Reviews

Sweet Shadows by Tera Lynn Childs

alexisneuville's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

REVIEW: http://theliteraturelion.blogspot.com/2013/01/review-sweet-shadows-by-tera-lynn-childs.html

Gretchen, Greer, and Grace just found out they're triplets and all descendants from Medusa. They're the Key Generation, and some people want them to seal the gate to the abyss, while others want them to keep it open. And now there's someone who wants them dead. Gretchen consults in Nick, a boy who seems to know more than he is letting on; Greer tries to maintain her normal life while still being a proficient beastie-killer; and Grace is trying to have a normal relationship with Milo, even though she has no clue where her brother Thane is. Let's just say, they're lives are kind of a mess.

Of course, these girls are awesome. Truthfully, their all the girls I wish I could be. The only word to describe Gretchen is kick-ass. She knows how to stand up to a beastie and take them down. She's the strongest combat-wise in the novel. She's pretty sweet. Then there's Greer, who I find myself relating with. I tend to put up that wall, and not many people see me falter. Of course, I'm not as bitchy as her, but I know how to stand with my head high. Then there's sweet Grace, who is better with computers than with monsters. She's also the mediator, seeing as her sisters can both get hot-headed. I found myself easily relating to all of these girls!

For the romantic interests, there were quite a few twists and turns. It was predictable what was happening between Greer and her boyfriend, but he was a jerk. Then Gretchen and Nick, that was all WOAHHHH. I'm excited to see what happens with this couple. This was all over the place, but it a completely good way! Then there's Grace and Milo, and honestly, that's going to be hard to happen... Then there's the mystery card of Thane. No one knows what is going on with him, but Greer seems pretty curious about him. Maybe there's a way those two could end up together...? All I know is I can't wait to see what happens with Thane. Since the first novel we've been curious of him, but we won't figure him out until the third novel. My bet is that he is actually a god of some sort. I sure hope he's not Thanatos or anything, like his name suggests. I"m not sure where Childs is going with this, but I'm anxious to see!

I wish there would have been a bit more kick-ass beastie action. There was probably only two fight scenes between the girls and a monster...? I was hoping in this book that there would have been a little more. Regardless, I started to feel sorry for the monsters as a result of Gretchen going down into the abyss and learning more about them. I'm sure it makes the girls situation even more difficult.

This plot was INTENSE! I really loved with Childs went with this novel, and I'm glad it didn't fall into the sequel-trap. I CANNOT wait for Sweet Legacy! Come on, September! Come a little faster! :)

nawarafra's review against another edition

Go to review page

medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

dreamofbookspines's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

The more I read these books, the more I enjoy them! Especially Gretchen, but also the complexities of Greer. And frankly Grace reminds me of my wife: just _nice_ and loving and wanting the best for everyone. Childs is good at ending books on a cliffhanger, making you immediately want to pick up the next one. Happened with the first one in this series, and it happened with this one as well.

shereadsbookssometimes's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

I thought this book was a bit of a disappointment after the first one. I didn't feel as pulled in even though the story was still interesting, it just felt like a remake of the first one.

Greer still struggles to accept her life as a huntress. Gretchen isn't sure what is real anymore, she cannot trust people, she knows that she and her sisters are in danger but doesn't know how to stop it or what is causing it. Grace is worried about her brother who ran off a week ago.

The story was quite simple every time the girls find help that person gets dragged into the abyss.

lizlogan's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Passion and venom

An excellent sequel to Sweet Venom. I look forward to reading the final book in the series and finding out what happens.

titania86's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Gretchen, Grace, and Greer could not be more different. Gretchen has known for years that she is a descendant of the gorgon Medusa and that she must fight the monster and return them to their own realm. Grace is a environmental activist and a computer geek who doesn't know if she is strong enough to fight against monsters. Greer is a rich, spoiled girl who takes charge in every situation, but isn't sure if she's willing to give it all up to save humanity. While they are still getting to know each other (and bickering), warring factions on Olympus are trying to either kill the sisters or wait until they break the seal between worlds (as it is said they will in prophecy) and then kill them. Only one faction seems to care about their survival. As more and more creatures make their way into the human realm, these sisters must find out which faction to trust and where their fate will ultimately take them.

Sweet Shadows starts with a bang right where Sweet Venom leaves off. Again, it's narrated by the three sisters who have clear and distinct voices. It's easy to figure out who is narrating any given chapter. In the last book, the sisters were basically strangers. Now, their relationship is growing and they are becoming close both because of their efforts to save the world and just getting to know each other. I really like these characters and their different backgrounds. Even though much of the novel involves the supernatural, they bring real life issues and problems to the story. Greer deals with her distant parents and the constant pressure to be perfect in every aspect of her life. Gretchen still feels the effects of having abusive parents as a child and not having many people close to her all her life. All of them have different reactions to being put up for adoption. These experiences make the girls easy for readers to relate to and make the story grounded in realism.

Everything is a little more intense than in the first book. The action is exciting and more consistent. The problems facing the sisters are practically impossible to overcome. The world beyond ours is explored and reveals some shocking revelations. There are mythological creatures that are on their side and will greatly suffer if the door between worlds is closed. They challenge the girls' views and complicate matters, plus they are pretty awesome. What was previously a fairly clear decision is now murkier than ever. I'm very glad this series didn't fall into the second book pitfall that simply sets up for the final book in the trilogy.

Sweet Shadows is an impressive teen read that melds mythology and modernity beautifully. The fast pace and realistic characters make this a quick, fun read. I can't wait to see what the future holds for these heroines. I would recommend this to fans of mythology and YA fantasy.

aira_reads's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I love love love the ending. So glad I have the third book waiting. Tera Lynn Childs has an ability that makes you want to read on, she's good at scattering the clues as well as writing three different, distinct voices.

nicolet2018's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

I didn't really want to pick this up. The first book had an interesting premise and my love for greek mythology was what sold it for me. Finishing the first one, I did not feel like I had to rush to read the next book.

I love the sister dynamics in this book. It was like the girls started thinking of themselves as a team rather than individuals. Its nice to see them grow.

I felt that the storyline was ill conceived, it felt so boring, the girls were as bored as I was. Close to nothing happened in this book. Also the buds of romance between Gretchen and Nick were so well, typical. Girl places trust in guy and guy betrays girl *shocker* but all is not as it seems and girl overeacts. Girl is attracted to guy against better judgement. As for Greer, turns out her guy was a douche bag. Another not so big surprise.

This book felt so juvenile. If you are looking for dept, you would not find it here. This one is great for something like a quick read. I don't know if I want to read the next book. Argh, I hate it when a book just ruins it for me and when it started out so fantastically as well.

ghumpherys's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This is another fun mythology-related series -- I love the different voices and personalities of the three sisters!

bananacats's review against another edition

Go to review page

fast-paced

5.0