The Shepherd King Series | Book Review

Disclaimer: Spoilers Ahead

Let me just start by saying, Rachel Gillig has created a masterpiece of literature. I could not put this series down! It is very rare that a series is strongly written throughout. There is always a superior book. But here? One cannot exist without the other. I could not function in life until I finished this series, and when it was over the feeling was bittersweet.

Magic. Providence cards. Degeneration. A heartless king. A rotten prince. The taking back of a stolen throne. And, of course, spice.

Elspeth Spindle wasn’t your ordinary female protagonist. She wasn’t a warrior and never pretended to be one either. I enjoyed seeing the softer side of her, the caring side. She was more human than an Aelin or a Violet (don’t get me wrong, Maas and Yarros are geniuses in their own right as well). I also didn’t mind that the second book was mainly not from Elspeth’s POV. Renelm and Ione’s stories were just as engaging as hers.

Speaking of, the hot and spicy scenes were exquisitely written. The slow burn was done in a way that left me forever wanting more, as it should. I do wish that we got more of Elspeth and Ravyn in the ways we got Ione and Renelm.

We also cannot discuss the Shepherd King series without discussing the Shepherd King himself. His character was fascinating and learning his story in the second book was a journey to say the least. I was left heartbroken at the end when it was time for him to finally leave Elspeth’s mind after 11 years together. After him viewing her as his own. Their bond, complicated as it was, was one of pure familial love. The Nightmare’s redemption arc was an amazing end to the series.

Speaking of familial love, I am choosing not to comment on Elspeth or Ione’s families because their roles in the book were so minimal that I honestly did not care whenever they showed up on the page. All I will say is that Ione’s dad is obviously a coward, but so was Erik Spindle.

On another note, the idea of magic always fascinates me. It’s why I immerse myself in fantasy worlds. Getting lost in this series was such a pleasure. To live in a world with providence cards and magic, even if just for a few hours, is something you should experience yourself. If you haven’t, do not hesitate to read the Shepherd King series. It is one I will not forget.

And lastly, fuck Hauth Rowan.