Book Information
A Touch of Shadows
A spark of passion between hunter and hunted has the power to end everything… fans of Rebecca Yarros, Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout will be completely gripped by this addictive and enchanting fantasy romance!
The shadow magic has always whispered to Wren. The same power that once ravaged her home kingdom of Asteroth. She must keep her magic hidden, only using it to help people in need in the remote border village she calls home. Discovery of her gifts would mean death.
Noble knight Finn has sworn to serve the kingdom by hunting down those who use shadow magic. But sword and armour cannot save him when he is attacked by dark creatures in the woods near Wren’s village.
Wren has no choice. She risks exposing her secret – and saves this handsome stranger’s life. But as her skin gently brushes his, Wren’s magic – and an uncontrollable desire – floods through both their veins. But is their passion real? Or are the shadows tempting them?
There’s no time for Finn and Wren to untangle their feelings from the seductive call of the darkness. Because Finn was not attacked by chance. Enemy soldiers are on the move, closing in on Asteroth.
Both believe Wren’s magic to be dangerous. But what if it’s the only way to save the kingdom? And with dark days coming, can they learn to trust each other – or will giving in to their desires destroy everything they know?
A Kiss of Flame
They want her on the throne. But the closer she gets, the deadlier her magic becomes. And an ancient power gets closer to breaking free…
Wren’s gone from being a parentless girl with a free life in the forest, to the daughter of the lost queen of Asteroth. Trapped in the capital, she’s surrounded by people who would kill her if they discovered her shadow magic. And the strength of her dark power is growing out of control…
Though Finn considers Asteroth his home, as the son of the enemy king he has never been fully at ease in the capital. But now, it’s torture. Keeping Wren’s magic hidden goes against every vow he’s ever taken. But whenever they’re apart, the strange ache in his chest becomes unbearable.
Snatching moments together in quiet corners of the castle, the solace Wren and Finn find in each other is bittersweet. The Regent’s Council want to keep the control they’ve held since the queen was lost – but their plan to use Wren as a puppet could see the kingdom torn apart by her dark power. And with the enemy preparing to invade, danger is growing outside the city walls too…
With their loyalty to each other tested at every turn, can Finn and Wren find safety in their love? And can Wren escape from the power play inside the castle and save the kingdom: even if it’s from herself?
The second book in the Lost Queen series, this stunning and unputdownable romantic fantasy is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Stacia Stark and Rebecca Yarros.
Buy Link(s):
Book 1: A Touch of Shadows: https://geni.us/B0D7M7ZHKFsocial
Audible:
- UK: https://ow.ly/wvU550T9Lz9
- US: https://ow.ly/eX6B50T9Lza
- Listen here: https://ow.ly/b13L50T9Lz7
Book 2: A Kiss of Flame:https://geni.us/B0CX27CTJ8social
Audible:
- UK: https://ow.ly/baOQ50SR0wA
- US: https://ow.ly/Z3mp50SR0wz
- Listen here: https://ow.ly/p31I50SR0wB
About the Author
Jessica Thorne watched far too much sci-fi and read far too much fantasy at an impressionable age. And it was awesome. She writes fantasy and sci-fi romance with a steampunk edge and just refuses to face reality.
Social Media
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessthornebooks
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessthornebooks
- Website: http://www.rflong.com/jessicathorne/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ruthfranceslong?lang=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessThorneBooks/
- Second Sky email signup: https://www.bookouture.com/jessic
My Review
One-word review: wonderful-escape
Emojis: 🤔😳🫣
Rating: 4 🌟s
Favorite Character:
My favorite character was not Wren—at least not in this first book in the trilogy—but Elodie, who is the mother or mother figure (that’s one of the mysteries that needs to be solved) of Wren and a powerful wielder of magic. She is fascinating and powerful, with a past full of mystery and a power that can change the fate of everyone she comes into contact with. She is a supporting character with definite main-character energy.
My Top-Five-style Review:
5. The world-building, while in need of more development, holds great potential. With two books to go, there’s a sense of anticipation. The basic introduction was sufficient to prevent confusion or frustration, leaving room for more to be unveiled.
4. The romance, though rapid, is a whirlwind that worked for me. In a fantasy story like this, the concept of insta-love is easily believable and can engulf you like no other emotion, adding to the immersive experience.
3. The story pulled me in from page 1 and thoroughly entertained me from start to finish. Its entertainment level is perfect for an afternoon read.
2. I’m never a fan of a cliffhanger ending, and boy, did this have one. Fortunately, I will be delving into book 2 in just a few days, making the impact not as bad as it would have been otherwise.
1. I loved the story’s pacing, which is enhanced by loads of high-stakes situations such as life-threatening battles and intense magical confrontations, and plenty of tension. The fast pace kept the pages turning rapidly, and I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next.
9 responses to “A Touch of Shadow & A Kiss of Flame by Jessica Thorne”
This sounds as good as the cover. It’s great Insta-love worked well here. Amazing review, Tessa!
It’s a fun new series, for sure!
I don’t care for cliffhangers either…unless the next book is lined up😏 Great review, Tessa💜
They kill me if I have to wait
A brilliant review, they sound like a good read.
It is! Not too heavy and not too light. 🩷
🙂
I’m usually not a fan of insta-love, but it’s interesting that it worked here. Cliffhangers I don’t mind so much. Glad you have the second book to jump into, Tessa.
Great review, Tessa. Everything sounds great except maybe for the insta-love, but hey, it’s fantasy. The pace definitely would work for me. Enjoy the next in the series!