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Dominions #3
The Shadows Rule All
This electrifying conclusion combines danger, action, and a heart-pounding romance wrapped up in a gorgeous cover package.
526 pages, Hardcover
First published November 12, 2024
217 people are currently reading
12673 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Owen
51 books4,222 followersAbigail Owen is the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, and International bestselling author of 30+ books that range from upper YA (18+) epic romantasy to new adult modern mythic romantasy to super spicy adult paranormal romance. She loves magical worlds with plots that move hot and fast, feisty heroines with sass, heroes with heart, a dash of snark, and oodles of HEAs!
Abbie has a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing) from Texas A&M University (gig’em Ags!), and an MBA from California State University-Sacramento. Prior to becoming a published author, she spent 15+ years using the other side of her brain in various tech- and business-related roles.
Other titles include: wife, mother, Star Wars geek, ex-competitive skydiver, AuDHD, spreadsheet lover, Jeopardy! fanatic, organizational guru, true classic movie buff, linguaphile, wishful world traveler, and chocoholic.
Abbie currently resides in Austin, Texas, with her own swoon-worthy hero, their (mostly) angelic teenagers, and an adorable fur baby.
Abbie has a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing) from Texas A&M University (gig’em Ags!), and an MBA from California State University-Sacramento. Prior to becoming a published author, she spent 15+ years using the other side of her brain in various tech- and business-related roles.
Other titles include: wife, mother, Star Wars geek, ex-competitive skydiver, AuDHD, spreadsheet lover, Jeopardy! fanatic, organizational guru, true classic movie buff, linguaphile, wishful world traveler, and chocoholic.
Abbie currently resides in Austin, Texas, with her own swoon-worthy hero, their (mostly) angelic teenagers, and an adorable fur baby.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
November 15, 2024
YEAH THERE’S A HEA BUT AT WHAT COST, ABIGAIL?!?
I AM SENDING YOU MY THERAPY BILL.
I AM SENDING YOU MY THERAPY BILL.
Want to read
February 18, 2023can I have an arc pretty please???
December 1, 2024
✰ 3 stars ✰
“Even if I didn’t know you, I would want to find you.”
The Shadows Rule All was by no means a bad conclusion to the Dominions trilogy. 'Bittersweet and painfully beautiful', it expanded the lore delving into Eidolon's past - providing us with a glimpse of why he went down the dark path; it gave us plenty of twists & reveals - some not wholly prepared for, some definitely worth it; it gave us ample amount of growth for both Meren and Tabra - allowing them both to finally step forward as the rightful Queens, and aligning their powers to confront not only the goddesses' powers, but whatever other challenges and conflicts that came their way. 👑
“I know better than to believe those evil things. I’ll never be the monster they want me to be.”
Meren is a strong-willed and determined heroine. Once again, she has to weather both the shadows in her heart and mind, as well as the darkness that creeps forward in outward forces. She never gave up or lost hope, despite how many times, new twists and reveals would lead her wayward towards another unsuspecting turn. 'If I survive these trials, someday I’m going to live a life where I have all the answers all the time.' 😥 The battle to stay sane against the constant intrusion in her head is a continuous torture, one that she is desperate to find an answer to remove with the help her own band of merry men.
It was nice to return to them; even when the odds have tightened and worsened, they have but one goal and their struggle to restore the powers to the amulets, thwart Eidolon's evil intentions and also have Reven return to her arms propel the story forward in an engaging and fluid manner that despite the length of it, it was still easy to read. That definitely helped. It also helped that I do like Meren. Even with her doubts and faults and impulsive nature at times, she is inherently good at heart. Always chosen to be second or the replacement, she's forever protective of Tabra and her loved ones. And of her heart, too. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“It’s not the bond. It’s you. Us.”
Reven and Meren - ah, they've definitely been through a lot. Due to Reven's 'special' condition, we do get to indulge in a brief recap into the story - a tactful ruse, considering the gap in the books' release. 🙂↔️🙂↔️ It definitely did make the story a bit repetitive by having us recount those moments at intervals, but it also served as a reminder of just how entwined and ill-fated the two of them are as bondmates - a bond that can be poison or a balm to those who hold it. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
What never lost the charm was how much they felt for each other - regardless of whether they believed it to be true or not. A deep-rooted intimate feeling that transcended time and reason of how protective he was of her without him even understanding why - but just believing in them. 🥺 'My light in the darkness' who fought alongside her in the tug of war of either succumbing to the Shadows or resisting them for keeping them apart. It is a shame the author only ever gives us ONE perspective of Reven's but it is the catalyst that sets everything in motion. So, definitely props to that. ✨
“Reven searches my gaze. For what? My sincerity? My determination? It’s all there. I’m not holding back any longer.”
See, the funny thing is that I did not have any qualms with the plot, but rather the plot lines that were used. It may be a personal grievance, but it was impossible for me not to draw certain parallels to other stories in regards to specific points of the story itself. 😕 They may feel moot, but it forever crept into my mind. I would have liked certain characters to have survived. Action definitely plays a key role and while it is sometimes to be effectively written, it is not hard to read. Some deaths may have felt necessary, but some I wish they could have been avoided. The balance between the humor and darkness was nicely handled, and the dynamics and the dialogues between the characters played off nicely together. 👍🏻
I was drawn to this series by their luscious covers. 😍 Romantasy has kinda faded from my heart as an appealing genre, but sometimes the desire to indulge in one does creep in from time to time. Especially when I am considering revisiting my roots of my middle school years. But, all things considered, I did not think it a total waste. Heck, even when the history was retold, I did smile remembering those moments, because it was those moments that made me return for its conclusion, and leave content with what it delivered. 💜💜
“Even if I didn’t know you, I would want to find you.”
The Shadows Rule All was by no means a bad conclusion to the Dominions trilogy. 'Bittersweet and painfully beautiful', it expanded the lore delving into Eidolon's past - providing us with a glimpse of why he went down the dark path; it gave us plenty of twists & reveals - some not wholly prepared for, some definitely worth it; it gave us ample amount of growth for both Meren and Tabra - allowing them both to finally step forward as the rightful Queens, and aligning their powers to confront not only the goddesses' powers, but whatever other challenges and conflicts that came their way. 👑
“I know better than to believe those evil things. I’ll never be the monster they want me to be.”
Meren is a strong-willed and determined heroine. Once again, she has to weather both the shadows in her heart and mind, as well as the darkness that creeps forward in outward forces. She never gave up or lost hope, despite how many times, new twists and reveals would lead her wayward towards another unsuspecting turn. 'If I survive these trials, someday I’m going to live a life where I have all the answers all the time.' 😥 The battle to stay sane against the constant intrusion in her head is a continuous torture, one that she is desperate to find an answer to remove with the help her own band of merry men.
It was nice to return to them; even when the odds have tightened and worsened, they have but one goal and their struggle to restore the powers to the amulets, thwart Eidolon's evil intentions and also have Reven return to her arms propel the story forward in an engaging and fluid manner that despite the length of it, it was still easy to read. That definitely helped. It also helped that I do like Meren. Even with her doubts and faults and impulsive nature at times, she is inherently good at heart. Always chosen to be second or the replacement, she's forever protective of Tabra and her loved ones. And of her heart, too. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“It’s not the bond. It’s you. Us.”
Reven and Meren - ah, they've definitely been through a lot. Due to Reven's 'special' condition, we do get to indulge in a brief recap into the story - a tactful ruse, considering the gap in the books' release. 🙂↔️🙂↔️ It definitely did make the story a bit repetitive by having us recount those moments at intervals, but it also served as a reminder of just how entwined and ill-fated the two of them are as bondmates - a bond that can be poison or a balm to those who hold it. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
What never lost the charm was how much they felt for each other - regardless of whether they believed it to be true or not. A deep-rooted intimate feeling that transcended time and reason of how protective he was of her without him even understanding why - but just believing in them. 🥺 'My light in the darkness' who fought alongside her in the tug of war of either succumbing to the Shadows or resisting them for keeping them apart. It is a shame the author only ever gives us ONE perspective of Reven's but it is the catalyst that sets everything in motion. So, definitely props to that. ✨
“Reven searches my gaze. For what? My sincerity? My determination? It’s all there. I’m not holding back any longer.”
See, the funny thing is that I did not have any qualms with the plot, but rather the plot lines that were used. It may be a personal grievance, but it was impossible for me not to draw certain parallels to other stories in regards to specific points of the story itself. 😕 They may feel moot, but it forever crept into my mind. I would have liked certain characters to have survived. Action definitely plays a key role and while it is sometimes to be effectively written, it is not hard to read. Some deaths may have felt necessary, but some I wish they could have been avoided. The balance between the humor and darkness was nicely handled, and the dynamics and the dialogues between the characters played off nicely together. 👍🏻
I was drawn to this series by their luscious covers. 😍 Romantasy has kinda faded from my heart as an appealing genre, but sometimes the desire to indulge in one does creep in from time to time. Especially when I am considering revisiting my roots of my middle school years. But, all things considered, I did not think it a total waste. Heck, even when the history was retold, I did smile remembering those moments, because it was those moments that made me return for its conclusion, and leave content with what it delivered. 💜💜
December 19, 2024
Truly loved this! It's quite intense and fast-paced from the start. It kept my interest and had me on the edge of my seat. I felt for the FMC. She truly perseveres through everything as time and time again she's hitting blocks but is determined to find a way and overcome. I loved that about her! It is truly an amazing story that keeps you intrigued the entire time!
November 12, 2024
5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The most perfect ending for an amazing series, even though I'm still sad & emotionally destroyed by it.
There were lots of times with this one I was like "how are they going to make it out of this one?", and I believe the author did an amazing job with where she took the story.
The amnesia part of this one was rough as I finally got the connection I was hoping for, with the two main characters, but it definitely added a gut wrenching aspect to the story.
You get:
• Romantasy
• Epic Battles
• Amnesia
• Shadow Daddy MMC
• Bond Mates
• Murder & ☠️
• Good VS Evil
I will miss this series & I highly suggest you pick it up! Available on ebook, hardcover, and audiobook Nov 12th.
The most perfect ending for an amazing series, even though I'm still sad & emotionally destroyed by it.
There were lots of times with this one I was like "how are they going to make it out of this one?", and I believe the author did an amazing job with where she took the story.
The amnesia part of this one was rough as I finally got the connection I was hoping for, with the two main characters, but it definitely added a gut wrenching aspect to the story.
You get:
• Romantasy
• Epic Battles
• Amnesia
• Shadow Daddy MMC
• Bond Mates
• Murder & ☠️
• Good VS Evil
I will miss this series & I highly suggest you pick it up! Available on ebook, hardcover, and audiobook Nov 12th.
October 14, 2024
Oh my heart! This was a fantastic ending to the Dominions series but my heart felt every loss that happened to get there. This book actually left me wanting more and I call that a successful series. I think it ended well. The author took me on a fun and sometimes nail biting journey in a fantasy world I could actually envision as I read through this series. I highly recommend it for fantasy lovers.
March 10, 2025
This is one of my most beloved series now. I don’t understand why it’s not everywhere on booktok
November 12, 2024
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I really liked this one! I have been a fan of this series from the beginning so I was very excited to dive into this book and see how the trilogy would wrap up. I feel like I have been through a lot with this group of characters at this point and just want things to work out for them. I found this novel to be a fitting and exciting end to the trilogy.
I wasn’t sure how Reven and Meren would work things out. Things look rather dire at the start of this story and the characters seem to be thrown into one impossible situation after another throughout the book. This book had plenty of action to keep things moving along and there were quite a few times that I was worried about the safety of some of my favorite characters. I love the way that Meren has grown over the course of the series into the leader she needs to be in this installment.
Luis Moreno and Samara Naeymi did a fantastic job with the narration of this book. They were both able to bring the story to life through their use of various voices to represent the key characters and by adding just the right amount of emotion to their reading. I thought that their voices complimented each other very nicely and had no problems listening to this book for hours at a time. I am certain that their performance added to my overall enjoyment.
I would not hesitate to recommend this trilogy to others. I would definitely recommend that this trilogy be read in order since each book builds on the events in the previous installment. I found this book to be a fitting end to the trilogy as a whole. I cannot wait to read more of this author’s work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from Entangled Teen and Recorded Books.
I really liked this one! I have been a fan of this series from the beginning so I was very excited to dive into this book and see how the trilogy would wrap up. I feel like I have been through a lot with this group of characters at this point and just want things to work out for them. I found this novel to be a fitting and exciting end to the trilogy.
I wasn’t sure how Reven and Meren would work things out. Things look rather dire at the start of this story and the characters seem to be thrown into one impossible situation after another throughout the book. This book had plenty of action to keep things moving along and there were quite a few times that I was worried about the safety of some of my favorite characters. I love the way that Meren has grown over the course of the series into the leader she needs to be in this installment.
Luis Moreno and Samara Naeymi did a fantastic job with the narration of this book. They were both able to bring the story to life through their use of various voices to represent the key characters and by adding just the right amount of emotion to their reading. I thought that their voices complimented each other very nicely and had no problems listening to this book for hours at a time. I am certain that their performance added to my overall enjoyment.
I would not hesitate to recommend this trilogy to others. I would definitely recommend that this trilogy be read in order since each book builds on the events in the previous installment. I found this book to be a fitting end to the trilogy as a whole. I cannot wait to read more of this author’s work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from Entangled Teen and Recorded Books.
November 18, 2024
5 ⭐️ Read!
This book is everything I expected it to be from start to end! I love this series I read the first book before not knowing much about it I fell in love with the story of what’s happening, how it’s told and everything else’s in between. Now this one… it takes everything to a whole another level and I mean that in a positive way 😍
There’s no way you can read the one on its own you must read the other books in order to get to this one to fully enjoy it and understand it. The characters are amazingly written there’s so much growth within the story for each character. The ending is perfect it had me crying at the end with both happy and sad tears
The audio is done very beautifully I enjoyed the adventure it took me on from start to end the narrators are amazing they captured this perfectly.
This is a perfect book/series for anyone who’s into fantasy and romance. I enjoyed this even with the emotional damage I experienced lol I would recommend this to anyone who’s into both genres fantasy and romance
This ARC/Book will forever be in my heart along with some others I had the pleasure of listening to and reading this year.
Special Thank you to NetGalley, the author Abigail Owen, and the publisher RBmedia for making this opportunity possible for me to be an ARC listener for this audiobook 😍🩷
This book is everything I expected it to be from start to end! I love this series I read the first book before not knowing much about it I fell in love with the story of what’s happening, how it’s told and everything else’s in between. Now this one… it takes everything to a whole another level and I mean that in a positive way 😍
There’s no way you can read the one on its own you must read the other books in order to get to this one to fully enjoy it and understand it. The characters are amazingly written there’s so much growth within the story for each character. The ending is perfect it had me crying at the end with both happy and sad tears
The audio is done very beautifully I enjoyed the adventure it took me on from start to end the narrators are amazing they captured this perfectly.
This is a perfect book/series for anyone who’s into fantasy and romance. I enjoyed this even with the emotional damage I experienced lol I would recommend this to anyone who’s into both genres fantasy and romance
This ARC/Book will forever be in my heart along with some others I had the pleasure of listening to and reading this year.
Special Thank you to NetGalley, the author Abigail Owen, and the publisher RBmedia for making this opportunity possible for me to be an ARC listener for this audiobook 😍🩷
November 12, 2024
Well, we start off with a gorgeous cover (by Elizabeth Turner Stokes) for the finale of the Dominions series, with the final chapter being told in The Shadows Rule All by Abigail Owen and it was a doozy. Abigail included anything and everything you could possibly want for a fantasy romance. We have a struggle for leadership, some magical machinations, battles, death and romance. I was lost in the , but because it is such a long book, I couldn’t finish it in one sitting.
The Shadows Rule All is the third book in the series, so I’m not going to give you the lowdown. I definitely recommend beginning at the beginning, if this sounds like a winner to you. I do love when a series is complete, don’t you?
I will tell you that their worlds are crumbling with the loss of the goddesses. To set things right, they would have to release the goddesses from the amulets they are trapped in. For them to be released, they are sent on a quest to recover Allusion’s heart.
I went teary eyed more than once as character after character fell. By killing off some of my favorite characters, Abigail makes the story seem real (for a fantasy), because in battle not all will survive. Even the peripheral characters have a pivotal role to play, adding their magic to the story.
We have Meren, the main character, looking for her soulmate. Reven. He is lost in the Shadows. Is she going to have her happy ever after? Will she ever be rid of the Shadows who threaten her and Reven? Can they release the goddesses and save their Dominions?
For a finale, I think Abigail hit the nail on the head. She left me with a heavy heart, but a feeling of satisfaction. I wouldn’t change a thing.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
The Shadows Rule All is the third book in the series, so I’m not going to give you the lowdown. I definitely recommend beginning at the beginning, if this sounds like a winner to you. I do love when a series is complete, don’t you?
I will tell you that their worlds are crumbling with the loss of the goddesses. To set things right, they would have to release the goddesses from the amulets they are trapped in. For them to be released, they are sent on a quest to recover Allusion’s heart.
I went teary eyed more than once as character after character fell. By killing off some of my favorite characters, Abigail makes the story seem real (for a fantasy), because in battle not all will survive. Even the peripheral characters have a pivotal role to play, adding their magic to the story.
We have Meren, the main character, looking for her soulmate. Reven. He is lost in the Shadows. Is she going to have her happy ever after? Will she ever be rid of the Shadows who threaten her and Reven? Can they release the goddesses and save their Dominions?
For a finale, I think Abigail hit the nail on the head. She left me with a heavy heart, but a feeling of satisfaction. I wouldn’t change a thing.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
September 30, 2024
The Shadows Rule All. Yeah they do. They've been at the center from the beginning. And now we see them in full force.
The story picks up after the events in The Stolen Throne although some small period of time has passed. Our characters are ready to fight.
At first I was thrown off. It took a while to get into the flow of things as the characters' plans took shape.
As usual, I'm amazed by the imagination of Abigail Owen. The scenarios, magic, the beauty and harshness of their world, and creatures she comes up with are a sight to behold and a joy to read about.
The Shadows Rule All is darker and bloodier than the first two books. There are so many situations where I feared for my favorites. I was on the edge of my seat wondering how they would come out the other side. Because the characters are in constant peril and on the move I feel like I missed out on some time with them. Tabra plays a bigger role and I didn't always like her. Nor did I agree with everything Meren did.
There is plenty of angst with Reven and Meren's situation, but I expected to feel it more than I did. I'm not entirely happy with their story this time around.
I can't say how I feel about the ending without spoilers but the journey there is action packed, especially in the second half. Eidolon was a bit of a letdown for me and I feel like I'm missing closure on some things. I'm sad it's done. The Shadows Rule All is a fitting end to a wonderful story.
Thank you to Entangled Publishing for the chance to read.
The story picks up after the events in The Stolen Throne although some small period of time has passed. Our characters are ready to fight.
At first I was thrown off. It took a while to get into the flow of things as the characters' plans took shape.
As usual, I'm amazed by the imagination of Abigail Owen. The scenarios, magic, the beauty and harshness of their world, and creatures she comes up with are a sight to behold and a joy to read about.
The Shadows Rule All is darker and bloodier than the first two books. There are so many situations where I feared for my favorites. I was on the edge of my seat wondering how they would come out the other side. Because the characters are in constant peril and on the move I feel like I missed out on some time with them. Tabra plays a bigger role and I didn't always like her. Nor did I agree with everything Meren did.
There is plenty of angst with Reven and Meren's situation, but I expected to feel it more than I did. I'm not entirely happy with their story this time around.
I can't say how I feel about the ending without spoilers but the journey there is action packed, especially in the second half. Eidolon was a bit of a letdown for me and I feel like I'm missing closure on some things. I'm sad it's done. The Shadows Rule All is a fitting end to a wonderful story.
Thank you to Entangled Publishing for the chance to read.
November 18, 2024
I probably should have done a reread before jumping into the final book in a trilogy, but I live in chaos.
Without having revisited the first two books it did take a little while to figure out what I had forgotten and reanimate myself in the story.
Once my brain began functioning again this ended up being everything I could have hoped for in the end of a series I love!
Many new layers added into the established story and I was here for it!
I am geeked to do a full reread of the series and see if anything changes when the plot is fresh in my mind.
Much love to NetGalley, RBmedia and Entangled Publishing, LLC for my ARCs!
Without having revisited the first two books it did take a little while to figure out what I had forgotten and reanimate myself in the story.
Once my brain began functioning again this ended up being everything I could have hoped for in the end of a series I love!
Many new layers added into the established story and I was here for it!
I am geeked to do a full reread of the series and see if anything changes when the plot is fresh in my mind.
Much love to NetGalley, RBmedia and Entangled Publishing, LLC for my ARCs!
November 14, 2024
An addicting read filled with shadows and fantasy. This one was a nail biter and the epic battles had me on the edge of my seat several times. I honestly didn't know how the author was going to end the Dominions series, but it was all wrapped up nicely. Don't let that sentence fool you. There's lots of action and nail biting scenes!
The narrator, Samara Naeymi, was great. I feel like she portrays Meren very well. The tones and inflections were well done, and I was able to distinguish many of the characters.
A very special thanks to RB Media for the ALC.
The narrator, Samara Naeymi, was great. I feel like she portrays Meren very well. The tones and inflections were well done, and I was able to distinguish many of the characters.
A very special thanks to RB Media for the ALC.
January 20, 2025
This final instalment in Abigail Owen’s Dominions trilogy was an OK way to wrap up the series. It did not blow me away but it did deliver on the unique worldbuilding and cool magic system that have been the standout features of this series. The series was a mix of action, intrigue, romance, and cool magic.
The world Abigail Owen created remains the strongest thing about this story. The world is a unique one and the magic is imaginative and cool. The shadow and sand based powers of Meren and Reven were as intriguing and fun as ever and the story’s climax made good use of the unique abilities the characters had developed throughout the trilogy. Meren’s sand based magic proved surprisingly fun and cool right over the course of the story.
The writing was solid, the characters likeable, the story full of twists and turns to keep things interesting. I also quite enjoyed the developments with the Gods in this instalment. That said, while the series has always been enjoyable, I never felt like it had that something special to elevate it into the upper tier of YA fantasy series. I’m not really sure why that was as this did have all the building blocks of a great tale and I did enjoy it but it was just not fully sucking me in all the time for some weird reason.
Overall, The Shadows Rule All brought the series to a satisfying conclusion and tied up the loose ends. It was not special but it was an entertaining read with plenty of action, cool magic, and a unique world.
Rating: 3.5 stars. A decent conclusion to a solid YA fantasy trilogy though it didn’t quite rise to greatness.
The world Abigail Owen created remains the strongest thing about this story. The world is a unique one and the magic is imaginative and cool. The shadow and sand based powers of Meren and Reven were as intriguing and fun as ever and the story’s climax made good use of the unique abilities the characters had developed throughout the trilogy. Meren’s sand based magic proved surprisingly fun and cool right over the course of the story.
The writing was solid, the characters likeable, the story full of twists and turns to keep things interesting. I also quite enjoyed the developments with the Gods in this instalment. That said, while the series has always been enjoyable, I never felt like it had that something special to elevate it into the upper tier of YA fantasy series. I’m not really sure why that was as this did have all the building blocks of a great tale and I did enjoy it but it was just not fully sucking me in all the time for some weird reason.
Overall, The Shadows Rule All brought the series to a satisfying conclusion and tied up the loose ends. It was not special but it was an entertaining read with plenty of action, cool magic, and a unique world.
Rating: 3.5 stars. A decent conclusion to a solid YA fantasy trilogy though it didn’t quite rise to greatness.
November 20, 2024
The more I think about it, the more I HATED this book. I understand hardships and obstacles the mc needs to get through... But it seemed like the author just kept throwing things in there just for the OMG factor. It got old, real quick. I loved the previous two books. Meren was everything a main character should be. This book? Not so much. I honestly skipped through a lot of it because I was just over it. I wanted to know how it ended so there's the one star.
Also, felt like the author kept killing off characters just because? No thanks. Again, I get the shock factor. But honestly, felt like it was her way of closing loose ends. Overall, I hated this final book and wish I never read it. It just ruined the entire series for me.
Also, felt like the author kept killing off characters just because? No thanks. Again, I get the shock factor. But honestly, felt like it was her way of closing loose ends. Overall, I hated this final book and wish I never read it. It just ruined the entire series for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2025
This finale was intense and provided a satisfying conclusion to the series. It was devastating and hopeful all at once. The first book is still my favorite as I feel like the romance was the strongest in that installment, but I loved the conflict resolution in this book. The resolution didn’t come easy or quick, and I think that is what made it satisfying. The characters had to fight for a better world, even at the cost of their own lives.
The amnesia trope is not my favorite, however, AO used it in a thoughtful way that made sense, so I didn’t mind it in this case. But by the end of the series, I was ready for a happy ending. The love between Meren and Reven persevered through every challenge and I loved how this story took the romance deeper to portray a love so strong and lasting that it withstood time and even death.
I thought this series was so unique. The more I think about it, the more I grow fond of it. And the way this book tied everything from the previous books together was impressive. I was unsure why some of the side quests matter in the previous books, but it made sense in the end, weaving all the details together. The plotting of this series was meticulously well done.
The amnesia trope is not my favorite, however, AO used it in a thoughtful way that made sense, so I didn’t mind it in this case. But by the end of the series, I was ready for a happy ending. The love between Meren and Reven persevered through every challenge and I loved how this story took the romance deeper to portray a love so strong and lasting that it withstood time and even death.
I thought this series was so unique. The more I think about it, the more I grow fond of it. And the way this book tied everything from the previous books together was impressive. I was unsure why some of the side quests matter in the previous books, but it made sense in the end, weaving all the details together. The plotting of this series was meticulously well done.
February 18, 2025
This is the last book in the Dominions series.
An exciting, action-packed and dramatic conclusion to a great series.
I binge-read this series in four days and am sad that the wonderful story is over.
I have to say that Abigail Owen's books are very addictive.
Not only this series, but also *The Crucible* series is unbelievably gripping and captivating.
For me, it's the unique writing style, the great and exciting characters, the one-of-a-kind love story, the fights between good and bad, and the shadows, who are the most nerve-wracking "characters" that makes this series unforgettable.
It has been interesting to read about the internal processes and struggles that our main characters have to overcome.
In many situations, I am unsure whether the shadows or the internal bad conscience were responsible for the conflicts. I think most fights happen within our characters, like in real life.
If you like fantasy books and haven't read this series, this is a must-read page-turner.
An exciting, action-packed and dramatic conclusion to a great series.
I binge-read this series in four days and am sad that the wonderful story is over.
I have to say that Abigail Owen's books are very addictive.
Not only this series, but also *The Crucible* series is unbelievably gripping and captivating.
For me, it's the unique writing style, the great and exciting characters, the one-of-a-kind love story, the fights between good and bad, and the shadows, who are the most nerve-wracking "characters" that makes this series unforgettable.
It has been interesting to read about the internal processes and struggles that our main characters have to overcome.
In many situations, I am unsure whether the shadows or the internal bad conscience were responsible for the conflicts. I think most fights happen within our characters, like in real life.
If you like fantasy books and haven't read this series, this is a must-read page-turner.
January 31, 2025
4 ⭐
Okay, well this book tore my poor little heart to pieces 😭😭😭💜
Okay, well this book tore my poor little heart to pieces 😭😭😭💜
May 31, 2025
I’m crying this one hit me hard. The book took me on a wild ride through so many battles. Victories and failures. The last 15% got me so bad though I can’t believe the madness that happened. Meren is a beast of a queen. I can’t believe I thought wielding sand was lame. Best book of the series
April 18, 2025
Me ha encantado el último de la trilogía. He llorado, he reído y me he enfadado MUCHO.
Creo que es una trilogía de la que se habla súper poco y merece mucho la pena.
Creo que es una trilogía de la que se habla súper poco y merece mucho la pena.
November 16, 2024
Wow, soo good! I love the way this author writes!
I did make a mistake though, I did not realize when I started reading this book that it was part of a series. So while the book did make sense I think I would have done better with the storyline if I had started with the first book.
Showing an abundance of love and determination this book makes your heart bleed. You feel for the characters through their faith and hope as they trudge on. Meren is prepared to stand and fight, she's prepared for it. She must fight for her life, and she's giving it everything she has! I hated seeing Meren going through everything she did, seeing the person she loved the most being ripped away from her was tough! This was epic and I now have the whole series on my TBR because I want to know the history!
I was given the audiobook to listen to and review by Netgalley and RB Media and I am not hooked on the series and have to know all about it! Quickly moving to my next obsession until the next book in The Games Gods Play comes out! Thank you for the opportunity to listen and review it the narrarator was perfect for the book, I loved it!
I did make a mistake though, I did not realize when I started reading this book that it was part of a series. So while the book did make sense I think I would have done better with the storyline if I had started with the first book.
Showing an abundance of love and determination this book makes your heart bleed. You feel for the characters through their faith and hope as they trudge on. Meren is prepared to stand and fight, she's prepared for it. She must fight for her life, and she's giving it everything she has! I hated seeing Meren going through everything she did, seeing the person she loved the most being ripped away from her was tough! This was epic and I now have the whole series on my TBR because I want to know the history!
I was given the audiobook to listen to and review by Netgalley and RB Media and I am not hooked on the series and have to know all about it! Quickly moving to my next obsession until the next book in The Games Gods Play comes out! Thank you for the opportunity to listen and review it the narrarator was perfect for the book, I loved it!
November 22, 2024
I’m crying. I’m literally shaking and crying. I had to pause the ending just to make sure I read what I actually did.
This was beautiful. Stunning. Everything I want in a final book. Epic battles? ✔️ reuniting? ✔️ maybe save the world? ✔️
Seriously this series is one of my absolute new favorites and I cannot recommend it enough. Eidolon is one of the craziest but also coolest bad guys I’ve met.
Meren and Reven are 🤌🏻🤌🏻 watching them lose their love and then have to find it again was heart breaking. I wanted to hug Meren and tell her it would all be ok, hopefully. This book took me on such a roller coaster ride of emotions, but in the best way possible.
The background we FINALLY get on Eidolon in book 3 changes everything. It made me want to go back and read books 1 and 2 because it shed so much light on him.
I’m sad the series is over 😢 but Abigail Owen’s will not disappoint you in this book. Please read it!!
This was beautiful. Stunning. Everything I want in a final book. Epic battles? ✔️ reuniting? ✔️ maybe save the world? ✔️
Seriously this series is one of my absolute new favorites and I cannot recommend it enough. Eidolon is one of the craziest but also coolest bad guys I’ve met.
Meren and Reven are 🤌🏻🤌🏻 watching them lose their love and then have to find it again was heart breaking. I wanted to hug Meren and tell her it would all be ok, hopefully. This book took me on such a roller coaster ride of emotions, but in the best way possible.
The background we FINALLY get on Eidolon in book 3 changes everything. It made me want to go back and read books 1 and 2 because it shed so much light on him.
I’m sad the series is over 😢 but Abigail Owen’s will not disappoint you in this book. Please read it!!
November 20, 2024
This was a fantastic end to an amazing series! It was filled with all the fantasy elements you obsessive with: action, magic, banter, amazing side characters, and the perfect romance! Loved this book so much I can’t recommend it enough!
November 22, 2024
3.5 stars
I don't know what to do with this one.
Full review to come!
I don't know what to do with this one.
Full review to come!
March 7, 2025
4.25✨.
January 17, 2025
Buckle up, The Shadows Rule All, the final book in Abigail Owen's Dominion series is going to take you on an emotional ride.
The Dominion series needs to be read in order to fully comprehend all the characters and events. The Liar's Crown laid the foundation for the series. The story hooked me on the characters and made me care about them. I was invested in them, and their future and wondered just how this series could possibly end with what I hoped would be "the good guys" prevailing.
Throughout the series, the theme has been family (blood and/or found) and friendship. But the series also deals with betrayal. Meren is the series' main heroine. While born a princess, Meren is the secret second twin destined to be a sacrifice. Kept hidden far from the palace in a rundown part of another town, Meren grew up with her aunt. From a child, she was taught to not reveal who she was and that her job and duty was to protect her sister Tabra and the crown. When a situation could potentially be dangerous, Meren would be who people would see, while Tabra would be safely hidden somewhere within the palace without anyone being the wiser, this includes ALL the palace staff. The only people who actually knew of Meren's royal bloodline were her, her sister, her aunt (Omma), and her grandmother, the Queen, who was Omma’s older twin. In fact, secret twins have been a generational occurrence for centuries with no one knowing.
Eidolon Calix I, the king of Tyndra, has been the primary villain of the series. He is an evil man who has the ability to never die and in essence, reincarnate himself by shedding his shadows. In fact, he’s been doing this for close to a thousand years. Reven Shadowraith was once one of Eidolon’s shadows, who managed to escape. Reven is everything good that Eidolon once was. In an attempt to protect the future Queen of Aryd from Eidolon, Reven kidnaps her. Unfortunately, or fortunately, for him, Reven kidnaps the wrong princess. He gets Meren instead of Tabra, which sets off an incredible chain of events. Throughout the series, Reven, Meren, and their friends and allies work together in an attempt to stop Eidolon from destroying their world.
I find it hard to think of the right words to say when talking about The Shadows Rule All. I found the story to be intense and gripping. It’s a true page-turner, and the line, “Just one more chapter.” doesn’t apply at all. Abigail has written a story that is sad, yet fulfilling. She rips your heart out of your chest, yet gives you just a little hope, and manages to put you back together again. The Dominion series will forever be one of my favorite series, and I know I will go back and re-read it.
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“Love should be a choice every single time.”
“There is a right way and a wrong way to do something.”
“I’ll always choose you.”
“Regret can be a palpable thing when someone feels it enough.”
“I’ve learned that sometimes no is the only time.”
**Received a copy of the book courtesy of the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. Personally purchased a hardcover copy.**
The Dominion series needs to be read in order to fully comprehend all the characters and events. The Liar's Crown laid the foundation for the series. The story hooked me on the characters and made me care about them. I was invested in them, and their future and wondered just how this series could possibly end with what I hoped would be "the good guys" prevailing.
Throughout the series, the theme has been family (blood and/or found) and friendship. But the series also deals with betrayal. Meren is the series' main heroine. While born a princess, Meren is the secret second twin destined to be a sacrifice. Kept hidden far from the palace in a rundown part of another town, Meren grew up with her aunt. From a child, she was taught to not reveal who she was and that her job and duty was to protect her sister Tabra and the crown. When a situation could potentially be dangerous, Meren would be who people would see, while Tabra would be safely hidden somewhere within the palace without anyone being the wiser, this includes ALL the palace staff. The only people who actually knew of Meren's royal bloodline were her, her sister, her aunt (Omma), and her grandmother, the Queen, who was Omma’s older twin. In fact, secret twins have been a generational occurrence for centuries with no one knowing.
Eidolon Calix I, the king of Tyndra, has been the primary villain of the series. He is an evil man who has the ability to never die and in essence, reincarnate himself by shedding his shadows. In fact, he’s been doing this for close to a thousand years. Reven Shadowraith was once one of Eidolon’s shadows, who managed to escape. Reven is everything good that Eidolon once was. In an attempt to protect the future Queen of Aryd from Eidolon, Reven kidnaps her. Unfortunately, or fortunately, for him, Reven kidnaps the wrong princess. He gets Meren instead of Tabra, which sets off an incredible chain of events. Throughout the series, Reven, Meren, and their friends and allies work together in an attempt to stop Eidolon from destroying their world.
I find it hard to think of the right words to say when talking about The Shadows Rule All. I found the story to be intense and gripping. It’s a true page-turner, and the line, “Just one more chapter.” doesn’t apply at all. Abigail has written a story that is sad, yet fulfilling. She rips your heart out of your chest, yet gives you just a little hope, and manages to put you back together again. The Dominion series will forever be one of my favorite series, and I know I will go back and re-read it.
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“Love should be a choice every single time.”
“There is a right way and a wrong way to do something.”
“I’ll always choose you.”
“Regret can be a palpable thing when someone feels it enough.”
“I’ve learned that sometimes no is the only time.”
**Received a copy of the book courtesy of the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. Personally purchased a hardcover copy.**
October 3, 2024
I have loved Meren and Reven since they first met in The Liar's Crown. I knew the last book was going to put me, the reader, through the ringer but I didn't expect Meren to go through one as well.
There's a ton of angst, a lot of fighting and anger, and then the rug gets pulled out. The author finishes this series with a bang, I just didn't expect to find myself an emotional mess when I got to the end.
I'm going to miss Meren and Reven, but I'll be placing this series on my re-read list
There's a ton of angst, a lot of fighting and anger, and then the rug gets pulled out. The author finishes this series with a bang, I just didn't expect to find myself an emotional mess when I got to the end.
I'm going to miss Meren and Reven, but I'll be placing this series on my re-read list
December 7, 2024
I took forever to finish this book but I enjoyed the others so much that I wanted to know what the story was. I expected this to get better but it didn’t till almost 90% done. I am honestly disappointed. The action in the book was just boring and slow. So much going on that it just makes the book lackluster. It’s not a terrible read just not engaging and entertaining like the first 2. Really this book is more like a 2.5.
Want to read
September 1, 2023I’m not even finished with the second book and i neeeeed an arc of this book!!! Like please Abigail I’m begging🤞
March 28, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC of this novel.
I absolutely DEVOURED this series and this was such a strong ending.
This is packed with so much action, multiple different subplots (that all conclude!!!), and so many emotional moments. I haven't felt this satisfied with a series ending in a while.
One thing that stuck out to me was that Abigail Owens
The world building in this series was amazing throughout. Even in the final book we still were getting expanded lore! It really added so much to the story and made it feel so immersive.
The audiobooks are an excellent way to enjoy this series. The narrators were wonderful. I especially enjoyed Samara Naeymi's ability to voice male characters. Those who listen to audio frequently know that isn't a super common find among narrators! I wish that Luis Moreno had a bit more of an active role in the narration because he did add value to the listening experience.
Overall, I really enjoyed this series and have already started bugging my friends to read it! Easy 5 stars!
I absolutely DEVOURED this series and this was such a strong ending.
This is packed with so much action, multiple different subplots (that all conclude!!!), and so many emotional moments. I haven't felt this satisfied with a series ending in a while.
One thing that stuck out to me was that Abigail Owens
The world building in this series was amazing throughout. Even in the final book we still were getting expanded lore! It really added so much to the story and made it feel so immersive.
The audiobooks are an excellent way to enjoy this series. The narrators were wonderful. I especially enjoyed Samara Naeymi's ability to voice male characters. Those who listen to audio frequently know that isn't a super common find among narrators! I wish that Luis Moreno had a bit more of an active role in the narration because he did add value to the listening experience.
Overall, I really enjoyed this series and have already started bugging my friends to read it! Easy 5 stars!
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