Crown of Shadows

Court of Midnight and Deception, Book 1

By: K. M. Shea

Narrated by: Avery Caris, Charlie Thurston

Length: 9 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

The fae of the Night Court are desperately searching for a new monarch to crown before the Court collapses.

I couldn’t care less.

I’ve done everything I can to bury my fae blood and embrace my human half. That changes when some fae nobles show up on my doorstep and announce that I’m the next Queen of the Night Court.

Becoming an unwilling fae queen? Check. Inheriting a terrible mess? Double check.

The Court is almost bankrupt, my citizens’ favorite hobby is backstabbing one another, and I don’t know who I can trust since someone keeps trying to assassinate me.

Speaking of assassins, I get introduced to the best in the business—a fae lord nicknamed the Wraith. His deadly profession means he fears no one. The only reason he doesn’t kill me on the spot is he’s also a member of the Night Court, and the Court’s magic protects me. But that doesn’t prevent him from trading verbal barbs with me whenever we meet.

And if cat herding all these uncooperative fae and chatting with assassins wasn’t enough, I’m required to get married as part of some archaic Court law. This “queen” gig is the worst!

Supposedly I can choose anyone to marry, but with all the infighting I need someone who is neutral and won’t provoke more political power struggles.

So, why do I keep thinking of a certain assassin?

Court of Midnight and Deception is a complete trilogy that takes place in the Magiford Supernatural City universe. It features fae, werewolves, vampires, and wizards! This trilogy is packed with humor, adventure, and a sweet, slow-burn romance between a reluctant fae queen and the assassin who tried to kill her.

©2021 K. M. Shea (P)2022 K. M. Shea

Great story

Very addicting storyline that left me so excited for the next book! I love the way this author writes!!

Loved this!

I loved the hall of blood and mercy series on audible but this is even better! Great voice actors for Leila and Rigel!

I seriously don’t have words.

I’ve been listening to audible for a while. And as a note, I love K. M. Shea. I love her stories and the way she brings the world together. But of the Magiford Supernatural City series, the Court of Midnight and Deception has ALWAYS been a favorite. I have ebook and paperback copies already but I was nervous to get the audible. The voice I hear in my head is specific. And Lela’s sarcasm is thick throughout the whole book. I was worried that the narrator wouldn’t meet my expectations of the FMC. Boy was I wrong.

Not only does Avery Caris go above and beyond what I was expecting, she makes me laugh so hard when I hear Lela’s inner thoughts. I’ve read the books more times than I can count and I already know that I’m going to listen to them just as much, just to hear her.

Charlie Thurston doesn’t play as massive of a role, just because there aren’t as many chapters from the MMC’s pov. But he hits them on point for the mystery and dead humor that I’ve come to know from the MMC.

I love this series so much that I recommended them to people in the “about the author” section of my own book. If you are on the fence about this, get off it. Buy the books. Laugh with me! I cry at the end of the 3rd book every. Single. Time. And I cannot wait to hear Avery read it.

❤️🫶✌️

There weren’t any boring sectionsthat I had to endure. Loved it. I’m going to be reading her other series books as well.

Awesome!

Love this book so much and the audiobook was even better!!! The story is so engaging! The voice actores did such a great job it really sounded like Layla and Rigel would sound like.

Brilliant!! One of my absolute favorites.

Excellent story, excellent main character, and phenomenal readers!! One of my very favorite books. Stopping the political games in a fay court with brilliance! Animal magic with night creatures for the win. Would be a great movie imho.

Could not stop listening!

Simply amazing! Absolutely loved Lala. Laughing in my car did get me strange looks though. Can't wait to see what is next.

Lots of fun, great performances

Enjoy K. M. Shea’s books. The audio books have been great listens. Good performances bring her characters to life even more

Loved it!

I adore this series, and it was a new delight listening on audio. The narrators did a great job with distinct voices. I’ve probably read these books at least 5 or 6 times, and every time I live them even more. Leila is a really fun, earnest character, and I live seeing her development over the trilogy.

Worth the listen!

Loved the serious. The narrators were fantastic! My only complaint is I felt like you get authorsplained through the entire 3 books… Here are a few examples being told every time she goes to Kings Court cafe what it is, same for her animals. Bagel my happy donkey from my parents farm, like we know!