⭐ Rating: 4/5 stars
✨ Favorite Character: Darius Acrux (officially obsessed)
Shadow Princess took me on such a rollercoaster that I’m still catching my breath. The tension, the politics, the heartbreak….it’s everything I love about this series, but this time, my heart completely belonged to Darius. Don’t get me wrong, I still have a soft spot for Orion/Darcy, but honestly… Tory and Darius own my soul now. The chemistry? Off the charts. The banter? Perfectly cutting. The vulnerability? Stab me right in the heart.
This book also gave us moments of real gut-punch emotion. Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti are masters at pulling you in, making you feel like part of the Vega twins’ fight, and then casually wrecking your emotions when you least expect it. I think that’s why this one hit so hard, it’s not just action and romance, it’s the unraveling of loyalty, love, and destiny all tangled together.
If you’ve been on the fence about continuing the series, let me just say—this book is a turning point. The stakes are higher, the world-building richer, and the characters? Well… I’m officially claiming Darius for myself. Sorry, Tory.
Favorite Character Moment
Darius’s walls coming down. I won’t say when or why, but you’ll feel it in your bones when it happens. He’s broody, infuriating, and yet so protective in a way that makes you believe him. It’s peak “touch her and die” energy, and I ate it up like it was my last meal.
Books & Bakes Moment
If Shadow Princess were a dessert, it would be something dark, rich, and a little dangerous. So today we’re making Midnight Mocha Brownies (nut-free, of course). Perfect for stress-eating while yelling at fictional characters.
Midnight Mocha Brownies
Serves: 12 | Time: 45 min
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp instant coffee or espresso powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour into prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. The center should be fudgy but set.
- Cool slightly before cutting. Pair with coffee… preferably while plotting fictional revenge.
Would you like me to also make this into a printable recipe card so it’s cute enough to post on your blog alongside the review? That way your readers could save it or print it for their own kitchen.
Would I recommend?
Absolutely. But be prepared for heartbreak, jaw-clenching tension, and to walk away with a new fictional crush.
Tell me: Who’s your ride-or-die Zodiac Academy couple? Are you Team Orion/Darcy forever, or has Darius completely ruined you too?
Happy Reading!
Taylor
