A review by 0sc4rsbooksh3lf
A Vow of Shadows by Elle Backenstoe

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 This book was a great surprise in so many ways, I was stunned by this book. First of all for the originality of the plot: the idea of ​​a ferryman between life and death is not a concept that we often read about (although very classic) but above all, Death as Elle wrote it is not something that we read every day. As I read it was more and more of a surprise, and when Death was introduced I went literally crazy. I didn't really expect this twist, I didn't expect The Ferrier's character and I was truly enthralled throughout the entire book. I sincerely would have preferred it to be a little longer, for both the fantasy and romance plots to have perhaps had a little more space, despite this the book is not rushed but well structured in all its parts. 

Our main character, Katrin, has lived with the shadow of Death upon her skin for years. Katrin seeks out the one who might save her, the Ferrier: a mysterious reaper who agrees to keep her safe for one year. If there's one thing that Elle knows how to do very well, it's creating atmosphere and mood. Whether through dialogue, descriptions or the events themselves, the gothic mood is a certainty. We spend most of the time in Katrin’s mind, living the events with her directly and obviously you’ll end up loving her. The situation is slightly different with the Ferrier: we often also read his pov, which however rarely, especially at the beginning, is dedicated to him but is often directed towards Katrin. I would have liked to know him better, but I understand that this narrative choice was made to maintain an aura of mystery around his character (100% successful).