Mother of Shadows

I had the distinct pleasure of reading an advanced copy of this book. It may be Meg Anne's debut novel, but she packs a wallop with Mother of Shadows like a seasoned author. This is, by far and away, the best book I have read in a very long time. Meg's storytelling hooked me from the very first page, drawing me into a world with vivid images and even brighter characters. I felt Helena's initial confusion and uncertainty deeply, and when she finally began to step into her role as Damaskiri and asserted herself to her people, I nearly cheered aloud. Meg certainly delights by giving us Von, Helena's mate. He is richly alluring with his powerful masculinity and teasing wit. He is rougish, he is charming, and well, he's just plain hot. He is Helena's perfect counterpoint. Intelligent and engaging, playful and sweet, with a bit of a past, he's everything a hero should be. Of course, there's a villain who is just as colorfully drawn as the other characters! This person was my favorite character initially, so I was angry to learn of the sinister agenda afoot. I am still rooting for redemption in the upcoming books, though. If you want a story that will suck you in and keep you turning the pages until you are done regardless of the time of day or what responsibilities are screaming for your attention, then buy this book NOW. Moreover, if you are a fan of fantasy romance, make sure to add Meg to your must-read authors list. She may be new, but she rivals the greats in the genre already.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book (a free download I've had for at least a year), but I really enjoyed it. The premise is interesting and I even wasn't too irritated by the cliffhanger (which I usually don't enjoy). The world building is done more subtly than some fantasy authors - it's building as the story goes, instead of an information deluge at the beginning. I like Helena and I see her character having potential as the series continues. I like Von so far, even if he fits the stereotypical bad boy turned good. Other characters I'm enjoying (like Serena) while others seem slightly weak (Gillian for example). My biggest issue is the timeline - yes it's a fantasy, but I appreciate timelines that seem more feasible in real life, no matter if there is magic. The series vaguely gives me Sara J. Maas vibes, but still is uniquely Meg Anne. I will at least read the next book in the series, if not all of it.

4.5 I especially love this one and I hope more people will pick it up so I can gush about how much I enjoyed it! This debut novel from Meg Anne has popped her squarely onto my "authors to love" list. She knows how to weave a tale that causes you to truly feel the emotions of the characters. “He might be, Damaskiri, but aren’t we all made of both shadows and light? Shadows cannot exist without light though, so you cannot have one and not have the other. Just because he may be that side of you does not make him evil.” First, I enjoyed that this story was a healthy mix of romance and plot. While the romance in this is integral to the progression of the story itself, it is not overbearing and the nature of this romance is similar to that of Rhysand & Feyre and Desmond & Callie. This story has a great elemental magic system at play. While most Chosen are only blessed with the ability to wield one type of magic, a select few have mastered multiple branches, and only the Damaskiri is blessed with the ability to wield magic from the Spirit branch. This is where our main character, Helena comes in. Helena has recently discovered she is not the ungifted peasant girl she always believed herself to be. Thrown right into the role of Damaskiri after the death of the previous ruler, the story follows Helena discovering the magic hidden within herself and facing the apprehension she has toward the task ahead of her. "It matters naught what you fear, or that you find yourself wanting. If you were born for this as they say, then you can do whatever is asked of you." This story has a full cast of unique characters, but I especially found myself loving Darrin and of course, Von. While Darrin's love for Helena is undeniable due to their childhood spent together, it is his loyalty to her and his duty as Shield that garnered him a spot in my heart as a smol cinnamon roll, right next to Dorian Havilliard. <3 I will protect him with my life. And Von, oh how he fills up that anti-hero spot nicely. He's all sarcasm and power on the outside, but he is tender and compassionate in his love for Helena. Be forewarned that things get a little steamy in this one. Von presents himself to Helena with other motives at play, but finds himself humbled by the discovery that he is her Mate. Honest regarding his inglorious past, Von takes his new role with stride, becoming a pillar for Helena to lean against when she feels weak and a guiding beacon for her soul to cling to. I adore the interaction between these two and their bond with each other. “All that I am, is yours. Regardless of what it is that brought me to you, I am yours. I belong to you, and I will strive to be worthy of you.” Lastly, THAT ENDING! OMGAHHHHH. Yes, it is a cliffhanger, but I still loved it nonetheless. I was seething with emotion at the end of this and truly felt the hurt and rage projected by the characters. I've also found myself a new favorite character to hate and despise with a vengeance. While their untrustworthiness was no real secret to me as a reader, their actions at the end were incredibly despicable and I'm pretty certain I'll be wishing them a slow, painful death in the next installment (which I am ready for right now!).

I enjoyed the book. I would have given it a five if the author acknowled that so many details of the world building are the same as another author. It can be no coincidence that this story copies C. L. Wilson's Taryn Soul series. For example, the female main character having her magic bound and being hidden away, her circle of five bound to herfor life, the magic system. I didn't write the instances down. It happened enough that I eventually was thinking, "really, another?". This author did change the main plot points to be written in what I assume is her voice, but using the world building of another author and not acknowledging it is wrong.

Helena grew up not knowing that she was destined to be the next Kiri. Her best friend Darrin has known since he was ten that he was her shield. He would protect her from all harm. Although he at some point wanted more, he knew it would never happen. When she came of age, all was explained and she took her place as the leader of her people. But she had to take a mate. Enter Von who only came as a potential mate, to find help for his brother. But when the two of them touched, they both knew they belonged to each other. Helen's powers were awakened and she was the most powerful Kiri ever known. But Gillian, the daughter of the last Kiri is deceitful and wicked. And she has a plan to destroy all that is Helena's. Love the characters and the intricacies of the story. Read on my friends.

This book was a very well written book by Meg Anne and I was dragged into the story from the very first page and I did not want to let go at the very end! Thankfully the second book in the series has been released and I could continue immediately, especially as this book end with a huge cliffhanger! This series starts with Helena discovering that she is all powerfully and the rightful ruler of the chosen! Helena is a fantastic character, she is sassy, direct, possessive of her loved ones, but she also has a vulnerable side who needs her loved one around her. In this story we meet all of Helena’s circle, the men who teach and protect her and her mate. Von, her mate, is a balance for Helena and her powers. He helps to centre her and allow her to gain control. He is the strong silent type that you know is dangerous but when he is with Helena he is so supportive and sweet! All the supprting characters in this book, even the bad guys, are written superbly and just enhance the story! This book is full of magic, love, adventure and intrigue! This is a highly recommended series!

Wonderfully written book. It captivates you immediately with delightful imagery and thought! I bought the paperback and received it promptly. Great artwork on the cover, and very nicely done font and spacing as well.

This is looking to be a really interesting story and I love the fact there is no pointless scenes just to fill in the story day by day. I'm excited for yhe next book.

good story loved this book

Glad I took a chance and bought this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters, so much so that I couldn't put it down until I finished the whole thing. Now I'm writing a review and (lucky me) buying the next two books in this series and will be buying the rest as they come out.