Thanks to Netgalley and Wattpad Books for an e-arc of Bound to the Shadow Prince.

Nemeth is a Prince of Fellian -gray skinned, winged- enemies to the humans. Princess Candra is human and has been taught her whole life that Fellians are the enemy. What will happen when the two are locked in a tower for 7 years to appease a god and their homelands?

I’m not a fan of some of the tropes (not going to spoil any here) however even with that I still wanted to pick the book up because of Nemeth/Candra’s relationship and the political intrigue. I think if you enjoyed Ice Planet Barbarians and are looking for a fantasy based story from Ruby Dixon then this might be a good option.

I was able to guess a number of plot points along the way, but I’m a sucker for political intrigue and still managed to enjoy the story as a whole.

However something to note: this book is LONG! I was reading and felt like I had barely read since the percentage didn’t move quickly. It’s over 500 pages. That’s not a bad thing, but I could definitely see some people feeling like it’s too much. To be fair this was a serial series from what I understand, before being put together for this physical release.

Be sure to also check trigger warnings as well for this one.

“𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨?” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ruby, Ruby, Ruby! You've done it (again!). I THOROUGHLY enjoyed Bound to the Shadow Prince. This was an easy 5-star read for me. To me, this book is a "medley" of genres. The world / world building / names / plot / romance all gave me very fantasy or romantasy vibes. The sub-genre of this book was - to put it plainly- monster smut... and THAT is a genre I do not have previous experience with (smut? yes. monster peen? no..). What a wild ride.. no pun intended.

I honestly love this book so much that I am probably going to go way too in depth with my feedback/review because I want this book to be a success! So, I (kind of) apologize to whoever is reading this. The plot of this story was so unlike any other romantasy I have read, while also having so many of my favorite tropes.

First things first: THIS COVER IS DOING THE BOOK A MAJOR DISSERVICE. As a marketing professional myself, please trust me when I say, if I saw this book on the shelf I would not pick it up. I think its is the font that is used, and then the burning candle is honestly so generic and looks a little like "AI" art. I think if you incorporated a cover with wings of some sort, or creepy green eyes, a tower, landscape, "gothic" looking font... it would help so much. Honestly, even a better candle image and new font would do wonders. I posted about the cover on my Instagram (@thehazelbookshelf) while I was reading the book and had multiple people chime in & agree with me. NOW, that being said, I am kind of wondering if I am not the target audience for this book? (29 yr old Female). If I was 60, I might love this cover. So keep that in mind.

Now onto the meat and bones of this review.

This story is so different from any of the super popular books I have read lately, while still being a very well thought out & binge-worthy story line, I was SO INVESTED. In the beginning Candra was "hard to love" so to speak, but her character development was absolute perfection. And of course I love Nemeth, nothing says romantasy like a grumpy shadow daddy.. am I right? This book has the potential to be majorly popular, just based off the originality and "suck-you-in" nature of the story.

Bound to the Shadow Prince was a steamy Rapunzel-meets-Beauty and the Beast-meets-Greek Gods-eque tale. I really enjoyed how the basis of the plot tracks back to centuries-old issues and disagreements. Disagreements and arrangements that then affect Candra & Nemeth first hand. This tale is beautiful, and I feel as though I have lived 3 years through the pages of this book.. in only 3 days. A-maz-ing.

Things I loved about this book:
- chronic-illness relatable
- strong & feisty but disabled FMC
- "touch her and die" vibes
- enemies to lovers!!!! DUH
- "plus size" friendly FMC
- forced proximity x1000
- shadow daddy
- warring kingdoms
- quest / journey of sorts
- captivity
- magic
- wonderful world building
- plot twist!

Some things that need work:
- There were a couple "messy" plot holes & issues
- Typos
- I honestly despise the fact that Nemeth had backward knees and I refused to picture him that way.. I would suggest changing that if you have the heart to haha (I am sure you love Nemeth as he is)

I will be writing a review (a bit more digestible than this one) on my goodreads & instagram. I will link them here when complete!

Ruby, my friend and I talk about how fantastic we think your writing is all the time. We have both read Ice Planet Barbarians - and while we love the smut (duh) we also go on and on about how great your writing style & story lines are. We also chat about your phallic mushroom instagram posts and giggle. ;)

Thanks Wattpad WEBTOON & Netagalley for giving me the chance to read this amazing book. Bound to the Shadow Prince is not a book I will be forgetting!

Another amazing book from Ruby Dixon! Locked away for 7 years with you enemy is bound to have some excitement! At first I found the Candra entitled but as the book went on I really started to love her. Nehemeth was fantastic too. The world building I felt was top tier leading to that slow burn we all love. It was absolutely amazing!

I loved this book! It is very different from Ruby's other series while still having the humor and heart that we always crave from a Ruby book! This is not related to any of her other series it is a standalone.

Candra is a silly princess who likes to flirt and gossip. Suddenly her whole life is turned upside down because her sister dies in a shipwreck and now she must serve penance to the gods by living in a tower for 7 long years with nobody for company except some mysterious foreigner from the enemy kingdom. Whatever shenanigans could possibly happen here! I was genuinely surprised by the twists and turns this book gave me. It also was a very emotional read. Loved it!

Ruby Dixon didn't miss with this one either. Fans of her ice planet barbarians series are going to love it. Her writing and plot development while still keeping the heat on is superb.

Ruby Dixon does it again! As always, she has crafted an interesting and intriguing new world. Candra goes through so much growth in this book, which I loved. Spoiled princess to someone who truly understands how hard life can be. And sweet Nemeth, he really stole the show. I loved their dynamic and their bond. The twist really got me too, which I always am excited about. Overall a really great read!

I really loved parts of this, mostly the first 50% or so. But as much as the great parts were great, the parts I didn’t enjoy? I *really* didn’t enjoy them.

Some combination of Beauty and the Beast, Rapunzel, and Maid Maleen gives us the first half of the story. Two royals from rival countries are forced to spend 7 years lock away in a secluded tower together as sacrifices to one of their goddesses. And I LOVED this part of the story. Nemeth and Candra are forced to live alongside each other and eventually work together when their supplies begin to dwindle and it was perfect forced proximity turned to voluntary proximity. I mean, there’s a truth telling knife! He’s a virgin! She’s an experienced princess that loves fun and dancing and frivolity and court life! He’s a shy awkward baby with wings that was raised by monks! There’s a lot to love here.

And maybe if that had been the meat of the story, I would have been all in. But at the middle of the book we had them in love, mated, and pregnant only to have them thrust into a war torn world outside of the tower that was gritty, dark, and upsetting. Of that hadn’t been the case, I would have loved the minutiae of living in the tower and the slowburn until they fall in love. But having an entire secondary plot that came in on the back half made their time in the tower feel boring and drug out compared to the action later in the book.

I loved both characters. I love that Nemeth is a classic shy baby like only Ruby can nail. And I really loved that Candra is a helpless royal that lives with a chronic illness that can be deadly (sort of like diabetes meets Rh factor?). But this was too long for me and felt like two seperate stories, unfortunately. I love Ruby! But I didn’t love this one that much.

Rating: 4.8/5

Character Development:

In "Bound to the Shadow Prince," Ruby Dixon crafts a captivating tale of forbidden love and unlikely alliances. Princess Candra and Nemeth, the Fellian warrior, emerge as compelling protagonists whose journey from adversaries to lovers is fraught with tension and complexity. Candra's resilience and determination to protect her kingdom, juxtaposed with Nemeth's enigmatic charm and inner turmoil, create a dynamic interplay of personalities that drives the narrative forward. As their relationship evolves within the confines of the tower, Dixon skillfully explores the depths of their characters, revealing layers of vulnerability, strength, and ultimately, redemption. The gradual transformation of Candra and Nemeth as they navigate the challenges of their shared captivity is both poignant and powerful, making them unforgettable protagonists in a world teeming with danger and intrigue.

Themes and Exploration:

At its core, "Bound to the Shadow Prince" delves into themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the transformative power of love. Against the backdrop of a kingdom besieged by the wrath of a vengeful goddess, Candra and Nemeth's unlikely alliance becomes a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. Dixon expertly navigates the complexities of their relationship, exploring themes of prejudice, forgiveness, and the inherent humanity that binds them together. As Candra and Nemeth confront external threats and internal conflicts, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance, challenging the boundaries of duty and desire. Through their poignant struggles and profound connection, Dixon underscores the enduring resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for love to transcend adversity.

Plot and Pacing:

The plot of "Bound to the Shadow Prince" unfolds with a seamless blend of suspense, romance, and intrigue, capturing the reader's imagination from the very first page. Dixon masterfully navigates the claustrophobic confines of the tower, infusing each scene with palpable tension and emotional depth. As Candra and Nemeth confront external threats and internal demons, the stakes escalate, propelling the narrative towards a riveting climax that defies expectations. The pacing is expertly calibrated, balancing moments of quiet introspection with pulse-pounding action and heart-wrenching romance. With each twist and turn, Dixon keeps readers on the edge of their seats, weaving a spellbinding tale of love and redemption that lingers long after the final page is turned.

Writing Style:

Ruby Dixon's writing style is immersive, evocative, and richly textured, transporting readers to a world of myth and magic with effortless grace. Through vivid descriptions and atmospheric prose, she brings to life the enchanting realm of Candra's kingdom, infusing each scene with a sense of wonder and mystery. The dialogue crackles with wit and emotion, capturing the essence of the characters' personalities and motivations. Dixon's evocative storytelling and lush imagery create a captivating narrative tapestry that enthralls and delights at every turn. From the sweeping landscapes of the kingdom to the intimate moments shared between Candra and Nemeth, her prose sparkles with imagination and depth, inviting readers on an unforgettable journey of love, loss, and redemption.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, "Bound to the Shadow Prince" is a spellbinding tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption that captivates from start to finish. Ruby Dixon's masterful storytelling, compelling characters, and lush prose combine to create an unforgettable reading experience that transcends genre boundaries. Through the unlikely alliance of Princess Candra and Nemeth, she explores themes of prejudice, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love to conquer all obstacles. With its richly imagined world, pulse-pounding action, and heart-stopping romance, "Bound to the Shadow Prince" is a must-read for fans of fantasy and romance alike—a timeless tale of courage, hope, and the transformative nature of love in the face of adversity.

I have to say — Ruby Dixon certainly has a wild imagination. In my mind, Nemeth the Fellian prince, sent to the Tower as the tribute, was Beast from X-Men, only gray skinned and not blue because he would have been an Ice Barbarian if he were blue. He’ is bookish and gentle with Candra, the princess from the enemy kingdom, who too was sent to the Tower as tribute. She’s a saucy wench to Nemeth’s shy gentle beast. While I did chuckle at a few of the antics, this book might be just a little too bestial and spicy for my tastes. I do think if you enjoyed the blue aliens though, you may like this.

Engaging book throughout and a must read for those who enjoyed Ice Planet Barbarians. The build up in the first act was very enjoyable along with the creation of relatable characters. Time jumps fit the plot and do not hinder the story. Ending is a bit fast paced and confusing in relation to the rest of the story line. Overall an enjoyable and easy read, I read it in 2 days and would recommend it to any fans of Ruby Dixon’s previous work!

Bound to the Shadow Prince is a fun novel in a whole new world from Ruby Dixon. This is not part of the Aspect and Anchor series and should not be confused with Sworn to the Shadow God.

Candra is a spoiled princess who lives with a life threatening blood illness. She is unexpectedly required to serve seven years in isolation with a prince of an enemy nation. Failure will cause the wrath of the goddess on both countries. Candra and Nemeth are enemies, and also the only support or company the other has. It's steamy, it's romantic, and there is adventure, drama, and politics.

The spice is medium hot, and there is focus on a knotting kink.

A good plot with great characters. Twist and turns to keep you hooked and a perfect amount of smut. This book flowed together well without being too confusing and complex given the amount of time that passes in the book. Truly a wonderful read

If I never hear the word "knot" again, it will be too soon.

Holy smokes why was this so long?

Hate a pregnancy trope; I think the story would've been just fine without it.

Nemeth was super cute and adorable and it got annoying and juvenile and was too weird when he would talk dirty.

It's a no from me.

Bound to the shadow prince was… in a word… odd! It is a very interesting premise, but it took until at least 20% to properly get into the story. I had a really hard time imaging Nemeth, and from what I can picture he seems pretty usual looking - gray skin? Multiple horns? Knees bent backwards? This also made the story a bit more difficult to get into. Not quite Ice Planet Barbarians 🤷‍♀️ but still interesting with stellar plot twists.

(Thank you to both Netgalley and W by Wattpad Books for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.)
This is not my first Ruby Dixon book, but this was definitely a bit different from what I expected from her. While it was another creature/fantasy romance, this is a standalone book and set in a more high fantasy setting in contrast to her futuristic outer space settings I'm more accustomed to. But! Just like her other books, I really thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I loved the contrast between the two leads a lot, a haughty human princess who is scared of... a bookish, really shy prince? Very cute. I get that he's supposed to be a "monster" in the eyes of humans, so it was sweet to make him the softer character of the two. I really enjoyed their character developments and the pace at which their relationship developed as well.
The world building in this was very interesting, so much so that I found myself even more interested in the second half of the book. I will say that I found the wrap up to be rushed, especially considering how long the two characters took to unravel all of the details. I wish we had a bit more backstory for some of the reveals at the end and just learn more about the world in general, and would definitely be interested in a spin-0ff/sequel set in this world.

2/5 ⭐️

Bound to the Shadow Prince is an exquisite, scorching whirlwind of a journey.

This wasn’t my favorite read by Ruby Dixon. It was slow to start and all the high-stakes aspects fell flat because there wasn’t enough build-up. Something would be explained in explicit detail and then would be irrelevant to the storyline.

The knife is essentially a magic 8 ball.

I did enjoy the slow burn and tentative growth between Candra and Nemeth. My favorite part about this entire story was them learning to care for each other and appreciate the very things they had been warned against in their respective upbringings.

Overall, this wasn’t my favorite read but I recommend giving the Ice Planet Barbarians series a try.

* Thank you to the publisher, WattPad Books, and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my unbiased opinion and is given with free will. *

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this!

I looooove Ruby Dixon books with my whole heart, but this one is one of my least favorites of hers. It was just a tad too long for my taste. That being said I loved the characters. Nemeth was so sweet.

I’ll read Ruby forever and ever 🖤 This was fun.

I have read a lot of Ruby Dixon's books, and this was a little different from what she usually writes. I enjoyed Nemeth's character development. Candra's character on the other hand got on my nerves! She spent a good portion of the book being a selfish spoiled brat, I understand she was forced into a last-minute situation that would cost her 7yrs of what not being the castle tramp because she really did not have a role amongst her people. The overall story was decent to me the book was drawn out entirely too long and somethings could have been left out to make it a shorter story. The story contains the classic we are from two different worlds so let's hate each other until we need each, fall in love, and have lots of sex. It also has the classic spoils of war trope.
There is a nice plot twist that is kind of speed through toward the end of the book, I feel like the end was rushed and more could have done with it if some of the other stuff was left out. So, I would give this 3.5 stars.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

Truly I’m shocked. Ruby Dixon has my undying love for her IPB series but this one felt off. I didn’t connect with Candra and I felt the politics between Candra and Nemeth’s people all too muddy. Also, I get that they are mates but how can you be that horny during what is essentially a starvation period?

Many thanks to NetGalley for my ARC copy. All opinions are my own.