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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
You know when you're reading a book and it turns into a movie in your head? Next thing you know, half the book is gone? This one definitely sucked me in that way! I love it when that happens! The characters are intriguing, the world is awesome and I totally need to know all the secrets (about Halira, about the demon man, about the druids!?!?!) now!!! It has action and adventure, mysterious demon men and magic. What else do you need?
A huge thank you to Jessaca Willis and Book of Matches Media for the e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
⚠️Warnings: death/grief, gore depiction.
A huge thank you to Jessaca Willis and Book of Matches Media for the e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
⚠️Warnings: death/grief, gore depiction.
Actually 3.50 stars, not just 3.
Throughout Shadow Crusade by Jessaca Willis, we follow the story of Halira Devonshire, a girl whose life changes forever the moment her parents are killed by ravenous demons. After such a traumatizing encounter with the monsters that only get stronger with every passing day, Halira decides to join her best friend Dominic in a life-changing journey by signing herself up for the Shadow Crusade. The Shadow Crusade ends up being humanity’s last hope for surviving the blight and defeating the last primordial Qaeus before he eventually unleashes his chaos upon them. The world-building, the demon-lore and Halira’s adventure all sounded very promising at the beginning, but once the crusader training begun I couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed. I mean, learning about the importance of shadowsteel weapons and how easily they can slice through a demon wasn’t boring, and neither was learning about the mystery surrounding the catacombs or the importance of the ink the crusaders use to paint marks across their faces before entering the blight. All of that ended up being super interesting and unique, but the pacing of it all ended up being too slow for my own good.
Therefore, even though the lectures and the training for the new recruits helped the world building expand and make the story more intriguing, I personally felt like it lasted a lot longer than it should’ve. This sadly made the story feel long and uneventful, yet something that kind of managed to make up for it was the mystery behind Halira’s family and those who lived in what is still known as the Forgotten Forest of Eyve. Another thing that I actually enjoyed about this book were the characters–or most of them anyways. For example, I didn’t really enjoy Halira’s best friend or her sister, but I did love the part they played when it came to pushing Halira forward to do something with her life after her parents died. And from the little group of people that we get to meet once Halira joins the Shadow Crusade, my favorite one was Silver; a girl that seemed quiet and reserved but ended up being a lot stronger and smarter than she looked!
In the end, Shadow Crusade was a lot harder to get through than I thought it would be but I can’t complain much. The pace was slow and heavy, but I still managed to enjoy unexpected character interactions and most of the plot twists! I may have not been a big fan of the fact that what was left of Halira’s family treated her like garbage but that actually ended up building up quite an interesting conclusion–which I won’t spoil at all but do know that it was pretty good! If you’re a fan of dark fantasy books full of demons, powerful and mysterious beings, a little romance and a few other surprises, then you might want to give this one a try!
Throughout Shadow Crusade by Jessaca Willis, we follow the story of Halira Devonshire, a girl whose life changes forever the moment her parents are killed by ravenous demons. After such a traumatizing encounter with the monsters that only get stronger with every passing day, Halira decides to join her best friend Dominic in a life-changing journey by signing herself up for the Shadow Crusade. The Shadow Crusade ends up being humanity’s last hope for surviving the blight and defeating the last primordial Qaeus before he eventually unleashes his chaos upon them. The world-building, the demon-lore and Halira’s adventure all sounded very promising at the beginning, but once the crusader training begun I couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed. I mean, learning about the importance of shadowsteel weapons and how easily they can slice through a demon wasn’t boring, and neither was learning about the mystery surrounding the catacombs or the importance of the ink the crusaders use to paint marks across their faces before entering the blight. All of that ended up being super interesting and unique, but the pacing of it all ended up being too slow for my own good.
Therefore, even though the lectures and the training for the new recruits helped the world building expand and make the story more intriguing, I personally felt like it lasted a lot longer than it should’ve. This sadly made the story feel long and uneventful, yet something that kind of managed to make up for it was the mystery behind Halira’s family and those who lived in what is still known as the Forgotten Forest of Eyve. Another thing that I actually enjoyed about this book were the characters–or most of them anyways. For example, I didn’t really enjoy Halira’s best friend or her sister, but I did love the part they played when it came to pushing Halira forward to do something with her life after her parents died. And from the little group of people that we get to meet once Halira joins the Shadow Crusade, my favorite one was Silver; a girl that seemed quiet and reserved but ended up being a lot stronger and smarter than she looked!
In the end, Shadow Crusade was a lot harder to get through than I thought it would be but I can’t complain much. The pace was slow and heavy, but I still managed to enjoy unexpected character interactions and most of the plot twists! I may have not been a big fan of the fact that what was left of Halira’s family treated her like garbage but that actually ended up building up quite an interesting conclusion–which I won’t spoil at all but do know that it was pretty good! If you’re a fan of dark fantasy books full of demons, powerful and mysterious beings, a little romance and a few other surprises, then you might want to give this one a try!
◦ I've received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ◦
Monsters and humans once walked the earth together, until people turned to the shadow creatures and started hunting them one by one till only one Primordial remained alive – Qaeus, who grew stronger and engorged with darkness for every life he took. After the mages tried stopping Qaeus by splitting the land in two, thus forming the Forgotten Forest of Eyve and Illshore, leaving the Arcathainians abandoned with nothing but their shadow steel to comfort them – thus forcing the Arcathainians to form the Shadow Crusade, a legion of warriors sworn to find the Primordial Qaeus and slay the creature.
The Shadow Crusade follows the story of Halira and Dimitri’s life and how they live in a world where shadow creatures are lurking at every corner. After losing his family and coming of age Dimitri decides is time to join the Shadow Crusaders and fight for his country. On a day that seemed just like any normal day, the shadow creatures are attacking the town Halira’s living in, taking down with them her parents and leaving her with nothing – other than a sister that’s distant and hasn’t visited her family in ages.
I don’t usually get the chance to read dark fantasy / gothic fantasy because I don’t search for them per se, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love them. This book has been totally different than what I’ve read lately, it's been dark, mysterious, full of shadow creatures that were lurking in the dark, friends turning to lovers, and hearts breaking at the end.
I’ve had a hard time gathering my thoughts on this book because it's been that good. I loved the fact Halira isn’t your typical girl that does and knows everything so perfect, in fact, she’s clumsy, she doesn’t think much about her future or what she wants, and she definitely isn’t the most courageous person out there or knows how to defend herself. Even after going to the Shadow Crusade courses she’s still not the best when comes to fighting, she is as I’ve imagined someone living side by side the danger – afraid, but when the survival instinct kicks in, she digs deep down inside of her and fights, even when all she wants is run and never look back.
I loved the fact that she and Dimitri know each other since childhood and now that both of them are reaching the maturity age, are seeing each other with different eyes, and while neither of them is making the first step, slowly we see Halira’s getting a little bit bold and she’s not waiting for the guy to make the first step – she does it and that moment was a “YES” from me because the tension between them could’ve been cut with a knife, they really needed that … release ;).
Even if the book has been pretty gore on some chapters and also contains some triggers it didn’t make me change my opinion about it. I realized I don’t feel disgusted by many things in books (can’t say the same about that in real life lol), but considering I’ve read the book at night, It really kept me going, the more action it happened, the more they were in danger, the more they fought the danger the more I wanted to read – and the relationship between Halira and Dimitri was really sweet and what they went through I've lived it together with them.
I am glad I received the 2nd book on this series to read it as an ARC because the ending on this book, has really made me sad and wanted to scream at Dimitri – I’m not getting into more details because for me that was the real plot twist. His actions towards Halira have really made me question his feelings for her, his true feelings for her, because in a blink of an eye his sweet demeanor towards her has changed to 90 degrees and I felt so betrayed by that.
Overall this is an amazing story to follow if you love: dark fantasy/gothic, high fantasy romance, amazing world-building, friends to lovers, and a lot of action and gore things, for me this has been such a perfect read because I don’t always get the chance to read this type of books and whenever I get the chance I devour them so quick.
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Monsters and humans once walked the earth together, until people turned to the shadow creatures and started hunting them one by one till only one Primordial remained alive – Qaeus, who grew stronger and engorged with darkness for every life he took. After the mages tried stopping Qaeus by splitting the land in two, thus forming the Forgotten Forest of Eyve and Illshore, leaving the Arcathainians abandoned with nothing but their shadow steel to comfort them – thus forcing the Arcathainians to form the Shadow Crusade, a legion of warriors sworn to find the Primordial Qaeus and slay the creature.
The Shadow Crusade follows the story of Halira and Dimitri’s life and how they live in a world where shadow creatures are lurking at every corner. After losing his family and coming of age Dimitri decides is time to join the Shadow Crusaders and fight for his country. On a day that seemed just like any normal day, the shadow creatures are attacking the town Halira’s living in, taking down with them her parents and leaving her with nothing – other than a sister that’s distant and hasn’t visited her family in ages.
I don’t usually get the chance to read dark fantasy / gothic fantasy because I don’t search for them per se, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love them. This book has been totally different than what I’ve read lately, it's been dark, mysterious, full of shadow creatures that were lurking in the dark, friends turning to lovers, and hearts breaking at the end.
I’ve had a hard time gathering my thoughts on this book because it's been that good. I loved the fact Halira isn’t your typical girl that does and knows everything so perfect, in fact, she’s clumsy, she doesn’t think much about her future or what she wants, and she definitely isn’t the most courageous person out there or knows how to defend herself. Even after going to the Shadow Crusade courses she’s still not the best when comes to fighting, she is as I’ve imagined someone living side by side the danger – afraid, but when the survival instinct kicks in, she digs deep down inside of her and fights, even when all she wants is run and never look back.
I loved the fact that she and Dimitri know each other since childhood and now that both of them are reaching the maturity age, are seeing each other with different eyes, and while neither of them is making the first step, slowly we see Halira’s getting a little bit bold and she’s not waiting for the guy to make the first step – she does it and that moment was a “YES” from me because the tension between them could’ve been cut with a knife, they really needed that … release ;).
Even if the book has been pretty gore on some chapters and also contains some triggers it didn’t make me change my opinion about it. I realized I don’t feel disgusted by many things in books (can’t say the same about that in real life lol), but considering I’ve read the book at night, It really kept me going, the more action it happened, the more they were in danger, the more they fought the danger the more I wanted to read – and the relationship between Halira and Dimitri was really sweet and what they went through I've lived it together with them.
I am glad I received the 2nd book on this series to read it as an ARC because the ending on this book, has really made me sad and wanted to scream at Dimitri – I’m not getting into more details because for me that was the real plot twist. His actions towards Halira have really made me question his feelings for her, his true feelings for her, because in a blink of an eye his sweet demeanor towards her has changed to 90 degrees and I felt so betrayed by that.
Overall this is an amazing story to follow if you love: dark fantasy/gothic, high fantasy romance, amazing world-building, friends to lovers, and a lot of action and gore things, for me this has been such a perfect read because I don’t always get the chance to read this type of books and whenever I get the chance I devour them so quick.
Follow me on my social media for more than just reviews:
BookBub
Reedsy
Blog
Shadow Crusade is the first book in the Primordials of Shadowthorn series. Halira never wanted to join the Shadow Crusade until she lost her parents to demons. Now, she trains to protect and discovers a power within.
What an amazing start to this new series. This is the second series I've read by Jessaca, I have been blown away with the world building. I can't wait to read more of this series.
I received an ARC and voluntarily gave my honest opinion and review
What an amazing start to this new series. This is the second series I've read by Jessaca, I have been blown away with the world building. I can't wait to read more of this series.
I received an ARC and voluntarily gave my honest opinion and review
What I Did Like:
-Flawed characters. I love characters that are imperfect and flawed. This group comes with ready made prejudices that they’ll have to confront as the book progresses, which I adore.
-Found family. Both Halira and Dimitri have no real family remaining in their lives. They need people. So when they join up with other young recruits the found family dynamic is amazing. I want all the best things for this little group.
-Dark concept in an interesting direction. Demons walk the Earth, humans are hunted, Mages are the enemy. What’s not to love about that concept? It’s dark and foreboding but the author gives you just enough light to keep you reading. That spark of hope is why we read dark fantasy, afterall.
Who Should Read This One:
-Dark fantasy fans who like a bit of light romance in their stories.
My Rating: 3 Stars. This is a good fantasy story and I think it sets up the sequels to be even better.
For Full Review: https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2022/01/07/2022-book-review-shadow-crusade/
-Flawed characters. I love characters that are imperfect and flawed. This group comes with ready made prejudices that they’ll have to confront as the book progresses, which I adore.
-Found family. Both Halira and Dimitri have no real family remaining in their lives. They need people. So when they join up with other young recruits the found family dynamic is amazing. I want all the best things for this little group.
-Dark concept in an interesting direction. Demons walk the Earth, humans are hunted, Mages are the enemy. What’s not to love about that concept? It’s dark and foreboding but the author gives you just enough light to keep you reading. That spark of hope is why we read dark fantasy, afterall.
Who Should Read This One:
-Dark fantasy fans who like a bit of light romance in their stories.
My Rating: 3 Stars. This is a good fantasy story and I think it sets up the sequels to be even better.
For Full Review: https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2022/01/07/2022-book-review-shadow-crusade/
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
Honestly in awe that I’m friends with such a talented author. This book was exceptional and has given me a newfound love of fantasy after I’ve been in a slump.
ACOTAR with demons instead of fae, set in the world of Dark Souls III...
That's what I was thinking of when I wrote this series. Now, like with all stories, as I wrote, it started to develop into something of its own accord, but I was constantly coming back to the things that inspired me to write this early on.
I'd like to think that Shadow Crusade isn't your typical demon hunter story. Demons are commonly associated with the urban fantasy genre, but this is an epic fantasy tale. The demons in this book are not reddish imps and devils; they are Lovecraftian beasts mean to instill horror in the hearts of mankind.
In Shadow Crusade, you will meet Halira Devonshire, one of the most relatable characters I think I've ever written. She struggles with the monotony of life and not having a strong sense of direction. She wouldn't describe herself as happy, but she's neither discontented. Life is what it is and she's going through the motions to make it through each day. But when tragedy befalls her family, she suddenly finds herself motivated and inspired in a way she never has before.
Shadow Crusade is a grim but magical story of revenge, of friendships and found family, of triumph over hardship; and most importantly, of discovering oneself amid the ruins of one's life.
To my readers, I truly hope you enjoy accompanying Halira on the path of vengeance, and the secrets she learns about herself and her world along the way.
That's what I was thinking of when I wrote this series. Now, like with all stories, as I wrote, it started to develop into something of its own accord, but I was constantly coming back to the things that inspired me to write this early on.
I'd like to think that Shadow Crusade isn't your typical demon hunter story. Demons are commonly associated with the urban fantasy genre, but this is an epic fantasy tale. The demons in this book are not reddish imps and devils; they are Lovecraftian beasts mean to instill horror in the hearts of mankind.
In Shadow Crusade, you will meet Halira Devonshire, one of the most relatable characters I think I've ever written. She struggles with the monotony of life and not having a strong sense of direction. She wouldn't describe herself as happy, but she's neither discontented. Life is what it is and she's going through the motions to make it through each day. But when tragedy befalls her family, she suddenly finds herself motivated and inspired in a way she never has before.
Shadow Crusade is a grim but magical story of revenge, of friendships and found family, of triumph over hardship; and most importantly, of discovering oneself amid the ruins of one's life.
To my readers, I truly hope you enjoy accompanying Halira on the path of vengeance, and the secrets she learns about herself and her world along the way.
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
This story was amazing from start to finish. It started out with a bang and kept you wanting to read it as fast as possible. The world that Jessaca created was awesome and the characters were wonderful as well.
I loved Halira, she was against joining the Shadow Crusade (demon hunters) with good reason, but supported her friend Dimitri who wanted to join. Something happens and Halira decides its a good idea to join as well. We learn that magic happens around Halira at times which in this world Mages are trashed and not liked so it's not a good thing that this happens. This book did have a friends to lovers trope which I typically don't like but I became a fan of it in this story, at least in the beginning. Dimitri is very honor bound no matter what where Halira is not, as you can imagine this causes issues.
Halira does make friends with some of the other recruits, Silver and Fox are some and I really liked both of them...to a point.
I don't want to get too much into everything but let's say sh*t goes down in the end. The ending left me speechless and now I need the next book ASAP. This is an amazing start to what will be an amazing series and you need to read it ASAP!!
I loved Halira, she was against joining the Shadow Crusade (demon hunters) with good reason, but supported her friend Dimitri who wanted to join. Something happens and Halira decides its a good idea to join as well. We learn that magic happens around Halira at times which in this world Mages are trashed and not liked so it's not a good thing that this happens. This book did have a friends to lovers trope which I typically don't like but I became a fan of it in this story, at least in the beginning. Dimitri is very honor bound no matter what where Halira is not, as you can imagine this causes issues.
Halira does make friends with some of the other recruits, Silver and Fox are some and I really liked both of them...to a point.
I don't want to get too much into everything but let's say sh*t goes down in the end. The ending left me speechless and now I need the next book ASAP. This is an amazing start to what will be an amazing series and you need to read it ASAP!!