The Shadow Princess

4.5stars-complex and enchanted

4.5 stars--THE SHADOW PRINCESS is the sixth instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s adult CHRONICLES OF THE STONE VEIL erotic, fantasy series. This is twenty-seven year old Princess Thalia Clairmont of Vyronas, and commandant Bastien Dunne’s story line. THE SHADOW PRINCESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person (Thalia) and third person (Bastien) THE SHADOW PRINCESS focuses on the return of Princess Thalia Clairmont of Vyronas. Seven years earlier, in an effort to protect the sole heir to the throne, Thalia Clairmont was bespelled, and sent to live in the First Dimension aka Earth aka Wyoming where she would live and flourish, never knowing her true identity or the powers she controlled. Fast forward to present day wherein the Vyronas commandant Bastien Dunne is tasked with retrieving the soon to be queen, Thalia Clairmont, the woman he once loved but a woman who must now rule in the face of death and destruction. Ferelith, an evil sorceress, has been using blood magic, a forbidden form of alchemy, to take control and destroy anyone who opposes her siege but the wielders of blood magic become more powerful with every kill, and Thalia only knows of one person capable of teaching our heroine how to manipulate those powers. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Thalia and Bastien, and the potential fall-out as Ferelith sets her sights on our story line heroine, taking aim at man who controls Thalia’s heart.

Bastien Dunne lost all emotions and feelings the day Thalia was exiled to the First Dimension. Seven years yearning for the woman he once loved, Bastien struggled with Thalia’s return and his inability to move beyond the feelings no longer under his control. Thalia Clairmont’s memories and powers returned upon her arrival in the dimension where she was born but Thalia battled between head and heart believing betrayal was at the center of her exile and banishment. Reuniting with Bastien was made more difficult with Bastien’s less than welcoming attitude and emotions, emotions of which he no longer controlled. An impending war with Ferelith has Thalia searching for help, help that will reveal the truth about who she is, and of what she is capable.

The relationship between Bastien and Thalia is one of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people who had fallen in love years before but destroyed by a need to protect, preserve and defend. Thalia was still in love with the man that broke her heart, and proving he is worthy meant sacrificing in the face of danger and death. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Bastien’s brother Kieran Dunne; Thalia’s cousin Archer, their uncle Hephastus; several members of the Vyronas’ Conclave including Chief Laina Mercea; demigod Maddox; fallen angel/Dark Fae/leader of the Underworld Amel; and sorceress Ferelith Haramish. I am hoping the author has plans for Kieran, Maddox and Amel.

THE SHADOW PRINCESS is a complex and enchanted story of power and control, death and destruction, magic and the black arts, second chances and love. The premise is detailed, intriguing and dramatic; the characters are spirited and edgy; the romance is intimate and tender.