Customer Reviews

The Shadow Queen (World of Hetar)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

With the death of her beloved husband Magnus Hauk, Dominus of Terah, Lara's life journey will begin anew. Because of her son Prince Taj's tender age, he'll need guidance in the decisions he makes for the people of Terah therefore as part of Magus Hauk's last wishes, Lara takes on the role of Shadow Queen. She'll advise her son on his duties but like all children, Taj believes he knows best so her position won't be an easy one. Lara needs a support system of her own and fortunately there's a man who's always been willing to provide a helping hand - and so much more.

Prince Kaliq of the Shadows is in love with Lara but he's always understood that she has a destiny to fulfill. He's a powerful ally and she'll certainly need his support now that her life has become so overwhelming. Prince Kaliq understands Lara's concerns and her fears but more importantly he's willing to put his own needs second while helping her get her children's situations handled.

Immediately thrust into the role of Shadow Queen following the accidental death of Magnus Hauk, Lara has very little time to mourn his passing. There are many enemies who'd like nothing more than to use this opportunity to get a foothold in Terah and they'll use any means available to do so. Greed brings out the worst in some family members but Lara's quick to devise a solution to that situation. Some of the other problems that quickly arise she won't be able to fix - including her daughter Zagiri's decision to disobey her mother and marry Jonah, Lord High Ruler of Hetar. Her youngest daughter Marzina is sent to train with Lara's mother as she's the only child who has faerie traits. Lara's idealistic life is changing drastically. Fortunately she's strong enough to accept the changes and carry on, however being only half faerie, her human side aches for her children's fates - as well as her beloved husband.

Whether historical, contemporary, or fantasy, Bertrice Small is a talented author who's tales engage all a reader's emotions. I have to confess I cried through the first chapter of THE SHADOW QUEEN. Magnus Hauk was such a beloved character it broke my heart that he passes away under such devastating circumstances. On the other hand his death and how Lara deals with everything that happens afterwards displays the sheer strength she possesses. As mothers women often struggle with their children's choices in life and Lara's no different in that factor but she faces more challenges than most women. What I especially loved about this story is the gentle and honest way Prince Kaliq cares for Lara. By no means is their relationship a typical romance but it's obvious that the love is there and no matter what life throws at them it always will be. All of Ms. Small's books have not only found a place on my keeper shelves, they're ones I return to time and again whenever I need a book that I know will leave me completely satisfied.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

The Shadow Queen is the best yet in the World of Hetar! More surprises than you can imagine are in store for you. It took me only two days to read it. I couldn't put it down. If you are a Bertrice Small fan, and I certainly am, you will love this series. Lara and her family are as diverse as any in this mortal world that we live in. If you have not read this series I suggest that you get on Amazon and order all five books and start at the beginning. This is the most amazing series to date. You will love how Ms. Small weaves this tale of the magical world and the mortals who love them. Keep them coming.

No woman has ever ruled the Kingdom of Terah. However, when the monarch Magnus Hauk dies in an accident, his son is not old enough to rule. Thus his mom the faerie Queen Lara will serve as a secret regent until her offspring can formally run the nation.

To assist THE SHADOW QUEEN as she guides her son is her trusted friend Prince Kaliq at a time Terah is threatened by powerful enemies emboldened by the lack of a strong king. However, Lara's efforts to protect her children go astray when their adversary Jonah the Lord High Ruler beguiles her daughter and her twin sons openly fight leaving the kingdom divided and consequently increasingly weakened. The only thing working for Lara is her reciprocated love with loyal Kaliq.

The fifth Hetar erotic romantic fantasy is an exciting tale as Lara star of the first book is the prime focus again; which enables the audience to see how far she has come and to a degree fallen. The story line is fast-paced from the onset as the heroine realizes she can only protect her children so far, but as adults they will make poor judgments that she can do little about. The romantic subplot is hot and engaging, but also intrudes in some ways on the primary theme of what she must sacrifice to save the next generation, her kingdom, and ultimately two worlds. Fans of the series will relish THE SHADOW QUEEN while spellbound newcomers will seek the previous entries (see THE SORCERESS OF BELLMAIR, THE TWILIGHT LORD, A DISTANT TOMORROW and LARA).

Harriet Klausner

I have been reading Ms. Small's work for over 30 years.....is that possible? Time flies when you are reading. I have read every one of her books and enjoyed them all but I must say that this magical series is my favorite....sorry Skye! I, like the two ladies before me, read this book in about 3 days and couldn't put it down. I anxiously await the next installment of this charming tale.

Thank Goodness this awesome novel arrived before we got 10 inches of snow!! I read all weekend and couldn't put it down until I was done. For this old and loyal fan, this newest installment of the Hetar series is awesome. I love the drama, plot twists, continuing story lines, lovely and not-so-lovely characters and, of course, the romance!! I was sad that Magnus died at the beginning, but that's the way the world is, ours and Hetar. As always, I can't wait for the next book in this series and I eagerly await 'The Border Lord and The Lady' in October. Thanks again, Bertrice!!

This is the fifth book in the World of Hetar series. The book picks up where "The Twilight Lord" left off. Yes, there is another book before this one, (The Sorceress of Belmair), but that book focuses mainly on Lara's son Dillon and there is very little mention of Lara and the plot-line doesn't really follow with the rest of the novels in the series. You can actually skip "Sorceress" and miss very little.

Shadow Queen starts off with the death of Magnus Hauk. Lara must find a way to guide her youngest son Taj, only 10-years-old, in a male-dominated world as well as deal with threats from Hetar and the Dark Lands of the Twilight Lord.

The novel fits very well with the other three. A lot of loose ends are tied up, while enough are left unresolved to make me think another novel may be in the works. It is a fast read, although there are parts of the book which could have been expanded for a bit more action and excitement. There are very few continuity errors (the only major one I've found was the color of Lara's horse. He was gold with a white mane and tail in the other books, in this one, he is white, sorry but continuity errors bug me). Did anyone else notice that Terah is Hetar spelled backwards?

If you enjoyed "Lara" "A Distant Tomorrow," and "The Twilight Lord" you will enjoy "The Shadow Queen" just as much.

I have read the series starting me on fantasy books. Now I like to read many fantasy novels because of this series. The love scenes seem to strengthen the writers fantasy imagination and I recommend her to mature females everywhere....

Bertrice Small has done a wonderful job with this book.. I was satisfied more then ever.I truly can not wait for the next book. I'm hooked on the World of Hetar.. I sincerely love Bertrice Small's Romance Novels. Thanks so much again Ms.Bertrice,,,,,Beverly Payne

The Shadow Queen (World of Hetar)
You can't go wrong with Bertrice Small!! You either LOVE her books or can't stand them cause they're too "graphic" for you. I personally LOVE her writing & have EVERY ONE of her books to date.

I love the World of Hetar and this book did not disappoint. It took me only two days to read it. I am very intrigued as to how the storyline will play out with the new Twilight Lord and I am curious to see what is in store for Marzina. I am sure the author has something brewing for that little troublemaker.