Shadowflame

Shadow World #2

by Dianne Sylvan

It's been three months since musician Miranda Grey became a vampire and married David Solomon. But when a powerful force from David's past appears, Miranda begins to realize how little she really knows about her husband.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Adult

360 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 1, 2011

About the author

Dianne Sylvan, author of the Shadow World novels (Queen of Shadows, Shadowflame, Shadow’s Fall, the forthcoming Of Shadow Born, and at least one more) as well as two books on NeoPagan spirituality (The Circle Within: Creating a Wiccan Spiritual Tradition and The Body Sacred), lives in Austin, Texas, the only sane part of the entire state.

She is an unabashed Mac enthusiast, a froofy iced coffee beverage addict, a chronic Twitterer, a seasoned snark professional, a Spiritual Nomad, a shameless Vampire Diaries (TV) fangirl, a happy herbivore, a bit of a moody Scorpio, a sock junkie, a slightly freaky tattooed postmodern hippie, a cupcake baker extraordinaire, and is prone to hyperbole as well as fits of profanity.

When she’s not glued to the internet or writing about vampires, she works in the veterinary clinic and volunteers as bio writing coordinator for the animal rescue organization Austin Pets Alive.

She collects vegan cookbooks, wacky t-shirts, blank journals, obsessions, and dust.

She lives with two neurotic cats, Stella and Owen.

Reviews

[CJ - It's only a Paper Moon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Seriously? Are you? This is a joke right? This is Fother Mucking joke, RIGHT? Because I can't. I seriously...I....no. *pinches self* I'll wake up. I'll wake up.

Click for spoilers and curse words because I'm just so...



Seriously, I'm about to rant, there is a spoiler here. I'm giving you time....

URGH! It was a good book, it was getting good and then BAM. Just like that it turned to shit.

I didn't know, I didn't realize that a series that had started off pretty amazing could just....crumble like that.



I feel like I'm the one who has been betrayed because WHAT?

Ok, ok, take a deep breath. Calm down. You were warned, you were warned.

I should've listened.

First, we are introduced to the nonsense of Kat. I don't care about her, she's a worthless character. Let's pretend she doesn't exist because Miranda pretty much does all through the first book.

Speaking of..



is this a bizarro world book? Because all the characters have been switched with weird angsty, vengeful stupid poppets.

I get that Miranda should grow stronger and learn from her experience but to get all Amazon Queen so quickly is very very weird and judging from the first book, Miss Grey must have memory loss because she wouldn't react to certain things this way. She turned all Sarah Connor us with no explanation and without the decency of restraint.

So thanks Miranda for switching bodies with a 2-d super villain.

Also, I don't buy it for one second that this new terminator like Miranda would sleep with David after what he did. She had made a point to tell him that it was only him and he had said the same thing in the previous book.

David. Oh holy Shit David. What the fuckity fuck? Seriously.

1. You didn't even flesh out a full argument about Hart's Harem with Miranda, you sort of just went "i said so." The David I knew would've at least tried to explain that he gets it without having to be asked.

2. You were quite insensitive about the rapes David. You might want to try with a little compassion. I mean, you had compassion in the first book. Why be a jerk now?

And I could forgive this apparent bizarro David if he hadn't gone and fucked someone else. Never mind that he had sex but he made love with a man when we were given no indication that he even cared about Deven that way until about three pages before it happened. Jeezum Crepes David! At least a little warning before you flip everythign.



I get that vampires get off on tons of things and I get that it's possibly that a man who had nothing but hetero sex with complete strangers in the first book could suddenly have sweet sweet man love with another character that we know little about.

Stick to the script writer! You can't suddenly change his orientation because it suits you. You can't change his inclination because it suits you. The David from the first book wouldn't have slept with another person because he supposedly loves Miranda. PLUS, he had helped her after the rapes and he knows she's still kind of vulnerable. You mean to tell me, he couldn't keep it in his fucking pants?

Sure.
/sarcasm

Also, this cheating/sexuality plot has nothing to do with the story. All it did was drive the point home that the characters were not acting like themselves.

Seriously, I don't care that he cheated with a guy (ok, I'm a little bothered but that has everything to do with continuity and development)
And, it's not so much the sex. In a different book with different characters and a different fucking plot, then yes, it would be cool. However, the readers that have spent time getting into this world, sympathizing with the characters and generally willing to suspend their disbelief for however long it takes to read the damn book, have had the wool severely pulled the fuck over the eyes.

Blindsided.

Sandbagged.

Betrayed.

I had to stop at this point because I'm not nearly as forgiving as Miranda or any of the other readers who managed to read the rest of this travesty.

It had so much potential, so much awesomeness! The writing wasn't bad either but good lord the direction it took. Like a cow trying to drive stick.

Just. I. Can. Not.

*drops mic

[MISS VAIN · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was planning to start this book today but now that my nosey self has stumbled onto a major spoiler I have no interest in reading this book anytime soon. I loved Queen Of Shadows, but now that I have discovered that David becomes a complete A$$h@!€ in this book I don't care to read it. Its these character inconsistencies that cause authors to loose faithful readers.

I did something I Never do after stumbling upon the entire plot spoiler, I returned this book back to B&N. I loved Queen of Shadows and especially David and Miranda. The main reason I'm not going to continue with this series is because David chose to be a complete A$$ho!£ when he cheated on Miranda. It was never hinted in the first book that David and Devon had feelings for eachother. Supposedly he had never experienced love and was waiting for the Signet to make the decision for him. Hello, I thought Miranda was his soulmate?!! Probably the WORST part of the book is when the author chose to deminish Miranda's self respect and wrote Miranda as needy, and willing to let David and Devon continue to have their affair "no questions asked" Are you kidding me Mrs. Sylvan?!! The Miranda from QofS would have NEVER allowed David to cheat on her. She should have wrote Miranda with some self respect and should have left David or made his life he'll. A woman should never ever allow a man in a committed relationship to cheat. That's unacceptable to me! If I want to read about men cheating I wil just recall my memory back to my early 20's. !!!!

[Kenya Wright · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gosh! I read this book because they're was a huge uprising against it! I didn't know why people disliked it, but I was excited to find out. And after giving the book a chance and making several excuses for the characters and the author, I officially say that this book sucked!

Was the writing bad? NO

Horrible Plot? Not really

Main Heroine a doormat to a piece of crap Hero? BINGO!

What was the author thinking. I thought to myself after reading this book. I have three possible reasons for her blunder.

ONE: She decided that she wanted to broaden the urban fantasy genre which is known for having strong spirited kick-ass heroines and sexy lovable heroes. She decided to broaden the genre to a depressingly push over and may I say stupid heroine and then add a Selfish cheating basterd! Then throw in a a hot gay selfish basterd!

TWO: The author really didn't see anything wrong with the heroine quickly forgiving david. Hey I'm all about forgivness, but David was unforgivable.... he lied... he cheated... regretted cheating... but still wanted to sleep with Devin again. For godsake, be regretful and let David move on. No David still wanted Devin. He was still jeolous and in love with Devin till the end of the book.

Reasons why this book recieved two stars:

The heroine washing David after he cheated. WTF! I took two stars for that.

The heroine telling Devin that David could mess around with each other every now and then.

Additionally, I didn't give two craps about the subplot of Cora and the other prime. Who freakin cares. I mean seriously.

The main reason why I gave the book two stars is because it pissed me off so much you have to give an author stars for having the ability to piss somebody off with words on a paper.... But I felt anything more than two stars would give positive reenforcment to a bad and sad story.

btw....DEATH TO DAVID!!!

[Serena · Rating 1 out of 5]

Also from AMZ


This wasn't a sequel to Queen of Shadows. This was another book entirely that decided to demoralize all the characters.

The book was somewhat promising in the beginning what with the whole plot with Prime Hart. I thought for sure that the whole issue with him would be the very motive of this book, but I thought wrong. Instead, the author chose to make a work of perfectly good urban fantasy/romance novel and turn it into jerry springer for vampires.

--Spoilers ahead

I knew this book was spiraling down from the very beginning after Deven kissed David in the manner he did. There is nothing wrong with bisexuality, I just don't care to read about it (imo). In QOS one would describe the relationship between David/Deven as being long time friends...and long time friends don't kiss each other the way they did. And then, it all goes to crap thereafter lol.

Here is what bothered me...


1. I don't understand, in QOS Miranda was David's world. They were soulmates, destined to be together forever and all that. He was, for all intents, dead to the world when he thought Miranda was killed. But Shadowflame tells an entirely different story. The Signet chose Miranda and for a time there (approx 3 months) so did David. This book says otherwise and that it is Deven whom David desires as his soulmate. He throws Miranda a couple of bones because yea, she's his queen so he will always lover her, right? lol ...this is never really confirmed by the end of the book.

2. Cheating in my opinion is unacceptable and in the manner it was done in this book unforgivable. Deven is David's ex-lover of 10 yrs BTW and the person whom David cheated on Miranda for. And if marital infidelity isn't enough to make you LOATHE him, he cheated on Miranda with his ex-boyfriend while Miranda was just down the hall recovering from near death injuries.

3. Miranda takes David back 3 weeks after David's infidelity, even knowing that David IS madly in love with Deven.

4. Faith has a crush on David as well?...GEEZ, nobody wants Miranda huh?

5. How was Cora relevant to the story?



Seems to me the author should have continued this book with the issue with Prime Hart and Miranda's newly enhanced powers. Instead, we got blind sighted with distorted H/H and 368 pages of irrelevant bs. I'm clearly not a writer but from my point as a reader I felt cheated. And as I've said before cheating is unacceptable. I enjoyed QOS and thought to pick up where everything was left in the first book but this book was like a slap in the face. I'm not sure how the author will come back from this but at this point I'm not willing to spend my money to find out.

[juliet · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, there goes another series. This book was a huge disappointment to me. I stayed up until 3 a.m. last night finishing it, hoping and hoping, that it would redeem itself. But no. I finished it knowing that I will never read another book in this series. Frankly, I might just give up on the author because of the direction this book took...but that might be my PMS talking.

When it comes to scifi/fantasy novels, I think my tastes are pretty diverse. I'll read just about anything, enjoy just about anything. I was a huge fan of Laurell Hamilton until her books devolved into 400 pages of plotless sex orgies. I had no idea, from the first book, that this series was about to take a step into a wildly different direction. I really liked the first book -- Miranda's tragedy, death and rebirth...and the evolution of her relationship with David. Had I known then that by the second book, their relationship wouldn't just hit some turbulence but crash and burn (in my opinion), I would never have started it. Why this author chose to do this, I'll never understand. Bottom line: David and Deven (prime of west coast) were lovers for ten years. Okay, fine. Jean-Claude in the LKH novels was bisexual, too. Oh, but David and Deven sleep together, Miranda is devastated but still stays with him, offers Deven a "get out of jail free card" once a month with David since David so loves Deven, and David repeatedly talks about how he is still deeply in love and magnetically attracted to Deven. Yeah, as awful as LKH books got...Jean-Claude didn't cheat on Anita. He wasn't conflicted about his feelings for her. Here, David not only cheated on Miranda but he's conflicted and torn over his feelings for both Miranda and Deven. AND, the cherry on top of this craptastic pie, David thinks it's too dangerous for he and Deven to ever be alone together because they might sleep together again.

I'm sure this appeals to some people out there. I'm just not one of them. Crossed this series off my list. I wish I could get those hours I wasted reading this book back.

P.S. How the f*ck did this book get as many stars as it has? Clearly, there is a glitch in the matrix.

[Dija · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't think I've ever had to force myself to finish a book. And I don't think I've ever actually thrown a book across the room. And I don't think I've ever hated a book as much as I hated Shadowflame.

And through it all, I just have one question: WHY??! Why did it have to happen? Where did Devon even come from? The whole situation feels just wrong to me. What's the point of having something like that happen? There was no need whatsoever to have something so disgusting take place. This book and series had so much potential, and it all went down the drain. And there was absolutely No. Fucking. Point. to it, when the story could have developed so much better without a cheating bastard for a hero and a pitiful selfish woman for a heroine.

[Kaza · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow, after only 3 months he cheats on her! Doesn't sound like soul mates to me. I could see how after a few centuries they might try other people for awhile but the way David was going on about Devon was terrible. I might have been able to forgive David if he hadn't kept pinning after Devon even after he realized how much he hurt Miranda. Also, he was the one to initiate it when Devon was the one with the 'open marriage' and he was such a wuss about dealing with it all. I know quite a few really old couples that have been together their whole lives without cheating and I don't think they were soul bonded. David and Miranda felt like totally different people from the first book. The idea that it was something Miranda had to accept and understand was distasteful. Especially when she suggested that they could get together once a month...Yuck. I get that the story was about forgiveness (or at least that is what I heard) but to me it was acceptance. Accepting that the person she was completely committed too wanted to be with, at least partially, someone else and they always will. That's very sad.

I won't be reading another from this series. This was one of the most disappointing books I've ever read.

[Courtney · Rating 1 out of 5]

This had the potential to be something great considering how wonderful the first in this series was.

But I just couldn't get past the heroines husband cheating on her with a man.. while she lies injured she's feeling everything her husband and his lover are doing, ICK, and though he tried to make it up to her it seemed like he would do it again given the opportunity.

How do you go from professing your love and claiming your significant other is your whole world and then jump at the opportunity to to mess around with an ex immediately after a nearly fatal attack on your wife? I don't know, but the hero does. This ruined what could have been a great series and I just can't see it coming back from that considering these books are so focused around the characters relationships. This overshadowed the entire book.

I would read Queen of Shadows but skip this one all together, pretend it doesn't exist and wait for #3.

[AH · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a spoiler free review. The big bad spoiler will be referred to as “The Event”.

It’s hard to avoid the controversy surrounding this novel unless you were on a deserted island for the last few weeks. It’s also hard to avoid the big bad spoiler for this book but to say that a lot of readers were disappointed would not be an understatement. I usually go into a book without any preconceived notions. I want the author to wow me and make me believe that their paranormal world is real. I really enjoyed Queen of Shadows and I was excited to read Shadowflame. Then the early reviews came in. The rumblings and grumblings began…I did my best and avoided the spoiler in question and I strongly urge those who have not read the book to avoid it as well.

I will start off with the good. There were things that I liked about this book. I like the author’s take on vampires and how she set up the organization of their world. I like the world of the Primes, the Elite, the idea of the signet, etc. The politics were intriguing. I was fascinated with the idea of the Firstborn. I liked the fact that the main character was a geeky techno guy who used technology to monitor his population. The author also writes some pretty impressive fight scenes as well.

The thing is, I didn’t particularly care for this book. Prior to The Event, I had difficulty focusing on the book. I found myself putting the book down and actually going to do the dreaded housework. It just didn’t have the draw of the previous book. It was a little dull.
After The Event, I was angry. Why do something like that? I needed a timeout. I did come close to tossing the book across the room, something I don’t want to do because I am a little OCD about keeping my books in pristine condition.

Even though I was mad, The Event didn’t really ruin the book for me. I kept telling myself that they are fictional characters and they don’t have any impact on my life. Should there have been a fuss? Probably. Unfortunately, The Event took away from the story rather than added to it.

The story itself? Meh.

Here’s the big question: Will I go and read the next book in the series? The jury’s still out. I honestly can’t say if I’m done with the series or not. I am curious and I wonder what direction the author could take the series. I probably will read the next book, but not right away.

Check out my review on Badass Book Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadowflame is a book that will polarize readers. The previous Shadow World novel, Queen of Shadows, was classified as urban fantasy but also worked as a romance. Having read Shadowflame, I think I may have lead some readers astray by calling Queen of Shadows a romance in my review last year. Thinking of this series as romance may cause disappointment in Shadowflame. The conventions of romance dictate that, once the hero and heroine are fully committed, the author doesn’t mess their relationship back up. Here, David does something monumentally stupid and hurtful that threatens his and Miranda’s marriage of three months.

Obviously, when writing a series about an established couple, an author needs to create conflict between the two. A mistake like David’s is not the only way to do it — the communication issues between Ilona Andrews’ Kate and Curran are a good example of a different type of conflict — and I’m not sure Dianne Sylvan chose the best option. I say that because I think it will permanently affect my opinion of David as a character.

All that said, I do think Sylvan handled this element well, in terms of the story. It adds a great deal of poignancy to several scenes in the book in which certain characters, who have every reason to hate each other, have to take deadly risks and potentially make sacrifices for one another. It’s quite effective emotionally.

That’s true of Shadow World as a whole, actually; these books feel like they dig a little deeper into the emotions than a lot of other urban fantasies do. They sometimes makes me angry, sometimes make me cry, sometimes make me whoop with joy, but I always feel strongly when reading them. And the David-messes-up plotline is not the only area in Shadowflame where this occurs. I was also passionately invested in the continuing story of Kat, who is dealing with a big change in her personal life, along with Miranda’s vampirism and a threat to Kat’s life from an assassin looking to hurt Miranda. The healing journey of the abused vampire Cora is stirring as well, and reminiscent of Miranda’s own arc in Queen of Shadows. I hope to see more of Cora in the future. And Miranda gets some great moments herself, as she shakes up the Shadow World and learns new uses for her powers.

I wish we’d seen a little more of the music stuff this time around, though I understand that Miranda’s duties as vampire Queen are interfering with her music career. I did love the scene where she records a song that, due to her psychic abilities, will upset everyone who hears it. I have albums where there is one song that’s too unsettling to listen to, and it’s fun to imagine a supernatural explanation.

Overall, I liked Shadowflame much better than I expected to. I thought David’s romantic foul-up would ruin it for me, but instead it’s just put David in my mental doghouse, rather than the series itself. I look forward to book three, Shadow’s Fall. Your enjoyment of Shadowflame will probably depend upon your expectations; it’s compelling as an urban fantasy but moves the series away from paranormal romance.

I originally wrote this review for Fantasy Literature's Dianne Sylvan page.

[Tana [MT] · Rating 1 out of 5]

I gave up. I'm not one of those people that avoids awkward story lines. I read a lot of weird and/or dark books. But the blatant infidelity in the main character's marriage, and how little time it apparently takes her to get over it just really annoyed me to no end. I flipped to the end, read the last couple pages, and I probably won't ever continue this series.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the last couple of years I have read a lot of Urban Fantasy, and one of the things that has bothered me most about the genre is the expectation that everything is perfect and roses between the couples. If you bond, you lose your identity and all the baggage that you're bringing in suddenly disappears in a poof of rose-colored smoke. That's not how relationships work. Ever. It may be how they're done in Paranormal Romanceland, but Shadowflame is not a paranormal romance, and these relationships are not perfect. In the end that's what sucked me into this book. It took me a while to get back into Miranda's world, but what cemented it was that nothing was perfect. I could believe that the Shadow World existed and it made me get goosebumps. When I wasn't reading voraciously, I was thinking about how easy it would be for the Shadow World to move around my own town.

That right there is talent, people. I don't usually spend my days flitting through life wondering if there are vampires moving about my city, but Sylvan got that idea stuck in my head. When I walk my dog at night I look behind me. THAT is why I read Urban Fantasy. I'm looking for something that makes me a little creeped out. Shadowflame delivered that, and is a perfect example of the genre.
Are you looking for something where everything is sunshine and rainbows plus vampires? This book is not for you. There are costs for each decision the characters make, usually personal ones. You feel for Miranda and David. You get attached to them as people, and without those flaws I frankly wouldn't care.

What's also wonderful is that Miranda manages to balance who she was before she became a vampire and her responsibilities as the Queen of the Southern States. She doesn't fall in love and give up her identity; she carries on with the things that matter the most to her. I like her backbone and that she stands up for what she believes in. Her core doesn't change.

You'd better believe I'm counting the days until I can get my hands on Shadow's Fall. The Shadow World is a masterful example of what Urban Fantasy used to be, and what I would love to see it get back. Thank you, Ms. Sylvan. You made a loyal reader with this last installment.

[Douglas Meeks · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book gets 2 Stars and that might be generous, the actual story is good, the writing is good BUT what the author has done is taken characters that the reader base had emotionally invested in from Queen of Shadows and destroyed them. The actions in this book are in no way the actions of the characters she created in Queen of Shadows, this might have been an outstanding book if she had made it book 1 of a new series with new characters but by destroying the images most readers had of the h and H it was a cheap way to sell a bad book IMHO. It seems to reflect a personal distaste for successful relationships by the author. I am still deciding if I will continue the series or not when the author cannot be trusted to entertain the readers who bought this book but instead used it to sell a few copies of a personal rampage of interpersonal relationships that are not present in her own life it would seem. It was hard not to join the multitude of betrayed fans who gave this 1 Star and felt that was generous.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone who read Queen of Shadows knows that this series is dark. Miranda's ability and what she experienced (in QoS) could have completely wrecked her. Instead, she overcame her fears, learned to control the powers that had her believing she was insane, and found a man to care for her while giving her the space she needed to heal. As it happened, that man was her Signet-chosen Mate. The darkness of the Shadow World, Miranda’s new world, doesn’t end there.

”Blood, chocolate, and a hot shower.” That’s how I felt after this rollercoaster ride. Well, okay, minus the blood. ;)

Shadowflame picks up three months after Queen of Shadows. Miranda is David’s mate and the ninth Queen of the Southern United States. She’s venturing out at night to make her presence known. David tries to reassure her by saying, ”Right now you’re being tested in the eyes of our kind. They want to see how you handle yourself, how tough you are. The longer we stay in power, the fewer fools will try to take us down.” She’s also learning how to deal Signet politics and the “Magnificent Bastard Parade” of Primes as they come to Austin to offer their congratulations and pay their respects to the new couple.

Miranda … well, she wasn’t the type of woman to keep her mouth shut when angry. She spoke her mind, was smart and observant, and David knew that the very qualities he loved about her were going to get them in trouble if she didn’t learn quickly that these old, hidebound men of privilege were not all going to like the fact that David treated her as an equal. During the MB Parade, she’s able to learn from him. Watching his demeanor around the other Primes and learning how, no matter what, he sticks to his beliefs when it comes to what’s best for the vampire society as a whole.

When Prime James Hart of the Northeast visits, things get ugly. Seems this Prime likes to travel with a harem of girls. Wouldn’t be a big deal except these girls aren’t with him of their own free will. Hart is a sick bastard and Miranda has been told she cannot interfere without having it turn into a declaration of war. But, when one of Hart's "girls" finds the strength to go to the Queen, well, that's something else entirely.

While out one night, Miranda rushes to the rescue of a human woman. There she meets Prime Deven O’Donnell of the West and its adjacent territories. Before the official introductions, she witnesses a kiss between Deven and David. Needless to say, she’s taken a back. She doesn’t know what to think, so she asks Faith if they are always like that … the kissing. Faith initially shrugs off the question, but when Miranda says, ”It’s just strange seeing David acting affectionately toward anyone besides me. Is he like that with all his friends? “ It’s then that Faith realizes, ”You … didn’t know?” But, before Faith can fill her in, Miranda notices one of her body guards is missing.

When the couple returns home, Miranda questions David about it. David had assumed, for some reason, that Faith had already told Miranda that he and Deven had been lovers. He goes on to tell her, ”…in California. We both served in Arrabicci’s Elite, as co-Seconds. We got together about ten years before the assassination. Then Deven took the Signet and we stayed together until Jonathan came along.” Hearing that her mate has been with Deven for ten years is a shock. He doesn’t necessarily consider himself to be bi-sexual, stating, ”If you add up all the people I’ve slept with in three hundred fifty years, men account for less than two percent.” But, he also wasn’t with any of those other lovers for a decade.

SIDEBAR: Ok, I have several problems with this bit. First, why would David assume Faith had told her and equally as confusing, why would Faith NOT finish telling her when she realized Miranda didn’t know? Second, David’s been alive for 350 years. A measly 10 of those were spent with Deven. Granted, at this point, we don’t know just how strong their feelings remain for each other. Just seems like a really short amount of time to me in contrast to how long he’s lived. Lastly, I come back to David’s comment, ”I wish I’d realized you didn’t know. We could have talked about it before they got here. I’m sorry to have dropped it on you like this.” Uh, yeah, that would’ve been good. And … WHY did you assume Faith would have told her?? I do like how he points out that there is a lot she doesn’t know about him - 325 yrs worth. But, tells her he’ll honestly answer questions about anything she wants to know.

Now, onto his unresolved feelings for Deven. He describes the “end” of their relationship by saying, ”Everyone in the Court thought that the Signet would choose me, but it didn’t, and within six months, it chose someone else that Deven had known for all of ten minutes. The two of them fell for each other instantly, as if they’d been struck by lightning, and I … I ceased to exist.” He goes on to explain, ”He was as confused by it as I was, I think. I pretended everything was all right between us and that I understood, but of course I was a wreck. Jonathan was the one who realized I was lying, but by the time Deven grasped how badly he’d hurt me, I had fled California, and I never went back.” She feels his grief over the loss. He continues, ”It took years to repair our friendship.” But, he says that once Jonathan saw, in a vision, that David would take the South (Signet) it helped. He had his own path and had his Queen to look forward to. He admits his heart was broken ”Worse than {he} ever had in {his} life …” Shortly after, the pair learn that Miranda’s body guard, Jake, is missing … well, his body is missing, but Faith and her team have found his hand. Leaving a hand behind is the trademark of the Red Shadow, a secret group of vampire assassins. The couple quickly realizes the group is targeting them. But, why?

Miranda’s singing career continues to prosper. Her best friend, Kat, who helped Miranda through her human-vamp transition in QoS, is her much-needed sounding board, allowing her a safe haven where she can vent about the dramas of Signet life. Kat’s life is about to take a change. Seems she’s proof that birth control pills aren’t 100% effective against pregnancy. She hasn’t yet told Drew, the father, because she hasn’t decided what she wants to do. I like Kat & Drew. I was happy for them when she decided to keep the baby, after almost losing it – and her life – and I was heartbroken right along with her when Drew died.

Over the last three months, it’s clear these two have truly bonded. Miranda is well and truly in love. He alone could touch her. In all of eternity, all the world, there would never be another man – she didn’t even feed on them. Her time in hell had made sure of it, and the amulet around her neck sealed it. He alone … he alone… Forever. Will this fated mated pair manage to survive the "powerful force from David's past"? Will he "{leave} a wake of chaos and uncertainty for the Pair's fledgling relationship"? More importantly, will they be able to survive the assassin targeting them and those they hold dear?

The storyline about the Red Shadow was very interesting. The "Wizard" (of Oz - behind the curtain) was a surprise. So was the last line of the book. Definitely piqued my interest further.

And now, onto what reviewers have termed "The Event"...

** FLASHBACK ** In QoS, David mentions, talks to or thinks about Deven quite a bit. When he’s remembering the day Deven’s Signet recognized Jonathan, Sylvan writes, David had spent his remaining years in California happy for his friend and yet insanely, poisonously jealous. Leaving had been a relief. (At that point in the story, his jealousy appears to be from wishing his Signet would recognize Miranda.) During a phone call with Deven, he tells David, ”I want your rule to last at least as long as mine – I’ve seen too many friends die, and you … I’ve always thought of you as if you were my own.” To which David replies, ”I practically am.” And, near the end of the book, when Deven comes to motivate David, there’s a scene where Dev’s hand moved up to his face. It had been a long, long time since David had felt that touch.

While I did not rate this book low because of David's infidelity, I did not rate it 5 stars because of a few issues I do have with the story. [On a personal note ~ My husband and I have been together for 23 years and married for 20. I can't (and don't want to) begin to imagine what I would do if faced with my husband's infidelity. If someone (male or female) from his past; someone he deeply loved and broke his heart (through no fault of their own); someone who, after all the years passed, still loved him, came back into his life ... I would hope to be observant enough to see the sexual tension that existed and keep them from having quality alone time.] In Miranda's case, she cannot be physically distant from her mate. So, she did the best she could under the terrible circumstances. Deven is dedicated to Jonathan and they have an open relationship, albeit previously one-sided. (I love Jonathan! I knew it would break his heart as well, no matter what he told himself.) David's feelings, which he tried to bottle up and ignore (never a good idea), bubbled over like Mt. Vesuvius leading him down a road best left untraveled. Then, a life and death situation makes her realize just how much she loves the one she thought she might lose.

I am able to separate what happens to the characters I love to read about and real-life events. It is fiction after all. While I do not approve of infidelity in my life, I can read about a character's infidelity and not hate him/her for it.

The problems I did have with this storyline are:
(1) Why did Faith assume David had told Miranda about D&D?
(2) Why did David assume Faith had told Miranda?
(3) If a 10-year relationship between D&D was so intense and unresolved that it lead to David breaking Miranda's heart ... just how intense was it? David's 350-ish and Deven's 700 AND their relationship lasted 10 (TEN) years. Seems like a blip in such a long life. And, I'm supposed to believe that neither one of them wanted to explore their unresolved feelings PRIOR to Miranda and David's pairing? Even with Jonathon and Deven's open relationship? I guess the saying "with age comes wisdom" doesn't apply to vampires. LOL! Okay, I know the pair had only just recently started to rebuild a friendship. So, I guess that's why they hadn't explored the sexual aspect sooner. But, damn, men (vampire or not) can be dense, stubborn mules.

I'll just have to leave it up to Dianne and see where she takes the characters in Shadow's Fall. Please, please don't have Faith acknowledge her (I'm guessing) long-time crush on David. But if you must, for the love of Pete, please leave it at that -- an acknowledgment PERIOD. With that, I come back to my original thought ... Everyone who read Queen of Shadows knows that this series is dark. So, who knows what to expect. Either way, I am looking forward to reading it.

Note to those who stuck with this ramble all the way to the end: You ROCK! I'm sorry for ramblin' on and on and on. But, I had a lot to share. Thanks for stickin' with me. And, lookie there, still have 8,100+ characters left. LOL!

[mrsj · Rating 2 out of 5]

What did I think of this book?

SERIOUSLY?
Plot is ok but forgettable.
Relationship is a mess and unforgivable.
Characters?? I don't give a shit anymore.

Miranda: She keeps developing new skills! Just dump everything to her already! And for thinking of sharing / working things out among the four of you?
Woman, are you dumb or what?!
Did your transition from human to vampire damaged your brain?
REALLY?
Aren't you all bad ass about how Prime Hart treats his women? HELLO? And you are ok with your honey bunny loving someone else and sharing??

I'm sorry. I can't understand. And I won't understand.
The sacred trust has been broken.

David: Oh please. Whatever! The cheating?! DEAD. YOU ARE SO DEAD! YOU HEAR ME?!

Deven: Hello. I don't know you.

Jonathan: I don't know you too. You piss me off with your talk. I mean...


WTH?!


..."You are his soul mate. You are bound unto death and possibly longer than that. No one, and I mean this literally, no one can usurp your position yada yada blah blah blah... But that doesn't mean neither of you will ever love anyone else or want someone else..."

..."We agreed early on that our sex life would be somewhat sporadic, and that if I felt the need for more, I was free to seek it out. It's a perfect arrangement for us."

..."As I said, forever is a long time. The 'in love' stage of a relationship is fleeting. What you need are partnership and companionship, a deeper and more abiding love that transcends the physical. Sometimes that's romantic and sexy, sometimes not. But over time you and David will find what works for you."

And the last thing he said that really ticks me off..
"But we're not human..and the way we love isn't traditional. It can't be, when eternity is a factor."

These are all bullshit!!!
What?? Did I miss a memo that says Vampires can cheat?
Human or not human, if you are in a relationship, YOU HAVE TO BE FAITHFUL TO YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER!!!!



Faith: *SIGH* Perhaps by book 3, she will declare her love for David. And then they sleep together, Miranda found out and agreed for the relationship to continue since it will makes David happy . Really.

Cora: blah blah blah. I don't even know what's your purpose. Oh yes. To be someone's queen. And oh, you don't know him and wham, bam! Touched the signet and you have feelings . *rolls eyes*
Of course! I'm sure that you are going to help Miranda and David in the future books since Miranda saved you or well.. just disappear.


Kat: WOW! You have your hand and baby back. I thought you will just die. But NO.. your baby is very important for the next book. Hence you survived.

Drew: POOR YOU. So little of you and that's the end of you.

Prime Hart: Die! JUST DIE. Horribly and slowly with lots of pain!!!

This is very exhausting even though I had skimmed through the rest of the book just so I can find out who wants Miranda dead.

Very very disappointing.
So yes, 2 star for the plot & effort. It still got me reading isn't it?

I don't know if I will read book 3. I think I might just read the reviews to get a gist of what book 3 is about before I get the book from the library. I won't buy the book. I think this way, I can just simply stop reading and return the book instead of feeling the pinch of buying it.

[Experiment BL626 · Rating 1 out of 5]

CAUTION: Spoilers

I have mixed feelings for this book. I liked that the book wasn't predictable, that a mainstream UF have LGBT characters that actually play a big role instead of being a gal-pal's BFF, that the author had no qualm killing off characters. Yet I was totally pissed off about David's infidelity.

You think Miranda would dump his ass but it's too bad she can't—she would die. Seriously. Because of the stupid soulmate bond, if she even spend three days without close physical contact with David, both of them will suffer anguish. And three days is stretching it. I guess the moral of the story is: just because you're soulmates doesn't mean he can't still cheat on you. Poor Miranda.

However unlike other reviewers, I do not believe the author plotted this hugely distasteful subplot to piss off the readers. In short life is unfair, even if you're undead. The author beat down the message that the vampire world is a harsh world. Being a vamp may makes you immortal, but it doesn't stop your ass from being staked...or poverty in one paragraph where it was stressed any sensible vampire should learn the stock-trade. And when you got an eternity to live, it's not within the realm of impossibility to find other people you might love, regardless of the "soulmate" bond. Vampires are not humans, not anymore. This isn't happy-vampy Twilight.

The only redeeming thing about David's infidelity is that it was very realistic for him to still have feelings for Devin. It always seem so hugely convenient in some soulmates-themed romance for the lovers to forget about their past partners as if they never happened. No way am I excusing him for his infidelity, let's call it for what he is: he's an asswipe. Nonetheless, I'm still pissed off. Even as I understand what the author is plotting and why she's plotting it, it doesn't necessarily mean I have to like it—I don't. =( It's always a huge gamble for an author to deal with a touchy subject such as infidelity.

Even with all the crap Miranda has been dealt with, it's amazing she's still not a Debbie-downer. I'm loving how Miranda has little problem using her power to deal what needs to be done, unlike LKH's Anita Blake who bitches and moans every time she uses her succubus power (even in self-defense!).

[Shelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

*Rating* D-
*Genre* Unknown since the author has no clue what Urban Fantasy is truly about. PNR? Uhm, perhaps a more suitable designation.

*Review*

Shadowflame is the second book in the Shadow World Series. It picks up three months after the events of Queen of Shadows with Miranda Grey now married to Prime David Solomon and has become Queen of the Southern States. She is a fledgling vampire, a powerful empath, and a psychic whose powers continue to grow and exceed expectations. She has been trying to live a normal life and continue her singing career while maintaining a friendship with Kat and trying to understand the rules of being a vampire royalty.

David and Miranda are also receiving a parade of magnificent bastards (Primes), who arrive to offer congratulations and salutations while trying not to start a war that will change the way the vampires do business. Then the book goes to hell in a hand basket with the arrival of Deven O’Donnell and his Consort Jonathan and a major secret that exposes how truly desperate the writer is to force her personal views onto readers of the series.

For the record, the back story with Deven and the Red Shadows and the fact that someone is after Miranda would have been worth a 4 star rating had Sylvan not destroyed the book with the utter nonsense that she creates in the middle of the book with Deven’s secret past with David.

Yes, I did actually make it through the entire book, and now I feel like a need a shower. No make that several showers in order to get the stink off my body and out of my mind. How can one writer go from an amazing first book in Queen of Shadows, to this lunacy called Shadowflame and not be concerned by those who didn’t like the story and who won’t even bother with the next book even if it were free? Is it because Sylvan is independently wealthy and thus doesn’t need the money?

She nearly destroys a 3 month old marriage between Miranda and David because that is what HER values are about, not her readers. I don't care one frittata about the whole getting an author to use your ratings on her web page. Seriously, I don’t. I don’t care that the two characters who fall into bed together are men. Sylvan obviously is a bandwagon writer who believes that the new trend for Urban Fantasy novels is M/M pudknocker pulling. It’s not my cup of tea but I won’t condemn a series based solely on that fact. It’s the way she hides behind fake reviewers while calling those who hated this story losers and idiots.

What I do care about is the way that she rips Miranda’s world apart by letting David frittata around on her in the first place and expecting her to be okay with the whole thing and not wanting to rip his testicles off and shove them down his throat.

In this writer’s world, vampires like Deven and David will have numerous partners because that’s what they do and that’s the way it’s always been done. Oh Really? Have I missed something in the Cat and Bones series where they’ve taken other lovers after becoming mates? Am I missing out on the whole reason behind getting married in the first place and becoming soul mates is the idea of love, honor and cherish the one you’re with and not frittering around on your spouse?

I would rather give myself a root canal than follow Sylvan and this series any further. I’m sure this may be construed as a slap in the face towards anyone who actually liked the book. I assure you it’s not. I respect your opinions and your feelings. I just don’t have to go along with them.

In the end, Miranda just waves away the (situation) like it was a cold piece of fish, or a hiccup. Frittata that. Had my spouse (situationed) on me, I would have played Lorena Bobbitt on his wanker! I wouldn’t have been all, OH, I forgive you, and while I’m at it, why don’t you frittata around whenever you are able to be together? ::head to desk::

The only reason that I am giving this a D was the introduction of Cora and the Red Shadows storyline itself. I liked Cora and truly felt sorry for what she went through at the hands of a sadistic bastard. I liked how her story was played out and wouldn't mind reading more about her exploits.

I would have preferred to read more about the Red Shadows and how it was all put together by Deven than any of Miranda’s issues with her human friend Kat and her situation. I would have even liked to learn that Faith had been one of them as well instead of learning that Faith and David will probably find a way to screw around on Miranda as well.

I took away points also for Faith’s inability to tell Miranda the truth about the two dipwads 10 year relationship and how they ended it. Then again, I also blame David for being an asshat in not explaining his relationship with Deven before he arrived and tore Miranda’s world apart, even if it were temporarily.

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read Queen of Shadows and was just wowed off my feet. For some reason I kept picking this one up and putting it down never quite starting. Looking back it was an omen.

To start what the heck happened to David? In the first book David was smart, kind, charming and a force to be reckoned with. In this one he seems lost, he has absolutely no self-control, his self esteem is shot, seems to indulge in a lot of self loathing and the kicker is he is a cheater. The cheating thing really got to me because even after the cheating incident, David who in the last book could not bear to go on when he thought he lost Miranda, well now he could care less. Now that the deed is done all David wants is Deven because he is so in love with Devan. Also another kicker is he could not even bring himself to tell Miranda instead Faith has to tell her.

Oh and Miranda strong empathic Miranda...I liked you so much in the first book so strong fighting your fears embracing your man and your new life. Now you are a needy mess, I think off screen Miranda had a lobotomy. Also I am really sorry that you got duped, I feel like I was duped as well, I thought when you got the signet it meant you found your soul mate but as we can see this relationship lasted only three months and soul mates have F*#! buddies that they love. To add insult to injury looks like life will not get better because apparently Faith too is trying to take your man and your best friend has left town. My wish for you is that someone wanted you.

Then there was Johnathan man what a preacher, did I need you to explain why open relationships should be accepted in vampire culture better yet embraced? I mean thanks Ms. Sylvan I get it you like open relationships and you think the Christian church is crap...you made that one crystal clear! I was looking forward to Johnathan from his all knowing ways but then you turned him into this preachy whiny guy.

I feel like the constant explanation for the sexuality and all the angst lost track of the mystery and the action. If the writer wants to do open relationships and bi-sexuality in your story fine just do it but keep up with the story line.

Here is what I disliked in a nut shell, then there was the writing it was flat, there was no real action and the characters seemed to do a 180 from the first book.

In short this one missed the mark the mark for me. To be fair I did skim the second half hoping it would get better but no, just worst. So maybe there was some really good action that I just flew past...unlikely but possible.

Oh well this series was good while it lasted because I will not read anymore.

[Mariya · Rating 4 out of 5]

SHADOWFLAME succeeds the previous Queen of Shadows in so many ways and you are left wondering if it is even possible to turn the pages fast enough. Dianne Sylvan has truly created a vampire world that I want to be apart of for years to come.

Miranda is now Queen and wife of David Solomon, Prime of the South and since becoming a vampire her life has changed more ways than you could possibly imagine. She is a very young vampire, but in our eyes she is the wisdom of one born to be queen. David is as cute and geeky as ever just how I like him. I love that we see David as perfect to an extend, but he is not. We learn things about David's past that may be shocking, but it made me love this book even more. Learning about David's past was one of the best things about this book.

In Queen of Shadows we met the lovely Devon, Prime of California and his Consort, Jonathan. I knew from the moment we met them that I wanted more. In  SHADOWFLAME, Devon plays a more important role in this book and I am in swoon-mode right now, because I am in love with this Prime. I thought that David had stolen my heart, but now I think I am devoted to Devon.

"Darling, sometimes I think it's a good thing you're so pretty."

We get to meet some new characters that you will love and hate, but it makes reading the book that more enjoyable. SHADOWFLAME shows you just how dangerous it is to be in Miranda's shoes. She is the queen and there are some that wish her harm and you get to witness just how far they would go to her fall. Not just Miranda's life is at stake her, she is tied to her husband, David Solomon and if one dies so does the other.

SHADOWFLAME was an phenomenal book from beginning to end. When you reach that last page you will wish that you hadn't because the wait for the third book in this amazing vampire series will be that more painful.

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Your balls + my gun, you rat bastard."

That basically sums up my review of the book.

I've tried writing this review a few times ~ spoiler free ~ but having a hard time. Let's see how I do.

If you haven't heard about this book, I will be very surprised. A big nasty happens. I wasn't happy with it but there was a lot of explaining and while I felt Miranda handled things too easily, I was willing to go with it. Until. The. End. and now I'm just sick. Not just because of David but because of what happens with Kat too.

I've read a few reviews and don't quite understand why people are saying that the author didn't stay true to the characters. There's no way we could've known this part of David from the first book. It's NOT a happy book....it's dark and dirty and bloody. And there's so much going on!! There were also a lot of answered things, like what's the deal with Cora? And what was with Faith at the end? Who's the human....if they are human?

I actually like it when authors don't hash out the same ol' same ol'. I like something different ~ granted I'm not happy with the "theme" but I'm willing to see where she goes with it. The one thing I do have to say is that Dianne Sylvan sure can write. I really enjoy her writing style and she just draws you in. I feel so invested in Miranda and David and I'm such an optimist that I'm pretty sure I'm going to continue with the series ~ at least for the next book.

I'll leave you with this:

"You carved your name into my heart
You said we were forever
But everything falls
Everything falls apart..."

[Crazy4more · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars...and I don't care what other people think!

I was so enthralled and thought how can I give this book the credit it deserved. How high can I place this among my favorites among my PNR reads, and why it touched me differently?

How can I love another bad-ass human-turned-vampire Queen? David Solomon...that's why! When your husband is David, 350 YO and counting, he has fought, lived and loved...deeply. Only 3 three months in her new role, Miranda ready for ALL of his secrets? This book was filled with intense emotions: from such hatred that gagged me; long-lost-unfathomable love that will never be closed ached me; love so deeply from variety of facets that gave me hope; betrayal that baffled me and losses that wrecked me. Of course all this btwn action-packed, fast-pace, wit and outsmarting a mysterious/magical killer. At the end where Miranda tried to hold on to Kat, her life-line to normalcy, her humanity...she realized she was lossing that front and the transition was going to happen whether she was ready or not. And as always, David was there to help her along. Wrecked...I tell ya, I was wrecked.

What an amazing storyline told by an amazing storyteller!

Re-read Apr 2013 and still a 5 stars if not better. Now that the shock was knowing, I couldn't fathom how Miranda got over it. Re-reading it was enlightening. My love for David overshadowed the first time read, thus easily moved on but second time around wasn't as forgiving but at least I got to Miranda's pain and strength...which I knew was always there but didn't comprehend.

[delane · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK..I read the reviews....I was on full spoiler alert...I knew what was coming...to a certain extent...and I even went into it with, I'll admit a pretty damn bad attitude towards it.
THIS BOOK ENDED UP BLOWING ME AWAY!
I would resort to my eldest spawns favorite quote of 'it actually blew my dick in the dirt'...but I hate to admit to myself that I'm that little of a Lady so I'll just stick with.....WOW!
The stuff that everyone seems to have the most problem with was there...don't want to give it away if you're NOT into hearing anything before you dive in yourself...but I thought that for it to be the path the author choice to take...she did it with grace and pizzazz...it wasn't as seedy and sleazy as I had convinced myself that it was going to be and it was handled from start...through sleaze (yes there was sleaze) to finish with great finesse!
I'm pretty good at figuring out 'who dun-it'...'who said it'...'who planned it'...and whatnot on a regular basis and I gotta say that the last 20% of this book rocked me!
I don't read to be bored....and there was nothing boring about this book.
I do understand the problems that others have had with this...I do...I just don't have the same problems.
This was a wonderful read! There was NO middle book let-down....there was NO feeling of 'Wow...that was filler on the way to hopfully a better book 3'. This book was fabulous, shocking, unexpected and nothing short of balls to the wall from page one.

I think that Dianne Sylvan has taken HER gift for writing and put it into a book that was exactly what she invisioned, reguardless of the hate that she knew that some would aim her way because of it.....and have so much admiration for her because of it that I would be anxious for book 3 even if this one hadn't been completely what did it for me.
SO GLAD IT DID IT FOR ME!
AMAZING READ!

[Rana · Rating 1 out of 5]

EDITED: I returned the book. THERE ARE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE MY RAGE.



I am in the midst of reading the book and i got to THAT part of the story where David commits adultery three months into the marriage. I feel like I just been blindsided by a truck.

SERIOUSLY!!!! seriously....this just made the book so much less appealing to me. I loved the first book of the series and was looking forward to reading more about Miranda and David being in love for hundreds of years.

AND THREE MONTHS INTO THEIR RELATIONSHIP, he cheats. He turns into this freaking asshole who is still deeply in love with his old lover. He had sex with his ex-lover while his "soulmate" was sleeping two doors down.I was so upset I actually had to stop and write this review. I am so considering not finishing the book. AND I NEVER not finish a book.

This is absolutely ridiculous. What kind of bs is this? I understand this whole sharing of your consorts is common in Sylvan's Vampire world. But I still don't understand why Sylvan decided to devote the first book and the first part of the second book talking about this supposedly "everlasting" love between Prime David and Queen Miranda. Then jumps in with this whole "I am still in love with my ex-lover" thing.

Also, what the hell was Sylvan thinking? Miranda WAS a kick-ass heroine. But in this book, she's turning into some wimpy woman. I NEED THE KICK ASS ONE BACK.

So please Sylvan, I hope the rest of the book and the third book won't turn out to be some drawn-out stories about how Miranda completely understands her partner's needs and decides to share David with Deven. Because I am sort of hoping Miranda will kick some sense into David (and Jonathan to Deven), find another kick-ass, hot, and true lover, leave David for good.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPOILERS, SPOILERS, SPOILERS...

Shadowflame is the second instalment in the Shadow World series and to say it packs an emotional punch is an understatement.

In the Queen of Shadows, Sylvan shows herself to be a talented Urban Fantasy in overall character and plotting development. She has an easy flowing style which i found a pleasure to read. The actual writing style in Shadowflame is much the same but her controversial subplot involving a "gay for you" adulterous relationship is where she loses a lot of readers. The fact that I had been forewarned lessened the shock value somewhat but I could still feel myself getting hot under the collar when she appeared to go off on this tangent, despite some hints in the first book that this may develop. I totally understand that conflict between the H and h is a common plot device in subsequent books in Urban Fantasy but this one was certainly a clanger. I think the mistake she made was changing the whole soul mate setup from book one and the relationship between David and Miranda just didn't quite ring true when he had a whole other set of passionate feelings/issues for another and then acted on it. For me, it did take something away from the soul bond between David and Miranda. In the final pages when Miranda offered to turn a blind eye to David and Deven having some sort of relationship because "she loved him and didn't want him to hurt" was just plain unrealistic. What passionate woman lets her partner have a fling when the mood takes him with his gay lover?.

After saying all this I certainly didn't hate the book. It had me on a roller coaster of emotions and broke the mould of comfortable urban fantasy. I'd much rather read a controversial book that made me think and feel than some blah predictable book that i forget about hours after reading it. So, will I continue on with the series. Yes. There is enough unanswered questions and as i initially mentioned i like Ms Sylvan's writing style so on to Shadow's Fall.

[Kristina · Rating 1 out of 5]

''I don't think I've ever had to force myself to finish a book. And I don't think I've ever actually thrown a book across the room. And I don't think I've ever hated a book as much as I hated Shadowflame. ''
from
Aug 08, 2011 Dija

''Crossed this series off my list. I wish I could get those hours I wasted reading this book back.'' from
Jan 04, 2012 juliet
''I gave up. I'm not one of those people that avoids awkward story lines. I read a lot of weird and/or dark books. But the blatant infidelity in the main character's marriage, and how little time it apparently takes her to get over it just really annoyed me to no end. I flipped to the end, read the last couple pages, and I probably won't ever continue this series. Sorry. :/''
from Aug 22, 2011 Montana

...
I Totally Agree !!! This whole development is BS!
- when a couple has been in love only just a few months, and 'maried' to boot ( then it should be the honeymoon phase! damn it)
- infidelity is 'The End'.-over, kaputt, finito, the silver bulet, the fat lady is done singing, ...
But this...
I mean ARE they ( or at liest - IS David) realy in love.??? and
how little time takes her to get over it!?
Damn, i love plot twists and surprises --- Just- make them a bit believable, Please!!!!

this is a rant, I’m sorry that this is a rant but ... this book, this story had so much potential, ... It's sad and at the same time
infuriating.
Needless to say I don’t think I will be running out to get her other books!. :/

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadowflame picks up, pretty much where Queen of Shadows left off. Miranda, is the newly appointed Queen and eternally soul-mate-bonded to David the Prime of the South. While all is not perfect and they are still getting to know each other, things are progressing nicely in her life and all is pretty well. That is until it comes to light that there is an assassin in town; a visit from a sick, deranged Prime and visit from another sick, deranged Prime threatens to throw Miranda and David way off track...to the point where it may not be able to get back on track at all.

Dianne Sylvan not only went outside the box, she shredded the box and set it on fire. This story was filled with a whole slew of emotions, lies, deceit, love, acceptance and even forgiveness that I'm not sure I would be capable of, and leaves you wondering why make characters soul-mates at all. Both Miranda and David made beyond DUMB mistakes. But because Sylvan writes so well, yes I can say that even though I don't agree with the direction she took, I couldn't help but trudge through all the crap Miranda and David found themselves in, a proposal that blew my mind and left me shaking my head and the possible death of a friendship, to see if they would make it out stronger or 100 steps back.

In the end I am a bit heart-sick but can't help but wonder and wait for the next installment.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the first of this series
was about finding yourself; Shadowflame is about coming into yourself. Being ok with who you are; or if not being ok, than at least accepting yourself where you are in your life and in the relationships closest to you. The non-stop action and plot themes are wonderfully enticing. I was unable to put the book down and longingly await the next in the series. The characters developed well and are becoming good friends. I hope that Ms. Sylvan goes further into developing the other Signets and their Consorts; I would like to know their stories as well. All in all, an awesome twist on the vampire nation.

[Dave · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointed in this book.I loved Queen of Shadows and i kept reading Shadowflame with a hope that it would get better but it didnt. Im not sure in what direction Miranda and David's relationship is going and im not sure i want to keep reading to find out.

[Joana · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am really disappointed with this book. I loved so much the first one, Queen of Shadows. I also translated for some friends who don't know English.... for them read it.

I am a romantic reader, I wanna see the hero and the heroine together and happy. I know that someday something would happen to disrupt this relationship, but, they had just three months!!! WHAT? WHY?



I don't understand why the author wanted destroy David's image, I don't understand why the author wanted destroy Miranda's image, because for me they don't have qualms, they don't have self-respect and they don't have love. Love for each other, love for him-self/her-self.

I don't belive in the bound between Miranda and David, I don't belive on the Signet's power.

I also belive that Dianne Sylvan will ignore everything about it on the 3rd book, and this make me feel more sad.

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, I am disappointed with this book... When it comes to the plot, there are holes in it that I feel should have been filled besides her taking off on the tangent of David's side story...(not getting into it b/c it would be a spoiler).
I was so excited about this book b/c Queen of Shadows was fabulous!! The first 100 pages were leading me to believe that Shadowflame was going to be just as phenomenal. But, lo and behold, a major even happened and I have to say, that I DID NOT like it...I mean, readlly? Did Ms. Sylvan have to do this in this book? It was just so crazy and really took away from the whole soulmates theory played from book 1.
There were many surprises in this book and I just can't say right now if I will continue unless Ms. Sylvan rights the craziness she did in this one...