A review by crystalcollectsbooks
Shadows of Perl by J. Elle

challenging dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Shadows of Perl is a worthy sequel. I enjoyed House of Marionne and this book gives us even deeper insight into the world and its magic system. I find the magic system in this series rather unique and enjoyed following Quell on her journey to learn more about her magic and how to use it after her binding in book 1. Quell and Jordan are now enemies and this book definitely delivered on that front. There is good tension between the two when they have to team up once again. The addition of Nore’s voice was an added bonus. We learn more about her and some good stuff comes of it. Her POV provided a good accompaniment to the overall story. I really like Elle’s writing style - the story was compelling and unpredictable. I could not put the book down and flew through it. Every moment of it was filled with angst/longing, action, and magic.
I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading fantasy, especially if you like a well written back and forth of enemies-lovers. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel - you can’t leave me hanging like that!
Many thanks to Penguin Teen Canada (Penguin Random House) and NetGalley for a digital advanced copy of the book. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.