Crown of Light & Shadows — G.K. DeRosa || Book Review

War College & A Hot Professor

Book Content Warning — explicit mature content

Post Spoiler Level — Mild

Shadow: IV | Fire: Kindle

Crown of Light

& Shadows

G. K. DeRosa — Courts of Aetheria, Book 1

Paperback — 423 pages

High Romantasy — Epic Romantasy

December 29, 2025 — January 3, 2026

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Musings

Crown of Light and Shadows was a fun read. The idea of a war college followed the same parameters as most and was entertaining enough. You have Aelia, a young woman who thought she was unremarkable and stared down the barrel at a fate filled with servitude. That was, until the night before, when she was attacked by a bolt of light. It was as if the light attached itself to her nervous system. The following morning, a shadow fae showed up and whisked her away to train for a war she knew nothing of. Her practice? Her classmates were the students of the opposing college. The only way out was to die or fail out. She made enemies with the bullies who saw her as a mere mortal, which was valid because her ears were round. It was satisfying reading about her kicking their asses.

The shadow fae who retrieved her, Reign, was a shadow fae living amongst the light fae as a bound servant. Forced to be the shadow arts professor, he began to fall for Aelia as he trained her and pushed her magical limits. His character arc fell into the typical shadow daddy stereotype, but I’m not complaining…

The trope of her being the ambiguous chosen one and Reign knowing was predictable. Although the way the magic and courts worked was intriguing. I also enjoyed that phrasing of the prophecy and that she could go either way. She could save them or destroy them. To rise, or burn it all down. Will she overcome her oppressors or light a match and go insane? Guess I’ll have to keep reading

I had a feeling that Reign was royalty somehow, just wasn’t expecting an ass of a brother. I still have questions about that, though. Why is this Puntz the heir if Reign’s the oldest? How did Reign get shackled? Does the Headmaster know who he is?

Finale

Coda

Crown of Light & Shadows was captivating. Every chapter was filled with angst, lore, and an academic vibe I can only attribute to Hogwarts. It’s a little lighter than Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, but it scratches that itch for more than it leaves behind. I’m excited to read the sequels and figure out who Aelia’s parents are. There must be so much lore about it. Maybe bringing in some Gods and Goddesses? Man, I hope so.

Have any of you read G.K. DeRosa’s Crown of Light & Shadows? What did you think of the school and atmosphere? How about that shadow fae in the beginning? Do you think he’ll make a reappearance in the future? Will Aelia forgive Reign for his lies? How long do you think he’ll have to grovel? Please comment below!

♡

The Keeper