The Shadow Arena

Original title: Varjoareena

Author: Siri Kolu

Published: 2026

Publisher: Tammi

Genres: Romance, Fantasy & Science Fiction

Pages: 250

Part of a series: Shadow Day series

Reading material:

Finnish edition, English synposis

Desire always has consequences.

The triad bonded on Shadow Day finally consummates their union on the wedding night, even though none of the spouses fully trust one another. Shadow Arena is dark romantasy for anyone hungry for intrigue.

Selja Dammarharz Drakma, revealed to be a spy, continues her mission in Aureus. When marriage elevates Selja to the ranks of the nobility, a wide range of agreements must be renegotiated. In Aureus, everything is for sale—and now Selja must consider what she is willing to sell, and at what price. She learns methods to resist the power of the water‑magic cast by her spouse Laurion. In the Academy Library, she discovers information about another kind of magic, one connected to her own name. What is Selja’s true power?

Senator Atticus Drakma gifts his wife a grand arena he commissioned as a wedding present. The arena becomes the new stage for Senate sessions, open also to the public. It will determine the fate of Ploutos—for better or for worse.

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Rights sold:
FINLAND: Tammi (orig.)

Siri Kolu

Siri Kolu (born July 18, 1972) is a writer, performance dramaturg, director, and theater teacher. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Theatre Arts and Bachelor of Arts degree as Drama Instructor (BA). Prior to her theater studies, she pursued literature and theater studies at the University of Helsinki.

With her funny and original adventure Me and the Robberssons Kolu won the children’s novel and film script competition in the fall of 2009. The book was published in April 2010, and won the Finlandia Prize in Children’s & YA literature. The film adaptation hit theaters in the fall of 2014. Me and the Robberssons has been translated into over 20 languages.

Me and the Robbersons has also won the Silver Slate Pencil Award in the Netherlands and has been listed twice for the The English Pen Award. She has also been honored with the Laivakello Prize by the Finnish Institute for Children’s Literature, Topelius Prize and Kaarina Helakisa Literary Prize.

Photo credit: Sabina Bqain

About author

Siri Kolu

Bibliography

The Shadow Arena

Saving Troy

The Shadow Bride

Twin World Series: Saving Atlantis

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