The Shadows

Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book #13

By J.R. Ward

ISBN:  9780451417077

Author’s Website:  http://www.jrward.com/

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

iAm and Trez are still trying to outrun Trez’s destiny as the Anointed One of the s’Hisbe, the one that is to be mated to the Princess.  But with the Queen soon to deliver her executioner’s child there is a small chance that Trez could be off the hook, if the stars align just right and show that this child is to be the heir of the throne instead of the current Princess.  But the brothers never get that lucky.  The babe is born minutes too late to be the next heir, and is ritually killed instead.  Leaving s’Ex in a state of mourning that he never expected.

The Queen has decreed that the princess and Trez are to be mated as soon as the grieving period for the child has passed, not leaving Trez much time with his dying beloved, Selena.  The Arrest is advancing at a rapid pace and nobody has been able to find a cure, despite everyone’s efforts.  And, Trez is determined to make the best of the little time they have left.

While on a mission that could seem suicidal to some, iAm finds himself back in the territory to try to find a cure for Selena, but he is captured and imprisoned in the process.  He finds an ally in the most unexpected of places, a lowly servant that he can’t seem to get out of his head, even after he escapes.  But her true identity could change everything.

I enjoyed this book.  I liked learning more about the shadows, iAm and Trez.  Although I found their people’s traditions too strange and … cruel, to be honest.  Killing an innocent child because of the time it was born?  We saw emotion from s’Ex in this novel, which I never expected to see.  I liked the changes I saw in the executioner and hope to see his happily ever after in the future.

The relationship between Trez and Selena was heartbreaking, knowing what was just around the corner.  I kept hoping for a miracle for them, but I can’t reveal if there was one or not.  You will have to read it yourself to find out.  But I will say that it was quite emotional and had me in tears myself!

And a relationship for iAm?  Who would have thought it?  But that male surely deserves a happily ever after, considering all he has endured!

Rhage really struggled with all that was going on around him in this book.  And, with him being my favorite brother, I was ecstatic to learn that the next book in the series focuses on him!!  Yay!  I can’t wait to read it!! I sure love me some Hollywood!

I thought this was a decent read of the series, but was nowhere near my favorite.

 

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*