An accumulation of gothic and dark romance combined with easy flowing language and well-achieved plot development, This newly published novel by Tricia Levenseller provides an easy and enjoyable read on a summer's day.
“I think that when you care enough for someone, you reach a point where it's far more painful not to have him at all than to have him and risk losing him. You realize the risk is worth it. Because happiness, however short-lived, is always worth it.”
Art from @meliescribbles on Tumblr
Date Published: February 2020
Date Read: May 2020
A synopsis taken from Goodreads: 1) Woo the Shadow King.
2) Marry him.
3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.
No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves, and she’s going to do everything within her power to get it.
But Alessandra’s not the only one trying to kill the king. As attempts on his life are made, she finds herself trying to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen—all while struggling not to lose her heart. After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen?
My thoughts:The book was recommended to me by Amazon and the plot suggested that it would be everything I love: enemies to lovers, morally grey characters and a strong female character.
But after reading, fI honestly have really mixed opinions on it, some parts of me enjoyed the plot and simpleness of it and the refreshing dynamic of characters who are not morally righteous, whilst a small part of me was disappointed by it.
One thing I did really enjoy was the approach to sex in this novel. Whilst many fantasy novels suggest that lust and desire are forbidden, here the female character has had countless lovers and is not ashamed of it and does not let it determine her.
“Waiting. Not waiting. One lover. A hundred lovers. There should be no judgement either way. A woman is not defined by what she does or doesn‘t do in the bedroom.”
And whilst I loved the characters being evil and self-centred especially from Alexessnda I felt that it lacked depth. I really really struggled to come to grips with her motivation for why she initially intended to kill the King. And when the reason was revealed, I felt as if it did not match her actual character. And further to this, we are presented with a King, who appears to be a heartless ruler and then when we meet him, he lacks heartlessness. He's gentle and sweet and kind but I never saw any torment or actually any hunger for power. With Alexessndra the hunger for power was there but because for me her motivation wasn't there I struggled to gain a deeper understanding.
I think what I am trying to say it that there was just a lack in in-depth character development which I so enjoy, especially when we have morally disturbed characters. I thoroughly loved how evil they appear and selfish they but I just wanted more.
However, I love a strong female protagonist and I saw that in Alexessando. Sassy, powerful and cunning - everything I like. I love the style of writing and the enjoyable fast pace of the novel. The plot was fascinating and there were moments where I laughed out loud at some of the dialogue.
Overall I did enjoy the novel and maybe I am being too harsh because I am a huge fan of character development but other than that, it is a perfect novel for anyone who loves Jude and Carden and slightly darker romance novels.
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