Ratings1
Average rating4.5
Throne of Glass meets The Witcher and Once Upon a Time in this heart-wrenching, high fantasy romance packed with trauma healing, epic magic, and high-stakes rebellion.
"What could be worse than death?"
They made her kneel. So, she would see them burn...
Alora—a Marked One—is bound to a fate of suffering. Therefore, when Lord Kaine takes her as his lady, life under his status and within his manor should have offered her everything—including safety.
Except, in the darkness, Alora is a dying star, an explosion contained by his will and cruelty. Waiting for the day she’ll blaze a light so intense it would burn at the edges of shadow itself, she endures her destined torment.
But outside his walls, evil terrorizes Elysian, and as the Savage Prince sets his attention on Alora next, the lines between monster and savior blur. Her desire for freedom becomes tainted, and a new price must be paid. With rumors of his cruelty, ruthlessness, and unrelenting power, Alora's trust is not easily earned. She can't help feeling like she's exchanged one monster for another—a lord for a prince. A betrothed for a shadow beast.
Can Alora ever truly be free under those who have bound themselves to her?
Or will her only escape sit masked in shadow?
What Lies Within Masks & Shadows is the first book in a new series featuring a morally gray hero with powers of darkness, enemies-to-lovers, "traumance", banter, dark secrets, and captivating, action-packed adventure with slow burn romance.
Welcome to the darkened world of Elysian. Welcome to What Lies Within Masks & Shadows.
Authors note: Readers are encouraged to check the trigger warnings inside. This is an adult book that touches on very dark themes.
Reviews with the most likes.
I'm simultaneously delighted and sad that I got an early copy of this.
I really enjoyed this and would have read the entire thing in one sitting had I not had to work the next day. Enemies to lovers is trope is probably my favorite. I enjoyed the character development and how their relationships progressed along with the story.
Definitely on the darker side but there is a list of warnings to help determine if it's a good fit for you.
The worst part of about this is I don't know how tf I'm supposed to just wait for the next one after that ending?!??! I need it now please lol.