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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
I enjoyed Chrysantha's story but not quite as much as the first book. Similarly to the first book, the story feels rushed. There is much to work with here but it needs to be flushed out more. I'm still left feeling confused about the origins of duke and what exact powers he has.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
OK. This is the sequel to The Shadow Between Us, and I have to say—Eryx absolutely puts the Shadow King to shame. He brings the danger, charm, and actual personality I wanted from book one. And Chrysantha? Total surprise. I didn’t expect to like her, but she’s sharp, calculating, and layered in a way Alessandra never really was.
This is very YA—super easy to fly through, light on depth—but the enemies-to-lovers tension? Top. Tier. Like, chef’s kiss banter and slow-burn chaos. The plot brings poison, betrayal, political scheming, and just enough backstabbing to keep me flipping pages.
That said, the ending felt a bit anticlimactic. I wanted more—more fire, more final punch, just… more. It wrapped up too neatly for how intense the rest of the book was trying to be.
Still, if you’re here for morally gray flirts, royalty drama, and a romance that actually delivers on tension? This one’s fun. Definitely liked it more than book one.
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is an enjoyable YA romantasy that offers a light, easy-to-follow narrative without extensive world-building or complex subplots. It’s a fun and engaging read that I would recommend to anyone looking to delve into fantasy without the need for deep concentration on intricate details. Perfect for a relaxing, "turn off your brain" kind of experience.
I enjoyed the first book and was intrigued to see how Levenseller would make me like the sister I initially disliked. Surprisingly, Chrysantha turned out to be likable, with her compassion and kindness toward her staff adding a sweet touch. However, the development of the sisters' relationship felt rushed and somewhat inauthentic, despite eventually warming up to their reconciliation.
The chemistry between Chrysantha and Eryx was charming, with their insults, banter, and flirting providing a delightful slow-burn romance. However, the ending felt abrupt, reminiscent of "The Shadows Between Us," where the major plot twist occurs in the last few pages, which I found rather silly. Nevertheless, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Thank you Netgalley and Pushkin Press for the arc!
I enjoyed the first book and was intrigued to see how Levenseller would make me like the sister I initially disliked. Surprisingly, Chrysantha turned out to be likable, with her compassion and kindness toward her staff adding a sweet touch. However, the development of the sisters' relationship felt rushed and somewhat inauthentic, despite eventually warming up to their reconciliation.
The chemistry between Chrysantha and Eryx was charming, with their insults, banter, and flirting providing a delightful slow-burn romance. However, the ending felt abrupt, reminiscent of "The Shadows Between Us," where the major plot twist occurs in the last few pages, which I found rather silly. Nevertheless, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Thank you Netgalley and Pushkin Press for the arc!