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sqeeker's review against another edition
5.0
- This has been sitting on my nightstand since the launch party, and I am kicking myself for not reading it sooner. I loved it!
- This is my new favorite Hades and Persephone story. It had everything: action, romance, friendships, mystery, tension, music, great characters, and a great story.
- The plot was really well done. It was intricate and interwoven. I was hooked from the beginning, and the ending delivered.
- I loved every character. They were all great, and each have their own roles to play. I suspect some characters will play bigger roles later.
- I have nothing bad to say about this book. Just gush gush gush!
- This is my new favorite Hades and Persephone story. It had everything: action, romance, friendships, mystery, tension, music, great characters, and a great story.
- The plot was really well done. It was intricate and interwoven. I was hooked from the beginning, and the ending delivered.
- I loved every character. They were all great, and each have their own roles to play. I suspect some characters will play bigger roles later.
- I have nothing bad to say about this book. Just gush gush gush!
amber04's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this. Review to come closer to publication date.
jolietatton's review against another edition
5.0
I love this book!!! It combined two of my two favorite things: music and Greek mythology. It was very well written and amazing!
lostinafairytale's review against another edition
2.0
Dear future me:
One day you will stumble across this book again and you will read the plot and be drawn in by the cover just like I was. And you will forget what made this book so bad that you threw it across the room at 1:30 in the morning and almost broke the lamp in the living room. And you will be tempted to read it again to give it another chance...
First off, the main characters are complete and total idiots. I seriously had moments where I questioned how they both had managed to live as long as they have.
Let's be honest, Henry was a total dingbat, but he was always a dingbat, so it wasn't really a surprise when he continually effed up and acted like a creepy, Edward Cullen-level stalker.
The real problem was Daphne. Poor, naive, stupid little Daphne.
Daphne is one of those people who makes you believe in Darwin's natural selection because if this was back a million years or so, she would be dead five ways over by now. As it is in modern time, she's still not doing so well.
But the kicker for me, has to be when Daphne confronts Haden about his super creepy tendencies to always be around her, even when she doesn't know he's watching. Does she do anything logical, like go to the police or fill out a restraining order?
Haha, of course. Instead, she jumps to the conclusion that he's around her 24/7 because he's trying to protect her.
And that Daphne is why you'd be dead. Some creepy, albeit cute boy starts taking way too much interest in you and asks you whacked-out questions and your conclusion is to kiss him and declare him your protector.
So in conclusion, future self, please, please, for the love of our book enjoyment, put this book down and run far, far away.
With love,
Present day me :)
One day you will stumble across this book again and you will read the plot and be drawn in by the cover just like I was. And you will forget what made this book so bad that you threw it across the room at 1:30 in the morning and almost broke the lamp in the living room. And you will be tempted to read it again to give it another chance...
First off, the main characters are complete and total idiots. I seriously had moments where I questioned how they both had managed to live as long as they have.
Let's be honest, Henry was a total dingbat, but he was always a dingbat, so it wasn't really a surprise when he continually effed up and acted like a creepy, Edward Cullen-level stalker.
The real problem was Daphne. Poor, naive, stupid little Daphne.
Daphne is one of those people who makes you believe in Darwin's natural selection because if this was back a million years or so, she would be dead five ways over by now. As it is in modern time, she's still not doing so well.
But the kicker for me, has to be when Daphne confronts Haden about his super creepy tendencies to always be around her, even when she doesn't know he's watching. Does she do anything logical, like go to the police or fill out a restraining order?
Haha, of course. Instead, she jumps to the conclusion that he's around her 24/7 because he's trying to protect her.
And that Daphne is why you'd be dead. Some creepy, albeit cute boy starts taking way too much interest in you and asks you whacked-out questions and your conclusion is to kiss him and declare him your protector.
So in conclusion, future self, please, please, for the love of our book enjoyment, put this book down and run far, far away.
With love,
Present day me :)
jmalone3's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
heather4994's review against another edition
5.0
Greek Mythology lovers hold onto your hearts!! This is the Hades and Persephone myth redone in a fresh, very unique way that will have you questioning what team you are on and which side of the mythology to believe. It will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about the Greek Gods. And just when you thought you'd read it all! Just when you thought no one could write something new with those meddling Greek Gods (who am I kidding, right?)! Bree Despain's first book in the Into the Dark Series exceeded my expectations and won me over with it's great characters, both main and secondary and a wonderfully rich world that is sprinkled through the underworld but also the above world and further.
Characters- Lord Haden/ Haden - Haden is like the runt of a set of twins. He used to be the favored one, but then he did something to lose the favor of his father, King Ren, and now he is just barely above a servant as far as status goes. He is an Underlord. He comes from the world of Hades. He's been chosen to seek out The Cypher, a girl. But his teachings have not prepared him for life in the real world. He takes everything literally at first and he comes across strange, stiff, even laughable. Haden is all duty at first but as the novel goes on, he starts to think for himself and it's great to see his character grow and change.
Daphne- For Daphne, it's all about the music. She's got a great voice and once she's singing and playing everything else falls away. She resents her father, The Rock God, who has seen her four times in her life, and she hates the little town of Ellis Fields, she lives in. She wants to make her own way in the music world, but she's got to get out of town first. And her mom has her on a very short leash. I like Daphne a lot. She is not the type of girl that needs to be rescued, doesn't fall for the "Daddy's rich and he's sorry so I'll forgive him" and she doesn't drop at the gorgeous guy's feet. No insta love here people!! She is a bit unpredictable so look for her to make some interesting choices.
Tobin- This is Daphne's first real friend and I can only picture him as a young Frank Sinatra as he is wearing the hat and sings a song from Sinatra for his audition for the music program at the Olympus Hills High. He is not an insta love character either. But there is instant camaraderie between him and Daphne and she seems to trust him readily. He seems to be a loyal friend but I am not completely sure he's trustworthy. He's got his own agenda. He adds a delicious unknown element to the novel.
Dax- Dax is very close lipped about his trip to the human world. He is a disgraced Underlord. He failed his mission six years ago. No one knows what happened. He is supposed to help Haden navigate the human world, but most of the time, he's just gone. No one seems to know where. But he is Haden's friend.
There are other secondary characters that are very well developed as well, the dad- Joe Vince, Demi, the mom, Lexie, Simon, just to name a few.
The setting: The story begins in the Underworld, a harsh place. To me it reminds me of scenes from Gladiator with the soldiers all lined up. It's all stone and torches and men and boys in armor. And unrelenting adherence to rules, power and discipline. It's easy to imagine this place as the Underworld. Devoid of anything positive.
In contrast, the human world is....well human. Ellis Fields where Daphne starts out the story is a small town in Utah which she desperately wants to escape. But her mother doesn't want to let her out of town. She thinks everything Daphne needs or will ever need is right in Ellis Fields.
And then there is Olympus Hills. The place that Daphne goes to live with her father. It's where the very, very rich and ultra famous live. All the streets are named after Greek Gods and myths. The high school is named Olympus High.
The World: This is a contemporary setting with most of the action taking place in the human world. But some of it takes place in the Underworld. Bree Despain uses our basic knowledge of Hades' Realm and builds on it, creating a mythology that includes Tartarus, populated by frightening creatures. Zeus and Hades have been fighting a war for centuries but Hades was killed. The only way to leave the Underworld is Persephone's Gate. The war, technically is at a stalemate as no one can leave the Underworld. The story blends the Hades/Persephone myth is intertwined with Zeus and Hades fighting, the question of belief in the Gods keeping them alive and the Orpheus/Eurydice story. But I have a feeling there is much, much more in there and I need to read it again as I read it so quickly. There are Fates and destinies, Oracles, prophecies, deals with the "devil", giving away your first born,betrayals, missing girls, regrets, weather elementals, electricity and thunderbolts. And so much more.
What I thought: I was completely entertained trying to figure out the story, especially what Dax's story was and whether Garrick can be trusted or not. The story is told from Daphne's point of view and Haden's alternating chapters, sometimes overlapping incidents where both of them were participants. If you are looking for a great romance, this isn''t it. This is a slow building one, and though we don't see the day to day, we get the sense of how it develops. I love the way that Greek Mythology plays into every bit of the story. From streets to the high school to the hotels to the cities, to the rock opera. Bree Despain has woven the mythical world of the Greek Gods into The Shadow Prince and yet leaves plenty of room for the new mythology she has created out of the old. It's a great blending of both. Her characters, both Daphne and Haden are well developed, and likable. Daphne, is strong willed and not easily swayed by money, fame, or looks. She is very self assured, even standing in front of a crowd singing. Haden starts out a little cave man like, but quickly lets his human side out. It is not hard to believe once we find out why he is no longer the favorite son. Even the secondary characters are compelling enough that we want to know more about them, have them on the page more. The ending leaves us wanting more, but without a cliffhanger ending.
I recommend this YA novel to lovers of Greek Mythology and retellings. It's a well written story, with just enough mystery, romance and intrigue to make you want to keep turning the pages quicker and quicker as more and more is revealed as you reach the end. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Characters- Lord Haden/ Haden - Haden is like the runt of a set of twins. He used to be the favored one, but then he did something to lose the favor of his father, King Ren, and now he is just barely above a servant as far as status goes. He is an Underlord. He comes from the world of Hades. He's been chosen to seek out The Cypher, a girl. But his teachings have not prepared him for life in the real world. He takes everything literally at first and he comes across strange, stiff, even laughable. Haden is all duty at first but as the novel goes on, he starts to think for himself and it's great to see his character grow and change.
Daphne- For Daphne, it's all about the music. She's got a great voice and once she's singing and playing everything else falls away. She resents her father, The Rock God, who has seen her four times in her life, and she hates the little town of Ellis Fields, she lives in. She wants to make her own way in the music world, but she's got to get out of town first. And her mom has her on a very short leash. I like Daphne a lot. She is not the type of girl that needs to be rescued, doesn't fall for the "Daddy's rich and he's sorry so I'll forgive him" and she doesn't drop at the gorgeous guy's feet. No insta love here people!! She is a bit unpredictable so look for her to make some interesting choices.
Tobin- This is Daphne's first real friend and I can only picture him as a young Frank Sinatra as he is wearing the hat and sings a song from Sinatra for his audition for the music program at the Olympus Hills High. He is not an insta love character either. But there is instant camaraderie between him and Daphne and she seems to trust him readily. He seems to be a loyal friend but I am not completely sure he's trustworthy. He's got his own agenda. He adds a delicious unknown element to the novel.
Dax- Dax is very close lipped about his trip to the human world. He is a disgraced Underlord. He failed his mission six years ago. No one knows what happened. He is supposed to help Haden navigate the human world, but most of the time, he's just gone. No one seems to know where. But he is Haden's friend.
There are other secondary characters that are very well developed as well, the dad- Joe Vince, Demi, the mom, Lexie, Simon, just to name a few.
The setting: The story begins in the Underworld, a harsh place. To me it reminds me of scenes from Gladiator with the soldiers all lined up. It's all stone and torches and men and boys in armor. And unrelenting adherence to rules, power and discipline. It's easy to imagine this place as the Underworld. Devoid of anything positive.
In contrast, the human world is....well human. Ellis Fields where Daphne starts out the story is a small town in Utah which she desperately wants to escape. But her mother doesn't want to let her out of town. She thinks everything Daphne needs or will ever need is right in Ellis Fields.
And then there is Olympus Hills. The place that Daphne goes to live with her father. It's where the very, very rich and ultra famous live. All the streets are named after Greek Gods and myths. The high school is named Olympus High.
The World: This is a contemporary setting with most of the action taking place in the human world. But some of it takes place in the Underworld. Bree Despain uses our basic knowledge of Hades' Realm and builds on it, creating a mythology that includes Tartarus, populated by frightening creatures. Zeus and Hades have been fighting a war for centuries but Hades was killed. The only way to leave the Underworld is Persephone's Gate. The war, technically is at a stalemate as no one can leave the Underworld. The story blends the Hades/Persephone myth is intertwined with Zeus and Hades fighting, the question of belief in the Gods keeping them alive and the Orpheus/Eurydice story. But I have a feeling there is much, much more in there and I need to read it again as I read it so quickly. There are Fates and destinies, Oracles, prophecies, deals with the "devil", giving away your first born,betrayals, missing girls, regrets, weather elementals, electricity and thunderbolts. And so much more.
What I thought: I was completely entertained trying to figure out the story, especially what Dax's story was and whether Garrick can be trusted or not. The story is told from Daphne's point of view and Haden's alternating chapters, sometimes overlapping incidents where both of them were participants. If you are looking for a great romance, this isn''t it. This is a slow building one, and though we don't see the day to day, we get the sense of how it develops. I love the way that Greek Mythology plays into every bit of the story. From streets to the high school to the hotels to the cities, to the rock opera. Bree Despain has woven the mythical world of the Greek Gods into The Shadow Prince and yet leaves plenty of room for the new mythology she has created out of the old. It's a great blending of both. Her characters, both Daphne and Haden are well developed, and likable. Daphne, is strong willed and not easily swayed by money, fame, or looks. She is very self assured, even standing in front of a crowd singing. Haden starts out a little cave man like, but quickly lets his human side out. It is not hard to believe once we find out why he is no longer the favorite son. Even the secondary characters are compelling enough that we want to know more about them, have them on the page more. The ending leaves us wanting more, but without a cliffhanger ending.
I recommend this YA novel to lovers of Greek Mythology and retellings. It's a well written story, with just enough mystery, romance and intrigue to make you want to keep turning the pages quicker and quicker as more and more is revealed as you reach the end. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
trisha_thomas's review against another edition
3.0
"I believe in goals, and working hard for what you want. And choices. I make my own path; nobody chooses for me. "
A very interesting take on Persephone and Hades and the 6 months of winter and summer. I did like Daphne and I did like Haden (I actually loved Haden). Even Dax and Tobin grew on me.
but I did think this was a tad too long. It found myself a little bored in the middle.
A very interesting take on Persephone and Hades and the 6 months of winter and summer. I did like Daphne and I did like Haden (I actually loved Haden). Even Dax and Tobin grew on me.
but I did think this was a tad too long. It found myself a little bored in the middle.
ninjabunneh's review against another edition
2.0
I'll just come right out and say it so you don't run after me with pitchforks later.
***Spoiler Fucking Alert***
Damn. This book started out so good. First chapter in gives us Haden, disgraced son of King Ren of the Underrealm. Haden gets chosen by the Oracle to complete a quest in the Overrealm, much to the disdain of his twin (asshole) brother as well as his father. His quest? To bring back a Boon, a girl. Not just any girl. A very important one. One that is the key to saving the Underrealm. A Cypher. In other words, the fate of Haden's world rests on his shoulders and if he cannot complete his task he's pretty much shit out of luck. Dear daddy will probably kill him and brother will take over the throne. Haden is somewhat egotistical, but at the same time vulnerable. I knew he'd be my cuppa.
How. Fucking. Awesome. Underlords and mythology? This was like book porn. Complete with unicorn rainbows.
Then I met Daphne and the book went to hell in a hand basket. Literally. Daphne is the chick that Haden is supposed to bring back to the Underrealm. She started out ok. Lives in a small town, mom is a bit overbearing and doesn't really allow her to leave the town. For anything. Ever.Red flag? No? Um, yeh.
Of course she isn't a happy camper about being stuck in this tiny town and wishes to venture out into the wild blue yonder. Why? Because she can sing. Not only can she sing, she is really really really really great at it. Really. Like American Idol great. Uh-huh. Fuck, yeh. She also had this slightly odd talent of reading people in tones. Yes, people give off musical tones only she can hear and that helps her learn what type of person that individual is. She can also do this with trees and animals.
Anywhoo, about five seconds after meeting Daphne, we learn what a moron and a half she is. Her dear old deadbeat dad whom she hasn't seen in years pops by. Not only does he pop by, but he says he now has custody of her! What?!?!! Oh yes. Some judge has given him custody of his daughter he hasn't given a shit about for the majority of her life. What does Daphne do? Does she:
A) Tell dad to fuck off.
B) Leave with her mom and get a good lawyer.
C) Both A&B
Or
D) Abandon her mom and go off with a man she doesn't even know.
The answer is............. D!!!!!
Why does she go? Well, dear old dad is a rock star and he has bought a rock star like house in a extremely wealthy area. This area is complete with a super wealthy private school that, guess what? Has a super wealthy music program! And he managed to get her in! The name of this utopia is Olympus Hills.Cue in Captain Obvious.
Off our super special singer goes and, in the meantime, Haden also magically appears in Olympus Hills because the gate to the Underrealm coincidentally exists there.
Now it's Haden's job to convince Daphne to go with him to the Underrealm. Not to go into long boring details (because then you may as well read the damn book), the whole relationship is just meh. The romance is non-existent. We have the typical electricity cracklings when they touch and such. Haden gets more and more like a puppy dog which was disappointing. Daphne is just like an emotionless vessel, and really boring. Maybe I've gotten spoiled lately with all the kick ass heroines I've been reading, but she's a snooze fest.
There's one action scene in the whole book pretty much. The rest is hearing about Daphne's musical talent and Haden swooning over her voice. If you know a bit about the mythology, it's easy to figure out the connections. The one thing that makes no sense at all is why Daphne's mom? We meet her for all of two minutes and are given no reasons why she bore this incredibly important child. It's spoon feeding and we should just swallow it. Nope. Not this chick. Sorry.
The book was also filled with incredibly obvious plot twists. I saw every single one of them coming. From Daphne's dad having made a deal with the devil so to speak, to the missing Boon aka sister of Daphne's friend. What started out as such a potentially awesome book, became YA predictability. I refuse to use the excuse that it's just YA and I should take it as such. No. I've read many YA books that are balls to the wall fucktabulous.
2 Ninja-Bunnehs-Throwing-Lightning-Bolts
(Arc was given to me in exchange for an honest review.)
***Spoiler Fucking Alert***
Damn. This book started out so good. First chapter in gives us Haden, disgraced son of King Ren of the Underrealm. Haden gets chosen by the Oracle to complete a quest in the Overrealm, much to the disdain of his twin (asshole) brother as well as his father. His quest? To bring back a Boon, a girl. Not just any girl. A very important one. One that is the key to saving the Underrealm. A Cypher. In other words, the fate of Haden's world rests on his shoulders and if he cannot complete his task he's pretty much shit out of luck. Dear daddy will probably kill him and brother will take over the throne. Haden is somewhat egotistical, but at the same time vulnerable. I knew he'd be my cuppa.
How. Fucking. Awesome. Underlords and mythology? This was like book porn. Complete with unicorn rainbows.
Then I met Daphne and the book went to hell in a hand basket. Literally. Daphne is the chick that Haden is supposed to bring back to the Underrealm. She started out ok. Lives in a small town, mom is a bit overbearing and doesn't really allow her to leave the town. For anything. Ever.
Of course she isn't a happy camper about being stuck in this tiny town and wishes to venture out into the wild blue yonder. Why? Because she can sing. Not only can she sing, she is really really really really great at it. Really. Like American Idol great. Uh-huh. Fuck, yeh. She also had this slightly odd talent of reading people in tones. Yes, people give off musical tones only she can hear and that helps her learn what type of person that individual is. She can also do this with trees and animals.
Anywhoo, about five seconds after meeting Daphne, we learn what a moron and a half she is. Her dear old deadbeat dad whom she hasn't seen in years pops by. Not only does he pop by, but he says he now has custody of her! What?!?!! Oh yes. Some judge has given him custody of his daughter he hasn't given a shit about for the majority of her life. What does Daphne do? Does she:
A) Tell dad to fuck off.
B) Leave with her mom and get a good lawyer.
C) Both A&B
Or
D) Abandon her mom and go off with a man she doesn't even know.
The answer is............. D!!!!!
Why does she go? Well, dear old dad is a rock star and he has bought a rock star like house in a extremely wealthy area. This area is complete with a super wealthy private school that, guess what? Has a super wealthy music program! And he managed to get her in! The name of this utopia is Olympus Hills.
Off our super special singer goes and, in the meantime, Haden also magically appears in Olympus Hills because the gate to the Underrealm coincidentally exists there.
Now it's Haden's job to convince Daphne to go with him to the Underrealm. Not to go into long boring details (because then you may as well read the damn book), the whole relationship is just meh. The romance is non-existent. We have the typical electricity cracklings when they touch and such. Haden gets more and more like a puppy dog which was disappointing. Daphne is just like an emotionless vessel, and really boring. Maybe I've gotten spoiled lately with all the kick ass heroines I've been reading, but she's a snooze fest.
There's one action scene in the whole book pretty much. The rest is hearing about Daphne's musical talent and Haden swooning over her voice. If you know a bit about the mythology, it's easy to figure out the connections. The one thing that makes no sense at all is why Daphne's mom? We meet her for all of two minutes and are given no reasons why she bore this incredibly important child. It's spoon feeding and we should just swallow it. Nope. Not this chick. Sorry.
The book was also filled with incredibly obvious plot twists. I saw every single one of them coming. From Daphne's dad having made a deal with the devil so to speak, to the missing Boon aka sister of Daphne's friend. What started out as such a potentially awesome book, became YA predictability. I refuse to use the excuse that it's just YA and I should take it as such. No. I've read many YA books that are balls to the wall fucktabulous.
2 Ninja-Bunnehs-Throwing-Lightning-Bolts
(Arc was given to me in exchange for an honest review.)
thecozyreaderwbo's review against another edition
4.0
Full review on The Cozy Reader(. com):
http://thecozyreader.com/2014/04/blog-tour-review-and-giveaway-the-shadow-prince-into-the-dark-1-by-bree-despain/
Procurement
eARC via NetGalley.
My Grade
Plot: 4
Setting: 4
Writing: 5
Originality: 5
Characters: 5
Romance: 3
Overall: 26/30 = 86.6% B
Title/Cover Bonus: 2
Overall
Well done mythological story about a prince, a girl, their friends and their enemies.
Trailer
None at time of review
First Line
Most Memorable Scene
I enjoyed so many scenes but the scene when Brim shows her true hellcat side was a good one. I also enjoyed the audio booth scene too.
Plot
I am not too up to speed on my mythology but that didn’t stop me from enjoying this book immensely. Haden is the son of the king of the Underrealms. He will be given a task that involves Daphne, a mere human.
I enjoyed the plot and found that there was an abundance of details. I felt like the plot was moving slowly and that a conclusion would be impossible at the rate it moved. I was surprised that it did end well.
Setting
Set in a private community called Olympus Hills. This setting was a bit creepy. I enjoyed Daphne’s home city of Ellis Fields. We visit the Underrealm a few times but I wish we would have seen a few more areas of it.
Writing
I was already a fan of Bree’s writing. As I mentioned before I was scared of how slow the plot was moving. I felt like where the story started was very early but I am glad we got the preface of the story before all the action started. I guess I didn’t realize how long the book ended up being. I loved the switching of point of views from Haden’s to Daphne’s. The only thing I disliked was the overlap of narration from the end of one to the beginning of the next. To me it’s distracting to rewind and review the same scene from a different point of view, if even for only a second. I like smooth transitions when switching narrators.
Originality
Very original. I enjoy mythology based stories and was surprised to like Haden so much.
Characters
Haden is a great character. I enjoyed his whole being. He has a great heart. I loved how he took every saying literally since he’s from the Underrealm it provided great comic value.
Daphne is also a great character. She was fun to get to know. I enjoyed her cast of secondary characters from her home town as well as the new ones we meet at Olympus Hills.
Dax was one of my favorite secondary characters from the Underrealm. I really wish we could have learned more of his story. I am hopeful that Bree will publish a novella of his story.
Romance
Of course we learn early on that Daphne is Haden’s Boon. I was very leery of how the attraction was going to go down since Haden was not a very smooth guy. He does a few things that startle and repels Daphne away from him. The common factor of course is music. Without music I’m not sure what Haden would have done to woe Daphne. The romance though was lacking. I wish there would have been a bit more chemistry between the two.
Title/Cover Bonus
I do not like the title, The Shadow Prince, but I LOVE the series name. I love when a title is taken from a line of the actual book. And this line is huge. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE it! I don’t love the cover either though. It’s good but not great.
Ending
Great ending. I was scared of how all was going to be wrapped up but the length of the book provided enough time for all to be addressed. I can’t wait for the next book!
Series
Book 2 will be out some time next year!
http://thecozyreader.com/2014/04/blog-tour-review-and-giveaway-the-shadow-prince-into-the-dark-1-by-bree-despain/
Procurement
eARC via NetGalley.
My Grade
Plot: 4
Setting: 4
Writing: 5
Originality: 5
Characters: 5
Romance: 3
Overall: 26/30 = 86.6% B
Title/Cover Bonus: 2
Overall
Well done mythological story about a prince, a girl, their friends and their enemies.
Trailer
None at time of review
First Line
I did the unforgivable the day my mother died, and for that I’ve been punished every moment of my life. — Haden
Most Memorable Scene
I enjoyed so many scenes but the scene when Brim shows her true hellcat side was a good one. I also enjoyed the audio booth scene too.
Plot
I am not too up to speed on my mythology but that didn’t stop me from enjoying this book immensely. Haden is the son of the king of the Underrealms. He will be given a task that involves Daphne, a mere human.
I enjoyed the plot and found that there was an abundance of details. I felt like the plot was moving slowly and that a conclusion would be impossible at the rate it moved. I was surprised that it did end well.
Setting
Set in a private community called Olympus Hills. This setting was a bit creepy. I enjoyed Daphne’s home city of Ellis Fields. We visit the Underrealm a few times but I wish we would have seen a few more areas of it.
Writing
I was already a fan of Bree’s writing. As I mentioned before I was scared of how slow the plot was moving. I felt like where the story started was very early but I am glad we got the preface of the story before all the action started. I guess I didn’t realize how long the book ended up being. I loved the switching of point of views from Haden’s to Daphne’s. The only thing I disliked was the overlap of narration from the end of one to the beginning of the next. To me it’s distracting to rewind and review the same scene from a different point of view, if even for only a second. I like smooth transitions when switching narrators.
Originality
Very original. I enjoy mythology based stories and was surprised to like Haden so much.
Characters
Haden is a great character. I enjoyed his whole being. He has a great heart. I loved how he took every saying literally since he’s from the Underrealm it provided great comic value.
“Knock yourself out.”
She pats the seat next to her and I figure she’s inviting me to sit next to her, not punch myself in the head. So I sit. — 84% into the book eARC edition
Daphne is also a great character. She was fun to get to know. I enjoyed her cast of secondary characters from her home town as well as the new ones we meet at Olympus Hills.
Dax was one of my favorite secondary characters from the Underrealm. I really wish we could have learned more of his story. I am hopeful that Bree will publish a novella of his story.
Romance
Of course we learn early on that Daphne is Haden’s Boon. I was very leery of how the attraction was going to go down since Haden was not a very smooth guy. He does a few things that startle and repels Daphne away from him. The common factor of course is music. Without music I’m not sure what Haden would have done to woe Daphne. The romance though was lacking. I wish there would have been a bit more chemistry between the two.
Title/Cover Bonus
I do not like the title, The Shadow Prince, but I LOVE the series name. I love when a title is taken from a line of the actual book. And this line is huge. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE it! I don’t love the cover either though. It’s good but not great.
Ending
Great ending. I was scared of how all was going to be wrapped up but the length of the book provided enough time for all to be addressed. I can’t wait for the next book!
Series
Book 2 will be out some time next year!
dee_farbz's review against another edition
3.0
I love the Dark Devine series so I have been really excited to read this for a while. I can't say I liked it as much but there are aspects of this book that I really enjoyed. I felt like the story was original and I loved the influence of music on the storyline. At first I didn't like Haden or Daphne but I eventually warmed up to them. At first things seemed unrealistic but then it made sense once everything is revealed by the end. I'm definitely going to read the next one because I did really enjoy it. I would give it 3.5 if I could, it just wasn't a four star book.