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Dark Swan #4
Shadow Heir
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Paranormal Fantasy (2012)#1 New York Times bestselling author Richelle Mead returns to the Otherworld, a mystic land inextricably linked to our own--and balanced precariously on one woman's desperate courage...
Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham strives to keep the mortal realm safe from trespassing entities. But as the Thorn Land's prophecy-haunted queen, there's no refuge for her and her soon-to-be-born-children when a mysterious blight begins to devastate the Otherworld...
The spell-driven source of the blight isn't the only challenge to Eugenie's instincts. Fairy king Dorian is sacrificing everything to help, but Eugenie can't trust the synergy drawing them back together. The uneasy truce between her and her shape shifter ex-lover Kiyo is endangered by secrets he can't--or won't--reveal. And as a formidable force rises to also threaten the human world, Eugenie must use her own cursed fate as a weapon--and risk the ultimate sacrifice...
Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham strives to keep the mortal realm safe from trespassing entities. But as the Thorn Land's prophecy-haunted queen, there's no refuge for her and her soon-to-be-born-children when a mysterious blight begins to devastate the Otherworld...
The spell-driven source of the blight isn't the only challenge to Eugenie's instincts. Fairy king Dorian is sacrificing everything to help, but Eugenie can't trust the synergy drawing them back together. The uneasy truce between her and her shape shifter ex-lover Kiyo is endangered by secrets he can't--or won't--reveal. And as a formidable force rises to also threaten the human world, Eugenie must use her own cursed fate as a weapon--and risk the ultimate sacrifice...
390 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 27, 2011
About the author
Richelle Mead
111 books68.5k followersScorpio Richelle Mead is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy books for both adults and teens. Originally from Michigan, Richelle now lives in Seattle, Washington where she works on her three series full-time: Georgina Kincaid, Dark Swan, and Vampire Academy.
A life-long reader, Richelle has always loved mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away from books (either reading or writing them), she enjoys bad reality TV, traveling, trying interesting cocktails, and shopping for dresses. She's a self-professed coffee addict and has a passion for all things wacky and humorous.
A life-long reader, Richelle has always loved mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away from books (either reading or writing them), she enjoys bad reality TV, traveling, trying interesting cocktails, and shopping for dresses. She's a self-professed coffee addict and has a passion for all things wacky and humorous.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,447 reviews
December 28, 2011
First of all, let me tell you that there will be spoilers of the previous books in the series, and heavy spoilers of Shadow Heir. I’m sorry, but I just have to comment about the ending and why I was so frustrated.
I can’t believe I’m giving 2 stars to one of my favorite series (and favorite author). Richelle Mead’s previous series, Georgina Kincaid, and Vampire Academy, were fantastic, but just like this one, the final book let me down. The only difference, though, is the level of disappointment. I was so angry, frustrated and sad at the end of this book that I almost cried.
Eugenie Markham, after 4 books and plenty of adventures, fights, etc etc, still managed to act like a teenager sometimes. And yes, I get it that Richelle Mead wanted her main character to feel and act like a human, and have flaws, but to me, she just looked immature. Most of the time, I don’t really bother with this particular characteristic of the main character, but oh, this got on my nerves as the book progressed.
To be quite honest, I didn’t notice much development in the characters throughout the series except, maybe, Jasmine and Dorian. They were awesome, especially in Shadow Heir. Dorian simply made his feelings and wishes pretty clear, putting aside his greed for power. I loved him for it.
But one huge disappointment is the plot itself. Or maybe I should ask, what plot? Shadow Heir didn’t feel like a final book. First, there’s a villain that didn’t add anything to the story, let alone help conclude it. It was obvious who this villain was since the beginning, and their whole journey to stop this evil, evil character was just unnecessary. There were so many other things that Richelle Mead could’ve explored in Shadow Heir, and a new issue with the seasons in the Otherworld is not one of them. The bigger things, like the Storm King’s prophecy and consequences in the human world, and her own fate regarding whether she’d choose one world or the other, was simply put aside.
Yes, Eugenie’s pregnancy did play a big role, and I enjoyed it, mostly because Eugenie’s feelings about her children were so raw and real, it was obvious the author was putting her own thoughts there, since she just had a baby. But after that was resolved, everything was so rushed I felt lost. If Shadow Heir were two books instead of one (and I know that at first, it was supposed to be), things could’ve get worked out a lot better. There were so many things thrown at us just to finish the series and wrap everything up, that it all felt convenient.
I was particularly anxious to see how the Storm King’s prophecy would be dealt with. And, big surprise, there was a hell of a twist in the end, that just solved the problem for Eugenie. But that’s not all. Another big discovery in the very end, and the paternity problem was also resolved. A little convenient, it seemed.
Like I said, there was so much in this book going on, and in the end, I had the feeling nothing had changed at all. Prophecy, a new villain, the babies, personal issues, the romance developing, character growth… it’s too much for just, what, 350 pages? And when I finished Shadow Heir, I just sat there, on my bed, at 3 o’clock in the morning, thinking, what?
By all of this, my frustration is perfectly justified, right?
No, it’s not, because the part that actually bothered me and drove me over to the edge was the ending. Even now, I can feel my blood boiling in anger. How, oh GOD, did my favorite series came down to this? One of the big discoveries in the end left me so happy I almost began to cry in joy. And then, in the next chapter, I couldn’t believe what I was reading.
Eugenie, my dear, you find out that the bloody fox was actually lying about being the father of your children, and reveal that, actually, Dorian is Ivy and Isaac’s dad, and you decide not to tell him that? You decide to hide this from him, because, according to you, it’s safer for the kids if they don’t live in the Otherworld?
Oh, please, please, don’t do this. This decision, this particular and peculiar decision, angered me so much I almost stopped reading right there. Not two chapters ago, Eugenie was thinking about how her relationship with Dorian could be rebuilt, how she wanted to trust him, and base the aforementioned relationship on love and trust… and then she does this? It’s hypocrite, it’s ridiculous!
First of all, she made this decision alone, because she thought that telling Dorian he had kids would result in a very protective father trying to stay with his children in the Otherworld. And, even though Dorian would lift a city and do anything to protect Ivy and Isaac, it’d still be dangerous for them. Of course he would want to protect his own children! This is the man whose biggest dream is being a father and, let’s not forget, with Eugenie at his side. And yet, she hides this from him?
Again I say, hypocrite! This is the world’s worst decision ever made. It couldn’t disappoint me more. I remember I almost burst in tears when that old woman revealed Eugenie’s pregnancy in Dorian’s castle, and Dorian couldn’t even breathe, thinking her children was his. And how, over and over, he said to her that it would mean the world to him if Eugenie was the mother of his children. And then, in Shadow Heir, Eugenie just decides to hide it from him?
Dorian deserved to know. He deserved to have these kids, to be a father, because he gave everything to Eugenie, and in return, she kept Ivy and Isaac from him. After everything he endured for her, after their talk about trust and love, she still made this decision alone. Dorian had the right to know, he had the right to decide along with her if Ivy and Isaac were better off in the Otherworld or in the human world. And let me be honest here: With two monarchs as powerful as Dorian and Eugenie, and three kingdoms, I think Ivy and Isaac would have a lot of protection. And oh, it would've been so beautiful, so heart-warming if Dorian knew. Can you imagine his reaction to this revelation? Knowing that his biggest dream has become true? I can, and again, I want to cry for this not happening.
The fact that one of my favorite characters ever came down to this broke my heart, along with the fact that Dorian was kept in the dark, and the ones who deserved to die, or at least get their asses kicked (ahem, the fox and the bitchy queen) just went away, without a single hair out of place.
Richelle Mead has disappointed and frustrated me before. But never like this. And I’ve never felt this awful after reading one of her novels. Even now, I want to cry and scream my frustration. I just can’t believe Dark Swan’s final book was such a disappointment. I think a lot of people will love this book, but I just didn't. All I have now is the hope that Bloodlines won’t be as messed up as this series.
I can’t believe I’m giving 2 stars to one of my favorite series (and favorite author). Richelle Mead’s previous series, Georgina Kincaid, and Vampire Academy, were fantastic, but just like this one, the final book let me down. The only difference, though, is the level of disappointment. I was so angry, frustrated and sad at the end of this book that I almost cried.
Eugenie Markham, after 4 books and plenty of adventures, fights, etc etc, still managed to act like a teenager sometimes. And yes, I get it that Richelle Mead wanted her main character to feel and act like a human, and have flaws, but to me, she just looked immature. Most of the time, I don’t really bother with this particular characteristic of the main character, but oh, this got on my nerves as the book progressed.
To be quite honest, I didn’t notice much development in the characters throughout the series except, maybe, Jasmine and Dorian. They were awesome, especially in Shadow Heir. Dorian simply made his feelings and wishes pretty clear, putting aside his greed for power. I loved him for it.
But one huge disappointment is the plot itself. Or maybe I should ask, what plot? Shadow Heir didn’t feel like a final book. First, there’s a villain that didn’t add anything to the story, let alone help conclude it. It was obvious who this villain was since the beginning, and their whole journey to stop this evil, evil character was just unnecessary. There were so many other things that Richelle Mead could’ve explored in Shadow Heir, and a new issue with the seasons in the Otherworld is not one of them. The bigger things, like the Storm King’s prophecy and consequences in the human world, and her own fate regarding whether she’d choose one world or the other, was simply put aside.
Yes, Eugenie’s pregnancy did play a big role, and I enjoyed it, mostly because Eugenie’s feelings about her children were so raw and real, it was obvious the author was putting her own thoughts there, since she just had a baby. But after that was resolved, everything was so rushed I felt lost. If Shadow Heir were two books instead of one (and I know that at first, it was supposed to be), things could’ve get worked out a lot better. There were so many things thrown at us just to finish the series and wrap everything up, that it all felt convenient.
I was particularly anxious to see how the Storm King’s prophecy would be dealt with. And, big surprise, there was a hell of a twist in the end, that just solved the problem for Eugenie. But that’s not all. Another big discovery in the very end, and the paternity problem was also resolved. A little convenient, it seemed.
Like I said, there was so much in this book going on, and in the end, I had the feeling nothing had changed at all. Prophecy, a new villain, the babies, personal issues, the romance developing, character growth… it’s too much for just, what, 350 pages? And when I finished Shadow Heir, I just sat there, on my bed, at 3 o’clock in the morning, thinking, what?
By all of this, my frustration is perfectly justified, right?
No, it’s not, because the part that actually bothered me and drove me over to the edge was the ending. Even now, I can feel my blood boiling in anger. How, oh GOD, did my favorite series came down to this? One of the big discoveries in the end left me so happy I almost began to cry in joy. And then, in the next chapter, I couldn’t believe what I was reading.
Eugenie, my dear, you find out that the bloody fox was actually lying about being the father of your children, and reveal that, actually, Dorian is Ivy and Isaac’s dad, and you decide not to tell him that? You decide to hide this from him, because, according to you, it’s safer for the kids if they don’t live in the Otherworld?
Oh, please, please, don’t do this. This decision, this particular and peculiar decision, angered me so much I almost stopped reading right there. Not two chapters ago, Eugenie was thinking about how her relationship with Dorian could be rebuilt, how she wanted to trust him, and base the aforementioned relationship on love and trust… and then she does this? It’s hypocrite, it’s ridiculous!
First of all, she made this decision alone, because she thought that telling Dorian he had kids would result in a very protective father trying to stay with his children in the Otherworld. And, even though Dorian would lift a city and do anything to protect Ivy and Isaac, it’d still be dangerous for them. Of course he would want to protect his own children! This is the man whose biggest dream is being a father and, let’s not forget, with Eugenie at his side. And yet, she hides this from him?
Again I say, hypocrite! This is the world’s worst decision ever made. It couldn’t disappoint me more. I remember I almost burst in tears when that old woman revealed Eugenie’s pregnancy in Dorian’s castle, and Dorian couldn’t even breathe, thinking her children was his. And how, over and over, he said to her that it would mean the world to him if Eugenie was the mother of his children. And then, in Shadow Heir, Eugenie just decides to hide it from him?
Dorian deserved to know. He deserved to have these kids, to be a father, because he gave everything to Eugenie, and in return, she kept Ivy and Isaac from him. After everything he endured for her, after their talk about trust and love, she still made this decision alone. Dorian had the right to know, he had the right to decide along with her if Ivy and Isaac were better off in the Otherworld or in the human world. And let me be honest here: With two monarchs as powerful as Dorian and Eugenie, and three kingdoms, I think Ivy and Isaac would have a lot of protection. And oh, it would've been so beautiful, so heart-warming if Dorian knew. Can you imagine his reaction to this revelation? Knowing that his biggest dream has become true? I can, and again, I want to cry for this not happening.
The fact that one of my favorite characters ever came down to this broke my heart, along with the fact that Dorian was kept in the dark, and the ones who deserved to die, or at least get their asses kicked (ahem, the fox and the bitchy queen) just went away, without a single hair out of place.
Richelle Mead has disappointed and frustrated me before. But never like this. And I’ve never felt this awful after reading one of her novels. Even now, I want to cry and scream my frustration. I just can’t believe Dark Swan’s final book was such a disappointment. I think a lot of people will love this book, but I just didn't. All I have now is the hope that Bloodlines won’t be as messed up as this series.
December 7, 2011
3.5 stars Oh Eugenie, Eugenie, Eugenie. Throughout all four of the Dark Swan books, I feel like you could have used a good girlfriend you could call whenever you had the urge to do something silly. Unfortunately, you didn't have my number, and as much as I've enjoyed your company, I still have to fight the urge to shake some sense into you, even after all this time.
In Shadow Heir, Eugenie Markham has her twin babies but hides them away in fear of their safety. She returns to the faery world to find that a disaster has fallen on her land, and she must work together with both allies and enemies in order to save the Otherworld that she's come to love. Eugenie's story has always been a lot of fun from the very beginning, when we first learned she was a half-human, half-fae shaman for hire who learns that she's destined to be part of a prophecy that will wreak havoc upon the mortal world. I've really enjoyed her learning to harness her powers (she can control water elements!), uncovering the truth behind her past, and watching her become a more powerful, more dedicated Queen in the faery kingdom. All of the battle scenes are really fun, and if some of the plot points are a bit on the predictable side, that hasn't mattered as much to me because the characters are all nuanced and interesting, the dialogue is snappy and humorous, and the overall story lines are fast-paced and entertaining.
What's been much less enjoyable has been watching Eugenie bounce back and forth between her two love interests, the half-Japanese, half-fox shapeshifter Kiyo, and the madly flirtatious, deadly ambitious King Dorian. While both men were equally attractive in the beginning, the love triangle dragged out interminably, with pretty bad behaviors from everyone concerned. Both men have their own agendas and secrets that they keep from Eugenie, but in the last book Iron Crowned, one of them made a horribly treacherous and unforgivable move, and I went into this book absolutely gunning for blood. One really funny thing about this last installment is that pretty much everyone else in the book hates him, too! Different characters kept bringing up the idea of killing the traitor again and again, to my great satisfaction.
I did very much enjoy reading this story and I was happy that many of the threads that were left hanging in the last book were concluded--but I'm not sure I'm happy about the way they were resolved. Eugenie makes some pretty awful tactical errors, seems deliberately obtuse throughout much of the story, and in the end sets upon a course that made my blood pressure go up a few notches. There is just no reason that she shouldn't have learned by now that dishonesty and deception are never going to pay off. Her decisions at the end were illogical, poorly conceived, and completely unfair to everyone concerned. Also...
Richelle Mead's heroines are always strong, dominant women, which is part of what I like about them--but after producing three series which manage to entertain and frustrate readers in nearly equal measure, it's pretty clear to me that the biggest issue is that in trying to make her main character flawed, she so often makes the main character stupid as well. Or at least irrational and thoughtless, which is so frustrating when our heroine usually otherwise behaves with a great deal of courage and integrity and common sense. That's not to say that obstacles shouldn't be thrown in the main character's way or that she shouldn't make mistakes, since that's what keeps things interesting. But there should be solid reasons given for withholding information/not taking action/etc, etc., other than just to extend the story. We can't root for the heroine if we're suddenly rolling our eyes at her all the time.
So this is, once again, a mixed conclusion to a Richelle Mead series. I still enjoy her books quite a lot because they're so darned entertaining--but things never seem to end with my having as much respect for the heroine as I did in the beginning. It is so very disappointing when it appears that readers believe in the characters' self-worth and honor more than their author does.
**My thanks go out to the lovely Flannery for knowing how much I was dying to read this book and being kind enough to share her ARC.**
In Shadow Heir, Eugenie Markham has her twin babies but hides them away in fear of their safety. She returns to the faery world to find that a disaster has fallen on her land, and she must work together with both allies and enemies in order to save the Otherworld that she's come to love. Eugenie's story has always been a lot of fun from the very beginning, when we first learned she was a half-human, half-fae shaman for hire who learns that she's destined to be part of a prophecy that will wreak havoc upon the mortal world. I've really enjoyed her learning to harness her powers (she can control water elements!), uncovering the truth behind her past, and watching her become a more powerful, more dedicated Queen in the faery kingdom. All of the battle scenes are really fun, and if some of the plot points are a bit on the predictable side, that hasn't mattered as much to me because the characters are all nuanced and interesting, the dialogue is snappy and humorous, and the overall story lines are fast-paced and entertaining.
What's been much less enjoyable has been watching Eugenie bounce back and forth between her two love interests, the half-Japanese, half-fox shapeshifter Kiyo, and the madly flirtatious, deadly ambitious King Dorian. While both men were equally attractive in the beginning, the love triangle dragged out interminably, with pretty bad behaviors from everyone concerned. Both men have their own agendas and secrets that they keep from Eugenie, but in the last book Iron Crowned, one of them made a horribly treacherous and unforgivable move, and I went into this book absolutely gunning for blood. One really funny thing about this last installment is that pretty much everyone else in the book hates him, too! Different characters kept bringing up the idea of killing the traitor again and again, to my great satisfaction.
I did very much enjoy reading this story and I was happy that many of the threads that were left hanging in the last book were concluded--but I'm not sure I'm happy about the way they were resolved. Eugenie makes some pretty awful tactical errors, seems deliberately obtuse throughout much of the story, and in the end sets upon a course that made my blood pressure go up a few notches. There is just no reason that she shouldn't have learned by now that dishonesty and deception are never going to pay off. Her decisions at the end were illogical, poorly conceived, and completely unfair to everyone concerned. Also...
Richelle Mead's heroines are always strong, dominant women, which is part of what I like about them--but after producing three series which manage to entertain and frustrate readers in nearly equal measure, it's pretty clear to me that the biggest issue is that in trying to make her main character flawed, she so often makes the main character stupid as well. Or at least irrational and thoughtless, which is so frustrating when our heroine usually otherwise behaves with a great deal of courage and integrity and common sense. That's not to say that obstacles shouldn't be thrown in the main character's way or that she shouldn't make mistakes, since that's what keeps things interesting. But there should be solid reasons given for withholding information/not taking action/etc, etc., other than just to extend the story. We can't root for the heroine if we're suddenly rolling our eyes at her all the time.
So this is, once again, a mixed conclusion to a Richelle Mead series. I still enjoy her books quite a lot because they're so darned entertaining--but things never seem to end with my having as much respect for the heroine as I did in the beginning. It is so very disappointing when it appears that readers believe in the characters' self-worth and honor more than their author does.
**My thanks go out to the lovely Flannery for knowing how much I was dying to read this book and being kind enough to share her ARC.**
June 17, 2020
EDIT: June 2020.
I still think that the book would have been better if the first third was cut short. I was not really enjoying Eugenie doing... nothing.
The funny thing is that with every read I'm angrier and angrier with Eugenie. She does terrible things and then tries to excuse her behaviour. But at the same time, she punishes everyone for the smallest things. I'm starting to wish that there was more of character growth for her.
Sigh, this series really needs something. I'm not asking for a whole book; a novella would be enough or even a short story. Just to give this story a real closure it deserves. The ending Dorian deserves!
And yeah, I still have fingers crossed that this would be Richelle Mead's COVID-19 project. It is probably unlikely, but the hope is all I have.
EDIT (11/4/2017): Wow, the ending made me angrier than the first time around. Dorian deserved so much more!
I loved the book/series. But the ending killed me. This book came out in 2011, and I have no hope that Richelle Mead will return to this series which kills me.
The beginning was kind of slow < spoiler> I know; she was pregnant. But the book could start later in the pregnancy. .
I still hate Kiyo and that Maiwenn monster!
I like how Richelle found the solution for Storm King heir. < spoiler> I knew that those kids were Dorian's. I just wish that Maiwenn would let it go so that Eugenie could take them to Dorian .
I guess I am going to just keep hoping that one day Richelle will write at least a novella where someone kills Kiyo and Maiwenn. < spoiler> And Dorian will meet Ivy and Isaac. <3 I cannot wait for that!
Btw, it's just me or did Kiyo's, and Maiwenn's daughter went from Luisa to Marta?
I still think that the book would have been better if the first third was cut short. I was not really enjoying Eugenie doing... nothing.
The funny thing is that with every read I'm angrier and angrier with Eugenie. She does terrible things and then tries to excuse her behaviour. But at the same time, she punishes everyone for the smallest things. I'm starting to wish that there was more of character growth for her.
Sigh, this series really needs something. I'm not asking for a whole book; a novella would be enough or even a short story. Just to give this story a real closure it deserves. The ending Dorian deserves!
And yeah, I still have fingers crossed that this would be Richelle Mead's COVID-19 project. It is probably unlikely, but the hope is all I have.
EDIT (11/4/2017): Wow, the ending made me angrier than the first time around. Dorian deserved so much more!
I loved the book/series. But the ending killed me. This book came out in 2011, and I have no hope that Richelle Mead will return to this series which kills me.
The beginning was kind of slow < spoiler> I know; she was pregnant. But the book could start later in the pregnancy. .
I still hate Kiyo and that Maiwenn monster!
I like how Richelle found the solution for Storm King heir. < spoiler> I knew that those kids were Dorian's. I just wish that Maiwenn would let it go so that Eugenie could take them to Dorian .
I guess I am going to just keep hoping that one day Richelle will write at least a novella where someone kills Kiyo and Maiwenn. < spoiler> And Dorian will meet Ivy and Isaac. <3 I cannot wait for that!
Btw, it's just me or did Kiyo's, and Maiwenn's daughter went from Luisa to Marta?
March 8, 2018
Please excuse my french but...
What kind of Bullshit was that?! I waited 4 books just for the series to end with a CLIFFHANGER!!!!!!!! I know I am not the only one that feels that there should be a 5th book in the making. I mean how can you end the book that way. What kind of monster are you?!!! Richelle ANSWER MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!! This book was like a mega mindfuck. IF she ever writes another adult series, I can guarantee I will be highly hesitant to read it.
Note to all Writers*
Never end a series with something unresolved. Ever. You will lose readers that way.
*UPDATE*
03/07/2018
True to my word, I have not read any other book by her. She really did ruin it all for me. Evil witch.
What kind of Bullshit was that?! I waited 4 books just for the series to end with a CLIFFHANGER!!!!!!!! I know I am not the only one that feels that there should be a 5th book in the making. I mean how can you end the book that way. What kind of monster are you?!!! Richelle ANSWER MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!! This book was like a mega mindfuck. IF she ever writes another adult series, I can guarantee I will be highly hesitant to read it.
Note to all Writers*
Never end a series with something unresolved. Ever. You will lose readers that way.
*UPDATE*
03/07/2018
True to my word, I have not read any other book by her. She really did ruin it all for me. Evil witch.
January 27, 2012
Why do I do this to myself? Kiyo better die in this one!
Finally a cover! Did you read the blurb? The uneasy truce between her and her shape shifter ex-lover Kiyo is endangered by secrets he can't--or won't--reveal. What uneasy truce????
3 - 3.5 stars - Not what I expected after seeing a lot of reviews -
Updated - 1/27/12
Shadow Heir had been staring at me for a few weeks now. It’s pretty pink cover mocked me, dared me to read it. Reviews had started to come in and a lot of the reviews were not very positive. I enjoyed the first two books in the series Storm Born and Thorn Queen, but that third book Iron Crowned made me want to scream. You see, Eugenie doesn’t make very good choices in her life and there was a certain foxy man that needed to be eliminated, taken out of the equation, made into a fur coat, etc.
So it was with great trepidation that I picked up this book. I had to see what all the fuss was about. Why were people so angry? Much to my surprise, I found myself enjoying the book.
Looking back at my notes, I did have a few “Eugenie, what an idiot!!!” notes jotted down but they seemed to be offset by quite a few “Dorian is amazing” notes. And Dorian is the reason why I love this series. Dorian is there for Eugenie throughout the series. No matter what stupid decision she makes, Dorian is there and he offers his support. Dorian’s character is exactly what this series needs. Partly conceited, mostly high up on himself, well versed in diplomacy, brave, good looking, and talented in the bedroom, Dorian is one of the best characters Mead has written. I had to giggle when Dorian renamed Eugenie’s son Thundro because it sounded like a conqueror’s name.
Eugenie’s sister was another surprise. Back in the earlier books Jasmine was the bane of Eugenie’s existence. Then something happened in Iron Crowned and I had a new respect for her. In this book, Jasmine matured gracefully and there is a touch of badass in her.
We also learn more about Volusian’s background. Volusian is Eugenie’s minion and is forced to do her bidding. I’ve always loved this character and the tenuous hold Eugenie had over him. One wrong move and he would have been ecstatic to kill her, yet he was a valuable member of her team.
In a way, I’m kind of sad that the series has ended. There were so many loose ends I would have liked to see wrapped up, but I was still happy with the ending. I’m hoping that Mead will write a spin off series eventually.
Review posted on Badass Book Reviews,
Finally a cover! Did you read the blurb? The uneasy truce between her and her shape shifter ex-lover Kiyo is endangered by secrets he can't--or won't--reveal. What uneasy truce????
3 - 3.5 stars - Not what I expected after seeing a lot of reviews -
Updated - 1/27/12
Shadow Heir had been staring at me for a few weeks now. It’s pretty pink cover mocked me, dared me to read it. Reviews had started to come in and a lot of the reviews were not very positive. I enjoyed the first two books in the series Storm Born and Thorn Queen, but that third book Iron Crowned made me want to scream. You see, Eugenie doesn’t make very good choices in her life and there was a certain foxy man that needed to be eliminated, taken out of the equation, made into a fur coat, etc.
So it was with great trepidation that I picked up this book. I had to see what all the fuss was about. Why were people so angry? Much to my surprise, I found myself enjoying the book.
Looking back at my notes, I did have a few “Eugenie, what an idiot!!!” notes jotted down but they seemed to be offset by quite a few “Dorian is amazing” notes. And Dorian is the reason why I love this series. Dorian is there for Eugenie throughout the series. No matter what stupid decision she makes, Dorian is there and he offers his support. Dorian’s character is exactly what this series needs. Partly conceited, mostly high up on himself, well versed in diplomacy, brave, good looking, and talented in the bedroom, Dorian is one of the best characters Mead has written. I had to giggle when Dorian renamed Eugenie’s son Thundro because it sounded like a conqueror’s name.
Eugenie’s sister was another surprise. Back in the earlier books Jasmine was the bane of Eugenie’s existence. Then something happened in Iron Crowned and I had a new respect for her. In this book, Jasmine matured gracefully and there is a touch of badass in her.
We also learn more about Volusian’s background. Volusian is Eugenie’s minion and is forced to do her bidding. I’ve always loved this character and the tenuous hold Eugenie had over him. One wrong move and he would have been ecstatic to kill her, yet he was a valuable member of her team.
In a way, I’m kind of sad that the series has ended. There were so many loose ends I would have liked to see wrapped up, but I was still happy with the ending. I’m hoping that Mead will write a spin off series eventually.
Review posted on Badass Book Reviews,
September 2, 2016
*** 3.44 ***
A buddy read with my Wednesday UF fanatics at BB&B!
This book was not bad. It was well written, it had a good plot, the pacing was a bit slow in the beginning, but it did pick up eventually, and was even logical in its own, entirely unsatisfactory way.... It was not bad, but it was not what it promised us it would be either! It is what I would call "a missed opportunity to have a great ending"!!!
I am the biggest proponent of letting the author take us wherever they want to. It is that author's story, they should tell it the way they intend to. And I try not to be frustrated when the ending goes to another place than what I would have liked it to go. But I can not help but wonder sometimes why would an author give us a series of books which develop in a certain direction, give us a build up and Maya root for the heroes and their quest, and then give us a series finale with semi-completed, partially resolved, and utterly uninspired end??? Was there an end really? If I didn't know that this was the last book, I would be looking for the next volume in which I am sure, we would close all the loose ends up and get some closure...
I understand "open endings", I understand open to interpretation and analysis, but it felt to me like the author gave me a world of interesting characters, imaginative world, great story base, and fascinating plot, promised me a great resolution, and in the end got herself to deep and broke her promises to me personally.... And it could have been really beautiful and great!!!
I am still happy I read the books and I really enjoyed most of it, I just felt let down at the end, and this is what we as readers are left with, isn't it?
I wish you all Happy Reading and may you have all the time to read the books you want!!!
A buddy read with my Wednesday UF fanatics at BB&B!
This book was not bad. It was well written, it had a good plot, the pacing was a bit slow in the beginning, but it did pick up eventually, and was even logical in its own, entirely unsatisfactory way.... It was not bad, but it was not what it promised us it would be either! It is what I would call "a missed opportunity to have a great ending"!!!
I am the biggest proponent of letting the author take us wherever they want to. It is that author's story, they should tell it the way they intend to. And I try not to be frustrated when the ending goes to another place than what I would have liked it to go. But I can not help but wonder sometimes why would an author give us a series of books which develop in a certain direction, give us a build up and Maya root for the heroes and their quest, and then give us a series finale with semi-completed, partially resolved, and utterly uninspired end??? Was there an end really? If I didn't know that this was the last book, I would be looking for the next volume in which I am sure, we would close all the loose ends up and get some closure...
I understand "open endings", I understand open to interpretation and analysis, but it felt to me like the author gave me a world of interesting characters, imaginative world, great story base, and fascinating plot, promised me a great resolution, and in the end got herself to deep and broke her promises to me personally.... And it could have been really beautiful and great!!!
I am still happy I read the books and I really enjoyed most of it, I just felt let down at the end, and this is what we as readers are left with, isn't it?
I wish you all Happy Reading and may you have all the time to read the books you want!!!
December 31, 2011
I'm absolutely disappointed with this book. I feel sort of betrayed that Richelle would choose to end it they way that she did. An ending like that would be enough for me to drop an author altogether and the only reason I won't is because I'm way too invested in her VA world to drop Bloodlines.
This is strike two against Richelle's end of series. The way LS ended was sort of disappointing but there was the excuse that things would be explained later in the spin-off. I don't fail to see the irony that her most successful end of series was with Succubus and that series wasn't even great in my opinion.
It is Richelle's style to make her heroines with flaws. I get that and I accept it, even though they make me cringe and roll my eyes several times. What I don't get is building an expectation like Richelle did in Iron Crowned to just divert the story to a totally different direction. If you are expecting a confrontation between Eugenie and Kiyo, or any real confrontation involving Eugenie, Dorian, Kiyo, and Mayween, well, sorry to disappoint but it doesn't happen.
You will also see Eugenie in yet another quest to defeat a bad guy that honestly, I didn't care about. The entire book felt like a filler and the matter that everyone really wanted to see resolved only got addressed at the end of it and I have to say, it was lacking. Okay, there were a couple interesting twists that I didn't see coming but they weren't enough to save the book. And the ending was so ridiculous and senseless that I can only assume Richelle wrote the book while pregnant and the hormones addled her brains.
This is strike two against Richelle's end of series. The way LS ended was sort of disappointing but there was the excuse that things would be explained later in the spin-off. I don't fail to see the irony that her most successful end of series was with Succubus and that series wasn't even great in my opinion.
It is Richelle's style to make her heroines with flaws. I get that and I accept it, even though they make me cringe and roll my eyes several times. What I don't get is building an expectation like Richelle did in Iron Crowned to just divert the story to a totally different direction. If you are expecting a confrontation between Eugenie and Kiyo, or any real confrontation involving Eugenie, Dorian, Kiyo, and Mayween, well, sorry to disappoint but it doesn't happen.
You will also see Eugenie in yet another quest to defeat a bad guy that honestly, I didn't care about. The entire book felt like a filler and the matter that everyone really wanted to see resolved only got addressed at the end of it and I have to say, it was lacking. Okay, there were a couple interesting twists that I didn't see coming but they weren't enough to save the book. And the ending was so ridiculous and senseless that I can only assume Richelle wrote the book while pregnant and the hormones addled her brains.
September 16, 2016
Ugh….there was so much potential and then…..and then
Okay so I loved…LOVED….loved the Georgina Kincaid Succubus Blues series. It was six books and an emotional rollercoaster and the ending was pretty perfect. There weren’t HEAs for everyone but I really liked how it all sorted out in the end. So I went into this hoping for a similar experience and well….that isn’t what I got.
I overthought the whole thing and I was pretty sure that there were some clues along the way as to where everything was heading. That Dorian’s seerer gave him some insight to obstacles he would have to overcome with Eugenie. That the stupid slinky he had next to him during dinner has some significant meaning (like maybe he was waiting for her return to him). I was totally was waiting for some big emotional moment with Eugenie and Dorian (there was a few minor ones but not the big one I expected). I also wanted to resolution to that whole Stormking’s first grandson who will lead and invasion into the human world.
What I got was….half a book with Eugenie in hiding waiting to have the twins, a quarter of the book traveling to try and save the fey lands from and evil queen, Volutian’s story being the most interesting thing in the book and it lasted only a few pages overall and something at the end that pissed me off beyond belief.
*Breath….just breath Robin* So rumor has it that this series was supposed to be 6 books like her other series and sales weren’t as good so they totally cut it to 4 books. Is that true??? I have no idea but I could believe that it is true since some of the stuff in this book felt dragged out (in hiding to have the babies) and then so much of it seemed so rushed. Especially the part about the Stormking’s Heir and Eugenie and Dorian figuring out their relationship. But I kinda just wanted to get to the end and then the thing happened that completely and totally pissed me off.
THIS IS A TOTAL RANT AND HUGE SPOILER TO THE ENTIRE SERIES….
So…if you didn’t read that whole spiel basically I didn’t like the ending. A disappointing ending to a series that had a lot of potential that just petered out.
Okay so I loved…LOVED….loved the Georgina Kincaid Succubus Blues series. It was six books and an emotional rollercoaster and the ending was pretty perfect. There weren’t HEAs for everyone but I really liked how it all sorted out in the end. So I went into this hoping for a similar experience and well….that isn’t what I got.
I overthought the whole thing and I was pretty sure that there were some clues along the way as to where everything was heading. That Dorian’s seerer gave him some insight to obstacles he would have to overcome with Eugenie. That the stupid slinky he had next to him during dinner has some significant meaning (like maybe he was waiting for her return to him). I was totally was waiting for some big emotional moment with Eugenie and Dorian (there was a few minor ones but not the big one I expected). I also wanted to resolution to that whole Stormking’s first grandson who will lead and invasion into the human world.
What I got was….half a book with Eugenie in hiding waiting to have the twins, a quarter of the book traveling to try and save the fey lands from and evil queen, Volutian’s story being the most interesting thing in the book and it lasted only a few pages overall and something at the end that pissed me off beyond belief.
*Breath….just breath Robin* So rumor has it that this series was supposed to be 6 books like her other series and sales weren’t as good so they totally cut it to 4 books. Is that true??? I have no idea but I could believe that it is true since some of the stuff in this book felt dragged out (in hiding to have the babies) and then so much of it seemed so rushed. Especially the part about the Stormking’s Heir and Eugenie and Dorian figuring out their relationship. But I kinda just wanted to get to the end and then the thing happened that completely and totally pissed me off.
THIS IS A TOTAL RANT AND HUGE SPOILER TO THE ENTIRE SERIES….
So…if you didn’t read that whole spiel basically I didn’t like the ending. A disappointing ending to a series that had a lot of potential that just petered out.
August 23, 2016
I really don't know if I loved this book or if I absolutely hated it.
Rage-written review, proceed with caution
Now let me explain.
This is the worst series ending I have ever read!!!!
Why do I prefer PNR/UF/romance? Because of the happy endings. Because I know that, not matter how good/bad a book is, it will end up on a happy note.
This book? GAHHHHH!!!
I haven't been so pissed off on a book since... forever, maybe. Or a long time, certainly. I mean, I get the open endings, if you plan on continuing the series. But a cliffhanger/open ending at the end of the series, when you don't plan on EVER writing anything else about this world, these characters?!?!?!? Really?!?!??!?!
The idiotness of Eugine (female main char) is beyond imaginable! I can't believe an author would do something like this to a character that I absolutely loved.
I absolutely loved the fact that, in the end, . But then I checked and I saw I was at 98% of the book. My first thought: the ending will be rushed, I won't get to enjoy it as much as I could. Then I got to 100%. And I started looking for the rest of the book.
Really, how could a series end like this! I don't even know if I should recommend it to anyone. I loved it, but I hate it so much right now! I really dunno what to say about this.
So, why did I give it 5 stars, not 1 (what it would deserve, after this ending)?
Because normally I rate my books depending on emotions. If I was surprised, if I loved it, hated it, cried, laughed, yelled etc. It's a flawed system, I know, but it's what I prefer. So despite hating the ending, in a way, I loved it. A typically HEA would have been a lot better, but I can't bring myself to downgrade this book just 'cause it pissed me off.
Rage-written review, proceed with caution
Now let me explain.
This is the worst series ending I have ever read!!!!
Why do I prefer PNR/UF/romance? Because of the happy endings. Because I know that, not matter how good/bad a book is, it will end up on a happy note.
This book? GAHHHHH!!!
I haven't been so pissed off on a book since... forever, maybe. Or a long time, certainly. I mean, I get the open endings, if you plan on continuing the series. But a cliffhanger/open ending at the end of the series, when you don't plan on EVER writing anything else about this world, these characters?!?!?!? Really?!?!??!?!
The idiotness of Eugine (female main char) is beyond imaginable! I can't believe an author would do something like this to a character that I absolutely loved.
I absolutely loved the fact that, in the end, . But then I checked and I saw I was at 98% of the book. My first thought: the ending will be rushed, I won't get to enjoy it as much as I could. Then I got to 100%. And I started looking for the rest of the book.
Really, how could a series end like this! I don't even know if I should recommend it to anyone. I loved it, but I hate it so much right now! I really dunno what to say about this.
So, why did I give it 5 stars, not 1 (what it would deserve, after this ending)?
Because normally I rate my books depending on emotions. If I was surprised, if I loved it, hated it, cried, laughed, yelled etc. It's a flawed system, I know, but it's what I prefer. So despite hating the ending, in a way, I loved it. A typically HEA would have been a lot better, but I can't bring myself to downgrade this book just 'cause it pissed me off.
April 8, 2012
2.5 stars, if that.
UGH! HUGE disappointment. Thats all I'm willing to say right now.
~Edited for final words above.~
Pre-review:
If Kiyo doesn't end up a soft, pretty wall decoration in Dorian’s home, I may have to quit you, Richelle Mead. (Adrian’s story being the only exception, of course.)
UGH! HUGE disappointment. Thats all I'm willing to say right now.
~Edited for final words above.~
Pre-review:
If Kiyo doesn't end up a soft, pretty wall decoration in Dorian’s home, I may have to quit you, Richelle Mead. (Adrian’s story being the only exception, of course.)
December 28, 2011
2.8 stars and most of that is for Volusian and his awesome. Tiny review later.
* * *
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!
After everything Kiyo's done she's still making truces with that asshole? Hello, fool, HE TRIED TO KILL YOU AND Not even Sassy Gay Friend could save Eugenie from herself at this point. She's a special kind of stupid.
This is most likely going to be a delicious trainwreck of epic proportions and I can't wait to get my hands on it.
* * *
The uneasy truce between her and her shape shifter ex-lover Kiyo is endangered by secrets he can't--or won't--reveal.
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!
After everything Kiyo's done she's still making truces with that asshole? Hello, fool, HE TRIED TO KILL YOU AND Not even Sassy Gay Friend could save Eugenie from herself at this point. She's a special kind of stupid.
This is most likely going to be a delicious trainwreck of epic proportions and I can't wait to get my hands on it.
December 30, 2011
I dont know whether to rate it high or low because it was a great book but i was quite disatisfied with the ending . I want to know what his reaction would be - those that have read it know what i'm talking about - and i just wish it had ended different, she has to tell him or their relashioship isn't going to work. To be honest i wouldn't forgive someone if they lied about that - not that they can because i'm female.
I can kind of (a tinsy bit) see where she is coming from but i would never have been able to make that choice so when the next book comes along -there has to be a next book- the problem has to be sorted out immediately!
I can kind of (a tinsy bit) see where she is coming from but i would never have been able to make that choice so when the next book comes along -there has to be a next book- the problem has to be sorted out immediately!
February 5, 2018
Uhhh I don't understand why everyone was so upset with the ending. I've got no problems with it.
2011 thoughts:
A pink cover and comes out on my birthday!
^_^
Here's hoping her gift to me is Kiyo's slow, painful death; preferably by castration, but I'll also accept a mortal gut wound.
2011 thoughts:
A pink cover and comes out on my birthday!
^_^
Here's hoping her gift to me is Kiyo's slow, painful death; preferably by castration, but I'll also accept a mortal gut wound.
January 6, 2012
3.5
not one of my favourite books in the series, but i really liked the final quarte. i wanted more relationship stuff with Dorian and the poopdeck Kitsune involved, it only really started happening at the end, which is why i liked the ending so much. still, four stars is pretty good. but i really, really, really wanted a different ending outcome:
okay, i just found out that this will be the last book in the series and my thought is: that was a shitty ending for the series. sorry Mead, generally, i'm a fan of your work but... i gotta say, the ending to this series is disappointing.
* * *
Why doesn't Kiyo just leave? never to return?
no. way.
i don't want to wait until next year before i can get my hands on this! oh my god, oh my god! what an ending to Iron Crowned! kills me that wheni finally get what i want Eugenie finally gets what she wants, she changes her mind.
and i totally knew there was a reason I didn't like Kiyo! even from book 1! Die fox die! okay, I guess I'm still on bloodthirsty kill the Kitsune mode.
not one of my favourite books in the series, but i really liked the final quarte. i wanted more relationship stuff with Dorian and the poopdeck Kitsune involved, it only really started happening at the end, which is why i liked the ending so much. still, four stars is pretty good. but i really, really, really wanted a different ending outcome:
okay, i just found out that this will be the last book in the series and my thought is: that was a shitty ending for the series. sorry Mead, generally, i'm a fan of your work but... i gotta say, the ending to this series is disappointing.
* * *
Why doesn't Kiyo just leave? never to return?
no. way.
i don't want to wait until next year before i can get my hands on this! oh my god, oh my god! what an ending to Iron Crowned! kills me that when
and i totally knew there was a reason I didn't like Kiyo! even from book 1! Die fox die! okay, I guess I'm still on bloodthirsty kill the Kitsune mode.
November 18, 2015
Hmmmmmmm
September 4, 2016
I was careful not to read the reviews for this beyond their first lines because I knew a lot of readers were disappointed by its resolution and ending. But all the way through I was anticipating the BIG LET DOWN. Right up to 95 %, I thought I had escaped it, but there it was, right at the end to sucker punch me.
I ended up disliking the main character quite a bit. The author presented an admittedly flawed character who I liked anyway. She was involved in a very frustrating love triangle throughout most of the series, but I found most of her mistakes to be forgivable and somehow making her more human. Now I've finished I just think she was stupid and learned nothing during all her adventures!
You can argue that the author's still done a good job if I feel that strongly about the character. But truly, I am just disappointed. I'd enjoyed the book well enough up to that point, but the ending has just tainted the whole series.
Oh well. Onwards and upwards...
I ended up disliking the main character quite a bit. The author presented an admittedly flawed character who I liked anyway. She was involved in a very frustrating love triangle throughout most of the series, but I found most of her mistakes to be forgivable and somehow making her more human. Now I've finished I just think she was stupid and learned nothing during all her adventures!
You can argue that the author's still done a good job if I feel that strongly about the character. But truly, I am just disappointed. I'd enjoyed the book well enough up to that point, but the ending has just tainted the whole series.
Oh well. Onwards and upwards...
January 3, 2012
Originally posted at WickedLilPixie Reviews
Blurrrg. What. the. hell? That was my initial reaction upon completing Shadow Heir. As the last book in Richelle Mead’s Dark Swan series, I will tell you right now I expected more. Way more. Especially after the great steps back Eugenie made as a character and Queen in the previous book, Iron Crowned. But I hung on, I thought maybe this would just be a case of us needing to remember we can all take a few steps back, but still detour back on course. Sadly, my suspicions that this entire story was pulled out of WTF-ville by the seat of someone’s pants became stronger and stronger as I progressed through the pages. It’s not the writing that is bad, Richelle Mead has to-date been one of my top favorite authors with her Georgina Kincaid series. I just feel that Eugenie, Dorian, and hell even Kiyo (yes I am saying that) deserved more than wrapping the series up this way. Maybe my expectations were too high as a Eugenie fan to see her go away this way, and were unrealistic. Regardless, I am disappointed as a fan.
In this fourth and final Dark Swan installment, Eugenie officially evolves in to one of my least favorite heroines, ever. She was dipping in to this category with Iron Crowned, and this just carried over. She makes one selfishly wreckless step after another, and it just becomes unbearable for me to witness. I ended up finishing this series thoroughly annoyed with the heroine and really caring less what happens to her, outside of how it would affect Dorian. I will always love me some Dorian I wanted an HEA for HIM the most, screw Eugenie. There is that final proverbial nail in the coffin that happens to seal the deal, and I was left saying WHATEVER! This is to be the great legacy of Eugenie Markham? I need my characters to evolve in strength of character, not completely devolve. Whaaaattheeefuuuuudge.
To summarize: big pile of sad faces right here. I’ll probably still check out any future adult Richelle Mead series that may release. Overall I’ve still enjoyed her writing, when I feel her heart is in it. Ms. Mead can tap in to some supremely intense emotions and shake you around a bit. It’s a really awesome ride when the passion is there. The Mead Effect just fell apart somewhere half through Eugenie’s story. I still recommend the first two books of the series! It’s okay, Richelle, I ain’t mad at ya.
Blurrrg. What. the. hell? That was my initial reaction upon completing Shadow Heir. As the last book in Richelle Mead’s Dark Swan series, I will tell you right now I expected more. Way more. Especially after the great steps back Eugenie made as a character and Queen in the previous book, Iron Crowned. But I hung on, I thought maybe this would just be a case of us needing to remember we can all take a few steps back, but still detour back on course. Sadly, my suspicions that this entire story was pulled out of WTF-ville by the seat of someone’s pants became stronger and stronger as I progressed through the pages. It’s not the writing that is bad, Richelle Mead has to-date been one of my top favorite authors with her Georgina Kincaid series. I just feel that Eugenie, Dorian, and hell even Kiyo (yes I am saying that) deserved more than wrapping the series up this way. Maybe my expectations were too high as a Eugenie fan to see her go away this way, and were unrealistic. Regardless, I am disappointed as a fan.
In this fourth and final Dark Swan installment, Eugenie officially evolves in to one of my least favorite heroines, ever. She was dipping in to this category with Iron Crowned, and this just carried over. She makes one selfishly wreckless step after another, and it just becomes unbearable for me to witness. I ended up finishing this series thoroughly annoyed with the heroine and really caring less what happens to her, outside of how it would affect Dorian. I will always love me some Dorian I wanted an HEA for HIM the most, screw Eugenie. There is that final proverbial nail in the coffin that happens to seal the deal, and I was left saying WHATEVER! This is to be the great legacy of Eugenie Markham? I need my characters to evolve in strength of character, not completely devolve. Whaaaattheeefuuuuudge.
To summarize: big pile of sad faces right here. I’ll probably still check out any future adult Richelle Mead series that may release. Overall I’ve still enjoyed her writing, when I feel her heart is in it. Ms. Mead can tap in to some supremely intense emotions and shake you around a bit. It’s a really awesome ride when the passion is there. The Mead Effect just fell apart somewhere half through Eugenie’s story. I still recommend the first two books of the series! It’s okay, Richelle, I ain’t mad at ya.
January 12, 2012
I am sad to see how this series,whick I had loved, ended with me feeling very let down. RM made Euguie into the biggest hypocrite I have ever read! OMG I HATED how she ended this series!
Have to say, Dorian was definitley the best part of the series,and deserves someone better than Eugiene. My wish is that he finds out THE TRUTH,gets the twins and kicks her out on her ass for not telling him he was their father!
Have to say, Dorian was definitley the best part of the series,and deserves someone better than Eugiene. My wish is that he finds out THE TRUTH,gets the twins and kicks her out on her ass for not telling him he was their father!
December 31, 2011
Meh. Wanna bet there'll be a novella or short story next year? The end was sloppy. As I was reading the book I remember thinking "I should be making a note of all these plot holes." But in truth, I'm just glad it's over. By the end I wanted Kiyo and Maiwenn to die, and Eugenie too.
December 30, 2011
3.5 stars.
Anyone who knows me by now, knows that I am a Mead fangirl. Her ability to create different worlds, races, and a variety of character types has always impressed me. Her talent for writing witty quips and exchanges keeps me bookmarking quotes in every book, so I can share them later. Her genius for drawing me into a story, making me love and hate characters and scenarios so passionately is a big reason why I know that I will continue to read anything she writes. I don't even mind the character flaws she tends to bring out in people. These are the things that humanize us and show how different we all are. Everyone reacts differently to situations and not everyone makes the right choices.
Every time I give a Mead book a rating less than 4 star, it almost makes me feel guilty. The amount of thought that the author must put into every single story - from the world creation, to researching the lore, to shaping the characters, to the delightful banter - all of it is a joy to read.
Reading Shadow Heir was a fun time. The ending was "good enough." Even though there were a few open ends, I think enough was hinted at that you knew a bit of what could happen. In that aspect, I was not unsatisfied.
The only reason I didn't have it in me to give the book a full 4 star was because I felt like there could have been more with
So yeah...dropped the ball there. Either there needed to be a better transition from or there should have been some better closure or explanation on that front.
On a side note - I laughed so hard at Dorian thinking "Thundro" was a good name for a child.
Anyone who knows me by now, knows that I am a Mead fangirl. Her ability to create different worlds, races, and a variety of character types has always impressed me. Her talent for writing witty quips and exchanges keeps me bookmarking quotes in every book, so I can share them later. Her genius for drawing me into a story, making me love and hate characters and scenarios so passionately is a big reason why I know that I will continue to read anything she writes. I don't even mind the character flaws she tends to bring out in people. These are the things that humanize us and show how different we all are. Everyone reacts differently to situations and not everyone makes the right choices.
Every time I give a Mead book a rating less than 4 star, it almost makes me feel guilty. The amount of thought that the author must put into every single story - from the world creation, to researching the lore, to shaping the characters, to the delightful banter - all of it is a joy to read.
Reading Shadow Heir was a fun time. The ending was "good enough." Even though there were a few open ends, I think enough was hinted at that you knew a bit of what could happen. In that aspect, I was not unsatisfied.
The only reason I didn't have it in me to give the book a full 4 star was because I felt like there could have been more with
So yeah...dropped the ball there. Either there needed to be a better transition from or there should have been some better closure or explanation on that front.
On a side note - I laughed so hard at Dorian thinking "Thundro" was a good name for a child.
January 21, 2012
I can't say that this is my favourite book by Richelle Mead. Mead is one of those authors who love to drive their readers crazy, both in good and bad ways that always result in the same thing: the desparate need for another book.
I think with this supposed end to the Dark Swan series, Mead was focusing more on keeping the series open-ended for possible spin-off books. And because of this, there were a lot of pointless build-up because readers didn't get that satisfied hit after reading this.
SHADOW HEIR was lacking in a lot of ways. I will not comment on those points because they are extremely spoilery.
But there is one bright spot and that is Dorian. Oh how I love thee! He kept me from dropping this book.
I think with this supposed end to the Dark Swan series, Mead was focusing more on keeping the series open-ended for possible spin-off books. And because of this, there were a lot of pointless build-up because readers didn't get that satisfied hit after reading this.
SHADOW HEIR was lacking in a lot of ways. I will not comment on those points because they are extremely spoilery.
But there is one bright spot and that is Dorian. Oh how I love thee! He kept me from dropping this book.
September 15, 2020
“It’s truth, my dear. And I’m willing to put it all at your disposal—I’m willing to put anything at your disposal—if it’ll help you and yours. As I keep saying: What wouldn’t I do for you?”
I already knew this series finale was going to be disappointing, but not to this extent.
I don't know what the hell is going to be of this review, but I'm sure there will be spoilers about that garbage of an ending
Look, I don't actually want to make this review my usual 1k rant because I already suffered enough with this book.
This book could have been 200 pages shorter, and the "story/ending" would have been the same. To be honest, I was bored for, at least, 70% of the book. Nothing happened of interest, nothing that took the narrative forward in any way.
I will accept that Eugenie did grow in this book but I feel that it was such a slow yet fast character development to do in 400 pages when you had 3 books to make it slowly but with purpose.
Eugenie isn't the strongest character in her own story. I'm talking about character development here, bear with me. In the first book, she comes off as selfish, which is okay the universe knows I'm tired of female characters sacrificing themselves over the "greatest-good". What I don't like is that Eugenie, for the whole series, did not take responsibility for anything on her kingdoms.
Yes, she kept on saving them but that was the bare minimum she did. Everything was thrown in Shaya's way and it was annoying to me. I understand that the whole series revolves around Eugenie fighting and then finally accepting that she is part of two worlds (very Hannah Montana, I know) and I appreciate how Richelle Mead took the time to make her grow from her hatred for the gentry to the human that fought for them against a human.
My point in here is that we had Eugenie for 4 books and she barely grew from her initial character in the first one. I got bored of Eugenie making the wrong thing time and time again. In my opinion, Eugenie is not flawed for the enjoyment of the reader, so we can see her becoming something more, she is flawed in a way that maybe the author thought was flawless to her.
I just want to say one thing about the "plots" of this book. I have realized that Richelle Mead has a recipe. She starts slow and then past 60% of the book she solves the original problem, then builds a plot twist and that's the one that actually deserves the notice of the reader.
This book was the weakest of the series, in my opinion. The subplot about Eugenie being pregnant was played down and then the children were just put on stand by as she continues as nothing had happened.
The blight plot was weak AS HELL!!! I knew something would come out of those weird statues but damn if I wanted an actual plot. Kiyo coming back was just the definition of recycling.
Don't get me wrong, I loved the development in Dorian and Eugenie's relationship in this book. Also, I mildly enjoyed the whole 'Wait! Pagiel is actually Storm King's grandson", it was not a good plot but I guess it took off the direct pressure of Eugenie's back.
Okay, let's talk about the only thing that matters, Dorian (and that crappy Hollywood ending).
Dorian is the best character in this series, and you can quote me on that. He actually had an arc on this series, he had flaws (in my opinion, he was freaking fine since the beginning, but I can see why people thought he had a hidden agenda, etc) but in this book, everything was a perfect character development for him.
I'm not talking about his HEA with Eugenie, I love how he became more and more serious about the things he wanted. I loved that Eugenie finally accepted that Dorian was the one that always had her back, her only ally, and how they were a team even when she didn't want to. She finally stopped demonizing him and that alone made me so freaking happy.
Is this book considered a HEA? BECAUSE THAT'S BULLSHIT!!! This book ends in the most Hollywood-esque way that makes me so displeased with the whole series. Dorian deserves so fucking much more.
Here comes my problem, Kiyo had better treatment from this whole series than Dorian did. Kiyo was a constant asshole, he didn't stand for Eugenie and still, she forgave him, he was a horrible boyfriend and she forgave him, he tried to dictate her life and she still forgave him. The only thing that got the message to Eugenie was when he literally tried to kill her/kill her unborn babies.
DORIAN DID ONE THING "WRONG" AND SHE SAID, FUCK YOU, I'M BREAKING UP WITH YOU ON MY MIND SO MY NEXT ACTION IS NOT CONSIDERED ACTUAL CHEATING. YES, IT WAS CHEATING!!!!!!!!!
Dorian did one thing "wrong" that ended being the fucking sane decision that saved Eugenie at the end of book 3.
But okay, I can let that one little detail go for a moment. The biggest plot twist for me was that in fact, Dorian AKA King of my fucking heart is the father of Eugenie's children. Why? Because Kiyo had a vasectomy after the "surprise pregnancy" with Maiwenn. I actually liked this plot twist, and I would have given the book a 4-star rating if Richelle Mead hadn't written such a horrible finale.
Eugenie literally says "You know what? I know that Dorian would level cities to the ground for his children, he would love to finally be a father and nothing wrong would ever happen to them under his protection but I guess I'm going to be a complete bitch and wait till the children are 15-ish years old to surprise him with the news that he has actually been a father since the last decade and a half"
So, yes.
Eugenie finally accepts that she's in love with Dorian, that he's actually her soulmate (I would say that he's actually her better half) just to never tell him something that would literally change his life for good. He loves the idea of having children and still, she's better than him and that means she knows better, right?
THAT WAS THE BIGGEST FUCK YOU TO DORIAN IN THE WHOLE SERIES, AND THAT'S SAYING SOMETHING SINCE THE WHOLE SERIES IS A COMPILATION OF FUCK'S YOU TO DORIAN!!!
The ending sentence was the most horribly funny thing ever. It really has no comparison, I have read bad series ends like Ruin and Rising and damn, this is by far the worst ever. It really was a "And my name is Eugenie Markham, I'm a Shaman-for-hire and a Queen by accident and this was my story", it was so bad, so tasteless I really couldn't take it seriously.
Also, can I make a quick side note about how Richelle Mead forgot Kiyo's daughter's name was Luisa, not Marta? THIS BOOK IS SUCH A JOKE AT SOME POINTS, I SWEAR TO GOD.
Look, if by some miracle Richelle Mead finally writes another book in this series, of course, I will read it but mainly to make sure Dorian is treated right and to see how Eugenie suffers because Dorian is going to think about this blatant lie as such a betrayal, more if they are actually together for 15 years and she has never said a fucking thing.
Well, I think that's it. I know I wrote a whole ass rant but I think it's in my blood at this point.
I already knew this series finale was going to be disappointing, but not to this extent.
I don't know what the hell is going to be of this review, but I'm sure there will be spoilers about that garbage of an ending
Look, I don't actually want to make this review my usual 1k rant because I already suffered enough with this book.
This book could have been 200 pages shorter, and the "story/ending" would have been the same. To be honest, I was bored for, at least, 70% of the book. Nothing happened of interest, nothing that took the narrative forward in any way.
I will accept that Eugenie did grow in this book but I feel that it was such a slow yet fast character development to do in 400 pages when you had 3 books to make it slowly but with purpose.
Eugenie isn't the strongest character in her own story. I'm talking about character development here, bear with me. In the first book, she comes off as selfish, which is okay the universe knows I'm tired of female characters sacrificing themselves over the "greatest-good". What I don't like is that Eugenie, for the whole series, did not take responsibility for anything on her kingdoms.
Yes, she kept on saving them but that was the bare minimum she did. Everything was thrown in Shaya's way and it was annoying to me. I understand that the whole series revolves around Eugenie fighting and then finally accepting that she is part of two worlds (very Hannah Montana, I know) and I appreciate how Richelle Mead took the time to make her grow from her hatred for the gentry to the human that fought for them against a human.
My point in here is that we had Eugenie for 4 books and she barely grew from her initial character in the first one. I got bored of Eugenie making the wrong thing time and time again. In my opinion, Eugenie is not flawed for the enjoyment of the reader, so we can see her becoming something more, she is flawed in a way that maybe the author thought was flawless to her.
I just want to say one thing about the "plots" of this book. I have realized that Richelle Mead has a recipe. She starts slow and then past 60% of the book she solves the original problem, then builds a plot twist and that's the one that actually deserves the notice of the reader.
This book was the weakest of the series, in my opinion. The subplot about Eugenie being pregnant was played down and then the children were just put on stand by as she continues as nothing had happened.
The blight plot was weak AS HELL!!! I knew something would come out of those weird statues but damn if I wanted an actual plot. Kiyo coming back was just the definition of recycling.
Don't get me wrong, I loved the development in Dorian and Eugenie's relationship in this book. Also, I mildly enjoyed the whole 'Wait! Pagiel is actually Storm King's grandson", it was not a good plot but I guess it took off the direct pressure of Eugenie's back.
Okay, let's talk about the only thing that matters, Dorian (and that crappy Hollywood ending).
Dorian is the best character in this series, and you can quote me on that. He actually had an arc on this series, he had flaws (in my opinion, he was freaking fine since the beginning, but I can see why people thought he had a hidden agenda, etc) but in this book, everything was a perfect character development for him.
I'm not talking about his HEA with Eugenie, I love how he became more and more serious about the things he wanted. I loved that Eugenie finally accepted that Dorian was the one that always had her back, her only ally, and how they were a team even when she didn't want to. She finally stopped demonizing him and that alone made me so freaking happy.
Is this book considered a HEA? BECAUSE THAT'S BULLSHIT!!! This book ends in the most Hollywood-esque way that makes me so displeased with the whole series. Dorian deserves so fucking much more.
Here comes my problem, Kiyo had better treatment from this whole series than Dorian did. Kiyo was a constant asshole, he didn't stand for Eugenie and still, she forgave him, he was a horrible boyfriend and she forgave him, he tried to dictate her life and she still forgave him. The only thing that got the message to Eugenie was when he literally tried to kill her/kill her unborn babies.
DORIAN DID ONE THING "WRONG" AND SHE SAID, FUCK YOU, I'M BREAKING UP WITH YOU ON MY MIND SO MY NEXT ACTION IS NOT CONSIDERED ACTUAL CHEATING. YES, IT WAS CHEATING!!!!!!!!!
Dorian did one thing "wrong" that ended being the fucking sane decision that saved Eugenie at the end of book 3.
But okay, I can let that one little detail go for a moment. The biggest plot twist for me was that in fact, Dorian AKA King of my fucking heart is the father of Eugenie's children. Why? Because Kiyo had a vasectomy after the "surprise pregnancy" with Maiwenn. I actually liked this plot twist, and I would have given the book a 4-star rating if Richelle Mead hadn't written such a horrible finale.
Eugenie literally says "You know what? I know that Dorian would level cities to the ground for his children, he would love to finally be a father and nothing wrong would ever happen to them under his protection but I guess I'm going to be a complete bitch and wait till the children are 15-ish years old to surprise him with the news that he has actually been a father since the last decade and a half"
So, yes.
Eugenie finally accepts that she's in love with Dorian, that he's actually her soulmate (I would say that he's actually her better half) just to never tell him something that would literally change his life for good. He loves the idea of having children and still, she's better than him and that means she knows better, right?
THAT WAS THE BIGGEST FUCK YOU TO DORIAN IN THE WHOLE SERIES, AND THAT'S SAYING SOMETHING SINCE THE WHOLE SERIES IS A COMPILATION OF FUCK'S YOU TO DORIAN!!!
The ending sentence was the most horribly funny thing ever. It really has no comparison, I have read bad series ends like Ruin and Rising and damn, this is by far the worst ever. It really was a "And my name is Eugenie Markham, I'm a Shaman-for-hire and a Queen by accident and this was my story", it was so bad, so tasteless I really couldn't take it seriously.
Also, can I make a quick side note about how Richelle Mead forgot Kiyo's daughter's name was Luisa, not Marta? THIS BOOK IS SUCH A JOKE AT SOME POINTS, I SWEAR TO GOD.
Look, if by some miracle Richelle Mead finally writes another book in this series, of course, I will read it but mainly to make sure Dorian is treated right and to see how Eugenie suffers because Dorian is going to think about this blatant lie as such a betrayal, more if they are actually together for 15 years and she has never said a fucking thing.
Well, I think that's it. I know I wrote a whole ass rant but I think it's in my blood at this point.
December 30, 2011
2.5 stars ~ Other than being a little slow in the beginning, I enjoyed ALMOST every bit of this book...had the ending been different, it would have been 4-4.5 stars. However, the last page or two involved a decision by Eugenie that I wholeheartedly oppose and am abhorred by...for those last 2 pages, I would give it 1 star. Therefore, I am averaging the two and coming up with 2.5 stars as a final result.
Words cannot even describe the disappointment I am feeling as I write this review. I LOVE Richelle Mead...I have loved all of her series...she is my favorite author...I have loved all of the Dark Swan books...but I am NOT happy with how this one ended. NOT.HAPPY.AT.ALL!!!! :(
This picks up shortly after Iron Crowned ends...Eugenie is pregnant with twins, and is still in constant danger from her foes, including that weaselly fox. A lot takes place in this book, and it spans quite a bit of time. It wasn't too action-packed until about half-way through, but there was a lot of story to tell. Dorian, the delectable Oak King that he is, is still providing protection and allegiance to Eugenie, but their relationship is still strained as a result of happenings from the previous book.
While pregnant, Eugenie decides to find a safe haven in the human world for quite some time. She is called back to the Otherworld, though, when a new, formidable foe unleashes a blight on a lot of the Otherworld's Kingdoms, including Dorian's and her own. In an effort to save the lands and the people of the Otherworld from the blight, Eugenie and Dorian find that they have a new ally, douchebag Kiyo (bleh!).
The new opposition and storyline is enjoyable, and it picks up the pace of the book. We also got to see quite a bit of Volusian in this book, and that was most enjoyable. His relaying of messages between Eugenie and Dorian while they were in captivity was hysterical. He was a great character!
There were some big surprises in the book, and some not-so big surprises. But the biggest shock happened at absolute very end, and I am SOOOOOO disappointed with Eugenie's decision.... One can only hope that with all the backlash that this book is receiving due to that ONE.AWFUL.DECISION, that Mead will VERY soon write a novella to fix this major fuck up! I had really hoped that an epilogue would magically appear at the end of my Kindle book to right this wrong, but alas, no such magic extended from the Otherworld into my Kindle. **sigh**
Words cannot even describe the disappointment I am feeling as I write this review. I LOVE Richelle Mead...I have loved all of her series...she is my favorite author...I have loved all of the Dark Swan books...but I am NOT happy with how this one ended. NOT.HAPPY.AT.ALL!!!! :(
This picks up shortly after Iron Crowned ends...Eugenie is pregnant with twins, and is still in constant danger from her foes, including that weaselly fox. A lot takes place in this book, and it spans quite a bit of time. It wasn't too action-packed until about half-way through, but there was a lot of story to tell. Dorian, the delectable Oak King that he is, is still providing protection and allegiance to Eugenie, but their relationship is still strained as a result of happenings from the previous book.
While pregnant, Eugenie decides to find a safe haven in the human world for quite some time. She is called back to the Otherworld, though, when a new, formidable foe unleashes a blight on a lot of the Otherworld's Kingdoms, including Dorian's and her own. In an effort to save the lands and the people of the Otherworld from the blight, Eugenie and Dorian find that they have a new ally, douchebag Kiyo (bleh!).
The new opposition and storyline is enjoyable, and it picks up the pace of the book. We also got to see quite a bit of Volusian in this book, and that was most enjoyable. His relaying of messages between Eugenie and Dorian while they were in captivity was hysterical. He was a great character!
There were some big surprises in the book, and some not-so big surprises. But the biggest shock happened at absolute very end, and I am SOOOOOO disappointed with Eugenie's decision.... One can only hope that with all the backlash that this book is receiving due to that ONE.AWFUL.DECISION, that Mead will VERY soon write a novella to fix this major fuck up! I had really hoped that an epilogue would magically appear at the end of my Kindle book to right this wrong, but alas, no such magic extended from the Otherworld into my Kindle. **sigh**
December 1, 2011
It's all about Dorian for me. For him, I give this three stars. Also liked the faerie aspects. Otherwise, this didn't ring my bell.
Full review will be published in the January 2012 Affaire de Coeur issue. http://affairedecoeur.com.
Full review will be published in the January 2012 Affaire de Coeur issue. http://affairedecoeur.com.
January 16, 2012
Eugenie's aggravating adventures finally come to an end in Shadow Heir. While I have yet to regain my former love for Richelle Mead's adult series, I didn't completely loathe this ending either.
Eugenie is just as irritating, immature, selfish, and blind as she's always been. I couldn't believe her internal dialogue at times. She continuously gives Dorian a hard time for something he tried and succeeded in making up for, but she's completely willing to give Kiyo another chance as soon as he even hints at an apology.
Speaking of, Kiyo is my most-hated male character ever. Take every single characteristic most women despise in men, gift wrap it in shiny paper, and you have Kiyo. Tragically enough, he didn't get that painful death I prayed so hard for. In fact, there's almost no conclusion as far as Kiyo is concerned. After keeping him as a main character for the previous 3 books, he mostly fades into the background in this one. Extremely disappointing (that he didn't die, not his absence).
And Dorian...ah, Dorian. I do so love you. Even though you and I obviously don't know the same Eugenie, I still adore you. Especially when you say:
Which reminds me: did anyone else feel cheated on Dorian's behalf? The poor man had to suffer so much, and he barely gets Likewise, the pacing in Shadow Heir is completely wacked. The first half is so slow and dull that it put me to sleep several times, and the second half is so fast-paced that it feels annoyingly rash and abrupt. Despite that, the ending was pretty good. By which, I'm not referring to the very last few pages, but a little bit before that.
The actual ending ending is extremely sudden and hurried. The lack of a proper epilogue is sorely felt and, like I said after reading Succubus Revealed, I don't care if Mead plans on revisiting the story and creating a spin-off. She should at least try and finish up the current series. Her brusque style when it comes to endings is absolutely galling.
So good-bye, Eugenie. I can't say you'll be missed, but it hasn't all been bad.
For more reviews, visit my blog.
Eugenie is just as irritating, immature, selfish, and blind as she's always been. I couldn't believe her internal dialogue at times. She continuously gives Dorian a hard time for something he tried and succeeded in making up for, but she's completely willing to give Kiyo another chance as soon as he even hints at an apology.
Speaking of, Kiyo is my most-hated male character ever. Take every single characteristic most women despise in men, gift wrap it in shiny paper, and you have Kiyo. Tragically enough, he didn't get that painful death I prayed so hard for. In fact, there's almost no conclusion as far as Kiyo is concerned. After keeping him as a main character for the previous 3 books, he mostly fades into the background in this one. Extremely disappointing (that he didn't die, not his absence).
And Dorian...ah, Dorian. I do so love you. Even though you and I obviously don't know the same Eugenie, I still adore you. Especially when you say:
What wouldn't I do for you?
Which reminds me: did anyone else feel cheated on Dorian's behalf? The poor man had to suffer so much, and he barely gets Likewise, the pacing in Shadow Heir is completely wacked. The first half is so slow and dull that it put me to sleep several times, and the second half is so fast-paced that it feels annoyingly rash and abrupt. Despite that, the ending was pretty good. By which, I'm not referring to the very last few pages, but a little bit before that.
The actual ending ending is extremely sudden and hurried. The lack of a proper epilogue is sorely felt and, like I said after reading Succubus Revealed, I don't care if Mead plans on revisiting the story and creating a spin-off. She should at least try and finish up the current series. Her brusque style when it comes to endings is absolutely galling.
So good-bye, Eugenie. I can't say you'll be missed, but it hasn't all been bad.
For more reviews, visit my blog.
March 22, 2018
ETA 3/22/18: ARRRRRRGGGGGGHHH! I forgot that's how it ended! Even after reading my review prior to my re-read. I mean, I remembered absolutely loathing Kiyo...even remembered the secret he divulged that he'd been keeping from Eugenie for far too long. But I forgot about that open ending. Gaaaaah. Those will be the death of me. I'm just going to pretend that Eugenie told Dorian and they all lived happily ever after. =D
****
Really? Isn't this the final book in the series? That's how you're gonna leave it? Grrr. At least I liked this one better than Iron Crowned.
Narrator was still awesome. Obviously, the plot in this one left a little something to be desired (for me), but it was still fun and on par with what I expect from Mead. I just wish Eugenie hadn't had such a hard time trusting or was better at deciding who to trust and when. Also, I wish she was single-minded in her death blows, as opposed to the wishy-washy way she decides who lives, who dies, and who she ultimately sends back to the Otherworld.
Fun series. Glad I read it, but I'm ready to get back to the Vampire Academy world. When does The Golden Lily come out? Oh, yeah...not till the summer. :(
****
Really? Isn't this the final book in the series? That's how you're gonna leave it? Grrr. At least I liked this one better than Iron Crowned.
Narrator was still awesome. Obviously, the plot in this one left a little something to be desired (for me), but it was still fun and on par with what I expect from Mead. I just wish Eugenie hadn't had such a hard time trusting or was better at deciding who to trust and when. Also, I wish she was single-minded in her death blows, as opposed to the wishy-washy way she decides who lives, who dies, and who she ultimately sends back to the Otherworld.
Fun series. Glad I read it, but I'm ready to get back to the Vampire Academy world. When does The Golden Lily come out? Oh, yeah...not till the summer. :(
December 10, 2011
***Slight spoilers. Large spoilers for anyone who hasn't read Iron Crowned***
This wasn't quite the happily ever after ending that I was hoping for, but Eugenie's life hasn't exactly been a fairy tale. Well, I suppose that isn't completely true. After all, she is a woman who discovers that she's at the center of an ancient magical prophecy and stumbles upon events that eventually lead to her rule as Queen over a fairy kingdom in the Otherworld... so maybe it is a fairy tale, but still, the happily ever after doesn't quite wrap up in a way that leaves me happy and well satisfied.
The events in the beginning of the story focus primarily on Eugenie's pregnancy. The main concern is prenatal care for the twins, keeping Eugenie safely guarded and decisions on how to continue to keep everyone safe once the twins arrive.
While this was a somewhat interesting and understandably necessary portion of the story, I felt that it moved along rather slowly and I was anxious for the action to begin. And honestly, I was anxious for more time with Dorian as well.
Aside from the circumstances that evolved from the prophecy, the story begins to focus on a disastrous blight that has stricken certain kingdoms in the Otherworld.
Eugenie and Dorian join together and assemble a group to assist on a journey to reverse the damage that has been brought upon their lands and their people. Along the way they encounter many supernatural obstacles, backstabbing traitors, and a furry little fox who should have been taken out of the picture a long time ago.
There are a few things that I really enjoyed about this story. One being Dorian. The Dorian without manipulations and half-truths and power plays at Eugenie's expense. We see a side of Dorian that's more raw and vulnerable.. more real. No more doubting and wondering as to why he's sticking around Eugenie and so adamant about becoming a father to two children who aren't his. It was refreshing to finally alleviate those nagging little doubts that I've had about him from the previous stories.
The other thing that I enjoyed was Volusian, but I always love Volusian. Before the story's conclusion we finally receive some information on his background. The questions of where he came from and who was responsible for the way he is now are all answered.
I also enjoyed the twists toward the ending. There are two significant surprises revealed and while I was able to guess the first one beforehand, they were both very interesting revelations that added to the story's excitement (which it definitely needed more of).
There were also several things that I disliked. I felt as if I set my expectations too high. I was anticipating something more exciting... I don't know... something more epic. Something along the lines of a battle to the death between Dorian and Kiyo, or Maiwenn and Eugenie, or even Eugenie and Kiyo. How about a bloody Eugenie and Dorian vs Maiwenn and Kiyo battle? Seriously, how awesome would that be? That's 10 star material all by itself. But instead, I was disappointed that the only villain to get what was coming to them was a villain that I really could have cared less about.
I also had an issue with the ending and Eugenie's decision. It seemed as if Dorian put everything out there for her, convinced us all that he would give her anything within his power and that she could place her trust in him. Then in the end she made a decision that didn't seem to put much faith and trust in him at all.
I understand a lot of reviewers are going to feel differently and I somewhat understand why Eugenie made the decision that she did. But in my opinion, it almost felt as if she was as manipulative and untrustworthy as she's accused Dorian of being. Over the course of this series Eugenie has made a lot of bad decisions that have made situations more interesting and exciting, but this decision just made me feel sad.
I'm very curious to see how my fellow Dark Swan fans will feel after reading the series' conclusion. I have a feeling there will be a lot of mixed reviews.
*Thank you so much to Christen for sending me this ARC. Hopefully one day, when my blog grows up to be as cool as yours, I will receive an ARC for a really kick-ass series and I can return the favor ;)
This wasn't quite the happily ever after ending that I was hoping for, but Eugenie's life hasn't exactly been a fairy tale. Well, I suppose that isn't completely true. After all, she is a woman who discovers that she's at the center of an ancient magical prophecy and stumbles upon events that eventually lead to her rule as Queen over a fairy kingdom in the Otherworld... so maybe it is a fairy tale, but still, the happily ever after doesn't quite wrap up in a way that leaves me happy and well satisfied.
The events in the beginning of the story focus primarily on Eugenie's pregnancy. The main concern is prenatal care for the twins, keeping Eugenie safely guarded and decisions on how to continue to keep everyone safe once the twins arrive.
While this was a somewhat interesting and understandably necessary portion of the story, I felt that it moved along rather slowly and I was anxious for the action to begin. And honestly, I was anxious for more time with Dorian as well.
Aside from the circumstances that evolved from the prophecy, the story begins to focus on a disastrous blight that has stricken certain kingdoms in the Otherworld.
Eugenie and Dorian join together and assemble a group to assist on a journey to reverse the damage that has been brought upon their lands and their people. Along the way they encounter many supernatural obstacles, backstabbing traitors, and a furry little fox who should have been taken out of the picture a long time ago.
There are a few things that I really enjoyed about this story. One being Dorian. The Dorian without manipulations and half-truths and power plays at Eugenie's expense. We see a side of Dorian that's more raw and vulnerable.. more real. No more doubting and wondering as to why he's sticking around Eugenie and so adamant about becoming a father to two children who aren't his. It was refreshing to finally alleviate those nagging little doubts that I've had about him from the previous stories.
The other thing that I enjoyed was Volusian, but I always love Volusian. Before the story's conclusion we finally receive some information on his background. The questions of where he came from and who was responsible for the way he is now are all answered.
I also enjoyed the twists toward the ending. There are two significant surprises revealed and while I was able to guess the first one beforehand, they were both very interesting revelations that added to the story's excitement (which it definitely needed more of).
There were also several things that I disliked. I felt as if I set my expectations too high. I was anticipating something more exciting... I don't know... something more epic. Something along the lines of a battle to the death between Dorian and Kiyo, or Maiwenn and Eugenie, or even Eugenie and Kiyo. How about a bloody Eugenie and Dorian vs Maiwenn and Kiyo battle? Seriously, how awesome would that be? That's 10 star material all by itself. But instead, I was disappointed that the only villain to get what was coming to them was a villain that I really could have cared less about.
I also had an issue with the ending and Eugenie's decision. It seemed as if Dorian put everything out there for her, convinced us all that he would give her anything within his power and that she could place her trust in him. Then in the end she made a decision that didn't seem to put much faith and trust in him at all.
I understand a lot of reviewers are going to feel differently and I somewhat understand why Eugenie made the decision that she did. But in my opinion, it almost felt as if she was as manipulative and untrustworthy as she's accused Dorian of being. Over the course of this series Eugenie has made a lot of bad decisions that have made situations more interesting and exciting, but this decision just made me feel sad.
I'm very curious to see how my fellow Dark Swan fans will feel after reading the series' conclusion. I have a feeling there will be a lot of mixed reviews.
*Thank you so much to Christen for sending me this ARC. Hopefully one day, when my blog grows up to be as cool as yours, I will receive an ARC for a really kick-ass series and I can return the favor ;)
November 23, 2011
*Only read this review if you are caught up to Iron Crowned in the series!*
Shadow Heir is the last in Mead's magic-and-Fae-based urban fantasy Dark Swan series. If you've been keeping up with the series, you know that A LOT went down in the last one! I don't want to spoil anything for those of you who haven't read up to book three...so if you are not up to that book, turn back now! Okay, you have been warned.
Freakin' Kiyo! He totally screwed up Eugenie's life in Iron Crowned! First he gets her pregnant, then he decides its best to kill the babies (that pesky prophecy and all...)! When we begin Shadow Heir, Eugenie is already several months pregnant and has been hiding out in various locations in the human world in order to hide from Kiyo, Maiwenn, and their lackeys that are trying to hunt her down and kill her. She requires escorts to her doctor visits since gentry like to occasionally appear and try to off her. One of the things I really liked in this book was Jasmine's presence and the clear turn around she has done from when we first met her. She is fiercely protective of Eugenie now. We also pick up a new character, Pagiel - Ysabel's son. Even though Ysabel is evil and money-hungry (if you forgot who she is, she was a past lover of Dorian's from the previous books), Pagiel is kind and even a little meek. I enjoyed reading his growth during the book. Roland is also around much more here than in the last book, and since I adore his tough-but-loving dad-ness, I was really happy to see more of him.
As usual, Eugenie's entire world consists of hard decisions and keeping secrets. She has to undergo most of her pregnancy living with strangers in a place she doesn't know. As much as I liked this little detour in the story, I was ready for her to get back to her Eugenie-ness and get the heck out of Alabama. She does have some sweet interactions with one of the people she is staying with, a southern teacher named Evan, but he was no Dorian so I was ready to move along.
Dorian! Ahh, Dorian my love! Perhaps one of my favorite things in this book was that I read about 150 pages before Kiyo even appeared. And, although more of those pages could have had Dorian, he was in enough of them that I was happy. But we'll get back to that...
For the last two-thirds of the book, 'the gang' must go on a trek to another kingdom in the Otherworld in order to stop a devastating blight that has taken over. You didn't think the whole book would be about Eugenie's pregnancy, did you? Nope! There is actually a whole other great plot happening. When Eugenie finally returns to the Otherworld she discovers that it has been taken over by a magic spell that causes everything to freeze. It is constantly snowing, the weather is colder than any of the gentry know what to do with, and gentry and animals alike are dying off. Hence the trek! I love when an author sends a group of almost all the main characters on some kind of adventure together.
It is during this little adventure that Eugenie starts to question her feelings for Dorian...meaning that she was mad at him for deceiving her about the iron crown...buuuuuut his eyes are so green and he seems to still have feelings for her...... My favorite thing about Shadow Heir is that Mead really opens Dorian up. He shows how much he truly cares for Eugenie and you will be screaming at your book "What is wrong with you Eugenie!? Jump on top of him right now!".
And, of course, we are talking about Richelle Mead...so there is a big Surprise! toward the end of the book! The series ends neatly and I was almost fully satisfied. I feel like Mead answered most of the questions her readers might have, but at the same time she didn't give us an ending that was tied with a little bow. There were no cop outs here.
I am so sad that this series is over now. This is one of the best urban fantasies out there and I am more than ready to see what Mead gives us next!
Read more of my reviews: goldiloxandthethreeweres.blogspot.com
Shadow Heir is the last in Mead's magic-and-Fae-based urban fantasy Dark Swan series. If you've been keeping up with the series, you know that A LOT went down in the last one! I don't want to spoil anything for those of you who haven't read up to book three...so if you are not up to that book, turn back now! Okay, you have been warned.
Freakin' Kiyo! He totally screwed up Eugenie's life in Iron Crowned! First he gets her pregnant, then he decides its best to kill the babies (that pesky prophecy and all...)! When we begin Shadow Heir, Eugenie is already several months pregnant and has been hiding out in various locations in the human world in order to hide from Kiyo, Maiwenn, and their lackeys that are trying to hunt her down and kill her. She requires escorts to her doctor visits since gentry like to occasionally appear and try to off her. One of the things I really liked in this book was Jasmine's presence and the clear turn around she has done from when we first met her. She is fiercely protective of Eugenie now. We also pick up a new character, Pagiel - Ysabel's son. Even though Ysabel is evil and money-hungry (if you forgot who she is, she was a past lover of Dorian's from the previous books), Pagiel is kind and even a little meek. I enjoyed reading his growth during the book. Roland is also around much more here than in the last book, and since I adore his tough-but-loving dad-ness, I was really happy to see more of him.
As usual, Eugenie's entire world consists of hard decisions and keeping secrets. She has to undergo most of her pregnancy living with strangers in a place she doesn't know. As much as I liked this little detour in the story, I was ready for her to get back to her Eugenie-ness and get the heck out of Alabama. She does have some sweet interactions with one of the people she is staying with, a southern teacher named Evan, but he was no Dorian so I was ready to move along.
Dorian! Ahh, Dorian my love! Perhaps one of my favorite things in this book was that I read about 150 pages before Kiyo even appeared. And, although more of those pages could have had Dorian, he was in enough of them that I was happy. But we'll get back to that...
For the last two-thirds of the book, 'the gang' must go on a trek to another kingdom in the Otherworld in order to stop a devastating blight that has taken over. You didn't think the whole book would be about Eugenie's pregnancy, did you? Nope! There is actually a whole other great plot happening. When Eugenie finally returns to the Otherworld she discovers that it has been taken over by a magic spell that causes everything to freeze. It is constantly snowing, the weather is colder than any of the gentry know what to do with, and gentry and animals alike are dying off. Hence the trek! I love when an author sends a group of almost all the main characters on some kind of adventure together.
It is during this little adventure that Eugenie starts to question her feelings for Dorian...meaning that she was mad at him for deceiving her about the iron crown...buuuuuut his eyes are so green and he seems to still have feelings for her...... My favorite thing about Shadow Heir is that Mead really opens Dorian up. He shows how much he truly cares for Eugenie and you will be screaming at your book "What is wrong with you Eugenie!? Jump on top of him right now!".
And, of course, we are talking about Richelle Mead...so there is a big Surprise! toward the end of the book! The series ends neatly and I was almost fully satisfied. I feel like Mead answered most of the questions her readers might have, but at the same time she didn't give us an ending that was tied with a little bow. There were no cop outs here.
I am so sad that this series is over now. This is one of the best urban fantasies out there and I am more than ready to see what Mead gives us next!
Read more of my reviews: goldiloxandthethreeweres.blogspot.com
June 19, 2020
Some have felt this was the best of the four books in the series, but for me it's a very weak three stars because of all the plot lines that are left unresolved at the end--it would be a sturdier three stars if they had been brought to some sort of conclusion in a sequel or even an epilogue at the end of this book, say ten more pages set 20 years later to tell how everything turned out. A brilliant epilogue might even have lifted this book above three stars.
Still, just like its predecessor, some parts of this story are exciting, page-turning adventures with climactic battle scenes and other parts are as slow as molasses that's been spilled on your counter-top. This novel would be greatly improved if an editor had vigorously condensed the chapters with little or no action, especially in the first half of the book. My edition runs to 390 pages and it would still be a full-length novel at 250 pages or at most 300.
Most of the characters I liked in the last book aren't on scene very much in this one and, surprise, for me and a few others, I gather, the best thing in this story is Volusian! Pity he doesn't get more time on stage. My heart goes out to Evan, the true friend who's sweet on Eugenie and helps to care for her children, and I also liked Candace and Charles, Evan's aunt and uncle, who are practically the twins' foster parents while Eugenie goes on risky adventures in the Otherworld and slowly learns how to rule her two Otherworld Lands.
Over there in the Otherworld Jasmine is steadily improving and Dorian's character is deeper and a bit more admirable now. I like Ansonia too, and Varia (the Yew queen) makes a deliciously evil adversary. The scene with the dryads on the way to Varia's realm was delightful. Kiyo serves the story well in his fox forms of different sizes and adds to the fun. And I should point out that, although Eugenie again shows very bad judgment that causes harm to others, she is not only courageous but consistently tries to resolve crises peacefully.
So there really is a good deal in this book that I enjoyed reading. Once again there are major twists towards the end that fundamentally change the storyline. I just wish it had a definite ending.
Still, just like its predecessor, some parts of this story are exciting, page-turning adventures with climactic battle scenes and other parts are as slow as molasses that's been spilled on your counter-top. This novel would be greatly improved if an editor had vigorously condensed the chapters with little or no action, especially in the first half of the book. My edition runs to 390 pages and it would still be a full-length novel at 250 pages or at most 300.
Most of the characters I liked in the last book aren't on scene very much in this one and, surprise, for me and a few others, I gather, the best thing in this story is Volusian! Pity he doesn't get more time on stage. My heart goes out to Evan, the true friend who's sweet on Eugenie and helps to care for her children, and I also liked Candace and Charles, Evan's aunt and uncle, who are practically the twins' foster parents while Eugenie goes on risky adventures in the Otherworld and slowly learns how to rule her two Otherworld Lands.
Over there in the Otherworld Jasmine is steadily improving and Dorian's character is deeper and a bit more admirable now. I like Ansonia too, and Varia (the Yew queen) makes a deliciously evil adversary. The scene with the dryads on the way to Varia's realm was delightful. Kiyo serves the story well in his fox forms of different sizes and adds to the fun. And I should point out that, although Eugenie again shows very bad judgment that causes harm to others, she is not only courageous but consistently tries to resolve crises peacefully.
So there really is a good deal in this book that I enjoyed reading. Once again there are major twists towards the end that fundamentally change the storyline. I just wish it had a definite ending.
September 7, 2016
With the Winter Enchantment and the travelling and intrigue, this one had the potential to be my favorite of the series. Unfortunately, the last 15% or so killed it for me. I now understand why everyone was disappointed with the ending.
This book lost two and a half stars strictly because, well, Eugenie is a hypocritical bitch. Completely unlikeable, chock full of double standard bullshit, and ugh... I just can't even.
I could understand some parts of the end, but Eugenie's choice regarding a very important truth was just too far. Her decisions in prior books have been cringeworthy, especially when it came to breaking up with one of her two men "in her head"... but this just takes the cake.
Such a shame, because by the end, I liked all the supporting cast (outside of Kiyo/Maiwenn), especially Jasmine and Dorian.
Blah. Two and a half stars, rounded up ONLY because of characters like Jasmine and Dorian.
This book lost two and a half stars strictly because, well, Eugenie is a hypocritical bitch. Completely unlikeable, chock full of double standard bullshit, and ugh... I just can't even.
I could understand some parts of the end, but Eugenie's choice regarding a very important truth was just too far. Her decisions in prior books have been cringeworthy, especially when it came to breaking up with one of her two men "in her head"... but this just takes the cake.
Such a shame, because by the end, I liked all the supporting cast (outside of Kiyo/Maiwenn), especially Jasmine and Dorian.
Blah. Two and a half stars, rounded up ONLY because of characters like Jasmine and Dorian.
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