Shadow and Wrath by Penn Cassidy
Shadow and Wrath
Link: https://books2read.com/u/4A1Neq
If you like:
Fantasy
Assa&$ins
Gods and Goddesses
Royalty
Found Family
Blurb:
The rogue prince, freshly home from w@r, is in need of a wife before the emperor ☠️. A pageant will be held at the palace, and the prince will handpick his next empress. Posing as a lady of the court, it's my job to seduce his majesty and win this pageant, all the while snuffing out my weekly marks one by one. But the Underlord, as well as my brooding fake bodyguard, won't get out of my way.
I've lived in the shadows all my life.
Some might even say that I am the shadows.
Undesirables are banished to the Lower City, where cr1me runs the darkened streets and sell-swords lurk in the underground catacombs. Those with blessings that are either too useless to be deemed worthy, or too dangerous to see the light of day. The underlord hired me when I was only a child, coveting the dark magic that makes me an undesirable of the highest risk. He took pity on the child with poison in her veins, but he made me into a monster.
The rogue prince, freshly home from w@r overseas, is in need of a wife before his father, the king, 💀 of old age. A pageant will be held at the palace, and the prince will handpick his next queen. Posing as a lady of the court, it's my job to seduce his majesty and win this pageant, all the while snuffing out my weekly marks one by one.
I might have jumped at the opportunity to play dress-up, eat fine foods, and sway the hearts of precious royalty, but my self-imposed bodyguard and fellow undesirable, Wolfe, has made it his personal mission to get in my way.
This is a why-choose, dark, high fantasy series. For lovers of The Fourth Wing and Throne of Glass, this spellbinding, heart-stopping new world will suck you right in and hold on tightly. Not suitable for young readers. Includes explicit content, v!olence, and language.
Penn Cassidy’s "Shadow and Wrath" immerses readers into a richly crafted dark fantasy world where politics, magic, and personal vendettas intertwine. Set in a kingdom divided between the opulence of the palace and the dangerous underbelly of the Lower City, this story introduces a rogue prince eager to secure his future amidst looming threats. The protagonist, an assassin with dark magic coursing in her veins, is tasked with infiltrating the royal pageant to win the prince’s favor and eliminate targets, all while navigating the treacherous social dynamics of the court. This novel excels in exploring themes of found family, loyalty, and survival under the shadow of powerful empires. The use of dark magic marks the protagonist as an 'undesirable,' adding layers of conflict as she balances her dangerous assignments with personal struggles. The presence of characters like the brooding bodyguard Wolfe enriches the narrative with tension and complex relationships that go beyond simple alliances. Readers who enjoy intricate world-building will appreciate the vivid descriptions of the Lower City, where criminals and mercenaries navigate an underground labyrinth of catacombs and shadowy deals. This setting adds a gritty and atmospheric backdrop that contrasts sharply with the lavishness and political scheming of the palace. Fans of fantasy works like "Throne of Glass" and "The Fourth Wing" will find "Shadow and Wrath" captivating due to its blend of romance, dark action, and magical intrigue. Moreover, it addresses mature themes and content—such as violence and explicit language—making it suitable for an adult audience looking for a gripping and immersive fantasy experience. Penn Cassidy’s reputation as an international bestselling author is well deserved, as "Shadow and Wrath" doesn't just tell a story of power and deception; it delves into how shadows and wrath shape identities and destinies in a world where the stakes are life and death. For anyone seeking a spellbinding adventure with complex characters and a dark, thrilling atmosphere, this is a must-read book.