In The Shadows

The Amari Series, Book 1

De: L.B. August

Narrado por: Madison Mitts, Theodore Zephyr

Damned by gods and threaded by fates, two mortals must embrace the darkness to find their true destinies.

Lilith Clarke is supposed to be dead: murdered by the vicious King Oren, her blood staining a field of daisies. But death would have been merciful. After years of having no name, she is finally given a title: Queen of Umbra. But it will cost her everything. Lily is now bound to King Asher, the most powerful and brutal shadow divinus in all of Omnia. Forced to rule in secret, she slowly loses herself to the darkness. She fears it will swallow her whole.

Until he arrives, tugging an ancient thread deep within her soul.

Theodore Kincaid seeks justice in Umbra but falls captive to his sworn enemy, the ruthless King Asher. Trapped in the kingdom that killed his beloved, his fate seems sealed until a chance encounter with the secret Queen of Umbra offers him an opportunity he can’t resist.

Theo and the Queen each believe that they are in full control, but neither is prepared for what the fates have in store.

Amidst a realm on the brink of chaos, two souls collide in a heart-wrenching tale of unveiling secrets, conquering the darkness, and igniting a love that could save or destroy.

In The Shadows is the first book in a new series filled with forbidden romance, enemies-to-lovers, magical powers, fated mates, and political intrigue. It’s perfect for fans of The Serpent and the Wings of Night, Fourth Wing, The Cruel Prince, One Dark Window, and A Court of Thorns and Roses.

In The Shadows features mature content and themes that are not suitable for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised. For all content warnings, please visit L.B.’s Instagram.

©2024 L.B. August (P)2025 L.B. August

The plot twists!

I was skeptical at first, I'm not a big fan of slow starts. But eventually it caught my curiosity and I needed to know what happened and why! It really turns into a Rollercoaster in the last few hours too! I listen in my car mostly, on my way to work, and the mmc voice actor can be tough to understand sometimes but that's really my only complaint! this was a good read!

The woman’s voice makes me angry

The story is great, but I could not get over how much the woman’s voice inspired anger in me. If she has a lung condition that causes her to lose her breath fast, then I take it back. Theo’s voice was fine.

Fantastic!

Absolutely loved the story, narration, everything!! Really good work from both the author and the voice actors. Can’t wait for book two!

Wow. I’m hooked

Can’t wait for a second book. The world building, the strong female lead. And the narration for audio was fantastic. I loved it.

Wowowwowow!

Oh my gosh! What an incredible debut from L.B. August! The world building and lore is beautifully crafted (and I’m still sorting out puzzles that I know will get solved). The characters are so well rounded. Lily is of the best feisty badasses I’ve read recently. I love her relationships with Theo, Nyx, and Juniper. I can’t wait for the sequel!

Theo and Madi out did themselves with their performances, and I’m officially spoiled for duet narration. Little things, like explosive laughter were just as impressive as were the full emotional moments. I will forever listen to anything they narrate.

Seriously, do yourself a favor and buy the audiobook. It’s one of the best I’ve listened to all year.

The passion of the readers

Loved the book. Surprised almost every chapter, and felt every emotion from sorrow and pity to laughter and awe

Finally!

A Shadow (Umbra) Mommy! This series is going to be legendary! This is only book one and the obsession and need for book two is an addiction. These Amari's will keep you on you toes. The world building, romance, action, steam...all of it is perfectly out together to create everyone's next addiction. Bravo!

Great story, Great Narration... mostly

I started this to fall asleep to at first before really diving in but I was hooked immediately. The story is amazing and the different pov for our ma's is smooth. I am dying for the second book.
the performance was great, a bit to breathy for me to love it, it sometimes made it hard to hear as well, but overall I am obsessed.

Obsessed!!!!!

What was that ending?!😩
I need book two like yesterday!

I finished the first book in The Amari Series,by LB August, and I can’t get enough and I’m so ready for book two. The twists and turns and secrets were all so exciting. The strength and bad@ssery Shadow Mommy that is Lily had me biting my fist on more than one occasion! Cinnamon roll Theo with a filthy mouth has me in a puddle. And all the side characters were a perfect addition to this story! Easily a five star 💫 read for me. I listened to this book on Audible and Theo and Madi knocked it out of the park!

What To Expect:
🖤Neurodivergent bi strong FMC
🖤Cinnamon Roll MMC with a mouth on him
🖤Enemies to lovers but with a twist
🖤Found Family
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Forbidden Love (shouldn’t be falling for the enemy queen. Or should we? 😈)
🖤Hidden Identities
🖤Fate/Star Crossed Lovers
🖤An amazing “good boy” moment 🥵🧎🏻‍♀️
🖤Romantasy
🖤Spice🌶️
🖤and so much more

⚠️Please check TWs on LB’s website, as some material might not be suitable for all.

I needed this book!

From the moment In the Shadows opens, you know you’re in for something unforgettable. This book is dark, dangerous, beautiful, and utterly merciless in the way it grips your heart.
What I loved:
*World-building & atmosphere: The realm of Omnia is vivid, dangerous, and layered. Umbra’s shadows, the divine magic, the lurking monsters are more than backdrop; they’re integral, haunting, alive.
*Characters who bleed and fight and grow: Lily is fierce, flawed, raw. Theo is loyal, tortured, yearning. Their POVs sharpen the emotional stakes. The pain, the longing, the betrayals...they all matter.
*Enemies-to-lovers + fated mates done well: The trope-heavy ingredients are here (Amari, forbidden love, secrets, memory loss), but they’re handled beautifully. You feel every internal battle and every moment when what was broken might be mended.
*High stakes & heavy heart: Trauma, loss, and creeping darkness aren’t just decoration, they define the journey. And the emotional investment sinks in deep. You care fiercely, sometimes painfully.
Things that I loved but aren't for everyone:
*Be warned: this is dark romance. There are violent scenes, graphic descriptions, trauma, torture, emotional abuse, implied sexual assault. It’s intense, but the payoff is powerful.
*The pacing is relentless in parts, the twists hard-hitting, the cliffhanger ending unforgiving. If you like clean resolutions, this one's gonna throw you for a loop!
IN SUMMARY: Loved it. The darkness, the romance, the intensity... I need more.