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The Shadows Between Us #1
The Shadows Between Us
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
14 days and 13:46:42
20 copies available
U.S. only
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction (2020)Alessandra is tired of being overlooked, but she has a plan to gain power:
1) Woo the Shadow King.
2) Marry him.
3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.
No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves, and she’s going to do everything within her power to get it.
But Alessandra’s not the only one trying to kill the king. As attempts on his life are made, she finds herself trying to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen—all while struggling not to lose her heart. After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen?
1) Woo the Shadow King.
2) Marry him.
3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.
No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves, and she’s going to do everything within her power to get it.
But Alessandra’s not the only one trying to kill the king. As attempts on his life are made, she finds herself trying to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen—all while struggling not to lose her heart. After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen?
326 pages, Hardcover
First published February 25, 2020
About the author
Tricia Levenseller
18 books15.8k followersInitially from a small town in Oregon, Tricia now lives next to the Rocky Mountains with her bossy dog, Rosy. She received her degree in English Language and editing and is thrilled that she never has to read a textbook again. When she’s not writing or reading, Tricia enjoys putting together jigsaw puzzles, playing volleyball, playing OVERWATCH, and watching shows while eating extra-buttered popcorn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 24,988 reviews
December 17, 2023
2.45/5 ⭐
Full review on my Blog: The Dacian She-Wolf 🐺
I wanted to love this book. I didn’t love this book.
I wanted to like this book. I didn’t like this book.
What can I say now? It was bland.
I don’t want to hate on this, I don’t like to hate on things in general, but I must signal some not-so-pleasant aspects about it. I want to put into words what I felt after giving The Shadows Between Us a shot.
The concept is really interesting. Like, that synopsis sold me the book. And the beginning was very promising.
First of all, there is basically no world-building. There are some vague terms thrown at us on various occasions, but apart from that I have no idea how this world is supposed to look like. I mean, if we talk about a mighty kingdom that extended its boundaries by conquering other kingdoms, at least give me a damn sketch if you can’t pull off a whole map.
And maybe I was willing to close an eye at the weak world if the characters were consistent. But, to my surprise, they were very interestingly contoured at the beginning but that was the peak. They just disappointed me by the end.
Alessandra is portraited as an antagonist instead of the classical good-hearted protagonist we’re so used to read about. She was supposed to be the anti-example of the all well-mannered heroines. She’s selfish, self-absorbed in the way that she could watch herself in the mirror for hours and still not get bored; she’s murderous and wicked-minded; she has a heart of ice and she’s a bit unstable when she gets a bit upset. But she’s also pretty sure of herself, which is a great thing because it adds to one’s self-care daily routine, I guess.
Her only desire is to marry the young Shadow King, kill him and rule over six kingdoms. She was supposed to be wicked. And at the beginning that’s how she seemed to be. But then, I don’t know what happened, this book started to deflate instead of puffing its chest and show us who’s the boss.
I was promised a Slytherin kind of romance and I didn’t quite get it.
I was expecting Kallias, the Shadow King, to be more intimidating than that. I mean, he supposedly conquered I don’t know how many kingdoms (“fair and square”, I might add) but he somehow does not exude that kind of energy. I cannot picture this almighty, domineering king when I think of Kallias. I just see a shy boy who loves spending time with his fluff of a dog (which, by the way, mild spoiler alert, is the best thing this book has to offer).
His exceptional powers don’t allow him to have normal human contact without getting hurt afterwards, so that led to extreme loneliness and an unspoken desire of affection. He honestly cannot be the ruthless ruler he wants to be. I cannot picture him like that in any way. This inner weakness of his stands in his way to greatness.
(now Adele’s Turning Tables chorus is blasting in my mind SO I WON’T LET YOU CLOSE ENOUGH TO HURT ME – picture that a bit, I’m getting you in the mood)
Alessandra and Kallias do fall in love eventually, but it doesn’t feel quite real.
Nothing really seems real after a while. The plot is too bland to actually be exciting and the situation in which Alessandra and Kallias find themselves are quite bad. I mean, Alessandra wants to be this mastermind behind a kingdom’s council, but her ideas are so bloody common.
And also, can we talk about how bad deeds are laughed at in this book and dismissed like annoying gnats instead of being dealt with? Because this is exactly what it happens.
But somehow I couldn’t help but notice the idea of women seen as sexual beings in a world that is still not flexible in that matter. There were little empowering, undercover feminist speeches scattered from place to place in the whole book. And in my opinion, this is a thing that deserves half a star from me. I saw the intention and I appreciate it.
“The poets can say whatever they damned liked. A woman’s worth is not decided by what’s between her legs but by what is in her mind.”
This book has such a chaotic vibe to it I don’t really know how to explain it. And even though I was expecting better from it, I didn’t feel like hating it. It just left a bitter taste in its wake for me, that’s all. Not entirely pleasant.
But hey, at least I can say that Alessandra is a fashionista all the way and I truly like that about her. That’s a plus on my list too.
Full review on my Blog: The Dacian She-Wolf 🐺
I wanted to love this book. I didn’t love this book.
I wanted to like this book. I didn’t like this book.
What can I say now? It was bland.
I don’t want to hate on this, I don’t like to hate on things in general, but I must signal some not-so-pleasant aspects about it. I want to put into words what I felt after giving The Shadows Between Us a shot.
The concept is really interesting. Like, that synopsis sold me the book. And the beginning was very promising.
First of all, there is basically no world-building. There are some vague terms thrown at us on various occasions, but apart from that I have no idea how this world is supposed to look like. I mean, if we talk about a mighty kingdom that extended its boundaries by conquering other kingdoms, at least give me a damn sketch if you can’t pull off a whole map.
And maybe I was willing to close an eye at the weak world if the characters were consistent. But, to my surprise, they were very interestingly contoured at the beginning but that was the peak. They just disappointed me by the end.
Alessandra is portraited as an antagonist instead of the classical good-hearted protagonist we’re so used to read about. She was supposed to be the anti-example of the all well-mannered heroines. She’s selfish, self-absorbed in the way that she could watch herself in the mirror for hours and still not get bored; she’s murderous and wicked-minded; she has a heart of ice and she’s a bit unstable when she gets a bit upset. But she’s also pretty sure of herself, which is a great thing because it adds to one’s self-care daily routine, I guess.
Her only desire is to marry the young Shadow King, kill him and rule over six kingdoms. She was supposed to be wicked. And at the beginning that’s how she seemed to be. But then, I don’t know what happened, this book started to deflate instead of puffing its chest and show us who’s the boss.
I was promised a Slytherin kind of romance and I didn’t quite get it.
I was expecting Kallias, the Shadow King, to be more intimidating than that. I mean, he supposedly conquered I don’t know how many kingdoms (“fair and square”, I might add) but he somehow does not exude that kind of energy. I cannot picture this almighty, domineering king when I think of Kallias. I just see a shy boy who loves spending time with his fluff of a dog (which, by the way, mild spoiler alert, is the best thing this book has to offer).
His exceptional powers don’t allow him to have normal human contact without getting hurt afterwards, so that led to extreme loneliness and an unspoken desire of affection. He honestly cannot be the ruthless ruler he wants to be. I cannot picture him like that in any way. This inner weakness of his stands in his way to greatness.
(now Adele’s Turning Tables chorus is blasting in my mind SO I WON’T LET YOU CLOSE ENOUGH TO HURT ME – picture that a bit, I’m getting you in the mood)
Alessandra and Kallias do fall in love eventually, but it doesn’t feel quite real.
Nothing really seems real after a while. The plot is too bland to actually be exciting and the situation in which Alessandra and Kallias find themselves are quite bad. I mean, Alessandra wants to be this mastermind behind a kingdom’s council, but her ideas are so bloody common.
And also, can we talk about how bad deeds are laughed at in this book and dismissed like annoying gnats instead of being dealt with? Because this is exactly what it happens.
But somehow I couldn’t help but notice the idea of women seen as sexual beings in a world that is still not flexible in that matter. There were little empowering, undercover feminist speeches scattered from place to place in the whole book. And in my opinion, this is a thing that deserves half a star from me. I saw the intention and I appreciate it.
“The poets can say whatever they damned liked. A woman’s worth is not decided by what’s between her legs but by what is in her mind.”
This book has such a chaotic vibe to it I don’t really know how to explain it. And even though I was expecting better from it, I didn’t feel like hating it. It just left a bitter taste in its wake for me, that’s all. Not entirely pleasant.
But hey, at least I can say that Alessandra is a fashionista all the way and I truly like that about her. That’s a plus on my list too.
January 4, 2021
EDIT:
This book maybe did not win the Goodreads Choice Awards but it's my winner the Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction category and that's enough for me.
EDIT:
Finding out that this book did not make it into the final round of the Goodreads Choice Awards.
EDIT:
IT WORKED! YES!YES!YES!
You cannot imagine how happy I'm when I go to see the second round of the Goodreads Choice Awards and The Shadows Between Us are nominated in the Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction.
The write-in worked!
EDIT: Wow, I have to say that I was quite surprised that I did not see this book nominated in Young Adult Fantasy for the Goodreads Choice Awards. So, let's see if there is some power in the write-in option.
ORIGINAL:
Was this book perfect? No.
Did this book deliver on everything I've expected from it? No.
Do I care? No.
Why? Because it was such a long time since I enjoyed "YA"/fantasy book so much as I did enjoy this one.
As I previously mentioned, I was sold when this book was labelled as "Slytherin".
If only he knew I have my sights set a bit higher than that.
Yeah, I was hyped when I started this book, and the beginning was so good, I had problems to remember to breathe, and then I was close to hyperventilating. It was everything my Slytherin heart wanted.
"People are staring."
"That's the point, isn't it?"
Alessandra was the kind of character I wanted. I'm so over the shocked girls who have no idea why people think that they are pretty or don't want to be in the situation 'cause they just want a nice simple life. Who are shocked by the evil people and don't get it why people are just so mean.
Finally, a character who is very self-aware, has a goal, is ambitious and does not care what it takes to get what they want. Love it, and I need more books like this. I also loved every single time Alessandra chewed up someone or schemed.
What I did not expect was to get more characters like that in the book.
See that all the men who accompanied us on our outing are hanged.
The King is just as ambitious. And at that point, I practically want to propose to this book.
Plus the fact that Alessandra has an obsession with pretty dresses which she creates for herself, (Which made me realise how rare it is for female characters to have hobbies besides reading.) and that the friendships are a surprisingly fun and great addition to the story are not helping to me not being obsessed.
There were several side plots which kept the story moving, so, I never really felt like nothing was happening.
So, where did it go wrong? Because yeah, I love this book, but there are things which irked me, to say the least.
First, the main "villain" (if you do not count Alessandra as the villain of the story) was very obvious. Plus the reason or explanation behind their actions was pretty easy to guess as well. I'm not angry by it, just disappointed.
Second, Alessandra started great, but then I felt like a bit of her disappeared. The part which had a plan and was ready for everything. The dumb move is the season.
Third, I did not really feel like we got a good grasp on the background, on the setting, and sometimes things just felt a bit confusing. But yeah, I get it, it's standalone, and while I may have some grief with the lack of world setting, I love the author for keeping it a standalone.
Fourth, Kallias just sometimes felt a bit too mushy.
And now, fifth and last, the ending. What is it with endings? I hoped for a different ending. More original. And while I had four more issues with this book. The ending is the reason why I took one star away.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Honestly? I'm still sad that I was declined for an ARC. 😥
Because Slytherin romance is all I want (for Christmas?). I cannot wait to read this. Everyone should hope I won't be holding anything at the moment this gets published because I'll be dropping everything to get my hands on this.
This book maybe did not win the Goodreads Choice Awards but it's my winner the Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction category and that's enough for me.
EDIT:
Finding out that this book did not make it into the final round of the Goodreads Choice Awards.
EDIT:
IT WORKED! YES!YES!YES!
You cannot imagine how happy I'm when I go to see the second round of the Goodreads Choice Awards and The Shadows Between Us are nominated in the Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction.
The write-in worked!
EDIT: Wow, I have to say that I was quite surprised that I did not see this book nominated in Young Adult Fantasy for the Goodreads Choice Awards. So, let's see if there is some power in the write-in option.
ORIGINAL:
Was this book perfect? No.
Did this book deliver on everything I've expected from it? No.
Do I care? No.
Why? Because it was such a long time since I enjoyed "YA"/fantasy book so much as I did enjoy this one.
As I previously mentioned, I was sold when this book was labelled as "Slytherin".
If only he knew I have my sights set a bit higher than that.
Yeah, I was hyped when I started this book, and the beginning was so good, I had problems to remember to breathe, and then I was close to hyperventilating. It was everything my Slytherin heart wanted.
"People are staring."
"That's the point, isn't it?"
Alessandra was the kind of character I wanted. I'm so over the shocked girls who have no idea why people think that they are pretty or don't want to be in the situation 'cause they just want a nice simple life. Who are shocked by the evil people and don't get it why people are just so mean.
Finally, a character who is very self-aware, has a goal, is ambitious and does not care what it takes to get what they want. Love it, and I need more books like this. I also loved every single time Alessandra chewed up someone or schemed.
What I did not expect was to get more characters like that in the book.
See that all the men who accompanied us on our outing are hanged.
The King is just as ambitious. And at that point, I practically want to propose to this book.
Plus the fact that Alessandra has an obsession with pretty dresses which she creates for herself, (Which made me realise how rare it is for female characters to have hobbies besides reading.) and that the friendships are a surprisingly fun and great addition to the story are not helping to me not being obsessed.
There were several side plots which kept the story moving, so, I never really felt like nothing was happening.
So, where did it go wrong? Because yeah, I love this book, but there are things which irked me, to say the least.
First, the main "villain" (if you do not count Alessandra as the villain of the story) was very obvious. Plus the reason or explanation behind their actions was pretty easy to guess as well. I'm not angry by it, just disappointed.
Second, Alessandra started great, but then I felt like a bit of her disappeared. The part which had a plan and was ready for everything. The dumb move is the season.
Third, I did not really feel like we got a good grasp on the background, on the setting, and sometimes things just felt a bit confusing. But yeah, I get it, it's standalone, and while I may have some grief with the lack of world setting, I love the author for keeping it a standalone.
Fourth, Kallias just sometimes felt a bit too mushy.
And now, fifth and last, the ending. What is it with endings? I hoped for a different ending. More original. And while I had four more issues with this book. The ending is the reason why I took one star away.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Honestly? I'm still sad that I was declined for an ARC. 😥
Because Slytherin romance is all I want (for Christmas?). I cannot wait to read this. Everyone should hope I won't be holding anything at the moment this gets published because I'll be dropping everything to get my hands on this.
March 9, 2020
“They've never found the body of the first and only boy who broke my heart. And they never will.”
Spoiler alert: they did, actually, and it didn't matter. Because nothing in this book makes any sense.
This was so predictable and very disappointing. I’m not sure if I’m outgrowing YA or if I’m just picking up shitty YA books. Either way, I didn’t enjoy The Shadows Between Us at all. It felt extremely formulaic, severely underdeveloped, and wholly uninspiring. I was so bored.
The Shadows Between Us is advertised as a Slytherin-inspired YA fantasy romance. However, the Slytherin "representation" is an excuse to write an unlikable character with very little growth, the "fantasy" element was very clearly shunted in just so the book could break into the YA fantasy market, and the "romance" was the most blegh thing I've read in a long time. I'm not sure what everyone else is seeing in this book that I'm not, but I'm getting real tired of reading books that seem to put in very minimal effort in regards to being unique or engaging.
The author says that the main character is a Slytherin, and that irritates me. Why, you might ask? Because the author pulled a JK Rowling and took every negative quality about Slytherins and made it their only personality trait. This MC was self-serving, self-obsessed, selfish, and manipulative. I’m totally here for anti-heroes and morally gray characters, but this MC brought nothing to the story that was likable or sympathetic to me. Did you know Slytherins are more nuanced beyond just being assholes? What a concept! I guess the argument can be made that our main character is cunning and conniving, but honestly, I wasn't convinced. She just came across like a jerk who sometimes made suggestions that other characters found to be smart. But of course they would, because the author says so. Doesn't mean I believe it.
The romance was bland and felt like a dynamic I’ve read a million times before. Nothing about this was exciting or fun, despite the fact that the romance was the main premise. How you gonna flop on an enemies to lovers trope THAT badly? I was expecting some serious angst, forbidden love, sexual tension, etc. None of that was brought to the table. Sure, the author tried, but it didn't work at all.
I’m also irritated at how the sex positivity is only aimed towards women in this book. Women should have complete autonomy and respect (yes, of course) but female characters are allowed to use, disrespect, or persuade their partners sexually and thats okay? Maybe I’m looking into this too much, but all the sex positivity commentary felt like it was taken right from a vague white feminist Twitter thread.
The plot was also a damn mess. The author tried to weave so many different threads but it was ultimately an awkward execution. It felt like something would be brought up, ignored for fifty pages, and then easily solved once the author remembered she had to do something to tie it up. I'm not sure what the ultimate point of this book was, to be entirely honest. Everything was solved so easily!
In conclusion: this sucked for me. The Shadows Between Us is an unoriginal YA fantasy that rips off every trope and plot point thats been successful in the past; the only sellable difference is that the MC is an asshat who knows shes pretty and uses it to her advantage. Groundbreaking.
Spoiler alert: they did, actually, and it didn't matter. Because nothing in this book makes any sense.
This was so predictable and very disappointing. I’m not sure if I’m outgrowing YA or if I’m just picking up shitty YA books. Either way, I didn’t enjoy The Shadows Between Us at all. It felt extremely formulaic, severely underdeveloped, and wholly uninspiring. I was so bored.
The Shadows Between Us is advertised as a Slytherin-inspired YA fantasy romance. However, the Slytherin "representation" is an excuse to write an unlikable character with very little growth, the "fantasy" element was very clearly shunted in just so the book could break into the YA fantasy market, and the "romance" was the most blegh thing I've read in a long time. I'm not sure what everyone else is seeing in this book that I'm not, but I'm getting real tired of reading books that seem to put in very minimal effort in regards to being unique or engaging.
The author says that the main character is a Slytherin, and that irritates me. Why, you might ask? Because the author pulled a JK Rowling and took every negative quality about Slytherins and made it their only personality trait. This MC was self-serving, self-obsessed, selfish, and manipulative. I’m totally here for anti-heroes and morally gray characters, but this MC brought nothing to the story that was likable or sympathetic to me. Did you know Slytherins are more nuanced beyond just being assholes? What a concept! I guess the argument can be made that our main character is cunning and conniving, but honestly, I wasn't convinced. She just came across like a jerk who sometimes made suggestions that other characters found to be smart. But of course they would, because the author says so. Doesn't mean I believe it.
The romance was bland and felt like a dynamic I’ve read a million times before. Nothing about this was exciting or fun, despite the fact that the romance was the main premise. How you gonna flop on an enemies to lovers trope THAT badly? I was expecting some serious angst, forbidden love, sexual tension, etc. None of that was brought to the table. Sure, the author tried, but it didn't work at all.
I’m also irritated at how the sex positivity is only aimed towards women in this book. Women should have complete autonomy and respect (yes, of course) but female characters are allowed to use, disrespect, or persuade their partners sexually and thats okay? Maybe I’m looking into this too much, but all the sex positivity commentary felt like it was taken right from a vague white feminist Twitter thread.
The plot was also a damn mess. The author tried to weave so many different threads but it was ultimately an awkward execution. It felt like something would be brought up, ignored for fifty pages, and then easily solved once the author remembered she had to do something to tie it up. I'm not sure what the ultimate point of this book was, to be entirely honest. Everything was solved so easily!
In conclusion: this sucked for me. The Shadows Between Us is an unoriginal YA fantasy that rips off every trope and plot point thats been successful in the past; the only sellable difference is that the MC is an asshat who knows shes pretty and uses it to her advantage. Groundbreaking.
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March 21, 20213/20/21 SHADOWS just went in for its 11th print run! Thank you so much everyone for your support of this little dark romance of mine. I promise more dark romances in the future, but first, be sure to check out my next book, releasing 5/4/21, BLADE OF SECRETS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
11/11/20 *CLOSED* Guys, SHADOWS is a Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist! If you enjoyed the book, I'd love for you to vote on it! Link here: https://www.goodreads.com/choiceaward... Thanks so much to everyone who has already gotten it this far! You guys are the best!
3/4/20 SHADOWS has been out for just over a week now, and I wanted to say thank you to everyone for your support! If you're interested, I'd love for you to add my next novel to your Goodreads TBR: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
1/9/20 *CLOSED* The preorder incentive for this book is now live! If you'd like a free signed bookplate and character art prints for preordering the book, visit https://tricialevenseller.com/preorde...
Also, you can now read the first FIVE chapters here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tJS1...
8/8/19 I'm so excited that ARCs have started to circulate for this book! Just wanted to highlight again that I pitch this as my Slytherin romance. My characters have unapologetically questionable morals. Don't expect them to change. It's who they are. And this book is more romance heavy rather than action heavy, like the rest of my books. There's nothing more disappointing than having unfulfilled expectations where an anticipated read is concerned, so I hope this aids in helping readers decide if this is the kind of book for them! If you want to read about bad people getting away with doing bad things while still being likable and maybe falling in love, this might be the book for you! There is still some action and lots of political intrigue. Hope this helps!
5/16/19 At last we have a cover! This Slytherin romance is hitting shelves on February 25th. You can read the first chapter here: https://www.tor.com/2019/05/16/cover-...
3/7/19 I just finished edits on this new standalone fantasy romance! Cannot wait for you all to read it! We should have a cover soonish...
11/11/20 *CLOSED* Guys, SHADOWS is a Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist! If you enjoyed the book, I'd love for you to vote on it! Link here: https://www.goodreads.com/choiceaward... Thanks so much to everyone who has already gotten it this far! You guys are the best!
3/4/20 SHADOWS has been out for just over a week now, and I wanted to say thank you to everyone for your support! If you're interested, I'd love for you to add my next novel to your Goodreads TBR: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
1/9/20 *CLOSED* The preorder incentive for this book is now live! If you'd like a free signed bookplate and character art prints for preordering the book, visit https://tricialevenseller.com/preorde...
Also, you can now read the first FIVE chapters here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tJS1...
8/8/19 I'm so excited that ARCs have started to circulate for this book! Just wanted to highlight again that I pitch this as my Slytherin romance. My characters have unapologetically questionable morals. Don't expect them to change. It's who they are. And this book is more romance heavy rather than action heavy, like the rest of my books. There's nothing more disappointing than having unfulfilled expectations where an anticipated read is concerned, so I hope this aids in helping readers decide if this is the kind of book for them! If you want to read about bad people getting away with doing bad things while still being likable and maybe falling in love, this might be the book for you! There is still some action and lots of political intrigue. Hope this helps!
5/16/19 At last we have a cover! This Slytherin romance is hitting shelves on February 25th. You can read the first chapter here: https://www.tor.com/2019/05/16/cover-...
3/7/19 I just finished edits on this new standalone fantasy romance! Cannot wait for you all to read it! We should have a cover soonish...
February 29, 2020
a book is worth five stars if i am willing to sacrifice one of my favourite things - sleep. i started this when i got home from work and stayed up until 2am (even though i knew i had to get up early) because i just could not. put. this. down.
there are so many qualities and aspects to this which make this story so wonderful:
overall, this is such a fun and engaging novel with a lot of great highlights. its definitely turned me on to TL as an author and i want to read more of her stories ASAP!
↠ 4.5 stars
there are so many qualities and aspects to this which make this story so wonderful:
- a female MC who is unapologetically herself. even when her feelings and motives change, she is still true to herself.
- a female MC who is ruthless, as well as kind. usually its one or the other in YA, so its refreshing to see a character so complex.
- enemies to lovers is one of my favourite tropes and its done really well in this.
- the writing has great pacing, easy to devour language, and such an immersive presence overall.
- i LOVE that this is a standalone. most YA fantasy stories come in the form of a series and sometimes (aka most of the time) i dont want to commit to multiple books (hence the many series i have yet to finish). i love an author who can take a fantasy world and create a well-developed and resolved standalone story with it.
overall, this is such a fun and engaging novel with a lot of great highlights. its definitely turned me on to TL as an author and i want to read more of her stories ASAP!
↠ 4.5 stars
September 30, 2024
13 yr old me from wattpad could write a better villain x villain romance. when he said he wanted the whole world to have his flag i could not stop laughing ?? mf tht is called colonization 🤨
February 23, 2022
"Alessandra Stathos, that's positively despicable." He says the words like they're the highest compliment he can give me.
Alessandra is sick of her life. She has always been pushed to the side while her sister gets the spotlight. But she knows she can do better. She has spent her life learning how to manipulate people to get what she wants. And now she's about to take what she knows is hers. The crown. Alessandra is going to marry the Shadow King, Kallias, and then murder him.
Managing people can be tiresome, but there's still nothing more satisfying than watching people do exactly what I say.
Before I started this book, I was worried about two things:
1) that Alessandra would be not like other girls,
and
2) that Alessandra would fall in love immediately and forget all her plans to kill Kallias, or that she wouldn't be the merciless, manipulative genius the synopsis promised.
Well, neither of those points happened.
Thankfully, Alessandra doesn't become a Mary Sue heroine. If she did turn into one, one of my favorite scenes in the book would have been so different.
Towards the beginning of The Shadows Between Us, she waltzes into the castle where Kallias is seeing potential brides and ignores him. Instead of walking up to him, she makes him walk up to her. If she were not like other girls, she would go to the castle being like I don't need a prince, attract his attention for no real reason, and fall in love immediately. But Alessandra did all of this on purpose. It was all a scheme to attract Kallias's attention. She's not just some "intriguing" bumbling idiot. This is calculated.
I love Alessandra so much. She's smart and she's evil. What more do you need? One thing I love about her is how she has a passion for sewing and fashion, but that doesn't make her any less strong. Nobody makes a big deal out of it. It's just something she loves to do, and something she's really, really good at.
Her character is so consistent. It was truly a pleasure to be in her mind. She's calm, cool, and cultured. There were some little details that really brought her to life, mostly in the way she interacted with Kallias and the characters I call the Merry Thieves because they feel like characters from Chain of Gold--Petros, Rhouben, and Leandros. Speaking of them, I love the side characters. They all have distinct personalities, and it's so sweet how Alessandra slowly opens up to them.
And I look at my two friends. My first real friends. I thought women were always my competitors, people to be jealous of. How wrong I was.
I love Kallias. He and Alessandra are both villains, basically. They don't try to change each other, or make each other "good." They accept one another for how they are. The mutual pining killed me. The suspense is exquisite. The pacing is perfect in their relationship. I savored every moment of their interactions. They clearly respect each other greatly. Kallias lets Alessandra take care of her own business without interfering, and vice versa.
I do have a few minor problems with this book. The dialogue can be a bit stilted, but that's not a huge issue. Additionally, Kallias is a pretty soft villain. He's supposed to be a conqueror but we never see him do any conquering. The reason I didn't care was because this isn't his story. It's Alessandra's.
Also, there is no worldbuilding, but I actually think that did the book a favor. The place where everything happened—the castle—had a beautiful aesthetic and that was all that mattered to me. If there had been extensive worldbuilding, it would have held the book back.
The synopsis makes this book sound like a romance, but it's so much more than that. It's about twisted politics, betrayal, court intrigue, and manipulation, and I loved all of it.
4.5 stars
"I battle with my mind. Not weapons."
____
ALL. THE. STARS.
I adore this book. It's a complex game of manipulation and court intrigue. Alessandra is a compelling, purely evil main character. It was a delight to be in her head.
review to come...
March 27, 2021
What is it about mutually horrible, morally questionable, murder prone people falling in love that is so utterly addicting?
This book so extremely entertaining. It hooks you right from the first line and keeps you reading till the end. The main character, Alessandra, is a vain and wicked girl with a villenous plan. She is a murderer, a schemer, and a liar. But you know what, so is the Shadow King and that’s what makes them great together!
They are two murderous peas in a pod and it's beautiful!
I loved the dynamic between the characters. I loved how neither of them flinched away from the other’s darkest secrets, accepting each other for the messed up people they are. I only wish we could have gotten more interactions of them being their murder prone selves because I loved the mutual scheming.
Another thing I liked was the relationships with the background characters. Alessandra actually had friends, Hestia and Rhoda, and they actually talked about things that mattered to them. Too often we get books where the girls only talk about boys. The male characters were also nice, if a bit underdeveloped.
This brings me to the bad parts of this imperfect novel.
This book has no world-building. Everything happens and is explained only on a superficial level. The world of the novel is only ever vaguely mentioned. The Shadow King rules over 6 conquered kingdoms, one of which is currently rebelling. All mentions of those kingdoms and that rebellion could have been removed and it wouldn’t impact the plot whatsoever. The world outside the castle is never described and it honestly did not matter.
The Shadow King has the power of shadows. This is vaguely explained and just sort of shrugged off at one point. We never go in-depth into his powers or their reason for being. It could have made for really cool mythology, but alas.
Another thing is that there is electricity in this world but no other form of modern technology. Everyone has swords, but randomly there are guns? When does this take place? What fictional time period is this??? I couldn’t build a proper image of the world in my head, probably because as I said, THIS BOOK HAS NO WORLD BUILDING!!!! It could take place in a void for all that it cares to explain.
In the end, I really enjoyed this. I didn’t want it to end. I lowkey wanted it to have a sequel, but alas, it’s standalone. I will have to find my murderous couple fix from elsewhere.
Overall, this book has many, many flaws. There were times when I couldn’t overlook or ignore some things that I had an issue with. That said, I still greatly enjoyed this book. If you like to see two morally questionable people falling in love and don’t mind some vague worldbuilding, this might be the book for you!
I now want to read more of this author’s books!
**I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**
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This book so extremely entertaining. It hooks you right from the first line and keeps you reading till the end. The main character, Alessandra, is a vain and wicked girl with a villenous plan. She is a murderer, a schemer, and a liar. But you know what, so is the Shadow King and that’s what makes them great together!
They are two murderous peas in a pod and it's beautiful!
I loved the dynamic between the characters. I loved how neither of them flinched away from the other’s darkest secrets, accepting each other for the messed up people they are. I only wish we could have gotten more interactions of them being their murder prone selves because I loved the mutual scheming.
Another thing I liked was the relationships with the background characters. Alessandra actually had friends, Hestia and Rhoda, and they actually talked about things that mattered to them. Too often we get books where the girls only talk about boys. The male characters were also nice, if a bit underdeveloped.
This brings me to the bad parts of this imperfect novel.
This book has no world-building. Everything happens and is explained only on a superficial level. The world of the novel is only ever vaguely mentioned. The Shadow King rules over 6 conquered kingdoms, one of which is currently rebelling. All mentions of those kingdoms and that rebellion could have been removed and it wouldn’t impact the plot whatsoever. The world outside the castle is never described and it honestly did not matter.
The Shadow King has the power of shadows. This is vaguely explained and just sort of shrugged off at one point. We never go in-depth into his powers or their reason for being. It could have made for really cool mythology, but alas.
Another thing is that there is electricity in this world but no other form of modern technology. Everyone has swords, but randomly there are guns? When does this take place? What fictional time period is this??? I couldn’t build a proper image of the world in my head, probably because as I said, THIS BOOK HAS NO WORLD BUILDING!!!! It could take place in a void for all that it cares to explain.
In the end, I really enjoyed this. I didn’t want it to end. I lowkey wanted it to have a sequel, but alas, it’s standalone. I will have to find my murderous couple fix from elsewhere.
Overall, this book has many, many flaws. There were times when I couldn’t overlook or ignore some things that I had an issue with. That said, I still greatly enjoyed this book. If you like to see two morally questionable people falling in love and don’t mind some vague worldbuilding, this might be the book for you!
I now want to read more of this author’s books!
**I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**
Follow Me Here Too: My Blog || Twitter || Bloglovin' || Instagram || Tumblr || Pinterest
Read
January 24, 2022I liked this one a lot! I've read all of Tricia Levenseller's books now and I've come to learn that they are super quick reads, which I always love. I will admit, from the synopsis you kind of expect this to be a bit more high stakes and intense than it is, but it very quickly turns into a romance story but I really didn't mind that. I found it had a good amount of steaminess and tons of angst, and I loved the dynamic between the two characters. I think the book does have a bit of a weaker plot, but like I said, the romance got me. I personally enjoyed the main character although I know some people found her bland. Honestly I was looking for a quick and easy romantic fantasy and that's exactly what I got, so I can't say I'm disappointed at all.
May 18, 2021
(4.5 ★’s)
First and foremost, I would like to address the people who say “this isn’t dark enough to be Slytherin” and if you’re one of them, I want to tell you—quite politely of course—to shut up. I’m not even sorry because that is the very point of this book: being Slytherin does not mean being a pure-evil, mustache-twirling doll. Being Slytherin means being ambitious, selfish, arrogant, vengeful, remorseless, power-seeking, and demanding-of-life...yes to all that; but it does not mean being incapable of warmth, caring, and protectiveness towards your numbered friends; it does not mean being senselessly evil and unfamiliar with reason; and it certainly does not mean being unable of letting go of a path which no longer seems practical to walk.
And that’s the first of the three whys to me declaring this book as my new fave. So thank you, Tricia, for showing so accurately and immaculately what it actually is to be a Slytherin.
The second remarkable achievement of The Shadows Between Us is its romance and friendships—more specifically in how it shouts to the the world that no, a person does not have to change their personality, or cease to be the villain of a poor hero’s story, to be able to have healthy relationships; say, a Slytherin doesn’t have to become a Hufflepuff to love and care and be loved and cared for, only develope to better versions of themselves, with better understanding and acceptance without throwing their defining traits into the trash.
So thank you, Tricia, for weaving this truth within these pages with colours and designs bold enough to be unmistakable.
The third and last of Tricia Levenseller’s attempts which make this book stand out to me is, undoubtedly, her desire to effectively set fire to the common trope of “antiheroes turning heroes” within YA fantasy. I simply cannot not fall in love with books that refuse to make remorseless, selfish characters into remorseful, selfless people going out of their way to help the poor; that’s not the only path for development within characters and please understand that because I’m effing sick of it. This book is the story of two self-absorbed, power-hungry people (who might as well be the villain of a lot of people’s lives) falling in love and growing in a different way, and that is why I love it.
So thank you, Tricia, for giving the big eff you to the more popular theme of changing morally grey characters to white flags of peace and generosity.
I utterly loved this book; picking up my very first work by Tricia Levenseller, I was expecting a fun romance-oriented young adult fantasy lite with morally grey characters, and that’s precisely what I got...but even better managed than I’d dared hope. It did not try to be something more and embraced its romantic YA fun and frivolities while adding elements of comfortably LGBT characters and diligently written feministic themes plus much appreciated sex positivism, all the more precious for its perfect banter and humourous writing, making me roll in laughter and cackle in delight on too many occasions.
The Shadows Between Us is a refreshing fun and funny gem, providing our usual light YA read with a breath of fresh air away from the perfect, honourable, goody-two-shoes who seem to have taken over literature for decades and centuries. No wonder it spoke to me on so many impossible levels, as I happen to be part of a triad of Houses (Slytherfinclaw, each House at about 30%).
Make sure to check out my playlist at the end of this review—it simply slayed me and my reading experience!
Storyline
Alessandra Stathos, this cunning second daughter of a bankrupt noble who has had to be hidden from society, waiting for her elder sister to marry so she, too, might be sold to noble for her bride-price, is tired of being overlooked. Never fear, she always has a plan, and this time it has three simple steps to get her the power and attention she deserves:
⑴ Woo the king.
⑵ Marry him.
⑶ Kill him and rule his kingdom.
But not only is she not the sole person seeking to murder the king, the Shadow King is also not so easy to kill, the shadows that encompass him being a mystery to most of the six kingdoms. So stuck between charming the charming, uninterested king and keeping him alive to kill after he makes her a queen, she finds herself needing to remind herself of her path to the power she craves and delights in.
Storytelling
Starting from strengths, the flowing dialogue, top notch banter, and easy and hilarious writing that carries the occasional silliness and lightness of the tale as an advantage rather than a failing, are all points I applaud the author on. Plus the smart solutions, plans, and politics laid out throughout the plot which were simply delightful—Tricia Levenseller is all about showing, and that’s what made the cleverness of the characters so tangible. Not to forget the elaborate way in which the the feminism was handled, fighting for women’s right to not be judged as based on what they do in their bedrooms as men aren’t.
However, the book does have its weakness, and that being the reveals and mystery—those are areas that need improvement in their manner of being tackled and I hope the author works more on said aspect to excel in future books.
Characters
✦ Alessandra: Disarmingly clever and conniving, shamelessly confrontational, unfaltering and no-nonsense, ruthlessly craving power, arrogantly ambitious, vengeful, selfish, independent, and thorough, she made me fall head over heels in love with her from the very first sentence of the book. My queen (because she indeed is one in every sense of the word) is always in control of situations as well as herself, and doesn’t take anyone’s shit so, as you might suspect, the usual moments in books when the MC would be guilt-ridden and reprimanded go quite differently, with her not backing down. Oh my rare treasure who, unlike almost every female protagonist, is not ashamed and confused by her sexuality. I love her.
✦ Kallias: Gem number two—selfish, power-hungry conqueror; ruthless ruler and determined Shadow King...yes, but also refreshingly friendly, charming, intelligent, and accepting heartthrob and haunted soft-boy! I love it, okay? What’s most note worthy about him to me though is how he doesn’t turn into a benevolent, generous, and regretful king. He’s far from “evil,” and fights for rights that deserve to be cheered, he’s kind and not a terrifying, silent king, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that he crushed his subjects for funds to conquer all lands and continues to want power for himself. I appreciate this, because it goes to say that a person isn’t all-good or all-bad.
✦ Other characters like daring Rhoda and sweet Hestia who’s simply afraid to be herself in fear of rejection and thus imitates successful individual in all aspects, as well as Leandros who is...charming and tragic and whatnot, all make this an enjoyable, unputdownable read that I devoured in less than a day.
Relationships
✧ Romance: Giving us an angsty yet clean dynamic filled with yearning and abstinence, my two enchanting and addictive clever babies do what few couples in YA do and—despite actually using one another for their own gains—communicate their feelings. They are understanding and accepting of each other, undeterred by what would usually break other YA couples dramatically, and actually cheer one another on in their darkest deeds. Their real and proper development and process of falling in love stands up and out of the page and is a bonus in Tricia Levenseller’s favour. And in all honestly I found it rather refreshing to have a fake-friends-to-lovers arc rather than an enemies-to-lovers one.
I also really need to address the conclusion of the romance so I’ll be a good girl and put this in spoiler tags:
✧ Friendship: Suffice it to say that the female friendships in this book are a rare, heartwarming blessing. The development, the steady support they discovered within one another. My heart is soaring.
Worldbuilding
See, here’s the thing; there’s not a lot of world building going on in this standalone, and I’m shocked to say that did not bother me in the least—me, who loves this aspect so much she’d read tens of infodump-ish paragraphs explaining a fascinating new world. So how could this miracle possibly happen??? I’ll tell you how. Tricia Levenseller knew what she wanted to do—write a fun and addictive Slytherin romance—and did it with style. She didn’t make unsatisfactory attempts at world building or try to dip a finger into every pie and fail to dig deep enough in each (I’m looking at you, Serpent & Dove) and instead chose to focus on the her chosen elements and breathe wicked life into them.
Tricia Levenseller doesn’t need an expansive world to make her work remarkable without loose ends and unsatisfactory dives. What she gives you, she writes like a pro; what she doesn’t give you...well you don’t need it anyhow. That’s what I call skilled writing.
But a little on what there is in this area:
I’m assuming the author was inspired by the late 19th or early 20th century, as are rifles and piping and electricity in this fantasy world of 9 nine realms—though with less rigid royals. I think what I appreciated most was how, despite applying the usual YA approach to simplify politics, etc, there is still attention paid to things such as existence of proper reasons for the coming of a new fashion (man I loved this). And oh did I relish seeing LGBT+ characters and relationships as the norm in a YA fantasy novel, not a theme to be explored but an accepted and light addition.
The magic (same as the detail on the lands in general) is of course minimum again BUT it’s practically the core of their romance of abstinence, which is all this book is about anyways. I just want to appreciate that (1) while “shadow” powers are too common in YA fantasy and all tend to be nonsensical, I think this book made it what it was supposed to be because its nature of shadows and the ability it brings makes much more sense than, say, the Darkling’s shadows from Shadow and Bone, (2) plus, the title thankfully fits! It shows exactly what the book is about—a romance, with a fantasy element to have the dynamic depend on.
✰ Did I enjoy this book? Immensely. I swallowed it up whole. TSBU is just what I needed at the moment—a fun romance that resonated with me and made laugh so hard and so often.
✰ Do I recommend it? Undoubtedly. Just remember what to expect going in—not a ground breaking vengeance story about a girl who seeks to rule the world, but an enjoyable fantasy lite ride that’s all about da love between morally grey characters, and some clever, hilarious, and devious schemes.
Companions
Book playlist: Spotify URL
The poets can say whatever they damned like. A woman’s worth is not decided by what’s between her legs but by what is in her mind.
First and foremost, I would like to address the people who say “this isn’t dark enough to be Slytherin” and if you’re one of them, I want to tell you—quite politely of course—to shut up. I’m not even sorry because that is the very point of this book: being Slytherin does not mean being a pure-evil, mustache-twirling doll. Being Slytherin means being ambitious, selfish, arrogant, vengeful, remorseless, power-seeking, and demanding-of-life...yes to all that; but it does not mean being incapable of warmth, caring, and protectiveness towards your numbered friends; it does not mean being senselessly evil and unfamiliar with reason; and it certainly does not mean being unable of letting go of a path which no longer seems practical to walk.
And that’s the first of the three whys to me declaring this book as my new fave. So thank you, Tricia, for showing so accurately and immaculately what it actually is to be a Slytherin.
“I know what I’m doing. And I’m going to keep doing whatever I wish, because I am the master of myself.”
The second remarkable achievement of The Shadows Between Us is its romance and friendships—more specifically in how it shouts to the the world that no, a person does not have to change their personality, or cease to be the villain of a poor hero’s story, to be able to have healthy relationships; say, a Slytherin doesn’t have to become a Hufflepuff to love and care and be loved and cared for, only develope to better versions of themselves, with better understanding and acceptance without throwing their defining traits into the trash.
So thank you, Tricia, for weaving this truth within these pages with colours and designs bold enough to be unmistakable.
“I lose interest in everything sooner or later. Everything save you. Because in you, I found my match. In you, I found my equal.”
The third and last of Tricia Levenseller’s attempts which make this book stand out to me is, undoubtedly, her desire to effectively set fire to the common trope of “antiheroes turning heroes” within YA fantasy. I simply cannot not fall in love with books that refuse to make remorseless, selfish characters into remorseful, selfless people going out of their way to help the poor; that’s not the only path for development within characters and please understand that because I’m effing sick of it. This book is the story of two self-absorbed, power-hungry people (who might as well be the villain of a lot of people’s lives) falling in love and growing in a different way, and that is why I love it.
So thank you, Tricia, for giving the big eff you to the more popular theme of changing morally grey characters to white flags of peace and generosity.
“I want the power to change things.”
I utterly loved this book; picking up my very first work by Tricia Levenseller, I was expecting a fun romance-oriented young adult fantasy lite with morally grey characters, and that’s precisely what I got...but even better managed than I’d dared hope. It did not try to be something more and embraced its romantic YA fun and frivolities while adding elements of comfortably LGBT characters and diligently written feministic themes plus much appreciated sex positivism, all the more precious for its perfect banter and humourous writing, making me roll in laughter and cackle in delight on too many occasions.
The Shadows Between Us is a refreshing fun and funny gem, providing our usual light YA read with a breath of fresh air away from the perfect, honourable, goody-two-shoes who seem to have taken over literature for decades and centuries. No wonder it spoke to me on so many impossible levels, as I happen to be part of a triad of Houses (Slytherfinclaw, each House at about 30%).
Make sure to check out my playlist at the end of this review—it simply slayed me and my reading experience!
Storyline
It’s been a fun game. Learning their secrets. Seducing them. Getting them to shower me with gifts.
But to be honest?
I’m bored with it.
I have a new game in mind.
Alessandra Stathos, this cunning second daughter of a bankrupt noble who has had to be hidden from society, waiting for her elder sister to marry so she, too, might be sold to noble for her bride-price, is tired of being overlooked. Never fear, she always has a plan, and this time it has three simple steps to get her the power and attention she deserves:
⑴ Woo the king.
⑵ Marry him.
⑶ Kill him and rule his kingdom.
“To you, Alessandra. May your wit never be used against me.”
But not only is she not the sole person seeking to murder the king, the Shadow King is also not so easy to kill, the shadows that encompass him being a mystery to most of the six kingdoms. So stuck between charming the charming, uninterested king and keeping him alive to kill after he makes her a queen, she finds herself needing to remind herself of her path to the power she craves and delights in.
Storytelling
Starting from strengths, the flowing dialogue, top notch banter, and easy and hilarious writing that carries the occasional silliness and lightness of the tale as an advantage rather than a failing, are all points I applaud the author on. Plus the smart solutions, plans, and politics laid out throughout the plot which were simply delightful—Tricia Levenseller is all about showing, and that’s what made the cleverness of the characters so tangible. Not to forget the elaborate way in which the the feminism was handled, fighting for women’s right to not be judged as based on what they do in their bedrooms as men aren’t.
However, the book does have its weakness, and that being the reveals and mystery—those are areas that need improvement in their manner of being tackled and I hope the author works more on said aspect to excel in future books.
Characters
“Alessandra Stathos, that’s positively despicable.” He says the words like they’re the highest compliment he can give me. “You are an absolute gem, do you know that?”
✦ Alessandra: Disarmingly clever and conniving, shamelessly confrontational, unfaltering and no-nonsense, ruthlessly craving power, arrogantly ambitious, vengeful, selfish, independent, and thorough, she made me fall head over heels in love with her from the very first sentence of the book. My queen (because she indeed is one in every sense of the word) is always in control of situations as well as herself, and doesn’t take anyone’s shit so, as you might suspect, the usual moments in books when the MC would be guilt-ridden and reprimanded go quite differently, with her not backing down. Oh my rare treasure who, unlike almost every female protagonist, is not ashamed and confused by her sexuality. I love her.
“When I see something I want, I reach for it without hesitation.”
✦ Kallias: Gem number two—selfish, power-hungry conqueror; ruthless ruler and determined Shadow King...yes, but also refreshingly friendly, charming, intelligent, and accepting heartthrob and haunted soft-boy! I love it, okay? What’s most note worthy about him to me though is how he doesn’t turn into a benevolent, generous, and regretful king. He’s far from “evil,” and fights for rights that deserve to be cheered, he’s kind and not a terrifying, silent king, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that he crushed his subjects for funds to conquer all lands and continues to want power for himself. I appreciate this, because it goes to say that a person isn’t all-good or all-bad.
✦ Other characters like daring Rhoda and sweet Hestia who’s simply afraid to be herself in fear of rejection and thus imitates successful individual in all aspects, as well as Leandros who is...charming and tragic and whatnot, all make this an enjoyable, unputdownable read that I devoured in less than a day.
Relationships
“I don’t think it’s necessarily about finding the perfect man but finding the perfect man for you. One person may rank a man far differently than another, even if they are both using your ranking system.”
✧ Romance: Giving us an angsty yet clean dynamic filled with yearning and abstinence, my two enchanting and addictive clever babies do what few couples in YA do and—despite actually using one another for their own gains—communicate their feelings. They are understanding and accepting of each other, undeterred by what would usually break other YA couples dramatically, and actually cheer one another on in their darkest deeds. Their real and proper development and process of falling in love stands up and out of the page and is a bonus in Tricia Levenseller’s favour. And in all honestly I found it rather refreshing to have a fake-friends-to-lovers arc rather than an enemies-to-lovers one.
Credit: Melanie Bourgeois
I also really need to address the conclusion of the romance so I’ll be a good girl and put this in spoiler tags:
“It was you who reminded me what it is to live.”
✧ Friendship: Suffice it to say that the female friendships in this book are a rare, heartwarming blessing. The development, the steady support they discovered within one another. My heart is soaring.
Worldbuilding
See, here’s the thing; there’s not a lot of world building going on in this standalone, and I’m shocked to say that did not bother me in the least—me, who loves this aspect so much she’d read tens of infodump-ish paragraphs explaining a fascinating new world. So how could this miracle possibly happen??? I’ll tell you how. Tricia Levenseller knew what she wanted to do—write a fun and addictive Slytherin romance—and did it with style. She didn’t make unsatisfactory attempts at world building or try to dip a finger into every pie and fail to dig deep enough in each (I’m looking at you, Serpent & Dove) and instead chose to focus on the her chosen elements and breathe wicked life into them.
Tricia Levenseller doesn’t need an expansive world to make her work remarkable without loose ends and unsatisfactory dives. What she gives you, she writes like a pro; what she doesn’t give you...well you don’t need it anyhow. That’s what I call skilled writing.
But a little on what there is in this area:
I’m assuming the author was inspired by the late 19th or early 20th century, as are rifles and piping and electricity in this fantasy world of 9 nine realms—though with less rigid royals. I think what I appreciated most was how, despite applying the usual YA approach to simplify politics, etc, there is still attention paid to things such as existence of proper reasons for the coming of a new fashion (man I loved this). And oh did I relish seeing LGBT+ characters and relationships as the norm in a YA fantasy novel, not a theme to be explored but an accepted and light addition.
The magic (same as the detail on the lands in general) is of course minimum again BUT it’s practically the core of their romance of abstinence, which is all this book is about anyways. I just want to appreciate that (1) while “shadow” powers are too common in YA fantasy and all tend to be nonsensical, I think this book made it what it was supposed to be because its nature of shadows and the ability it brings makes much more sense than, say, the Darkling’s shadows from Shadow and Bone, (2) plus, the title thankfully fits! It shows exactly what the book is about—a romance, with a fantasy element to have the dynamic depend on.
✰ Did I enjoy this book? Immensely. I swallowed it up whole. TSBU is just what I needed at the moment—a fun romance that resonated with me and made laugh so hard and so often.
✰ Do I recommend it? Undoubtedly. Just remember what to expect going in—not a ground breaking vengeance story about a girl who seeks to rule the world, but an enjoyable fantasy lite ride that’s all about da love between morally grey characters, and some clever, hilarious, and devious schemes.
Companions
Book playlist: Spotify URL
January 1, 2022
4.5 Stars
Although I’m too much of a HUFFLEPUFF to be like Alessandra or to even have the guts to do half the things she did in this book, The Shadows Between Us wooed me in all its SLYTHERIN glory.
Tired of being constantly overlooked, Alessandra is determined to prove just how cunning and villainous she can be. The plan is simple:
1) Woo the Shadow King.
2) Marry him.
3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.
What could possibly go wrong? Nothing. Except for one scenario she’s not at all prepared to face.
If that alone is not enough to sway you into reading this book, I don’t know what will! Ah, well, I guess my review will have to do the job. But if you’re still not convinced, I’ll leave it up to fate to match you up with this book.
Selling Points:
The ever so badass queen, Alessandra
“I may be trying to win the heart of a king, but…I’m still being myself.”
Even though I was side eyeing her the whole time, I was also fascinated by her. There’s something about someone being unapologetically themself that—though you don’t always approve of their ways—you can’t help but admire them. She’s such a breath of fresh air.
My sweet king, Kallias
“You are beautiful,” he continues. “But not so beautiful as to tempt me.”
He is the male equivalent of Alessandra. He’s made of shadows and his power is really cool! Albeit sometimes also very limiting. He’s just the perfect dark broody love interest and he’s fifteen out of fifteen! (You’ll get this reference once you read the book.)
The slow burn enemies to lovers
“I think that when you care enough for someone, you reach a point where it’s far more painful not to have him at all than to have him and risk losing him. You realize the risk is worth it. Because happiness, however short-lived, is always worth it.”
It was both excruciatingly torturous and delicious to read, and I took great pleasure in it. This book doesn’t hold a candle to TFOTA series but it’s special in its own way. The dynamic between Kallias and Alessandra reminded me of Cardan and Jude.
At first, I wasn’t sure about them because I thought Alessandra bonded better with one of the male side characters. But as I got more and more of her and Kallias together, I shipped them all the way. I loved their back and forth banter, Kallias when he was being honest about his feelings, and ugh that little grovel at the end!
Wonderful side characters
“Aren’t we all drawn to friends in the beginning by trifling things? True bonds develop afterward, when character is revealed.”
Initially, I thought with how arrogant and awful Alessandra sometimes was, she would find no genuine friendship. But the female friendship in this book is actually pretty RAD. I loved her friendliness with the other three male supporting characters as well. She’s the kind of person who would go out of her ways to help you when you needed it even though she’s got an ulterior motive for doing it.
Impeccable writing
“Don’t be afraid of who you are. Say what you wish. Be who you wish. Don’t try to be someone else.”
This book opened with such a shocking confession from Alessandra that I was hooked from the very first page. The flow was seamless that I didn’t want to put it down. In terms of pacing, I thought it was draggy in some places. But I fell deeper for this book as I read on.
Alas, this book is perfect except for one thing...
How could you end me with only ONE single sentence on the very last page? I COULD REALLY DO WITH SOME EPILOGUE!! That’s not so nice of you. I’m sulky now because I want more SandrAllias! (Ignore my lame attempt at creating a ship name.) Also, some might argue that this book is predictable, lacks world building, and that the romance ruins the whole Alessandra’s “feminism and female villainy” narrative.
While I agree with these assessment on some level and considering that this is only a standalone, I think this book is extremely BRILLIANT and immensely DELIGHTFUL to read. My only advice would be that you better get to this book before the hype gets to you and pollutes your brain with too high of an expectation. So keep your hopes in check, go grab yourself a copy, and read the book!
March 15, 2021
The Written Review
Just released my Worst 2020 Books Video - now that you know this one made the list, click the link to find the rest!
Alessandra has a plan - convince the Shadow King to marry her. Then kill him. Then inherit the kingdom.
It's quite a brilliant and flawless plan.
The only problem? She's starting to like him alive more than she wants to see him dead.
So. Essentially this book didn't work for me.
The beginning is CRAZY intense - like 5/5 stars for me.
I loved the idea that she was just going to woo-and-kill the king and I couldn't wait to see what happens after she achieved her plan.
But then she starts drawing things out.
First she needs to do this, then that, then there's suspicion that needs to be diverted...then more problems...and what was originally very easy and straightforward gets dragged on and on and on. Very frustrating.
Eventually I realized that the author was going for the falling-in-love opposed to falling-in-the-grave angle which was alright...but it was disappointing.
It pulled this book away from a fresh, exciting concept into something more mundane and ordinary YA.
Plus...well... maybe it's just me but I would've loved to see an evil YA heroine...and I was disappointed when she was shuffled to a more ordinary pathway.
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December 15, 2020beyond the sex positivity & surface level female empowerment this was just... meh. i mean don't get me wrong i appreciated the aforementioned feminism but this story was just. odd.
i get that it was trying to be a standalone fantasy but it seemed like there was so much here that wasn't explored. i mean the man is called the Shadow King and yet we never get more than a passing understanding of what that means. and the plot was... um. lacking. i dunno i felt uneasy the whole time while reading this (except when they consummated their relationship, that was nice). i was just constantly waiting for the "more" to show up and it never did.
anyway, more thoughts to come in video form.
i get that it was trying to be a standalone fantasy but it seemed like there was so much here that wasn't explored. i mean the man is called the Shadow King and yet we never get more than a passing understanding of what that means. and the plot was... um. lacking. i dunno i felt uneasy the whole time while reading this (except when they consummated their relationship, that was nice). i was just constantly waiting for the "more" to show up and it never did.
anyway, more thoughts to come in video form.
Want to read
September 17, 2023Step 1: Woo the king.
Step 2: Marry the king.
Step 3: Kill the king and take his kingdom.
How very Evil Queen of you. I'm always down for that!
Step 2: Marry the king.
Step 3: Kill the king and take his kingdom.
How very Evil Queen of you. I'm always down for that!
October 7, 2020
If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. Brimming with betrayal, romance and conspiracy, my love for this book is more than what I can put into comprehensible words.
May 11, 2021
That’s the point. When a man sees something that several other men want, he can’t help but want it, too.
Is that so?
The Shadows Between Us proved to me once again why I don't rely on Booktok for book recommendations. I take these books as overhyped, and I noticed the pattern it follows is that it relies on recommending very hyped books only. Seriously, the amount of Tik Tok's I have seen with this book made me wonder even more if readers truly enjoy these books or if they're just trying to hop on the bandwagon . . .
The premise of The Shadows Between Us is hardly ever new. Yet, it can still be delivered in its own unique and refreshing way. The problem is that it completely misdelivered it all, unable to execute its own performance and therefore stumble upon the rabbit hole of 'boring'. I wondered how long it would take me to grow tired of the book after really enjoying the first 20 pages, but it wasn't long until my expectations of this book were thrown away. Seriously, how do you start off a book THAT good and let it fall like that?
The Shadows Between Us follows Alessandra who is tired of not being noticed. To change this, she plans on accomplishing three things: Woo the Shadow King, marry him, and then kill him, taking over the six kingdoms he rules in order to have power, be remembered, and have a strong reputation. But of course, things never go as planned. She isn't the only one with an intention of murdering him, and as she becomes closer to him, Alessandra finds herself having difficulty processing her feelings for the Shadow King.
Unique plot? No. New? Definitely not. Did it have the chance to become its own and unique deliverance? Absolutely. Did it do so? Hell no.
There are 3 things about this book I did not like that everyone else seemed to love, and I think these 3 things just capture everything else as well.
⚠️I mention some things that may or may not be considered as spoilers. Read at your own risk.
Let's start with the beginning.
(1) Slytherin romance. This is described as a Slytherin romance from the beginning. The author's dedication is literally that. Was it just that? Sorry to disappoint, but it was not. There were a couple things that bothered me about this so-called enemies to lovers. First, where exactly is the enemies? I feel like I need to say this to get it out of the way. Alessandra and Kallias were never actually enemies. Kallias is actually Alessandra's friend (there's more information on how that happens but I won't dive into it too much), and Alessandra (at first) pretends to go along with it, especially because it helps her with her reputation as being courted by the Shadow King. See, everyone is wondering and curious as to how she was approached by him because the Shadow King is very isolated. He does not touch anyone, cannot touch anyone, due to his shadows (again, there is more backstory about this but I don't want to give too much away). So when the two appear to be friends and hang out, it is a wonder to everyone how it happened.
I expected this to be actual enemies to lovers: starting off with pure hatred for each other, trying to kill each other and take each other down. The yearning and angst between the two rivals start developing in the middle of the pages (not the beginning, because we know we don't like that kind of enemies to lovers). But it was nothing like that. As mentioned, Kallias considers Alessandra his friend. While Alessandra's goal is to kill the king, she first has to woo him and then marry him (which she accomplishes, sort of), but my biggest problem is how Alessandra never actually attempted to kill Kallias. There was never a scene where she tried to kill him, whether it be poison, hiring someone, lying to him, etc. While there was something she had with him to accomplish this, it was never actually done, nor was there ever an attempt.
I am not saying that Slytherin's are incapable of showing love and warmth. I am not saying they cannot show and have development. What I am saying is that I felt as if the whole "evilness" was never even there to begin with.
Also, this is described as a villain x villain romance, but here is another problem I found. Kallias is such a lonely heartthrob. I felt him to be nothing of what a villain is.
He was isolated and lonely (for reasons) and was unable to always communicate with Alessandra, but his feelings were clearly there for her. I appreciated the author for allowing the reader to see more of Kallias and how he reacts, such as how he got nervous at times when he was talking to Alessandra, or how he was expressing his emotions. He tried his hardest to be there for Alessandra, and when he couldn't, he tried making up for his loss with gifts. Although it's clear he doesn't know how to approach Alessandra, I still appreciated how vulnerable and soft he was. And I mean, he's the king of six kingdoms, of course he's going to take over land and be selfish, but I expected him to be more than he was. Booktok just made him seem like this broody and mysterious villain but I thought he was just a generic YA love interest.
Kallias reaches into a pocket of his dress pants and pulls out a folded parchment. “I wrote it on paper.” He opens it, looks at the words, and shakes his head. “I can’t read it aloud. It’s for you to read. Later. Really, I just wanted to prove I could write a better one than Eliades. But I’ll leave it here and go.”
With that being said, the romance also felt so bland. There was no chemistry, not until the end. Not that it felt forced, but it also didn't feel real. It got to the point where I felt Alessandra more connected with Leandros, and that also bothered me. Seriously, when will YA authors stop bringing in another male lead to interfere with the female lead and the male lead's relationship? It gets annoying and frustrating.
I felt as if communication lacked between them. Alessandra found it rude and couldn't stand the fact that Kallias (who is King, need I remind you) couldn't spend time with her, such as taking walks with her, holding her hand, telling each other secrets, etc. It wasn't until she confronted him about this that he somehow managed to reflect on it to the point where his schedule was no longer a conflict between them. Somehow, this happened.
(2) Alessandra. I think the author tried too hard making Alessandra just the type of character we wish she was: unapologetic, confident, strong, and bold. But you know what went wrong? Exactly that. Alessandra is actually your typical YA female snowflake. There is nothing new and unique about her. She is a replica of other female leads, a cliche, an unoriginal. She is confident in knowing she's beautiful, but what is too much confidence? Alessandra knows she's beautiful, and she uses that as her advantage to woo other men. She knows men will be trying to court her and approach her. She knows she has a curves and a beautiful body that men will want. She knows all this. Sound familiar? Her personality reminded me of Eadlyn from The Selection series and how she kept mentioning her plan on taking over the throne. She wasn't even close to The Shadow King, and she was already telling us (for like, the 20th time, that the kingdom would soon be hers, so she might as well get started on acting like their queen).
No one but me is allowed to decide when Kallias Maheras, king of six realms and counting, is going to die.
Okay, so when then?
But my biggest problem lies in how unoriginal Alessandra is. She's first introduced as vicious, a murderer already, and this is something I would have loved to continue seeing. Unfortunately, when her plan of killing the king starts, everything changes as well. She finds herself turning soft towards him (nothing wrong with this, but girly had already been stricken from his features since the beginning, because, ahem, he is also very handsome, aka your typical YA male king). The only good thing I liked about her was her sex positivity, but even this took an unexpected turn. For example, when Myron threatened her with exposing who she was (in terms of sexually active, that is), I thought she would not take shit from it. I thought she would be positive and unshameful about it, but she was . . . scared. I get it, it's normal, but why are you going to make a character like her be the way she is and suddenly become scared for being sexually active?
Another problem is how overly confident she was. Look, I love confident characters. We love to see it! But Alessandra was no exception to what the YA world offers. She KNOWS she is beautiful. But then what happens? Girly starts getting insecure and wonders why men aren't approaching her. She finds it really surprising, because who could ever ignore THE Alessandra Stathos, right?
My blouse laces up the front in a fashion similar to a corset. It will be highly scandalous, and I suspect none of the men at court will be able to keep their eyes off me.
Though somewhat irritated by the rejection, I remain undaunted and try to catch another’s gaze. I find a broad-shouldered blond with a handsome mustache and give him a coy smile. He returns the greeting enthusiastically and turns away from me. What the hell?
I think to start welcoming my guests, but as I take a few steps in one direction, the partygoers … scatter.
What the devils? Perhaps I’ve only imagined it? I head for the refreshment table, thinking to check on the food arrangements. Skirts sway from my path, and a group of gentlemen cut off their conversation midsentence to turn away from me and find somewhere else to stand.
What is the matter with everyone?
Yawn.
Not only that, but she is also so offended when Kallias tells her she isn't beautiful enough to tempt him. She was so upset that she got really angry. I understand WHY you would be upset, but where is the confidence? Where is the "I don't care" attitude? Where is the "Your opinion is irrelevant" mind-set??? Just look at this:
I fume as I walk back to my rooms. Not beautiful enough to tempt him, am I? We’ll see about that. I’m going to make him fall so in love with me, he’ll forget he ever saw another woman. He will be begging for me by the time I’m done with him. And then he’ll beg for his life right before I end him.
*laughter arises*
In my opinion, Alessandra is also not strong. She literally volunteers to fight in a boxing match because "what is important is observation" so she feels like she can take this other female boxer down. While she is able to throw a punch at her in the beginning, not much time passes after when she's knocked out. She also gets a bruise. She doesn't care, and kind of takes it as if it was funny, but we know she's hurting deep down. Some may find this to be strong of her (that's cool), but I just laughed at her and felt second hand embarrassment.
My ambition. My cunning. My achievements. The guards heeding my commands are proof enough of what I’ve been trying to explain to my father for weeks.
I have achieved exactly what I set out to do.
But did you actually?
(3) The plot. It had so much potential, yet was completely downgraded. I'm just so surprised at how the author managed to capture my full attention at the beginning (seriously, if I had to rate the beginning only, I would give it 5 stars.) Starting off with Alessandra killing Hektor and seeing her take no from her Father, telling him what she will do, was amazing. The problem is how little develops after that. As I mentioned before, Alessandra becomes a softie, and she never actually attempts to kill Kallias. She just thinks about it, over and over again, telling herself her plan may not work because "this is getting in the way" and "I need to do this" and "I need to take care of that" and "this is also my responsibility" and just so much other bullshit.
Seriously, the marketing of this book is spot on. It literally mentioned the "touch her and I'll kill you" trope, yet that happened ONLY ONCE!!! I'm just so furious about it being called an enemies to lovers. While I understand why and how, there is none of that angst and forbidden love many of us love to read about. I see it more as a friends to lovers. Even though Alessandra only pretended, she still found herself enjoying his presence and learning more about it. I don't know, it's a tricky situation. While I may not find the book or plot complex, I think the relationship is. Nonetheless, it was not done in the way I thought it would.
All in all, this is your reminder to just approach books with enough caution and expectations necessary, but not too much of both. This is also my reminder to not trust platforms too much for my next read.
October 15, 2020
Allesandra will not settle for marrying a Lord or Duke. She has eyes for only one man, The Shadow King himself.
It's not really the Shadow King she wants but his kingdom and to be able to rule from his throne.
But first she needs to woo the King, which is made difficult by the fact that no one is allowed to touch him. And protect him from his enemies who threaten his life and intend to take his, soon to be her, kingdom.
The first 20 % of this book was excellent and I was so absorbed and wanting to know just how Allesandra was going to pull off her plan. Plus I was enchanted with the Shadow King as well. But the more I read, it became evident to me that something was missing. It felt messy and I wish we got better world building.
The characters were likeable. Even Allesandra. When I found out about this book and that the female lead would be the ‘unapologetically ambitious’ kind, I was ecstatic!!
I am tired of the same MC who is brave and selfless and honourable *rolls eyes*. Allesandra lived up to her Slytherin reputation! She remined me of Jude Duarte (from The folk in the air series by Holly Black) and Mia Corvere (from Nevernight by Jay Kristoff)
The other characters were great too. While this book is heavy on the dialogue (which is another thing that bothered me) the banter was good 👌
The writing was fast paced and engaging but the problems I had with world building and lack of character depth in some instances outweighed my enjoyment.
The twist at the end was predictable, which isn't exactly a bad thing. The ending felt rushed which is a shame because this is apparently a standalone.
The premise of this book is great, it had potential. I just wish it was executed better.
2.5 stars
• Release date: 25th February 2020 •
‹ ARC received from publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. ›
It's not really the Shadow King she wants but his kingdom and to be able to rule from his throne.
But first she needs to woo the King, which is made difficult by the fact that no one is allowed to touch him. And protect him from his enemies who threaten his life and intend to take his, soon to be her, kingdom.
The first 20 % of this book was excellent and I was so absorbed and wanting to know just how Allesandra was going to pull off her plan. Plus I was enchanted with the Shadow King as well. But the more I read, it became evident to me that something was missing. It felt messy and I wish we got better world building.
The characters were likeable. Even Allesandra. When I found out about this book and that the female lead would be the ‘unapologetically ambitious’ kind, I was ecstatic!!
I am tired of the same MC who is brave and selfless and honourable *rolls eyes*. Allesandra lived up to her Slytherin reputation! She remined me of Jude Duarte (from The folk in the air series by Holly Black) and Mia Corvere (from Nevernight by Jay Kristoff)
The other characters were great too. While this book is heavy on the dialogue (which is another thing that bothered me) the banter was good 👌
The writing was fast paced and engaging but the problems I had with world building and lack of character depth in some instances outweighed my enjoyment.
The twist at the end was predictable, which isn't exactly a bad thing. The ending felt rushed which is a shame because this is apparently a standalone.
The premise of this book is great, it had potential. I just wish it was executed better.
2.5 stars
• Release date: 25th February 2020 •
‹ ARC received from publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. ›
July 12, 2023
this was so bad lmfaoooo i feel like the main character was a walmart jude duarte, she was very much a try hard badass. for example in the very first chapter it is explained that she killed her ex boyfriend, i was very much unamused because we didn’t actually get to see her do it so it’s just like okay cool? idk i just didn’t care.. very sad because the cover is so beautiful:(
August 17, 2024
4 stars
Absolute fun, and i couldn't get enough! I laughed so much while reading it – it was ridiculously perfect. I’m pretty sure the author had Katherine Pierce in mind when she wrote Alessandra’s character, especially with that Damon Salvatore quote in there. 😭
⋆˚࿔ characters 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
Alessandra’s got major Katherine energy. She’d do anything for power! but, just like Katherine never really left Stefan, Alessandra couldn’t escape Kallias! Her plan was to woo him, marry him, and then kill him.
꩜ — “I’m going to woo the king. I suspect it won’t be longer than a month before he’s helplessly in love with me.”
well, things were not so smooth when he kept humbling her again & again. and gosh that made her so frustrated as he was supposed to fall in love quickly 💀
꩜ — “You are beautiful,” he continues. “But not so beautiful as to tempt me.”
She is the ultimate anti-heroine! power-hungry, crude, and extremely delusional. It’s like she took every misandrist thought ever and ran with it. She knew exactly what men wanted and how to handle them. she's truly a feminist though ajsjsjs
꩜ — “He will be begging for me by the time I’m done with him.”
It was wild to read almost hilariously blatant sexism at times, but damn, if I didn’t eat it all up! And honestly, she had a point—those old chastity rules are trash. I didn’t even mind her messing around with random guys and then tossing them aside like a used tissue lmao
꩜ — “I … like you, and I hope that you could like me, too.”
Kallias, the Shadow King was so innocent, kind and adorable 🥺 he was so polite and treated her with sm respect. though he did humbled her badly hejsjs his intentions were pure! He made her his equal, cherished her and even though he was clearly paranoid after his family's murder, he realized that he couldn't live in fear forever and had to take the risk of loving Alessandra, even if it meant his life. 😭
꩜ — “You said I wasn’t beautiful enough to be tempting,”
“I lied. You’re the most stunning thing to ever set foot in my palace”
he's absolute sweetheart istg. he accepted all her wishes and was such a FEMINIST!!! 😭
Their romance didn't start until 50% because he kept her at arm's length! the story is all from Alessandra’s pov, and I loved it. She stayed true to herself right till the end—selfish, cunning, and desperate for acknowledgement. She’s brilliant, honestly. Although, when she kissed Leandros out of hurt after Kallias confronted her (because obv?), I felt like a hypocrite for not thinking about giving it 1 star 🤡. nvm, she killed him and saved Kallias, so... it counts, right?
i already predicted who murdered his family, and those two people were also thrown into dungeon... i patted myself on the back. BUT, I WAS SO NOT READY FOR THE PLOT TWIST 💀
I also loved how loyal her friends were, and her thoughts about her sister had me dying hsjsjs 😭 I’m still shocked that the next book is about her sister, who portrayed as an airhead and bore here but let's see!! btw, no fantasy elements except the shadows so it's not really a fantasy book 😭
Supporting Women's rights? ✔️
Supporting Women's wrongs? ✔️✔️
• The Darkness Within Us – 4 stars
Absolute fun, and i couldn't get enough! I laughed so much while reading it – it was ridiculously perfect. I’m pretty sure the author had Katherine Pierce in mind when she wrote Alessandra’s character, especially with that Damon Salvatore quote in there. 😭
⋆˚࿔ characters 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
Alessandra’s got major Katherine energy. She’d do anything for power! but, just like Katherine never really left Stefan, Alessandra couldn’t escape Kallias! Her plan was to woo him, marry him, and then kill him.
꩜ — “I’m going to woo the king. I suspect it won’t be longer than a month before he’s helplessly in love with me.”
well, things were not so smooth when he kept humbling her again & again. and gosh that made her so frustrated as he was supposed to fall in love quickly 💀
꩜ — “You are beautiful,” he continues. “But not so beautiful as to tempt me.”
She is the ultimate anti-heroine! power-hungry, crude, and extremely delusional. It’s like she took every misandrist thought ever and ran with it. She knew exactly what men wanted and how to handle them. she's truly a feminist though ajsjsjs
꩜ — “He will be begging for me by the time I’m done with him.”
It was wild to read almost hilariously blatant sexism at times, but damn, if I didn’t eat it all up! And honestly, she had a point—those old chastity rules are trash. I didn’t even mind her messing around with random guys and then tossing them aside like a used tissue lmao
꩜ — “I … like you, and I hope that you could like me, too.”
Kallias, the Shadow King was so innocent, kind and adorable 🥺 he was so polite and treated her with sm respect. though he did humbled her badly hejsjs his intentions were pure! He made her his equal, cherished her and even though he was clearly paranoid after his family's murder, he realized that he couldn't live in fear forever and had to take the risk of loving Alessandra, even if it meant his life. 😭
꩜ — “You said I wasn’t beautiful enough to be tempting,”
“I lied. You’re the most stunning thing to ever set foot in my palace”
he's absolute sweetheart istg. he accepted all her wishes and was such a FEMINIST!!! 😭
Their romance didn't start until 50% because he kept her at arm's length! the story is all from Alessandra’s pov, and I loved it. She stayed true to herself right till the end—selfish, cunning, and desperate for acknowledgement. She’s brilliant, honestly. Although, when she kissed Leandros out of hurt after Kallias confronted her (because obv?), I felt like a hypocrite for not thinking about giving it 1 star 🤡. nvm, she killed him and saved Kallias, so... it counts, right?
i already predicted who murdered his family, and those two people were also thrown into dungeon... i patted myself on the back. BUT, I WAS SO NOT READY FOR THE PLOT TWIST 💀
I also loved how loyal her friends were, and her thoughts about her sister had me dying hsjsjs 😭 I’m still shocked that the next book is about her sister, who portrayed as an airhead and bore here but let's see!! btw, no fantasy elements except the shadows so it's not really a fantasy book 😭
Supporting Women's rights? ✔️
Supporting Women's wrongs? ✔️✔️
• The Darkness Within Us – 4 stars
November 5, 2023
I received this complimentary ARC from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
1) Woo the Shadow King.
2) Marry him.
3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.
This gave me all the Cruel Beauty-vibes I've been craving and my favourite 2020 release thus far. I nearly read this WHOLE THING in one sitting with a grin on my face. It was SO GOOD. Morally grey characters who are so unapologetically bad...and I loved it.
Do yourselves a favour and pick it up when it releases in February. This is my first book by Tricia Levenseller and it most certainly shan’t be my last!
1) Woo the Shadow King.
2) Marry him.
3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.
This gave me all the Cruel Beauty-vibes I've been craving and my favourite 2020 release thus far. I nearly read this WHOLE THING in one sitting with a grin on my face. It was SO GOOD. Morally grey characters who are so unapologetically bad...and I loved it.
Do yourselves a favour and pick it up when it releases in February. This is my first book by Tricia Levenseller and it most certainly shan’t be my last!
April 22, 2020
We need more Slytherin narrators in the world.
I’ve always found myself drawn to characters with Slytherin traits. They’re much more interesting than your purely good characters (sorry, Jon Snow). This book’s narrator, Alessandra, is a rare one. Legitimately. I’ve NEVER seen a narrator like this who wasn’t the villain.
She’s confident.
She’s unapologetic.
She’s cunning.
She’s observant.
She’s direct.
I didn’t spend one second of this book internally screaming, “COME ON. JUST ASK HIM WHAT HE REALLY MEANS. JUST TELL HIM HOW YOU FEEL. ASK HIM TO CLARIFY” because homegirl Alessandra just goes for it. She’s well aware she’s not an angel and never pretends otherwise.
Mad respect.
She legit tells you on page 1 that she killed someone when she was 15. Is she sorry? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
Again, mad respect.
She doesn’t need protecting.
She doesn’t need saving.
Just get the fuck out of her way because she’s got this.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
The only thing I’m mad about in regards to this book is I spent the entire time reading thinking it was the first book in a series and I would get to spend more time with these characters. But noooooooo. I just had to be illiterate and/or misremember. What a moron.
One final note—I fully support the pro-women, anti-slut shaming stance this book takes. It absolute annihilates that whole idea that “beautiful virgin female MC” is the only way to go. Because, get the smelling salts, Alessandra sleeps with men FOR FUN. BECAUSE SHE LIKES IT. She doesn’t have feelings for them. She just likes to bang. AND THAT’S OKAY. 💕 Her friend in the book IS a beautiful virgin and IS waiting until marriage—AND THAT IS ALSO OKAY! 💕
Just look:
YAAAASSSSSSSS!
AND THEN:
I legit thought my heart was going to burst and I was just going to die right there in my sweatpants-and-Christmas-sweatshirt-quarantine-look because THANK. YOU.
STOP THE SLUT SHAMING.
STOP THE SLYTHERIN SHAMING.
And goddammit, if you don’t know what a Slytherin is, please go read Harry Potter.
Otherwise I, a Gryffindor, will have to charge after you and beat you over the head with it (Gryffindors are not subtle) (see: this entire review).
I’ve always found myself drawn to characters with Slytherin traits. They’re much more interesting than your purely good characters (sorry, Jon Snow). This book’s narrator, Alessandra, is a rare one. Legitimately. I’ve NEVER seen a narrator like this who wasn’t the villain.
She’s confident.
She’s unapologetic.
She’s cunning.
She’s observant.
She’s direct.
I didn’t spend one second of this book internally screaming, “COME ON. JUST ASK HIM WHAT HE REALLY MEANS. JUST TELL HIM HOW YOU FEEL. ASK HIM TO CLARIFY” because homegirl Alessandra just goes for it. She’s well aware she’s not an angel and never pretends otherwise.
Mad respect.
She legit tells you on page 1 that she killed someone when she was 15. Is she sorry? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
Again, mad respect.
She doesn’t need protecting.
She doesn’t need saving.
Just get the fuck out of her way because she’s got this.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
The only thing I’m mad about in regards to this book is I spent the entire time reading thinking it was the first book in a series and I would get to spend more time with these characters. But noooooooo. I just had to be illiterate and/or misremember. What a moron.
One final note—I fully support the pro-women, anti-slut shaming stance this book takes. It absolute annihilates that whole idea that “beautiful virgin female MC” is the only way to go. Because, get the smelling salts, Alessandra sleeps with men FOR FUN. BECAUSE SHE LIKES IT. She doesn’t have feelings for them. She just likes to bang. AND THAT’S OKAY. 💕 Her friend in the book IS a beautiful virgin and IS waiting until marriage—AND THAT IS ALSO OKAY! 💕
Just look:
“I’m not a trollop...I’m a sexually empowered woman, and there is nothing wrong with that.”
YAAAASSSSSSSS!
AND THEN:
“There is nothing silly about waiting until you want to. Don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise. It is your body to do with as you will... Waiting. Not waiting. One lover. A hundred lovers. There should be no judgment either way. A woman is not defined by what she does or doesn’t do in the bedroom.”
I legit thought my heart was going to burst and I was just going to die right there in my sweatpants-and-Christmas-sweatshirt-quarantine-look because THANK. YOU.
STOP THE SLUT SHAMING.
STOP THE SLYTHERIN SHAMING.
And goddammit, if you don’t know what a Slytherin is, please go read Harry Potter.
Otherwise I, a Gryffindor, will have to charge after you and beat you over the head with it (Gryffindors are not subtle) (see: this entire review).
March 29, 2020
I am...so sad. Marketed as a Slytherin romance with a leading lady who is unapologetically cunning, I was all for this book. It was one of my anticipated releases, but it ultimately just fell short for me.
First thing I noted was the simplicity of the writing. Not every book has to be elaborately written, but when the plot is quite literally being laid out on a plate in front of you with zero room for doubt or interpretation, there's no space left for guessing or intrigue. You're just told everything, and move on with a simple "oh ok". What's more, I didn't really understand the need to almost obsessively describe the clothing. It seemed the author wanted to portray a sense of decadence in the court (understandably) and show the main character as having an interest in clothing, but the book just mentioned clothing constantly. Yes it can make a statement, but there were so many scenes of the main character designing dresses...when nothing really came of it? She simply became a trendsetter, moving on. Apart from we didn't move on, because not once could her legs be mentioned without it specifying she's wearing pants. "he touched my pant-clad leg"/"my pant-clad legs" and details to that effect were mentioned again and again, even when her outfit was literally just mentioned and there was no need for further reiteration. A petty thing to point out, but it just seemed to drive you towards a belief that her clothing will be central to the plot somehow when it just...wasn't, really.
The characters themselves I just didn't believe. Our leading lady walks about claiming she's dangerous and not one to cross, but it didn't really feel that way. Especially not when within the space of a page, she arrives at a new place and immediately makes friends with the first people who talk to her, claiming something along the lines of "well I'll need friends". That may be the case, but it isn't that easy and there was certainly no sign of that friendship growing at all. They were just claimed and that was that. The uneasiness supposedly surrounding the Shadow King didn't feel legit. The threat surrounding him didn't feel dangerous at all. The main's father and sister were just awful for no good reason, her father's reasonings behind the attempts to pull her away from the court just didn't make sense. There was a random Robin-Hood sideline story that popped up out of nowhere?? I am just...confused. So very confused at what this story was trying to do.
And the final straw, so to speak, was the plot twist. It was ridiculous. It made no sense. Literally didn't understand how that could happen and the reasoning behind it was so unsubstantial I just blinked. I don't want to sound this harsh but I just...no. I couldn't do it.
Sadly this book just flopped for me, in every way possible. I know many people enjoy it and for what it's worth, I will say it's a quick and easy read. Probably nice if you want something fun but kind of dark? But unfortunately it's a no from me.
First thing I noted was the simplicity of the writing. Not every book has to be elaborately written, but when the plot is quite literally being laid out on a plate in front of you with zero room for doubt or interpretation, there's no space left for guessing or intrigue. You're just told everything, and move on with a simple "oh ok". What's more, I didn't really understand the need to almost obsessively describe the clothing. It seemed the author wanted to portray a sense of decadence in the court (understandably) and show the main character as having an interest in clothing, but the book just mentioned clothing constantly. Yes it can make a statement, but there were so many scenes of the main character designing dresses...when nothing really came of it? She simply became a trendsetter, moving on. Apart from we didn't move on, because not once could her legs be mentioned without it specifying she's wearing pants. "he touched my pant-clad leg"/"my pant-clad legs" and details to that effect were mentioned again and again, even when her outfit was literally just mentioned and there was no need for further reiteration. A petty thing to point out, but it just seemed to drive you towards a belief that her clothing will be central to the plot somehow when it just...wasn't, really.
The characters themselves I just didn't believe. Our leading lady walks about claiming she's dangerous and not one to cross, but it didn't really feel that way. Especially not when within the space of a page, she arrives at a new place and immediately makes friends with the first people who talk to her, claiming something along the lines of "well I'll need friends". That may be the case, but it isn't that easy and there was certainly no sign of that friendship growing at all. They were just claimed and that was that. The uneasiness supposedly surrounding the Shadow King didn't feel legit. The threat surrounding him didn't feel dangerous at all. The main's father and sister were just awful for no good reason, her father's reasonings behind the attempts to pull her away from the court just didn't make sense. There was a random Robin-Hood sideline story that popped up out of nowhere?? I am just...confused. So very confused at what this story was trying to do.
And the final straw, so to speak, was the plot twist. It was ridiculous. It made no sense. Literally didn't understand how that could happen and the reasoning behind it was so unsubstantial I just blinked. I don't want to sound this harsh but I just...no. I couldn't do it.
Sadly this book just flopped for me, in every way possible. I know many people enjoy it and for what it's worth, I will say it's a quick and easy read. Probably nice if you want something fun but kind of dark? But unfortunately it's a no from me.
April 5, 2020
The perfect couple, matched in viciousness and skill. The perfect story.
“Alessandra Stathos, that’s positively despicable.” He says the words like they’re the highest compliment he can give me. “You are an absolute gem, do you know that?"
This book really showed me just how much our first impression of anyone influences how we react to their actions in any given situation. Alessandra, introduced as a vicious, scheming woman with no loyalties, but, honestly, captivating in her intelligence, held my suspicion for so long, nearly forgetting that she too must have feelings, a reason deep down for why she needs to be so in control of everything around her and her expressing it in the only way she could.
The whole book really holds your attention because of how much thought Alexandra puts into every move she makes and the outcomes and vivid and astounding. Some time revealing her plans quickly and sometimes holding onto her secrets to the very end she keeps the readers on their feet. Her own plots surrounded by the bigger plot of the king’s possible murder weave in and out of each other throughtout the book and overlap seamlessly, even when they begin to diverge.
It’s a marvel how the twists in the story would appear out of nowhere, and it doesn’t even happen when everything is quite as if in the calm before the storm, it happens amidst the chaos of everything else happening as there isn’t a moment in the book where everything is truly settles, every single page is full of tension and the apprehension of what comes next.
I wouldn’t say character development is a big part of the story because no one really changes over the course of the story, it’s more like new facets of their character are revealed as the circumstances change and as they interact with different people. Alessandra and the King don’t change their personalities for each other, no one becomes uncharacteristically docile and cliche, and that’s what makes them so perfect for each other, they never had to change to become a perfect fit.
The entire book was written eloquently and the characters are portrayed beautifully. Tricia Levenseller exploits every situation wonderfully to highlight every character's personality. Every interaction between characters conveys who they are very well, while contributing to the underlying plot. I loved every part of this book and would definitely recommend if you’re looking for drama and plot twists. The fantasy part plays a good part in the role but I wouldn’t say it defines the book, so don’t expect a high fantasy world type narration with magic at the centre.
"Who in the world would steal and then not keep the riches for themselves? That’s just bad business."
“Alessandra Stathos, that’s positively despicable.” He says the words like they’re the highest compliment he can give me. “You are an absolute gem, do you know that?"
This book really showed me just how much our first impression of anyone influences how we react to their actions in any given situation. Alessandra, introduced as a vicious, scheming woman with no loyalties, but, honestly, captivating in her intelligence, held my suspicion for so long, nearly forgetting that she too must have feelings, a reason deep down for why she needs to be so in control of everything around her and her expressing it in the only way she could.
The whole book really holds your attention because of how much thought Alexandra puts into every move she makes and the outcomes and vivid and astounding. Some time revealing her plans quickly and sometimes holding onto her secrets to the very end she keeps the readers on their feet. Her own plots surrounded by the bigger plot of the king’s possible murder weave in and out of each other throughtout the book and overlap seamlessly, even when they begin to diverge.
It’s a marvel how the twists in the story would appear out of nowhere, and it doesn’t even happen when everything is quite as if in the calm before the storm, it happens amidst the chaos of everything else happening as there isn’t a moment in the book where everything is truly settles, every single page is full of tension and the apprehension of what comes next.
I wouldn’t say character development is a big part of the story because no one really changes over the course of the story, it’s more like new facets of their character are revealed as the circumstances change and as they interact with different people. Alessandra and the King don’t change their personalities for each other, no one becomes uncharacteristically docile and cliche, and that’s what makes them so perfect for each other, they never had to change to become a perfect fit.
The entire book was written eloquently and the characters are portrayed beautifully. Tricia Levenseller exploits every situation wonderfully to highlight every character's personality. Every interaction between characters conveys who they are very well, while contributing to the underlying plot. I loved every part of this book and would definitely recommend if you’re looking for drama and plot twists. The fantasy part plays a good part in the role but I wouldn’t say it defines the book, so don’t expect a high fantasy world type narration with magic at the centre.
"Who in the world would steal and then not keep the riches for themselves? That’s just bad business."
March 10, 2021
Quick Stats:
Overall: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 5/5
Awesomeness Factor: 5/5
Review in a Nutshell: The Shadows Between Us is a fun, addictive novel that lived up to all of my expectations- a feat I worried would be impossible.
“They've never found the body of the first and only boy who broke my heart. And they never will.”
(This is literally the first line in the book how can you not want to read more?!?!)
// Content Warning: Violence, Death, Assault, Slut Shaming, Murder //
"I know when I've been beaten, and I have barely even started."
Release Date: 2/25/2020
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Page Count: 326
Premise:
This book has been described as a Slytherin romance, and honestly? There’s no better way to describe it. Alessandra has a goal: marry the Shadow King, then kill him and take his kingdom. The challenge? She isn’t the only one who wants him dead, and she must keep him alive long enough to make it to the author.
““You are beautiful,” he continues. “But not so beautiful as to tempt me.””
(Love Kallias, master of the art of complementing someone and insulting them at the same time)
- Writing & Setting -
Tricia Levenseller became one of my favorite authors after Daughter of the Pirate King for a few key reasons, and one of them being her writing style. She writes amazing banter between characters, and she manages to create a fantasy world without ever overwhelming the reader. There is a hint of magic in this world, and it has its explanations and is fully grounded, but other than kingdom politics, not much else of the world is explained. I personally didn’t mind, because everything I needed was explained perfectly, but don’t come into this expected a Game of Thrones level amount of worldbuilding and depth here.
"Who in the world would steal and then not keep the riches for themselves? That’s just bad business."
(I mean, she's not wrong)
- Plot -
This book is so fun. The plot has a bit of mystery, plenty of scheming, and of course, an amazing romance. The book is perfectly paced, and had me hooked from page one. The plot twists were a little predictable, however some aspects of them did actually surprise me. This book also tackles themes of misogyny and slut shaming really well!
“Don’t be afraid of who you are. Say what you wish. Be who you wish. Don’t try to be someone else.”
- Characters -
Our main characters are horrible and I love them so much. Let's talk about Alessandra. She’s cunning, ambitious, and has no regrets. She knows what she wants and she will take it, no matter what is in her way. I loved how resourceful and intelligent she is, and I especially loved her interest in fashion. She’s my queen. Kallias didn’t get quite as much development as Alessandra, but I still love him. He’s equally ambitious, and the two of them together are a little villainous but in the best way. Their romance isn’t really enemies-to-lovers, but instead almost sweet, and it was so adorable. I will say, I can see people not liking the main characters- they are not good people- but for me that’s part of the appeal.
There are some great side characters, with an emphasis on friendship between women that I loved! Also, there are some LGBTQ+ side characters, and I really loved how being queer is completely normal in this world.
”I would not allow myself to die in the grave I’d dug.”
(an / i c o n / i love her so much)
- Conclusion -
Pros- Fascinating characters, addicting plot, great writing
Cons- The main characters may not be for you (but they also might!)
Overall- 5/5 stars.
The Shadows Between Us is a fantastic novel, with a fun premise and unique characters, you will fall in love.
Follow Me Here: Blog ||Tumblr || Bookstagram || Twitter|| Reviews
Overall: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 5/5
Awesomeness Factor: 5/5
Review in a Nutshell: The Shadows Between Us is a fun, addictive novel that lived up to all of my expectations- a feat I worried would be impossible.
“They've never found the body of the first and only boy who broke my heart. And they never will.”
(This is literally the first line in the book how can you not want to read more?!?!)
// Content Warning: Violence, Death, Assault, Slut Shaming, Murder //
"I know when I've been beaten, and I have barely even started."
Release Date: 2/25/2020
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Page Count: 326
Premise:
This book has been described as a Slytherin romance, and honestly? There’s no better way to describe it. Alessandra has a goal: marry the Shadow King, then kill him and take his kingdom. The challenge? She isn’t the only one who wants him dead, and she must keep him alive long enough to make it to the author.
““You are beautiful,” he continues. “But not so beautiful as to tempt me.””
(Love Kallias, master of the art of complementing someone and insulting them at the same time)
- Writing & Setting -
Tricia Levenseller became one of my favorite authors after Daughter of the Pirate King for a few key reasons, and one of them being her writing style. She writes amazing banter between characters, and she manages to create a fantasy world without ever overwhelming the reader. There is a hint of magic in this world, and it has its explanations and is fully grounded, but other than kingdom politics, not much else of the world is explained. I personally didn’t mind, because everything I needed was explained perfectly, but don’t come into this expected a Game of Thrones level amount of worldbuilding and depth here.
"Who in the world would steal and then not keep the riches for themselves? That’s just bad business."
(I mean, she's not wrong)
- Plot -
This book is so fun. The plot has a bit of mystery, plenty of scheming, and of course, an amazing romance. The book is perfectly paced, and had me hooked from page one. The plot twists were a little predictable, however some aspects of them did actually surprise me. This book also tackles themes of misogyny and slut shaming really well!
“Don’t be afraid of who you are. Say what you wish. Be who you wish. Don’t try to be someone else.”
- Characters -
Our main characters are horrible and I love them so much. Let's talk about Alessandra. She’s cunning, ambitious, and has no regrets. She knows what she wants and she will take it, no matter what is in her way. I loved how resourceful and intelligent she is, and I especially loved her interest in fashion. She’s my queen. Kallias didn’t get quite as much development as Alessandra, but I still love him. He’s equally ambitious, and the two of them together are a little villainous but in the best way. Their romance isn’t really enemies-to-lovers, but instead almost sweet, and it was so adorable. I will say, I can see people not liking the main characters- they are not good people- but for me that’s part of the appeal.
There are some great side characters, with an emphasis on friendship between women that I loved! Also, there are some LGBTQ+ side characters, and I really loved how being queer is completely normal in this world.
”I would not allow myself to die in the grave I’d dug.”
(an / i c o n / i love her so much)
- Conclusion -
Pros- Fascinating characters, addicting plot, great writing
Cons- The main characters may not be for you (but they also might!)
Overall- 5/5 stars.
The Shadows Between Us is a fantastic novel, with a fun premise and unique characters, you will fall in love.
Follow Me Here: Blog ||Tumblr || Bookstagram || Twitter|| Reviews
March 29, 2020
if this is what counts as 'dark' fantasy, I guess that means i reside in the deepest pit of hell chilling with satan
This was so bland, I need to go bath in salt now, bye
(does get bonus points for the pretty dresses, fake dating, female friendships and that one scene at the club)
This was so bland, I need to go bath in salt now, bye
(does get bonus points for the pretty dresses, fake dating, female friendships and that one scene at the club)
May 9, 2021
What a profoundly silly story. The best part was chapter one after which it was all downhill.
January 8, 2023
The poets can say whatever they damned like. A woman's worth is not decided by what's between her legs but by what is in her mind.
I couldn't catch a freaking breath while reading this but if I die, at least I die knowing I've found a new favorite book.
The Shadows Between Us is one of the few books that I've read this year that kept me glued to the pages to the point I thought about it even when I was at work, or watching a movie, or doing anything that wasn't reading it.
You never get a dull moment. Some might say the pace was probably too fast, and I would agree, but I enjoyed jumping from a chapter to another, feeling like I was on the run and couldn't stop.
Alessandra is one of the best morally gray characters I've ever encountered. She really does remind me a bit of Jude Duarte, and while she's not as complex and faceted as her Fae Queen counterpart, I can say her character's potential was well developed.
I didn't always related or agreed with her actions and behavior, but I had fun being in her deliciously twisted mind.
Kallias I simply adored and I don't know if I'll ever find another book couple I loved more than he and Alessandra.
The romance left me breathless in more than one occasion, and it's even more fantomatic if you think some of the steamiest scenes weren't even smytty ones.
The sexual tension made me feel things in places I didn't even remember I have.
Plotwise speaking, it was nothing extraordinary, but I didn't care much about twists and intrigues. I was and still am way more than content with the avalanche of feelings this little gem provided.
🚩𝙿𝙾𝚂𝚂𝙸𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝙿𝚁𝙾𝙱𝙻𝙴𝙼𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙲 𝙲𝙾𝙽𝚃𝙴𝙽𝚃 𝙰𝙻𝙴𝚁𝚃!*🚩
*𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚜 𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜, 𝚜𝚒𝚝𝚞𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜, 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍/𝚘𝚛 𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙𝚜 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚖𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚋𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚌/𝚝𝚘𝚡𝚒𝚌/𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝚘𝚛 𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎.
𝙸, 𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚘𝚛 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠, 𝚊𝚌𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚕𝚎𝚍𝚐𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚝𝚜 𝚗𝚎𝚐𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜, 𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚖𝚒𝚝𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚢 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝 𝚣𝚘𝚗𝚎, 𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚒𝚝 𝚊𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝚖𝚢 𝚎𝚗𝚓𝚘𝚢𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚛 𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗, 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎:
-𝙸 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚢;
-𝙸 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚌𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚋𝚎𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚘𝚛𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎;
-𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚞𝚊𝚕 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚘𝚛 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚜 𝚌𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗 "𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚋𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚌" 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜/𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙𝚜/𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜, 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍𝚗'𝚝 𝚍𝚎𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗;
-𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚐𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚊 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝙾𝙽𝙴 𝙾𝙵 𝚃𝙷𝙾𝚂𝙴 𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺𝚂, 𝚢'𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠?
book #35
◾this hashtag is something I self-indulgently created for fun when I decided to thin out my immense tbr list as a new years resolution starting from books I added on GR back in 2017/2018/2019, and since I can't seem to do anything quietly and I'm well known for being an overachiever, I had to go and turn it into an official thing. Feel free to check out the #PenguinOnATBRMission shelf if you don't mind keeping up with this insanely over-hyped adventure I got myself into. Take it as a chance to rediscover some books from a few years ago that might have accidentally flown under your radar, or to simply share with another fellow reader your very own reading experience. Happy reading and stay penguin-y!◾
To Be Continued...🐧
August 8, 2023
"I want a life with you, Alessandra, one without the shadows between us..."
3.5 stars 🌟
It was an enjoyable read for sure but I do believe it could have been better.
The world building was non existent, there is just a shadow king with little details about his kingdom or shadows. But considering it's a YA romantasy, the sole focus was romance. I have seen a lot of people call this a villain x villain romance, I disagree. The only villain was the FMC, surely I must have read a different book cause I did not see a single instance of the MMC acting cruel or villainous.
Kallias, aka the Shadow King is as charming as the rest of the shadow daddies, only in YA here 👀 I liked him, his struggles with trust issues cause almost everyone wants him dead. Why he acts a certain way, why he chooses to be reserved in nature. I liked how he opened up to Alessandra and then eventually to others.
Alessandra insert multiple swear words is not a force to be reckoned with, she is not empowering, she is just a whiny girl with major superiority complex issues which never get resolved. She wants everything to do with power, she will go to any extent to gain that power, she has a massive ego. Nah nah, don't turn it into a feminist issue- men acting that way is also ugly. Alessandra is conniving, deceiving, and completely selfish. There is no sense of selflessness, whenever she does something good it is with an ulterior motive. She believes everyone owes her the world. And the reason she hates her own family is so petty? She needs therapy to sort out her non existing sibling rivalry issues. Yeah I hate Alessandra. The Shadow King can do better.
Out of all the supporting characters I liked Leandros the best. Look, I know what happened at the end but am telling you all, I can fix him 😭😩 The romance was good enough, angsty in some places and all credit goes to Kallias. I liked the second half more as the evil woman tuned down her evil ideas a bit and started to pay attention to Kallias.
Had Alessandra been more likable, it would easily been a 4.5 star read for me. But yeah.
~•~•~
Fingers crossed. Please be nice
3.5 stars 🌟
It was an enjoyable read for sure but I do believe it could have been better.
The world building was non existent, there is just a shadow king with little details about his kingdom or shadows. But considering it's a YA romantasy, the sole focus was romance. I have seen a lot of people call this a villain x villain romance, I disagree. The only villain was the FMC, surely I must have read a different book cause I did not see a single instance of the MMC acting cruel or villainous.
Kallias, aka the Shadow King is as charming as the rest of the shadow daddies, only in YA here 👀 I liked him, his struggles with trust issues cause almost everyone wants him dead. Why he acts a certain way, why he chooses to be reserved in nature. I liked how he opened up to Alessandra and then eventually to others.
Alessandra insert multiple swear words is not a force to be reckoned with, she is not empowering, she is just a whiny girl with major superiority complex issues which never get resolved. She wants everything to do with power, she will go to any extent to gain that power, she has a massive ego. Nah nah, don't turn it into a feminist issue- men acting that way is also ugly. Alessandra is conniving, deceiving, and completely selfish. There is no sense of selflessness, whenever she does something good it is with an ulterior motive. She believes everyone owes her the world. And the reason she hates her own family is so petty? She needs therapy to sort out her non existing sibling rivalry issues. Yeah I hate Alessandra. The Shadow King can do better.
Out of all the supporting characters I liked Leandros the best. Look, I know what happened at the end but am telling you all, I can fix him 😭😩 The romance was good enough, angsty in some places and all credit goes to Kallias. I liked the second half more as the evil woman tuned down her evil ideas a bit and started to pay attention to Kallias.
Had Alessandra been more likable, it would easily been a 4.5 star read for me. But yeah.
~•~•~
Fingers crossed. Please be nice
October 14, 2021
My expectations were low given the author herself proclaimed it to be a “Slytherin Romance”, barf.
(The speed at which I finished this book is irrelevant, leave me alone.)
The main character was so infuriating I wanted to stab myself in the eye reading this. Also, the casual queer rep made no sense. If you’re going to do the whole oppressive society, at least commit to it. And why were the only gay people men? Strange.
Alessandra managed to make leaps in logic, but at the same time made stupid nonsensical mistakes for the sake of moving the plot? If you have to double back on your characterization just to keep the story moving, it’s telling of poor writing skills.
Yeah, this book was entertaining, but it was entertaining in the same way that watching a dog chase it’s own tail is. Should you maybe stop it? Probably, but letting it continue is far more interesting.
(The speed at which I finished this book is irrelevant, leave me alone.)
The main character was so infuriating I wanted to stab myself in the eye reading this. Also, the casual queer rep made no sense. If you’re going to do the whole oppressive society, at least commit to it. And why were the only gay people men? Strange.
Alessandra managed to make leaps in logic, but at the same time made stupid nonsensical mistakes for the sake of moving the plot? If you have to double back on your characterization just to keep the story moving, it’s telling of poor writing skills.
Yeah, this book was entertaining, but it was entertaining in the same way that watching a dog chase it’s own tail is. Should you maybe stop it? Probably, but letting it continue is far more interesting.
September 16, 2023
if Katherine from Vampire Diaries got a love story i feel like this would be it
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