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heidewitzkaa's review against another edition
1.5
Pros: some good plot twists, fast pace of the story, multiple POV, the Kings Children, Adley’s (& maybe Kellen’s) character
Cons: pretty basic YA fantasy with only brief world building and no real explanation of the magic system. In general the politics seemed to be lacking, even though the country was supposed to be at the tip of war it was never really explored.
Darek pretty much annoyed me throughout the whole book (the rich boy saying he feels bad for being rich in his first chapter? no thank you, I feel like the POV of his brother would have been 10 times more interesting, characterization-wise) and the relationship between Darek & Ren entirely consisted of them screaming at each other while lusting after each other during the whole time with no real chemistry (also if Ren‘s corset had been mentioned one more time i might have lost it)
There were also a lot of times, where the writing derailed for too long from what was happening, e.g. to explain something from the past.
The ending was a little too rushed and some plot point felt too open and there were also some plot holes or things that were too convenient for it to be believable
In general, I probably would have liked this book more maybe 5 years ago, there were some intriguing points in the story but not enough or enough fleshed out for it to be a compelling story for me.
Cons: pretty basic YA fantasy with only brief world building and no real explanation of the magic system. In general the politics seemed to be lacking, even though the country was supposed to be at the tip of war it was never really explored.
Darek pretty much annoyed me throughout the whole book (the rich boy saying he feels bad for being rich in his first chapter? no thank you, I feel like the POV of his brother would have been 10 times more interesting, characterization-wise) and the relationship between Darek & Ren entirely consisted of them screaming at each other while lusting after each other during the whole time with no real chemistry (also if Ren‘s corset had been mentioned one more time i might have lost it)
There were also a lot of times, where the writing derailed for too long from what was happening, e.g. to explain something from the past.
The ending was a little too rushed and some plot point felt too open and there were also some plot holes or things that were too convenient for it to be believable
In general, I probably would have liked this book more maybe 5 years ago, there were some intriguing points in the story but not enough or enough fleshed out for it to be a compelling story for me.
ambeesbookishpages's review against another edition
4.0
The full review + more can be found at The Book Bratz
*Thank you so much Flux and NetGalley for the advanced copy of OF SILVER AND SHADOW. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*
Of Silver and Shadow is an almost 500 page book, (480 pages if we want to be exact) and I read this book in one sitting. One moment I was sitting down to start this book and then suddenly it was 2 a.m. and my kindle wouldn't flip to a new page. Gruenke's debut novel is not one to missed! Full of action, suspense and tons of plot twists Of Silver and Shadows will have you hooked from page one.
Of Silver and Shadow alternates in POVs which gives us an all around view of this rebellion and what everyone's driving motive is.
Ren - Ren posses Silver, a magic that was outlawed hundred of years earlier after the purge of all Silver wielders, leaving the magic strictly to those of the royal bloodline. A few years earlier Ren escaped a fire set to her house by the King, leaving her scared and her parents dead. Something she blames herself for everyday. On night she is cornered by Darek and his brother with the offer of a life time: Help them dethrone the King and in return they will pay her 700,000 coins. Ren doesn't care about this so called rebellion but the coins will free her from her debts, finally giving her the freedom she has been craving. Teaming up with these brothers Ren is thrown into a plan that is going to put an unexpected person on the throne if they win.
Darek - Literally tall, dark and moody. Darek is leading the rebellion that he promised his mother he would finished when she was killed many years earlier. He never counted on Ren being the person who was going to end this rebellion for good. Ren is a thorn in his side, she is snarky, rude and doesn't know how to follow directions and not a challenge he was expecting to have to deal with as well. But soon Darek is warming up to the the street girl who tests his every very being.
Kellen - Kellen is one of the Princes of Edris. He has a reputation of sharing the bed of many woman and when he can he keeps his head down and avoids his duties. Why act like a prince when his father looks down on him, his mother can't be bothered and his older brother Heath is next in line for the throne? Kellen runs one of the fighting rings with in the kingdom and one night meets Ren when she comes to fight in his ring. With his search for Ren and his involvement with Holland, another key player in the Rebellion, Prince Kellen has no idea what he is getting himself into, but he does know one thing. He is ready for change.
Adley - Part of the King's Children, an elite guard of the King, Adley's job is to hunt down the rebels. When the King offers the position of the King's Fang up to anyone who can bring the leaders of the rebellion in, Adley jumps on the chance. Adley has a secret though, she has fallen in love with her best friend and the King's Children are not allowed to fall in love, it is an act of treason. But after her service of Fang is over she will be allowed to leave and live a free life with Lesa by her side and not having to hide their love for each other. But soon Adley is in a position she never thought she would be in.
There is a lot that happens in this book and for the sake of spoilers I am not going to discuss most of it because I want you all the find out for yourself. But the plot twists, the actions and the romance will have you on the edge of your seat. Though all of the characters are on different sides, each have redeeming qualities about them that make you love them, no matter how much you don't want to.
The one thing I will put out there is that I recommend this book for an upper YA audience. Darek is twenty two, making him the oldest in the cast of characters, which wouldn't necessarily bother me for it was easy for me to connect with characters because of their ages. But I can see this being a problem for younger readers. The romance aspect is a little steamy, (which I explain in the next paragraph) making the upper YA audience a better fit rather then a younger YA audience. This book doesn't fall into NA or adult though, it reads as a YA novel would, just with character who are slightly older.
The romance was one of my favorite aspects on this story. Darek and Ren start out hating each other and slowly through the pages we watch what starts out as their partnership in a rebellion turn into something much much more. The tension between these two characters is intense, though they both "hate" each other, they both face the feelings that they want each other and that the want more from the other person, whether they are going to admit it to each other or not. When they finally kiss? Damn. Gruenke did not disappoint on Darek and Ren's part as well as the reader. (I'm always here for a steamy scene though.) But more then just the kissing, watching Ren who is use to being on her own and not letting anyone in, let Darek in which was what made this romance so satisfying to me. The romance didn't take over the whole plot of the story, but it gave it the push it needed in those final scenes on the book. (Once you read you will know exactly what I am talking about!)
Overall I loved Of Silver and Shadow and I am sad that it is over. I have't heard any news on a sequel but Gruenke did wrap up the story nicely if this book does end up being a stand alone, but I would love to see how there characters make do with the result their actions had given them.
*Thank you so much Flux and NetGalley for the advanced copy of OF SILVER AND SHADOW. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*
Of Silver and Shadow is an almost 500 page book, (480 pages if we want to be exact) and I read this book in one sitting. One moment I was sitting down to start this book and then suddenly it was 2 a.m. and my kindle wouldn't flip to a new page. Gruenke's debut novel is not one to missed! Full of action, suspense and tons of plot twists Of Silver and Shadows will have you hooked from page one.
Of Silver and Shadow alternates in POVs which gives us an all around view of this rebellion and what everyone's driving motive is.
Ren - Ren posses Silver, a magic that was outlawed hundred of years earlier after the purge of all Silver wielders, leaving the magic strictly to those of the royal bloodline. A few years earlier Ren escaped a fire set to her house by the King, leaving her scared and her parents dead. Something she blames herself for everyday. On night she is cornered by Darek and his brother with the offer of a life time: Help them dethrone the King and in return they will pay her 700,000 coins. Ren doesn't care about this so called rebellion but the coins will free her from her debts, finally giving her the freedom she has been craving. Teaming up with these brothers Ren is thrown into a plan that is going to put an unexpected person on the throne if they win.
Darek - Literally tall, dark and moody. Darek is leading the rebellion that he promised his mother he would finished when she was killed many years earlier. He never counted on Ren being the person who was going to end this rebellion for good. Ren is a thorn in his side, she is snarky, rude and doesn't know how to follow directions and not a challenge he was expecting to have to deal with as well. But soon Darek is warming up to the the street girl who tests his every very being.
Kellen - Kellen is one of the Princes of Edris. He has a reputation of sharing the bed of many woman and when he can he keeps his head down and avoids his duties. Why act like a prince when his father looks down on him, his mother can't be bothered and his older brother Heath is next in line for the throne? Kellen runs one of the fighting rings with in the kingdom and one night meets Ren when she comes to fight in his ring. With his search for Ren and his involvement with Holland, another key player in the Rebellion, Prince Kellen has no idea what he is getting himself into, but he does know one thing. He is ready for change.
Adley - Part of the King's Children, an elite guard of the King, Adley's job is to hunt down the rebels. When the King offers the position of the King's Fang up to anyone who can bring the leaders of the rebellion in, Adley jumps on the chance. Adley has a secret though, she has fallen in love with her best friend and the King's Children are not allowed to fall in love, it is an act of treason. But after her service of Fang is over she will be allowed to leave and live a free life with Lesa by her side and not having to hide their love for each other. But soon Adley is in a position she never thought she would be in.
There is a lot that happens in this book and for the sake of spoilers I am not going to discuss most of it because I want you all the find out for yourself. But the plot twists, the actions and the romance will have you on the edge of your seat. Though all of the characters are on different sides, each have redeeming qualities about them that make you love them, no matter how much you don't want to.
The one thing I will put out there is that I recommend this book for an upper YA audience. Darek is twenty two, making him the oldest in the cast of characters, which wouldn't necessarily bother me for it was easy for me to connect with characters because of their ages. But I can see this being a problem for younger readers. The romance aspect is a little steamy, (which I explain in the next paragraph) making the upper YA audience a better fit rather then a younger YA audience. This book doesn't fall into NA or adult though, it reads as a YA novel would, just with character who are slightly older.
The romance was one of my favorite aspects on this story. Darek and Ren start out hating each other and slowly through the pages we watch what starts out as their partnership in a rebellion turn into something much much more. The tension between these two characters is intense, though they both "hate" each other, they both face the feelings that they want each other and that the want more from the other person, whether they are going to admit it to each other or not. When they finally kiss? Damn. Gruenke did not disappoint on Darek and Ren's part as well as the reader. (I'm always here for a steamy scene though.) But more then just the kissing, watching Ren who is use to being on her own and not letting anyone in, let Darek in which was what made this romance so satisfying to me. The romance didn't take over the whole plot of the story, but it gave it the push it needed in those final scenes on the book. (Once you read you will know exactly what I am talking about!)
Overall I loved Of Silver and Shadow and I am sad that it is over. I have't heard any news on a sequel but Gruenke did wrap up the story nicely if this book does end up being a stand alone, but I would love to see how there characters make do with the result their actions had given them.
itputsthebookupontheshelf's review against another edition
3.0
First off, let me start by saying this is a nice fast-paced read. There was never really a moment that something wasn't happening that didn't directly add to the story.
You get the point of view of four people who all want something different, yet all come together in a twist of fate.
This book had really good world building. You really got the feel for what was around you and the type of people living in this world.
If I'm being honest, I actually liked the side characters much more than the two MCs. I found their dtories more appealing and cared for them more.
All in all, it was an enjoyable read with some fun/ny aspects. I'm giving this book a 3.5 on the verge of 4 star rating.
Thank you to Netgalley and Publishers for allowing me an arc in exchange for an honest review
You get the point of view of four people who all want something different, yet all come together in a twist of fate.
This book had really good world building. You really got the feel for what was around you and the type of people living in this world.
If I'm being honest, I actually liked the side characters much more than the two MCs. I found their dtories more appealing and cared for them more.
All in all, it was an enjoyable read with some fun/ny aspects. I'm giving this book a 3.5 on the verge of 4 star rating.
Thank you to Netgalley and Publishers for allowing me an arc in exchange for an honest review
literary_steph's review against another edition
3.0
This book wasn't what I expected. I felt I was thrown into a violent and hardcore world and left to fend for myself. You follow four points of views, but the main character is Ren, a thief, pit fighter and she wields forbidden magic. Darek, the rebel leader, Kellan, a reluctant prince and Adely, a soldier. These characters are tough and I'm slightly afraid of them, well except for the prince.
The world building and magic is done well, it's very fast paced, I did my very best to keep up and there is definitely a lot of action, violence, language and it doesn't shy away to show how cruel life is in Denfell. Amongst the ensuing revolution against the monarchy, there's a hate to love (emphasis on hate) romance and f/f romance.
This is an upper YA fantasy standalone, the ending was a little open, but it does wrap up much of the storyline. I'm still chuckling about the ending. I usually struggle with fantasy standalones because I usually need a little more development, overall I did like this.
Read this if you enjoy...
4 POV's
morally grey characters
forbidden magic
hate to love
rebellion against a monarchy
fast paced, YA fantasy standalone
The world building and magic is done well, it's very fast paced, I did my very best to keep up and there is definitely a lot of action, violence, language and it doesn't shy away to show how cruel life is in Denfell. Amongst the ensuing revolution against the monarchy, there's a hate to love (emphasis on hate) romance and f/f romance.
This is an upper YA fantasy standalone, the ending was a little open, but it does wrap up much of the storyline. I'm still chuckling about the ending. I usually struggle with fantasy standalones because I usually need a little more development, overall I did like this.
Read this if you enjoy...
4 POV's
morally grey characters
forbidden magic
hate to love
rebellion against a monarchy
fast paced, YA fantasy standalone
tinynavajo's review against another edition
2.0
Eh...this was okay. But it seems like the revolution genre of YA is running out of ideas. I won't be continuing this series when the next one comes out.
ameserole's review against another edition
4.0
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Of Silver and Shadow was so freaking good. In it, you will meet Ren who is a silver wielder in hiding. This is because the King has killed every other person who has the magic.. except for his own family. So far she has been doing amazing and hasn't been caught using it. Well, until the second that she is.
Enter Darek. He and his brother, who come from money, have a vision about taking over the throne. He doesn't like the king one bit and thinks that Ren could be his savior. Or the people's savior. It also doesn't hurt that him and her are freaking adorable and have so much sexual tension. I was constantly shipping them together and I'm actually very happy about how things went down between them. I was so freaking happy but ugh.. the ending. I have questions and definitely need another book!
Beside him, there's also Adley and Kellen. Adley who is one of the King's Children has dreams of being his Fang. This is because after being the Fang for a while you eventually earn your freedom. Then there's Kellen, who is one of the princes but he is also a pit lord by night. They are both very interesting characters with zero romantic interest towards one another. Definitely more sister/brother vibe and I was all for it.
I, of course, shipped them with other people and was extremely excited for everyone involved. Other than that, this book has drama towards the end. Things happened that I wasn't fully aware could happen. That being said, I most definitely need another book for all these guys. I miss them already and I need to know what the heck is going to happen next. Ugh!
Of Silver and Shadow was so freaking good. In it, you will meet Ren who is a silver wielder in hiding. This is because the King has killed every other person who has the magic.. except for his own family. So far she has been doing amazing and hasn't been caught using it. Well, until the second that she is.
Enter Darek. He and his brother, who come from money, have a vision about taking over the throne. He doesn't like the king one bit and thinks that Ren could be his savior. Or the people's savior. It also doesn't hurt that him and her are freaking adorable and have so much sexual tension. I was constantly shipping them together and I'm actually very happy about how things went down between them. I was so freaking happy but ugh.. the ending. I have questions and definitely need another book!
Beside him, there's also Adley and Kellen. Adley who is one of the King's Children has dreams of being his Fang. This is because after being the Fang for a while you eventually earn your freedom. Then there's Kellen, who is one of the princes but he is also a pit lord by night. They are both very interesting characters with zero romantic interest towards one another. Definitely more sister/brother vibe and I was all for it.
I, of course, shipped them with other people and was extremely excited for everyone involved. Other than that, this book has drama towards the end. Things happened that I wasn't fully aware could happen. That being said, I most definitely need another book for all these guys. I miss them already and I need to know what the heck is going to happen next. Ugh!
theamyleblanc's review against another edition
5.0
I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I cannot believe this is a debut novel. It is so wonderfully done, full of beautifully flawed characters, plot twists, and the perfect balance of horror and hope. The world Jennifer created is intriguing and captivating. I certainly wouldn't want to live there but I cannot help but be immediately sucked in, right there along with the characters.
I want more. Things are wide open for a continuation and I would love to spend more time with these characters. I have no idea if there will be a sequel but if there were to be one, this book ends perfectly. Things feel resolved for the time being but clearly not resolved. If this remains a standalone, the ending feels a bit rushed. There was a beautiful build-up and it wrapped rather quickly.
All that aside, this is an amazing debut and it deserves your attention. The richness, the depth of character, the world and its breadth, they're incredible to behold.
I cannot believe this is a debut novel. It is so wonderfully done, full of beautifully flawed characters, plot twists, and the perfect balance of horror and hope. The world Jennifer created is intriguing and captivating. I certainly wouldn't want to live there but I cannot help but be immediately sucked in, right there along with the characters.
I want more. Things are wide open for a continuation and I would love to spend more time with these characters. I have no idea if there will be a sequel but if there were to be one, this book ends perfectly. Things feel resolved for the time being but clearly not resolved. If this remains a standalone, the ending feels a bit rushed. There was a beautiful build-up and it wrapped rather quickly.
All that aside, this is an amazing debut and it deserves your attention. The richness, the depth of character, the world and its breadth, they're incredible to behold.
brittrivera's review against another edition
4.0
This book was like a lot of books about The Reluctant Chosen One and The Rebel Leader Who Loves Her I've read before but that doesn't mean I liked It any less. I really like Ren's silver magic, I thought it was extremely unique and I wish there was more of an explanation surrounding some of the silver lore. But Ren was just SO obstinate and in the beginning I was genuinely annoyed by indifference to the rebels and their cause. As the story went on I came to understand her and her struggles at little bit more, but I really do wish the story went into more detail about her coming to understand her part in the rebellion and maybe changing her mind about her place in it all. (But maybe that's for book 2?? Is there going to be a book 2, I'm honestly okay if there's not because the story does do a good job of being self contained but I also wouldn't mind more.)
The thing I did really enjoy was the different perspectives the story was told through and how much I cared about each character. Adley was so interesting and sympathetic despite her position, I can't resist a charmer who is really just hiding his sadness like Kellen, and dark and broody but loyal Darek made me swoon. I also like how the chapters got shorter and shorter and jumped more quickly between the characters during the big climax, it made it feel very cinematic.
*Thank you to NetGalley & Flux for the e-arc of this book.*
The thing I did really enjoy was the different perspectives the story was told through and how much I cared about each character. Adley was so interesting and sympathetic despite her position, I can't resist a charmer who is really just hiding his sadness like Kellen, and dark and broody but loyal Darek made me swoon. I also like how the chapters got shorter and shorter and jumped more quickly between the characters during the big climax, it made it feel very cinematic.
*Thank you to NetGalley & Flux for the e-arc of this book.*
_camk_'s review against another edition
4.0
+ Fast paced plot; with enough action and slower scene. I didn't realise this is a standalone so I was wondering why the romance conflict at the end was resolved so quickly but it was left open enough for a sequel.
+ Ren. Look, Ren as frustrating as she could be was badass and I really liked her and no give no s***, take no s*** attitude. I always really liked her banter with Darek.
+ Kellan. There was something really interesting about him and I would have like to see more about him.
introverteddragonscribbles's review against another edition
DNF 6%
The first thing that drew me in to read Of Silver and Shadow was the cover. Because goodness, it's beautiful! The second thing was the description. I like main characters who are thieves because they always seem to have a certain cocky air about them--and their cockiness is always tested.
I liked the story as I dove in. It really was interesting. I just had one problem with it that didn't alliw me to finish. The torture scene in chapter three. I can't stand reading and/or watching someone get tortured, even though I know it's just fictional. I think that reading it is harder for me because the torture is being described in detail. So I just couldn't get past that.
I'm sure the rest of the book is just as interesting as the first two chapters and I did want to kniw what happened, but I nust can't finish it with the prospect of more scenes like that in the book.
The first thing that drew me in to read Of Silver and Shadow was the cover. Because goodness, it's beautiful! The second thing was the description. I like main characters who are thieves because they always seem to have a certain cocky air about them--and their cockiness is always tested.
I liked the story as I dove in. It really was interesting. I just had one problem with it that didn't alliw me to finish. The torture scene in chapter three. I can't stand reading and/or watching someone get tortured, even though I know it's just fictional. I think that reading it is harder for me because the torture is being described in detail. So I just couldn't get past that.
I'm sure the rest of the book is just as interesting as the first two chapters and I did want to kniw what happened, but I nust can't finish it with the prospect of more scenes like that in the book.