The King's Shadow: Magiford Supernatural City (Gate of Myth and Power Book 2) Review

The King's Shadow Book Cover

 

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase an item via one of these links, I'll receive a small commission at no added cost to you.)

I recently finished reading the second book in K.M. Shea's newest trilogy in the Magiford universe, The King's Shadow. The King's Shadow picks up right where the the previous book, The King's Captive, left off. 

Chole is a human that can shift into the form of a cat. She's a bit of an anomaly in the supernatural world due to her ability to transform quickly and from her natural magic resistance. Chole has been spending that last few weeks pretending to be a normal house cat after the hidden king of the elves, a species long believed to be extinct, rescues her from a group of local fae.

She while remaining in cat form she tried several attempts at escaping from elf king, Noctus, but due to a mysterious collar he placed upon her neck, he always knows her location.  At the end of book 2, she's forced to transform into human form to prevent Noctus from doing something she knows he'll regret. 

Once things settle down, Noctus makes the revelation that Chole is a shadow, the only know enemy of elves due to their ability to resist eleven magic. Many years ago, shadows made a living out of assassinating elves. Elves, in their fear of the shadows, massacred them. It was believed that their race was wiped out. 

The first portion of the book, we see Chole work to regain the trust of Noctus and his companions. Chole reveals one of the reasons she was reluctant to reveal her true natural as a human, rather than a cat was due to the presence of someone in town hunting her.  Whenever she's around Noctus, this hunter backs off and avoids the chase. 

Noctus insists that Chole should train and gain a greater proficiency with her unique abilities. Chole is initially reluctant but agrees to do it. Through training, her bond with Noctus grows. Everything seems to be going well until an incident occurs where Chole and Noctus are forced to choose between protecting their loved ones and those they have a duty to over their relationship.

I really enjoyed the second installment in the Gate of Myth and Power series. It was a nice continuation of the story. It doesn't leave off on a cliff hanger like the previous novel, but ending isn't satisfying either as we see the Chole and Noctus separated for seems like indefinitely. 

It is a quick read, and if you found yourself enjoying book 1, book 2 should be just as enjoyable!