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A review by memreads
Sanctuary of the Shadow by Aurora Ascher
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
Too Much Instalove and Sex, Not Enough Circus and Character Development
Going into this world, I was hoping for an immersive fantasy with characters that radiate circus energy like Ty Lee from Avatar, high stakes hidden identity, unravelling mysterious pasts, and compelling banter.
This did not deliver.
I love a good map as much as the next fantasy reader, but in my mind they should be like a cherry on top, a nice little touch for the well constructed world. Not a crutch to be used in lieu of the actual world building.
From the initial marketing I saw for the story, it promised a magical circus, and "vibes like Avatar the Last Air Bender". This book is about as much like Avatar as sour cream is like ice cream. And as far as the circus was concerned, it felt like more of a convenient start for the story rather than a part of the story.
I've seen other reviews saying going into this expecting a fantasy novel is setting yourself up for a bad time. This is a romance novel, it has okay-ish romance scenes but they seem also awkward and forced. I'd think a 60 year old and an amnesiac wouldn't dive into physical relations so quickly, but that's my logic.
The fantasy elements just don't grip like I'd want them to.
Overall, the story felt forced despite the really cool things it promised going into it, the plot was hard to find, and it felt like it was trying so hard to be a stand alone while also maintaining series potential.
Going into this world, I was hoping for an immersive fantasy with characters that radiate circus energy like Ty Lee from Avatar, high stakes hidden identity, unravelling mysterious pasts, and compelling banter.
This did not deliver.
I love a good map as much as the next fantasy reader, but in my mind they should be like a cherry on top, a nice little touch for the well constructed world. Not a crutch to be used in lieu of the actual world building.
From the initial marketing I saw for the story, it promised a magical circus, and "vibes like Avatar the Last Air Bender". This book is about as much like Avatar as sour cream is like ice cream. And as far as the circus was concerned, it felt like more of a convenient start for the story rather than a part of the story.
I've seen other reviews saying going into this expecting a fantasy novel is setting yourself up for a bad time. This is a romance novel, it has okay-ish romance scenes but they seem also awkward and forced. I'd think a 60 year old and an amnesiac wouldn't dive into physical relations so quickly, but that's my logic.
The fantasy elements just don't grip like I'd want them to.
Overall, the story felt forced despite the really cool things it promised going into it, the plot was hard to find, and it felt like it was trying so hard to be a stand alone while also maintaining series potential.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Slavery, Torture, Racism, Violence, War, Death of parent, Infertility, Suicidal thoughts, and Genocide