**Disclaimer: I was given a free ARC in exchange for an honest review from the author.**
Title The Shadows Between Us
Author Tricia Levenseller
Release Date February 25, 2020
Description from Amazon
“They’ve never found the body of the first and only boy who broke my heart. And they never will.”
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?
Initial Thoughts
I have been wanting to get my hands on a ARC of this book since I finished Warrior of the Wild last March. As luck would have it, I won a contest that Tricia Levenseller hosted on Instagram and she sent me a personalized ARC (this is the stuff my dreams are made of). I was THRILLED. Anyway, I received the ARC on Thursday, January 16 and finished it all that night. Dear Tricia, I 100% blame you for the fact that no amount of coffee could keep me awake the next day – but, it was totally worth it!
Some Things I Liked
- Villain-y lead. I loved that the main character is basically a terrible person in the beginning of the story. It’s so refreshing to find a character that’s not a perfect goody-two-shoes type and I thought her honesty was highly entertaining.
- Fashion as a theme. I loved the role that fashion and colors played in this story. I thought it gave the author a chance to paint a rich picture as well as give the reader so much to visualize.
- Gender equality and positive body image themes. So much of this book was about Alessandra showing the world that she was an independent woman and she didn’t need a man to do anything for her. She lived in a very oppressive world but she didn’t let that stop her from achieving her dreams. I loved that she challenged gender norms as well as fought for equality.
Favorite Quote
The rebel in me loves to throw dirt in the face of decorum.
Page 13
Series Value
I’d love to come back to this world and read more about these characters and their lives. However, this story feels complete. I didn’t feel like anything was left unresolved to the point that I need a sequel, it’s a nice to have simply because I enjoy Tricia’s writing style.
Final Thoughts
I read this book all in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the characters, plot twists, and setting in this story. I already knew that I was a Tricia Levenseller fan, but this book only solidified the idea.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️️
Recommendations for Further Reading
- Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller – if you enjoyed the writing style, and kick-ass female lead, try this standalone by Tricia Levenseller.
- Beyond the Shadowed Earth by Joanna Ruth Meyer – if you liked the villainess turned hero vibes of The Shadows Between Us, try this new release by Joanna Ruth Meyer.
- The Evil Queen by Gena Showalter – once again, if you like a villain-y lead, try this fairytale retelling a try.
Books Over Everything 