Thea Harrison - Shadow's End

The ninth book in the Elder Races series, published December 1, 2015.
Genre: paranormal romance
Cover: nice



For Beluviel, consort to the Elven High Lord, and Graydon, gryphon and First Sentinel of the Wyr, even the slightest desire for each other is forbidden. But two hundred years ago, after a desperate play to save Beluviel's stepson left them indebted to the cruel Djinn Malphas, they found their fates inexorably linked together - and the hunger between them growing too strong to ignore...
Two centuries later, with their debt to Malphas coming due, Beluviel and Graydon realize that, if they are to stand any chance of saving their souls, they must once again work together - this time more closely than ever before. But every moment they spend with each other brings them nearer to losing something even more vital - their hearts...


A very bad blurb, you could say only the names are correct, the rest of it is not. They are not indebted, they are blackmailed by Malphas, and they had to struck a bargain with him. Two hundred years ago, Graydon came to Beluviel's aid when her stepson didn't show up as promised, and she feared it would get him into trouble with his father again. Graydon has always admired Beluviel from afar, knowing there could never be anything between them, as she is married to the Elven High Lord, and he was a Sentinel of the Wyr. Relations between Dragos and the Elven were hostile, as they still remember the time when Dragos was just a wild beast, and considered Elves just like cattle, and his rightful prey.
But now she needs his help, and he gladly offers it. On their way to Malphas' private residence, they get to know each other, and finally give in to their attraction. Graydon knows she is his mate, and to be with her will be difficult, but not impossible. They can be together for short periods of time. Her marriage is in name only, as the Elven High Lord doesn't even bother to be discreet with his many affairs and lovers, and even asked her to raise his bastard son as her own. And now Beluviel will do whatever it takes to keep that precious child safe.
But Malphas is smarter and out for revenge, and he blackmails them into staying apart forever, or he will kill Ferion. Malphas completely controls Ferion, he can even make him kill his own mother…

For two hundred years, Graydon has bided his time, gather intel and evidence of Malphas evil doings, until he has enough to make an appeal to the High Court. Because of things that happened in the previous book, he knows that Malphas doesn't only control the new Elven High Lord, but many other people in high places as well, and also in the human government. He has become too dangerous and needs to be killed. So with the help of all of their allies, they will fight Malphas … But killing a First Generation Djinn, is not easy at all … and the price they pay is very high indeed.


I cried my eyes out in this book, feeling for Beluviel and Graydon who were denied their love for each other for so long. But now, after they have dealt with Malphas, they can start a new life, together. But Graydon cannot give up his duties to Dragos as his First Sentinel, not after all the other Sentinels who have recently found their mates and moved out of the Wyr. Can Beluviel give up her forest and her people to be with him? To live in the same building as Dragos?

I loved this story, and getting a glimpse of the live and work of a Sentinel before all the action started. Peanut is a precocious little boy, and I am very curious what will happen in his future. He grows up so extremely fast. But the focus is on the romance between Graydon and Beluviel, and they deserved their happiness so much.

A good mix of action, love, emotions and friendship and loyalty, I truly believe this series is just getting better and better. Thea Harrison has created a wonderful world, and I am certain I won't be bored with it for many years to come.

10 stars.

© 2016 Reviews by Aurian