Shadowheart

Laura Kinsale

Book 2 in the series:Medieval Hearts

Save:

Find on Amazon

dark historical romance

magical medieval backdrop

engaging and vivid writing style

action packed storyline

complex character evolution

romance with action adventure and political intrigue

uneven pacing

"Shadowheart" by Laura Kinsale is a historical romance set in the late 14th century, following the story of Allegretto, a strong, mysterious, and ruthless man on a quest to reclaim his birthright in Northern Italy. The plot revolves around his treacherous capture of Elena, the last heir and princess of Monteverde, leading to a complex and action-packed storyline with elements of masochism and sadism that add spice to the narrative. delves into the evolving relationship between Allegretto and Elena, exploring themes of sacrifice, love, and power dynamics, all set against a vividly described magical medieval backdrop.

Characters:

The characters display complexity and evolve significantly, with a focus on power dynamics.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and vivid, capturing both emotional depth and action.

Plot/Storyline:

The story intertwines romance with action-adventure and political intrigue, focusing on a captured princess and her captor's complex motivations.

Setting:

The setting is 14th century Italy, providing a rich historical backdrop that enhances the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with a slow start that picks up but remains uneven throughout the narrative.

Elayne knew she shouldn't have tried to substitute a chicken feather for the quill from a magical hoopoe bird. But Savernake Forest did not harbor hoopoe birds. In truth Elayne had no notion what a ho...

Notes:

Shadowheart is set in 14th century Northern Italy.

The heroine, Elena di Monteverde, is discovered to be a princess.

Allegretto Navona, also known as Il Corveto, is a complex and captivating character.

The story intertwines themes of political intrigue, action, and adventure, alongside romance.

The narrative is primarily told from Elena's perspective, limiting insights into Allegretto's character until late in the story.

Elena's character development is criticized for being weak at the beginning but grows stronger as the story progresses.

The book features BDSM elements, with a notable shift in power dynamics between the characters.

Some readers found the romantic relationship between Elena and Allegretto hard to believe due to abrupt character changes.

The first sexual encounter is described as non-consensual, causing discomfort for some readers.

Despite its challenges, the book is also noted for its depth, emotional struggles, and a richly constructed historical setting.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include non-consensual elements in initial sexual encounters, BDSM themes, and instances of manipulation and coercive control.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance in Shadowheart, though the development and connection may feel uneven and at times forced.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

Elegant yet violent, breathtakingly handsome yet brutal, the assassin Allegreto has returned in this long-awaited sequel to Laura Kinsale's FOR MY LADY'S HEART.14th-century Europe is a vicious place, awash with murky alliances and political maneuvering. As the bastard son of the Navona family, Allegreto seeks to claim his rightful place in the Italian principality of his birth. When his standard tools of deception and murder prove unable to complete the task, Allegretto must take a bride-the lovely and innocent Lady Elena, the princess of Monteverde-by force. Soon it becomes clear that Fate has brought these two close-but it is a dangerous passion that binds them together.As Allegreto and Elena journey to Italy, will they be safe from her jealous fianc Or from their own dangerous desires? Filled with rich, historical language and period detail, SHADOWHEART lays out a tale of intense passion and shifting power that will leave its readers breathless.

Reader Stats (10):

Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (3)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (4)

What can you read after
Shadowheart?

See the list (100 books)

About the Author:

Laura Kinsale is the award-winning and New York Times-bestselling author of The Shadow and the Star, Seize the Fire, The Prince of Midnight, Flowers From the Storm, For My Lady's Heart, and The Dream Hunter. She and her husband divide their time between Santa Fe and Dallas. Shadowheart won the Romance Writers of America Rita Award for best long historical romance of 2004. Kinsale also won best romance novel of 1990 for Prince of Midnight. Kinsale was 1987-1988 Career Achievement Award Winner from Romantic Times Magazine. She was also Regency Historical Romance 2004 Career Achievement Award Winner from Romantic Times Magazine and the Innovative Historical Romance 1994 RRA Awards Nominee for Best Historical Romance Author.

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.