Blog Archives

An Invisible Illness

Colleen Mitchell Author Interview

Shadow Legacy follows a powerful necromancer, as she struggles with her dark heritage, battles for her soul, and faces an impossible choice between love and ultimate power. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story? 

The story originally came to me in a dream several years ago. It was so realistic that it stuck with me and wouldn’t let go. At the time I was working full time as well as completing a masters program, so I put the story to the wayside for a few years. However, I always knew I wanted to return to it someday, and I am beyond thrilled to see it now published.

Rowan is an intriguing and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development? 

Living with an invisible illness myself, I wanted Rowan’s character arc to genuinely reflect that reality. It was crucial for me to portray her emotional journey, encompassing both triumphs and setbacks, and her battle against significant internal and external challenges. 

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book? 

Exploring healing from generational trauma and strong female characters defying the silencing of women’s voices to maintain their inner power was important to me. I feel that it’s such a relevant issue right now that will resonate with many of my readers.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?

I’m writing a new novel about a tropical matriarchal kingdom. I’d like to delve into the portrayal of corruption from the perspective of a female-led society. My first draft is about 3/4 finished, and I plan to publish it in late 2025 after several rounds of self-editing and professional editing. 

Author Links: GoodReadsWebsite

A Mysterious Past. A Forbidden Love. A Shadow Legacy.
Rowan escapes certain death, as punishment for a crime she didn’t commit, with the help of Casimir—a vampire knight seeking redemption. As they embark on a perilous journey to uncover her mysterious past, they must navigate the harsh northern terrain and the electrifying passion building between them.
During an attack by rogue assailants, Rowan uncovers her shocking power to control vampires against their will, threatening the hierarchy of both the supernatural and human worlds. When the chilling truth about Rowan’s family’s dark history comes to light and a master vampire targets her in his ruthless plot to overthrow the kingdom, Rowan and Casimir’s forbidden love is put to the ultimate test.
With danger closing in, they face insurmountable odds as they battle not only for survival but for the very essence of who they are. Will Rowan sacrifice everything to save a corrupt kingdom that never gave a damn about her or become the catalyst to tear it apart piece by bloody piece?
SHADOW LEGACY, a captivating new adult dark fantasy romance, will enthrall fans of From Blood and Ash and The Serpent & The Wings of Night with its tantalizing romance, death magic, and forbidden love.

Shadow Legacy: A Dark Fantasy Romance

Shadow Legacy is an intense and dark fantasy novel that follows Rowan, a powerful necromancer, as she grapples with the shocking revelation of her parentage, her growing abilities, and the battle for her soul. The book is packed with high-stakes action, shifting allegiances, and morally complex choices. Rowan is caught between Casimir, her steadfast protector and lover, and the Reaper, a villainous figure who claims to be her father and tempts her with power. As battles rage and dark forces rise, Rowan must decide who she really is and whether she’ll embrace her father’s legacy or forge her own path.

The writing in Shadow Legacy is gripping and fast-paced, with vivid descriptions that make you feel the weight of every fight, every betrayal, and every emotional breakdown. The battle scenes, in particular, are brutal and immersive. One of the most intense moments comes when Rowan, fueled by grief and rage, unleashes her necromantic abilities on the battlefield, summoning an undead army that tears through vampires like a storm of death​. It’s the kind of scene that makes you pause and wonder: is she the hero or the villain? That moral ambiguity is one of the novel’s strongest elements.

Rowan’s internal struggle is what really makes this book stand out. There’s a chilling moment when she considers joining the Reaper, enticed by the idea of ruling at his side​. The way the book captures her hesitation, the pull of the darkness inside her, and the weight of her choices feels incredibly real. Casimir’s presence keeps her grounded, but even he is shaken by what she’s capable of. His horror when she raises the dead isn’t just fear, it’s heartbreak. The emotional weight of their relationship adds so much depth to the action-packed story.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its relentless energy. The story moves at a thrilling pace, making it nearly impossible to put down. Every twist and turn keeps you on edge, pulling you deeper into Rowan’s journey. The fast-paced storytelling ensures there’s rarely a dull moment, making Shadow Legacy a gripping and immersive read from start to finish.

Shadow Legacy is a thrilling read that blends dark magic, emotional turmoil, and high-stakes battles into a story that keeps you turning pages late into the night. It’s perfect for anyone who loves morally complex heroines, sizzling romantic tension, and a touch of darkness.

Pages: 248 | ASIN: B0DRDDJSBQ

Buy Now From Amazon