Shadows Within the Fire: Volume I Book Review
“A long, long time ago before time even existed, the Powers Above reigned over all.
They created creatures of all manner, including the gifted High Fae, and let them wander our realm.”
Synopsis
A curse of fire. Dark shadows and pain. There's only a fine line between control and chaos. Evren is a young fae coming of age, but not her powers. She’s always been viewed as a pawn by her father, pushed aside by her mother, but adored by her brother. Now she is forced into a mating bond with an abusive male. Tired of being used by the men in her life, she runs. Though she’s lived a life of isolation and pain, she knows deep down she was made for more. Delrik, The Hunter, has a hidden past and is trying to find a way to atone for all the atrocities he committed during the war. Darkness and death follow in his wake wherever he goes and whomever he hunts. The internal struggle between desiring solitude and an unknown force pulling him in a new direction has him questioning everything. Fate throws Evren and Delrik together in a dangerous game of trust and love, altering the path of their futures. They have to set aside their fears and figure out a way to stop dangerous magic from falling into the hands of a High Ruler on the precipice of a takeover.
REVIEW
Book 1 of the Volumes of Elementum series, Shadows Within the Fire: Volume I by Megan L. Adams ensnares you in a world of dark magic and redemption, where characters with painful histories contend with trust and love amidst turmoil. Daughter of Cadoc Byrnes, the cruel and cunning High Ruler of Illoterra, Evren is a young fae coming of age who has still not unlocked her powers. Being forced into a mating bond with the abusive Head of the Black Guard, she runs away with the help of her brother, Adaris. Unfortunately, when it’s discovered she’s gone, she is captured by Delrik, the Hunter.
What follows is a heart-wrenching and empowering journey for Evren as she discovers who she is. Delrik, the enigmatic 120-year-old mountain warrior fae with a lovable cinnamon roll center, adds complexity and intrigue to the narrative with his internal struggle to reconcile his past. Through their alternating perspectives, readers witness the gradual evolution of their relationship from adversaries to allies, tinged with a slow-burning romance that keeps you hooked.
Though there are a few inconsistencies and missteps along the way (namely, a certain fight scene and an obvious plot hole), they don’t much overshadow the overall enjoyment of the story. Themes of family dynamics and betrayal are skillfully explored, grounding the story in emotional depth and authenticity. Evren’s relationship with her brother provides a touching contrast to the evil surrounding them, while her fraught connection with her mother, Arabelle, pulls at your heartstrings. Likewise, those closest to Delrik, and their interactions, are both poignant and spark hope. On the other hand, the antagonists elicit a visceral response, embodying the darkness threatening the world. And while the world-building initially feels dense, Adams gradually immerses readers in a vividly imagined realm, drawing you deeper into the story with each page.
Shadows Within the Fire is ideal for fans of high fantasies, bondmates, quests, dark magic and curses, a bit of spice, and “he falls (harder) first” and “she saves him” tropes. With a cliffhanger ending that leaves you immediately needing to know what happens next, I’m eager to continue Evren and Delrik’s journey in Volume II.
Content warnings include physical and sexual assault, domestic abuse, childhood trauma, violence, light gore and morbidity, torture, and murder.
Expected publication date is 10 February 2024.
Author Profile
Megan L. Adams is a new fantasy writer. She was born and raised in Georgia and is the oldest of seven siblings. She’s enjoyed reading and writing since elementary school. After exploring many creative jobs, she recently picked up her pen to write her first novel, Shadows Within the Fire. Megan currently lives in Maryland with her husband, her two children, and her golden retriever-husky mix, Toma. In her spare time, Megan enjoys drinking coffee, exploring local bookstores, and tending to her collection of orchids.
TL;DR
- Rating: 3.5 stars | Genre: Fantasy | Pages: 459
- Book 1 of Volumes of Elementum series
- Character-driven, dual POV
- Bondmates, a bit of spice
- Enemies to lovers, slow-burn romance
- He falls (harder) first, she saves him
- Cinnamon roll MMC
- Cliffhanger ending
- Ideal for fans of high fantasies, quests, and dark magic and curses
