Hello, Haley here, and we want to welcome you back to The Reading Room, where we share our thoughts on books we’ve read recently! Today I’m sharing my full review of one of my favorite standalone fantasies of 2020: The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller. We received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for review purposes. All opinions are our own and do not reflect the thoughts or beliefs of the publisher or author.
Our Summary
In this YA romantic, standalone fantasy Alessandra seeks to execute a very clear plan: seduce the shadow king, kill him, and take his kingdom for herself. But entering the king’s court and getting close to him has its own perils, most notably the fact that anyone who touches Kallias is instantly put to death. Not to mention that Alessandra has her own secrets that have the potential to destroy her before she can carry out her plans.
About The Book
The Shadows Between Us by Tricia LevensellerPublished by Feiwel and Friends on February 25, 2020
Pages: 336
Goodreads
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?
Our Thoughts
I have read all of Tricia’s other books and I can honestly say that this one was my favorite. Alessandra is strong, independent and capable heroine that knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to do whatever is required to meet her goals. The characters that she meets along her journey of courting the Shadow King are fun, interesting and memorable
The pacing was perfect and there were enough twists and turns to keep me guessing (and reading) through the whole thing. My favorite part was definitely the way that Alessandra and Kallias’ relationship develops over time when it is decided that they can be mutually beneficial to one another (any other forced-proximity trope fans out there?) It is always nice to see a healthy relationship in YA books. Basically, Alessandra had no problem letting Kallias know that some times he was kind of a jerk and I was 100% here for it.
While some might think the plot predictable generally, it was everything I am looking from a YA romance with fantasy elements: tons of chemistry, witty banter, and beautiful, concise prose
There are a lot of good messages in this book and I think the author did a fantastic job with what she was trying to convey. Alessandra is a champion of bodily autonomy and being your own person irregardless of other’s opinions. There is also extensive discussion surrounding clothing and fashion and I found the conversation between the character’s about different clothing choices and style preferences extremely interesting.
Ultimately I give it 5/5 stars and would recommend it to anyone who loves the works of Sarah J. Maas, Holly Black, and Kristin Perez.
What About You?
Have you read this book? Did you like it as much as I did? I can’t wait to chat about it with you!
I had never heard of this book before, but it sounds amazing! I love the plot, and the cover is gorgeous. Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the great review! ?