The Shadow Queen

A Black Jewels Novel

By: Anne Bishop

Narrated by: John Sharian

Length: 11 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's Summary

From the national best-selling author - the new novel set in the "darkly fascinating world" (SF Site) of the Black Jewels.

Dena Nehele is a land decimated by its past. Once it was ruled by corrupt Queens who were wiped out when the land was cleansed of tainted Blood. Now, only 100 Warlord Princes stand - without a leader and without hope.

Theran Grayhaven is the last of his line, desperate to find the key that reveals a treasure great enough to restore Dena Nehele. But first he needs to find a Queen who remembers the Blood's code of honor and lives by the Old Ways. The woman chosen to rule Dena Nehele, Lady Cassidy, is not beautiful and believes she is not strong. But she may be the only one able to convince bitter men to serve once again.

©2009 Bertrice Small (P)2009 Penguin

Critic Reviews

“Surges with spellcraft and engaging romance.” (Publishers Weekly) 

“In this stand-alone novel set in the evocative Black Jewels world, Bishop tackles surviving various horrors head-on...It’s a difficult subject, but one that Bishop writes about sensitively, with compassion and without blinking or pulling punches.” (RT Book Reviews)  

Same great story, but character voices off

Why is Jaenelle Celtic? The voices should stay consistent throughout the series. I love Sharian's Daemon, Lucivar and Saetan.

Narrator is disappointing.

Yet again Mr. Sharian kept Janelle with an accent and it changes her demeanor. Some of the other voices are inconsistent as well. Seems his heart isn't in it. Enjoyed the story overall. Just distracted by the narration.

wonderful story

I throughly enjoyed this book which seems but a chapter of a great tale may it never end!

Fantastic

Great story.it's one of those love to have stories.I grew up on Dallas so this seat just right .Thank you

Great follow-up book to the series.

Good to know how the Bloods were doing after 'the storm.' Really enjoyed this book.

Jaenelle

Another great story! Almost used to Jaenelle’s new accent. Cassidy is a great new character. Looking forward to continuing her story.

Consistent voices would help

As another reviewer pointed out, this reader has done the other books in this series, and it's incredibly jarring to hear Morghann's voice when Janelle is speaking. Particularly given that all the male characters have the same voices as they do in the other books, it's confusing that Janelle has a completely different accent.

The book is good, and gives an enjoyable glimpse into another aspect of this world; because of the reader, I preferred reading to listening.

ended abruptly

I really liked this story but there were 2 problems: dude gave Janelle an Irish accent and it really ended too early. There was so much more I needed to know. expected to know. it is like the author got tired of writing and just stopped. I'm left feeling disappointed and curious. I just wish there was more.

Great story and narrator, but something is off

Cassie's story might be my favorite of Anne Bishop's Black Jewels books. It's nice to get the story of a lighter jewel and the expectations of that witch, especially a light jeweled Queen.
John Sharian is a great narrator but the sudden change of Jaenelle's accent gave me whiplash. His other character voices are great but this one really threw me off. His struggle with her accent in places also changed the way Witch sounds in more serious parts and took me out of it a bit. Luckily this isn't Jaenelle's story so there's not a ton of her dialogue.

Another great book

Love the storyline. Love that we see a different character's story, but still incorporate a healthy dose of Jaenelle and Daemon. Still annoyed at the change in voice for Jaenelle... it doesn't suit her imo

Anne Bishop's stories are always fantastic

I confess I already own a complete set of all Anne Bishop's books in print. So I'm biased I think they are all fabulous.

Excellent

Where are ALL Ann Bishop's books? I have read them all, now I need to hear them. Just off for the next one I can find!