Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Review: The Shadows Between Us

 


Title: The Shadows Between Us 

Series: Shadows Between Us

Author: Tricia Levenseller 

Release Date: February 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?


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So I picked up this book on a whim. I'm a mood reader & was looking for something that was light - something I didn't have to think heavily about after finishing Onyx Storm. I tried a few books but nothing stuck. Then after watching a movie I was on the hunt for a revenge story. I seen a social media post listing this one with the revenge trope. Perfect I thought. Only, it wasn't exactly what I was looking for. 

Alessandra has a plan - Woo the Shadow King. Marry the Shadow King. Kill the Shadow King. And despite not knowing the extent of the Shadow King's power, she will stop at nothing to try and get everything she has always wanted. Wealth, power, and acknowledgement. She is tired of being overlooked because of her sister. 

But Alessandra isn't the only one trying to kill the King. As attempts on his life are being made, Alessandra is finding herself trying to keep the Shadow King alive long enough for her to become Queen, and also finding herself getting closer to him - which is a dangerous game and could end up getting them both killed. 

So, like I said this was a lighter, easier fantasy read. It wasn't a high fantasy with a ton of world building to dive into. It was an upper YA read - there are mentions of sex & violence and death, but the sex is mostly off page. It is a slow burn, not quite enemies to friends to lovers. While the characters never really hated each other, Alessandra was planning to kill the King to gain his throne. 
There was some revenge - but not between the main characters, which was what I was originally was searching for when I picked up this book. 
Over all it was a good quick read, that I enjoyed. It was light, fun and interesting. If you love YA fantasy reads with main characters with shadow powers and scheming FMC's then I recommend this read. 

4⭐ out of 5⭐. 
1 🌶️ out of 5🌶️. 

Tropes: 
• enemies to lovers (kinda)
• villainous MC
• morally grey MC 
• slow burn 
• shadow daddy 
• court of intrigue 
• murder mystery 
• historical fantasy with modern thinking 



ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Tricia Levenseller is the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of eight YA romantasies, including the Daughter of the Pirate King duology and The Shadows between Us. Her books have been translated into twenty languages and counting.

Tricia grew up in Oregon, where she spent her childhood climbing trees and playing make believe. She now lives in Utah with her bossy dog, Rosy, where she writes full time. When she’s not writing or reading, Tricia enjoys putting together jigsaw puzzles, playing video games, and finding tasty restaurants to frequent.

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