Synopsis: Ayla Nightshade never wanted to rule Darkhaven. But her half-brother Myrren – true heir to the throne – hasn’t inherited their family gift, forcing her to take his place.
When this gift leads to Ayla being accused of killing her father, Myrren is the only one to believe her innocent. Does something more sinister than the power to shapeshift lie at the heart of the Nightshade family line?
Now on the run, Ayla must fight to clear her name if she is ever to wear the crown she never wanted and be allowed to return to the home she has always loved.
Review: I was quite curious about the novel after reading the synopsis. It must be said that the mixture of fantasy and shifters is also intriguing. I quickly wondered elsewhere if the fantasy side would not take over the story and what level of it the author would use here. Yet, I find that this side remains fairly light, which was very pleasant for me as it is something I prefer. Besides, I can tell you right away that I was surprised by the story and I had a great time with the whole thing.
Ayla and her brother Myrren have always been the disappointment of their father. The first because of the form she takes and the second because of his inability to take just any form. But now their father now wants to choose his heir, and although Myrren is the one who should become the new king, he wants Ayla to take his place. Alas, the girl doesn’t seem really interested by that and when she is accused of an attack, she is placed in prison until she changes her mind about the situation or she is proven guilty. Escaping during her father’s murder night, all tracks are turning toward her and everyone wants to find her to lock her again. But now, for the first time in her life, Ayla will be able to explore the world and to understand what she had missed so far! Accompanied by the man who left her mother to die younger, she will try to understand who is at the origin of her problem and she will try to find the killer of her father. Yet this quest might lead her to discover much more than she thought.
Yes the author perfectly manages to lead us by the nose and to surprise us throughout history. I loved Ayla. Although she knows very little of the world she is discovering about, she remains committed and tries to do the best. We also understand her doubts and fears, but we hope she will succeed in solving her problems. She begins to ask questions about the people she thought close to her and evolves dramatically over history in this way. I enjoyed Myrren too, he has no bad feelings about Ayla or about the fact that their father had decided to make her queen. Their commitment to each other is quite touching as this is not necessarily something that can be found in this type of books.
Yes I had a great time with the whole story and the characters. It is very easy to focus on all of them and I confess that I did not expect this end, I was really surprised. We find a mixture of conspiracies, love and mystery. I’m quite curious to see what will happen now. A very good first book to discover!
Keionda@Keionda Hearts Books
Is this a part of a series Melliane? I noticed you said it was a the first book. It does sound intruging and I really enjoy a book about a character exploring the world for the first time. Awesome review!:)
Melliane
I don’t know yet but I think so. I just say that because of the end.
Keionda@Keionda Hearts Books
Not sure if my comment went through the first time so I’m going to try it again.
Is this the first book of the series? This does sound like a very intriguing book and I’m really glad you liked it. 🙂 I have a thing for characters that go out for the first time and explore the world around them. Awesome review!:)
blodeuedd
Ohhh sounds great 😀
Melliane
yes it was good
Silvia
New book to me, but it sounds good and what a cool cover! Glad both story and characters worked for you, now you got me intrigued . . .
Melliane
yes great cover I agree
Joy // Joyousreads
This is an interesting mix, isn’t it? I’m glad it meshed well.
Melliane
yes a good one
Jenny @ Supernatural Snark
This sounds right up my alley Melliane! Shifters and fantasy together? YES PLEASE. Plus, I’m pretty much sold by the fact that there’s a unicorn/pegasus hybrid on the front cover. WIN! Really looking forward to this one:)
Melliane
yes I love the mix there.
LilyElement
I like the sound of this one!! Now you have my all intrigued by the ending lol
Melliane
I was quite surprised
Tracy Terry
Sounds interesting, I’m just not convinced its my kind of thing. Perhaps a book I’d pick up if I saw it in the library but not one I’d buy.
Melliane
so maybe
kindlemom1
When there are multiple characters it is sometimes hard to enjoy them all but I’m glad the author made it work and even better, that the ending surprised you!
Melliane
it’s ok there for the number of characters
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
The author contacted me about this book being on NetGalley but sadly it didn’t look as if it would be available for US reviewers, so I didn’t try to request. I’m glad it’s good though, maybe I’ll try to get a copy 🙂
Melliane
I confess that I always ask and sometimes it can work even if I’m not in the right country
Heidi
Well this sounds fun, and I like that the ending took you by surprise. Hopefully the rest of the series will be just as good.
Melliane
I hope so too
Ramona
I love being surprised, although I noticed that it happens less and less. So I feel motivated to try out this one. And, like you said, there’s an interesting mix in there… Love the review <3
Melliane
it’s quite interesting to discover the whole
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
I love how Ayla seems such a fully fleshed out, wonderful character. And these days, finding a read that can actually surprise me is exceedingly rare. I love that you discovered one and I can’t wait to read it. Lovely review!
Melliane
I hope you’ll like it as well
Lola @ Hit or Miss Books
This is my first time hearing of this book. I LOVE THE COVER. And the synopsis sucked me right in; I’m curious. Will consider, thank you for the review 🙂
Melliane
I agree the cover is great
Braine Talk Supe
The ending sounds memorable. The adventure sounds great too! I can tell this left a lasting impression on you.
Melliane
it was a good book
kimbacaffeinate
I love when an author takes you by surprise, and the character interactions and development sound wonderful.
Suzi Q, The Book Dame
This sounds like a great read. This is my first time seeing it. I look forward to finding out if it is a series. I love series, but I most definitely have more room on my reading schedule for some standalones. I will probably give this one a go either way.
Melissa (Books and Things)
I’ve really gotten into fantasy again and so I think I need this one. Sounds good!
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
Oh this does sound good. You’ve caught my eye. 😀 Thanks!
Carole Rae
Hmmmmm i shall ponder over this…..
Paula M. @ Her Book Thoughts!
Yes! I’m so glad you liked it, Melliane! Now I’m more excited to read it 🙂