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keatonmarie's review against another edition
No world building. I didn’t find the FMC likable at all. She just seemed selfish and ruthless but without good reason. Also very full of herself. I had high hopes and was very let down. The MMC can just walk through walls and wield shadows but there’s no explanation of why even though he seems to be the only person in the boo who has any sort of powers?
books_tea_and_fantasy's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 ⭐️
Characters: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Writing: 8
Plot: 9
Intrigue: 10
Logic: 6
Enjoyment: 10
Devoured it in an afternoon.
Can't wait for the sequel to come out!
Characters: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Writing: 8
Plot: 9
Intrigue: 10
Logic: 6
Enjoyment: 10
Devoured it in an afternoon.
Can't wait for the sequel to come out!
aische24's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
lavdisy's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Wow, that was an experience. As I'm writing this, I'm still giggling over the book and thinking about those confession words that sent my heart racing. Okay, honestly, it's kinda boring and slow up until around 40%, but after that, it starts getting interesting. I liked how the plot picks up with the royal court, the shadow around the king, and some little dirty schemes. There are parts I enjoyed a lot. However, I have some issues with how some twists are introduced nearly at the ending, making the plot feel a bit rushed. Maybe it was supposed to surprise readers, but I found it just okay and was kind of upset about how the reconciliation between the main characters was cut short. And don't tell me, that fight scene was kind of childish (imo okay sorry).
I liked all the characters, but I was particularly drawn to the fmc, Alessandra, with her energy, self-confidence, and conviction to get what she wants; it's fascinating to read. The dynamics between Alessandra and Kallias are really good. I loved how they try to connect despite their differences, and the moments when they are open and honest with themselves. Their relationship development throughout the story, although kind of short is really beautiful to see how love grows between them. Also, the slow-burn between them keeps me on my toes. The friendships that form here are also enjoyable because it's nice to see them helping each other and giving advice.
Overall, I liked this book, and all the things end well. I wish it were longer so I could see what happens to the main characters, but a glimpse of a happy ending for them is already enough for me. I just know that there's a book 2 about Alessandra's sister because she's not mentioned a lot here, and I guess maybe I would read it or I don't know.
I liked all the characters, but I was particularly drawn to the fmc, Alessandra, with her energy, self-confidence, and conviction to get what she wants; it's fascinating to read. The dynamics between Alessandra and Kallias are really good. I loved how they try to connect despite their differences, and the moments when they are open and honest with themselves. Their relationship development throughout the story, although kind of short is really beautiful to see how love grows between them. Also, the slow-burn between them keeps me on my toes. The friendships that form here are also enjoyable because it's nice to see them helping each other and giving advice.
Overall, I liked this book, and all the things end well. I wish it were longer so I could see what happens to the main characters, but a glimpse of a happy ending for them is already enough for me. I just know that there's a book 2 about Alessandra's sister because she's not mentioned a lot here, and I guess maybe I would read it or I don't know.
cobaltbookshelf's review against another edition
1.0
I know this is going to be unpopular opinion, but here we go. There was potential here and the book didn't live up to any of it.
Shadow King becomes too friendly with Alessandra far too quickly, it does not progress naturally but they had some moments.
So much telling not showing and writing is inconsistent, also there is a huge lack of substance from any other supporting characters.
All in all, this book was a huge disappointment.
Shadow King becomes too friendly with Alessandra far too quickly, it does not progress naturally but they had some moments.
So much telling not showing and writing is inconsistent, also there is a huge lack of substance from any other supporting characters.
All in all, this book was a huge disappointment.
evee07's review
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
thebookoftoday's review against another edition
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Although the world building could use some work i could not give this bokk any less than 5 stars. It had me up all night trying to finish it.
I did not see who the true culprit was until the end and the romance was great. The dinamic between the characters even the side ones was great.
The ending had a quit thickly laid on female power message but i can't hate the book for that.
Anyway, on to the next book! 😊
I did not see who the true culprit was until the end and the romance was great. The dinamic between the characters even the side ones was great.
The ending had a quit thickly laid on female power message but i can't hate the book for that.
Anyway, on to the next book! 😊
Content Warnings
Minor: Blood, Murder, Gaslighting, and Sexual content
ravenlily's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5