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The Song of the Marked (Shadows and Crowns) Paperback – September 1, 2020

by S.M. Gaither (Author)

7,105 ratings

Book 1 of 5: Shadows and Crowns

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The old gods are growing restless. An ancient evil is stirring. Can they stop the coming storm?

Mercenary Casia Greythorne cares about two things: Completing whatever her latest job is, and earning enough coin to buy the expensive medicine that’s keeping her mentor alive.

So when the king himself offers her a job, she can’t resist the massive reward he offers—even if it means working with Captain Elander, the arrogant, mysterious right-hand to that king.

Her partner may be infuriating, but at least their mission seems simple and quick enough: Investigate the origins of the strange plague that’s been ravaging their empire, help find a cure, and then call it a day.

But in a land brimming with old magic and meddling gods, nothing is ever that simple, and nothing is ever what it seems.

As the bodies pile up and strange monsters begin to wreak havoc throughout the realms, Cas and Elander will have to work together to protect their world whether they like it or not. Because one thing is clear: Something ancient and evil is stirring in the shadows of that world.

And their empire will not survive its full unleashing.

Filled with luscious world-building, banter-filled enemies-to-lovers romance, and epic battles, this first book in the Shadows and Crowns series is the perfect next read for fans of Throne of Glass! Don’t miss your chance to grab it for the low, special pre-order price!

From the Publisher

Epic.

Romantic.

Fantasy.

This Series is For You if You Enjoy...

enemies-to-lovers romance that gets progressively spicier throughout the series
strong but flawed heroines
banter
the found family trope
epic monster battles
a unique magic system
gods meddling among mortals
complex worldbuilding

More About the Series/World...

Shadows and Crowns is the second series set in a world made up of three empires that are collectively known as The Marrlands, where the magic is messy, the gods are restless, and kingdoms rise and fall on a regular basis.

This series will have five books total.

The first series set in this world is the Serpents and Kings trilogy, but it is not necessary to have read that one before reading this one. They feature different main characters and can be read and understood in any order! Another trilogy set in this world is coming in Fall 2022.

WARNING: California’s Proposition 65

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08H6TTCTV
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (September 1, 2020)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 544 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8681502067
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.43 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.36 x 8.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #372,334 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #4,424 in Dark Fantasy
- #11,801 in Epic Fantasy (Books)

Customer Reviews:
7,105 ratings

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S.M. Gaither

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I write fantasy that's (usually) epic and (sometimes) spicy.

Learn more about me and my books at www.smgaitherbooks.com and www.marrlands.com

Customer reviews

7,105 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's plot exciting and well-woven, with a strong female main character and witty banter between characters. Moreover, the writing style is appreciated for its snarky tone, and customers find it relatable, particularly when dealing with anxiety. Additionally, the book features an interesting magic system, and customers consider it a great start to the series. However, the pacing receives mixed reactions, with some finding it fast-paced while others describe it as convoluted.

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Plot Readability Character development Writing style Relatability Magic system Start Pacing

135 customers mention "Plot"118 positive17 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, describing it as an exciting harrowing adventure with magical elements woven into the story.

"...world-building, banter-filled enemies-to-lovers romance, and epic battles, this first book in the Shadows and Crowns series is the perfect next read..." Read more

"...series and as such, it did a lot of world building and setting the scene. I was so intrigued by the gods/goddesses, mythology and magic systems...." Read more

"...There's a mysterious illness, a broody MMC, travels and adventure, heartbreak, relatable moments...it was easy to feel immersed in this story...." Read more

"...I truly did like the premise of the story and I would very much like to read on to know where Thorn and Elandar will go from here...." Read more

105 customers mention "Readability"105 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as compelling and above average, with one customer particularly enjoying the last 25% of the story.

"...first book in the Shadows and Crowns series is the perfect next read for fans of Throne of Glass. One-click today and start reading!..." Read more

"...Y’all, I enjoyed this book SO MUCH! It has so many of the things that I absolutely adore in my reads. It is the first book in a larger (four book?)..." Read more

"I loved this entire series, after first reading it several months ago, and it honestly reignited my interest in reading...." Read more

"...Great read" Read more

70 customers mention "Character development"65 positive5 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly the strong female protagonist and the witty dialogue between the main characters.

"...SM does slow burn so well! She also does world building, character building, and twists that you really aren’t expecting so so well...." Read more

"...Her crew: Zev, Rhea, Nessa and Laurent, were great characters and I can’t wait to learn/see more of them! And then there is FREAKING ELANDER!..." Read more

"...anxiety, I loved the bonds with her found family, and each of those characters' personalities...." Read more

"...Overall for me, it was just ok. It had a great plot. I liked the characters, although I never got attached to any of the side characters..." Read more

32 customers mention "Writing style"25 positive7 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, finding it witty and snarky, with one customer noting it's perfect from first to last sentence.

"...I liked the writing style for the most part. The flow was great in parts and dead to me on others...." Read more

"...The characters become your family. You’ll laugh, cry, shout, gasp, and weep. The depth of the characters give reason to why five books was needed...." Read more

"...I adored Elander. I liked his humor and his straight forewardness. It also helped that he was gorgeous and was a bit of a mystery...." Read more

"...catch my meaning... The only complaint I have is the third person writing style...." Read more

25 customers mention "Relatability"25 positive0 negative

Customers find the book relatable, particularly noting its portrayal of anxiety and mental health struggles, while also appreciating its themes of friendship and loyalty.

"...There's a mysterious illness, a broody MMC, travels and adventure, heartbreak, relatable moments...it was easy to feel immersed in this story...." Read more

"...A Female MC that is strong, relatable and imperfect. Found Family Gods walking amongst humans." Read more

"...The characters become your family. You’ll laugh, cry, shout, gasp, and weep. The depth of the characters give reason to why five books was needed...." Read more

"...no where near it, in fact; and I think that makes her one of the more relatable MCs to come out of the genre...." Read more

22 customers mention "Magic system"22 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the magic system in the book, finding it interesting and unique, with one customer noting its intriguing mysteries.

"...It was just truly magical and I can’t wait for the ride the rest of the series has in store! Blurb..." Read more

"...I was so intrigued by the gods/goddesses, mythology and magic systems...." Read more

"...The book had political intrigue, an awesome, unique magic system, a swoon worthy romance plotline that is an awesome Enemy to Lovers, slow burn,..." Read more

"Fast read interesting magic system. Fun secondary characters. Great romantic interest ready to continue the series. Enjoying learning about the gods" Read more

11 customers mention "Start"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's start positive, with one customer noting it gets better as it progresses.

"...some may consider it a slow start, but I personally thought it was done well and held my interest easily...." Read more

"...This book is definitely unique! Gaither does a great job at hitting all the favorite tropes without being repetitive, and the characters for the..." Read more

"...Suddenly, it all clicks. What a outstanding start to a wonderful and adventurous story...." Read more

"Loved it. Took me a bit to get sucked in but it kept getting better and better. Looking forward to reading book 2!" Read more

59 customers mention "Pacing"38 positive21 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some enjoying how it unfolds and finding it fast-paced, while others note that the first chapters are slow.

"...SM does slow burn so well! She also does world building, character building, and twists that you really aren’t expecting so so well...." Read more

"4.25 stars it was a bit slow to start but after it hooked you in the story it doesn’t let up! Great read" Read more

"...Elander and Cassia’s romance was awesome and I loved its pacing...." Read more

"...I adored the FMC as I related to her anxiety, I loved the bonds with her found family, and each of those characters' personalities...." Read more

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Emily Schultz
Absolutely Amazing Storyline!
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2023
Verified Purchase

Book Review: The Song of the Marked by SM Gaither

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

I love this book, so much, no it wasn’t overly spicy, there was maybe one scene but the build up to that scene was so well done! SM does slow burn so well! She also does world building, character building, and twists that you really aren’t expecting so so well. It was just truly magical and I can’t wait for the ride the rest of the series has in store!

Blurb

The old gods are growing restless. An ancient evil is stirring. Can they stop the coming storm?
Mercenary Casia Greythorne cares about two things: Completing whatever her latest job is, and earning enough coin to buy the expensive medicine that’s keeping her mentor alive.
So when the king himself offers her a job, she can’t resist the massive reward he offers—even if it means working with Captain Elander, the arrogant, mysterious right-hand to that king.
Her partner may be infuriating, but at least their mission seems simple and quick enough: Investigate the origins of the strange plague that’s been ravaging their empire, help find a cure, and then call it a day.
But in a land brimming with old magic and meddling gods, nothing is ever that simple, and nothing is ever what it seems.
As the bodies pile up and strange monsters begin to wreak havoc throughout the realms, Cas and Elander will have to work together to protect their world whether they like it or not. Because one thing is clear: Something ancient and evil is stirring in the shadows of that world.
And their empire will not survive its full unleashing.
Filled with luscious world-building, banter-filled enemies-to-lovers romance, and epic battles, this first book in the Shadows and Crowns series is the perfect next read for fans of Throne of Glass. One-click today and start reading!

Read more

7 people found this helpful

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Kelsey Kean
Amazing NA fantasy perfect for fans of Throne of Glass and From Blood and Ash
Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2021
Verified Purchase
If you’re looking for something that will give you Throne of Glass and From Blood and Ash vibes, this one’s for you!

Y’all, I enjoyed this book SO MUCH! It has so many of the things that I absolutely adore in my reads. It is the first book in a larger (four book?) series and as such, it did a lot of world building and setting the scene. I was so intrigued by the gods/goddesses, mythology and magic systems. Ngl, it was a little confusing at first (could just be cause I have massive pregnancy brain right now), but I eventually caught on! (And after reading the next two books, I am am even more in love with the world!)

As far as characters go, I loved the whole cast!
Cassia Greythorn is a fierce badass who is an amazingly strong heroine, but who is also dealing with PTSD and severe anxiety attacks. I think that SM Gaither did a great job with this rep! Her crew: Zev, Rhea, Nessa and Laurent, were great characters and I can’t wait to learn/see more of them!
And then there is FREAKING ELANDER! Let’s just say that I am obsessed. I am a huge sucker for antagonists/enemies to lovers and this book has it in spades. Elander and Cassia’s romance was awesome and I loved its pacing. One of my favorite things about Elander is how he reacts to Cassia’s anxiety attacks *swoons*.

Bottom line, is that you should read this right now and fall in love with this world like I did!

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2 people found this helpful

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Lore
New Favorite Author?
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2024
Verified Purchase
I loved this entire series, after first reading it several months ago, and it honestly reignited my interest in reading. I had not been a reader (like, at all) since finishing school over a decade ago, and this story has put me on a reading journey that now includes over 120 books. It is definitely a series that I will come back to read again (and probably again.) And I will automatically read anything else by SM Gaither.

I adored the FMC as I related to her anxiety, I loved the bonds with her found family, and each of those characters' personalities. There's quite a bit of world-building, so some may consider it a slow start, but I personally thought it was done well and held my interest easily. There's a mysterious illness, a broody MMC, travels and adventure, heartbreak, relatable moments...it was easy to feel immersed in this story. I've recommended this series to anyone who asks me about books. Please give it a try!

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2 people found this helpful

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April Pacanowski
It was ok
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2022
Verified Purchase
I’m pretty torn on this book. Overall for me, it was just ok.

It had a great plot. I liked the characters, although I never got attached to any of the side characters at all. The world building was good and descriptions were adequate. I liked the writing style for the most part. The flow was great in parts and dead to me on others. I’d go stretches where I couldn’t put this book down and then others where I could barely stay motivated to continue. I did not enjoy any of the battle scenes except where she went into the burning house. If you’re really into that sort of action, it’s not done poorly…it just really wasn’t my thing and I ended up skimming at points because I just felt like those scenes would never end. I kept wishing the romance would build a little more. For the length of this book, I felt it really took a back burner for most of it which saddened me. Despite that, the building romance that was included was very well done and I loved their connection. I also really appreciated the focus on anxiety and making Thorn relatable. Not to mention how it ties her and Elander together ❤️

I truly did like the premise of the story and I would very much like to read on to know where Thorn and Elandar will go from here. At the same time, I felt it was dragged out a bit too much and I don’t know if I can invest myself into 5 whole books like that. I’m not sure if I will continue. I certainly think many would disagree with me and be very excited to continue the story. Oh, and I thought the ending was very well written.

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6 people found this helpful

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Oriana Valdez
fantasy
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2025
Verified Purchase
4.25 stars it was a bit slow to start but after it hooked you in the story it doesn’t let up! Great read

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Momo
This is the best book I’ve read in a long time
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 26, 2021
Verified Purchase

❤️Action. ❤️ Magic. ❤️ Characters. ❤️ Romance. ❤️ Plot Twists. ❤️A bit of woohoo

This series has just become one of my favourites. It has a badass heroine like Throne of glass and the romance and plot twists of From Blood and Ash. It’s as if someone smooshed those two bokes together, they had a baby and that baby is called Song of The Marked.

Casia was a great character, she was fearless while being terrified, her love of friends and family was such a strong drive for everything she did. Her story had a nice slow-paced start for us to get to know her and then it all just sped up halfway through the book. I also loved reading about a character with anxiety as I could relate to how she often felt, such a refreshing writing style.

Elander…..swoon. He is everything you want from a male lead in these types of books. Powerful, strong-willed, sexy af, with a good sense of humour. He reminded me a bit of Rhysand from ACOTR but was still his own unique character since especially with what happened at the end 🙊

The whole story was great. I loved the world, every single character was interesting and had their own proper personality and quirks. It got to the stage I couldn't put the book down, or I had to re-read a few pages cause it was just SO SO GOOD.

I bow down to S.M.Gaither for her phenomenal story, the ending that I did not fully anticipate and the writing style that had me hooked! 👏👏👏👏

Thank God I already have the second book so I can get straight at it or I would lose my mind.

Over all a solid 9/10 for this amazing book which did not feel like a clone of S.J.Maas which many books like this I've read and felt like.

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Momo

This is the best book I’ve read in a long time

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 26, 2021
❤️Action. ❤️ Magic. ❤️ Characters. ❤️ Romance. ❤️ Plot Twists. ❤️A bit of woohoo

This series has just become one of my favourites. It has a badass heroine like Throne of glass and the romance and plot twists of From Blood and Ash. It’s as if someone smooshed those two bokes together, they had a baby and that baby is called Song of The Marked.

Casia was a great character, she was fearless while being terrified, her love of friends and family was such a strong drive for everything she did. Her story had a nice slow-paced start for us to get to know her and then it all just sped up halfway through the book. I also loved reading about a character with anxiety as I could relate to how she often felt, such a refreshing writing style.

Elander…..swoon. He is everything you want from a male lead in these types of books. Powerful, strong-willed, sexy af, with a good sense of humour. He reminded me a bit of Rhysand from ACOTR but was still his own unique character since especially with what happened at the end 🙊

The whole story was great. I loved the world, every single character was interesting and had their own proper personality and quirks. It got to the stage I couldn't put the book down, or I had to re-read a few pages cause it was just SO SO GOOD.

I bow down to S.M.Gaither for her phenomenal story, the ending that I did not fully anticipate and the writing style that had me hooked! 👏👏👏👏

Thank God I already have the second book so I can get straight at it or I would lose my mind.

Over all a solid 9/10 for this amazing book which did not feel like a clone of S.J.Maas which many books like this I've read and felt like.

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AV
Beautiful story plot and naration
Reviewed in India on September 9, 2022
Verified Purchase
The naration is so classic , it draws the reader into the story, and almost feels like watching a movie..
Wonderful storyline

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Fran
high expectations
Reviewed in Spain on May 23, 2022
Verified Purchase
I know this book is within the fantasy genre, but there are things that just cannot be. Illogical things, like the protagonist and her friends live in a hideout but the king can send them and invitation. The main city just a few hours ride from their hideout; the king inviting a felon to eat with him… I don’t know, I had higher expectations and just the first 12 chapters have made me decide to give up. However

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Aisha vasalos
Slay
Reviewed in the Netherlands on March 16, 2025
Verified Purchase
Vond het mooi geschreven. Leek net een film in mijn hoofd.

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Suse Hocking
What a fun ride!
Reviewed in Australia on October 3, 2023
Verified Purchase
So I tried something different this time and I read along while I listened to the audiobook of this, and it blew my mind! I loved this book. I love Cas and all her friends and I love love love Elander so much. Cash is a strong female protagonist who suffers from anxiety, but fights through her fears. The banter was so much fun and the slow burn was awesome. The world building was great and the magic system was fantastic. I know there are many more in the series and I cannot wait to get into them. The twist at the end was totally unexpected and left me desperate for more!

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The Song of the Marked (Shadows and Crowns) Paperback – September 1, 2020

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The old gods are growing restless. An ancient evil is stirring. Can they stop the coming storm?

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From the Publisher

Epic.

Romantic.

Fantasy.

This Series is For You if You Enjoy...

More About the Series/World...

Product details

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About the author

S.M. Gaither

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Must Read NA Fantasy

Top reviews from the United States

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5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Amazing Storyline!

4.0 out of 5 stars Amazing NA fantasy perfect for fans of Throne of Glass and From Blood and Ash

5.0 out of 5 stars New Favorite Author?

3.0 out of 5 stars It was ok

4.0 out of 5 stars fantasy

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the best book I’ve read in a long time

This is the best book I’ve read in a long time

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5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful story plot and naration

1.0 out of 5 stars high expectations

5.0 out of 5 stars Slay

5.0 out of 5 stars What a fun ride!

Absolutely Amazing Storyline!

Amazing NA fantasy perfect for fans of Throne of Glass and From Blood and Ash

New Favorite Author?

It was ok

fantasy

This is the best book I’ve read in a long time

Beautiful story plot and naration

high expectations

Slay

What a fun ride!