Early Book Review: Shadow Fallen (Dream-Hunter) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Shadow Fallen is the newest addition to the Dream-Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. It is currently scheduled for release on April 12 2022. The book does have cameos from characters from previous books from the author and her various series, however this can be read on its own as well.

For centuries, Ariel has fought the forces of evil. Her task was to protect the souls of innocent mortals when they die. Captured by a powerful sorceress, she is transformed into a human who has no memory of her real life or calling. And is plunked into the middle of the Norman invasion of England. Cursed the moment he was born with a "demonic deformity," Valteri wants nothing of this earth except to depart it and will do his duty to his king until then. When a strange noblewoman is brought before him, Valteri realizes he has met her before…in his dreams. When others come for her, bringing with them preternatural predators, he is faced with a destiny he had no idea was waiting. One he wants no part of. The truth is that Valteri isn’t just a knight of William the Conqueror. He is the son of one of the deadliest powers in existence, and if he doesn’t restore Ariel to her place, she is not the only one who will be in peril. The world itself hangs in the balance, and he is the necessary key to hold back the powers of evil. But only if he can find a way to work with the woman who stands for everything in the universe he hates.

Shadow Fallen is a return to the worlds if gods, betrayal, and love created by the author. I have been a fan for years and was glad to get a new book in my hands. The book held true to the things I expect- love that overcomes betrayal and even death. There are characters that have been tormented and some who still are, there are big conflicts and feelings and strange familial ties that complicate things. There are good souls struggling to hold true to their values despite everything around them and how others treat them, and others that give into the despair and hatred that it can cause. I loved being back in the thick of it and watching Val and Ariel find their way to each other and a future. I will admit that I did not get as lost in this story as I normally do. I am not sure if it was the stress and family that were circling around as I tried to read the book, or my mood at the time, but I just did not get as heavily involved as I normally do. The characters and conflicts were just as intense as I expected, the drama and stakes high and involved. I enjoyed getting to see some characters I knew from other books play their part, and interact with those I was just getting to know. The only issue I had with the read that I could actually identify could be fixed before final printing. I found that in the galley there were moments when the book changed point of view with no warning or break, but I doubt that will be an issue in the final version. 

Shadow Fallen holds to the love conquering trauma and death idea that threads through all of the author's work. It did not capture me quite as much as some of her earlier works, but it was still a good read and I am glad to have gotten my hands on it.