She's dropped into a new (to her) situation so she makes a great entry for the reader. Leila is a great lead character, frankly. As it was, I got a thrill as soon as I recognized where we were and settled in for the fun. I really liked Leila in her appearances in the first series, so if I had known she was the main character in this I'd have jumped on it sooner.

That said, you can definitely start here if you like and don't mind a couple of cameo's that won't gel without knowing the events from before. Since I loved that initial series, I highly recommend reading it first. While this is first in a new series, it's a direct follow-on of the author's Hall of Blood and Mercy series and there's a lot of cross-over, at least to start (not least of which that it was in that series that the Night Court crisis culminates). It’s packed with humor, adventure, and a sweet, slow burn romance between a reluctant fae queen and the assassin who tried to kill her. So, why do I keep thinking of a certain assassin?Ĭourt of Midnight and Deception is an urban fantasy trilogy featuring fae, werewolves, vampires, and wizards. Supposedly I can choose anyone to marry, but with all the infighting I need someone who is neutral and won’t provoke more political power struggles. But that doesn’t prevent him from trading verbal barbs with me whenever we meet.Īnd if cat herding all these uncooperative fae and chatting with assassins wasn’t enough, I’m required to get married as part of some archaic Court law. The only reason he doesn’t kill me on the spot is he’s also a member of the Night Court and the Court’s magic protects me. His deadly profession means he fears no one. Speaking of assassins, I get introduced to the best in the business-a fae lord nicknamed the Wraith. The Court is almost bankrupt, my citizens’ favorite hobby is backstabbing one another, and I don’t know who I can trust since someone keeps trying to assassinate me.

Inheriting a terrible mess? Double check. That changes when some fae nobles show up on my doorstep and announce that I’m the next Queen of the Night Court.īecoming an unwilling fae queen? Check. I’ve done everything I can to bury my fae blood and embrace my human half. The fae of the Night Court are desperately searching for a new monarch to crown before the Court collapses.

Crown of Shadows by K.M. Shea