All hell is about to break loose in the Shadow realm…Literally.Born to a mortal woman and an archangel father, Allianna is a breed apart from others. So much so, she has been the ward of the Lord of Shadows and his Second-in-command since birth and raised to become the Queen of Shadows. However, where there is a monarchy, there are those who would do anything to wear the crown…King Of Shadows … crown…
King Of Shadows is a tale of bravery and sacrifice, true love and true loss.
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I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I had heard good things about this book but bad things as well. Mostly that it was too dark for some. I had to see where I fell on the scale. So I requested a copy of this book. Allianna is both of a human mother and archangel father. The Lord of Shadows convinces her mother to let him take her on as his ward. Kian and his second in command are there to see she fulfills her duties, but she is not shy and weak bride now. She is strong and knows what she wants. I will not lie this book was a bit dark and there are some things that could be triggering. But that being said that is not all this book is. Allianna has two loves that she has in her love. She has to deal with demons and angels. The book does end kind of with a cliffy, but there is still one more to go. I have to see how this turns out.
Amazing book I love it so much couldn’t put it down
This story was intense. Allianna is one amazing woman. I mean everything was taken from her and she should be broken. But no, she kicks back and never stops. Both good and evil die in this story. But love is always there and helps guid her. Expect some amazing twists. There may be some triggers for some people, but I highly suggest this story.
I was immediately lost in this book. I read it cover to cover in one sitting to the point of staying up all night. So worth it! I can’t wait for the next book.
Dark, intense, but so good! This book definitely takes you on a journey of love, pain, loss, courage, and strength.
There were some triggers but it made sense with the story. It was not fun having to read those scenes, but it was essential for the journey the story takes us through.
My heart and soul went out to Kian and Islador, although Islador took the cake on that. Islador was for sure my favorite. It was terrible what they had to go through for their queen.
I feel for Allianna. She had to make tough decisions and choices that would be hard on anyone, especially when it involves loved ones. But I am so proud of her! It is honestly ridiculous how proud I am of her because, really, she is a fictional character but my heart does not care. She was incredible in that awesome scene in the great hall!
For those that do not mind the dark themes and triggers, this book is worth reading. It is interesting and a page-turner. Does end with a heart-thumping cliffhanger, but it was worth it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Where do I begin? I love this book. This is my second read from this author and she continuously blow me away with her amazing dark world building, perfectly broken characters and gripping storyline. I admit that I felt a bit icky knowing both men raised FMC since childhood and then loved her to destruction, but after getting over that part, I’ve immensely enjoyed reading this baby. The most surprising thing for me is that I loved the secondary character more than the leading men in this story, Dhur. I’m telling you, he will grow on you. He is such a sweetie. Now, Lucifer…. I don’t know what his endgame is and if his intentions are honorable and true, I guess I will have to wait for the last installment.
I must impress that there are dub-con, violence and explicit elements in this book. If you’re down with this, then read this one.
Two thumbs up!
What a different story! This is not your usual angel / demon story. I really enjoyed reading it. The MC is strong and doesn’t give fighting no matter the obstacles thrown at her.
King Of Shadows: The Shadowcrown Duet Book 1 by Kay Elle Parker is an awesome story to read. This story is about general fantasy , dark romance with a twist and some MM /MF threw the story. I highly recommend this to everyone who loves reading stories with this in the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
OMG. YES. This was my first Parker book, and I am blown away. Dying for part two.
Fantastic world building! Such a unique perspective with the characters. I could not put this book down! Do. Not. Miss. This. Book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book. Wow. This is an intense read that has so many things happening, one right after the other. It’s hard to keep track of what’s going on, because there just is so much, but so much in the right way, if you know what I mean.
Allianna is hiding from her betrothed, Kian, Lord of Shadows. She has a good reason to, she’s found out things about him that she wouldn’t like to know. So instead of marrying him, like she’s dreamt of doing her entire life, she ran away. But now, Kian is back to drag her back to the Shadows so that he can mate and marry her, become King, and breed his heir.
I don’t like Kian. Not one teeny tiny jot. Not one iota. Not one anything even smaller. I don’t like him, and I liked him even less as the book went on. Allianna, on the other hand, her I absolutely adore. She is going to be in my top heroines ever list. I want to be here. I’m also maybe just a tiny bit scared of her, but in a good way. Islador is just a good man, honorable, just, and loyal. I really like him, a lot.
I can’t wait to see how the second book in the duet plays out. I was left guessing during a lot of this book, in the right way, so I have no clues at all about what might happen. I’ll just have to wait and see.
This was a spectacular well-written book. The author has woven elements of the unique trait of a fated-mates bond (similar to an Alpha and his Omega) into a multiple-partners story. As a fan of one male for one female, I walked into this story a bit apprehensive. As I began identifying Allianna and Islador, as a ‘destined’ couple, I was afraid to become too emotionally invested in them because I knew there is a third party to this affair, Kian, the Lord of Shadows. You can imagine how shocked I was to not only read the book to completion, but to have fallen in love with the trio.
The author does a phenomenal job in creating rich multi-dimensional characters with complexities making it a treat to unravel their layers.The plot is well developed and evolves perfectly along with the best twists imaginable, making it feel like a mystery thriller book. You never see that fast curve coming right at you. You almost forget the paranormal fantasy aspects of the story.
The incredible world building is beyond words. The intricacies that make up the Shadow realm is one thing, but how the author manages to balance out the significance of the ‘underworld’ and ‘heaven’, without delving too much into either heaven or hell, is unbelievable. The author is such a master at storytelling that you don’t even realize how little we know about ‘heaven’ or ‘hell’ yet we are privy to the ultimate conclave of the powers to be.
All in all, it was perhaps the best book I have read so far this year. It is a delectable treat because you are kept at the edge of your seat/bed/chair/ etc. until the very end…. and then you want more!
Allianna is one of the most compelling heroines I have read. She is strong, sweet and so in love with her men. Kay Elle Parker had me crying thru the whole book. To me Allianna is a strong character but so vulnerable in her love. The loves of her life (yes that is two folks) are also swoon worthy. The book was dark but not pitch black. This book has demons and angels and a people who live in a dark realm that needs a queen. The book ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger but lots of issues were resolved. Kay Elle Parker writes good dark. With heroines who kick some a$$ or the hero’s! Love Allianna and can’t wait for the next book. Nothing is better than crying for the heroine then getting to see her hurt some people.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was so good! It is the first book in a new duet by this author and it is sooo good!
It is about the daughter of a human and archangel (Alliana), the King of Shadows (Kian), and the King of Shadows right hand man (Islador). Alliana has been raised her whole life to become the Queen of Shadows. But right before it is supposed to happen she makes a discovery that has her running from Kian and Islador. Of course she gets found and taken back. Islador trys to help protect Alliana from getting hurt and gets sent away. But Alliana ends up doing something which changes the King of Shadows plans. . . . Or is he even the King of Shadows?
I don’t want to give anything away so if you want to find out what happens you really need to read this book.Just a warning tho… it is a darker book, but I enjoyed it so much and I can’t wait for the next one!
Gritty and Scintillating Story!!
Kian is Lord of Shadows. He has raised Allianna and when he takes her as his bride now that she is grown, he will become King of Shadows. Allianna had an archangel father and mortal mother. She adores both Kian and his Second Islador. Unfortunately, Kian has been taken over by a demon, and the ritual which should bring them together has been turned into a travesty.
Danger, power, relationships, pure grit and intelligence all play a part in this fascinating tale. We feel for Allianna so deeply, and all she must endure to protect what is important. This is continued in the next story – we get a partial resolution, and a great indication at what is to come next. Compelling story – ready for more!!
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
This story is spellbinding from beginning to end.
Ms Parker grabs you by the throat and drags you, literally, through heaven and hell.
To watch the heroine grow from a sweet girl-woman into a powerful figure utilizing all the tools at her disposal to right the wrongs done to her, her two men, and her realm, is a tour de force through all the emotions. Love and loss, grief, hate, and vengeance. All in full force, in your face!
This is the best of Ms Parker’s yet!
I’m tempted to crawl into her brain to find out what that last scene means!
Can’t wait for the conclusion!
Fantastic
This is a great new series by Kay Elle Parker. Alliana is the daughter of a human and an archangel. She is conceived for a greater purpose. When she is born, Kian, the Lord of Shadows, convinces her mother to give her to him to raise so that she can go back to the human world. She becomes his ward, along with his second in command, Islador. Once she is grown, she realizes that Kian is possessed by a demon who wants to use her to bear a child to take down Lucifer himself. Kian is torn. He is in love with Alliana, but the demon wants her humbled. And there is Islador, who also loves her. Alliana loves them both, but won’t let herself be used by the demon.
Let me warn you now…this is a dark book. There is non-con and a lot of graphic language that gets a bit gory. But, none if it is gratuitous, it is necessary for the story to progress. I also want to warn you that this is book 1 of a 2 book series. There is a HEA for now.
I cannot put into words how phenomenal this book is. I have to honestly say this book got me from the first paragraph. It sunk its claws into me and took me on a roller coaster of a ride. I feel completely and utterly in love all characters but, especially with Alli, Kian, Isla and Dhur. Shoot, I even loved Antzel. I believe everyone of the characters and their personalities is what made this book. This author is new to me but, she won’t be for long. What an absolutely amazing mind she has. I can honestly say I felt like I was there.
WOW, the King of Shadows was fantastic!!
When angels and demons lock horns and halo, only the King of Shadows will emerge! If you like your angels with a slightly skewed halo, your alpha demons to be hot and determined, and your heroine to be sassy and strong, you will love this book! Kian’s path will not be an easy one, but he is determined to fulfill the prophecy. Allianna was everything I wanted her character to be, and I adored her temerity. And don’t forget Isla, this Shadow warrior was not to be trifled with! I am so utterly enthralled with this story, and I so need to know what happens next!