The Shadows Rule All (Dominions #3)

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Synopsis

Darkness ascends the throne.

Let the darkness rise…in the breathtaking conclusion to #1 NY Times bestselling author Abigail Owen’s Dominions series.

King Eidolon has taken everything.

My throne, my Shadowraith, and even my kingdom. I am a queen with no one to rule, and a tattered army that’s not even mine. And hope is fading fast.

Now the shadows who once tormented Reven live within me, hissing and wheedling—and enticing me to betray my friends. Which could be deadly for us all. Because without the wraith I fell for, without Reven, I am all shadows…and no light.

And the Alignment is almost upon us—the culmination of centuries that have fueled a vengeful king’s festering rage.

We’re outnumbered. We’re underpowered. And even if we could unleash the trapped goddesses, they could destroy the kingdom and everything in it.

Synopsis source: abigailowen.com

Review

Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, New Adult
HB&W Rating: 4 stars / 3 flames
View on Goodreads
Buy on Barnes & Noble, Amazon
Releases November 12, 2024

The Shadows Rule All is the third installment in the Dominions trilogy, which need to be read in order: The Liar’s Crown, The Stolen Throne, and The Shadows Rule All.

What a great end to a fantastic series! Abigail Owen built an amazing world and created such strong characters. I’m so sad to say goodbye to this series. This book kept pace with the momentum set by the previous two books and I finished it very quickly. I’m so grateful for the chance to read an advance copy of this book electronically and will definitely be purchasing my shelf trophy to complete my set!

I really loved how mature love was portrayed here across all the various relationships, not just the romantic one between Meren and Reven, though especially that one. The way the tables turned and Meren now has to carefully monitor herself to keep control of the Shadows Reven gave to her at the end of The Stolen Throne allows her a deeper understanding of her bondmate. The patience and understanding she shows in the face of hurt and grief are also such a great example of what it means to love someone. Vos and Tziah, Cain and Meren, Horus and Meren, even Pella and Meren, all of these relationships are such a beautiful example of love for the family you make.

There were moments that made me laugh out loud and ones that absolutely ripped out my heart. There were slow moments to balance out the tense moments that kept me on the edge of my seat and Heaven help anyone who dared interrupt my reading in them. There was action, adventure, and side-quests. There was angst, tension, and again love. I can’t say too much here without giving the plot away, but suffice it to say I loved being in Meren‘s head while she navigated the romantic conflict with Reven in this book. I also want to say that this book just cements Reven as one of my favorite book boyfriends. I would really have liked to have his perspective more than the small amount we got toward the beginning of the book but I think it was intentional. I have my theories as to why but I still am curious as to the author’s reasons.

What kept me from giving it 5 stars was one of the reveals felt out of left field while the showdown with Eidolon was rather underwhelming, plus conflict with another antagonist left me with many questions after it was resolved.

Still, I really loved the characters and relationships, the world-building was as amazing as ever, and I really hope Pella gets a spin-off. Please, please, pretty please!

If you enjoyed the first two books, you’ll enjoy this one as well. If you haven’t read this series and enjoy a good Romantasy, you’ll enjoy this series!

Thank you to Entangled Teen for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Until next time,

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