Amazon Editors' favorite summer reads
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
OR
$2.99

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Flight of Sorcery and Shadow (Tales of Tir-na-Alathea: Darkness of the Living Forest Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.5 out of 5 stars 545 ratings

A captivating and darkly delicious romantic fantasy perfect for fans of Fourth Wing, Throne of Glass, and Air Awakens.

Aedon's captivity ends when a brutal darkness descends. Lost, alone, and desperate to escape the deadly beasts stalking him, the elven thief does not count on meeting Lief, a ranger of the woodland elves...and his natural worst enemy.

Lief prides herself on being one of Lune's finest rangers—now, she’s the only one alive. She must alert the Queen at once that the realm's defences have been breached by unimaginably malevolent sorcery. The last thing she needs is to stumble upon an escaped prisoner.

Aedon and Lief become unlikely allies. Neither can survive without the other in a deadly race to outrun what hunts them. Lief must heal her wounded trust, and Aedon must call on his forbidden skills if they are to escape—but can they resist what blooms in the darkness between them?

An old enemy rises. Stronger than before. He will consume all in his path, until dominion over the world is his. Multiple fates are bound in an inexorable descent into darkness...

This complete trilogy from USA Today Bestselling Author Meg Cowley can be enjoyed as a new entry point into the Altarea world, or to dive back into the saga and discover what happened after the events in the Empire of Blood and Malice series.

From irresistible enemies-to-lovers and found family to heartrending betrayals and redemption, thissaga will keep you turning pages all night to a gloriously bittersweet and satisfying finale—and your next bookish hangover.

Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 3 books in this series.
This option includes 3 books.

Customers also bought or read

Loading...

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B087JWGX29
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Eldarkin Publishing
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 27, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 354 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ Tales of Tir-na-Alathea: Darkness of the Living Forest
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 545 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Meg Cowley
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Meg Cowley is a USA Today bestselling romantasy author. She writes slow-burn steamy sagas with courageous heroines, protective heroes, and lovable found families in stories that will steal your heart long after “the end”.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
545 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers find the book's story enchanting and appreciate its unexpected plot twists, with one review noting it features three narratives simultaneously. Moreover, the book is well-written and easy to read, and customers like the character development, with one mentioning how the characters are displayed in a 3D world.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

25 customers mention "Story quality"23 positive2 negative

Customers praise the book's enchanting narrative and unexpected plot twists, noting it features three stories woven together.

"...Meg is a fantastic storyteller. She finds ways to leave us at cliffhangers throughout the book while returning to someone else's story...." Read more

"...I thoroughly enjoyed the Chronicles of Pelenor, and this new series continues in the same vein. I am eager to read the rest of the series...." Read more

"...I love the suspense and tragedy and edge of your seat, page turning, need to read more of the authors previous books and this one is no different...." Read more

"...From there the story takes flight and it is one adventure after the other...." Read more

18 customers mention "Readability"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written and easy to read, with one customer noting that the first book whets their appetite for more.

"...I received an ARC from the author and have reviewed it because it's amazing, and everyone should read it, and all the libraries should get it, and..." Read more

"...This story is well-written with strong characters and vivid descriptions which immediately place the reader in the midst of the action...." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book! Full of characters I’ve missed previously, action, and some lovely new characters too!" Read more

"...You get a beautifully descriptive setting with engaging characters that make you feel like you're walking alongside them in their adventures...." Read more

15 customers mention "Character development"15 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one mentioning how the characters are displayed in a 3D world.

"...She also has loads of new characters, but their stories were so different, it was easy to follow the changes in stories...." Read more

"...This story is well-written with strong characters and vivid descriptions which immediately place the reader in the midst of the action...." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book! Full of characters I’ve missed previously, action, and some lovely new characters too!" Read more

"...You get a beautifully descriptive setting with engaging characters that make you feel like you're walking alongside them in their adventures...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2020
    I thought the Chronicles of Pelenor were perfection, but Meg has outdone herself with her latest book. Set 25 years after the war, Aedon is now - still - a captive of Queen Solanaceae in Tir-na-Alathea. He has lost the will to live, has been stripped of his magic, and is stuck in solitary confinement where the only person who even talks to him isn't even a person but a door. At least they have finally let him have some books to read. But something evil has come to the world and Aedon is accidentally released. And due to his "noble disposition," as he puts it, he is compelled to stay and try to help the enemy, rather than escape. He quickly meets up with Lief, a sassy wood elf, and while they mostly feel stuck with each other, they gradually develop a grudging friendship.

    Back in Pelenor, two siblings also fight against family shortcomings to make a life for themselves, one joining the legendary Winged Kingsguard, the other training to become a librarian. The Winged Kingsguard has recently lost one of the patrols and must see if the Order of Valxiron is back and be behind the missing dragons and riders. The library isn't your typical book storage facility, and part of the librarian's job is to work with the grimoires, many of which are dangerous. Flight of Sorcery and Shadow moves between all three storylines, never bringing any of them together, yet telling stories of high stakes in all three contexts.

    Meg is a fantastic storyteller. She finds ways to leave us at cliffhangers throughout the book while returning to someone else's story. She also has loads of new characters, but their stories were so different, it was easy to follow the changes in stories. And we know that the stories will eventually converge, although I have no idea how she's going to do it. I also love that after the Pelenor chronicles alluded to and then pushed aside Aedon's personal struggles, hiding them behind his charm and humor, his journey with Lief in Flight of Sorcery and Shadow has forced him to begin to deal with them. I have high hopes for him in this new saga. As far as the siblings' stories, their family history is not their fault, nor is it their parents' fault, and that's something I don't often see addressed in fantasy. For them to carry burdens not of their own making and choose to not succumb to the darkness that promises an easy out, well, I'm rooting for them all the way. Also, one of the grimoires reminds me of Garth Nix's Mogget. Maybe it's just me, but he (it? - does a grimoire have gender?) makes me so happy!

    Why do I have to wait for the next book?

    I received an ARC from the author and have reviewed it because it's amazing, and everyone should read it, and all the libraries should get it, and did I mention that it's really, really good?
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2020
    This follow-up to the excellent Chronicles of Pelenor series finds Aedon still in prison after 25 years, which seems a rather stiff penalty for his transgression against Queen Solanaceae of Tir-na-Alathea. This Robin Hood-like thief has hit rock bottom; his magic was taken away and he’s been in solitary confinement for the entire time. An evil force has entered the realm and many of the guards are killed, but their spirits are loosed to ravage the forest and its inhabitants. Is the spirit of Valxiron really dead, or has it been dormant, gradually regaining power? Aedon is accidentally released and his magic returns. He meets Lief, a wood elf ranger who is also down on life, not open to friendships due to an earlier relationship breakdown. She is dedicated to her Queen and vows to return Aedon to captivity. As they travel through the forest, they realize they must work together to survive against the evil forces and gradually form a very tentative friendship.

    Meg introduces twin siblings, Venya and Vasili, children of Harper and Dimitri, in Pelenor-related, but not yet intertwined story lines. Venya is a junior librarian at the Athenaeum, which houses amazing magical grimoires, some of whom are very powerful and dangerous. Venya has magical powers, but they’re not strong enough for her to keep control without help as she faces some deadly situations. Vasili, along with his dragon Icarus, is a member of the Kingsguard dragon riders. The kingdom is relying on the guards to protect against the increasing evil phenomena. One of their scout squads has not returned from a mission. Vasili, one of the youngest and inexperienced members, is ordered to stay close to defend the city while the others search a wide area, but he decides he can be of better service in the search, which leads him to find much more than he can handle.

    This story is well-written with strong characters and vivid descriptions which immediately place the reader in the midst of the action. Meg artfully switches back and forth between the story lines which is really easy to follow and keeps the reader informed on all fronts. I’m certain these will all come together at some point, but each is an entertaining story on its own. I thoroughly enjoyed the Chronicles of Pelenor, and this new series continues in the same vein. I am eager to read the rest of the series. I received an ARC of this book; this review is my honest opinion. I bought a copy on release to support this great author.
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2022
    I really enjoyed this book! Full of characters I’ve missed previously, action, and some lovely new characters too!
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2020
    From the very beginning we are dropped right back into some very familiar territory, the forest of Tir-na-Alathea. We are also reunited with a very familiar character, Aedon, the thief of Pelenor. He has been imprisoned since we last saw him and seems to have given up all hope on not only getting out of prison but also given up on living. That all changes when darkness descends on the forest and Aedon, being Aedon, tries to get to the bottom of this mystery.

    Along the way we are reminded of characters from The Chronicles of Pelenor and find out that they have not one, but two children who are doing very well for themselves in their young lives. Vasili is part of the vaunted Winged Kingsguard and Venya is a junior librarian in the Athenaeum. Both find themselves in very sticky situations and have to find a way out of them. Are they both successful? Are their magics enough? Are they too young to be in these situations and get overpowered? I know! But you need to read it to find out!

    I love the suspense and tragedy and edge of your seat, page turning, need to read more of the authors previous books and this one is no different. You get a beautifully descriptive setting with engaging characters that make you feel like you're walking alongside them in their adventures. This is fantasy at some of its best and I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed. Good news, even though this is sort of a continuation from the previous series, no prior knowledge should be needed to start this one! Now go on, stop reading my review, and go read this book. It's 1000x better, I promise!
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Rose bud
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 30, 2021
    I loved this book, I really, really did. my only thing was once again too many characters at once, was introduced. Now, I’m not saying it put me off because it didn’t. I’m glad to see Dimitri and Harper’s son and daughter. It felt like they were fighting for more chapter’s time, about them.
    However, I feel the book could have ran with just Aedon and Lief. The chemistry between them was awesome, and some Déjà vu moments, brought back happy memories from the first book.

    I understand the plot needs the other characters, just me wanting more of Aedon time.
    The forest is been attacked by something dark, something from long ago.
    Aedon, is still a prisoner, but he is attacked by……. omg I freaked out about this because I think it’s the first time, I have read bout elf zombies, yes you herd that right elf zombies. At least that is how it was described (Correct me if I’m wrong?) Lief is hurt, and Aedon cannot leave her behind despite her been a Ranger. His Hohner and shivery would not allow it.

    Lief a Ranger, holds her heart close to her chest, she doesn’t like feeling week. But this injury leaves her feeling venerable, she heats to trust Aedon, but has no choice but too.
    I could gush about Aedon and Lief all day rally.

    There are tons of adventure in this book, more dragons and the bonds the riders have with them. We see some old faces among the dragon riders, Tristen, is now a caption. A library filled with talking grimoire.
    I cannot wait for book two.
    Full five stars, if I could give it more than I would.
  • Mirien Silowendë
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great story
    Reviewed in Germany on December 11, 2022
    Fantastic story. I look forward to seeing what happens next!
    This fantasy has Wood Elves, Zombie Elves, feral Grimoires, Librarians, Dragon Riders and a dark menace polluting the land. I recommend.
  • Nkirk
    5.0 out of 5 stars Action packed fantasy read!
    Reviewed in Australia on February 23, 2023
    A brilliant read full of magic, elves, a magical library with sentient grimoires, danger and dragons. I couldn’t get enough of these wonderful characters and rich world building. And did I mention slow burn enemies to lovers? (My fav trope). I’ve already downloaded the next books and you will too once you’ve had a taste of Meg Cowley’s incredible writing. She is now on the list of my insta-buy fav authors.
  • Rob Wilson
    5.0 out of 5 stars really good
    Reviewed in Canada on May 20, 2022
    What a great story. I’ve really enjoyed reading more about some of the characters from the Pelanor Chronicles. I look forward to more books in this series.
  • Angel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Rooting for the GOOD
    Reviewed in Canada on August 19, 2020
    I really enjoyed reading about Aedon and his adventure with the Wood Elf. You need a good stomach for some of the details but it's absolutely fabulous!

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?