Summoning Shadows and Spirits

Maren, a young witch with the rare ability to speak to the dead, stands beneath the Sacred Oak, the magical heart of her world, and attempts to summon the Shadow King, ruler of the Underworld. Her friend Aury, a water mage, has foreseen a vision of the world's end: the Sacred Oak collapsing, magic dying, and the Shadow King cursing his empty hand. Maren's summoning is met with fear from the spirits, and the Shadow King does not appear. She returns to her body, haunted by the vision and the chilling silence of the Between. The fate of the world, it seems, may rest on her shoulders, and she is both terrified and determined to act.

The Vision of Doom

Aury's vision is shared with Maren's close-knit group of friends: Brielle, a princess and Maren's best friend; Dorin, a dragon-shifting elf prince; Filip, a warrior prince; and others. The vision is dire—gray ice devouring the world, the Sacred Oak falling, and the Shadow King at the center of it all. The group debates what little they know of the Underworld and its enigmatic king. Maren, as the Deadspeaker, is the only one who might reach him. The friends resolve to support her, even as fear and uncertainty ripple through their ranks. The sense of impending doom unites them in purpose.

Secrets at the Sacred Oak

Maren, with her friends at her side, tries again to summon the Shadow King at the Sacred Oak, the supposed entrance to the Underworld. The attempt is met with supernatural resistance: thunder shakes the earth, shadows gather, and the Shadow King himself emerges, terrifying and powerful. In the chaos, Maren is seized and dragged into the Underworld, her friends left behind, buried or scattered by the king's magic. Maren's abduction is both violent and strangely intimate, and she is thrust into a world of living shadows, ancient magic, and political intrigue.

The Shadow King Arrives

In the Underworld, Maren meets Kynan, the Shadow King, who claims she is the Awenydd—the Oracle and his fated queen. He is both cruel and mesmerizing, his presence overwhelming. Maren is both prisoner and honored guest, forced to adapt to the customs of a realm where death and life intermingle. She learns that her summoning has upset the balance of the spirits, and that her role is far greater than she imagined. Kynan's motives are shrouded in mystery, and Maren's fear is matched only by her growing fascination with her captor.

Abduction to the Underworld

Maren is introduced to the Underworld's strange beauty: vibrant meadows, glowing rivers, and a castle alive with magic. She is tended by Eefa, a kind shadow elf maid, and learns that her presence is both a blessing and a curse. The Underworld is not a land of the dead, but a parallel realm with its own people, politics, and dangers. Maren's status as the Awenydd makes her both revered and resented. She is told she must marry the Shadow King to save both worlds, a fate she resists even as she is drawn deeper into the Underworld's mysteries.

Prisoner in a Strange Realm

Confined to her chambers, Maren struggles with her captivity and the loss of her wand, the source of her magic. She befriends the castle staff, learns the customs of the Underworld, and begins to gather information. A rival shadow lord, Tiergan, appears, offering her an alternative: marry him instead of Kynan, and he will help her escape. Maren is caught between two powerful men, each with their own agenda, and must navigate a web of lies, half-truths, and ancient prophecies. Her longing for freedom is matched by her sense of responsibility to the realms.

The King's Reluctant Queen

Kynan's approach to Maren is a blend of command and reluctant vulnerability. He apologizes for his harshness, reveals his own burdens, and begins to court her in earnest. Maren, despite herself, is drawn to his strength and the glimpses of kindness beneath his shadowy exterior. Their relationship is fraught with tension—both romantic and political—as Maren learns more about the Binding, the magical marriage that could heal the Sacred Oak. The stakes are raised when it becomes clear that only the true Awenydd, Bound to the rightful shadow lord, can save the world.

Unveiling Underworld Truths

Maren's investigations reveal the Underworld's history of betrayal and heartbreak. She learns of Kynan's past, the tragic fate of the last Awenydd, and the rivalry with Tiergan, who once stole Kynan's queen and now seeks to claim Maren. The Binding is not just a marriage, but a magical act that balances the elements and sustains the realms. Maren's power grows as she accepts her role, but so does the danger. The Underworld's politics are as deadly as its magic, and Maren must decide whom to trust as the threat of Tiergan looms ever closer.

The Rival Shadow Lord

Tiergan, charming and dangerous, offers Maren a way out: Bind with him, and he will return her to the Upperworld. He reveals that the Binding is the only way to heal the Sacred Oak, but sows doubt about Kynan's intentions. Maren is tempted by the promise of freedom, but senses Tiergan's duplicity. The rivalry between the shadow lords escalates, and Maren becomes the prize in a deadly game. Her own agency is tested as she weighs her heart against her duty, and the fate of both worlds hangs in the balance.

The Spirit Well's Warning

Maren and Kynan visit the Spirit Well, where the roots of the Sacred Oak are visibly dying, and the spirits grow restless and hungry. The god Arcturus appears, revealing that a magical poison—Magebane—has infected the Oak, and only the Binding can restore balance. The spirits warn that if the decay spreads, they will turn predatory, draining the living to survive. The urgency of the situation becomes clear: time is running out, and the cost of failure is annihilation. Maren's resolve hardens, even as the path forward grows more perilous.

Bargains and Betrayals

Maren and Kynan return to the Upperworld with the help of Hafwen, a powerful Underworld witch, to consult their friends and gather an army. The reunion is bittersweet—Maren's friends are wary of Kynan, and the threat of Tiergan grows. Costel, a scholar-knight, confirms the ancient prophecies: only the Binding with the true master of the legendary sword Cynnwrf can heal the Oak. But Tiergan steals the sword, becoming the most powerful shadow lord. The lines are drawn for war, and Maren must lead her allies into the Underworld for a final confrontation.

The Binding's True Cost

As armies gather and the poison spreads, Maren faces the true cost of the Binding: to save the world, she must give up her freedom, her friends, and perhaps her life. Kynan's love for her is real, but so is his duty. Tiergan's machinations force Maren into a corner—if she does not Bind with the sword's master, all will be lost. The spirits, the gods, and the living all look to her for salvation. In the face of overwhelming odds, Maren must choose between her heart and her destiny.

Allies and Armies Gather

Maren, Kynan, and their allies—elves, fae, humans, and spirits—assemble an army and march into the frozen Underworld. The poison has spread, turning the land to ice and sapping the strength of even the mightiest warriors. Old rivalries and prejudices threaten to tear the alliance apart, but Maren's leadership and the promise of hope unite them. Training, strategy, and magical experimentation fill the tense hours before battle. Maren's power, amplified by spirit agate and the goddess Nix, becomes a beacon for her people.

The Sword and the Crown

Tiergan, now master of Cynnwrf, sets a trap for Maren and her allies. In a brutal battle, he uses the sword's earth magic to devastating effect, turning friends into trees and burying Maren alive. Kynan is captured, his power broken by magical manacles. The Upperworld army is decimated, and hope seems lost. Tiergan demands that Maren Bind with him, threatening the lives of her friends and the survival of the realms. The true nature of power, sacrifice, and leadership is laid bare in the face of utter defeat.

The Battle for the Realms

As the final battle rages, the spirits—driven mad by hunger—descend upon the living, threatening to consume all. Maren, drawing on her connection to the goddess Nix and the combined power of her allies, unleashes a torrent of magic to drive the spirits back. The cost is immense, and the line between victory and annihilation is razor-thin. In the chaos, Maren is forced to make an impossible bargain with Tiergan: her freedom for the lives of her friends. The fate of the world hangs by a thread.

Sacrifice and Survival

Tiergan drags Maren to the Spirit Well, forcing her to participate in the Binding. The ritual is a harrowing ordeal, a journey through elemental realms that tests her will and nearly breaks her mind. Maren's love for Kynan sustains her, even as she is Bound to Tiergan against her will. The magic surges, the Sacred Oak is healed, and life returns to the Underworld—but at the cost of Maren's freedom and happiness. Kynan, powerless to intervene, vows to find a way to save her, even if it takes a lifetime.

The Hungry Spirits' Onslaught

With the Binding complete, the spirits are sated, the poison is purged, and the realms are saved—for now. But the victory is hollow. Maren is a prisoner, Tiergan is triumphant, and Kynan is left to mourn and plot. The friends who survived are scarred by loss and trauma, but their bonds are unbroken. The story ends with a promise: the fight is not over, and love endures even in the darkest of places. Maren's sacrifice becomes a beacon of hope, and the quest for true freedom and justice continues.

The Final Binding

In the aftermath, Maren's spirit is battered but unbroken. She clings to the memory of Kynan's love and the hope that one day, the true Binding will be restored. The Underworld, once a place of shadows and secrets, is now a land of possibility and renewal. The cost of victory is steep, but the seeds of a new future are sown. Maren's journey from reluctant witch to savior of worlds is complete, but her story is far from over.

Love, Loss, and Hope

The tale closes on a note of bittersweet hope. Maren, though separated from those she loves, remains a force for change and a symbol of resilience. Kynan's vow to rescue her, the loyalty of her friends, and the restored balance of magic offer the promise of redemption and reunion. The world has been saved, but at a price. The lesson endures: true power lies not in magic or might, but in the courage to choose love, even in the face of darkness.

Characters

Maren

Maren is a young witch with the rare gift of speaking to the dead, known as the Deadspeaker or Awenydd. Orphaned and marked by trauma, she is fiercely loyal to her found family and driven by a deep sense of responsibility. Her journey is one of reluctant heroism: she is thrust into a role she never wanted, forced to navigate the politics and perils of both the Upperworld and the Underworld. Maren's psychological arc is defined by her struggle between self-preservation and self-sacrifice, her longing for freedom, and her capacity for love. Her relationship with Kynan evolves from fear and resentment to mutual respect and deep, if tragic, affection. Maren's growth is marked by her acceptance of her power, her willingness to lead, and her ultimate choice to sacrifice her happiness for the greater good.

Kynan (The Shadow King)

Kynan is the enigmatic and powerful king of the Underworld, a shadow elf with a tragic past and immense magical strength. He is both captor and protector, torn between duty and desire. Kynan's psychological complexity lies in his struggle with guilt, loss, and the weight of leadership. His love for Maren is genuine but complicated by his role as her abductor and the demands of the Binding. Kynan's rivalry with Tiergan is rooted in betrayal and the loss of his former queen. Over the course of the story, he transforms from a cold, commanding figure to a vulnerable, self-sacrificing partner. His willingness to apologize, adapt, and ultimately let Maren go for the sake of the world marks his redemption and growth.

Tiergan

Tiergan is a rival shadow lord, seductive and dangerous, who seeks to claim Maren and the power of the Binding for himself. He is a master of deception, using charm and promises of freedom to tempt Maren away from Kynan. Tiergan's psychological profile is defined by envy, ambition, and a deep-seated need for validation. His actions are driven by a desire to outdo Kynan and rewrite the past. Tiergan's willingness to use any means necessary—including violence, manipulation, and magical coercion—makes him a formidable antagonist. His ultimate victory is hollow, as it is achieved through force rather than love.

Aury

Aury is a water mage and princess, whose prophetic vision sets the story in motion. She is assertive, strategic, and fiercely protective of her friends. Aury's psychological strength lies in her ability to lead and inspire, but she is also haunted by the burden of foresight and the fear of losing those she loves. Her relationship with Filip is a source of stability, and her friendship with Maren is marked by mutual respect and support. Aury's arc is one of resilience in the face of loss and the willingness to fight for hope.

Brielle

Brielle is Maren's best friend, a princess who defies convention and embraces adventure. She is courageous, outspoken, and unafraid to challenge authority. Brielle's psychological makeup is defined by her need for agency and her refusal to be a passive participant in her own life. Her loyalty to Maren is unwavering, and her relationship with Dorin adds depth to her character. Brielle's arc is one of embracing vulnerability and the power of chosen family.

Dorin

Dorin is a mountain elf prince with the rare ability to shift into a dragon. He is stoic, honorable, and deeply committed to his loved ones. Dorin's psychological complexity lies in his struggle to balance his dual nature—elf and dragon—and his role as both warrior and leader. His relationship with Brielle humanizes him, and his loyalty to Maren and the group is unwavering. Dorin's arc is one of embracing his full power and using it in service of others.

Filip

Filip is a second prince, a skilled fighter, and Aury's husband. He is pragmatic, quick-witted, and always thinking several moves ahead. Filip's psychological strength is his adaptability and his ability to remain calm under pressure. His devotion to Aury and his willingness to follow Maren into the Underworld speak to his courage and loyalty. Filip's arc is one of learning to trust others and accept help.

Hafwen

Hafwen is a powerful shadow elf witch who serves as a guide and facilitator for Maren and Kynan. She is pragmatic, insightful, and fiercely protective of her realm. Hafwen's psychological depth comes from her experience with loss, betrayal, and the burdens of power. She is a survivor, willing to make hard choices for the greater good. Hafwen's arc is one of mentorship and sacrifice.

Rhianne

Rhianne is a human witch and princess, renowned for her magical prowess and creativity. She is resourceful, compassionate, and unafraid to challenge tradition. Rhianne's psychological profile is marked by her drive to push the boundaries of magic and her deep sense of responsibility to her friends. Her relationship with Werian adds warmth and humor to her character. Rhianne's arc is one of innovation and resilience.

Werian

Werian is a fae prince, cousin to Aury, and husband to Rhianne. He is mischievous, charming, and fiercely loyal. Werian's psychological complexity lies in his ability to balance levity with seriousness, and his willingness to risk everything for those he loves. His role as a bridge between worlds and cultures is crucial to the group's success. Werian's arc is one of growth from playful trickster to steadfast ally.

Plot Devices

The Binding

The Binding is the central plot device—a magical marriage between the Awenydd and a shadow lord, necessary to heal the Sacred Oak and save the realms. It serves as both a literal and metaphorical union, representing the balance of elements, the merging of worlds, and the cost of true power. The Binding is foreshadowed through visions, prophecies, and the history of past Awenydds. Its rules are strict: only the true Awenydd, Bound to the master of Cynnwrf, can restore balance. The device drives the narrative, forcing characters to confront their desires, fears, and responsibilities.

Prophecy and Vision

Aury's vision of doom sets the story in motion, creating a sense of inevitability and urgency. Prophecy is used to foreshadow key events, reveal hidden truths, and challenge characters' agency. The tension between fate and free will is explored through Maren's resistance to her role and her ultimate acceptance of sacrifice. Visions and scrying are also used to reveal the past, deepen world-building, and provide critical information at turning points.

Rivalry and Betrayal

The rivalry between Kynan and Tiergan is both personal and political, rooted in past betrayals and the struggle for power. Betrayal is a recurring motif: the loss of the last Awenydd, the theft of Cynnwrf, and the shifting allegiances of allies and enemies. These conflicts drive the plot, create suspense, and force characters to question whom they can trust. The device is used to explore themes of loyalty, forgiveness, and the cost of ambition.

Magical Artifacts and Places

The Sacred Oak, the Spirit Well, Cynnwrf, and the Calon y Dderwen crystal are all central to the plot. Each serves as a locus of magic, a symbol of balance, and a site of conflict. The artifacts are imbued with history and meaning, their powers and limitations revealed gradually through the narrative. The use of magical places and objects grounds the story's stakes and provides concrete goals for the characters.

Dual Worlds and Liminality

The story is structured around the interplay between the Upperworld and the Underworld, with the Between as a liminal space connecting them. This device allows for exploration of themes of life and death, belonging and exile, and the permeability of boundaries. The movement between worlds is both physical and symbolic, reflecting Maren's journey from outsider to savior. The device is used to heighten tension, create opportunities for transformation, and underscore the interconnectedness of all things.

Analysis

Stolen by the Shadow King is a lush, emotionally charged fantasy that reimagines the Hades and Persephone myth through the lens of trauma, agency, and the redemptive power of chosen family. At its core, the novel interrogates the cost of leadership, the burden of prophecy, and the meaning of sacrifice. Maren's journey from reluctant witch to savior of worlds is both a personal and collective odyssey, mirroring the struggles of anyone forced to choose between self and duty. The Binding, as both magical and marital union, becomes a metaphor for the ways in which love, power, and responsibility are inextricably linked. The story's use of dual worlds, rival shadow lords, and elemental magic creates a rich tapestry of conflict and possibility, while its focus on psychological realism grounds the fantastical in genuine emotion. The novel's ultimate lesson is that true power lies not in domination or escape, but in the courage to choose love and hope, even when the cost is unbearably high. In a modern context, Stolen by the Shadow King speaks to the necessity of forging connections across difference, the resilience of the human (and inhuman) spirit, and the enduring promise that even in the darkest of realms, light can be found—and chosen.

Last updated: October 21, 2025