A Twist of the Blade

Shadows and Crowns, Book 2

By: S.M. Gaither

Narrated by: Jesse Vilinsky

Length: 15 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

Who is Casia Greythorne?

Still reeling from an unimaginable loss and the revelation of an identity she isn't sure she wants to embrace, Casia has one plan: Try to control the strange magic awakening inside of her. Mastering that magic will take her and her friends on a quest through cursed lands, into the dwellings of old gods, and deep into a Southern empire filled with deadly foes and unlikely allies.

Meanwhile, the foundations of the Kethran Empire continue to crumble. The king-emperor clings to his crown with increasingly bloodied hands. Monsters and soldiers alike stalk Casia's every step, determined not to let her return to claim a throne that is rightfully hers. Still, the greatest threat to her possible rule may not lie in the king-emperor, but in a former captain of his army - a man with whom she came dangerously close to falling in love.

Elander Revenmar thought he knew who he was. He had a mission, a plan, a god he was content to serve. Then came Casia. A woman as mysterious as she is dangerous. One he should have stayed away from and whose life he never should have saved.

Because salvation always comes with a cost.

And some debts can only be paid for in blood.

©2021 S.M. Gaither (P)2021 Tantor

Pleasantly impressed!

Book one was good, book two - wow oh wow did I find myself devouring this read! This book explored way more of the lore, the mysterious power in Cass, and didn’t waste too much time with the “you lied to me so I hate you now” trope thankfully. Am I the only enemies to lovers girlie who is starting to burn out on this particular scenario? 😅 This sequel was everything I needed to get re-engaged with this plot. I hung on for the characters, but now we have plot too - chef’s kiss!

Method: Audio 🎧

Characters: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Plot: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Spice: 🌶️.5

Narration: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.5

NOOOOO!!! I need Book 3 NOW!!!!!!!

Everything I love about fantasy fiction is in this book. Everything I tell you!!! My advice: definitely listen to this book, but wait until book 3 is out and dodge the utter devastation of realizing you have to wait 😭😱🤬

Love this series

This book is filled with so much emotion. I love the overall storyline. Great narration.

Not as much romance as I wanted

I really thought the romance would increase as the books continued, but it was about the same. Fantasy was great though! Storyline is getting better and the mystery continues!

So beautiful

I loved everything about the story! just enough magic to keep it interesting, enough romance to fall head over heels, and characters you will want to keep😍

Dude.

I reviewed the first book and I loved it. I don’t know if I’ve ever said this before for any author but… I liked the second book even more. I was literally crying and now that I’m done I’m leaving this review and immediately buying number three. Also great performance. Really great performance.

Better and better!

This series keeps getting better and better. I have been absolutely devouring it. I can’t wait to read what happens next.

Awesome Narrator

Of course a narrator can’t be good if the story isn’t good, but she has some serious talent. Fun ride. Can’t wait for the next installment. Author is a good storyteller.

Jesse Rocks!

This story is so good and to have a narrator bring it to life the way Jesse does is amazing. It’s not often you find a female narrator master the male voice, but she does. Her Scottish accent and voice for Elander, transports you into the story. The writing is so good, describing each scene so beautifully, I’m hooked. Thanks to all for this great story! Excuse me while I rush to get the next book!

Really enjoyed book 2!

Great performance from the narrator- love the story. Book 1 was a big slow in the beginning but the story keeps getting better. Onto book 3!