The shadow magic has always whispered to Wren. The same dark power that once ravaged her home kingdom of Asteroth. So she must keep her magic hidden, only using it to help people in need in the remote border village she calls home. Discovery of her gifts would mean death.
Noble knight Finn has sworn to serve his new home, Asteroth, by hunting down those who use shadow magic. He has never forgiven his father, ruler of enemy kingdom Ilanthus, for his terrible cruelty. Spying for Asteroth in his own father’s royal court is his revenge – and carrying a warning of raiding parties on the move, Finn is passing through Wren’s small town…
When terrible creatures in the nearby forest attack him, Wren risks exposing her magic and saves his life. But as they touch, burning desire takes over. And Wren’s magic floods through them both.
As the power fades, Wren and Finn’s wariness of each other returns, even with a new bond between them. But there’s no time to untangle their feelings from the seductive call of the magic. Because with enemy soldiers crossing the border, dark days are coming to Asteroth…
Their fates now entwined, can Wren and Finn learn to trust each other to save their kingdom? Or will they be the key to its destruction?
A Touch of Shadows is a totally gripping and enchanting fantasy romance, packed full of delicious passion, stunning world-building and bewitching magic. This first book in an addictive new series is perfect for fans of Rebecca Yarros, Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout.
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First line:
The village of Thirbridge might well have been at the end of the earth.
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Source:
Source:
Netgalley eARC in exchange for an honest review
---------------------Publication Date:
September 5, 2024
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Rating:
3 shadow kin out of 5
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This book has a lot of potential. The story is interesting and has some twists on popular tropes. However, the romance felt forced, the character development was lacking, and the magic system was not well explained. I'm hoping that we'll get more of an understanding of the magic in the second book. What we do know is interesting, there are two types of what I believe are meant to be goddesses, the Aurum and the Nox.
I'm fairly certain that the book takes place over the course of 3 days? Definitely less than a week. This short span makes what is supposed to be an intense romance between Finn and Wren feel rushed. With comments about how well they know each other made by the two, it really put me off.
The writing also could use some work. Sometimes the chapter endings felt abrupt or weird. There were also times when it would have been nice to get an explanation about something from another character's POV. For example, [spoiler ahead] Wren gets captured by Leander and then Finn gets captured shortly after but there's never any explanation of how Finn got captured.
Overall, I think the sequel will provide some needed answers so I'm looking forward to reading it.
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