A review by clairetrellahill
Silence and Shadow by Erin Beaty

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

I enjoyed this so much!! Blood and Moonlight was a surprise book to me last year--a fantasy murder mystery, not something I had ever really thought to put together, but it worked really well alongside a girl coming into hidden power and a budding romance. It's sequel, Silence and Shadow, follows Catrin and Simon as they attempt to get Catrin magical training--and inadvertently have to masquerade as a married couple to stay together. But murder seems to follow them, and they are quickly swept up in a new investigation in a new city.

Some aspects of the plot were a little obvious for me--the secondary bad guy, for instance--and certain things about who was allowed access to Selenae knowledge made me sad with the bittersweet way things shook out. But on the whole I really enjoyed this duology and especially this culmination of Simon and Catrin's romance. The murders in this one were also quite creepy. If you're looking for a fresh fantasy direction that isn't your usual quest or kingdom struggle, pick up these books and give them a whirl--especially if you like shows like Criminal Minds. Really good. 4 stars. 

Silence and Shadow comes out Oct 3. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC copy.

Heat level: 1/closed door