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Sara C Roethle
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Reign of Night (A Study in Shadows Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Sara C. Roethle (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 2,982 ratings

Hunters of the Helius Order have a single mission—track vampires, and kill them. Lyssandra lived her life by this purpose, until the day a vampire saved her from certain death. Now she is unwillingly bonded to him, a secret that will see her executed if her order learns the truth.

When she finds Asher, she’ll cut out his heart for tying her to him, even if it kills her too. But when a young girl is found dead, Lyssandra’s mission is derailed. In the gaping hole where the girl’s heart once was, lies a single red rose. Lyssandra has seen the signature before, left by the vampire who took her uncle’s life.

Karpov is one of the ancients, and his death is the only one Lyssandra wants more than Asher’s. Unfortunately, Karpov is also the only being—dead or undead—who holds the key to Asher’s whereabouts. If Lyssandra ever wants to find him, she’ll have to work with her uncle’s murderer.

Asher’s death could finally bring her peace, but can she accept it when it means leaving her uncle’s killer alive? Or will she fall into her master’s waiting arms, unable to fight the pull of the unbreakable bond between them . . .

Find out in Reign of Night, a first person Epic Fantasy packed full of murder and intrigue, with a slow burn, steamy enemies to lovers romance.

What readers are saying about A Study in Shadows:

★★★★★ “If you love stories with vampires, this book is a must!”

★★★★★ “Castlevainia with Romance.”

★★★★★ “OMG… my new favorite book! I couldn’t stop reading!”

★★★★★ “Watch out Witcher.”

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  1. Book 1 of 4
    A Study in Shadows
  2. Print length
    381 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    July 11, 2022
  6. Reading age
    16 - 18 years
  7. File size
    2.9 MB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 4 books in this series.

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  27. Cloak of the Vampire
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  1. “Why did you really come to Silgard?” I asked. “To see you.” “Why?” “Because I could think of nothing else. No one else.”
    Highlighted by 145 Kindle readers
  2. He was handsome in a bone-chilling kind of way, reminding me of a wolf. Stunningly beautiful, but you were always well aware that it might choose to eat you. And you might like it.
    Highlighted by 111 Kindle readers
  3. “Something tells me you do not extend this privilege to all your servants.” “I have no others. Only you. The novelty of someone fawning at your feet fades quickly.”
    Highlighted by 106 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

Enemies to lovers, murder mysteries, vampires and hunters
A vampire like Geralt is all I needed to know to buy.
For fans of romantic fantasy, sexy vampires, forbidden love, and suspenseful murder mysteries.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B4KLZ8CN
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Vulture's Eye Publications
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 11, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.9 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 381 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 4 ‏ : ‎ A Study in Shadows
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 16 - 18 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 2,982 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Sara C Roethle

Sara C Roethle

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

For information on Sara C. Roethle visit: http://saracroethle.com .

Tree of Ages Series:

Book 1: "Tree of Ages"

Book 2: "The Melted Sea"

Book 3: "The Blood Forest"

Book 4: "Queen of Wands"

Book 5: "The Oaken Throne"

Book 6: "Dawn of Magic: Forest of Embers"

Book 7: "Dawn of Magic: Sea of Flames"

Book 8: Release TBA

The Moonstone Chronicles:

Book 1: "The Witch of Shadowmarsh"

Book 2: "Curse of the Akkeri"

Book 3: "The Elven Apostate" (Release TBA)

The Complete Will of Yggdrasil (previously Bitter Ashes):

Book 1: "Fated"

Book 2: "Fallen"

Book 3: "Fury"

Book 4: "Forged"

Book 5: "Found"

The Xoe Meyers Series:

Book 1: "Xoe"

Book 2: "Accidental Ashes"

Book 3: "Broken Beasts"

Book 4: "Demon Down"

Book 5: "Forgotten Fires"

Book 6: "Gone Ghost"

Book 7: "Minor Magic"

Book 8: "Minor Magics: The Demon Code"

The Complete Thief's Apprentice Series:

Book 1: "Clockwork Alchemist"

Book 2: "Clocks and Daggers"

Book 3: "Under Clock and Key"

Flower's of Antimony Series:

Book 1: "Aer Fixus" (2020)

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scroethle/

Become a fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sara-C-Roethle/198150710229162

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
2,982 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's plot engaging with mysterious side stories that keep them guessing, and they appreciate the steady character development and awesome world building. The writing style receives mixed feedback, with some saying it's very well written while others find it stilted at times. The pacing also gets mixed reviews, with some praising it while others note the beginning was slow.

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Plot qualityReadabilityCharacter developmentWorld buildingWriting stylePacingPace
54 customers mention "Plot quality"46 positive8 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, which features a captivating storyline with suspenseful elements and action throughout, while maintaining a sense of mystery.

"...Most definitely a enemies to lovers vibe. The mysterious side stories keep you guessing and on your toes...." Read more

"...There is plenty of intrigue and murder mystery that keeps you invested. The characters are definitely a highlight of the book...." Read more

"...I loved trying to solve the mystery. I also found the main characters very likeable and the secondary characters likeable as well...." Read more

"...Just a woman, a sword, a daring romance and her vow to kill all vampires and monsters to protect the human race." Read more

41 customers mention "Readability"41 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and enjoyable, with one customer noting it's great from the very start.

"I am really enjoying this series. Yes I know it’s only book 1 but I like the characters and the chemistry." Read more

"...It reads almost episodic, with the first half having one main plot and the second half another mostly separate one, plus several subplots...." Read more

"Plot: 5/5📖 Spice: 1/5🌶️ Overall: 5/5⭐️ I absolutely LOVED this book...." Read more

"This book was good from the very start. Love the story and would love to see Asher and Lyss figure out what their relationship may be." Read more

26 customers mention "Character development"26 positive0 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, appreciating their steady development throughout the story.

"...Yes I know it’s only book 1 but I like the characters and the chemistry." Read more

".../read by Sara and I have to say the world building and Character building is amazing. I was hooked from the beginning...." Read more

"...Asher is very interesting and mysterious. I am looking forward to learning more about him and his motivations in the next book...." Read more

"...I loved trying to solve the mystery. I also found the main characters very likeable and the secondary characters likeable as well...." Read more

18 customers mention "World building"14 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the world building in the book, with one customer noting how it keeps them intrigued throughout the whole book, while another mentions how it constantly provides new insights.

"...the first book I have listened/read by Sara and I have to say the world building and Character building is amazing. I was hooked from the beginning...." Read more

"...There is plenty of intrigue and murder mystery that keeps you invested. The characters are definitely a highlight of the book...." Read more

"...I also like that you are constantly learning something new. A new item like the sword, a new secret revealed or kept, a new change in views...." Read more

"...She started out way too prickly and jaded and had little to offer. But the story was too entertaining and let me move past that... luckily...." Read more

16 customers mention "Writing style"11 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing style of the book, with some finding it very well written while others note that it is stilted at times and has awkward phrasing.

"...On the positive side, grammar and editing are fine even if the writing is stilted at times with awkward phrasing and choppy sentences." Read more

"...She is well developed and I found it easy to relate to her...." Read more

"...Vampire books aren’t normally my thing, and the writing style can feel abrupt and blunt at times...." Read more

"I enjoyed this very much and thought the writing was good. I loved trying to solve the mystery...." Read more

11 customers mention "Pacing"7 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book.

"This is an extremely well put together book. Kinda slow to feel any sort feelings about the main female lead. She's just too damn harsh to start...." Read more

"...She was annoying, and came across kind of stupid...." Read more

"...I was very pleasantly surprised! The book is a lot more gritty and atmospheric than expected, and I loved it!..." Read more

"...to start, the pace picked up after the first few chapters and continued with a nice, steady pace...." Read more

9 customers mention "Pace"4 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it good while others mention that the beginning was slow.

"...The story is awesome, the pacing is good once you hit your stride. I'm still confused if I like the lead...." Read more

"Though this story was a little slow to start, the pace picked up after the first few chapters and continued with a nice, steady pace...." Read more

"I loved this book! The fast paced story and interesting characters kept me engaged. I really enjoyed this book and think it’s a must read!" Read more

"Although it starts a little slow (but don't most books?), the build-up is worth what is developing...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Charlene
    5.0 out of 5 stars so far this is. great read
    Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I am really enjoying this series. Yes I know it’s only book
    1 but I like the characters and the chemistry.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Faydra
    4.0 out of 5 stars Very, very good
    Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is an extremely well put together book. Kinda slow to feel any sort feelings about the main female lead. She's just too damn harsh to start. But then again, I know why. The author has definitely spent a lot of time with anita blake. The lore being extremely similar.

    But this went a much better direction and I assure you the lead softens up a bit over time. But she has no fleshing out. No sense of life. Just starts of harsh with small minded reasoning and almost completely non-existent backstory.

    But these things tend to sort of go away after a while. The story is awesome, the pacing is good once you hit your stride.

    I'm still confused if I like the lead. She started out way too prickly and jaded and had little to offer. But the story was too entertaining and let me move past that... luckily. But I really hope the next book shows her with a depth of character.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mythological and vampires
    Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is the first book I have listened/read by Sara and I have to say the world building and Character building is amazing. I was hooked from the beginning. If you love vampires and mythological creatures then this will definitely be up your alley. There is definitely a touch of spicy between the mmc mfc. Most definitely a enemies to lovers vibe. The mysterious side stories keep you guessing and on your toes. Looking forward to the next in the series, and to find out what blooms between the mmc's.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Real Reviews
    3.0 out of 5 stars vampire detectives, not really hunters
    Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Does this book really have so many positive reviews? I’m not sure what it’s trying to be...if it’s a romance the MCs don’t interact much until the last 10% of the book. They’re supposed to be vampire hunters but they mainly get sidetracked solving crimes. We’re thrown into this world without much understanding of how it works and to me the FMC isn’t developed while ironically the side characters seem to have more depth and are more likable. Had to make myself finish just to see if it got better. On the positive side, grammar and editing are fine even if the writing is stilted at times with awkward phrasing and choppy sentences.
    11 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Brooke
    5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent new read and fresh take!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book was a very enjoyable and well written read. I downloaded it on a whim when it popped up in my recommendations but didn’t have any real expectations since I’m not usually a fan of vampire novels. I was very pleasantly surprised!

    The book is a lot more gritty and atmospheric than expected, and I loved it! The fantasy world and Helius Order worked really well and set it apart from other books in the genre.
    It reads almost episodic, with the first half having one main plot and the second half another mostly separate one, plus several subplots. While I did feel the initial plot concluded a bit quickly, I enjoyed the second storyline more so I’m not complaining. There is plenty of intrigue and murder mystery that keeps you invested.

    The characters are definitely a highlight of the book. I really enjoyed Lyss. She is a strong, capable hunter an protagonist but is still very human and flawed. She is well developed and I found it easy to relate to her. I loved her friendship with Tholdri and Steifan, and I was so glad that it remained mutually platonic. It was refreshing to have a male-female friendship with no underlying lust.

    Asher is very interesting and mysterious.
    I am looking forward to learning more about him and his motivations in the next book. Although he is an ancient vampire, his personality avoids many of the cliches typically associated with that type of character.

    There is a romantic subplot but it remains mild in this book, which I was a big fan of. I loved that the author didn’t rush the enemies to lovers transition but instead allows time for the characters to slowly grow closer. It leaves the door open for more enemies to lovers goodness in the next book.

    The ending of the book sets up the next in the series. While some of the plot lines will continue on and there are plenty of loose ends, I wouldn’t say it ends on a cliffhanger. I’m happy to wait for the next book and have added it to my list. This is the first book in a while that I actually stayed up late to read, I’m so glad I gave it a chance!
    24 people found this helpful
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  • Lisa B.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed This
    Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I enjoyed this very much and thought the writing was good. I loved trying to solve the mystery. I also found the main characters very likeable and the secondary characters likeable as well. There are also some secrets being held and a couple of long reaching smaller plot lines that are going to be fun following. I'll be reading the next one, I really like this authors writing.
    Helpful
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  • Ivan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous web of love and hate and all that resides in the in between..
    Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    If you like tales of strong women and the men who flock around them like moths to a flame, you will love his expertly woven tale. Just a woman, a sword, a daring romance and her vow to kill all vampires and monsters to protect the human race.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Zoe Mayse
    5.0 out of 5 stars 5 stars
    Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Plot: 5/5📖
    Spice: 1/5🌶️
    Overall: 5/5⭐️

    I absolutely LOVED this book. I simply could not put it down and I genuinely can't stop thinking about it and the world inside. Lyssandra, Tholdri, and Steiphan's friendship was absolutely everything and I found myself literally laughing out loud constantly. I also found myself craving more and more of the dynamic between Lyssandra and Asher. Even though Lyss seemed pretty unreasonable in her hatred of Asher at first, I later came to understand her and her ideologies a lot better as the book progressed.

    I genuinely cannot praise this book enough andI will be recommending it to every single fantasy reader I meet from now on.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars An awesome entertainer
    Reviewed in India on November 11, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The strong heroine holding her own against impossible situations is something I crave...this was a fantasy as well as murder mystery with a hint of romance that will surely make you go awww..
    Report
  • Jeannie
    5.0 out of 5 stars My first skirmish with Vampires
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 21, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    And a most satisfactory introduction it was! Mostly stuff I might have been aware of, but certainly some new characters and that I’ve never heard of !! Easy to absorb, a very intriguing plot and now I’m invested quite heavily in Asher and his “Human Servant” 😅👍😍
    Report
  • Marilyn Bennison
    5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT READ
    Reviewed in Australia on February 3, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Loved the intrigue and strong characters , Looking forward to the next book in the series. If you like vampires and bad guys try this series.
    Report
  • Nancy o
    5.0 out of 5 stars 5 star
    Reviewed in Canada on May 24, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this book. Definitely different from what I'm used to. I am looking forward to finishing the series.
    Report
  • victoria hicketts
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely gripping!
    Reviewed in Canada on July 17, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I have been searching for this exact kind of read. I was hooked from the first page. Can't wait to read the rest! Well done Sara C. Roethle. Looking forward to reading more of your work.
    Report

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