#BookReview: The Shadows Between Us by @tricialevensell

Synopsis: 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? 



Goodreads | Amazon

Rating: 5 Stars
My Review: This anti hero story is one that I so wished there was a book two. This stand alone tore out my heart and soul in the best possible way.  I cried, I laughed, and at the start I didn't know who or what to root for. But as the story progressed I fell in love with Alessandra and the Shadow King so hard that when the ending came I broke down into tears.  When this one started we learn that Alessandra has already had a taste for murder and it really made me wonder if I should be rooting for her to woo the king and rule the world.  Or should I root for the Shadow King and hope that he figures out what she is planning before she can kill him.  In the end I found myself rooting for Alessandra so much that when the story ended I needed more.  I didn't want it to end.  

The pacing in this one is a lot slower than what I am used to but it really worked out for this one.  I fell so in love with it.  That the pacing was just perfect. As for Alessandra she was so powerful right at the start of the story.  She set her eyes on a goal and off she went.  She didn't let anyone stop her and when her plans changed she changed with them.  

This was a perfect story to get lost in. 

From School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up—Lady Alessandra Stathos aims to woo the Shadow King, marry him, and then kill him to take the kingdom for herself. Alessandra is no stranger to murder—in the opening of the book she admits to killing her first love after he rejects her—and shows no remorse for what she has done. She has all the details thought out regarding how she can gain the king's attention, make him fall in love with her, and carry out her plan. However, she does not anticipate enjoying the king's company, helping protect him from assassination attempts, or having to work around the shadows and rules that surround him. Alessandra is hardly likable—she is cunning and deceitful, and she loves to toy with others—yet readers will root for her. The ending ties up a bit too quickly and predictably, but this is a satisfying and engaging tale. VERDICT Hand this fantasy to readers who want a fun read with villains as the stars.—Megan Huenemann, Norris High School, Firth, NE

Review

"The Shadows Between Us is my favorite kind of fantasy: dark, mesmerizing, and completely addictive. With a gripping mystery and layered characters, it's a glittering tale of love and the pursuit of power. Put simply: it's the Slytherin romance we've all been waiting for." ―Kerri Maniscalco, #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Stalking Jack the Ripper 

“Tricia Levenseller’s latest, The Shadows Between Us, is a decadent and wickedly addictive fantasy, full of schemes and court intrigue, and delightful descriptions of food, which I am always a fan of.” ―Kendare Blake, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of the Three Dark Crowns series

“A wickedly fun romp with corsets and jeweled daggers, Levenseller drops us into a competitive royal court, led there by Alessandra, an unapologetically ruthless and self-confident courtier who aims to overthrow the Shadow King and become queen. The king’s mysterious abilities and dark secrets complicate her passion to rule, all building to a sizzling, unbidden romance. The Shadows Between Us will heat up the page―and your heart.” ―Emily R. King, author of The Hundredth Queen series

"A viciously satisfying romance featuring two well-matched opponents." ―Booklist

Praise for Tricia Levenseller: 
"One of my favourite YA books ever. The action! The world-building! The voice! This book kicks so much ass." -- Cale Dietrich, author of The Love Interest, on Warrior of the Wild 

"Rasmira's quest is thrilling, her emotional journey compelling; this adventure sings." --Booklist on Warrior of the Wild 

"This high-octane novel is filled with mythical creatures and showcases a heroine who wants to be a warrior, a woman, and a leader." --School Library Journal, on Warrior of the Wild 

"The real gratification lies in Rasmira’s transformation from broken, betrayed, girl to resourceful, confident victor. Her final clash with the god is heart pounding, and her triumph in front of her village and father is satisfyingly righteous." -- The Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books, on Warrior of the Wild 

"Levenseller has created a formidable female character who can take care of herself as she makes some hard decisions.” ―School Library Journal on Daughter of a Pirate King

“[Levenseller’s] words will pull you in, and there's no escaping them." ―Charlie N. Holmberg, author of The Paper Magician Series, on Daughter of the Siren Queen

“With a cunning plot, robust writing, and complicated characters, any reader will enjoy being manipulated in Levenseller's capable hands.” ―Anna Banks, author of the New York Times Bestseller Of Triton, on Daughter of the Pirate King

About the Author

Tricia Levenseller, author of five YA fantasy books, including The Shadows Between Us and the Daughter of the Pirate King duology, grew up in Oregon, where she spent her childhood climbing trees and playing make believe. She now lives in Utah with her bossy dog, Rosy, where she writes full time. When she's not writing or reading, Tricia enjoys putting together jigsaw puzzles, playing Overwatch and Sea of Thieves on her Xbox, and finding tasty restaurants to frequent.

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Posted in: 5 Stars, Edelweiss, FierceReads, Jessica P., Netgalley, Review, Young Adult