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A review by tinyelfarcanist
Of Shade and Shadow: The Exiled by Niamh Schmid
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The story is told from the perspective of two traumatized and insecure teenagers. Awkward moments ensured. Their interactions are wholesome but somewhat repetitive, with them over apologizing to one another. It was refreshing reading a YA novel where the relationship between the MCs isn't romantic.
The world is fleshed out, and I'd love to learn more about it. The worldbuilding, however, wasn't subtle, done in short info dumps.
The book would benefit from an editor. Some paragraphs could be removed without affecting the story, and some scenes lack follow-up. Most notable, ellipses are overused.
There are unexpected twists, and a minor cliffhanger to keep you intrigued. But the worldbuilding and characters are enough to get me invested in the series.
The world is fleshed out, and I'd love to learn more about it. The worldbuilding, however, wasn't subtle, done in short info dumps.
The book would benefit from an editor. Some paragraphs could be removed without affecting the story, and some scenes lack follow-up. Most notable, ellipses are overused.
There are unexpected twists, and a minor cliffhanger to keep you intrigued. But the worldbuilding and characters are enough to get me invested in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Physical abuse, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Genocide, Torture, and War