A Breathtaking Finale to a Phenomenal Series. The Shadows Rule All delivers a masterful blend of danger, action, and heart-pounding romance, cementing Abigail Owen’s Dominions trilogy as a standout in the fantasy genre. Picking up right where The Stolen Throne left off, this book raises the stakes higher than ever, darker than ever, bloodier than ever, and more intense than its predecessors. I absolutely loved this. From the very first page, I was on edge, fearing for my favourite characters and anxiously wondering how they would survive the chaos. Owen has a ruthless ability to shatter her readers with unexpected deaths and betrayals, and she did just that.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its world-building. Owen crafts an immersive, vividly detailed realm filled with rich lore, intricate magic, and breathtaking landscapes. Believe me when I say, I truly wanted to live in this world. Beyond that, the character development across the entire trilogy is phenomenal. Meren’s transformation from a hidden princess to a formidable leader is deeply compelling and inspiring. I also adored the way relationships were explored, not just the romantic ones, but the many layers of love and loyalty between various characters. The dynamics between Vos and Tziah, Cain and Meren, Horus and Meren, and even Pella and Meren were beautifully written and emotionally resonant. I especially appreciated getting more of Eidolon’s backstory this time around.

If I had one critique, it would be the pacing. While the book maintains strong momentum, the middle section slows down slightly due to some overly detailed internal monologues (a challenge that the second book also faced). Additionally, a few plot twists felt somewhat predictable, which lessened the suspense in certain moments. However, the ending more than makes up for it. It delivers a satisfying and emotionally charged conclusion while leaving just enough room for interpretation.

A special mention must go to the audiobook narration by Luis Moreno and Samara Naeymi. Their expressive, emotionally rich performances made the story even more engaging. Their voices complemented each other perfectly, and I found myself completely absorbed, able to listen for hours on end. Their chemistry truly elevated the experience, making an already fantastic book even better.

Saying goodbye to this world is bittersweet and I will miss it immensely. Abigail Owen has crafted something truly special with this series, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, and to Recorded Books and NetGalley for the advance listening copy.