Series Review: Is this series worth your time? Does it get better as the novels progress? Or does it get worse? Find out below:
Synopsis for The Shadows Between Us (from Goodreads):
Alessandra is tired of being overlooked, but she has a plan to gain power:1) Woo the Shadow King.
2) Marry him.
3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves, and she’s going to do everything within her power to get it.
But Alessandra’s not the only one trying to kill the king. As attempts on his life are made, she finds herself trying to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen—all while struggling not to lose her heart. After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen?
Author: Tricia Levenseller
Series: The Shadows Between Us
# of Books: 2 (Full Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Connected
Complete?: Yes
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Magic, Romance
Heat Rating: warm **suggestive content**
Point of View: First Person, Single
Publication Date: February 2020 – July 2024
Source & Format: Public Library–Audiobook
**This post was originally published as a standalone review of the first book of the series. It has now been updated to include the newest publications in the series.**
Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:
When I noticed that my library had this book, it didn’t immediately click for me that Tricia Levenseller wrote The Daughter of the Pirate King. A novel I really enjoyed for its wit and kickass heroine. So when I read the description of this novel and realized she was the author, I was pretty excited to dive in.
The Concept / The World:
Alessandra hooks you in from the start with her devious plans. Her drive for power and to obtain it at any costs is usually something we only see in male characters so I appreciated it here immensely. Watching her execute her plan is delicious fun.
I worried that the magic elements here would be too much but I found it was balanced well. It isn’t an overly complicated world or system by any means. So much so that you almost forget it’s a factor until it pops up again.
The Plot:
I was hooked into this book from the start as I watched the schemes begin. But then things got a little dry for me as we approached the first half. The latter half of the novel picks up as all the plot lines start to converge.
I did want a little more from the plot though. I thought that all the big “WOW” moments felt subdued, particularly around the long running mysteries. They didn’t pack as much punch as they should have in my opinion.
The Characters:
Like I said earlier, I really liked Alessandra’s character. Her rebellion isn’t unique per say but I found her character to be unique how she carries herself and thinks 5 steps ahead. I always appreciate cunning heroines and she certainly is.
The Romance:
I thought Alessandra had great chemistry with the King…when they actually shared a scene together. I think their relationship could have been more in focus for the first half. It falls to the wayside a bit and that’s a real shame. I didn’t see this big life changing bond forming between them, though I could see how it would one day. I just craved more scenes of them together.
My Audiobook Experience:
A very entertaining listen! I usually listen to audiobooks while in the car or while doing something else but this one made me want to stop and just listen.
–October 19, 2024– Book #2: The Darkness Within Us
I always enjoy when a secondary character you don’t totally love from the first novel surprises you with their depth and story in their own spinoff!
I also enjoyed the plot more in this one. It complimented the first novel but had its own flare to it as well. The supernatural elements are more subtle and it really is more character driven than supernaturally driven.
Series Rating: 3.5/5
Thwe Shadows Between Us 3.5/5 | The Darkness Within Us 4/5
My Rating: 3.5/5
Whilst entertaining, it didn’t WOW me like I wanted it to.
Read if You Like: kickass heroines, magic
Avoid if You: dislike morally questionable leads
- Keturah & Lord Death by Martine Leavitt
- Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller (Daughter of the Pirate King Series #1)
- Graceling by Kristin Cashore (Graceling Realm #1)
