Those Forbidden Shadows by Cameo Renae

 Review by Katy Grant

There is a reason I enjoyed reading Young Adult books so much, the author did the parents in before they could try to control the characters lives beyond the age of consent. Books for adult readers don’t have the same compulsion.

 

Kage was dying. He had brought them to Nether, where Elara could find the flower that would save his life. She would have to face Oren, a carnivorous tree which held the spirit of a child. Here too, she would face the Alena, the witch, who guarded the flower which held the elixir that could save Kage. Willing to pay any price to save him, Elara willingly agreed to the Witch’s demands. Their time in the Nether would be short but allow them time to explore the love they have for each other.

Valr, Kage’s Shadow Hawk had found them, while Rem followed closely on his wings. They must return to Celestria or there would be war. Vera and her parents were in Celestria demanding to see Kage to prove that he was not with Elara.

Knowing they must hide their feelings for each other or be charged with breaking the marriage contract, made by his father's ill-advised decision, Kage could hardly control his rage. Elara needed to stay away from him for fear of not being able to hide her love for Kage from others. Rem guarded her, while allowing others to believe he and Elara with lovers. Bringing her to train beside the elite guard, she would become one of them. Beloved for her strength, loyalty, determination, and her willingness to stand up for those who had no protection.  The guards quickly embraced the strong, caring young woman, protecting her with their lives. But it wasn’t enough, there were those who wanted her dead and would stop at nothing to see that it happened. Vera and her parents were watching, waiting for the moment they would see her dead or find the means to take over Terr.

 

Kage and Elara prove themselves to be resilient characters in the face of tremendous adversity, dealing with those plotting to separate them, kill them and even one who would capture Elara and enslave her. I loved that Cameo Renee gave us the back stories for secondary characters, so the reader has an even better view of the world Elara has been brought back too. The mystery of Elara’s birth is slowly being peeled away as she learns of the one who brought her to Earth but yet, not why.  I loved the fact that the villains aren’t hiding but still manage to work their evil. Even more I enjoyed that Kage refuses to pretend he has ever wanted to marry Vera and now he plainly demonstrations his loathing of the woman, no matter the consequences. By the time I reached the last page, there is still so much left to uncover in this story. If you have ever come to the end of a book and wish that it would go on, this is one to pick up and read. There is so much happening, so many mysteries still not uncovered. I felt like I was in Wonderland where characters of the strange and wonderous appear, villains are standing in plain sight while Elara finds it within herself to keep going.  Kage and Elara still hang in the balance, the Emperess’ death and even the death of Kage’s own mother has yet to be answered. With Elara’s magic still bound, she will face the adversity of a world she was born into but never had the chance in which to grow up in. She will confront magical beings fighting for their lives against hers while there are traps set targeting her death.  So, looking forward to the next book in the Star Kissed series.