Shadow’s Fall (Shadow World #3) by Dianne Sylvan
Urban Fantasy
March 27, 2012
Ace Books

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “I love you. I love you, Miranda. I will always- “

Shadow’s Fall takes place three years after Shadowflame. David and Miranda have moved past the events that took place in Shadowflame and their love has survived and blossomed into something more than just the soul mate bond that binds them to one another. The Signet Council is having its ten year meeting and Miranda and David are hosting it this year. This will bring them into direct contact with Prime Hart, whom they had trouble with in Shadowflame. He wants Miranda and David dead and will stop at nothing to achieve this. One important topic that will be addressed is Miranda’s singing career. Miranda’s career is going strong but it is getting harder and harder to hide the fact she is a vampire. The time is coming where she will have to give up her singing career and that is proving to be a source of contention between her and the council. She wants a few more years and they want it stopped now. Jonathan, Prime Devon’s consort, is having more premonitions that he cannot or won’t share. Premonitions that may affect everyone he loves. When David’s long absent sire appears and hands David and Miranda a gift she claims will help them, David is sure it’s a trick but Miranda is unable to refuse. Soon, Miranda and David learn that they are merely pawns in a game that will take everything they have to survive. If they can.

Dianne Sylvan is an author I love to hate. Her dynamic characters and well crafted world demands your complete surrender as you find yourself emotionally vested in these complex peoples lives. It’s the sign of a gifted writer who can force you to live through a varied array of emotions when reading their books. In reading this series I found myself shaking with anger, crying in sorrow, and laughing with joy. There were times I wanted to skip through scenes at warp speed to see what would happen and other times I wanted to stop because I didn’t think I could bear anymore. While this series is touted as a Urban Fantasy, I feel it walks the line between a UF and a PNR due to its strong character driven storyline. While the plot is engaging and action packed, it takes second place to our two protagonists. Suspenseful and sensual, Ms. Sylvan creates a lush fantasy world originally revolved around the romance of Miranda and David and now encompasses a variety of couples we have grown to love.

Miranda and David continue to evolve and grow in their relationship despite the obstacles Ms. Sylvan tosses at them. Though we aren’t privy to what happened in the three year absence between Shadowflame and here, I truly feel that their relationship has matured and deepened in spite of what has happened in the past. I wanted David to die a slow death and Miranda to man up in Shadowflame, yet part of me understood the gauntlet they had to face. In Queen Of Shadows they just fell into their relationship without giving voice to their pasts. I felt that Ms. Sylvan was showing them and us that if it was meant to be, than it could survive the ultimate betrayal. And it did. Their chemistry together continues to burn up the pages even though the actual physical scenes are few and far between. Seductive words and sultry looks set your pulse racing and your breath stuttering as you watch these two dance together on paper and in your mind.

I enjoyed we were able to see the other Primes and their relationships. Devon continues to remain elusive and I enjoyed David dealing with him as a fellow Prime and a possible threat rather than a love sick schoolboy. Cora continues to play a role in the series and I look forward to seeing where she will go. I love the addition of her protector. A new character is introduced whose actions rip the story out of its current path and promises us a wild ride from here on out. We also may be saying goodbye to an old favorite though I have my doubts. I can only hope they return with a vengeance of biblical proportions.

The main plot and various subplots are mind blowing as Ms. Sylvan diabolically ups the stakes with plenty of politics, intrigue, murder, and mayhem. The first ¾ of the book is a smooth path filled with plenty of clues as to where the arc is going; only to explode in your face towards the end as we race towards a cliffhanger of humongous proportions. I was shocked by the liberties Ms. Sylvan takes. Once again she had managed to hide from me her true intentions and I found myself both elated and upset. My only complaint with this series is I want a chance to actually see Miranda and David enjoy their relationship without the drama and angst. In a way, it reminds me of Adrian Phoenix’s Makers Song series. the protagonists are beautifully exploited throughout that series but they NEVER get anytime to just be in love. It’s both an addicting and frustrating experience.

Shadow’s Fall is an exciting, well executed third installment to Ms. Sylvan’s wonderful Shadow World and I now wait impatiently for the fourth installment-Shadow Born-release date to be announced.

Overall Rating: B+

Recent Reviews:
Nocturne Romance Reads – 4.5/5
Urban Fantasy Investigations – 4/5
That’s What I’m Talking About – B+
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