book a kiss of shadows

a kiss of shadows book by laurell k. hamilton

dive into a world where magic, danger, and sensuality collide in "a kiss of shadows," the first installment of the merry gentry series by the acclaimed author laurell k. hamilton. this novel introduces readers to a faerie princess living a double life as a private investigator in a world where the fey are not only real but also a part of everyday society. "a kiss of shadows" masterfully blends elements of urban fantasy, detective fiction, and steamy romance, creating a rich and immersive reading experience that will leave you breathless and eager for more.

about the author laurell k. hamilton

laurell kaye hamilton, born on february 19, 1963, is a celebrated american author of fantasy and romance novels. she is best known for her two bestselling series: "anita blake: vampire hunter" and "merry gentry." with a background in english and biology, hamilton brings a unique and grounded perspective to her fantastical worlds, creating strong, complex female protagonists who navigate worlds filled with supernatural creatures and intricate political landscapes. her works often explore themes of power, sexuality, and the darker side of mythology, captivating millions of readers worldwide.

a kiss of shadows summary

in "a kiss of shadows," we meet meredith \merry\ gentry, a princess of the unseelie court of faerie who has been living in hiding in the human world for three years. under the guise of a mortal private investigator in los angeles, merry specializes in supernatural crimes, a profession that allows her to utilize her fey abilities in a discreet manner. her carefully constructed life is shattered when assassins from her past discover her whereabouts, forcing her to confront the very world she fled. her aunt, andais, the queen of air and darkness, commands her return to the treacherous unseelie court.

upon her return, merry is presented with a dangerous proposition: she must conceive an heir before her sadistic cousin, prince cel, can. the reward for success is the throne of the unseelie court, but failure means certain death. to aid her in this perilous task, the queen\s elite guards, the ravens, are offered to her as potential lovers and protectors. as merry navigates the deadly political intrigue and ancient power struggles of the fae, she must also unravel a conspiracy that threatens both the human and fae realms. this gripping narrative is a tantalizing blend of suspense, passion, and dark fantasy, setting the stage for an unforgettable series.

frequently asked questions about a kiss of shadows

1. what is the plot of a kiss of shadows?

   the plot follows meredith "merry" gentry, a faerie princess in hiding as a private investigator in los angeles. she is discovered and forced to return to the unseelie court, where her aunt, queen andais, tasks her with producing an heir to the throne before her cousin, prince cel. success will make her queen; failure will result in her death.

2. who are the main characters in a kiss of shadows?

   the main characters include princess meredith "merry" gentry, the protagonist; queen andais, the formidable queen of air and darkness; prince cel, merry\s cruel cousin and rival for the throne; and the queen\s ravens, her elite guard, particularly doyle, the captain of the ravens, and frost, his second-in-command.

3. is a kiss of shadows a standalone novel?

   no, "a kiss of shadows" is the first book in the merry gentry series. the series continues to follow merry\s journey as she navigates the politics of the fae courts and the challenges of her unique position. as of recent information, there are nine books in the series.

4. what are the major themes in a kiss of shadows?

   the novel explores themes of power, identity, sexuality, and survival. it delves into the complexities of courtly intrigue, the clash between ancient traditions and modern life, and the nature of desire and consent in a world of potent magic and immortal beings.

5. is there a love story in a kiss of shadows?

   "a kiss of shadows" features significant romantic and erotic elements. a central part of the plot involves merry\s relationships with the queen\s ravens, who are tasked with helping her conceive an heir. these relationships are complex and form a key part of the narrative\s emotional and political landscape.