Book 3 in a projected 7 book series, Shadow rule is the perfect example of a mid series novel. Questions are answered, secrets revealed just to have 10 more pop up. The book follows several different plot lines without feeling disjointed like some books that jump plot lines can suffer from.
Armand is dealing with not only lordship but the fall out from the Shygon temple buried under the keep and the loss of Addie to the dragon king.
McKenzie finds herself in a foreign land, sold off as a bride to the prince Taghi and feeling utterly alone. She tries to work through her sense of betrayal and her new circumstances the best way she can in the most entertaining fashion. The girl has spunk and I really enjoyed her chapters.
Addie finds herself back in the north, a perpetual blood sacrifice, the reason for which she does not know but is determined to find out and survive. She shows such fortitude and silent strength it’s hard not to fall in love with her.
Last but not least we have Gandrett and Nehelon on their way to the fae capital, neither of whom are ready for their journey to end. With betrayals revealed, secrets uncovered, and sacrifices made, breaking the curse that holds the fae in eternal slumber will test the threshold of pain for human and fae heart alike. Revelations about both Gandrett and Nehelon’s pasts, and the true nature of Gandrett’s role in breaking the curse further complicate and strain the delicate relationship they have forged. Things are not always what they seem and sometimes what’s right in front of you isn’t always easily seen. The primary plot of Shadow Rules does not disappoint and brings all the feels.
Betrayal and sacrifice are the name of the game in Shadow Rule. With pacing that feels natural, and heartbreaking twists and turns Shadow Rule starts to set the pieces in place for the next book and the War to come. Just don’t expect an end to the angst and the desire to throttle our main characters because Shadow Rule brings it by the truckload.
