The Shadow Cabinet

 The Shadow Cabinet serves as a continuation of Dawson’s Her Majesty’s Royal Coven, marking the second installment in what promises to be a thrilling trilogy. This narrative picks up right where the first book left off.

   In this installment, Ciara Kelly ventures out into the world, taking on the identity of her twin sister. This task proves to be incredibly challenging, especially with witches, oracles, and mind readers all around her.

   As Ciara begins to uncover her purpose for returning to her grandmother’s home after a decade-long coma, a more intricate plot begins to emerge, setting the stage for the upcoming third book, HMRC: Human Rites.

   The story is rich with subplots that are skillfully interwoven throughout the narrative. However, the author takes some dramatic liberties to unveil a spell that has been in effect for years. This twist feels somewhat implausible and appears to be a last-minute effort to address a plot gap or unify the storyline. Nevertheless, it raises intriguing questions that the third book will need to tackle.

   Another mystery awaiting resolution in the next installment is the backstory of Theo, the orphan adopted by Ciara’s sister. The narrative hints at how this child becomes a crucial player in the unleashing of a formidable evil, as suggested by HMRC.

   While the book flows smoothly with each character taking turns as narrator, it’s Ciara who experiences the most significant development. Initially depicted as purely malevolent in the first book, she reveals a complex character arc, evolving from a rebellious teenager intent on protecting her friend to grappling with her inner demons and constantly questioning her choices.

   To me, Ciara emerges as a character worthy of redemption, which seems to be the author’s intention. Her journey is marked by childhood neglect from her mother, who branded her as possessed and evil, along with the tragic loss of her parents and a college sweetheart. These pivotal events ultimately lead her down a dark path of summoning demons and joining what can only be described as a cult.

          1. It’s reasonable to suggest that the author likens substance abuse to Ciara’s struggle with her inner demons, using it as a way to escape the overwhelming burdens of her existence. 

While Ciara initially embraced the cult of witch supremacy, it soon becomes clear that this path wasn’t truly her desire, especially after she takes a moment to reflect. Her conversations with another character and her own introspections reveal this truth quite clearly.

One issue that stands out is Luke's ability to persuade Ciara against her destructive plans for the world. Their conversation felt somewhat superficial, especially considering Ciara's intense focus and the lack of any meaningful history between them, aside from her pretending to be her sister. Despite these points, the book delves into themes of friendship and community among women, showcasing their bonds without letting trivial matters interfere. If you're intrigued by witches, conspiracies, and apocalyptic scenarios, and you're curious about how modern witch hunters and trials might unfold, then The Shadow Cabinet is the perfect read for you, provided you're okay with a slightly longer narrative. Just a heads-up: the third installment is expected to be released in 2025. So, if you think the story won't linger in your mind until then, it's best to dive into The Shadow Cabinet now and prepare for a lengthy wait.