Review: Shadow’s End by Thea Harrison

Shadow’s End
(Elder Races, #9)
By: Thea Harrison
Publisher: Berkley
Published: Dec. 1, 2015
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Rating:

For Beluviel, consort to the Elven High Lord, and Graydon, gryphon and First Sentinel of the Wyr, even the slightest desire for each other is forbidden. But two hundred years ago, after a desperate play to save Beluviel’s stepson left them indebted to the cruel Djinn Malphas, they found their fates inexorably linked together—and the hunger between them growing too strong to ignore…

Two centuries later, with their debt to Malphas coming due, Beluviel and Graydon realize that, if they are to stand any chance of saving their souls, they must once again work together—this time more closely than ever before. But every moment they spend with each other brings them nearer to losing something even more vital—their hearts…

200 years ago, Bel and Graydon made a deal with the devil… well a djinn to be precise. This particular spirit was powerful enough that it was able to put a lien on Bel’s stepson’s soul and body. In order to hopefully shield her son, Bel made a deal with the djinn. A deal that also put a connection on her and Graydon to the djinn. A deal that states that the two lovers could not connect with each other, tell a soul about what transpired between them, and not attack him, or else he would kill her son. So, fast-forward 200 years they have each upheld their end of the bargain. However, Bel’s husband has passed away leaving her step-son now in charge of their Elven territory and people. Which, is precisely what Bel and Graydon were afraid of happening, the djinn gaining control over her people. Now it’s a race to figure out a way to free everyone from the chains that bind them and get rid of the djinn before he wrecks havoc on all that Bel loves.

Let me start out by saying that I have not read all the books from the series. I have read the first two books from Elder Races and that’s it. With that being said, I think you need to at least read the first book before jumping to this one. Sure, there are some things that apparently happened in the last book that are brought up in Shadow’s End but it’s nothing that held me back from enjoying the story. Plus, the author does a good job in refreshing your memory that it all worked out in the end. However, I’d still read the first book because it will help you better understand the wyr and their world. Along with a couple of the characters that play a key part in this story and Graydon is introduced in that first story story. While he doesn’t play a big part, you get a sense of his character in it. So yeah, if you haven’t read this series yet but want to read this one, go back and read Dragon Bound first.

I loved that Shadow’s End pretty much starts off 200 years ago. I didn’t feel like I was trying to pick up the pieces of a series. It felt like it’s own story and gave you a lot of background information on the two main characters. That story builds up into a climatic ending of sorts and then you are thrown back into the present time. It pretty much helps you understand Graydon’s drive to drop everything (which he never does) and take off to Elven territory (where he won’t be welcomed).

Both of the main characters were strong characters. The story jumps between their POV’s and I really enjoyed that we got to feel what they were both feeling throughout this chaotic mess. Both of them have been holding onto these secrets for two centuries, unable to ask for help, and unsure if they’d ever break free. However, in light of that they are able to remain strong for the people who rely on them. I really liked that there was no damsel-in-distress types in this novel.

My all time favorite part of Shadow’s End is definitely when Graydon turns into his gryphon form. The way the author describes it really painted a vivid picture in my mind. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read a story with a were-gryphon before and I loved it.

Shadow’s End was a great addition to the Elder Races series. I enjoyed getting a chance to read about Graydon’s story since he intrigued me in the first book. While I did enjoy the story, I didn’t fall in love with it like the previous books I’ve read. There was just something holding me back and I can’t quite put my finger on it. Still, I would love to go back and catch up on the series when I get a chance. I love the world the author created and wouldn’t mind spending a little bit more time in it.

“You did not walk away from those you loved. You fought for them, always, with everything you had, even if it meant fighting the long fight, and staying on the hardest, quietest, most difficult course.”

Previous reviews from Elder Races
Dragon Bound
Storm’s Heart