I know I’m late to the party since this was published back in 2019, but this book is phenomenal! I love Danielle Jensen’s Bridge Kingdom series, but never gave this one a shot since Amazon listed it as a middle school reading level. But let me tell you, you do not have to be a young adult to enjoy it. It’s perfect for adults and teens alike!
The book is told from two perspectives- Marcus and Teriana. Marcus is a legatus (aka general) of a prominent legion who is forced to set sail for the newly discovered Dark Shores after a high ranking politician threatens to reveal his dangerous secret. Teriana is a captured sailor is unwillingly assisting Marcus in order to save her people.
The main plot is engrossing and has a great sense of adventure. The world that the author creates makes you feel like you are right there in it and I had to practice a lot of self control not to read into the late hours of the night. And as much as I was invested in the main plot, what I enjoyed even more were the subplots and character interactions.
I absolutely loved Marcus as a protagonist. There are few things I enjoy more in a book than some good, angsty emotional and interpersonal turmoil, and his character delivered perfectly. He borders on being morally grey, but you understand his struggle and know that he wants to do the right thing. Despite having zero things in common with Marcus, I still found him to be very relatable and felt very connected to him. Danielle Jensen is the best in her field at making you feel what her characters are feeling. While I was reading the book, I was Marcus.
Teriana is a another great character. I didn’t feel as connected to her as I did Marcus, but I thoroughly enjoyed her chapters. It was very interesting to see Marcus and the rest of the legion from her perspective.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough. If you haven’t read Tarnished Empire (the prequel), I would start there first to get some background on the characters. Rarely do I buy a book (since I have kindle unlimited) but this one was absolutely worth the price. I’m not exaggerating when I say Danielle Jensen is probably the best fantasy romance author of our time.
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Popular Highlights in this book
“Because if anyone deserves to have their soul burn for eternity, it’s someone like me. Not a girl trying to save the lives of the people she cares about.”Highlighted by 109 Kindle readers- It was little more than a brush of the lips, but it sent a charge through her that made her tremble. This was how it was supposed to feel. Like standing on a cliff high above a turquoise sea, terrified to jump but desperate for the thrill of the fall.Highlighted by 108 Kindle readers
- “Someone needs to watch over you,” he said, not turning around. “And no one will do it better than me.”Highlighted by 100 Kindle readers
From the Publisher
Welcome to the World of Dark Shores!
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| Dark Shores | Dark Skies | Tarnished Empire | Gilded Serpent | |
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| Customer Reviews |
1,472
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935
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421
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860
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| Price | $7.99 | $9.99 | $0.99 | $12.99 |
| Reading Order | 1 (Main Series) | 2 (Main Series) | 2.5 (Prequel) | 3 (Main Series) |
| POV Characters | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Protagonists | Marcus & Teriana | Lydia & Killian | Marcus, Agrippa, & Silvara | Marcus, Teriana, Lydia, & Killian |
| Romance | Enemies-to-Lovers | Starcrossed Lovers | Enemies-to-Lovers | Starcrossed Lovers, Enemies-to-Lovers |
| Intimate Content | 14+ | 12+ | 16+ | 16+ |
| Slow Burn | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alternate World | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Action & Adventure | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Political Intrigue | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cliffhanger | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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Reviews with images
Review - Dark Shores
Initial ThoughtsI was super excited to read this one (please see my hype post detailing the excitement in full). I started this book the day I received it (despite the other books that I was already working on and the ones I owe reviews on).Favorite CharacterMarcus - he was everything I wanted the male lead in this story to be. Conflicted, still a good person, selfless. He was flawlessly flawed and I loved him for it.The InspirationI love, love, love the Roman influence in this story. I thought the inspiration was so different from anything else I had read. While it was heavily influenced by ancient Roman history, I thought the world was very unique.Some Questions I Have After ReadingWhat happened to some of the minor characters we left behind? I won't give any names but several characters basically just fall off. Since this is the beginning of a new series, I guess I can accept the cliffhangers but, it didn't feel like cliffhangers, it felt more like forgotten loose ends.Was it just me, or was "godmarked" not explained very thoroughly? I eventually figured it out, but it took me until about two-thirds into the book to get it.What's the deal with the seven gods of the Dark Shores? I need more books and more stories about them. I want to know everything. But, the first book in a new series always leaves readers with more questions than answers.Series ValueI think Danielle L. Jensen set up a unique world that I can easily see more stories coming from. However, this book didn't leave me dying to get back into it. It was definitely a good book with a solid ending, but it felt rushed but yet very neatly tied up despite all of the unanswered questions I have.I would read the next books in the series for sure, but, I think I could have waited to read this one. I think it would be better as a binge read series.Final ThoughtsI enjoyed this book. I think it's a great start to a new series. I liked the world building, the inspiration for the story, and the characters. I didn't like the rushed ending, the unanswered questions, and the semi-underdeveloped romance (it goes along with my comments on the rushed ending). But overall, I liked this one.⭐⭐⭐⭐Recommendations for Further ReadingBefore the Broken Star by Emily R. King - this is another story of a military-esque establishment going on an expedition with a female prisoner leading the way. There is also enemies to lovers romance, a series long plot, and tons of cliffhangers leaving you wanting more.Beasts of the Frozen Sun by Jill Criswell - this story also contains enemies to lovers romance, gods and goddesses meddling in the affairs of humanity, and a series spanning plot that left me desperate for the next book.Daughter of the Pirate King and Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller - if you liked the pirate feel of the Maarin people in Dark Shores, you will love this duology.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2020
Initial Thoughts
I was super excited to read this one (please see my hype post detailing the excitement in full). I started this book the day I received it (despite the other books that I was already working on and the ones I owe reviews on).
Favorite Character
Marcus - he was everything I wanted the male lead in this story to be. Conflicted, still a good person, selfless. He was flawlessly flawed and I loved him for it.
The Inspiration
I love, love, love the Roman influence in this story. I thought the inspiration was so different from anything else I had read. While it was heavily influenced by ancient Roman history, I thought the world was very unique.
Some Questions I Have After Reading
What happened to some of the minor characters we left behind? I won't give any names but several characters basically just fall off. Since this is the beginning of a new series, I guess I can accept the cliffhangers but, it didn't feel like cliffhangers, it felt more like forgotten loose ends.
Was it just me, or was "godmarked" not explained very thoroughly? I eventually figured it out, but it took me until about two-thirds into the book to get it.
What's the deal with the seven gods of the Dark Shores? I need more books and more stories about them. I want to know everything. But, the first book in a new series always leaves readers with more questions than answers.
Series Value
I think Danielle L. Jensen set up a unique world that I can easily see more stories coming from. However, this book didn't leave me dying to get back into it. It was definitely a good book with a solid ending, but it felt rushed but yet very neatly tied up despite all of the unanswered questions I have.
I would read the next books in the series for sure, but, I think I could have waited to read this one. I think it would be better as a binge read series.
Final Thoughts
I enjoyed this book. I think it's a great start to a new series. I liked the world building, the inspiration for the story, and the characters. I didn't like the rushed ending, the unanswered questions, and the semi-underdeveloped romance (it goes along with my comments on the rushed ending). But overall, I liked this one.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendations for Further Reading
Before the Broken Star by Emily R. King - this is another story of a military-esque establishment going on an expedition with a female prisoner leading the way. There is also enemies to lovers romance, a series long plot, and tons of cliffhangers leaving you wanting more.
Beasts of the Frozen Sun by Jill Criswell - this story also contains enemies to lovers romance, gods and goddesses meddling in the affairs of humanity, and a series spanning plot that left me desperate for the next book.
Daughter of the Pirate King and Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller - if you liked the pirate feel of the Maarin people in Dark Shores, you will love this duology.
I was super excited to read this one (please see my hype post detailing the excitement in full). I started this book the day I received it (despite the other books that I was already working on and the ones I owe reviews on).
Favorite Character
Marcus - he was everything I wanted the male lead in this story to be. Conflicted, still a good person, selfless. He was flawlessly flawed and I loved him for it.
The Inspiration
I love, love, love the Roman influence in this story. I thought the inspiration was so different from anything else I had read. While it was heavily influenced by ancient Roman history, I thought the world was very unique.
Some Questions I Have After Reading
What happened to some of the minor characters we left behind? I won't give any names but several characters basically just fall off. Since this is the beginning of a new series, I guess I can accept the cliffhangers but, it didn't feel like cliffhangers, it felt more like forgotten loose ends.
Was it just me, or was "godmarked" not explained very thoroughly? I eventually figured it out, but it took me until about two-thirds into the book to get it.
What's the deal with the seven gods of the Dark Shores? I need more books and more stories about them. I want to know everything. But, the first book in a new series always leaves readers with more questions than answers.
Series Value
I think Danielle L. Jensen set up a unique world that I can easily see more stories coming from. However, this book didn't leave me dying to get back into it. It was definitely a good book with a solid ending, but it felt rushed but yet very neatly tied up despite all of the unanswered questions I have.
I would read the next books in the series for sure, but, I think I could have waited to read this one. I think it would be better as a binge read series.
Final Thoughts
I enjoyed this book. I think it's a great start to a new series. I liked the world building, the inspiration for the story, and the characters. I didn't like the rushed ending, the unanswered questions, and the semi-underdeveloped romance (it goes along with my comments on the rushed ending). But overall, I liked this one.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendations for Further Reading
Before the Broken Star by Emily R. King - this is another story of a military-esque establishment going on an expedition with a female prisoner leading the way. There is also enemies to lovers romance, a series long plot, and tons of cliffhangers leaving you wanting more.
Beasts of the Frozen Sun by Jill Criswell - this story also contains enemies to lovers romance, gods and goddesses meddling in the affairs of humanity, and a series spanning plot that left me desperate for the next book.
Daughter of the Pirate King and Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller - if you liked the pirate feel of the Maarin people in Dark Shores, you will love this duology.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2021
Top reviews from other countries
Laura Machado
Surpreendente e apaixonante!
Reviewed in Brazil on September 11, 2019
Marit
READ THIS! DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS ADVENTURE
Reviewed in the Netherlands on November 9, 2020