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melwright's review
4.0
Firstly I would like to say I’m very grateful to have received a digital ARC from Raven More.
I started reading this book after reading another book with very little happened and boy am I glad at how quickly Fallen Shadows jumped into the action. The relationship between Elara and Varek is a compelling one, but for me, it was the emotion and relationships between Elara and her family that hooked me.
The notion of the elders being in charge is not too dissimilar to a 1984 surveillance state. This of course provides some interesting struggles for the characters, which were intriguing as a reader.
For me, personally, I do think the story jumped around a little bit with very little focus on the beginning of Elara’s journey as a warrior and the budding relationship between Elara and Varek. It became very intense very quickly, and while this is not necessarily a bad thing in many stories, I think I just hoped for more backstory there to really build my emotional connection as a reader to these characters. This also could just be a result of an instalove trope. This is why it was a 4 and not a 5 for me.
Despite this, my interest was grabbed at every point in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It was a lovely dip into what felt like historical fantasy (it likely isn’t historical but that’s just my mental image of the castle and the warriors along with the language choices) which is not normally a vibe that I personally delve into.
If you are a fan of romantasy, ‘touch her and you’ll die’, swords and magic, and you’re not a fan of a slow burn, then this could be the book for you! Also the cover is stunning so what more can I say?
kindlebabe's review
4.0
I want to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to read this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
This was absolutely a wonderful read. This book had it all. You have a society that is ruled by a group that is not merciful. The worst crime here…love…you will be unalived for such atrocity (forbidden love). You have a city that is threatened by monsters and our FMC & MC must find that which will save their city/together.
I absolutely loved these two characters and watching their relationship develop and grow through this entire story. Elara and Varek are a new favorite couple for me. This romantasy is a top on my 2024 list. I cannot wait for what else our author will come out with. I will be recommending this book to all of my book loving friends.
This was absolutely a wonderful read. This book had it all. You have a society that is ruled by a group that is not merciful. The worst crime here…love…you will be unalived for such atrocity (forbidden love). You have a city that is threatened by monsters and our FMC & MC must find that which will save their city/together.
I absolutely loved these two characters and watching their relationship develop and grow through this entire story. Elara and Varek are a new favorite couple for me. This romantasy is a top on my 2024 list. I cannot wait for what else our author will come out with. I will be recommending this book to all of my book loving friends.
betwixt_the_pages's review
3.0
Rating: 2.75/5 Penguins (rounded up)
Quick Reasons: instalove; the "chosen" one; interesting world; flat though intriguing characters and fast paced story building; some confusing scenes
HUGE thanks to Raven More and Defy the Dark Publishing for the title! My review is voluntarily written and in no way impacted or altered by this gesture.
Varek and I stand rooted, a novel scent tickling my senses, crisp and unfamiliar. A guttural snark rips through my concentration. "There's a stir within this sea of gold," I murmur, more to myself than to him.
I struggled to review this one, Penguins. Let's start with the good things. I REALLY feel like the ideas of the world, the magics, the society, the monsters, etc that the author plays with in this book are unique and intriguing. I WANTED to fall deeply into this story. I wanted to be pulled away, to learn all the nooks and crannies and secrets that lurk beneath these pages. The characters were interesting, the "star crossed romance" could have REALLY brought this journey to life. The prose was bordering on purple and plain, a delicate mix that worked well for this story especially when woven between the dual point of views. I wanted SO BADLY for this book to sweep me up and spit me out a changed reader.
Unfortunately, I struggled to suspend my disbelief and really be drawn into the world of this novel. I feel as if this book started page one, more like in act 25. The characters' don't so much leap off the page as TUMBLE from them, seeming more 2 dimensional than really fleshed out. Their romance feels like it's stuck somewhere on the fifth act, instead of as a "just beginning" feeling (honestly, it feels like where WE start this book, should be more like the MIDDLE of the read than the beginning). While the magic is unique (for the bits and pieces we get) I had more questions than I ended with answers. A lot of this story was left to be desired, and I ended up more frustrated than fulfilled at the end.
There is no one for me to confide in. No person of worth wants a warrior for a friend because we die too young to matter and I'll never be fully accepted by the male warriors. I don't care; the only person I want to be with I almost killed to earn a title. But I cannot--will not kill him. If the Elder demanded a death, I would have surrendered and fallen on Varek's blade.
STILL, while this book wasn't the read for me, I would recommend to lovers of steampunk fantasy, unique magic systems, and worlds that seem to leap off the page at you as you read. The characters are intriguing, the monsters are terrifying, and just because this book didn't work for ME doesn't mean that YOU won't love it. The shadows are falling, Penguins...are YOU ready to see what hides beneath them?
Quick Reasons: instalove; the "chosen" one; interesting world; flat though intriguing characters and fast paced story building; some confusing scenes
HUGE thanks to Raven More and Defy the Dark Publishing for the title! My review is voluntarily written and in no way impacted or altered by this gesture.
Varek and I stand rooted, a novel scent tickling my senses, crisp and unfamiliar. A guttural snark rips through my concentration. "There's a stir within this sea of gold," I murmur, more to myself than to him.
I struggled to review this one, Penguins. Let's start with the good things. I REALLY feel like the ideas of the world, the magics, the society, the monsters, etc that the author plays with in this book are unique and intriguing. I WANTED to fall deeply into this story. I wanted to be pulled away, to learn all the nooks and crannies and secrets that lurk beneath these pages. The characters were interesting, the "star crossed romance" could have REALLY brought this journey to life. The prose was bordering on purple and plain, a delicate mix that worked well for this story especially when woven between the dual point of views. I wanted SO BADLY for this book to sweep me up and spit me out a changed reader.
Unfortunately, I struggled to suspend my disbelief and really be drawn into the world of this novel. I feel as if this book started page one, more like in act 25. The characters' don't so much leap off the page as TUMBLE from them, seeming more 2 dimensional than really fleshed out. Their romance feels like it's stuck somewhere on the fifth act, instead of as a "just beginning" feeling (honestly, it feels like where WE start this book, should be more like the MIDDLE of the read than the beginning). While the magic is unique (for the bits and pieces we get) I had more questions than I ended with answers. A lot of this story was left to be desired, and I ended up more frustrated than fulfilled at the end.
There is no one for me to confide in. No person of worth wants a warrior for a friend because we die too young to matter and I'll never be fully accepted by the male warriors. I don't care; the only person I want to be with I almost killed to earn a title. But I cannot--will not kill him. If the Elder demanded a death, I would have surrendered and fallen on Varek's blade.
STILL, while this book wasn't the read for me, I would recommend to lovers of steampunk fantasy, unique magic systems, and worlds that seem to leap off the page at you as you read. The characters are intriguing, the monsters are terrifying, and just because this book didn't work for ME doesn't mean that YOU won't love it. The shadows are falling, Penguins...are YOU ready to see what hides beneath them?
tpeterson's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
mdegraff's review
4.0
Take a feisty heroine, cross it with an impossible mission, toss in touch her and die vibes, and you get the captivating storyline of FALLEN SHADOWS, a new romantasy by Raven More.
⭐️ 4.5/5
⭐️ 4.5/5
cydchristine96's review
4.0
This tale drew me in immediately, it has an archaic and very traditional setting. The world in this book is plagued by darkness outside the castle that shelters those remaining. The elders are strict and require a lot from the warriors, this leads us to a new warrior Elara, the first woman to step up to this title.
Elara is driven and fierce holding herself to high morals and vows wanting to protect those in the castle and her remaining family member. She is looked down upon due to being a woman wanting to be a warrior, but another warrior Valek assists her with her training and becomes someone who she longs for. Its funny that in the beginning it seems they desire each other but think it will not be reciprocated.
Due to the rules by the elders marriage and children are not allowed and it is also forbidden for warriors to wed. This leads both Valek & Elara on a journey for freedom, honour and love.
I thoroughly enjoyed this!
Elara is driven and fierce holding herself to high morals and vows wanting to protect those in the castle and her remaining family member. She is looked down upon due to being a woman wanting to be a warrior, but another warrior Valek assists her with her training and becomes someone who she longs for. Its funny that in the beginning it seems they desire each other but think it will not be reciprocated.
Due to the rules by the elders marriage and children are not allowed and it is also forbidden for warriors to wed. This leads both Valek & Elara on a journey for freedom, honour and love.
I thoroughly enjoyed this!
booklovebyelle's review
4.0
Two fierce warriors who love each other but are forbidden to be together in the midst of their world that is threatened by horrible creatures that roam free outside the castle walls - what more could you ask for?
I really enjoyed Fallen Shadows. I instantly loved the connection between Elara & Varek - and was rooting for them the entire book. I loved the world that the author created… the beauty of nature is something that is long forgotten and in the past for them since they’re bound to the walls of the castle that keeps them safe from the Ravenous.
I’ll admit I had SO MANY QUESTIONS regarding the Ravenous and how they came to be, the Elders who rule, the amulets that provide protection and so much more… and these questions you carry with you throughout a majority of the book before they’re answered. But they do finally get answered! I was so glad to finally get these answers as it was driving me crazy knowing we were missing a HUGE piece of the puzzle.
I definitely would recommend Fallen Shadows to anyone who is a Romantasy fan. I don’t think it will disappoint and it definitely leaves you wanting MORE of Elara & Varek!
I really enjoyed Fallen Shadows. I instantly loved the connection between Elara & Varek - and was rooting for them the entire book. I loved the world that the author created… the beauty of nature is something that is long forgotten and in the past for them since they’re bound to the walls of the castle that keeps them safe from the Ravenous.
I’ll admit I had SO MANY QUESTIONS regarding the Ravenous and how they came to be, the Elders who rule, the amulets that provide protection and so much more… and these questions you carry with you throughout a majority of the book before they’re answered. But they do finally get answered! I was so glad to finally get these answers as it was driving me crazy knowing we were missing a HUGE piece of the puzzle.
I definitely would recommend Fallen Shadows to anyone who is a Romantasy fan. I don’t think it will disappoint and it definitely leaves you wanting MORE of Elara & Varek!
4everbookedup's review
4.0
The story of forbidden love is ALWAYS a story that pulls on your heart strings and has you hoping for a happy ending. This is exactly that type of love story. You know right away the main characters will have a strong draw to one another and that there will be a battle for them to end up together. It was a beautiful story with a beautiful ending. The plot twist was also amazingly written and something I didn't see coming.
Con:
I do wish there was more world building from start to finish and not just at the end.
Con:
I do wish there was more world building from start to finish and not just at the end.
pogatshnik's review
3.0
Fallen Shadows, the tale of two, destined to fight to save everything they know and don't know. The story line, the bones of this story is fabulous. It has potential for an amazing fantasy with excellent plot twists.
The book fell short for me through the writing. We are thrust immediately into a relationship between characters that we know nothing about with little world building to help us through the confusion. Most of the story felt incredibly rushed to then slow down to a crawl during any romantic interaction or squabbling between the over-protective males.
The book fell short for me through the writing. We are thrust immediately into a relationship between characters that we know nothing about with little world building to help us through the confusion. Most of the story felt incredibly rushed to then slow down to a crawl during any romantic interaction or squabbling between the over-protective males.
theshelfcollective's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Thank you Netgalley and Raven More for the eArc!
The wonderful thing about this book was that it’s very poetic. The way certain words were used over plain English may turn away some readers, however, I really enjoyed it as it’s a different type of style.
While the storyline was about two warriors, a seemingly impossible mission, monsters, duty, loyalty, and magic, I would say that this was heavily rooted in romance. You are essentially faced with the forbidden romance aspect immediately within a few chapters.
I’m that type of reader, where I like my romance to simmer, and build up. I enjoy world building, banter between the characters, and action (in this case fighting monsters), before the romance. The romance part is like a reward.
The romance in this book contains an agonizing want from both main characters, there is some spice, but it’s the tension and drawn out misunderstanding between the characters that takes the spotlight.
But if you stick with the book, you will be rewarded with a twist that I didn’t even expect!!
I would recommend this book for those that love romance first, and fantasy elements second. There’s not a lot of world-building in this book, but the duel POV really helps drive the story along. It’s packed with dialogue, and I would venture far enough to say that this reads almost like a play/ movie script.
The wonderful thing about this book was that it’s very poetic. The way certain words were used over plain English may turn away some readers, however, I really enjoyed it as it’s a different type of style.
While the storyline was about two warriors, a seemingly impossible mission, monsters, duty, loyalty, and magic, I would say that this was heavily rooted in romance. You are essentially faced with the forbidden romance aspect immediately within a few chapters.
I’m that type of reader, where I like my romance to simmer, and build up. I enjoy world building, banter between the characters, and action (in this case fighting monsters), before the romance. The romance part is like a reward.
The romance in this book contains an agonizing want from both main characters, there is some spice, but it’s the tension and drawn out misunderstanding between the characters that takes the spotlight.
But if you stick with the book, you will be rewarded with a twist that I didn’t even expect!!
I would recommend this book for those that love romance first, and fantasy elements second. There’s not a lot of world-building in this book, but the duel POV really helps drive the story along. It’s packed with dialogue, and I would venture far enough to say that this reads almost like a play/ movie script.