Rain of Shadows and Endings Read Along Week 4 | Final Thoughts, Theories, and Book Two Questions
Welcome back to the fourth and final week of our Rain of Shadows and Endings Read Along! I have officially reached the end of Melissa K. Roehrich’s fantasy romance, and I am absolutely brimming with opinions, theories, frustrations, and questions. If you’ve been reading along with me, buckle up because I have a lot to unpack.
If you’re just joining us, be sure to catch up with Week One, Week Two, and Week Three of our Rain of Shadows and Endings Read Along before diving into the finale.
And if you’re already looking for your next fantasy romance obsession, don’t forget that our July Wicked Sea Book Box is currently available. This is your last chance to grab it before sales close!
Theon Has Not Won Me Over
Okay, so my hatred of Theon? Still pretty fucking strong. Let’s hit that nail on the head right now.
Locking her in the wine cellar? Knowing this is her deepest trauma? Having her beg? Sure, she messed up, but he didn’t explain the consequences, so punishing her has me absolutely riled.
And then, he leaves her there overnight because he just can’t deal with her? Luka was right, it will change her, and she won’t come back. We see that. At least, he has the decency to miss her fire once it’s gone.
This is a thing I hate about these situations. He punished her because of his father’s actions, because his father is the douche king amongst douches. But the more trauma he puts her through, the more she’s going to “misbehave.”
I hope to all hell she gets her fire back in book two, but I’m still not quite rooting for their romance. I mean, abuse…it’s not romantic. Some control, some swatting, some overbearingness? I’m down for that in a romance novel, but this is just beyond. It makes me angry. Like seriously angry.
So much so that when I explained the book to my husband, his eyes just got bigger and bigger. And then, we broke down the BDSM kinks present in the story, which was a whole other thing.
Humiliation and degradation are not for me. But then, I’m not a sub, so yeah…
As if no one here could tell. 😅
The Mystery Behind Theon’s Father
Since I’ve mentioned it, let’s talk about dear old dad.
His killing Pen because Tessa ran away from one of her childhood abusers and got caught by vampires, thus forcing Luka and Theon to fly her away… This seems like a bit much.
I’m not getting what Dad has up his sleeve and why what they’re doing is countering his moves.
He wants power. I get that. I guess keeping Luka a secret is a big deal, but now that he’s not, it should be easy to press that knowledge as power. But that’s my POV. I bet more ramifications will come of it.
And having Tessa interact with Tristan causing them issues, too? Really? Why? Who the hell is Tristan Blackwood, and why couldn’t they tell he wasn’t human before? Why is everyone in a stir about him and his business?
I would think Dad would be more inclined to use her connection with Tristan and his intrigue in her to his own advantage, but I have a feeling Dad isn’t inventive, and he certainly doesn’t like to pivot. Both good qualities in a leader. Just saying. Good or evil, they’re good qualities to maintain control.
Tessa Deserves Better
Alright, back to the romance bit, just a little.
Again, still not a fan. I want someone better for Tessa. Tristan might be a good option. Just saying. Would love an out for her being Theon’s source.
I’m sure the author won’t go that route, but I want the option for her not to be with Theon and to have him have to earn her back.
Anywho, her admitting that she will never be his because he will never be hers. Beautiful moment of honesty, and I hope that sinks in for him because Felicity. 🤮
But my earlier thoughts of finding a way for Theon not to need a wife, but having Tessa be both his source and his wife is being set up with her being not fae.
What is she exactly? A legacy? Definitely something stronger. It seems like she’s part of the primordial god, so is she more than the legacies? To reset the balance? To create chaos? To take over?
If so, I love it.
Questions I Need Answered in Book Two
With this, who the hell is Dex? What is he? The fact that he was sent for her, has been scheming behind her back this whole time… I fucking knew it. I’m not a fan of him right now either.
So that leaves me with a TON of questions:
Who is Orion?
Akira? I remember hearing about her before, but where was that?
Who are these gods, or are they more than gods?
So many interesting unanswered questions I’m left with here, and I love that.
It makes me want to read book two, even if I hated book one in the best way. I admit it. I’m hooked.
Honestly, this is exactly the kind of feeling I chase as a fantasy romance reader—the desperate need to know what happens next. If that’s your thing too, don’t forget to check out our July Wicked Sea Book Box.
Final Thoughts on Rain of Shadows and Endings
Despite all my frustrations with Theon, Melissa K. Roehrich accomplished exactly what every author hopes to do: she left me wanting more.
Now I want to hear from you.
Do you hate Theon as much as I do?
Are you rooting for the romance?
What are your biggest theories heading into the next book?
Leave a comment below and let’s talk about it.
We won’t have a read along next week because boxes aren’t shipping out until next week, so we’re getting a little buffer. But you might still find me here talking about books I love in the meantime.
Until then, happy reading!
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