story of Rielle and her friends wonderfully.
I regretfully have to say that this was my least favorite book in the series thus far. Why am I still giving it a 5 star review then you might wonder? Well, let me put it to you like this, say your favorite dessert is ice cream but you have to eat vanilla because that is all the shop sells, it might not be your favorite flavor but it is still your favorite dessert so you still enjoy it. Honfleur’s Blade and Rose series is like that for me, it is quickly surpassing all other fantasy series to become my favorite series of all time (Sorry Sarah J Maas!). If books were ice cream I would happily have Honfleur’s any day of the week, regardless of flavor. OK enough of my horrible comparisons and on with the review…
In Court of Shadows, Rielle and Brennan are engaged and working towards getting married. I thoroughly appreciated this aspect of the book since I am 100% Team Brennan. I absolutely love their enemies to lovers story line. Two very different types of love are portrayed in this novel. You have the “I want to control and change you” love (Brennan) and the “if you love them let them go” love (Jon). Two vastly different types of relationships and two very different male leads. While Brennan’s version of love might not be emotionally healthy he recognizes his faults and works tirelessly to change certain aspects of his behavior. He has the most growth emotionally of any character in this book. Don’t get me wrong I love Jon as a character, but I’d really enjoy it if Rielle and Brennan ultimately end up together.
This is a sprawling and epic fantasy novel set in multiple locations with many characters, both old and new. The world and character building is phenomenal and nobody does it better than Honfleur. At times I couldn’t see what value a new character or story line would have to the overall story arch of this book. That is part of the beauty in reading a Honfleur book. They are definitely not boring or predictable. While there were certain things I didn’t like in this book, (I’m not mentioning specifics because of spoilers and the complaints are very minor), I was still completely captivated by the story and had a fabulous time reading it.
The wait until the series is complete will be long and I truly have no idea where we are headed next. Something I do know though, I’m going to enjoy every single moment of the ride and am so grateful that I found this author. Miranda Honfleur is a masterful storyteller unlike any other and reading her books is truly a privilege.
Miranda tear my heart out girl…. ouch. I was literally crying towards the last part of the book. I have been a Jon fan all along and though he does not act like a martyr the strong, silent, higher moral card is coming into play. And Brennan I never thought I could like you, you have changed my mind. Jealousy, control, trust issues, misunderstandings communication problems, betrayal, sex, wild beast, elves, dragons, torture, undead, the long lost and oh yes magic, it has it all. The third book has me hook, line and sinker.
I don’t know how it’s possible, but book three had even more action than the rest of the series. Rielle struggled with her feelings for Jon and Brennan alike. She forges new alliances and uncovers new enemies. Leigh, who I didn’t think I’d have any sympathy for, showed more of himself and turned a leaf in my opinion. The story dragged me in, tortured me and my emotions, and kept me turning the pages it! I can’t wait to read the next one!
Now, finally a Master Mage, Rielle has it all. With orders to “take it easy and enjoy the good life” she can sit around all day and plan her wedding. That is until her homeland is under attack. Now it’s personal! Pirates have laid seize to the coast of Laurentine. She has also received a letter from Manhood to participate in the upcoming Magistar trials. She knows they will be dangerous, but she has always dreamed of being a Magistar. Besides, the winner is granted a boon and hers will be to end piracy on the coasts of Emmuria. Once she gets the thought she learns that there is only one rule. Survive.
My fourth read from author Miranda Honfleur, this is an epic in the making! Tolkienesque fantasy with a dash of romance. Well-written, outstanding character developed in great detail with an unseen surprise thrown in near the end of this book. No spoilers from me, this is a must-read for fantasy lovers! I can’t wait for the next book in the series, Queen of the Shining Sea!