Reviews - To Kill a Shadow

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862 reviews for:

To Kill a Shadow

Katherine Quinn

3.72 AVERAGE

lilbear_emily's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

mcfrayser's review against another edition

3.75

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

taralurae's review against another edition

2.75

adventurous challenging dark mysterious slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

jessofawesome1321's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous dark inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did. I'm was delightfully surprised that it actually was better than another book I was excited to read around the same time but ended up DNFing.
The story was strong and well developed. The world building game was strong here! It gave me Fourth Wing vibes while delivering everything I wanted from FW but did not receive from FW. So definitely a good book.
There were no real twists that couldn't be figured out, but for some, they could be. I had it figured out before it was confirmed anyway. But the history tidbits point it out for those who look.
It had a good balance between adventure, adrenaline, and romance. Once you start to get sick of one, it moves on for a bit to another plot element. Yet, it doesn't forget about the others.
The characters are also well developed. The side characters are memorable but do take away from the main characters. Both Karia and Jude had well developed characters. Both individually and together. The romance was smooth and believable, too. Not at all rushed or forced.
Definitely my number 2 book of 2024 so far.

azahller's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous dark mysterious 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: Yes

When Kiara is recruited to the Knights (the king's task force fighting against the cursed mist) she never expects that it will be an opportunity for a new beginning. In the Knights though, she is able to finally find a place where she belongs, where people don't believe her cursed. It also doesn't hurt that her commander is like, really cute. Secrets come to light and friendship is pushed past its breaking point once we enter the mist. Can Kiara help restore light to the kingdom?

I really enjoyed the mist and the horror elements it added to the story. I felt like it was very spooky and creepy, even gory at times! I also felt like this was a very rich and well developed world, although I'm dying to learn more of their lore. Kiara is so lovable and sweet, while still being quite sassy and strong. I especially appreciated all the messaging about embracing the "darker" or less favorable parts of yourself and being better for it.

I personally didn't really buy into the relationships. I liked Kiara's friendship with Patrick, but I found myself doubting her other friendships and relatively uninterested in her sibling relationship or romantic relationship. The romance for me happened far too quickly, although the reasoning makes perfect sense. It just didn't hit for me the way I wish it would have, but I still think others will really love it.

This is a great YA fantasy that is especially good for young reader's wanting a little horror and mystery with their fantasy (that still isn't TOO over the top/intense).

princess_link's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Content Warnings

whatvreadnext's review against another edition

4.0

Wow. I didn't see this coming, but I loved this. Review to follow.
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🖤🌌🌑⚔️💀 Book Review 🏔🔮🗡🛡️🧟

I quite enjoyed this one!

I got the exclusive Owlcrate edition and got so distracted by how gorgeous the book is, that I missed the "fantasy h o r r o r" bit when I checked the synopses all over the internet... Be warned, there is gore! Also be sure to check the content warnings for this book!

Despite my shock at the gruesome content, the book was hugely entairtaining, I liked Katherine Quinn's writing style and the dual POV and enjoyed the adventure. I loved Kiara's strong personality, the chemistry between her and Jude and the commander-recruit romance was *chef's kiss*. I also appreciated the (somewhat sparse) lgbt representation. I've seen some criticism about the "instant" found family trope, but I personally felt it made sense since the characters meet under rather extreme circumstances.

The story is well written and the author does a great job setting a terrifying scene. Along the way I felt things were a bit too predictable, but actually I didn't get everything right and felt that the story picked up towards the end and did not disappoint.

Was this book my doorway to fantasy horror?
I'm (obviously) no expert but I suspect this story falls on the mild side and I feel steeled to try more 🥴