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Court of Ravens #2
Shadows So Cruel
More painful than love… are the secrets that bind and divide us.
Adrift in a sky shadowed by war,
We seek, we ache,
Searching for the woman who fled us.
We shattered her heart, but she unfurled her feathers,
Our sweetheart, our little dove,
Escaping our talons on pure white wings.
One of us soars over battlements,
Haunted by past mistakes,
Vowing never to repeat them.
The other storms through walls of stone and hatred,
Eager to destroy the shackles of his past,
Determined to shackle her to him instead.
Forever.
Loyalties are torn.
Friendships are tested.
Among the chaos, one claim stands irrefutably:
We will get her back.
She will be ours.
Come home to us, white Raven.
Shadows so Cruel is a full-length dark fantasy romance novel, and book two in the Court of Ravens duet. The two-part story features two morally gray raven shifters, a young woman at the mercy of their shadows, and a HEA. This world contains dark elements, violence, and themes some may find disturbing. Readers can find more detailed information on the author's website. What this book doesn't contain is a hero - because villains do it better. And two do it better than one…
Adrift in a sky shadowed by war,
We seek, we ache,
Searching for the woman who fled us.
We shattered her heart, but she unfurled her feathers,
Our sweetheart, our little dove,
Escaping our talons on pure white wings.
One of us soars over battlements,
Haunted by past mistakes,
Vowing never to repeat them.
The other storms through walls of stone and hatred,
Eager to destroy the shackles of his past,
Determined to shackle her to him instead.
Forever.
Loyalties are torn.
Friendships are tested.
Among the chaos, one claim stands irrefutably:
We will get her back.
She will be ours.
Come home to us, white Raven.
Shadows so Cruel is a full-length dark fantasy romance novel, and book two in the Court of Ravens duet. The two-part story features two morally gray raven shifters, a young woman at the mercy of their shadows, and a HEA. This world contains dark elements, violence, and themes some may find disturbing. Readers can find more detailed information on the author's website. What this book doesn't contain is a hero - because villains do it better. And two do it better than one…
482 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2023
6066 people are currently reading
27745 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,850 reviews
August 31, 2025
the first one was much better but I still had a good time
October 31, 2023
"Shadows Liv Zander So Cruel" I fixed the title.
I knew it. I f*cking knew it!!! That's why when I was near the end I put down this book for two days to prepare myself for what was coming.
It didn't help...
My heart broke into million pieces and I bawled my eyes out.
Even though I hate you a little bit right now, I must say great job miss Zander. This is how a dark fantasy romance should look like.
I knew it. I f*cking knew it!!! That's why when I was near the end I put down this book for two days to prepare myself for what was coming.
It didn't help...
My heart broke into million pieces and I bawled my eyes out.
Even though I hate you a little bit right now, I must say great job miss Zander. This is how a dark fantasy romance should look like.
March 4, 2024
Rating: ⭐
Genre: Fantasy
Plot: ★/5
World-building: ★/5
Angst: ★★★/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
What the hell did I just spend my weekend reading?!?
Here I was, in my naïveté, thinking that we would at least get a HEA for Galantia, Sebian and Malyr...
What I got was:
❌ Sebian's death
❌ FMC gang-raped
❌ FMC raped by Malyr
❌ Lorn
❌ Messy world-building
❌ Terrible pacing
❌ No epilogue
My thoughts on this book and indeed this duet are going to be messy. I have never felt so duped by an author in years.
❥ Sebian's death
I was not expecting what happened toward the end.
I had to go back and look at the book description because it clearly states that: "The two-part story features two morally gray raven shifters, a young woman at the mercy of their shadows, and a HEA".
WHERE. WAS. THE. HAPPILY. EVER. AFTER!?
It made no sense to kill Sebian after establishing him as a main character, building his background and developing a solid, deep and meaningful relationship with the FMC, for it all to be thrown out the window at the end of the book. I honestly thought he was going to turn out to be another mate for Galantia until the bomb dropped that he already had one.
❥ Kidnapping
I cannot understand why Galantia had to be kidnapped and gang-raped near the end of the book. This is where the pacing comes into play - if the situation with Lorn had not have been left to the last minute to deal with, this would have played out better near the beginning of the book.
Everything about it was rushed, from her being taken, to being on the boat, to the rescue. You didn't even get a chance to process what was happening to Galantia and her reaction was, yeah I'll just endure this and forget about it. Wtf?
❥ Malyr rapes Galantia (again)
I am convinced this author has a rape fetish. There was, again, no earthly reason why Malyr needed to rape Galantia. Every time they took 1 step forward they took 5 steps back. It was exhausting and frustrating to read as their relationship never really developed enough for the reader to be convinced that they would be successful in their mate-bond. The lack of an epilogue didn't help matters either.
The excuse/justification for the rape in this book is Malyr's shadows and that he had no agency over them to stop the rape from happening as only 1/3 of the shadows are his. This was such a flimsy excuse for rape. It was worse in this book than the last one. It was stomach churning.
He also tries to justify the rape through admitting to Galantia that because she was Brisden's daughter, it didn't matter, but now that he knew she was a Raven and wasn't related to his tormentor, he felt shame and regret.
Malyr had a shit ton of trauma to deal with and instead of opening up to Galantia he pushed her away. It was never resolved adequately enough for the reader to gain any pay-off after enduring two books of this torture porn.
❥ Lorn
Malyr's leniency toward her when Galantia's life was on the line in both books, was bizarre and again, really makes the mate trope redundant in this series.
I could not understand how she could have a fated-mate and not give a damn about him. How she didn't feel the supposed "pull" or the "ache" that they are supposed to feel.
Aros' "revenge" felt like an after-thought; he knew that Lorn could've been killed at any point being away from him. He cited Malyr as being the obstacle that stood between him and his mate, yet he waited until she had died to do something about it.
Unfortunately, her demise was left on the long finger and as a result it screwed with the pacing and what led to Galantia's kidnapping was just not believable that close to the end of the last book.
❥ World-building
The mates issue was tackled to a degree, but there was so much info-dumping around it that I was still left scratching my head. If you have a fated-mate and you know who they are, you can fuck around. If you are mate-bonded, you can still fuck around. It took away the importance of the mate-bond and made it utterly disposable here.
I would have liked to get some more history on the ravens and where they came from. If there were any other shape-shifting paranormals in this world and a clearer background on human/raven relations. Malyr hates the humans even though he himself is part human. The ravens were just as bad as the humans in book one - they committed atrocities and raped too, but that seemed to get glossed over here.
❥ Pacing
I have mentioned it already, but overall, the execution of the pacing messed this story up. Too much happened in the last 1/3 of the book to make any of it believable. The reader was dragged along on the guarantee of a HEA and instead got absolute mayhem with no satisfying conclusion to end the duet.
❥ Epilogue
Not having an epilogue did further damage to Malyr and Galantia's relationship due to the abrupt ending. Their relationship development became very rushed thanks to the terrible pacing; an epilogue based in the future would have saved it, I think. It would have given the reader somewhat of a pay-off after killing a major character, who was central to Malyr and Galantia's relationship.
Verdict: A messy end to a chaotic book that had Zander's fixation on torture porn overshadow any meaningful plot progression or relationship growth between Galantia and Malyr. The author gaslit the reader by promising a HEA with two raven shifters only to snatch it away by killing off a main character. The pacing was a disaster and only added to the tumultuous nature of the book and left me feeling like the story was unfinished.
Genre: Fantasy
Plot: ★/5
World-building: ★/5
Angst: ★★★/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
What the hell did I just spend my weekend reading?!?
Here I was, in my naïveté, thinking that we would at least get a HEA for Galantia, Sebian and Malyr...
What I got was:
❌ Sebian's death
❌ FMC gang-raped
❌ FMC raped by Malyr
❌ Lorn
❌ Messy world-building
❌ Terrible pacing
❌ No epilogue
My thoughts on this book and indeed this duet are going to be messy. I have never felt so duped by an author in years.
❥ Sebian's death
I was not expecting what happened toward the end.
I had to go back and look at the book description because it clearly states that: "The two-part story features two morally gray raven shifters, a young woman at the mercy of their shadows, and a HEA".
WHERE. WAS. THE. HAPPILY. EVER. AFTER!?
It made no sense to kill Sebian after establishing him as a main character, building his background and developing a solid, deep and meaningful relationship with the FMC, for it all to be thrown out the window at the end of the book. I honestly thought he was going to turn out to be another mate for Galantia until the bomb dropped that he already had one.
❥ Kidnapping
I cannot understand why Galantia had to be kidnapped and gang-raped near the end of the book. This is where the pacing comes into play - if the situation with Lorn had not have been left to the last minute to deal with, this would have played out better near the beginning of the book.
Everything about it was rushed, from her being taken, to being on the boat, to the rescue. You didn't even get a chance to process what was happening to Galantia and her reaction was, yeah I'll just endure this and forget about it. Wtf?
❥ Malyr rapes Galantia (again)
I am convinced this author has a rape fetish. There was, again, no earthly reason why Malyr needed to rape Galantia. Every time they took 1 step forward they took 5 steps back. It was exhausting and frustrating to read as their relationship never really developed enough for the reader to be convinced that they would be successful in their mate-bond. The lack of an epilogue didn't help matters either.
The excuse/justification for the rape in this book is Malyr's shadows and that he had no agency over them to stop the rape from happening as only 1/3 of the shadows are his. This was such a flimsy excuse for rape. It was worse in this book than the last one. It was stomach churning.
He also tries to justify the rape through admitting to Galantia that because she was Brisden's daughter, it didn't matter, but now that he knew she was a Raven and wasn't related to his tormentor, he felt shame and regret.
Malyr had a shit ton of trauma to deal with and instead of opening up to Galantia he pushed her away. It was never resolved adequately enough for the reader to gain any pay-off after enduring two books of this torture porn.
❥ Lorn
Malyr's leniency toward her when Galantia's life was on the line in both books, was bizarre and again, really makes the mate trope redundant in this series.
I could not understand how she could have a fated-mate and not give a damn about him. How she didn't feel the supposed "pull" or the "ache" that they are supposed to feel.
Aros' "revenge" felt like an after-thought; he knew that Lorn could've been killed at any point being away from him. He cited Malyr as being the obstacle that stood between him and his mate, yet he waited until she had died to do something about it.
Unfortunately, her demise was left on the long finger and as a result it screwed with the pacing and what led to Galantia's kidnapping was just not believable that close to the end of the last book.
❥ World-building
The mates issue was tackled to a degree, but there was so much info-dumping around it that I was still left scratching my head. If you have a fated-mate and you know who they are, you can fuck around. If you are mate-bonded, you can still fuck around. It took away the importance of the mate-bond and made it utterly disposable here.
I would have liked to get some more history on the ravens and where they came from. If there were any other shape-shifting paranormals in this world and a clearer background on human/raven relations. Malyr hates the humans even though he himself is part human. The ravens were just as bad as the humans in book one - they committed atrocities and raped too, but that seemed to get glossed over here.
❥ Pacing
I have mentioned it already, but overall, the execution of the pacing messed this story up. Too much happened in the last 1/3 of the book to make any of it believable. The reader was dragged along on the guarantee of a HEA and instead got absolute mayhem with no satisfying conclusion to end the duet.
❥ Epilogue
Not having an epilogue did further damage to Malyr and Galantia's relationship due to the abrupt ending. Their relationship development became very rushed thanks to the terrible pacing; an epilogue based in the future would have saved it, I think. It would have given the reader somewhat of a pay-off after killing a major character, who was central to Malyr and Galantia's relationship.
Verdict: A messy end to a chaotic book that had Zander's fixation on torture porn overshadow any meaningful plot progression or relationship growth between Galantia and Malyr. The author gaslit the reader by promising a HEA with two raven shifters only to snatch it away by killing off a main character. The pacing was a disaster and only added to the tumultuous nature of the book and left me feeling like the story was unfinished.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2025
4.5 stars 🌟 (-0.5 for the waterfall scene 🥲) i am obsessed with this duology!!
September 21, 2024
I reject this ending.
August 25, 2025
As I always say : “I don’t read books to be happy, I read books to be emotionally devastated “
AND DEVASTATE I WAS 💔🥺 I WAS CONSUMED by this duet !
Did I finish this book or did it finish me ? 😭😩
Idk but what I can say is that I was a sobbing mess towards the end ……
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
“If there’s love in this pain, then I want it. I just don’t want there to be any pain in this love.”
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
“I have loved you since you came to my chambers that night.” Malyr’s tightly-paced breaths ghosted along the damp side of my neck as he slowly opened my braid, combing my strands out with his fingers. Then, they settled on my cheek with light pressure. “Loved you when I told myself I did not. Loved you when I told you that nobody ever would.” A tug on my cheek. “Please, look at me.”
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
I’ve been seating here since this morning, looking at nothing and thinking what I want to write. I decided that I won’t give any spoilers, so whomever decides to read this review and then read the duet can go in blindly like I did.
I have to warn you that this duet is not for everyone, there are many mix reviews here from people that hated, loved or simply dnf. But I am in fact amongst the ones that loved and I will for sure carry this story forever. It will be one of those living rent free in my mind.
This is the story of Malyr the Prince of Shadows, Prince of the Ravens, the most powerful death weaver. He is cruel, he is mean, he is hateful, he is unforgiving, he is cold…….. OR IS HE ? In reality he is tortured, he is abandoned, he is lost, he is hunted by his past, his mistakes and his pain. Oh he has sooooooo much pain inside him. His shadows protect him but also hurt him like nothing else. His heart bleeds with love and guilt, with pain and his sense of loyalty. In book 1 I loved and hated him with the same intensity, at the end of the book I wanted to bitch slap him and then kill him slowly. In the beginning of this book I was already crying for him because he inspired that many conflicted emotions.
But this is also the story of Galantia, the girl nobody loved, the girl nobody cared about, the girl that amount for nothing, the girl so sheltered and so innocent that anyone and everyone could take advantage. And advantage of her Malyr took (in book 1 not this book). But she was also resilient, strong, smart, curious, kind and forgiving. She is the complete opposite of Malyr and they were made for each other. She was the light to his shadows, the void to his power, against all odds they were fated mates, against everyone and even themselves, they were incapable to be apart , they needed to hurt each other and to heal each other. Their love was so strong, passionate, unique AND PAINFUL, just the way they liked….. depraved ……
And this is also the story of Sebian, the farmer boy, the drunk, the path finder, the manwhore, the goofy one, Malyr’s absolute BEST FRIEND. But he was also the lover, the sensual, the loyal, the kind, the trustworthy, the most beautiful soul ever and the one that will also steal your heart. He was the gentle lover when Malyr was the depraved cruel one. Needles to say that Malyr was my favorite, even though I LOVED AND ADORED Sebian.
I can’t begging to tell you how many twists and turns this duet have, the magic system is cool because it’s not the same as other fantasies with regular dragons, wolves, faes and witches. Nooooo this one is with ravens and it’s very cool.
The fantasy part is very well done and so is the plot BUT THIS DUET IS HEAVY on the romance and I LOVED. It is romantic, spicy, tugs into your heartstrings, makes your soul happy and hurt at the same time. The only thing I wish this author gave it to us here was an Epilogue. Don’t get me wrong, it was well and done but I wish I could’ve have seen a little more of them in the future. SO WORTH the reading.
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
“My love is not gentle, or tender, or easy. But it is real, grown from hate and pain deep inside a chest sullied by shadows. It is cutting and biting, leaving behind scars as unfading as my love for you.” His warm lips scathed my jawline. “And once we are gone from this earth, I will continue to love you among the stars. I will be the night, the darkest patch of sky around you, just to ensure that everyone can see how you sparkle. And once your light starts fading, I will take you into my black embrace, and that is where I will love you beyond death.”
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Malyr was my tormentor, my paradox, my teacher. He was a million painful lessons, shaping me into who I had always meant to become. He was my fate.
Sebian was my protector, my haven, my sanctuary. He was my home in the truest sense: not a place, but a feeling of love and belonging; a knowing that wherever he was, I wanted to be. He was my choice.
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
UGHHHHHHH LET ME GO BACK TO MY CORNER AND CRY MYSELF TO SLEEP 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
AND DEVASTATE I WAS 💔🥺 I WAS CONSUMED by this duet !
Did I finish this book or did it finish me ? 😭😩
Idk but what I can say is that I was a sobbing mess towards the end ……
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
“If there’s love in this pain, then I want it. I just don’t want there to be any pain in this love.”
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
“I have loved you since you came to my chambers that night.” Malyr’s tightly-paced breaths ghosted along the damp side of my neck as he slowly opened my braid, combing my strands out with his fingers. Then, they settled on my cheek with light pressure. “Loved you when I told myself I did not. Loved you when I told you that nobody ever would.” A tug on my cheek. “Please, look at me.”
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
I’ve been seating here since this morning, looking at nothing and thinking what I want to write. I decided that I won’t give any spoilers, so whomever decides to read this review and then read the duet can go in blindly like I did.
I have to warn you that this duet is not for everyone, there are many mix reviews here from people that hated, loved or simply dnf. But I am in fact amongst the ones that loved and I will for sure carry this story forever. It will be one of those living rent free in my mind.
This is the story of Malyr the Prince of Shadows, Prince of the Ravens, the most powerful death weaver. He is cruel, he is mean, he is hateful, he is unforgiving, he is cold…….. OR IS HE ? In reality he is tortured, he is abandoned, he is lost, he is hunted by his past, his mistakes and his pain. Oh he has sooooooo much pain inside him. His shadows protect him but also hurt him like nothing else. His heart bleeds with love and guilt, with pain and his sense of loyalty. In book 1 I loved and hated him with the same intensity, at the end of the book I wanted to bitch slap him and then kill him slowly. In the beginning of this book I was already crying for him because he inspired that many conflicted emotions.
But this is also the story of Galantia, the girl nobody loved, the girl nobody cared about, the girl that amount for nothing, the girl so sheltered and so innocent that anyone and everyone could take advantage. And advantage of her Malyr took (in book 1 not this book). But she was also resilient, strong, smart, curious, kind and forgiving. She is the complete opposite of Malyr and they were made for each other. She was the light to his shadows, the void to his power, against all odds they were fated mates, against everyone and even themselves, they were incapable to be apart , they needed to hurt each other and to heal each other. Their love was so strong, passionate, unique AND PAINFUL, just the way they liked….. depraved ……
And this is also the story of Sebian, the farmer boy, the drunk, the path finder, the manwhore, the goofy one, Malyr’s absolute BEST FRIEND. But he was also the lover, the sensual, the loyal, the kind, the trustworthy, the most beautiful soul ever and the one that will also steal your heart. He was the gentle lover when Malyr was the depraved cruel one. Needles to say that Malyr was my favorite, even though I LOVED AND ADORED Sebian.
I can’t begging to tell you how many twists and turns this duet have, the magic system is cool because it’s not the same as other fantasies with regular dragons, wolves, faes and witches. Nooooo this one is with ravens and it’s very cool.
The fantasy part is very well done and so is the plot BUT THIS DUET IS HEAVY on the romance and I LOVED. It is romantic, spicy, tugs into your heartstrings, makes your soul happy and hurt at the same time. The only thing I wish this author gave it to us here was an Epilogue. Don’t get me wrong, it was well and done but I wish I could’ve have seen a little more of them in the future. SO WORTH the reading.
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
“My love is not gentle, or tender, or easy. But it is real, grown from hate and pain deep inside a chest sullied by shadows. It is cutting and biting, leaving behind scars as unfading as my love for you.” His warm lips scathed my jawline. “And once we are gone from this earth, I will continue to love you among the stars. I will be the night, the darkest patch of sky around you, just to ensure that everyone can see how you sparkle. And once your light starts fading, I will take you into my black embrace, and that is where I will love you beyond death.”
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Malyr was my tormentor, my paradox, my teacher. He was a million painful lessons, shaping me into who I had always meant to become. He was my fate.
Sebian was my protector, my haven, my sanctuary. He was my home in the truest sense: not a place, but a feeling of love and belonging; a knowing that wherever he was, I wanted to be. He was my choice.
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
UGHHHHHHH LET ME GO BACK TO MY CORNER AND CRY MYSELF TO SLEEP 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
October 30, 2023
I am going to label this pairing as an extraordinary epic romance. Both books of this duet made me shed tears. I was stressed about the second book not being able to compete with the first book. I have been disappointed in many series where the next books turns to be meh. The three main characters are excellent with good chemistry between them.
They are so adorable together, but their loyalty, strong bond, and devotion for one another is truly admirable. The concept stood to it's full potential.
It's not super easy to root for Malyr, he has deep amount of tragic aspect. His core is essentially dark but you can't not unlike this villain. Sebian has my heart. His humor is light hearted and is very self aware. He is just pure fun. His moments with Malyr and Galantia are precious to me. He is the actual bond that keep the three of them together. He is buried with guilt from the past and Galantia is the perfect person to soothe him. Galantia is definitely different from book 1. I am glad she hears out Sebian's issues and gives Malyr hard time for what he did to her and she is the perfect mate to him and his redemption.
Victory came but with a harsh price. I am so devastated with the ending but the result was the best. Commending on the beautiful narration, and I am sucker for emotional writing between the MC's which was so perfectly described. The ending of Lord Brisden had me speechless.
They are so adorable together, but their loyalty, strong bond, and devotion for one another is truly admirable. The concept stood to it's full potential.
It's not super easy to root for Malyr, he has deep amount of tragic aspect. His core is essentially dark but you can't not unlike this villain. Sebian has my heart. His humor is light hearted and is very self aware. He is just pure fun. His moments with Malyr and Galantia are precious to me. He is the actual bond that keep the three of them together. He is buried with guilt from the past and Galantia is the perfect person to soothe him. Galantia is definitely different from book 1. I am glad she hears out Sebian's issues and gives Malyr hard time for what he did to her and she is the perfect mate to him and his redemption.
Victory came but with a harsh price. I am so devastated with the ending but the result was the best. Commending on the beautiful narration, and I am sucker for emotional writing between the MC's which was so perfectly described. The ending of Lord Brisden had me speechless.
January 25, 2024
Dark romance is a fine line of indulging in the darkest fantasies while maintaining the agency of the main character. It is also the line between dark experiences that result in growth, and gratuitous misery for the sake of shock value.
In book one, the author walked this line better. In book two, she trips back and forth all over the line, and the messages it’s sending don’t seem positive or empowering.
Are we really comfortable with the main character being forced into gratuitously violent situations with seemingly the sole intent of her being able to say “I’m not letting it control me, so neither should you?” Glossing over a horrific experience with a “can do” attitude and then acting like she has the grounds to determine how her partner should react to his own?
Do we really not see the difference between allowing someone to use the dark desires to cope with and process their trauma, and FORCING someone to just because you think it’s best? It’s not empowerment just because it’s the FMC that did it. Especially when it all occurs AFTER the character development, as if this is the ideal place to land….
If the genre of dark romance is going to slide into this space of “anything goes if we label it reclaiming” then I really think we’ve lost the collective plot and they need to be tagged horror and stay out of romance, because it’s lending credence to the criticisms that it’s just glorifying abuse.
In book one, the author walked this line better. In book two, she trips back and forth all over the line, and the messages it’s sending don’t seem positive or empowering.
Are we really comfortable with the main character being forced into gratuitously violent situations with seemingly the sole intent of her being able to say “I’m not letting it control me, so neither should you?” Glossing over a horrific experience with a “can do” attitude and then acting like she has the grounds to determine how her partner should react to his own?
Do we really not see the difference between allowing someone to use the dark desires to cope with and process their trauma, and FORCING someone to just because you think it’s best? It’s not empowerment just because it’s the FMC that did it. Especially when it all occurs AFTER the character development, as if this is the ideal place to land….
If the genre of dark romance is going to slide into this space of “anything goes if we label it reclaiming” then I really think we’ve lost the collective plot and they need to be tagged horror and stay out of romance, because it’s lending credence to the criticisms that it’s just glorifying abuse.
February 27, 2025
____________
Okay I am a masochist. Continuing book 2 of duet cuz the cliffhanger is bothering my brain 😭
November 20, 2023
Yes!!!! This is how you make men like Malyr and Sebian eat crow or in this case raven!!!!!
Both pissed me off royally with their whole good guy bad villain routine! Both are self absorbed assholes who treated Galantia like shit and while Sebian did give comfort he also had a end game of getting a piece of ass! At least Malyr was real !!!! At the end of book 1 Feathers So Vicious I actually hated both but if I could have reached through my kindle I would have ripped Malyr's heart out!!! What he did was so fucking cruel and he was a total bastard! I intentionally went on to read a couple other books because honestly I didn't think I wanted to read another book that would victimize Galantia more or would have her forgiving them both when they realized what they had done or who she truly was! Thank you Liv Zander!!! for not only making Galantia a force to be reckoned with, but who made each one crawl to her and feel like total shit!!! My favorite part was when Galantia goes to kiss Malyr!!!! I cheered and fist pumped the air and said "How does it feel MOTHERFUCKER!!!!!!" Personally I would have cut his fucking throat if I got that close, but his big dick does have it's uses!😂
This book was like all Liv Zander books full of angst,pain and emotional as fuck!! She's a evil genius who loves nothing better then mind fucking you while craving your heart out!!! Maylr is still a dark depraved beast who will probably never be tamed but he is a perfect match for Galantia both are strong and fierce and have been shaped by the past and now the present. I honestly didn't think Malyr could be redeemed. Yes my heart bleed for what happened to him as a boy, it was depraved and sick and Lorn didn't help by continually throwing the past in his face to keep him tied to her! But both lost not only their innocence in Galantia's father's dungeon but it fractured their minds and created monster's!! I really hate saying this but check out the triggers on this book! But if you have balls of steel and love a fantastic tale with fucked up characters and some even more fucked up primal sex and a why choose theme this book is for you!!! Liv Zander will push your buttons repeatedly but she comes through with excellent writing and characters that will have you loving them or hating them.
Until next Time Luv's💕💋
Both pissed me off royally with their whole good guy bad villain routine! Both are self absorbed assholes who treated Galantia like shit and while Sebian did give comfort he also had a end game of getting a piece of ass! At least Malyr was real !!!! At the end of book 1 Feathers So Vicious I actually hated both but if I could have reached through my kindle I would have ripped Malyr's heart out!!! What he did was so fucking cruel and he was a total bastard! I intentionally went on to read a couple other books because honestly I didn't think I wanted to read another book that would victimize Galantia more or would have her forgiving them both when they realized what they had done or who she truly was! Thank you Liv Zander!!! for not only making Galantia a force to be reckoned with, but who made each one crawl to her and feel like total shit!!! My favorite part was when Galantia goes to kiss Malyr!!!! I cheered and fist pumped the air and said "How does it feel MOTHERFUCKER!!!!!!" Personally I would have cut his fucking throat if I got that close, but his big dick does have it's uses!😂
This book was like all Liv Zander books full of angst,pain and emotional as fuck!! She's a evil genius who loves nothing better then mind fucking you while craving your heart out!!! Maylr is still a dark depraved beast who will probably never be tamed but he is a perfect match for Galantia both are strong and fierce and have been shaped by the past and now the present. I honestly didn't think Malyr could be redeemed. Yes my heart bleed for what happened to him as a boy, it was depraved and sick and Lorn didn't help by continually throwing the past in his face to keep him tied to her! But both lost not only their innocence in Galantia's father's dungeon but it fractured their minds and created monster's!! I really hate saying this but check out the triggers on this book! But if you have balls of steel and love a fantastic tale with fucked up characters and some even more fucked up primal sex and a why choose theme this book is for you!!! Liv Zander will push your buttons repeatedly but she comes through with excellent writing and characters that will have you loving them or hating them.
Until next Time Luv's💕💋
October 27, 2023
5 Liv You Made Me Buy Stock in Kleenex Stars!
Ok here me out…
You know how when Snape dies in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and everything comes together from his tear drop full of memories and you’re conflicted? It’s obvious it had to happen but you’re definitely missing a piece of your romance loving heart now? Love comes in many different forms and sometimes we have to lose love to gain it or truly understand it.
Snape’s death is one of those moments that legitimately hurt and probably my number one most favorite character arc…well until now. Because another beautiful and heartbreaking story is sharing the spot. *GASP* (if you knew me, you’d know this is huge)!
Shadows So Cruel takes off where book 1 ended. Galantia is not what she seems and Malyr and Sebian have a long road to travel with Galantia to get to their HEA.
Within these pages is SO much. An intricate plot full of secrets and twists, passion and intimacy, and debilitating discoveries. Shadows So Cruel is tragic. It’s angsty and as dark as the depths of space. But in its bittersweet pages is also redemption, hope and true selfless sacrifice.
Malyr, Galantia and Sebian are so well thought out and developed. You can just tell blood, sweat and tears were poured into the backbone of this story and their characters. The world is unique and twisted and I appreciated the originality. The moments of raw despair are cushioned by moments of passion. It’s truly an incredible story about how life can be pain but pain and pleasure can be one and the same when you harness the power and energy of these emotions in a positive way. I loved how Liv captured all of this and put pen to page to share it.
Malyr is the villain you’ll love to hate but his capacity to love and possess is unparalleled. Understanding who he is and where he came from made me love him and his whole journey. His journey within himself and the connection with his mate.
Sebian…good lord. He is the soft to Malyr’s sharp edges. You can’t do anything but sob for who he was and adore who he has become. Because he’s the real MVP here.
Galantia is perfection. I’ve got a serious girl crush on her. Despite her imperfections, her authenticity was easy to relate to and I cheered for her and thoroughly enjoyed her strength and fierce nature.
And the three together? Hot enough to fill any void😉.
If you haven’t already, PLEASE dive into this tragically exquisite and dark world that will make you feel the full gamut of emotions and love every second of it. It’s a story that will stick with me forever.
Ok here me out…
You know how when Snape dies in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and everything comes together from his tear drop full of memories and you’re conflicted? It’s obvious it had to happen but you’re definitely missing a piece of your romance loving heart now? Love comes in many different forms and sometimes we have to lose love to gain it or truly understand it.
Snape’s death is one of those moments that legitimately hurt and probably my number one most favorite character arc…well until now. Because another beautiful and heartbreaking story is sharing the spot. *GASP* (if you knew me, you’d know this is huge)!
Shadows So Cruel takes off where book 1 ended. Galantia is not what she seems and Malyr and Sebian have a long road to travel with Galantia to get to their HEA.
“Hear me, Galantia. No matter where you go, no matter what form you take, I will find you. You cannot outrun me. You cannot outfly me. Every path you tread, be it north, east, south, or west, I will chase after because… you… are… mine.”
Within these pages is SO much. An intricate plot full of secrets and twists, passion and intimacy, and debilitating discoveries. Shadows So Cruel is tragic. It’s angsty and as dark as the depths of space. But in its bittersweet pages is also redemption, hope and true selfless sacrifice.
Malyr, Galantia and Sebian are so well thought out and developed. You can just tell blood, sweat and tears were poured into the backbone of this story and their characters. The world is unique and twisted and I appreciated the originality. The moments of raw despair are cushioned by moments of passion. It’s truly an incredible story about how life can be pain but pain and pleasure can be one and the same when you harness the power and energy of these emotions in a positive way. I loved how Liv captured all of this and put pen to page to share it.
Malyr is the villain you’ll love to hate but his capacity to love and possess is unparalleled. Understanding who he is and where he came from made me love him and his whole journey. His journey within himself and the connection with his mate.
“If you loved all the shattered pieces that I am, how can the goddess not have made you to be mine?”
Sebian…good lord. He is the soft to Malyr’s sharp edges. You can’t do anything but sob for who he was and adore who he has become. Because he’s the real MVP here.
“I might not be able to bond myself to you, but I want you to know that I’m yours until the end… whenever that might be. I will forever treasure you. I will forever provide for you. I will forever fly with you. I will forever care for you.”
Galantia is perfection. I’ve got a serious girl crush on her. Despite her imperfections, her authenticity was easy to relate to and I cheered for her and thoroughly enjoyed her strength and fierce nature.
“You are not the damsel in distress you make yourself out to be,” Malyr’s voice resonated, as if whispered right beside me, his belief in me like a caress to my soul. It always had been.”
And the three together? Hot enough to fill any void😉.
“Do you hear me, sweetheart? Right here, between us, you are so very loved.”
“Say that you love us both,” Malyr rasped against my bottom lip before he nipped the swollen flesh. “Say it, and we’ll let you come this time.”
If you haven’t already, PLEASE dive into this tragically exquisite and dark world that will make you feel the full gamut of emotions and love every second of it. It’s a story that will stick with me forever.
“My love is not gentle, or tender, or easy. But it is real, grown from hate and pain deep inside a chest sullied by shadows. It is cutting and biting, leaving behind scars as unfading as my love for you.” His warm lips scathed my jawline. “And once we are gone from this earth, I will continue to love you among the stars. I will be the night, the darkest patch of sky around you, just to ensure that everyone can see how you sparkle. And once your light starts fading, I will take you into my black embrace, and that is where I will love you beyond death.”
August 16, 2025
4.25⭐️
Did Malyr redeem himself for me in the book? No I don’t think so, I don’t understand how a raven who suffered so much abuse at the hands of humans can treat Galantia the way he did in book 1 knowing how it made him feel?
Also Galantia is a little bit of a damsel in distress for me, granted she did what needed to be done when the time came but I really don’t know about her haha
However the really liked the story, the world, the spice was spicingggg and I loved the use of shadow magic in this!
This is a super dark romantasy for sureee, I think I would’ve loved it even more if it was a love triangle over MFM because I was rooting for Sebian tbh 🥺
(Full synopsis of the book in my review for book 1)
Did Malyr redeem himself for me in the book? No I don’t think so, I don’t understand how a raven who suffered so much abuse at the hands of humans can treat Galantia the way he did in book 1 knowing how it made him feel?
Also Galantia is a little bit of a damsel in distress for me, granted she did what needed to be done when the time came but I really don’t know about her haha
However the really liked the story, the world, the spice was spicingggg and I loved the use of shadow magic in this!
This is a super dark romantasy for sureee, I think I would’ve loved it even more if it was a love triangle over MFM because I was rooting for Sebian tbh 🥺
(Full synopsis of the book in my review for book 1)
October 31, 2023
This author and her love of rape, y'all. I cannot. Yes, one of the MMC's rapes the FMC on page. I shouldn't be surprised at this point.
Not a HEA for all parties.
Not a HEA for all parties.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2025
SPOILER FREE
1. This would have been 5/5 ⭐️ if it wasn’t for the waterfall scene. That was an absolute no from me.
2. SEBIAN.
3. Lorn.
4. There needed to be WAY more groveling. I said what I said.
Other than those things, this was highly addictive. A great close to this duology. But I did like the first book much more.
1. This would have been 5/5 ⭐️ if it wasn’t for the waterfall scene. That was an absolute no from me.
2. SEBIAN.
3. Lorn.
4. There needed to be WAY more groveling. I said what I said.
Other than those things, this was highly addictive. A great close to this duology. But I did like the first book much more.
May 10, 2024
It was a 2star read however Sebian's death made it a 1star one🙄.
The second book was predictable as hell and in a way, Sebian's death too. The story could have easily been wrapped in 40 chapters. Definitely lack of plot development. The FMC , Galantina was too boring ,plain as a paper with no character. She never stood Infront of Lorn, the ow and always treated Sebian as a lover, not a partner. Felt guilty for it . Like your mate can share with you before bonding but not after, isn't it a reverse harem ?
➡️ The "Court of Ravens" was definitely a unique concept which however didn't go well. It was more like the fight between two kingdoms rather than humans Vs supernatural beings. Even if I ignore this, what was the war for ? Some unique metal which was hardly mentioned. Maybe the so called war conspiracy was revealed so quickly(in the first book) that the war got missing some where
➡️ What is the point of "Fated Mate Story" where you can not feel the tug of your bond when you touch someone else rather than your mate?. Literally Malyr was getting hard when he was just sad moments ago thinking about his mate.
➡️ Lorn and Sebian , the existence of this two was only for making Malyr and Galantina established as leads. Lorn the oh so sad tortured girl who died in tha hands of her fuck buddy who killed her to save his mate and then the tortured Girl's mate comes to take his revenge on the said mate(predictable plot).
How you can call it as a reverse harem when the MMCs have not equal importance in the FMC's life.From the very first book to last Sebian was the middle point ,the spare,where Malyr & Galantina could meet and involved in some kinky theresomes . No, he wasn't her fated mate nor someone like whose living didn't matter to her as Malyr's. Here comes the human part , Sebian couldn't have a child with her because it's illegitimate (like they also care legitimacy in birds) or marry her (because the court will talk). However, the ravens are very open-minded of having sex anywhere any place & Infront the Queen herself in the spring,their breeding season 🙄🙄🙄.Wow
➡️ Malyr's & Sebian's friendship wasn't as much highlighted as it should be & it was more like a King & it's loyal subject type. Malyr's too much jealousy with Sebian just didn't do work for me in a reverse harem genre.
➡️ Also some obvious plot holes, like when Sebian didn't get batshit crazy , like the bonded ravens,after his mate died just become a rack and a drunk out of guilt & depression (so much similar to humans).Why Asker & Marla didn't do thing when they saw the death vision & not even inform Malyr because they had already wanted to save "The King" not his solider(Again so very human).
So a huge disappointment for me as I was very excited about Liv's other works,
🙁🙁
The second book was predictable as hell and in a way, Sebian's death too. The story could have easily been wrapped in 40 chapters. Definitely lack of plot development. The FMC , Galantina was too boring ,plain as a paper with no character. She never stood Infront of Lorn, the ow and always treated Sebian as a lover, not a partner. Felt guilty for it . Like your mate can share with you before bonding but not after, isn't it a reverse harem ?
➡️ The "Court of Ravens" was definitely a unique concept which however didn't go well. It was more like the fight between two kingdoms rather than humans Vs supernatural beings. Even if I ignore this, what was the war for ? Some unique metal which was hardly mentioned. Maybe the so called war conspiracy was revealed so quickly(in the first book) that the war got missing some where
➡️ What is the point of "Fated Mate Story" where you can not feel the tug of your bond when you touch someone else rather than your mate?. Literally Malyr was getting hard when he was just sad moments ago thinking about his mate.
➡️ Lorn and Sebian , the existence of this two was only for making Malyr and Galantina established as leads. Lorn the oh so sad tortured girl who died in tha hands of her fuck buddy who killed her to save his mate and then the tortured Girl's mate comes to take his revenge on the said mate(predictable plot).
How you can call it as a reverse harem when the MMCs have not equal importance in the FMC's life.From the very first book to last Sebian was the middle point ,the spare,where Malyr & Galantina could meet and involved in some kinky theresomes . No, he wasn't her fated mate nor someone like whose living didn't matter to her as Malyr's. Here comes the human part , Sebian couldn't have a child with her because it's illegitimate (like they also care legitimacy in birds) or marry her (because the court will talk). However, the ravens are very open-minded of having sex anywhere any place & Infront the Queen herself in the spring,their breeding season 🙄🙄🙄.Wow
➡️ Malyr's & Sebian's friendship wasn't as much highlighted as it should be & it was more like a King & it's loyal subject type. Malyr's too much jealousy with Sebian just didn't do work for me in a reverse harem genre.
➡️ Also some obvious plot holes, like when Sebian didn't get batshit crazy , like the bonded ravens,after his mate died just become a rack and a drunk out of guilt & depression (so much similar to humans).Why Asker & Marla didn't do thing when they saw the death vision & not even inform Malyr because they had already wanted to save "The King" not his solider(Again so very human).
So a huge disappointment for me as I was very excited about Liv's other works,
🙁🙁
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2023
not great. first one was much better. mc death was uncalled for and didn’t add anything to the plot i j thought it was stupid. the sex scenes were not it in this one, majority of the book they were vanilla then they weren’t much better in the end, and most were pretty vague. my biggest issue w the book is the extremely graphic rape scenes. like what the fuck. what is wrong w this author. it’s one thing to write into you story that a character is assaulted, to write it out in detail, especially the molestation of children, is disgusting. i honestly wish i could bleach my eyes. and i know it’s my own fault for ignoring the trigger warnings, but come on. this book is marketed as a romance, even most dark romances i read (which get pretty dark) don’t go into full detail of child molestation. that’s fucking disgusting. and what is the worst part to me is that the rape scenes had more detail than some of the consensual sex scenes. again, just vile. i also thought the book was way too long. overall it was ok and could have been way more enjoyable if the portions discussed above were cut out. was teetering between two and three stars but bc i had to drag myself through the last third and also because i was so disgusted from the incredibly detailed rape scenes that the whiplash from reading a sex scene literally three chapters later was kinda crazy and made that sex scene completely unenjoyable, i went w two stars. i would still recommend reading the first book but i stop there or be prepared for an unsatisfying ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2024
5🌶️ ugh what a perfect not so perfect ending 😭🥹 this book managed to have my heart broken and yet full at the same time by the end. again… CHECK THE TWs before you read this!!! i recommend it to anyone who is wanting to FEEL all the feelings but it is DARK. i told my book bestie who recommended this to me that we are now trauma bonded cause of this 😂 i hate her for telling me to read this but also love her for it 😭🥹 all in all this was a really good why choose dark fantasy romance. definitely not the most flawless ending but i truly had a good/horrible time reading it. i LOVED our fmc Galantia through out the entire duet. our mmc’s Sebian and Malyr have absolutely found a place in my heart. 🖤
March 17, 2025
4.75 ⭐️
everything i could want in a dark fantasy romance, this is what it’s all about.
spicy, why choose, dark but with surprising emotional elements that really make you feel for the characters and pull on your heart.
can’t recommend enough!
everything i could want in a dark fantasy romance, this is what it’s all about.
spicy, why choose, dark but with surprising emotional elements that really make you feel for the characters and pull on your heart.
can’t recommend enough!
July 9, 2025
4.5⭐️
емоційно мене наче закинули в м'ясорубку, в цій частині. а мені ж тіки дай прочитати про страждання, жорстокість, драму. і я буду нагодована й задоволена 😈
в цілому, через щемкі, зворушливі, напружені, трагічні моменти мені трохи більше зайшла друга книга, тому можна і до 5-ки округлити 🤓
щодо персонажів.
в цій частини сподобався розвиток галантії. нарешті наша пані порозумнішала, почала проявляти свій характер і я побачила сильну жінку й на що вона здатна. як фізично, так і морально ✊
себіан все ще відповідає за гумор. і хоч моментами трохи відволікав від подій в цьому похмурому світі. його перепалки і жарти з маліром завжди викликали мою посмішку 😎
я вже казала, що полюбляю зламаних героїв. але малір.. агрх. як же вдало виходило його зневажати і розуміти водночас. малір і лорн це просто два персонажа, яких я ненавиділа, потім жаліла, а у висновку не могла залишитись байдужою до них. обожнюю, коли авторам вдається прописувати таких складних персонажів, котрі викликають весь спектр емоцій 😌
любовна лінія цього тріо була дещо незвичною. бо першу половину це більше працювало як дует, зі зрозумілих причин. і лише далі обзавелось розвитком та своєю ідилією втрьох. спайсі сцени все такі ж гарячі і не без цікавинок на десерт 😈🥵
окрім розгортання лл, сюжет тут доповнили пошуком свого істинного "я", трошки подорожей, змін локацій і парою екшн сцен. не скажу, що вони геніально продумані, але додали дрібку своєї напруги. як ніяк тут сетинг війни воронів з людьми, тому я очікувала на вирішення головного конфлікту. вийшло трохи лайтово, але най буде. забрали в мене політичні інтриги, то хоч бійок додали 😁
дехто з антагоністів отримав занадто легкий фінал. я вибачаюсь, але після їх вчинків, вони заслуговували на більш жорстоку смерть. проте і жесті для інших тут вистачить 👌
окрема згадка:
😬 43 розділ. останнє речення просто розтрощило.. чисто авторка вирішила, що максимально страждати повинні усі!
💔 49 розділ. клятий 49 розділ, де я ридала над кожною сторінкою! ніби нічого такого, але походу мене накриває трохи пізніше, бо після подій в попередньому, тут я вже не могла спокійно то читати 🥺
емоційно мене наче закинули в м'ясорубку, в цій частині. а мені ж тіки дай прочитати про страждання, жорстокість, драму. і я буду нагодована й задоволена 😈
в цілому, через щемкі, зворушливі, напружені, трагічні моменти мені трохи більше зайшла друга книга, тому можна і до 5-ки округлити 🤓
щодо персонажів.
в цій частини сподобався розвиток галантії. нарешті наша пані порозумнішала, почала проявляти свій характер і я побачила сильну жінку й на що вона здатна. як фізично, так і морально ✊
себіан все ще відповідає за гумор. і хоч моментами трохи відволікав від подій в цьому похмурому світі. його перепалки і жарти з маліром завжди викликали мою посмішку 😎
я вже казала, що полюбляю зламаних героїв. але малір.. агрх. як же вдало виходило його зневажати і розуміти водночас. малір і лорн це просто два персонажа, яких я ненавиділа, потім жаліла, а у висновку не могла залишитись байдужою до них. обожнюю, коли авторам вдається прописувати таких складних персонажів, котрі викликають весь спектр емоцій 😌
любовна лінія цього тріо була дещо незвичною. бо першу половину це більше працювало як дует, зі зрозумілих причин. і лише далі обзавелось розвитком та своєю ідилією втрьох. спайсі сцени все такі ж гарячі і не без цікавинок на десерт 😈🥵
окрім розгортання лл, сюжет тут доповнили пошуком свого істинного "я", трошки подорожей, змін локацій і парою екшн сцен. не скажу, що вони геніально продумані, але додали дрібку своєї напруги. як ніяк тут сетинг війни воронів з людьми, тому я очікувала на вирішення головного конфлікту. вийшло трохи лайтово, але най буде. забрали в мене політичні інтриги, то хоч бійок додали 😁
дехто з антагоністів отримав занадто легкий фінал. я вибачаюсь, але після їх вчинків, вони заслуговували на більш жорстоку смерть. проте і жесті для інших тут вистачить 👌
окрема згадка:
😬 43 розділ. останнє речення просто розтрощило.. чисто авторка вирішила, що максимально страждати повинні усі!
💔 49 розділ. клятий 49 розділ, де я ридала над кожною сторінкою! ніби нічого такого, але походу мене накриває трохи пізніше, бо після подій в попередньому, тут я вже не могла спокійно то читати 🥺
March 13, 2025
This book was just way to…. Rapey for me. That’s it.
December 28, 2023
This was so mediocre, ngl.
First off, I’ve never noticed as many typos / obviously misused words as I saw in this book. It’s like the author completely skipped using an editor.
Next, the characters and plot are all incredibly one dimensional and predictable. The morality is black and white- all the bad guys are evil for no reason and they will surely rape you (but don’t worry about the Molly Sue FMC, she is fine. She decided that she isn’t affected by the multiple rapes she experiences, so she’s totally just dandy by the end).
Also, this plot was laid out in the most boring way possible. Oh, . This duology is the epitome of “tell, don’t show” and the opposite of "less is more".
This duology would’ve been an okay 3 star read if it had an editor, was cut down into one longer book with better pacing and proper foreshadowing of events to come (instead of a shocking event happening and then the author explaining why and how it happened in detail immediately after).
The relationships between the three main characters are so shallow, the mental loops the author goes through to justify the sheer amount of rape and assault in this duology in no way actually accomplish that goal (the fmc is raped repeatedly and she’s just sorta okay with it because the rapist is her mate. When she is later raped by “the bad guys”, she just decides to not think about it anymore and from then on out she has exactly zero consequences or after effects of being traumatized in that way.)
I am totally fine with dark topics in books being explored, but, Jesus, you have to justify them within the context of the story to make them believable and have some meaning. This author just uses rapes to make the story seem super dark, but it accomplishes no other goal aside from that. It's just bleak and dark for the sake of it, which doesn't make a story intriguing on its own.
First off, I’ve never noticed as many typos / obviously misused words as I saw in this book. It’s like the author completely skipped using an editor.
Next, the characters and plot are all incredibly one dimensional and predictable. The morality is black and white- all the bad guys are evil for no reason and they will surely rape you (but don’t worry about the Molly Sue FMC, she is fine. She decided that she isn’t affected by the multiple rapes she experiences, so she’s totally just dandy by the end).
Also, this plot was laid out in the most boring way possible. Oh, . This duology is the epitome of “tell, don’t show” and the opposite of "less is more".
This duology would’ve been an okay 3 star read if it had an editor, was cut down into one longer book with better pacing and proper foreshadowing of events to come (instead of a shocking event happening and then the author explaining why and how it happened in detail immediately after).
The relationships between the three main characters are so shallow, the mental loops the author goes through to justify the sheer amount of rape and assault in this duology in no way actually accomplish that goal (the fmc is raped repeatedly and she’s just sorta okay with it because the rapist is her mate. When she is later raped by “the bad guys”, she just decides to not think about it anymore and from then on out she has exactly zero consequences or after effects of being traumatized in that way.)
I am totally fine with dark topics in books being explored, but, Jesus, you have to justify them within the context of the story to make them believable and have some meaning. This author just uses rapes to make the story seem super dark, but it accomplishes no other goal aside from that. It's just bleak and dark for the sake of it, which doesn't make a story intriguing on its own.
March 20, 2025
I need a minute.
I loved the why choose in the first book, but once Malyr and Galantia were bonded, I wanted Sebian to step aside. I love him, don't get me wrong, but I really wanted Malyr and Galantia to be together, just the two of them. Which is wild because I love why choose, but it just seemed right.
WHAT I WAS NOT EXPECTING WAS FOR HIM TO BE KILLED!!!!!!
That is NOT what I meant when I said I wanted him to step aside. I cried. I cried multiple times!
"Did I save her?" 😭😭😭 I was gutted. Yes, Sebian, you saved her and you saved Malyr! We all love you for your sacrifice.
I can't even write about anything else because that part is all I'm thinking about.
I loved the why choose in the first book, but once Malyr and Galantia were bonded, I wanted Sebian to step aside. I love him, don't get me wrong, but I really wanted Malyr and Galantia to be together, just the two of them. Which is wild because I love why choose, but it just seemed right.
WHAT I WAS NOT EXPECTING WAS FOR HIM TO BE KILLED!!!!!!
That is NOT what I meant when I said I wanted him to step aside. I cried. I cried multiple times!
"Did I save her?" 😭😭😭 I was gutted. Yes, Sebian, you saved her and you saved Malyr! We all love you for your sacrifice.
I can't even write about anything else because that part is all I'm thinking about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2024
This was a rollercoaster of such intense emotions by the time this finished I was bloody destroyed and the tears were dripping down my face. This gutted me healed me and destroyed me equally. What a read I was transfixed throughout. I think book two has a slight edge over its predecessor and I highly recommend this duet. It's been a while since a story has captivated me so much and I'm being intentionally vague here as this is an experience that you need to go into blind.
This continues where we left off and with Galantia's heart in pieces. I don't think there was anything that Malyr could do to redeem himself to me, his cruel actions towards Galantia playing with her emotions the way he did unjustifiable and then Sebian, whilst he was more honest in his end game but was equally as distant just in a less obvious way.
Here Galantia gets to be the rock star she was always meant to be and I loved watching her give it back tenfold. This again was completely absorbing and brought the dark and I loved it. By the conclusion i adored both Malyr and Sebian and believed in their complete adoration for Galentia, so fortunately they did manage to turn it around. But man how this all resolves was for sure brutal and totally heartbreaking as well. So well written and an immersive experience, definitely check your triggers as this story has them in abundance and bring the tissues as you're for sure going to need them. Very few books move me to tears and this had me sobbing like a baby.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
January 24, 2024
Dont piss me off !!!!!
It started off strong, and I was loving how she was not having time for Malyr at all . Overall the book was not as good as the first one, but still enjoyable I was going to give it four stars until the ending. Absolutely not. I do not accept this ending sorry.
It started off strong, and I was loving how she was not having time for Malyr at all . Overall the book was not as good as the first one, but still enjoyable I was going to give it four stars until the ending. Absolutely not. I do not accept this ending sorry.
March 25, 2025
The ending ripped my heart out 😭
March 13, 2025
Disturbingly good.
Ok, the second book is going to be hard to review. So here goes my rambling thoughts…
First the story. This duology had me hooked: the plot was engrossing, the character arcs were fantastic, and the writing was great. I was 💯 invested in every chapter. The unique magic, the heart pounding romance, the emotional trauma all had me reeling.
The themes were so dark and the trauma and abuse these flawed characters endured wrecked my heart. Yet I could feel the deep and passionate love the main characters had for each other as they had to learn to live and to deal with the pain of their pasts. Truly spellbinding.
Now for the dark spice. For me some of the spice in this book hit different than the first book. Dark romance often walks a razors edge and this one missed the mark a bit. Some scenes felt unnecessary and gratuitous to the storyline. Even excusing SA where it probably should not. Whereas in the first book the dark and sinister spice felt integral to the character development and plot.
IMO the story would have been just as good if not better without the shock and awe of the darkest scenes. But on the other had maybe I am wrong. Maybe that is exactly what felt so tantalizing and scandalous.
All I know is this story is going to live in my head rent free for a long, long time.
Ok, the second book is going to be hard to review. So here goes my rambling thoughts…
First the story. This duology had me hooked: the plot was engrossing, the character arcs were fantastic, and the writing was great. I was 💯 invested in every chapter. The unique magic, the heart pounding romance, the emotional trauma all had me reeling.
The themes were so dark and the trauma and abuse these flawed characters endured wrecked my heart. Yet I could feel the deep and passionate love the main characters had for each other as they had to learn to live and to deal with the pain of their pasts. Truly spellbinding.
Now for the dark spice. For me some of the spice in this book hit different than the first book. Dark romance often walks a razors edge and this one missed the mark a bit. Some scenes felt unnecessary and gratuitous to the storyline. Even excusing SA where it probably should not. Whereas in the first book the dark and sinister spice felt integral to the character development and plot.
IMO the story would have been just as good if not better without the shock and awe of the darkest scenes. But on the other had maybe I am wrong. Maybe that is exactly what felt so tantalizing and scandalous.
All I know is this story is going to live in my head rent free for a long, long time.
April 28, 2025
The first book left so many questions unanswered but this second book was so well done in answering them. It went from heart throbbing to beautifully heartbreaking. Why choose, fated mates. Super spicy. I love the series for the way it all ended. Highly recommend braving this series if you are into pitch black Romantasy.
June 23, 2025
Shadows So Cruel is the second half of the Court of Ravens duet, and while Feathers So Vicious sets the stage, this is the book that broke me open. It’s brutal, breathtaking, and unflinchingly raw, with a romantic arc so dark and complex that I genuinely wasn’t sure if healing was possible. But somehow, Liv Zander doesn’t just guide her characters through hell. She makes you feel every step they take toward the light.
Galantia’s journey is one of survival and self-discovery, but it’s Malyr’s redemption that held my heart in a vice. I’ve never read a male lead so broken, so horrifying in his actions, and yet so achingly desperate to be more than his pain. I hated him. I pitied him. I wanted him to burn for what he did to her. But the author does not take the easy road. She makes him earn every second of Galantia’s forgiveness, and by the end, I was begging for their forever.
This book is brutally honest about trauma and agency. It does not flinch away from pain, nor does it rush forgiveness. Instead, it walks a razor’s edge between love and destruction, and it asks you whether two people shaped by violence can ever truly belong to each other. The answer is complicated, but powerful.
Malyr is now my favorite morally gray love interest of all time. There is nothing clean or easy about him. His shadows are cruel, his love is feral, and yet every tender moment he offers feels like the sun breaking through a storm. Galantia saves him, but not by being soft. She meets him in the darkness and refuses to let either of them drown in it.
Sebian, too, is unforgettable. His role in this love triangle is full of grace, heartbreak, and selfless devotion. I cried for the last ten chapters. Not because of shock, but because of how deeply this story understands pain and love and what it costs to hold on to both.
This book has themes of sexual violence, captivity, PTSD, and grief. Please check content warnings. But if you need a story that does not look away, that honors pain while still carving out space for hope, Shadows So Cruel will give that to you.
If your favorite kind of romance is the kind where the “hero” starts out irredeemable and you spend 500 pages begging for his redemption, this one will destroy you in the best way. This is not an easy read, and it’s not meant to be.
Five stars. Explicit love scenes. One unforgettable love story.
Galantia’s journey is one of survival and self-discovery, but it’s Malyr’s redemption that held my heart in a vice. I’ve never read a male lead so broken, so horrifying in his actions, and yet so achingly desperate to be more than his pain. I hated him. I pitied him. I wanted him to burn for what he did to her. But the author does not take the easy road. She makes him earn every second of Galantia’s forgiveness, and by the end, I was begging for their forever.
This book is brutally honest about trauma and agency. It does not flinch away from pain, nor does it rush forgiveness. Instead, it walks a razor’s edge between love and destruction, and it asks you whether two people shaped by violence can ever truly belong to each other. The answer is complicated, but powerful.
Malyr is now my favorite morally gray love interest of all time. There is nothing clean or easy about him. His shadows are cruel, his love is feral, and yet every tender moment he offers feels like the sun breaking through a storm. Galantia saves him, but not by being soft. She meets him in the darkness and refuses to let either of them drown in it.
Sebian, too, is unforgettable. His role in this love triangle is full of grace, heartbreak, and selfless devotion. I cried for the last ten chapters. Not because of shock, but because of how deeply this story understands pain and love and what it costs to hold on to both.
This book has themes of sexual violence, captivity, PTSD, and grief. Please check content warnings. But if you need a story that does not look away, that honors pain while still carving out space for hope, Shadows So Cruel will give that to you.
If your favorite kind of romance is the kind where the “hero” starts out irredeemable and you spend 500 pages begging for his redemption, this one will destroy you in the best way. This is not an easy read, and it’s not meant to be.
Five stars. Explicit love scenes. One unforgettable love story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2025
Як і в першій частині, я пережила всю райдугу емоцій😁🥹😱🤯🤧Авторка настільки безжальна, що я її тихо ненавиджу. Але ця історія неймовірна🌨 Двір Воронів - дійсно дуже темна історія. В другій частині більша половина книги присвячена складним відносинам між Галантією, Себіаном та Маліром. Галантія відчайдушно намагається з'ясувати хто вона, і що вона.
🎀Галантія. Моя дівчинка. Це не дівчина в біді. По мірі того, як вона відкриває в собі нові сили, вона намагається їх опанувати. Вона багато чого пережила в цій частині. Але не дозволила цьому зламати себе.
🖤Малір.Ох уж цей принц. Ви будете його ненавидіти, розуміти, жаліти......і...по ітогу ви його полюбите. Просто дайте йому шанс, і дочитайте цю історію до кінця. Вам не сподобаються його вчинки, як і мені. Але авторка не щадить нікого. І цій книзі зламані ВСІ.
❤️Себіан. Ясне сонечко. Він просто душа компанії. Я дуже часто хизикала з його жартів і поведінки в цілому. Це дорослий чоловік-дитя. Але в хорошому сенсі. Ви його полюбите))))
💢Сюжет. Він тут є. І буде не одна битва Воронів проти Людей. Поступово ми дізнаємося всі таємниці минулого. І багато чого стане на свої місця.
Отже, для мене це 10/10🌟. Було важко і емоційно, і фізично. Але я отримала всі емоції які хотіла. Від сміху до ридань. Діапазон емоцій - просто неймовірний. Просто дайте цій історії шанс і прочитайте її до кінця.
🎀Галантія. Моя дівчинка. Це не дівчина в біді. По мірі того, як вона відкриває в собі нові сили, вона намагається їх опанувати. Вона багато чого пережила в цій частині. Але не дозволила цьому зламати себе.
🖤Малір.Ох уж цей принц. Ви будете його ненавидіти, розуміти, жаліти......і...по ітогу ви його полюбите. Просто дайте йому шанс, і дочитайте цю історію до кінця. Вам не сподобаються його вчинки, як і мені. Але авторка не щадить нікого. І цій книзі зламані ВСІ.
❤️Себіан. Ясне сонечко. Він просто душа компанії. Я дуже часто хизикала з його жартів і поведінки в цілому. Це дорослий чоловік-дитя. Але в хорошому сенсі. Ви його полюбите))))
💢Сюжет. Він тут є. І буде не одна битва Воронів проти Людей. Поступово ми дізнаємося всі таємниці минулого. І багато чого стане на свої місця.
Отже, для мене це 10/10🌟. Було важко і емоційно, і фізично. Але я отримала всі емоції які хотіла. Від сміху до ридань. Діапазон емоцій - просто неймовірний. Просто дайте цій історії шанс і прочитайте її до кінця.
August 7, 2025
This is the darkest fantasy book I have ever read. Liv Zander fed us pitch. black. darkness.
I’m in shambles. Chapter 47? The letter? Bawled my eyes out. I don’t know why I thought book 2 would be lighter than the first, if anything it was much harder to read, absolutely brutal. Gut wrenching but beautiful. I don’t even know how to feel rn 💔 Every character endured so much pain. I need to go read a light fluffy pixie dust book to recover
Don’t read this duet unless you really wanna explore some painful and raw emotions.
I’m in shambles. Chapter 47? The letter? Bawled my eyes out. I don’t know why I thought book 2 would be lighter than the first, if anything it was much harder to read, absolutely brutal. Gut wrenching but beautiful. I don’t even know how to feel rn 💔 Every character endured so much pain. I need to go read a light fluffy pixie dust book to recover
Don’t read this duet unless you really wanna explore some painful and raw emotions.
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