Kingdom of Shadow and Light

I was very fortunate (and very surprised) to receive an Advanced Authors Copy of ‘Kingdom of Shadow and Light’ from the author. I finished the book a few nights ago and I was moved to write my (spoiler free) book review and wanted to share. I’ve also purchased the Audible version and I’m listening to it now. So glad I did because I’m finding bits I missed during my Hardcover Read. I’m LOVING the narrators!

Twelve years ago, I innocently picked up a new release on an end cap at my local library. I didn’t know it at the time, but picking up that book would change my life. If you’re a fan of Karen Marie Moning, you’ll know she often talks about lines of demarcation. There was the Selena before the ‘Fever’ series, and the Selena after finding the ‘Fever’ series. It changed my life in so many monumental ways. This is my review of ‘Kingdom of Shadow and Light’ – the final installment of Karen Marie Moning’s, ‘Fever Series’.

I always feel a little numb after reading one of Ms. Moning’s books and KOSAL is no exception. Shes an expert world builder and a wordsmith who always finds a way to transport me. With such high expectations of ‘Kingdom of Shadow and Light’, I was honestly nervous about what was going to happen. There have been moments throughout this series that have thrown me a little. Shazam admittedly confused me at first. Dancer and Joe ticked me off! There were times throughout this series when I literally tossed my book across the room (hello Dreamfever!), but I always picked it back up and fell back in love with this world and these beloved characters. Mac, Dani, Lor, Ryo, JZB…life without them would just be lame.

In KOSAL, we revisit our beloved Fever characters and meet some new ones, too. I loved how the author brought them all back for the series finale. This will be a spoiler free review, but let’s just say, KOSAL has everything one of KMM’s readers would want from an epic series finale – revelations, betrayal, battles, magic, mystery, love, friendship, smokin’ hot sex, tender moments and a fantastic feckin’ ending. ‘Kingdom of Shadow and Light’ has exceeded my expectations. What an adventure!! I loved how the previous stories held clues that were like like breadcrumbs for us to follow to the conclusion. So cool! It took me 8 days to read this because I kept pulling out previous books and connecting things in this final book. I wrote down many quotes that moved me as I’ve done in the past with Karen’s books. Her quotes are magic. I laughed, I cried, I even got actual goodbumps! However, the best compliment I could give this final book is how full my heart felt at its completion. I just feel complete.

I have one true complaint about KOSAL. Not. Enough. Lor. (Never Enough Lor!) Y’all are laughing, but I don’t believe I could ever get enough of that man! I want a whole book about him! He had some fun parts in KOSAL, but not enough for me!! Lord, I love me some Bonecrusher! I’m starting a hashtag #MoreLor Lol.

Karen has always said she had a vision for the completion of this series and it couldn’t have come together more perfectly for me. Absolutely brilliant and just what I needed for this beloved series to come to a close. These characters have been my friends for more than a quarter of my life, so finishing is bittersweet. I’m tearing up as I write this, but all I can say is, “holy borrowing bibliophile, what a book!”. I hope you all love it as much as me.

To the incomparable, Karen Marie Moning – Thank you for the joy you have filled us with all these long years. I will follow you anywhere, Karen.

I think my takeaway to those who have not read this yet or are debating whether or not they want to: dont have high expectations. Treat this like a fluffy romantic comedy or like an action movie – you know its not going to win any awards or blow you away with the acting or plot and you know how its going to end, but you at least anticipate enjoying a few hours being lightly entertained. Just expect to spend one last time with these characters as storylines are laid to rest, one last adventure is had, and enjoy it for what it is – a sweet goodbye to a loyal fan base.

There are some gems still to be found in KMMs writing, but if you are a reader who feels the series has dwindled for one reason or another over the last 1-5 books, your aggravations will be realized again in this book (and honestly, new aggravations may appear) so be prepared.

I enjoy both Mac/Barrons and Dani/Ryodan. I do feel that Dani/Ryodan got a bit cheated out of their story and I am saddened by that. But I also understand there was A LOT of reader commentary around that storyline and I am sure it was incredibly frustrating for KMM to try and find a path that worked for everyone – perhaps some of the magic got lost in this frustration. I will say that if you are a hardcore Dani/Ryodan fan you need to bring your expectations to zero. It felt like they were included as a courtesy and their inclusion was minimal at best. I read reviews and spoilers ahead of time (Im weird like that), was prepared for this disappointment, and I think it actually helped me read KOSAL with a better or more open frame of mind.

I am happy for those readers that feel this was the perfect closure and truly enjoyed this book as much as any other in the series. And I can completely understand those who are unhappy with this book or found it too preachy/nebulous/wordy. I appreciate how difficult it can be for an author and I am always in awe of those who can create worlds and art for others to enjoy so I am not comfortable being overly critical (having said that, if this was the first book I read from an author I am not sure if I would have finished it or, at the very least, I would not be rushing out to pick up another book by the author). I am grateful that KMM did not give up despite the many personal challenges along the way and despite a rather vocal and divided fan base.

Finally, I cant rate this book (but decided to give it 3 stars here on Amazon because I had to put something and I figure 3 is middle of the road). At least not right now. I did a complete reread of this series before starting KOSAL. And I think it was helpful, but there are also plenty of reminders of the big plot points of previous books provided throughout so Im not sure it was necessary.

(Im sorry Im so wordy!)

I didnt know how a series as monumental as the Fever Series could be wrapped up so beautifully, but here we are!

Having had a few days to reflect after finishing KOSAL. Its a bittersweet feeling to hang up my MacHalo, but let me tell you all…KOSAL is everything and more. Its a beautiful, exciting, and momentous closure. All summed up perfectly with, The End.

You are going to LOVE it!!!

I’m on my page 30, as is the rest of my book club and we’re all struggling to get into it. We are HUGE fans of KMM and this series. We bought this the day it was released. But so far we’re so disappointed that some of us have put the book aside to read others instead. I’m hoping it gets more captivating, and if it does, I’ll revise this review. But for now, the book is unnecessarily wordy, so full of description without dialogue or action it’s not hooking us. Hoping it gets better!

KOSAL is the conclusion to the Fever series I wanted and so much more!! I’ve been reading it from day one when Darkfever came out 15 years ago. The sheer amount of life changing quotes that have come from these books is truly mind boggling. Karen has spectacularly wrapped up Fever to allow me as reader to feel all the characters we have come to know and love have received their HEA! Her ability to build characters and create a world out of her brilliant brain is why she’s been my favorite author since I picked up Dark Highlander. With KOSAL she had Me deep in my feels the entire read. It took while to process all that happened. This woman leaves is all on the page and KOSAL is no exception. Thank you for this world, your work, and your deep appreciation of your fans!!! HOPE STRENGTHENS, FEAR KILLS

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