I was enjoying this book a lot but halfway through I just couldn’t get to motivation to finish in a timely manner. I did finish this book though and I enjoyed the last portion of this book a lot. I find that I struggle to ge through some fantasy books, but I had fun.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to have read and advanced copy of this book by earc. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review.

I was completely invested in this story of Forbidden Love. In this world where warriors are forbidden to wed will have you at the edge. It won't come easy but through everything the love would have been worth it.

Fallen Shadows was an interesting book, but I feel like the beginning throws you directly in the middle of things, and I've read so many books with this kind of intro and it does require a backstory soon after the prologue/1st chapter, and this book is really lacking when it comes to backstories.

It goes a bit into the dystopian genre, but I feel like the way they were made to believe everything the Elders said was quite unique and interesting, which is a bonus in my opinion.

The story itself follows 2 warriors and the forbidden love story between them, and the opportunity to go out of the protected area instead of being punished after they were caught. This adventure will help them discover the truth and we get to know more about the FMC, but I still think that lots of information is missing.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

I was invested from the cover and so glad I got to read this, it had everything that I was looking for in a fantasy romance novel. It had a great concept for a romance and that didn't feel like it couldn't happen in this world. The characters were everything that I was hoping for and worked with the fantasy elements of this book. I enjoyed the way Raven More wrote this book and it left me wanting to read more in this universe and from the author.

Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
Genre: Adult Fantasy

Let me start by mentioning that the plot was very interesting. I was sucked in the book from the start. I like the world of Elders the author build and I enjoyed the pace of the book as well. It was a bit if info dump at the start which was dragging but it is same for every fantasy book. This book gave dune meets assassins creed vibes which was intriguing.

I would wish that the author explored more backstories of the main characters rather than just mentioning their reasoning. The story follows our main characters who are in training to become warriors and are forbidden to love. But they seem to be drawn towards each other. At the end the MMC breaks the rule and helps the FMC when her brother dies.

I would have loved if there was a little slow burn, this was insta-love which is fine with explanation. Without their background it didn’t stick to me. Overall, it would do with some editing and character development.

I DNF at 50% so won't be posting a review anywhere else.

I wanted to like this, but the more and more I read the more annoyed I became with the main male character. Lack of any character trait except controlling, jealous and only thinks through muscles. The book started off right away in a lusty situation with no chemistry between the main characters, and the rest of their book is this unhealthy lust that is never based on substance. Or at least it was never talked about in the first half of the book.

I really did love the concept of the setting, storyline and the quest. It was just the character I couldn't get behind.

Right off the bat, there's lots of action and palpable longing from our two MCs, Varek and Elara. Great, amazing. I'll keep reading.....

I found the dialogue and the overall language of the book weirdly formal and stiff. I'm assuming it's to reflect the repressed and controlled society the characters live in, but it didn't make for exciting reading. Especially during the romantic scenes, it just seemed forced even though the characters were in love with each other from page one.

Unfortunately, because of this, I DNF at around 25%.

I'm sure others will like this book, but it just didn't click with me.

* Thank you to NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for my honest review *

In a world dominated by fierce warriors and forbidden love, the novel "Fallen Shadows" by Raven More takes readers on a gripping journey filled with peril, romance, and soul-wrenching choices. Elara and Varek, two souls destined to meet, find themselves bound together on a treacherous quest to uncover a mythical serum in the deadly outer realm. As they navigate a treacherous landscape and face formidable challenges, their hearts ignite with forbidden emotions that threaten to consume them. However, as secrets unravel and their pasts come to light, they face a devastating choice: embrace their fated bond or succumb to the deceit that threatens to tear them apart. More weaves a tale of intrigue, betrayal, and unwavering love in "Fallen Shadows." The world-building is intricate, transporting readers to a realm where danger lurks around every corner and where love is a forbidden fruit that beckons with tantalizing temptation. Elara and Varek are beautifully crafted characters, their personalities and motivations intricately woven into the tapestry of the story. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the tension between them crackles with intensity. As their quest unfolds, readers will be captivated by their journey, rooting for them to overcome the obstacles that threaten to keep them apart. The plot of "Fallen Shadows" is a masterclass in storytelling. More keeps readers on the edge of their seats with twists and turns that unfold seamlessly. The pacing is perfect, allowing the story to breathe while maintaining a relentless forward momentum that propels readers towards the thrilling conclusion. The action sequences are heart-pounding, and the emotional moments are poignant and impactful. More's writing is lyrical and evocative, immersing readers in the world of "Fallen Shadows" and making them feel as though they are alongside Elara and Varek on their perilous journey. Overall, "Fallen Shadows" is a captivating and emotionally charged read that will leave readers breathless. Raven More's masterful storytelling and vivid world-building create a tale of forbidden love, epic quests, and soul-stirring choices that will stay with readers long after they finish the last page. This novel is a must-read for fans of fantasy, romance, and stories that explore the boundaries of love and destiny. Immerse yourself in the world of "Fallen Shadows" and let Elara and Varek's journey take you on an unforgettable adventure that will leave you spellbound.

This tale drew me in immediately, it has an archaic and very traditional setting. The world in this book is plagued by darkness outside the castle that shelters those remaining. The elders are strict and require a lot from the warriors, this leads us to a new warrior Elara, the first woman to step up to this title.

Elara is driven and fierce holding herself to high morals and vows wanting to protect those in the castle and her remaining family member. She is looked down upon due to being a woman wanting to be a warrior, but another warrior Valek assists her with her training and becomes someone who she longs for. Its funny that in the beginning it seems they desire each other but think it will not be reciprocated.

Due to the rules by the elders marriage and children are not allowed and it is also forbidden for warriors to wed. This leads both Valek & Elara on a journey for freedom, honour and love.

I thoroughly enjoyed this!

DNFed at about 15%.

This is not a fantasy novel. This is all spice and nothing else. From the beginning there is no character development, just insta-love and spice. The characters have no backstory, there is no works building and the whole thing just made me cringe.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review!

I sadly had to DNF this book. I wanted to love it based on the premise. I felt like the story needed more world building and I was confused from the first page.

If there was more background on the world and characters in the beginning, I felt like I would be able to enjoy this!

I was drawn in by the premise of the story but unfortunately this one is a DNF for me. I had a really hard time getting into the story and them going instantly to spice pretty much over her very ill brother did not help. I appreciate the opportunity.

Poetic, epic and filled with secrets and monsters.

It felt like you were dropped into a world of knights and forbidden desires from the first page. The premise was gripping and I was drawn into the forbidden love and desire between the two main characters. In a world full of monsters, secrets, and yearning for more than seems possible, this story could've have really benefited from being extended over more than one book! There was so much to learn and to say, and it almost felt like there was a missing prologue/several chapters to the book.

Overall though, a really good read, and well worth adding to any fantasy/romantasy addict's collection!

DNF @ 30%
I tried, I really tried.
I could not get into it. There was no world building and I was lost and couldn't understand the implications of the MCs actions. The prose were too much, there were 5 different paragraphs of the FMC just describing the MMC giving her a sponge bath. And that was the point it was too much for me.
Pros- This book has wonderful described fight scenes, and is full of action from the get-go.
I am still intrigued by the story and I want to know if it get better, or what actually is going to happen to the MCs so I may pick up again, but currently I was just not feeling in.

Thank you Net Galley for this ARC.

I was really excited for this story. It started off very strong with an initial fight scene, but ….. 👀👀 that’s it in the interesting department.
The main characters are warriors protecting the village from creatures, but are also in Insta Love. The synopsis had a lot of promise but the world building lacked, there were no answers to the magic system, and the characters had the personalities of a caveman.

The statement “we’re warriors” as in “hulk smash” was repeated…..💀💀💀💀

Set in a dystopian world where love is forbidden and survival is a warrior's game, this book follows the journey of Elara and Varek as they embark on a dangerous quest.
The world-building in this book is phenomenal. The author has created a vivid and detailed world that is both intriguing and terrifying. The outer realm, where the majority of the story takes place, is a dangerous and unforgiving place, filled with deadly creatures and treacherous terrain. The inner realm, on the other hand, is a stark contrast, with its strict rules and regulations that govern every aspect of people's lives. It is a world that is both fascinating and terrifying, and the author does an excellent job of bringing it to life.
The characters in this book are well-developed and complex. Elara and Varek are both strong and independent individuals who are forced to work together on their quest. Their relationship starts off as one of necessity, but as they face danger and overcome obstacles together, their feelings for each other start to grow. However, their love is forbidden, and they must constantly fight against their emotions, knowing that their love could lead to their downfall. Their internal struggles and the chemistry between them make for a compelling and emotional read.
As Elara and Varek journey through the outer realm, they face numerous challenges and obstacles that test their strength and determination. The quest for the mythical serum adds an extra layer of intrigue and danger to the story.
This was a great read that combines elements of romance, adventure, and dystopia to create a unique and compelling story.

Fallen Shadows started off great. Lots of tension, mystery, drama, mysterious curse.
And then Elara and Varek. Warriors, lovers, drawn to each other despite knowing that their love can never be.
There was so much going on and I couldn't stop reading but halfway through it all sort of fizzled out. Which is a real shame because I wanted more. I wanted more world building, more character development, more background story.
Overall, it was a good read but it left me slightly unsatisfied.

Firstly, I would like to thank both NetGalley and author for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange of my honest review.

I feel so sad only giving this book two stars, however I feel like the story could’ve been so much more. The story itself, and the premise sounded so intriguing and held so much promise; however, I don’t know how I feel about his execution.

Firstly, we have the two main characters, Elara and Varek, their love from the very start was all consuming. I feel like there could’ve been a first book, which could’ve focused on building their personalities and the relationship between them so that the reader felt more emotionally invested in these characters. Instead, as a reader, I felt thrust upon the story, and expected to accept this all consuming love between the characters, without really knowing how it got to that point and what it was about each other they felt so deeply. Their overall personalities felt a bit lack lustre and non existent apart from their mutual pining.

The sentiments also apply to the story itself. I feel like if there would’ve been a first book focusing more on world building and the magic, which lead up to the events of this book, the story could’ve flourished so much more. I felt that the author of this book whilst writing it had such a clear and fleshed out vision in her head, but sort of forgot that us as a reader don’t get to have the privilege of knowing her creative insight, and just expected us to know the history behind the story leading up to the events that follow.

I can’t help but feel bad whilst writing this, but as I said at the start, this is my honest review. I just wish this book was a sequel where I would have more knowledge of what was actually happening, instead though the writing is very descriptive, I spent most of my time reading this trying to figure out what was actually happening. The role of the elders and the ravenous, the magic at play was so intriguing however whilst reading I could help but have thoughts like “oh another near death experience” “wait what?” “what’s actually going on, how did they end up here” The premise was there, however personally for me it just didn’t hit the spot, but this is just my opinion and I’m sure that there are others out there who will love this story. If the synopsis intrigues you then please read it, you may be pleasantly surprised!

Thank you @netgalley and Flyaway Publishing for the chance to review Fallen Shadows by Raven More. Elara and Varek are two warriors in a secluded castle who are often pitted against each other. Both desire the other, but the warrior way does not permit marriage. Their isolated village battles against Ravenous - beasts who turn people into beats themselves. There are also Elders and creepy Enforcers who keep everyone in line. Great world building and descriptions. I loved the twists. There was spice and an epic quest … so good!