What do you think?
Rate this book
Shadow Reader #1
The Shadow Reader
There can only be one allegiance.
It’s her time to choose.
Some humans can see the fae. McKenzie Lewis can track them, reading the shadows they leave behind. But some shadows lead to danger. Others lead to lies.
A Houston college student trying to finish her degree, McKenzie has been working for the fae king for years, tracking vicious rebels who would claim the Realm. Her job isn’t her only secret. For just as long, she’s been in love with Kyol, the king’s sword-master—and relationships between humans and fae are forbidden.
But any hope for a normal life is shattered when she’s captured by Aren, the fierce and uncompromising rebel leader. He teaches her the forbidden fae language and tells her dark truths about the Court, all to persuade her to turn against the king. Time is running out, and as the fight starts to claim human lives, McKenzie has no choice but to decide once and for all whom to trust and where she ultimately stands in the face of a cataclysmic civil war.
It’s her time to choose.
Some humans can see the fae. McKenzie Lewis can track them, reading the shadows they leave behind. But some shadows lead to danger. Others lead to lies.
A Houston college student trying to finish her degree, McKenzie has been working for the fae king for years, tracking vicious rebels who would claim the Realm. Her job isn’t her only secret. For just as long, she’s been in love with Kyol, the king’s sword-master—and relationships between humans and fae are forbidden.
But any hope for a normal life is shattered when she’s captured by Aren, the fierce and uncompromising rebel leader. He teaches her the forbidden fae language and tells her dark truths about the Court, all to persuade her to turn against the king. Time is running out, and as the fight starts to claim human lives, McKenzie has no choice but to decide once and for all whom to trust and where she ultimately stands in the face of a cataclysmic civil war.
349 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2011
458 people are currently reading
16k people want to read
About the author
Sandy Williams
15books1,048followersSandy Williams writes urban fantasy and science fiction, both with a strong shot of romance. She's a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope and loves books with high stakes and fantastical settings. When she's not being a bookworm, she loves playing board and card games like Dominion, Quacks of Quedlinburg, Dungeon Petz, etc (but not Goblins because she ALWAYS loses that damn game).
15% off your first order when you buy direct at
15% off your first order when you buy direct at
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,068 reviews
November 28, 2011
Searching for another kick-ass urban fantasy heroine? Look no further, because McKenzie Lewis has arrived. Caught in a fascinating war between the fae king and the rebel faction, she is kidnapped by the rebellion, who wants to use her special cartography skills for their own means. McKenzie fights to escape in some seriously great action scenes, but gradually she starts to wonder whether the truth behind the war is even more complex than she ever imagined.
What's intriguing about McKenzie is that unlike most other urban fantasy heroines, she's not a warrior. She has no magic sword, she doesn't have mad martial arts skills, and hell, she can't even fire a gun. But she is an exceptionally gifted shadow reader, a person who can see the trace imprints left behind when one of the fae has teleported to another location. The author does an amazing job of showing us how special McKenzie is, particularly in scenes involving a tracking test that's set up for her by the rebels. This girl is fierce and determined and fearless and funny, and I liked how she actually thinks and reasons. You know how sometimes you want to yell at the page because something should be occurring to the heroine, but it doesn't because the author wants to let the story drag on? It's like McKenzie hears you yelling loud and clear and answers you immediately in her actions. But I also like that she's so very human in the middle of all the powerful magic and power plays exhibited around her. She miscalculates, she doesn't know whom to trust, and she actually bleeds and feels pain in a jarring, wince-inducing way. And I like that in the middle of a blistering attack when her own life is in danger, she stops to rescue a little squirmy kimki animal.
And yeah...there are a couple of really sexy guys in this book. McKenzie's been waiting 10 years for something to happen in her forbidden relationship with the strong and principled Kyol, the king's swordsman; but her rebel captor, Aren, is also strangely compelling, with awesome healing powers and a pesky habit of making her feel things for him that she shouldn't be feeling. (Oh, and he has disheveled, sexy hair, too. :D ) Love triangles are usually equal parts agonizing and annoying, but the romantic entanglements are handled incredibly well here. It's like the Dorian-Kiyo thing but done in a much more sophisticated, non-icky, non-frustrating way. I like that everyone behaves honorably and that fae politics and war add so many complicated layers to the situation; while everyone has secrets and agendas, it's clear why both men are so attractive to McKenzie, because both are certainly very attractive to us. The electricity running under her skin whenever she's touched by one of the men is incredibly hot, especially considering that there is no actual sex in any of these relationships. Yet.
Aren holds on for a moment more, his lips and hands lingering as if this is his last breath. As if this is the only breath in his life that has ever mattered.
and
"Fine," he says, his words coming out breathless. "I'll save your precious sword-master, McKenzie. But I will never, ever give you back to him."
I'm really happy to find another great series, especially one that features such a smart and funny heroine and a well-plotted story. If you're a fan of , , , or , don't wait another minute! This is urban fantasy series you've been waiting for.
P.S. If you're still not convinced, let me just say that I made the mistake of starting this book when I went to bed late at night and I was so hooked, I couldn't put it down until I finished it at 6 am. By the time I woke up a few hours later, a few of my friends had already purchased it..and it looks like they really enjoyed it, too. Yay!
What's intriguing about McKenzie is that unlike most other urban fantasy heroines, she's not a warrior. She has no magic sword, she doesn't have mad martial arts skills, and hell, she can't even fire a gun. But she is an exceptionally gifted shadow reader, a person who can see the trace imprints left behind when one of the fae has teleported to another location. The author does an amazing job of showing us how special McKenzie is, particularly in scenes involving a tracking test that's set up for her by the rebels. This girl is fierce and determined and fearless and funny, and I liked how she actually thinks and reasons. You know how sometimes you want to yell at the page because something should be occurring to the heroine, but it doesn't because the author wants to let the story drag on? It's like McKenzie hears you yelling loud and clear and answers you immediately in her actions. But I also like that she's so very human in the middle of all the powerful magic and power plays exhibited around her. She miscalculates, she doesn't know whom to trust, and she actually bleeds and feels pain in a jarring, wince-inducing way. And I like that in the middle of a blistering attack when her own life is in danger, she stops to rescue a little squirmy kimki animal.
And yeah...there are a couple of really sexy guys in this book. McKenzie's been waiting 10 years for something to happen in her forbidden relationship with the strong and principled Kyol, the king's swordsman; but her rebel captor, Aren, is also strangely compelling, with awesome healing powers and a pesky habit of making her feel things for him that she shouldn't be feeling. (Oh, and he has disheveled, sexy hair, too. :D ) Love triangles are usually equal parts agonizing and annoying, but the romantic entanglements are handled incredibly well here. It's like the Dorian-Kiyo thing but done in a much more sophisticated, non-icky, non-frustrating way. I like that everyone behaves honorably and that fae politics and war add so many complicated layers to the situation; while everyone has secrets and agendas, it's clear why both men are so attractive to McKenzie, because both are certainly very attractive to us. The electricity running under her skin whenever she's touched by one of the men is incredibly hot, especially considering that there is no actual sex in any of these relationships. Yet.
Aren holds on for a moment more, his lips and hands lingering as if this is his last breath. As if this is the only breath in his life that has ever mattered.
and
"Fine," he says, his words coming out breathless. "I'll save your precious sword-master, McKenzie. But I will never, ever give you back to him."
I'm really happy to find another great series, especially one that features such a smart and funny heroine and a well-plotted story. If you're a fan of , , , or , don't wait another minute! This is urban fantasy series you've been waiting for.
P.S. If you're still not convinced, let me just say that I made the mistake of starting this book when I went to bed late at night and I was so hooked, I couldn't put it down until I finished it at 6 am. By the time I woke up a few hours later, a few of my friends had already purchased it..and it looks like they really enjoyed it, too. Yay!
June 11, 2023
Welp, another Urban Fantasy another love triangle. It made the book too frustrating to the point of wanting to throw it out of the window and let it soak in a muddy puddle. I just can't deal with this trope just taking up the whole plot of the book, it's just useless filler. Not to even mention how predictable the book is to begin with.
Naito ended up being my favorite character. I’d maybe read the next book for his sake only. Big maybe.
Naito ended up being my favorite character. I’d maybe read the next book for his sake only. Big maybe.
November 14, 2023
This book is free on Amazon (Canada) today (11/14/2023). 🙂
Still a favorite after the third read.
� Captive / Captor
� Characters
� Hate-to-love / kinda love triangle
� Faes / Magic
� Interesting world-building
� Action and fights
� Pace
✅� The plot is a bit predictable (but very enjoyable)
I did not know what to expect with this book... The story seemed really good, but some reviews were quite awful. Let's just say that I really loved The Shadow Reader, I was hooked from the very first page.
There is a war between the Royal Court faes and the rebel faes and McKenzie Lewis stands in the middle of it. Both groups want to have her so they can use her ability to read shadows. In other words, she can "track" faes when they travel between the human realm and their realm, by reading the shadow they leave behind. McKenzie has been working for the Royal Court for the last ten years and they have always protected her, that is until she is kidnapped by a rebel leader (Aren) who wants her to read shadows for him.
I'll admit that the story is a bit predictable and the love triangle between Aren, McKenzie, and Kyol (the king's swords master with whom McKenzie has been in love for the last ten years) even more, but I still fell in love with this book (let's just put this one on my guilty pleasure list). It is a good action-packed story, with a well-made and intriguing world-building and great characters. I loved it. Really, really loved it.
There is a bit of a political aspect to the story: McKenzie is not sure who she can trust, people are lying to her to use her and she must choose a side in the ongoing war. Aren keeps on trying to win her over, to make her see that the Court is using her and lying to her and that Kyol has been aware of it since the beginning, but McKenzie is stubborn and (annoyingly) loyal towards the Court, until it puts her life in danger and she is forced to make a tough choice.
There is a lot of action and strong emotions in this book. McKenzie hates Aren from the very moment she first saw him (which is kind of normal since he kidnapped her), but I liked the fact that she kept trying to get away and she did not give him what he wanted after two days just because he was nice and gorgeous and being all seductive. It takes a little longer for the love
(and the love triangle) to develop and it makes it more realistic. She does not magically fall in love with Aren just because of his good looks, but she also does ignore what Aren tells her and she does not run back to Kyol just because of his pretty smile...
I would have liked even more hate or anger between Aren and McKenzie because I am an angst lover, but I still deeply enjoyed the hate-to-love relationship, even though it was kinda one-sided since Aren did not hate McKenzie. The love triangle is also not a bad one so far, and I'm excited to see if it will change in the next book.
I love the characters in this book. McKenzie is strong, loyal, fierce and so stubborn! Once she pledges herself to a cause, she does it with her whole self, even if she knows she risks getting hurt in the process.
Kyol is McKenzie first love, he's the King's swordmaster and has been McKenzie's protector for the past 10 years. She loves him, he loves her, but they cannot be together because the King does not allow humans and faes to mingle, and if there is one thing we can say about Kyol, it's that he is fiercely loyal to the king. He is a good fae, trying to make the best out of a bad situation, but I am glad that McKenzie realized that she shouldn't have had to wait 10 years for him.
Aren. My sweet rebel. I fell in love with him from the very beginning of the book, and I can't get enough of him. He's kind, caring, and selfless. He tries to win McKenzie over with kindness instead of trying to scare her and threaten her into helping the rebels. He's gorgeous and full of sass on top of it. I have nothing else to say except that I am in love with Aren.
The secondary characters are also interesting, funny, and they really grew on me. McKenzie did annoy me at times, but this series is a guilty pleasure for me and I am not ashamed to admit that I LOVE it. I definitely recommend this series if you are looking for an addicting fast-paced series full of dashing faes, action, and politics, with a stubborn and strong main character and an original world-building that mixes our urban world and the faes magical world. Oh, and there is also hate-to-love! What more can we possibly ask for?!
🙂
Still a favorite after the third read.
� Captive / Captor
� Characters
� Hate-to-love / kinda love triangle
� Faes / Magic
� Interesting world-building
� Action and fights
� Pace
✅� The plot is a bit predictable (but very enjoyable)
I did not know what to expect with this book... The story seemed really good, but some reviews were quite awful. Let's just say that I really loved The Shadow Reader, I was hooked from the very first page.
There is a war between the Royal Court faes and the rebel faes and McKenzie Lewis stands in the middle of it. Both groups want to have her so they can use her ability to read shadows. In other words, she can "track" faes when they travel between the human realm and their realm, by reading the shadow they leave behind. McKenzie has been working for the Royal Court for the last ten years and they have always protected her, that is until she is kidnapped by a rebel leader (Aren) who wants her to read shadows for him.
I'll admit that the story is a bit predictable and the love triangle between Aren, McKenzie, and Kyol (the king's swords master with whom McKenzie has been in love for the last ten years) even more, but I still fell in love with this book (let's just put this one on my guilty pleasure list). It is a good action-packed story, with a well-made and intriguing world-building and great characters. I loved it. Really, really loved it.
There is a bit of a political aspect to the story: McKenzie is not sure who she can trust, people are lying to her to use her and she must choose a side in the ongoing war. Aren keeps on trying to win her over, to make her see that the Court is using her and lying to her and that Kyol has been aware of it since the beginning, but McKenzie is stubborn and (annoyingly) loyal towards the Court, until it puts her life in danger and she is forced to make a tough choice.
There is a lot of action and strong emotions in this book. McKenzie hates Aren from the very moment she first saw him (which is kind of normal since he kidnapped her), but I liked the fact that she kept trying to get away and she did not give him what he wanted after two days just because he was nice and gorgeous and being all seductive. It takes a little longer for the love
(and the love triangle) to develop and it makes it more realistic. She does not magically fall in love with Aren just because of his good looks, but she also does ignore what Aren tells her and she does not run back to Kyol just because of his pretty smile...
“Fine," he says, his words coming out breathless. "I'll save your precious sword master, McKenzie. But I will never, ever give you back to him.�
“If I were a good man,� he says, “I’d acknowledge that Taltrayn is an honorable fae, that he loves you and would take care of you. I’d step down and let you have the man you’ve always wanted, but, McKenzie, I’m not as good as Taltrayn. I never will be, and I can’t step down. I’ll fight for the chance to be with you.�
I would have liked even more hate or anger between Aren and McKenzie because I am an angst lover, but I still deeply enjoyed the hate-to-love relationship, even though it was kinda one-sided since Aren did not hate McKenzie. The love triangle is also not a bad one so far, and I'm excited to see if it will change in the next book.
I love the characters in this book. McKenzie is strong, loyal, fierce and so stubborn! Once she pledges herself to a cause, she does it with her whole self, even if she knows she risks getting hurt in the process.
He’s my protector, my first love, my best friend. He’s the one person in my life who’s always understood me, but what I said in Naito’s backyard is true: I never should have had to wait ten years for him. I should have respected myself more than that, known I deserved to be treated better. I should have demanded to be treated better.
Kyol is McKenzie first love, he's the King's swordmaster and has been McKenzie's protector for the past 10 years. She loves him, he loves her, but they cannot be together because the King does not allow humans and faes to mingle, and if there is one thing we can say about Kyol, it's that he is fiercely loyal to the king. He is a good fae, trying to make the best out of a bad situation, but I am glad that McKenzie realized that she shouldn't have had to wait 10 years for him.
“I know,� Aren says. “But I wanted to apologize. I don’t want Taltrayn to convince you I’m the bad guy.�
At that, I give a short laugh. “You are the bad guy, Aren.�
He frowns, and I realize he’s taking my words the wrong way.
“What I mean is you’re the . . . well, the rebel. Kyol’s the good guy. He’s made mistakes, yes, but he loves me.�
He cocks his head to the side. His gaze makes my skin tingle. The step he takes toward me is hesitant, careful, and when his silver eyes peer down at me, I stop breathing. His lips are so close. I remember the way they felt pressed against mine. I remember his taste, the heat of his edarratae.
The smallest distance separates us when he whispers, “You don’t think I’m in love with you?�
“I . . .�
Aren. My sweet rebel. I fell in love with him from the very beginning of the book, and I can't get enough of him. He's kind, caring, and selfless. He tries to win McKenzie over with kindness instead of trying to scare her and threaten her into helping the rebels. He's gorgeous and full of sass on top of it. I have nothing else to say except that I am in love with Aren.
The secondary characters are also interesting, funny, and they really grew on me. McKenzie did annoy me at times, but this series is a guilty pleasure for me and I am not ashamed to admit that I LOVE it. I definitely recommend this series if you are looking for an addicting fast-paced series full of dashing faes, action, and politics, with a stubborn and strong main character and an original world-building that mixes our urban world and the faes magical world. Oh, and there is also hate-to-love! What more can we possibly ask for?!
🙂
![Profile Image for Jessi ❤️ H. Vojsk [if villain, why hot?].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1746090193i%2F66224803._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
March 2, 2018
Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Did you ever wish there would be more books like the “a court of thorns and roses� series? Filled with fae and magic, badass female characters and a (funny) handsome bad boy?
There’s a war going on in the fae world between the king, his followers and the rebels. In the middle of it is McKenzie, a shadow reader, one of the strongest weapons agains the rebellion. One day McKenzie gets captured by the rebellion and soon her world is shook.
Who can she trust?
Who is lying?
And who should sit on the throne?
That was a book I couldn’t lay down. First of all, the main character is so funny and so freakin stubborn. She was constantly trying to run away and in the end I always smiled reading the dialogues between Aren and McKenzie.
This is definitely a book that has a nice pacing, is filled with action and a little bit of love and heartbreak.
Definitely worth reading!
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh, McKenzie our wonderful main character- you go girl. You are so stubborn, so creative in getting away from the rebellion that you don’t even mind getting hurt.
And you’re so intelligent!
I was in love with you from page one.
McKenzie was definitely my favorite character in this one.
I wouldn’t say she had a character development in the end, but did she find her kind, brave heart.
But one thing was a little bit sad to see - McKenzie was nearly always saved by someone. She wasn’t a girl who could save herself, but at least she tried to - she didn’t want to rely on someone. That was a nice start, maybe it gets better with the next books.
Aren was the Rebell who captured McKenzie and tried to get her to work for the rebellion. He was a funny, handsome and kind guy who could be sassy sometimes. I loved him. He was never brutal or mean to McKenzie.
He always treated her good.
I liked that about him.
Kyol was her partner and guard send by the king of the fae. She worked with him for over ten years for the king. Kyols biggest character treat was his loyalty to the king. This man was so loyal, I never doubted it. Never ever. He wouldn’t betray the kingdom for McKenzie even though if he would have they could’ve been together. But he didn’t.
The best thing about the book was, that I liked all the side characters. I was interested about what happened to them and if they survived and when they died I was actually pretty sad.
I especially loved the female badass characters in this one - Lena and Keira, if you want someone who is loyal, brave and ready to fight you should definitely choose these two ladies!
World ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is probably the hardest thing to describe, but so so important!
The world building was great in this one, not perfect but still really enjoyable.
We have a great magic in here: we have the fae who are invisible to humans if they don’t want to be seen and who produce little lightings when touched by a human. The fae move from world to world by portals and through the worlds through little rips they create in the world. They step through them and step right into another place.
Also they’re bonds between two fae - when they’re bonded their power is put together and they can feel each other through rooms and places. They feel where the other is.
Next to the awesome jumping-through-places-talent they can also use heat and fire to burn people or heal them with their power.
There are other special talents, but I don’t want to spoiler, so just know that there is more!
Next to the awesome fae we have human shadow readers who can locate the fae by reading the shadows after they disappeared into a rip through the world. They also can see through illusions.
All in all there is an awesome magic system in there and so many places to discover.
Also we jump between the human world and the fae realm which makes everything so much more interesting. (They even went to Germany - how cool is that?)
My favorite thing about the whole world was when humans and fae touched their touch is addictive. And as long as they touch little Lightnings or sparks jump through their skin. It seemed like a really beautiful and magical thing. 😍
Relationships ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh, boy. I don’t even now if I want to be called Kaesha or Nalkin-Shom . For a proper explanation you should read the book, but i would probably choose the second name.
I’m team Aren, always was, always will.
Yes, I know you think: what? there is a love triangle in it? Yeah, it has a love triangle, but I didn’t really saw that as a problem.
I’m not a fan of love triangles, don’t get me wrong, but only when they’re absolutely useless and stupid.
But this one was kind of nice? I liked it.
I liked McKenzie and her chaos of feelings.
Writing style ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sandy Williams is no Leigh Bardugo or Sarah J. Maas, but her writing was still really nice, with a nice pacing, funny dialogues and action. It was always entertaining, never boring, but it wasn’t a beautiful or special writing. I couldn’t even find a proper quote I could use in the beginning.
But still: try out the book! It was definitely worth a read.
P.s. if you hate Acotar etc. don’t read this book. You’ll probably hate this one too.
October 5, 2020
2019
It's been 5 years since I first read this book and it was a stunning read for me back then! This time round it was still as stunning but for whatever reason, I think I enjoyed it all the more! Only thing I had to do was buy the kindle version so I could read it at nights!! And, it was only released on the day I downloaded it! Strange!
****
2014
Stunning!!!
The last time I read any Fae books that held me captivated from beginning to end was the Fever series... Don't get me wrong, I am not comparing these novels, I'm simply stating how much I loved this first book in Sandy Williams Shadow Reader series...
I absolutely loved the way this book was written, the entirety from McKenzie's POV... we move along from page to page in her time, her zone, her mind and her feelings... I loved how powerful an impact this book had on me, I was literally gripped within the first few chapters and I was devastated that my 'normal' life had to carry on, that I had to go to work, that I had to sleep...
I can't describe the story, or maybe I don't want to... I've just finished the final line and all I want to do is soak up all the words and feelings that I'm feeling...
No great cliff hanger, no great 'OMG' anywhere near the end but nonetheless, I need that next book...
I know I'm only a few books into this new year - I can hazard a guess and say that I doubt there will be a book that I read anytime soon that will wipe these memories away from me... (apart from, hopefully, the next Shadow Reader book)
I really can't say what has gripped me apart from the way this book was written. Absolute magic for me!!
It's been 5 years since I first read this book and it was a stunning read for me back then! This time round it was still as stunning but for whatever reason, I think I enjoyed it all the more! Only thing I had to do was buy the kindle version so I could read it at nights!! And, it was only released on the day I downloaded it! Strange!
****
2014
Stunning!!!
The last time I read any Fae books that held me captivated from beginning to end was the Fever series... Don't get me wrong, I am not comparing these novels, I'm simply stating how much I loved this first book in Sandy Williams Shadow Reader series...
I absolutely loved the way this book was written, the entirety from McKenzie's POV... we move along from page to page in her time, her zone, her mind and her feelings... I loved how powerful an impact this book had on me, I was literally gripped within the first few chapters and I was devastated that my 'normal' life had to carry on, that I had to go to work, that I had to sleep...
I can't describe the story, or maybe I don't want to... I've just finished the final line and all I want to do is soak up all the words and feelings that I'm feeling...
No great cliff hanger, no great 'OMG' anywhere near the end but nonetheless, I need that next book...
I know I'm only a few books into this new year - I can hazard a guess and say that I doubt there will be a book that I read anytime soon that will wipe these memories away from me... (apart from, hopefully, the next Shadow Reader book)
I really can't say what has gripped me apart from the way this book was written. Absolute magic for me!!
December 22, 2011
The Shadow Reader had everything I love in a fae book. Seriously, I have a special place in my heart for fae characters. Ahem, . *Wink, wink* It had action, hot Fae guys, adventure, romance, hot Fae guys, court intrigue, witty dialogue, and epically cool fight scenes. Oh, and did I mention the HOT FAE GUYS?!
Excuse me while I fangirl.
McKenzie Lewis is a special human. She can see the Fae and read their shadows. This ability makes her a very important ally in the war raging between the Court and Rebels because she can tell where the Fae are teleporting to. Just think of her as one hell of a blood hound and you get the picture. For years she has helped the Court track down and kill Rebels, until one day she is kidnapped by a rebel leader named Aren, who henceforth in this review shall be known as: "Le Hottie." While in captivity, she discovers the war she once considered black and white, just gained a whole lot more colors in between. As a result, she starts second guessing her alliance with the Court and her awkward relationship with the King's sword-master, Kyol, "Le Steamy".
First off, this is a really awesome debut novel for Sandy Williams. The Shadow Reader grabbed me from page one and held me in a choke hold that would make "Stone Cold" Steve Austin proud. And considering the last two books I've read had me in a "two-star" reviewing slump, I was extremely grateful for a fun read. That's not to say this book is without its flaws. Oh, no. Lol. But, there is just something about it that makes me a lot more forgiving. The Shadow Reader is like a toddler just finishing up a cherry Popsicle on a hot summer day. She's a little messy with sticky fingers, but she's just so darn cute you want to hug her anyway. And that's exactly how I felt about this book. Even though McKenzie did irritate me at times and the romance was toeing the "insta-love" line, I couldn't help but really enjoy reading this book.
The Plot:
Two words: Action packed. I don't even think this book had "down time." It was just back to back revelations, fight scenes, sexual tension. You know, all those things to keep you on the edge of your seat. This was a solid plot with pretty good world building. I easily got a feel for the Fae's world, but the only thing I would have liked to see was a freakin' map! McKenzie's ability to track the Fae's shadows is reliant upon her knowing where the locations actually are. I would have liked to have been able to see where these places were myself on a map. There is a lot of traveling done in the book between "fissuring" (think: teleporting) in and out of the human world or between the providences of the Fae world. So, yeah, it would have been nice to be able to flip to the map and see exactly where they were.
McKenzie's goal in the first half is to escape Le Hottie (Aren) and his Rebels and return to Le Steamy (Kyol) and the Court. She firmly believes they are evil and remains loyal to the Court. But, she never expects to fall for her captor and grow sympathetic to the Rebels cause. When she finally does return to her sword-master, she finds that her loyalties no longer lie with the Court.
The Characters:
Le Hottie (Aren), McKenzie, and Le Steamy (Kyol) were smart, sassy and classy respectively. I usually don't like love triangles, but this is one of those rare occasions where an author tells me to, "Shut it, Stephanie and read the damned book. You will like it!" And lil' old skeptical me goes:
Hmm...We'll see about that Ms. Williams.
Well, here I am eating my words because I loved this love triangle. If I were McKenzie, who would I chose? Le Hottie or Le Steamy? Jeez, I don't know! They were both awesome guys! Aren's the cocky son of a biscuit eater that has you wanting to smack that ridiculous grin off his face and kiss him at the same time. While on the other hand, Kyol is the mysterious silent type that will keep you up all night trying to puzzle out the secrets hidden in his eyes. (AHHHH! Hot Fae guys! I.CAN'T.EVEN!)
Of course, we have our heroine McKenzie. I won't deny that there were times when she really irritated me because I thought she just couldn't see the bigger picture of the war and how the Court treated her all those years. The Court specifically didn't want her learning the language of the Fae and she not once thought that was strange. And one of the first things Aren does once she is kidnapped is have her taught the language. This should have been a gigantic red flag to McKenzie, but she remains loyal to the Court until it nearly very dearly costs her. But, she's supposed to be a stubborn heroine. I get that. I just wish she was a little more observant. However, she is a strong-willed heroine because she never does give up trying to escape her captives. I have to give her props for that. Even when she knows her attempts are in vain, she continues again and again. I have to admit, though, I did wish she didn't need quite so many rescuing from our hot Fae guys. In fact, why does she even have a sword on the cover? I kept waiting for her to kick someone's ass in the book, but it never happened. No matter. That wasn't enough to stop me from enjoying the book at all.
The Romance:
Ah, here is where the gushing review dies a painful death. Oh, insta-love, how I hate thee!! You manage to ruin it for me every time! When will you leave the awesome stories and their characters alone?! *Evil fist shake*
Darn you insta-love. You've gotten Tink fired up again. I'll be beating the pixie dust out of my sofa pillows for days now. Thanks.
First of all, I want to say I loved Aren and McKenzie together. They had great chemistry, but for the life of me, I couldn't figure out why they liked each other. Apart from the little zings of electricity shooting from each other, I don't understand why they were in love. It's your typical, "Oh he's hot, but he's the bad guy and I'm not supposed to notice that. Oh my damn, I can't look away!" As for Aren, I didn't even realized he really liked her until he kissed her and by then I'm like, "Wait, you actually like her? You were for real?" Then, by the end he's telling her he loves her. -_- Case and point, I found there attraction rushed and underdeveloped.
McKenzie and Kyol's relationship was a bit more believable because they had been working together for ten years compared to her brief few weeks acquaintance with Aren. The King had forbid Kyol and McKenzie from being together and despite their intense feelings for one another, Kyol tries his best to keep their relationship strictly business. McKenzie waits for him for ten years. Ten years. But when she returns from captivity he realizes this has been a mistake. By that time, he has kept so much from her (and Aren has laid a claim on her heart) that it damages their relationship. I really applaud McKenzie for standing up for herself and telling Kyol that she shouldn't have waited for him and that she was moving on. But, something tells me that his hold on her heart has not yet loosened its grip...
Overall, I really enjoyed reading The Shadow Reader and can see this appealing to fans of Richelle Mead. This book falls somewhere in the 3.5-4 star category for me, but what they hell, I'm rounding up to 4 for the special unputdownable quality .
More reviews and more at .
Excuse me while I fangirl.
McKenzie Lewis is a special human. She can see the Fae and read their shadows. This ability makes her a very important ally in the war raging between the Court and Rebels because she can tell where the Fae are teleporting to. Just think of her as one hell of a blood hound and you get the picture. For years she has helped the Court track down and kill Rebels, until one day she is kidnapped by a rebel leader named Aren, who henceforth in this review shall be known as: "Le Hottie." While in captivity, she discovers the war she once considered black and white, just gained a whole lot more colors in between. As a result, she starts second guessing her alliance with the Court and her awkward relationship with the King's sword-master, Kyol, "Le Steamy".
First off, this is a really awesome debut novel for Sandy Williams. The Shadow Reader grabbed me from page one and held me in a choke hold that would make "Stone Cold" Steve Austin proud. And considering the last two books I've read had me in a "two-star" reviewing slump, I was extremely grateful for a fun read. That's not to say this book is without its flaws. Oh, no. Lol. But, there is just something about it that makes me a lot more forgiving. The Shadow Reader is like a toddler just finishing up a cherry Popsicle on a hot summer day. She's a little messy with sticky fingers, but she's just so darn cute you want to hug her anyway. And that's exactly how I felt about this book. Even though McKenzie did irritate me at times and the romance was toeing the "insta-love" line, I couldn't help but really enjoy reading this book.
The Plot:
Two words: Action packed. I don't even think this book had "down time." It was just back to back revelations, fight scenes, sexual tension. You know, all those things to keep you on the edge of your seat. This was a solid plot with pretty good world building. I easily got a feel for the Fae's world, but the only thing I would have liked to see was a freakin' map! McKenzie's ability to track the Fae's shadows is reliant upon her knowing where the locations actually are. I would have liked to have been able to see where these places were myself on a map. There is a lot of traveling done in the book between "fissuring" (think: teleporting) in and out of the human world or between the providences of the Fae world. So, yeah, it would have been nice to be able to flip to the map and see exactly where they were.
McKenzie's goal in the first half is to escape Le Hottie (Aren) and his Rebels and return to Le Steamy (Kyol) and the Court. She firmly believes they are evil and remains loyal to the Court. But, she never expects to fall for her captor and grow sympathetic to the Rebels cause. When she finally does return to her sword-master, she finds that her loyalties no longer lie with the Court.
The Characters:
Le Hottie (Aren), McKenzie, and Le Steamy (Kyol) were smart, sassy and classy respectively. I usually don't like love triangles, but this is one of those rare occasions where an author tells me to, "Shut it, Stephanie and read the damned book. You will like it!" And lil' old skeptical me goes:
Hmm...We'll see about that Ms. Williams.
Well, here I am eating my words because I loved this love triangle. If I were McKenzie, who would I chose? Le Hottie or Le Steamy? Jeez, I don't know! They were both awesome guys! Aren's the cocky son of a biscuit eater that has you wanting to smack that ridiculous grin off his face and kiss him at the same time. While on the other hand, Kyol is the mysterious silent type that will keep you up all night trying to puzzle out the secrets hidden in his eyes. (AHHHH! Hot Fae guys! I.CAN'T.EVEN!)
Of course, we have our heroine McKenzie. I won't deny that there were times when she really irritated me because I thought she just couldn't see the bigger picture of the war and how the Court treated her all those years. The Court specifically didn't want her learning the language of the Fae and she not once thought that was strange. And one of the first things Aren does once she is kidnapped is have her taught the language. This should have been a gigantic red flag to McKenzie, but she remains loyal to the Court until it nearly very dearly costs her. But, she's supposed to be a stubborn heroine. I get that. I just wish she was a little more observant. However, she is a strong-willed heroine because she never does give up trying to escape her captives. I have to give her props for that. Even when she knows her attempts are in vain, she continues again and again. I have to admit, though, I did wish she didn't need quite so many rescuing from our hot Fae guys. In fact, why does she even have a sword on the cover? I kept waiting for her to kick someone's ass in the book, but it never happened. No matter. That wasn't enough to stop me from enjoying the book at all.
The Romance:
Ah, here is where the gushing review dies a painful death. Oh, insta-love, how I hate thee!! You manage to ruin it for me every time! When will you leave the awesome stories and their characters alone?! *Evil fist shake*
Darn you insta-love. You've gotten Tink fired up again. I'll be beating the pixie dust out of my sofa pillows for days now. Thanks.
First of all, I want to say I loved Aren and McKenzie together. They had great chemistry, but for the life of me, I couldn't figure out why they liked each other. Apart from the little zings of electricity shooting from each other, I don't understand why they were in love. It's your typical, "Oh he's hot, but he's the bad guy and I'm not supposed to notice that. Oh my damn, I can't look away!" As for Aren, I didn't even realized he really liked her until he kissed her and by then I'm like, "Wait, you actually like her? You were for real?" Then, by the end he's telling her he loves her. -_- Case and point, I found there attraction rushed and underdeveloped.
McKenzie and Kyol's relationship was a bit more believable because they had been working together for ten years compared to her brief few weeks acquaintance with Aren. The King had forbid Kyol and McKenzie from being together and despite their intense feelings for one another, Kyol tries his best to keep their relationship strictly business. McKenzie waits for him for ten years. Ten years. But when she returns from captivity he realizes this has been a mistake. By that time, he has kept so much from her (and Aren has laid a claim on her heart) that it damages their relationship. I really applaud McKenzie for standing up for herself and telling Kyol that she shouldn't have waited for him and that she was moving on. But, something tells me that his hold on her heart has not yet loosened its grip...
Overall, I really enjoyed reading The Shadow Reader and can see this appealing to fans of Richelle Mead. This book falls somewhere in the 3.5-4 star category for me, but what they hell, I'm rounding up to 4 for the special unputdownable quality .
More reviews and more at .
March 30, 2012
Before I picked this book up, I had so many great feelings about it. Partly because of all the dazzling reviews it has received from my most trusted GR friends, and partly just because it is sold as exactly the kind of urban fantasy I love: strong heroine, hot supernatural men, "cataclysmic civil war" between the fae... I admit that I was excited enough to buy this book before reading the 4/5 star reviews.
Okay, so what exactly was my problem? I exhale a great big shuddering sigh as I say - for the umpteenth time - this was just never anything special to me. This genre, the urban fantasy genre, is easily one of my favourites when I find a book/series that really appeals to me; they have a way of dragging you into their world and making you care about the characters and lust after the hunky men. But countless times I come across the same old pattern. will undoubtedly be loved by hardcore UF fans who actually read these books for that same old pattern that I mentioned. Some people love this format and I'm sure that's why books continue to be written in a very same-y way.
For me, I made the inevitable comparisons to the Fever series and this novel just couldn't compete at all. I'm still waiting for a fae novel that can and I've been starting to believe I won't ever find one. Mckenzie is definitely a strong heroine, but at the end of this book she doesn't feel as well-developed to me as Mac did halfway through . The thing I loved most about Mac is that she was a normal young woman, in fact she first appears far more ditzy than most. She doesn't stroll in, sword swinging, and she hasn't been trained for the situation she finds herself in. And yet, she shows that even the ditziest, blondest young women can turn kick-ass if the moment calls for it. This is one thing I love about that series which is very difficult to find in others. PNR heroines are often sappy and pathetic, UF heroines tend to be factory-manufactured warriors. I want to see regular girls and women - like myself - showing that they don't need super powers to be awesome.
I didn't even bother comparing either Kyol or Aren with Barrons because they are a million miles apart in every way. But looking at them on their own they still seem to be rather boring, Kyol's the nice guy and Aren's the bad one. Mckenzie has known (and secretly wanted) Kyol for years, she has known (and secretly wanted) Aren for a couple of weeks. Guess who she chooses here?? Yet another Twilight-style love triangle it would seem. ZZZzzzz....
Yes, so sorry to the people who loved this, I'm not sure why I feel guilty for not loving it too, but I do. The only thing I will say in its favour is that this book reminded me how much I need to re-read the Fever books, so I thank for that.
November 18, 2011
Even more than YA, my relationship with Urban Fantasy has been a love-hate one. In fact, I even , and it holds true. So when I DO find an urban fantasy book I like, I can't help but talk about it nonstop, not to mention recommending it to everyone I know!
The Shadow Reader was one of those books I went into with a great deal of trepidation, only to end up gasping for breath about 20 pages in. Excellent worldbuilding, fast-paced, breath-stealing action and brilliant characterization all combine to make this book one hell of a ride!
McKenzie is a shadow reader. She can mark the portals to and from Faerie into our world, and point out with a fair degree of accuracy exactly where the portal leads to. This makes her valuable to the Faerie king, who is fighting a battle against false bloods who are trying to claim his throne. McKenzie has been instrumental in the capture of several of these rebels, so it's not surprising that she soon becomes a target for these false bloods.
However, when McKenzie does get kidnapped by Aren, the leader of the false bloods, instead of being killed outright, as she is half-expecting, she ends up having her world turned on its head. The Faerie court has kept McKenzie more or less in the dark, her sole point of contact being the King's swordmaster Kyol. Kyol and McKenzie are secretly in love, but the King has forbidden Fae-human relationships, so they are doomed to snatched meetings and secrecy.
The kidnapping does more than just pull McKenzie into a fight that is not her own - it also makes her question her beliefs, her loyalties and her love... how true are the things she has always taken for granted?
I loved McKenzie's character for the most part. She's not super, extra special, but she's not shy and retiring either. She's most definitely smart, scared in all the right places, wily when she needs to be. For someone who's led such an unusual life, she's surprisingly level headed, and most refreshingly, she doesn't focus on her lovelife to the exclusion of all else.
What can I say about the love interests in this story, except that they were HAWWWWTTTT!!!! Seriously, anyone who's read my reviews know how much I hate love triangles. But let me let you in on a little secret - I hate well-done love triangles EVEN MORE than I hate badly done ones. At least with badly done love triangles, you don't have too much emotional investment in the characters, so you couldn't care less what happens to these moany, indecisive individuals. But well-done love triangles are heartbreaking. When you can see the good in both men, when you find one as flawed and beautiful and perfect as the other, the knowledge that one of them is going to lose out on the woman they love is infinitely more painful. I was rooting for Kyol the whole way through, but that is because I have a well-developed soft spot for a man of honour. Which isn't to say I didn't like Aren. I totallt felt the frisson and everything when he got all up-close-and-personal with McKenzie.
I found the grey-shaded characterization of both the main love interests especially intriguing. Kyol is McKenzia's forst love, the man she has held in ehr heart since she was a teenager; Aren is a mature woman's choice - a man who first attracts, then interests her, and who eventually manages to win her trust and her affection. McKenzie is a surprisingly introspective character for such an action-packed story. She constantly analyzes her motives, and the motives of people around her, and the state of the world in which she finds herself. And the secondary characters help to flush out both the worldbuilding and the plotline in ways that are amazingly unexpected.
The one thing that really bothers me about the way McKenzie treats Kyol is that
I am most definitely raring to read the next book. There are several intriguing plotlines left suspended - not unfinished, precisely, but open-ended, and I would love to see political situation of the Fae in greater depth, now that Sandy Williams, if you ever read this - GIMME! Definitely a book I would recommend to all urban fantasy enthusiasts, and ESPECIALLY to ex-UF readers like me who are disillusioned with the genre. GO. READ. NOW.
The Shadow Reader was one of those books I went into with a great deal of trepidation, only to end up gasping for breath about 20 pages in. Excellent worldbuilding, fast-paced, breath-stealing action and brilliant characterization all combine to make this book one hell of a ride!
McKenzie is a shadow reader. She can mark the portals to and from Faerie into our world, and point out with a fair degree of accuracy exactly where the portal leads to. This makes her valuable to the Faerie king, who is fighting a battle against false bloods who are trying to claim his throne. McKenzie has been instrumental in the capture of several of these rebels, so it's not surprising that she soon becomes a target for these false bloods.
However, when McKenzie does get kidnapped by Aren, the leader of the false bloods, instead of being killed outright, as she is half-expecting, she ends up having her world turned on its head. The Faerie court has kept McKenzie more or less in the dark, her sole point of contact being the King's swordmaster Kyol. Kyol and McKenzie are secretly in love, but the King has forbidden Fae-human relationships, so they are doomed to snatched meetings and secrecy.
The kidnapping does more than just pull McKenzie into a fight that is not her own - it also makes her question her beliefs, her loyalties and her love... how true are the things she has always taken for granted?
I loved McKenzie's character for the most part. She's not super, extra special, but she's not shy and retiring either. She's most definitely smart, scared in all the right places, wily when she needs to be. For someone who's led such an unusual life, she's surprisingly level headed, and most refreshingly, she doesn't focus on her lovelife to the exclusion of all else.
What can I say about the love interests in this story, except that they were HAWWWWTTTT!!!! Seriously, anyone who's read my reviews know how much I hate love triangles. But let me let you in on a little secret - I hate well-done love triangles EVEN MORE than I hate badly done ones. At least with badly done love triangles, you don't have too much emotional investment in the characters, so you couldn't care less what happens to these moany, indecisive individuals. But well-done love triangles are heartbreaking. When you can see the good in both men, when you find one as flawed and beautiful and perfect as the other, the knowledge that one of them is going to lose out on the woman they love is infinitely more painful. I was rooting for Kyol the whole way through, but that is because I have a well-developed soft spot for a man of honour. Which isn't to say I didn't like Aren. I totallt felt the frisson and everything when he got all up-close-and-personal with McKenzie.
I found the grey-shaded characterization of both the main love interests especially intriguing. Kyol is McKenzia's forst love, the man she has held in ehr heart since she was a teenager; Aren is a mature woman's choice - a man who first attracts, then interests her, and who eventually manages to win her trust and her affection. McKenzie is a surprisingly introspective character for such an action-packed story. She constantly analyzes her motives, and the motives of people around her, and the state of the world in which she finds herself. And the secondary characters help to flush out both the worldbuilding and the plotline in ways that are amazingly unexpected.
The one thing that really bothers me about the way McKenzie treats Kyol is that
I am most definitely raring to read the next book. There are several intriguing plotlines left suspended - not unfinished, precisely, but open-ended, and I would love to see political situation of the Fae in greater depth, now that Sandy Williams, if you ever read this - GIMME! Definitely a book I would recommend to all urban fantasy enthusiasts, and ESPECIALLY to ex-UF readers like me who are disillusioned with the genre. GO. READ. NOW.
January 6, 2014
**1.5 stars**
I didn't like this very much and I'm pissed that I bought the second book before finishing this one.
I have mulled over my review for a few days now, and I'm still trying to figure out why most people loved this and I didn't. I think my main issue with this book is that the world building and plot felt like a distant second in priority to the love triangle.
What I liked when I started with this book was the world. I love the idea of the fissures that bring the fae in and out of our realm, and the concept of a shadow reader, a person who can see the shadow through the fissure that indicates the fae's location. I was enamored with the world and thought this book was a sure thing for me.
However...
As the book progressed, I started having some real issues. First of all, I though that McKenzie was unforgivably wishy-washy about who she was interested in. The back and forth went on for the entirety of the book and, honestly, bored me to tears. I was also mystified as to why, literally out of freaking nowhere, Aren starts loving her. McKenzie is downright rude and mistrusting of Aren and it didn't seem like they were even building up to "like" so I was completely taken aback by his interest in her.
I thought the whole "court" vs "rebels" thing wasn't very well explained and I felt like the seriousness of the issue got pushed aside so McKenzie could debate more about who she wanted to kiss. It irked me to no end. As the book progressed, I realized that I was never going to get the plot that I was hoping for and this wasn't going to be to my taste.
If I compare this book to the amazing and unforgettable Fever series ( is the first), which also is about the fae, this book is like the gum stuck to the shoe of Jericho Barrons. Just different leagues.
I didn't like this very much and I'm pissed that I bought the second book before finishing this one.
I have mulled over my review for a few days now, and I'm still trying to figure out why most people loved this and I didn't. I think my main issue with this book is that the world building and plot felt like a distant second in priority to the love triangle.
What I liked when I started with this book was the world. I love the idea of the fissures that bring the fae in and out of our realm, and the concept of a shadow reader, a person who can see the shadow through the fissure that indicates the fae's location. I was enamored with the world and thought this book was a sure thing for me.
However...
As the book progressed, I started having some real issues. First of all, I though that McKenzie was unforgivably wishy-washy about who she was interested in. The back and forth went on for the entirety of the book and, honestly, bored me to tears. I was also mystified as to why, literally out of freaking nowhere, Aren starts loving her. McKenzie is downright rude and mistrusting of Aren and it didn't seem like they were even building up to "like" so I was completely taken aback by his interest in her.
I thought the whole "court" vs "rebels" thing wasn't very well explained and I felt like the seriousness of the issue got pushed aside so McKenzie could debate more about who she wanted to kiss. It irked me to no end. As the book progressed, I realized that I was never going to get the plot that I was hoping for and this wasn't going to be to my taste.
If I compare this book to the amazing and unforgettable Fever series ( is the first), which also is about the fae, this book is like the gum stuck to the shoe of Jericho Barrons. Just different leagues.
October 29, 2012
When a person writes a review, the first thing they have to do is think about what they want to say about the book and what is worth mentioning. After reading a few reviews on this book, I'm thinking that my idea of prioritizing must be completely different from everyone else's.
Somewhat frustrating love triangle...blah, blah, blah.
A few similarities to Dark Swan...blah, blah, blah.
Heroine who really should have known better about a few things...blah, blah, blah.
Great action for a first book...blah, blah, blah.
No cliffhanger ending...blah, blah, blah.
Mischievous hitchhiking pet which is a mix of a cat and a ferret...blah, blah...WHAT?!?
Why did no one tell me about the kimki? Where are your priorities, people!?!
*edit to add that Wendy Darling did in fact mention the Kimki but I missed it*
Okay, so maybe this was more important to me than it was to all the other people who actually cared about the story. Silly people. Did no one else have a love for the cheesy 80's movie, Beastmaster? You know, the one where the little ferrets would follow their master around? I can not tell you how much I wanted creatures to come to me whenever I called after watching this movie.
If ferrets aren't your thing, then how about a falcon?
Either way, creatures at your beck and call = game winner.
Although, I'm pretty sure that I pictured Aren from the book to be much more attractive than the beastmaster guy.
And since I've already mentioned one of the men in Shadow Reader, I will now go back up to the top of my original list.
Somewhat frustrating love triangle : It was. Up until the end of the book, I was not a fan. I don't like how we were made to believe that the love McKenzie had for Kyol was super strong, yet she immediately started having feelings for another man (played off as chaos lusters and Stockholm Syndrome). The point could be made that maybe the original love was based more on familiarity and dependency, so there was a reason she might gravitate toward another person, but I still felt like the love triangle could have built slower. However...the way the ending of the first book was handled without a cliffhanger made me pleased with the way things turned out. For those who are not fans of love triangles and don't mind a small spoiler, click this because it might make you feel better about trying the book : Because of this development and the way the book ended, my rating jumped up from a 3 to a solid 4.
A few similarities to Dark Swan : I saw more than a few in the first 5 chapters (enough to have me worried) but thankfully, the rest of the story felt unique enough to stand on its own. Crisis averted!
Heroine who really should have known better about a few things : The fact that this woman failed to learn much about the details of her job, then kept flip-flopping about who she wanted to trust or believe was a point that bothered me. Again, thankfully, the way the book turned out hopefully nipped a good portion of this in the bud. Another possible crisis averted!
Great action for a first book : There were equal parts world building and story/action, which was NICE for a first-in-a-series UF. To say that this is rare would be an understatement.
No cliffhanger ending : This is another rarity in UF (heck, series in general) these days. You know what's probably coming down the road and know that the battle has just begun, but at least the book ended on a note where you weren't waiting to figure something out.
Other than my initial feelings about the love triangle, as well my confusion over the few "flashbacks without warning," I enjoyed the read.
In case you're curious about the world and how it functions, let's give a super fast breakdown :
McKenzie is a shadow reader, which means she's a human with abilities that are useful to the Fey. Among her gifts are the ability to see the fey, as well as her ability to map the shadows which Fey travel through. In essence, her job is one of a hired tracker. She's working for the "court" Fey who are opposed by an offshoot group of rebels. In a time of war, her skills are invaluable, so she is in high demand - from both sides of the war.
Captured by one of the leaders of the rebellion, McKenzie finds herself bombarded with new information, questioning everything she previously thought was truth. Aren, her captor, is probably my favorite character as of right now. His banter with McKenzie was one of the highlights of the book. I loved that he called her "my nalkin-shom."
Contact between the Fey and humans produced an effect called edarratae, which are likened to sparks of electricity. This absolutely takes personal chemistry to another level.
How would you not love Aren?
"I could heal you with a kiss." Mischief sparks in his silver eyes.
He swipes it out of the way and storms forward. "He's had ten years to make you fall in love with him! I haven't had ten weeks! Tell me how that's fair!"
"Fine," he says, his words coming out breathless. "I'll save your precious sword-master, McKenzie. But I will never, ever give you back to him."
Yes. Me likey.
Somewhat frustrating love triangle...blah, blah, blah.
A few similarities to Dark Swan...blah, blah, blah.
Heroine who really should have known better about a few things...blah, blah, blah.
Great action for a first book...blah, blah, blah.
No cliffhanger ending...blah, blah, blah.
Mischievous hitchhiking pet which is a mix of a cat and a ferret...blah, blah...WHAT?!?
Why did no one tell me about the kimki? Where are your priorities, people!?!
*edit to add that Wendy Darling did in fact mention the Kimki but I missed it*
Okay, so maybe this was more important to me than it was to all the other people who actually cared about the story. Silly people. Did no one else have a love for the cheesy 80's movie, Beastmaster? You know, the one where the little ferrets would follow their master around? I can not tell you how much I wanted creatures to come to me whenever I called after watching this movie.
If ferrets aren't your thing, then how about a falcon?
Either way, creatures at your beck and call = game winner.
Although, I'm pretty sure that I pictured Aren from the book to be much more attractive than the beastmaster guy.
And since I've already mentioned one of the men in Shadow Reader, I will now go back up to the top of my original list.
Somewhat frustrating love triangle : It was. Up until the end of the book, I was not a fan. I don't like how we were made to believe that the love McKenzie had for Kyol was super strong, yet she immediately started having feelings for another man (played off as chaos lusters and Stockholm Syndrome). The point could be made that maybe the original love was based more on familiarity and dependency, so there was a reason she might gravitate toward another person, but I still felt like the love triangle could have built slower. However...the way the ending of the first book was handled without a cliffhanger made me pleased with the way things turned out. For those who are not fans of love triangles and don't mind a small spoiler, click this because it might make you feel better about trying the book : Because of this development and the way the book ended, my rating jumped up from a 3 to a solid 4.
A few similarities to Dark Swan : I saw more than a few in the first 5 chapters (enough to have me worried) but thankfully, the rest of the story felt unique enough to stand on its own. Crisis averted!
Heroine who really should have known better about a few things : The fact that this woman failed to learn much about the details of her job, then kept flip-flopping about who she wanted to trust or believe was a point that bothered me. Again, thankfully, the way the book turned out hopefully nipped a good portion of this in the bud. Another possible crisis averted!
Great action for a first book : There were equal parts world building and story/action, which was NICE for a first-in-a-series UF. To say that this is rare would be an understatement.
No cliffhanger ending : This is another rarity in UF (heck, series in general) these days. You know what's probably coming down the road and know that the battle has just begun, but at least the book ended on a note where you weren't waiting to figure something out.
Other than my initial feelings about the love triangle, as well my confusion over the few "flashbacks without warning," I enjoyed the read.
In case you're curious about the world and how it functions, let's give a super fast breakdown :
McKenzie is a shadow reader, which means she's a human with abilities that are useful to the Fey. Among her gifts are the ability to see the fey, as well as her ability to map the shadows which Fey travel through. In essence, her job is one of a hired tracker. She's working for the "court" Fey who are opposed by an offshoot group of rebels. In a time of war, her skills are invaluable, so she is in high demand - from both sides of the war.
Captured by one of the leaders of the rebellion, McKenzie finds herself bombarded with new information, questioning everything she previously thought was truth. Aren, her captor, is probably my favorite character as of right now. His banter with McKenzie was one of the highlights of the book. I loved that he called her "my nalkin-shom."
Contact between the Fey and humans produced an effect called edarratae, which are likened to sparks of electricity. This absolutely takes personal chemistry to another level.
How would you not love Aren?
"I could heal you with a kiss." Mischief sparks in his silver eyes.
He swipes it out of the way and storms forward. "He's had ten years to make you fall in love with him! I haven't had ten weeks! Tell me how that's fair!"
"Fine," he says, his words coming out breathless. "I'll save your precious sword-master, McKenzie. But I will never, ever give you back to him."
Yes. Me likey.
December 21, 2011
***FAVORITE UF/PNR OF 2011***
Rating Explanation:
+1 star for McKenzie. She's everything an excellent UF heroine should be, but still has her own spark that's unparalleled. She's human, strong, sensitive, sharp, and witty. I adore her! Especially how she stood up to Kyol and Aren. She doesn't let anyone, no matter how sexy, push her around, and I seriously respect her for it.
+1 star for Aren. Again, he's the typical male lead but still unique enough that he doesn't blend into the endless list of hot heroes. And am I the only one surprised that the "bad" guy actually in the end? It certainly makes for a great change, especially since I was rooting for him throughout.
+1 star for the acknowledgment of all the violence and killing that goes on during a war. Most UF/PNR series brush murder and killing off with nothing more than the twitch of a dagger, but I liked how McKenzie felt every death and did suffer for it. She's the farthest thing from wimpy, but at least she's human enough to hate taking lives, no matter how necessary.
+1 star for all the action. This book certainly doesn't give the reader a chance to calm down and think things through. It also doesn't suffer from the Dull Beginning Disease. The Shadow Reader is surprisingly fast-paced for a first book, and so many things happen that it could have easily been a standalone novel, but I love the characters so much that I'm definitely not complaining about this being a series.
+0.5 stars for Kelia and Naito. These two were just too cute! I love their romance and the whole Romeo and Juliet aspect of it. I wish there had been more of them in here.
+0.5 stars for Kyol. I blame him for making McKenzie wait so long, but it's nearly impossible to hate him. He's just too sweet. And do I see a potential pairing with him and Lena? Hmm...
-0.25 stars for McKenzie's indecisiveness towards the end. I'm glad she finally chose who she would be with, but the 70 or so pages before the last chapter were my least favorite and I didn't like McKenzie going back and forth between the two men.
4.75/5 stars
For more reviews, visit my .
“This is ridiculous, Aren. I’m not Cinderella at a ball. And this...this isn’t going to win my support, not even my sympathy. I won’t—�
He places a finger over my lips. “I forget my responsibilities when I’m with you. It’s nice. Peaceful.� His hand slides behind my neck, beneath my hair. He plays with the clasp of my necklace. “I wish you’d let yourself forget things when you’re with me. You’d be happier.�
Rating Explanation:
+1 star for McKenzie. She's everything an excellent UF heroine should be, but still has her own spark that's unparalleled. She's human, strong, sensitive, sharp, and witty. I adore her! Especially how she stood up to Kyol and Aren. She doesn't let anyone, no matter how sexy, push her around, and I seriously respect her for it.
+1 star for Aren. Again, he's the typical male lead but still unique enough that he doesn't blend into the endless list of hot heroes. And am I the only one surprised that the "bad" guy actually in the end? It certainly makes for a great change, especially since I was rooting for him throughout.
+1 star for the acknowledgment of all the violence and killing that goes on during a war. Most UF/PNR series brush murder and killing off with nothing more than the twitch of a dagger, but I liked how McKenzie felt every death and did suffer for it. She's the farthest thing from wimpy, but at least she's human enough to hate taking lives, no matter how necessary.
+1 star for all the action. This book certainly doesn't give the reader a chance to calm down and think things through. It also doesn't suffer from the Dull Beginning Disease. The Shadow Reader is surprisingly fast-paced for a first book, and so many things happen that it could have easily been a standalone novel, but I love the characters so much that I'm definitely not complaining about this being a series.
+0.5 stars for Kelia and Naito. These two were just too cute! I love their romance and the whole Romeo and Juliet aspect of it. I wish there had been more of them in here.
+0.5 stars for Kyol. I blame him for making McKenzie wait so long, but it's nearly impossible to hate him. He's just too sweet. And do I see a potential pairing with him and Lena? Hmm...
-0.25 stars for McKenzie's indecisiveness towards the end. I'm glad she finally chose who she would be with, but the 70 or so pages before the last chapter were my least favorite and I didn't like McKenzie going back and forth between the two men.
4.75/5 stars
For more reviews, visit my .
July 5, 2011
I was pretty conflicted about what to rate this, and I find myself once again wishing ŷ would let me do a half star, because I think it's truly 3 1/2 stars. Keeping in mind, that 4 stars is a book I love and 5 stars are reserved for books I think are truly top of the pile books and I'll recommend them to anyone who will listen.
I thought this book started out very strongly, and I was intrigued both by the heroine and by the world the author has developed. I liked the heroine's voice, and I especially appreciated that she had strength of conviction.
However, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a fan of using the "which guy should I choose" plot construct as the driving conflict for an urban fantasy. Actually, I'm not keen on it as a form of conflict in general. I like romantic conflict, but not in terms of "which guy" instead of romantic conflict between two people. I also want the driving conflict of an urban fantasy to be within the world itself, because I think this is much harder to pull off, but ultimately more interesting. "Which guy" is hard to pull off with any kind of original twist at this point.
So this book began to falter for me at the point I realized this was going to be the main conflict, and ultimately didn't convince me in the final choice she made. I saw so much potential in building this world, and the conflict between the two competing faction of Fae, and I was left disappointed that more development wasn't offered there, instead of in the heroine's torn feelings about two men.
I do have to give the author props for not leaving this on a cliffhanger, though there's clearly room for future books. At the end of the day, I can't explain more about my dissatisfaction with this book, since some of it lies in how it ended, how she chose, and explaining that would be a major plot spoiler for the book. I will say that I think readers who love urban fantasy and love the conflict of choosing between two heroes will enjoy this book, and I think the writing makes the story interesting and diverting. I'd like to see more from this author within the constrains of a new, more developed conflict. e
I thought this book started out very strongly, and I was intrigued both by the heroine and by the world the author has developed. I liked the heroine's voice, and I especially appreciated that she had strength of conviction.
However, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a fan of using the "which guy should I choose" plot construct as the driving conflict for an urban fantasy. Actually, I'm not keen on it as a form of conflict in general. I like romantic conflict, but not in terms of "which guy" instead of romantic conflict between two people. I also want the driving conflict of an urban fantasy to be within the world itself, because I think this is much harder to pull off, but ultimately more interesting. "Which guy" is hard to pull off with any kind of original twist at this point.
So this book began to falter for me at the point I realized this was going to be the main conflict, and ultimately didn't convince me in the final choice she made. I saw so much potential in building this world, and the conflict between the two competing faction of Fae, and I was left disappointed that more development wasn't offered there, instead of in the heroine's torn feelings about two men.
I do have to give the author props for not leaving this on a cliffhanger, though there's clearly room for future books. At the end of the day, I can't explain more about my dissatisfaction with this book, since some of it lies in how it ended, how she chose, and explaining that would be a major plot spoiler for the book. I will say that I think readers who love urban fantasy and love the conflict of choosing between two heroes will enjoy this book, and I think the writing makes the story interesting and diverting. I'd like to see more from this author within the constrains of a new, more developed conflict. e
October 27, 2011
(4.5 stars) The Shadow Reader is Sandy Williams� debut novel and the first in the new MCKENZIE LEWIS series. If this book is any indication, I anticipate great things from Williams and this series in the future. I enjoyed The Shadow Reader immensely.
McKenzie is a human woman with a talent that makes her invaluable to the fae. She is a shadow reader, which means that when a fae teleports, she can map where that fae has traveled to. There are other shadow readers, but McKenzie is an unusually good one. As a teenager, she was recruited to help King Atroth’s Court win a war. Now, ten years later, the Court still calls upon her services� and it’s taken a toll on McKenzie’s life. Her family has written her off as crazy. Her college degree is taking far longer than it was supposed to. And her forbidden flirtation with Kyol Taltrayn, the King’s sword-master, keeps McKenzie’s love life on hold. She’s ready to retire as a shadow reader, finish her education, and live a normal human life.
Then she’s kidnapped by rebel leader Aren Jorreb, who also needs a shadow reader, and everything changes. McKenzie is attracted to Aren, but at first figures it’s Stockholm syndrome. (May I just mention how refreshing it is that McKenzie even *considered* the possibility of Stockholm syndrome? I’ve read way too many books where the whole romance seemed to be rooted in it, yet it was never really examined.) But Aren has some unsettling information for her, information that leads her to wonder whether she’s been on the wrong side of the war all along.
This is a love triangle for readers who are sick of love triangles. Why? Because this is a *good* one. The question is not just who’s more handsome or makes McKenzie’s heart beat faster. McKenzie is not just deciding between two men but two worldviews and two versions of the truth. If one man is telling the truth, the other is guilty of horrible things, and vice versa � and really, no one’s hands are clean in this war. McKenzie is a fierce heroine, not necessarily in the combat sense, but in her determination to seek the truth, stick to her own sense of ethics, and maintain her self-respect. She’s strong in the face of psychological pressures that would break a lot of people, and it’s great watching her forge her own path that isn’t quite what either of her suitors has in mind for her.
McKenzie’s struggles play out both in her own psyche and in Williams� well-realized setting. It can take a little while to get one’s bearings in the fae world Williams has created, but she does a terrific job of making that world feel fleshed-out and lived-in. One gets the sense of a rich history and geography in the background, even if McKenzie only sees a small sampling of it in this first book. I was reminded both of Karen Marie Moning’s FEVER universe and C.L. Wilson’s TAIREN SOUL in terms of the setting.
The Shadow Reader kept me turning pages frantically, and when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about how much I wanted to be reading it and finding out what happened next or what new truth would be revealed. I had a lot of fun with The Shadow Reader and can’t wait to read more about McKenzie.
McKenzie is a human woman with a talent that makes her invaluable to the fae. She is a shadow reader, which means that when a fae teleports, she can map where that fae has traveled to. There are other shadow readers, but McKenzie is an unusually good one. As a teenager, she was recruited to help King Atroth’s Court win a war. Now, ten years later, the Court still calls upon her services� and it’s taken a toll on McKenzie’s life. Her family has written her off as crazy. Her college degree is taking far longer than it was supposed to. And her forbidden flirtation with Kyol Taltrayn, the King’s sword-master, keeps McKenzie’s love life on hold. She’s ready to retire as a shadow reader, finish her education, and live a normal human life.
Then she’s kidnapped by rebel leader Aren Jorreb, who also needs a shadow reader, and everything changes. McKenzie is attracted to Aren, but at first figures it’s Stockholm syndrome. (May I just mention how refreshing it is that McKenzie even *considered* the possibility of Stockholm syndrome? I’ve read way too many books where the whole romance seemed to be rooted in it, yet it was never really examined.) But Aren has some unsettling information for her, information that leads her to wonder whether she’s been on the wrong side of the war all along.
This is a love triangle for readers who are sick of love triangles. Why? Because this is a *good* one. The question is not just who’s more handsome or makes McKenzie’s heart beat faster. McKenzie is not just deciding between two men but two worldviews and two versions of the truth. If one man is telling the truth, the other is guilty of horrible things, and vice versa � and really, no one’s hands are clean in this war. McKenzie is a fierce heroine, not necessarily in the combat sense, but in her determination to seek the truth, stick to her own sense of ethics, and maintain her self-respect. She’s strong in the face of psychological pressures that would break a lot of people, and it’s great watching her forge her own path that isn’t quite what either of her suitors has in mind for her.
McKenzie’s struggles play out both in her own psyche and in Williams� well-realized setting. It can take a little while to get one’s bearings in the fae world Williams has created, but she does a terrific job of making that world feel fleshed-out and lived-in. One gets the sense of a rich history and geography in the background, even if McKenzie only sees a small sampling of it in this first book. I was reminded both of Karen Marie Moning’s FEVER universe and C.L. Wilson’s TAIREN SOUL in terms of the setting.
The Shadow Reader kept me turning pages frantically, and when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about how much I wanted to be reading it and finding out what happened next or what new truth would be revealed. I had a lot of fun with The Shadow Reader and can’t wait to read more about McKenzie.
June 26, 2017
2.5 Meh
This book has so much potential and it was all wasted on mediocre writing and bad characters.
How can I be so mean? I'll explain.
I'll start with the bad parts.
1. The love triangle.
Gah, how can that be in a book that's suppose to be more fantasy than romance! I didn't come to this series for that, I wanted so much more. It seems to me that the focus is too much on the romance and not enough on the actual plot. It's really not what I wanted when I started this. When I want love, I go to a contemporary, not to a UF.
2. The characters.
The MC is an annoying little girl who knows nothing about anything. Even more, her lovers aren't too good either. Although I really did appreciate that Still, that moment went away pretty fast and it all got back to being about her. I at least expected some betrails and back-stabbing!
3. The writing.
I felt like the author was confused while writing this story and, I'll say it again, it felt like she couldn't decide if she wanted to make it more romance or more fantasy so she chose both and the resul was pretty disappointing.
Now, finally, the good parts. Why it deserves 2.5 stars.
The idea is interesting and I kind of liked the bad guy, I liked that he's been plotting this for a long time.
The world seems interesting too (although I wanted a LOT more information about it... maybe if the author hadn't concentrated so much on the love story that would have happened).
Oh, and what made me round it all up to 3 stars, not 2, is the fact that Sandy Williams had the guts to
All in all, it's not a bad read, just as long as you want more love and less blood from your books.
This book has so much potential and it was all wasted on mediocre writing and bad characters.
How can I be so mean? I'll explain.
I'll start with the bad parts.
1. The love triangle.
Gah, how can that be in a book that's suppose to be more fantasy than romance! I didn't come to this series for that, I wanted so much more. It seems to me that the focus is too much on the romance and not enough on the actual plot. It's really not what I wanted when I started this. When I want love, I go to a contemporary, not to a UF.
2. The characters.
The MC is an annoying little girl who knows nothing about anything. Even more, her lovers aren't too good either. Although I really did appreciate that Still, that moment went away pretty fast and it all got back to being about her. I at least expected some betrails and back-stabbing!
3. The writing.
I felt like the author was confused while writing this story and, I'll say it again, it felt like she couldn't decide if she wanted to make it more romance or more fantasy so she chose both and the resul was pretty disappointing.
Now, finally, the good parts. Why it deserves 2.5 stars.
The idea is interesting and I kind of liked the bad guy, I liked that he's been plotting this for a long time.
The world seems interesting too (although I wanted a LOT more information about it... maybe if the author hadn't concentrated so much on the love story that would have happened).
Oh, and what made me round it all up to 3 stars, not 2, is the fact that Sandy Williams had the guts to
All in all, it's not a bad read, just as long as you want more love and less blood from your books.
July 2, 2012
As a kind of pre-review to my actual review, this is the first book I read after reading a book that was, undoubtedly, one of my favorite books of 2011, Angelfall. And I hoped that if I stuck to the same kind of genre and general character makeup that Angelfall had I could find a great book that was, at the least, pretty enjoyable. So, was it?
Meh....... kinda.
Oh and, by the way, my real rating for this book is 3.5 stars and I'm seriously considering dropping it to three.
It's the truth.
I guess the first thing that I want to talk about is the cover, which is a bit of a gripe for me, if I'm telling the truth. Now I don't know if it's one of the covers that someone actually made specifically for The Shadow Reader, or if it was just a pre-existing picture that they found that just fit what the general plot of the story was about, but McKenzie never has any kind of sword throughout the whole book, especially not such a badass-looking sword as the one on the cover. Honestly, it sent quite a bit of a false message to me as a reader because I thought that McKenzie was going to be some kind of warrior who went around beating shit up and cutting through people like they were grass; a real badass warrior chick. Sadly, McKenzie didn't really live up to the cover. Not saying that the cover isn't really awesome, because it is, but the false advertising that it gave may have done this book more harm than good, in my opinion.
Since we're on that topic already, let me discuss what I liked and didn't like about our main character, McKenzie Lewis. First off, just because she didn't go around cutting people up like I originally thought doesn't mean that she wasn't an independent character; for the most part, she had a great thinking process that I could actually follow and understand, had real guts, was cocky, and very stubborn. Sometimes, though, her stubborn nature and cocky attitude got on my nerves. There were times when the answer was quite clearly dangling right in front of her face, but she just refused to believe fact, or her thinking that she could get away with anything and/or was smarter than everyone else around her made McKenzie make really stupid decisions that I couldn't support as a reader. And, as I said although for the most part I could follow what McKenzie was thinking and why she had those thoughts, but, again, some kind of went against what Williams had built up her character to be; kind of like little hiccups that she just didn't catch. The whole scene where she tried to free a friend of hers from prison and everything that led up to the fact really baffled me; it was quite obvious what was going to happen but Mckenzie just couldn't figure it out. If I'm completely honest with myself I skimmed over that section because it was just damned confusing. Also, whenever she was without either Kyol or mainly Aren in this book, she fell into that Mary Sue reaction of, "oh noes I'm helpless and stupid and can't do anything because they're not here! I'm useless without a man to help me"
Just imagine how I took that reaction. Not very damn well.
The plot, besides the few points where we had to see and think through McKenzie's muddled up thoughts and ideals was very fast-paced and, for the most part, enjoyable. It was mainly Kyol and Aren who did the ass-kicking when it was done not that I minded much; seeing those two hot pieces of ass kick some ass certainly didn't hurt me any but it did bother me that McKenzie didn't get into much of the action, and when she did most of the time she ended up pulling more of a Mary-Sue type reaction than doing anything good or helpful. She was kind of like a hand-ninja; cute but pretty damn useless:
Okay, I'm kind of starting to like McKenzie less and less and the hand more and more
Now this is the main beef with this book that basically contributed to it losing those 1.5-2 stars; the whole damned love triangle, especially with it came to McKenzie and Aren. It didn't make any damn sense to me. At all. Yes, Aren was one hot piece of ass, and I won't say that he didn't have at least that going for him, but nothing else that he or McKenzie did while with him made any sense to me. Let me give you all a bit of a situation and tell me what your answer would be at the end:
You have been fighting a war for many, many years against your evil counterparts, and for the last ten years they've been using a girl who can tell the exact location of all of your troops whenever they go anywhere and the are all killed when they're found; many of them you knew very closely and personally, and you just keep on losing all of your fighters. She is the single reason that you are losing this fight. You finally decide enough's enough and make the plan to kidnap her so you can get her out of you hair, and quite possibly kill her if she doesn't cooperate with you. You finally find her, get her in your hands, and......what do you do?
A). Kill the bitch
B). Force her to find the locations of her former comrades and use her powers
C). Fall in loooooveeee the moment you see her.
If you answered A or B to that question, then you're a normal human being, but if you answered question C then you're Aren! That's right I'm not joking; he basically falls in love with her the second he sees her and doesn't do what he should have done in the first place. Even worse there's a point when McKenzie grows feelings for him and he goes and slits her fucking throat even though he said he's in love with her and has the balls to basically say that he didn't mean to.
Yeah that's right that what Aren did, the man who, at the end of the book, "claims" to be in love with her. After he slits it, to make matters even worse, he refuses to heal her for a while because she "disappointed" him (or so McKenzie claims and ultimately believes) and then he says that she should be lucky that he knew what he was doing enough to not slit her throat in the wrong place. If I were her I'd say fuck you and head for the hills, but what does McKenzie do? She forgives him and says that it was her own fault for getting her throat slit; that she's the one to blame.
[image error]
That girl has problems.
Now I understand that some things are going to be different because of her much her world has changed since she was about 16, but that I will not accept. Anything that Aren may have said that was witty or interesting died for me because all that I could see from him was a controlling bastard. All he ever does is tell McKenzie what to do and when to do it and she just blindly accepts it and only tries to escape at the stupidest times possible. Honestly I'm still a huge Kyol fan. Yes he didn't get involved with McKenzie for ten years (although I personally find why pretty reasonable, considering how bat-shit crazy the king is) which I know is a long time, but, compared to Aren, he's an angel. Here's a basic comparison:
Aren:
1. Slits McKenzie's throat just because she chose not to reveal where Kyol and his men went even though; by this time, he's supposedly "in love" with her
2. Controls her
3. Lies to her
4. Doesn't keep his promises
5. Forces her into situations she doesn't want to be in
6. Blames her for things beyond her control
7. Is a hormonal little bitch half the time
8. Doesn't let her make her own decisions
Then, we have Kyol:
1. Rejects an offer for marriage from another Faerie because he's in love with McKenzie even though it's against the law, and basically made him an outcast for rejecting the other Faerie.
2. Has protected McKenzie for ten years from the court
3. Lets her make her own decisions and will follow whatever she chooses to make sure she's okay
4. Directly disobeys the king and doesn't kill humans when told to (although McKenzie flips shit and blames him for everything without knowing the facts which ends her ass up in jail)
5. Is loyal and caring
6. A badass swordsman with a knight's morals
7. Would leave the Faerie realm for her after he realizes what he's done to her
8. Even when she rejects him he will continue to protect her and help her any way he can and hopefully win her back by being a fucking man.
9. Has never hurt McKenzie the way Aren has a day in his life
Now tell me honestly who would you pick? Trust me there's a bit difference between a man and a bastard, and I know who's the man in this love triangle.
And you know what bothered me even more? That McKenzie rejects Kyol after he says he'll leave with her and does the whole, "let's just be friends" shit to him and chooses Aren even though she only admits to have some kind of feelings she can't explain even though she knows that she's still in love with Kyol by the end of the book. Yes, I understand the idea of she's putting her foot down and making Kyol see the error of his ways and all that shit stuff, but I know Mckenzie is making most likely the stupidest decision of her life.
IT JUST PISSES ME OFF!
Shut up, ŷ......
I guess to finish this book was good, but not really what I wanted it to be because of a certain love interest. Read The Shadow Reader, but be warned that you may not like some of the relationships which is sadly a main part of this book. Too much romance and too little action in my opinion.
Meh....... kinda.
Oh and, by the way, my real rating for this book is 3.5 stars and I'm seriously considering dropping it to three.
It's the truth.
I guess the first thing that I want to talk about is the cover, which is a bit of a gripe for me, if I'm telling the truth. Now I don't know if it's one of the covers that someone actually made specifically for The Shadow Reader, or if it was just a pre-existing picture that they found that just fit what the general plot of the story was about, but McKenzie never has any kind of sword throughout the whole book, especially not such a badass-looking sword as the one on the cover. Honestly, it sent quite a bit of a false message to me as a reader because I thought that McKenzie was going to be some kind of warrior who went around beating shit up and cutting through people like they were grass; a real badass warrior chick. Sadly, McKenzie didn't really live up to the cover. Not saying that the cover isn't really awesome, because it is, but the false advertising that it gave may have done this book more harm than good, in my opinion.
Since we're on that topic already, let me discuss what I liked and didn't like about our main character, McKenzie Lewis. First off, just because she didn't go around cutting people up like I originally thought doesn't mean that she wasn't an independent character; for the most part, she had a great thinking process that I could actually follow and understand, had real guts, was cocky, and very stubborn. Sometimes, though, her stubborn nature and cocky attitude got on my nerves. There were times when the answer was quite clearly dangling right in front of her face, but she just refused to believe fact, or her thinking that she could get away with anything and/or was smarter than everyone else around her made McKenzie make really stupid decisions that I couldn't support as a reader. And, as I said although for the most part I could follow what McKenzie was thinking and why she had those thoughts, but, again, some kind of went against what Williams had built up her character to be; kind of like little hiccups that she just didn't catch. The whole scene where she tried to free a friend of hers from prison and everything that led up to the fact really baffled me; it was quite obvious what was going to happen but Mckenzie just couldn't figure it out. If I'm completely honest with myself I skimmed over that section because it was just damned confusing. Also, whenever she was without either Kyol or mainly Aren in this book, she fell into that Mary Sue reaction of, "oh noes I'm helpless and stupid and can't do anything because they're not here! I'm useless without a man to help me"
Just imagine how I took that reaction.
The plot, besides the few points where we had to see and think through McKenzie's muddled up thoughts and ideals was very fast-paced and, for the most part, enjoyable. It was mainly Kyol and Aren who did the ass-kicking when it was done
Okay, I'm kind of starting to like McKenzie less and less
Now this is the main beef with this book that basically contributed to it losing those 1.5-2 stars; the whole damned love triangle, especially with it came to McKenzie and Aren. It didn't make any damn sense to me. At all. Yes, Aren was one hot piece of ass, and I won't say that he didn't have at least that going for him, but nothing else that he or McKenzie did while with him made any sense to me. Let me give you all a bit of a situation and tell me what your answer would be at the end:
You have been fighting a war for many, many years against your evil counterparts, and for the last ten years they've been using a girl who can tell the exact location of all of your troops whenever they go anywhere and the are all killed when they're found; many of them you knew very closely and personally, and you just keep on losing all of your fighters. She is the single reason that you are losing this fight. You finally decide enough's enough and make the plan to kidnap her so you can get her out of you hair, and quite possibly kill her if she doesn't cooperate with you. You finally find her, get her in your hands, and......what do you do?
A). Kill the bitch
B). Force her to find the locations of her former comrades and use her powers
C). Fall in loooooveeee the moment you see her.
If you answered A or B to that question, then you're a normal human being, but if you answered question C then you're Aren! That's right I'm not joking; he basically falls in love with her the second he sees her and doesn't do what he should have done in the first place. Even worse there's a point when McKenzie grows feelings for him and he goes and slits her fucking throat even though he said he's in love with her and has the balls to basically say that he didn't mean to.
Yeah that's right that what Aren did, the man who, at the end of the book, "claims" to be in love with her. After he slits it, to make matters even worse, he refuses to heal her for a while because she "disappointed" him (or so McKenzie claims and ultimately believes) and then he says that she should be lucky that he knew what he was doing enough to not slit her throat in the wrong place. If I were her I'd say fuck you and head for the hills, but what does McKenzie do? She forgives him and says that it was her own fault for getting her throat slit; that she's the one to blame.
[image error]
That girl has problems.
Now I understand that some things are going to be different because of her much her world has changed since she was about 16, but that I will not accept. Anything that Aren may have said that was witty or interesting died for me because all that I could see from him was a controlling bastard. All he ever does is tell McKenzie what to do and when to do it and she just blindly accepts it and only tries to escape at the stupidest times possible. Honestly I'm still a huge Kyol fan. Yes he didn't get involved with McKenzie for ten years (although I personally find why pretty reasonable, considering how bat-shit crazy the king is) which I know is a long time, but, compared to Aren, he's an angel. Here's a basic comparison:
Aren:
1. Slits McKenzie's throat just because she chose not to reveal where Kyol and his men went even though; by this time, he's supposedly "in love" with her
2. Controls her
3. Lies to her
4. Doesn't keep his promises
5. Forces her into situations she doesn't want to be in
6. Blames her for things beyond her control
7. Is a hormonal little bitch half the time
8. Doesn't let her make her own decisions
Then, we have Kyol:
1. Rejects an offer for marriage from another Faerie because he's in love with McKenzie even though it's against the law, and basically made him an outcast for rejecting the other Faerie.
2. Has protected McKenzie for ten years from the court
3. Lets her make her own decisions and will follow whatever she chooses to make sure she's okay
4. Directly disobeys the king and doesn't kill humans when told to (although McKenzie flips shit and blames him for everything without knowing the facts which ends her ass up in jail)
5. Is loyal and caring
6. A badass swordsman with a knight's morals
7. Would leave the Faerie realm for her after he realizes what he's done to her
8. Even when she rejects him he will continue to protect her and help her any way he can and hopefully win her back by being a fucking man.
9. Has never hurt McKenzie the way Aren has a day in his life
Now tell me honestly who would you pick? Trust me there's a bit difference between a man and a bastard, and I know who's the man in this love triangle.
And you know what bothered me even more? That McKenzie rejects Kyol after he says he'll leave with her and does the whole, "let's just be friends" shit to him and chooses Aren even though she only admits to have some kind of feelings she can't explain even though she knows that she's still in love with Kyol by the end of the book. Yes, I understand the idea of she's putting her foot down and making Kyol see the error of his ways and all that
IT JUST PISSES ME OFF!
Shut up, ŷ......
I guess to finish this book was good, but not really what I wanted it to be because of a certain love interest. Read The Shadow Reader, but be warned that you may not like some of the relationships which is sadly a main part of this book. Too much romance and too little action in my opinion.
April 10, 2012
Awesome! Just Awesome!
It’s almost impossible to review this book without gushing. There is so much to love about The Shadow Reader by Sandy Williams. The story is told from the main character McKenzie Lewis� point of view. Let me tell you, I loved McKenzie’s voice. McKenzie is an intelligent young woman who has suffered through life because of her ability to see the fae. Gifted with Sight, McKenzie can also map where the fae go just by looking at their shadows. Consequently, McKenzie is a valuable human.
McKenzie’s life is not easy. She has been in psychiatric wards, has had difficulty completing her college degree, she is estranged from her parents, and has few (basically only one) human friends. For someone who has been through so much, McKenzie is remarkably “normal� She is smart, observant, loyal, and determined. Oh, she also likes to escape from her captors � often. McKenzie is not one of those TSTL (too stupid to live) characters. Every move she makes is made for a reason.
McKenzie has been working for the fae Court. Her handler Kyol, may or may not be in love with her. She has been working with him for ten years and McKenzie is in love with Kyol even though human-fae relationships are forbidden.
McKenzie’s world changes when she is abducted by the rebels. Suddenly, her loyalties to the fae Court are challenged as she learns more about their oppressive ways and Kyol’s role. McKenzie is taken in by Aren who arranges for her to learn the fae language, something that she was not allowed to learn when she was in the fae Court. McKenzie is treated well by the rebels despite several attempts to escape. Then there’s Aren. *swoon*
Now, you are asking yourself “Is there a love triangle?� Yes, there is. Is it an annoying love triangle where the girl plays the men off each other? No. Not at all. McKenzie’s world views get changed when she is with the rebels. She chalks up her attraction to Aren as Stockholm syndrome, but there is more to it. This is a love triangle done right.
This is a fae book that I enjoyed. The world building is extensive but not complicated like most fae books. The fae realms had a similar feel to our world but without our technology. The book skipped between the fae realms and our world. An additional adversary was added: a group of human vigilante forces intent on destroying the fae.
The fae structure and politics were intriguing, especially the way that the king’s influence was attained. I enjoyed the magical aspects as well, especially the way that human skin reacted in fae and how a fae’s touch would cause pleasurable electrical impulses on the skin. Neat! My only criticism of this book would be that a glossary of fae terms would have been appreciated.
If you haven’t had the chance to read The Shadow Reader, move it up your reading list. A second book The Shattered Dark is planned for an October 30, 2012 release.
Review posted on .
It’s almost impossible to review this book without gushing. There is so much to love about The Shadow Reader by Sandy Williams. The story is told from the main character McKenzie Lewis� point of view. Let me tell you, I loved McKenzie’s voice. McKenzie is an intelligent young woman who has suffered through life because of her ability to see the fae. Gifted with Sight, McKenzie can also map where the fae go just by looking at their shadows. Consequently, McKenzie is a valuable human.
McKenzie’s life is not easy. She has been in psychiatric wards, has had difficulty completing her college degree, she is estranged from her parents, and has few (basically only one) human friends. For someone who has been through so much, McKenzie is remarkably “normal� She is smart, observant, loyal, and determined. Oh, she also likes to escape from her captors � often. McKenzie is not one of those TSTL (too stupid to live) characters. Every move she makes is made for a reason.
McKenzie has been working for the fae Court. Her handler Kyol, may or may not be in love with her. She has been working with him for ten years and McKenzie is in love with Kyol even though human-fae relationships are forbidden.
McKenzie’s world changes when she is abducted by the rebels. Suddenly, her loyalties to the fae Court are challenged as she learns more about their oppressive ways and Kyol’s role. McKenzie is taken in by Aren who arranges for her to learn the fae language, something that she was not allowed to learn when she was in the fae Court. McKenzie is treated well by the rebels despite several attempts to escape. Then there’s Aren. *swoon*
Now, you are asking yourself “Is there a love triangle?� Yes, there is. Is it an annoying love triangle where the girl plays the men off each other? No. Not at all. McKenzie’s world views get changed when she is with the rebels. She chalks up her attraction to Aren as Stockholm syndrome, but there is more to it. This is a love triangle done right.
This is a fae book that I enjoyed. The world building is extensive but not complicated like most fae books. The fae realms had a similar feel to our world but without our technology. The book skipped between the fae realms and our world. An additional adversary was added: a group of human vigilante forces intent on destroying the fae.
The fae structure and politics were intriguing, especially the way that the king’s influence was attained. I enjoyed the magical aspects as well, especially the way that human skin reacted in fae and how a fae’s touch would cause pleasurable electrical impulses on the skin. Neat! My only criticism of this book would be that a glossary of fae terms would have been appreciated.
If you haven’t had the chance to read The Shadow Reader, move it up your reading list. A second book The Shattered Dark is planned for an October 30, 2012 release.
Review posted on .
January 9, 2014
I had high hopes for The Shadow Reader after seeing so much love for this read, and after recently discovering the awesomeness of Urban Fantasy. Unfortunately, I only ended up liking the story overall. I’m sure this is a case of “it’s me, not you� with a lot of “it’s the narrator�, as well. Twelve hours is a long time when the narrator isn’t your cup of tea.
McKenzie has “the sight� meaning she can see fae when other humans cannot. She’s special because she can locate other fae who shift by reading the shadows they leave in their wake. This is very helpful to the current fae king because there’s a war going on in the Realm and locating Rebels is an aid in the fight. McKenzie has worked with the king’s sword master, Kyol, who keeps her safe during missions. Unfortunately, McKenzie has fallen hard for Kyol, and this is a big problem because the king has forbidden relationships between his fae and humans. Kyol would never disobey his king outright. This doesn’t mean there haven’t been stolen kisses and things haven’t gotten heavy between them, only that they have no future. McKenzie knows she must move on and plans on separating herself from the fae permanently.
Things do not go according to plan when she’s kidnapped by one of the Rebel leaders, Aren, and expected to help them in their fight. Aren is charismatic and maddening, but he stands for everything that McKenzie has been taught to hate. And yes, you guessed it; we have ourselves a love triangle. *groans* While being held captive, McKenzie begins to learn the situation between the Rebels and the Court may not be as clear cut, and the full truth has been kept from her.
I guess my main issue with the story was McKenzie. I had such a hard time with her. The back and forth feelings for Kyol and Aren were grating to me. Supposedly, McKenzie’s been head-over-heels in love with Kyol for years and then she suddenly has feelings for Aren? Plus, when it was clear that the Rebels were not the bad people the Court made them out to be, she makes choices that put everyone in danger. It did not help that the narrator’s voice wasn’t my preference, and her performance made me think of a teenager instead of a mid-twenty year old.
By the end, I started liking McKenzie just a little bit more and the action became exciting. I will continue with the series because I got the last book for review, so I hope the positive changes continue. I won’t be continuing with an audio version in the next book, and I think that’ll help with my enjoyment of the series, as well.
You can find this review and more at
McKenzie has “the sight� meaning she can see fae when other humans cannot. She’s special because she can locate other fae who shift by reading the shadows they leave in their wake. This is very helpful to the current fae king because there’s a war going on in the Realm and locating Rebels is an aid in the fight. McKenzie has worked with the king’s sword master, Kyol, who keeps her safe during missions. Unfortunately, McKenzie has fallen hard for Kyol, and this is a big problem because the king has forbidden relationships between his fae and humans. Kyol would never disobey his king outright. This doesn’t mean there haven’t been stolen kisses and things haven’t gotten heavy between them, only that they have no future. McKenzie knows she must move on and plans on separating herself from the fae permanently.
Things do not go according to plan when she’s kidnapped by one of the Rebel leaders, Aren, and expected to help them in their fight. Aren is charismatic and maddening, but he stands for everything that McKenzie has been taught to hate. And yes, you guessed it; we have ourselves a love triangle. *groans* While being held captive, McKenzie begins to learn the situation between the Rebels and the Court may not be as clear cut, and the full truth has been kept from her.
I guess my main issue with the story was McKenzie. I had such a hard time with her. The back and forth feelings for Kyol and Aren were grating to me. Supposedly, McKenzie’s been head-over-heels in love with Kyol for years and then she suddenly has feelings for Aren? Plus, when it was clear that the Rebels were not the bad people the Court made them out to be, she makes choices that put everyone in danger. It did not help that the narrator’s voice wasn’t my preference, and her performance made me think of a teenager instead of a mid-twenty year old.
By the end, I started liking McKenzie just a little bit more and the action became exciting. I will continue with the series because I got the last book for review, so I hope the positive changes continue. I won’t be continuing with an audio version in the next book, and I think that’ll help with my enjoyment of the series, as well.
You can find this review and more at
April 29, 2012
Why is this not a 5 star or a 4 star book for me? I have put off writing this review for a week or so because I am confused as to why everyone I know on goodreads loved this book but me. In part, I think this may be a "Its not you, its me" kinda thing. I may be over my urban fantasy binge. Hey, it was a good ride. It started summer 2010 and lasted until now. When I hear about new titles or series in the paranormal, they just do not interest me -- with the exception of my favorite authors and series. So, my thoughts on this book should be put into that context -- that urban fantasy just does not have the same pull for me.
Another issue for me that should help my feelings on this book be put into context -- for an urban fantasy book to thrill me, I need the main struggle to be something other than the romance. That is why I prefer UF over paranormal romance. And I know may of my goodreads friends can point out several paranormal romance series, historical romances, and contemporary romances that I love. Yes, I do enjoy a romance that is well done -- but my well done is this. I enjoy the angsty romance plot line too, but the true struggle/fight/confict for me needs to be about the world/story. And the characters and relationships in the book need to be three-dimensional with growth and progression. I did not see this in Shadow Reader. In my opinion, the main conflict in Shadow Reader is the romance. And that is fine, but I didn't buy into the characters feelings for the individual that made up the third part of the love triangle. Which poses a problem for me as a reader, if I don't believe in the romance, which is the main struggle of the book -- then the book falls flat for me.
The romance with the guy who is the third leg of the triangle (I am trying to be vague and non-spoilerish) just was not believable for me. What I saw was an incredibly sexy guy that the lead character was attracted to and he was attracted to her as well to her. But when did they develop love? I did not see a relationship developing at all. I never felt or believed in the "who should she choose" storyline. I had strong opinions about who she should drop and then maybe move on in her life, but choosing someone else to fill the void of the person just dropped? Nah, Sandy Williams did not convince me.
There was a side conflict to the storyline -- where should MacKenzie place her allegiance? The court or the rebels? Again, I thought this was not set up well nor was it done believably. MacKenzie places her allegiance with any one side based solely on emotion and relationships, not on critical evaluation. I know people do this in real life, but I find that downright scary. But whatever, my criticism of decisions aside I do not think the author convinced me as to who MacKenzie should be loyal too.
So those were my problems. I liked the characters, I liked the world, and I really enjoyed the beginning. I do think this should be labeled paranormal romance or romance based urban fantasy though.
Positives about the book: The world building is done very well and there are some interesting side characters. There is solid writing and some good action scenes. If readers are okay with the main conflict being about who will she choose, then I think this book will be a win for those readers. I think fans of by would enjoy this book/series. I am one of the few people in the urban fantasy reading world that is not a fan of the Guild Hunter series for the same reason Shadow Reader missed the mark for me.
Another issue for me that should help my feelings on this book be put into context -- for an urban fantasy book to thrill me, I need the main struggle to be something other than the romance. That is why I prefer UF over paranormal romance. And I know may of my goodreads friends can point out several paranormal romance series, historical romances, and contemporary romances that I love. Yes, I do enjoy a romance that is well done -- but my well done is this. I enjoy the angsty romance plot line too, but the true struggle/fight/confict for me needs to be about the world/story. And the characters and relationships in the book need to be three-dimensional with growth and progression. I did not see this in Shadow Reader. In my opinion, the main conflict in Shadow Reader is the romance. And that is fine, but I didn't buy into the characters feelings for the individual that made up the third part of the love triangle. Which poses a problem for me as a reader, if I don't believe in the romance, which is the main struggle of the book -- then the book falls flat for me.
The romance with the guy who is the third leg of the triangle (I am trying to be vague and non-spoilerish) just was not believable for me. What I saw was an incredibly sexy guy that the lead character was attracted to and he was attracted to her as well to her. But when did they develop love? I did not see a relationship developing at all. I never felt or believed in the "who should she choose" storyline. I had strong opinions about who she should drop and then maybe move on in her life, but choosing someone else to fill the void of the person just dropped? Nah, Sandy Williams did not convince me.
There was a side conflict to the storyline -- where should MacKenzie place her allegiance? The court or the rebels? Again, I thought this was not set up well nor was it done believably. MacKenzie places her allegiance with any one side based solely on emotion and relationships, not on critical evaluation. I know people do this in real life, but I find that downright scary. But whatever, my criticism of decisions aside I do not think the author convinced me as to who MacKenzie should be loyal too.
So those were my problems. I liked the characters, I liked the world, and I really enjoyed the beginning. I do think this should be labeled paranormal romance or romance based urban fantasy though.
Positives about the book: The world building is done very well and there are some interesting side characters. There is solid writing and some good action scenes. If readers are okay with the main conflict being about who will she choose, then I think this book will be a win for those readers. I think fans of by would enjoy this book/series. I am one of the few people in the urban fantasy reading world that is not a fan of the Guild Hunter series for the same reason Shadow Reader missed the mark for me.
October 18, 2011
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
There is something shocking about McKenzie Lewis, the protagonist in THE SHADOW READER by Sandy Williams. She’s not a super woman/warrior goddess/magical titan capable of destroying the universe with a wink. Nope, unlike many urban fantasy heroines these days, McKenzie is pretty normal. She does have one ability that sets her apart from the rest of us; she’s a shadow reader, someone who can watch a fae ‘fissure� (instantly teleport from one location to another) and know exactly where they will reappear. A highly coveted skill when there is a fae civil war going on, which is why McKenzie finds herself being sought after by both sides.
Where do I start with all the things I loved about THE SHADOW READER? The fae mythology wasn’t overly complex, but it was unique and perfectly suited to this world. I especially loved the idea of chaos lusters, tiny, visible lightning bolts that dance over the skin under certain circumstances like when fae touch humans. And speaking of touching, the tug-of-war going on with McKenzie’s heart was nothing compared to what I felt. How do you choose between the honorable warrior Kyol loyal to the fae king and the determined rebel leader Aren?
Another highlight for me was the constant cloud of doubt I was kept in. I was thrown back and forth suspecting first Kyol then Aren and back again so many times that I got dizzy. Just like McKenzie, I never knew who to fully trust, who to love, or who to align with. And just when I’d think I ‘d finally figured it out, something would happen and raise the questions all over again. The action was relentless and the
emotions kept so sky high that I couldn’t decide until the very end.
THE SHADOW READER is a fantastically fun urban fantasy! One of the best debuts of the year and easily my favorite fae urban fantasy since Karen Marie Moning’s Darkfever series. Wonderfully integrated mythology that flowed naturally in the story without needing lengthy explanations, a to die for love triangle, and a relatable non-super woman protagonist who relies on her brain and bravery to fight for what she wants. This is a book that checked off all my urban fantasy wish list boxes and I can’t wait to read the sequel.
Sexual Content:
Kissing. References to rape
There is something shocking about McKenzie Lewis, the protagonist in THE SHADOW READER by Sandy Williams. She’s not a super woman/warrior goddess/magical titan capable of destroying the universe with a wink. Nope, unlike many urban fantasy heroines these days, McKenzie is pretty normal. She does have one ability that sets her apart from the rest of us; she’s a shadow reader, someone who can watch a fae ‘fissure� (instantly teleport from one location to another) and know exactly where they will reappear. A highly coveted skill when there is a fae civil war going on, which is why McKenzie finds herself being sought after by both sides.
Where do I start with all the things I loved about THE SHADOW READER? The fae mythology wasn’t overly complex, but it was unique and perfectly suited to this world. I especially loved the idea of chaos lusters, tiny, visible lightning bolts that dance over the skin under certain circumstances like when fae touch humans. And speaking of touching, the tug-of-war going on with McKenzie’s heart was nothing compared to what I felt. How do you choose between the honorable warrior Kyol loyal to the fae king and the determined rebel leader Aren?
Another highlight for me was the constant cloud of doubt I was kept in. I was thrown back and forth suspecting first Kyol then Aren and back again so many times that I got dizzy. Just like McKenzie, I never knew who to fully trust, who to love, or who to align with. And just when I’d think I ‘d finally figured it out, something would happen and raise the questions all over again. The action was relentless and the
emotions kept so sky high that I couldn’t decide until the very end.
THE SHADOW READER is a fantastically fun urban fantasy! One of the best debuts of the year and easily my favorite fae urban fantasy since Karen Marie Moning’s Darkfever series. Wonderfully integrated mythology that flowed naturally in the story without needing lengthy explanations, a to die for love triangle, and a relatable non-super woman protagonist who relies on her brain and bravery to fight for what she wants. This is a book that checked off all my urban fantasy wish list boxes and I can’t wait to read the sequel.
Sexual Content:
Kissing. References to rape
January 25, 2015
This book was better than I expected, fun fact what I love most was not the plot nor the fantasy elements but it was romance that captivated me into reading it.
Our main female lead is a kickass stubborn heroine. Usually I hate extremely stubborn characters as they are usually very reckless and stupid. But this time I can't help liking her, as she's stubborn for valid reasons but most of all HER HUMOR darn I can't help laughing out loud sometimes.
Then there's the two love interest
AND YES THIS BOOK DOES CONTAIN A LOVE TRIANGLE
However I fairly like this love triangle, it served a purpose
We got the good guy who I don't trust.
The bad guy who apparently is a good guy but has a certain edge in him.
So yeah I like the bad guy who is not actually bad xD
I would definitely recommend this book, though is labeled as NA the content was more like YA therefore no mature scenes which I really like about xD
Our main female lead is a kickass stubborn heroine. Usually I hate extremely stubborn characters as they are usually very reckless and stupid. But this time I can't help liking her, as she's stubborn for valid reasons but most of all HER HUMOR darn I can't help laughing out loud sometimes.
Then there's the two love interest
AND YES THIS BOOK DOES CONTAIN A LOVE TRIANGLE
However I fairly like this love triangle, it served a purpose
We got the good guy who I don't trust.
The bad guy who apparently is a good guy but has a certain edge in him.
So yeah I like the bad guy who is not actually bad xD
I would definitely recommend this book, though is labeled as NA the content was more like YA therefore no mature scenes which I really like about xD
April 11, 2012
Forget my review.... I never got around to it....instead....
AH did an awesome review here...
Doing the happy dance ...(stop looking, I know I can't dance).
Loved it.
Review coming some time this century.
AH did an awesome review here...
Doing the happy dance ...(stop looking, I know I can't dance).
Loved it.
December 31, 2011
This was everything I was hoping for and more. An instant favorite! �
January 22, 2012
*4.5 Stars*
This book turned out to be quite the surprise. I can’t think of the last time I’ve gone from completely disliking a book to practically inhaling it. When I first picked up The Shadow Reader, I made it to page 30 before I finally gave up and set it aside. It was over a month before I picked it up again, and the only reason I did was because I wanted it off my reading queue.
I can’t say I was eager to dive back into it after disliking the beginning so much. One of my main complaints was the writing style. I was extremely turned off to find that this was in First Person, Present Tense, which was a huge strike against it. I know the POV is author’s choice, but I will never understand the draw of that style. It’s like nails on a chalkboard for me and the story has to be damn good to get me past that. The other thing that bothered me was how stilted and awkward I found the beginning. It was a little confusing being dropped into things like that, but I could have overcome that it if I had felt more of a spark. It just all combined into a generally bad experience.
And then something happened. I don’t know what. Either it got better or I was more prepared the second time around. I didn’t bother going back and rereading the first 30 pages—which I’m sure helped—I just jumped straight back in at Chapter Four. And I was hooked. The writing style still felt like a pebble in my shoe, but I found myself reluctantly intrigued by the heroine, McKenzie. I liked that she actually wanted to escape. To the bitter end this girl fought for her freedom. Even when she knew it was doomed for failure, she still got up and tried.
I have to appreciate that. Even when she found herself starting to question her loyalty to the Court and slowly becoming attracted to Aren, she didn’t stop. She knew that she couldn’t trust her decisions in a situation like that. When she started muttering to herself about Stockholm Syndrome I had to smile. It was refreshing to find a character that behaved in such a logical way. I don’t have anything against captive/captor relationships, but I find the willingness to trust someone who kidnapped you and who wants to use you pretty hard to swallow. Once they’re out of the situation and able to look at the situation objectively? Sure. But it’s hard to believe during the actual captivity since there’s such a big power imbalance between them. That’s why I loved McKenzie’s attitude. Even when she irritated me, I still liked her for being so believable.
When I sat and reflected on this book, I was pretty surprised to realize that it was not very action filled. It was actually pretty slow going. A lot of time is spent on the day to day of McKenzie’s captivity and Aren’s attempts to sway her to their side. But somehow it didn’t feel slow or mundane. The author packed too much emotion and conflict into the story for that. She was also smart to make her action scenes intense enough that they nicely balanced out the slower sections. Williams did a great job showing the disjointed, scattered feel of an actual fight. And she wasn’t afraid to give McKenzie some hard knocks. Quite a few times my eyes were like saucers, wondering if the author was actually going to go there. (The scene on pages 144 - 145 comes to mind) She made McKenzie’s captivity feel very real and uncertain, despite what was growing between her and Aren.
Speaking of the bond between them, I was impressed with how the author handled her feelings for both men in her life. I suppose it’s still a love triangle, but it was handled in a completely different way than UF’s usually do. I actually enjoyed it--*gasp!* McKenzie did not dance back and forth between the men, and when she made a decision she didn’t dither, despite how much it hurt. I completely respected the choice that she made. It may have taken her a while to gain the self respect she needed to take a hard look at what she deserved, but she did it. It was so refreshingly healthy! I’m hopeful that the author is going to stick with this and not feel the need to play the usual love triangle game with future books.
I am pleased to report that despite this being a series, the author resisted the urge to leave us on a cliffhanger. The plot of this book is resolved and so is the relationship, although there is still room for another book. Yay! I am really stoked about that. I am so sick and tired of cliffhangers. Besides, it wasn’t necessary to hook me into the second book. I am already wishing it was November so I could find out what happens next. If you haven’t given this book a try yet, I recommend you run out and get yourself a copy. :)
Favorite Quote:
*Review originally posted on *
This book turned out to be quite the surprise. I can’t think of the last time I’ve gone from completely disliking a book to practically inhaling it. When I first picked up The Shadow Reader, I made it to page 30 before I finally gave up and set it aside. It was over a month before I picked it up again, and the only reason I did was because I wanted it off my reading queue.
I can’t say I was eager to dive back into it after disliking the beginning so much. One of my main complaints was the writing style. I was extremely turned off to find that this was in First Person, Present Tense, which was a huge strike against it. I know the POV is author’s choice, but I will never understand the draw of that style. It’s like nails on a chalkboard for me and the story has to be damn good to get me past that. The other thing that bothered me was how stilted and awkward I found the beginning. It was a little confusing being dropped into things like that, but I could have overcome that it if I had felt more of a spark. It just all combined into a generally bad experience.
And then something happened. I don’t know what. Either it got better or I was more prepared the second time around. I didn’t bother going back and rereading the first 30 pages—which I’m sure helped—I just jumped straight back in at Chapter Four. And I was hooked. The writing style still felt like a pebble in my shoe, but I found myself reluctantly intrigued by the heroine, McKenzie. I liked that she actually wanted to escape. To the bitter end this girl fought for her freedom. Even when she knew it was doomed for failure, she still got up and tried.
I have to appreciate that. Even when she found herself starting to question her loyalty to the Court and slowly becoming attracted to Aren, she didn’t stop. She knew that she couldn’t trust her decisions in a situation like that. When she started muttering to herself about Stockholm Syndrome I had to smile. It was refreshing to find a character that behaved in such a logical way. I don’t have anything against captive/captor relationships, but I find the willingness to trust someone who kidnapped you and who wants to use you pretty hard to swallow. Once they’re out of the situation and able to look at the situation objectively? Sure. But it’s hard to believe during the actual captivity since there’s such a big power imbalance between them. That’s why I loved McKenzie’s attitude. Even when she irritated me, I still liked her for being so believable.
When I sat and reflected on this book, I was pretty surprised to realize that it was not very action filled. It was actually pretty slow going. A lot of time is spent on the day to day of McKenzie’s captivity and Aren’s attempts to sway her to their side. But somehow it didn’t feel slow or mundane. The author packed too much emotion and conflict into the story for that. She was also smart to make her action scenes intense enough that they nicely balanced out the slower sections. Williams did a great job showing the disjointed, scattered feel of an actual fight. And she wasn’t afraid to give McKenzie some hard knocks. Quite a few times my eyes were like saucers, wondering if the author was actually going to go there. (The scene on pages 144 - 145 comes to mind) She made McKenzie’s captivity feel very real and uncertain, despite what was growing between her and Aren.
Speaking of the bond between them, I was impressed with how the author handled her feelings for both men in her life. I suppose it’s still a love triangle, but it was handled in a completely different way than UF’s usually do. I actually enjoyed it--*gasp!* McKenzie did not dance back and forth between the men, and when she made a decision she didn’t dither, despite how much it hurt. I completely respected the choice that she made. It may have taken her a while to gain the self respect she needed to take a hard look at what she deserved, but she did it. It was so refreshingly healthy! I’m hopeful that the author is going to stick with this and not feel the need to play the usual love triangle game with future books.
I am pleased to report that despite this being a series, the author resisted the urge to leave us on a cliffhanger. The plot of this book is resolved and so is the relationship, although there is still room for another book. Yay! I am really stoked about that. I am so sick and tired of cliffhangers. Besides, it wasn’t necessary to hook me into the second book. I am already wishing it was November so I could find out what happens next. If you haven’t given this book a try yet, I recommend you run out and get yourself a copy. :)
Favorite Quote:
My eyes shoot open when Kyol grabs my arm. Aren holds on a moment more, his lips and hands lingering as if this is his last breath. As if this is the only breath in his life that has ever mattered. Then his eyes lock with the sword-master.
“You have competition now.�
*Review originally posted on *
April 16, 2023
EDIT 8/23/2019: I just had to lower the rating on this one! There are way too many books on my "2 stars" shelf that are actually half decent. This book is not!
This is nothing like the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning, so if that’s why you're here you need to turn around and never look back.
So, I haven’t been around reading and reviewing for more than a year now. This hiatus consisted of a lot of confusion, university and new life style, lots and lots of family drama, losing self, finding self but only partly, losing self again and fucking up life, rocky relationship, bad break up, feelings of utter void, and now I’m here. Reading that makes me think this whole time was a disaster upon disaster, but I had lots of happiness. Where I ended up though has left me utterly lost.
My life however is not what I’m here to review, so you can read all about this hiatus on my blog shortly when I finally drag myself up to dust my desk and sharpen my pencil.
What we are here for is this goddamn book which is even emptier than my void right now.
That’s right folks, I’m back! And I’m back to complain.
This book is a whole lot of WHY?
I thought all my feelings were confusing but this damn piece of literature everybody is so satisfied with has left me more confused trying to decipher.
Plot:
First of all, where’s the plot? I mean yes, it has a plot. It’s not that bad. WHY is the plot might be a better question at this point. WHY are any of these stuff happening? What is the point? What are they trying to accomplish? Why is there a war? Why do I need to care? What is this half ass attempt at world building?
Nothing makes sense after a while. Either because the MC has a thick brain that cannot be penetrated under any circumstances and hence I don’t understand what she’s not understanding, or this plot is just weak. I don’t feel the importance of this war because nobody has dragged me into the middle of it. I don’t see the stakes, hell, I don’t see the point! Everybody’s excuses for their actions are weak. The whole reason behind all of this drama is just meh.
Basically there’s a war over who’s the rightful heir to the throne and why the current king has increased taxes. That’s basically all there is to it. There are a bunch of fairies fighting over this and wrecking havoc. And the MC is caught in the middle since she has the Sight which is rare and useful for the fae.
The MC is on the Court's side but during the book she keeps changing her mind based on who is drawing more blood in front of her eyes.
If you’re not bored out of your minds already we will get to the characters and why they must be burned to death.
Characters:
So there’s the MC. She is dumb, dull, and too reckless. She is blindly on the Court's side because they saved her and oh, she’s in love with the sword-master.
Her brain works in mysterious ways if you ask me. She is kidnapped by the rebels, and instead of saving her life and making plans, she recklessly insults them, starts to run with no purpose multiple times even when she surely cannot escape without a firm plan, hits her captures, and refuses to cooperate out of spite alone even when lying could save her life. She does all of this for strange fairies who randomly employed her help someday and in no way have any emotional connections with her. Although there’s that one bulky sword-master.
Aside from her questionable decisions, she has a questionable balance. She keeps falling every five seconds and is hurt in one way or another, and by the end of the book she still doesn’t know how to defend herself. I’m surprised she manages to live through all this.
Then comes the third dude of our love triangle, cause you can’t have aYA romance adult urban fantasy without a love triangle. He is hot and cold and constantly wants something from her, but we are also supposed to believe he loves her. He cuts her very dangerously at some point and all he does is apologize and move on. The girl being all against him decides that he’s not so bad and plus he apologized so he must be a good guy. So basically she’s all about men who hurt her and abuse her, and she keeps making excuses for them. However, while being in a glass house I will not throw any stones.
Furthermore, the MC's royalty is entirely too fucked up. Her reasons for supporting sides is mostly based on who is a saint in this war. It appears that this particular Potato Character is only concerned with the amount of people killed and whoever hasn’t killed anyone has her alliance. War has casualties you little shit, if nobody was killing anyone there would be no war. It’s kind of hard to believe she’s been in this war for ten years and still hasn’t at least gotten used to the idea of slaughter.
She also doesn’t know what she wants. Even when someone asks her “Is that what you want?� She answered with “It’s the right thing to do�. Can you please just decide on one thing? This is also related to her decisions regarding this godawful love triangle I don’t feel like talking about.
The problem, however, is not her point of view but how much she doesn’t change throughout the book. More than halfway through the book and the PC (potato character) has not developed in the slightest. She remains the unreasonably stubborn dumb shit that she was in the first chapter and continues to want the things she doesn’t have and not want them anymore when she has them. Again, not throwing stones. But at least change a little throughout the book, I need growth and maturity.
Other than her there are a few other questionable characters. There’s Lena who is hated on sight because she is a beautiful woman, and even though the MC denies that to be the reason for her hatred, we can all see the dumbness that is these two's hate for each other.
Then there are some other characters I couldn’t begin to care less about. Even Kelia whom I thought I would end up loving turned out to be extremely dull and unimportant. Basically nobody managed to hold my attention for more than two minutes.
Overall:
Nothing in this book was interesting, the writing got way too slow, and the characters were walls.
Also was it just me or were the kissing scenes extremely cringy and dragged out way too much?
Either way I am not reading any more books by this author, and am also in dire need of book recs. So hit me up if you have anything exciting and non cringy.
This is nothing like the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning, so if that’s why you're here you need to turn around and never look back.
So, I haven’t been around reading and reviewing for more than a year now. This hiatus consisted of a lot of confusion, university and new life style, lots and lots of family drama, losing self, finding self but only partly, losing self again and fucking up life, rocky relationship, bad break up, feelings of utter void, and now I’m here. Reading that makes me think this whole time was a disaster upon disaster, but I had lots of happiness. Where I ended up though has left me utterly lost.
My life however is not what I’m here to review, so you can read all about this hiatus on my blog shortly when I finally drag myself up to dust my desk and sharpen my pencil.
What we are here for is this goddamn book which is even emptier than my void right now.
That’s right folks, I’m back! And I’m back to complain.
This book is a whole lot of WHY?
I thought all my feelings were confusing but this damn piece of literature everybody is so satisfied with has left me more confused trying to decipher.
Plot:
First of all, where’s the plot? I mean yes, it has a plot. It’s not that bad. WHY is the plot might be a better question at this point. WHY are any of these stuff happening? What is the point? What are they trying to accomplish? Why is there a war? Why do I need to care? What is this half ass attempt at world building?
Nothing makes sense after a while. Either because the MC has a thick brain that cannot be penetrated under any circumstances and hence I don’t understand what she’s not understanding, or this plot is just weak. I don’t feel the importance of this war because nobody has dragged me into the middle of it. I don’t see the stakes, hell, I don’t see the point! Everybody’s excuses for their actions are weak. The whole reason behind all of this drama is just meh.
Basically there’s a war over who’s the rightful heir to the throne and why the current king has increased taxes. That’s basically all there is to it. There are a bunch of fairies fighting over this and wrecking havoc. And the MC is caught in the middle since she has the Sight which is rare and useful for the fae.
The MC is on the Court's side but during the book she keeps changing her mind based on who is drawing more blood in front of her eyes.
If you’re not bored out of your minds already we will get to the characters and why they must be burned to death.
Characters:
So there’s the MC. She is dumb, dull, and too reckless. She is blindly on the Court's side because they saved her and oh, she’s in love with the sword-master.
Her brain works in mysterious ways if you ask me. She is kidnapped by the rebels, and instead of saving her life and making plans, she recklessly insults them, starts to run with no purpose multiple times even when she surely cannot escape without a firm plan, hits her captures, and refuses to cooperate out of spite alone even when lying could save her life. She does all of this for strange fairies who randomly employed her help someday and in no way have any emotional connections with her. Although there’s that one bulky sword-master.
Aside from her questionable decisions, she has a questionable balance. She keeps falling every five seconds and is hurt in one way or another, and by the end of the book she still doesn’t know how to defend herself. I’m surprised she manages to live through all this.
Then comes the third dude of our love triangle, cause you can’t have a
Furthermore, the MC's royalty is entirely too fucked up. Her reasons for supporting sides is mostly based on who is a saint in this war. It appears that this particular Potato Character is only concerned with the amount of people killed and whoever hasn’t killed anyone has her alliance. War has casualties you little shit, if nobody was killing anyone there would be no war. It’s kind of hard to believe she’s been in this war for ten years and still hasn’t at least gotten used to the idea of slaughter.
She also doesn’t know what she wants. Even when someone asks her “Is that what you want?� She answered with “It’s the right thing to do�. Can you please just decide on one thing? This is also related to her decisions regarding this godawful love triangle I don’t feel like talking about.
The problem, however, is not her point of view but how much she doesn’t change throughout the book. More than halfway through the book and the PC (potato character) has not developed in the slightest. She remains the unreasonably stubborn dumb shit that she was in the first chapter and continues to want the things she doesn’t have and not want them anymore when she has them. Again, not throwing stones. But at least change a little throughout the book, I need growth and maturity.
Other than her there are a few other questionable characters. There’s Lena who is hated on sight because she is a beautiful woman, and even though the MC denies that to be the reason for her hatred, we can all see the dumbness that is these two's hate for each other.
Then there are some other characters I couldn’t begin to care less about. Even Kelia whom I thought I would end up loving turned out to be extremely dull and unimportant. Basically nobody managed to hold my attention for more than two minutes.
Overall:
Nothing in this book was interesting, the writing got way too slow, and the characters were walls.
Also was it just me or were the kissing scenes extremely cringy and dragged out way too much?
Either way I am not reading any more books by this author, and am also in dire need of book recs. So hit me up if you have anything exciting and non cringy.
November 30, 2011
If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. The Shadow Reader is well-written, action-packed, interesting, hard-core UF with an awesome (yes - I mean awesome) love triangle thrown in for good measure.
McKenzie Lewis isn't anything special, other than the fact that she can see Fae, and more importantly, that she can trace their movements between Earth and the Realm (fairy land, or all intents and purposes). For the last 10 years, since she was 16-years-old, she has been working for the Kind of the Realm with his Sword Master, Kyol, tracing rebels and threats to the throne. Kyol is the embodiment of loyalty, honor and calm, cool control. Although the King forbids any hanky-panky between fae and humans, these two have been in love with one another for 10 years. Unfortunately for McKenzie, due to the aforementioned loyalty and honor, Kyol has never allowed himself to indulge in McKenzie, keeping her at an arm's distance for the last 10 years. For her part, McKenzie has stayed away from all other men, hoping one day that Kyol would chose her over his King.
"I dedicated my life to my king. I should have dedicated it to you."
See, there's an epic war going on between the Fae King and the rebel forces, and one day, the rebel leaders kidnap McKenzie. They either want her to work for them, or to tell them where certain gates are that will help them defeat the King. McKenzie is loyal to the King and to Kyol, and tries very hard to escape her captors. McKenzie, if nothing else, is stubborn and determined. Honestly, if I were the rebel faction, I would have killed McKenzie for the sheet number of times she tries to escape. But the rebel leader, Aren, has different plans for McKenzie. Nothing in the fae world is black and white. It's all varying shades of gray, open to each person's own perception. Aren wants to show McKenzie that the rebels aren't the "bad guys" and begins to teach her the fae language. Aren rescues and heals McKenzie every time she gets hurt, including a nasty compound fracture that had me wincing as I read. Aren soon turns his affections towards McKenzie, and a love triangle ensues. Both men are honorable, both men are strong and loyal, and both are hot as Hades! Kyol with his broad shoulders and thick, black hair, and Aren with his slimmer muscular body and tousled blond hair were excellent man candy.
"Fine," he says, his words coming out breathless. "I'll save your precious sword master, McKenzie. But I will never, ever give you back to him."
One of my favorite scenes in this book is the wedding reception scene, where Aren and McKenzie dance. It's such a sweet scene, that even an unromantic person my nature like me can see the romance and happiness in that moment, not to mention the gazowga! gift Aren gives to McKenzie.
One of the most telling quotes in this book is:
Once McKenzie gets back to the palace in the Realm, she starts realizing that things aren't what they appear to be. McKenzie makes very difficult choices along the way. She is not an ass-kicking heroine, but she's very smart and uses her mind over any weapons she might find. She calculates each situation, even thinking she may have developed Stockholm Syndrome, and decides the best way to proceed.
This novel is action packed. No decision or question is drawn out for too long. The love triangle is well-written, and although I eventually felt bad for one of the triangle members, the ending didn't break my heart. McKenzie has excellent reasons for her decisions and refuses to be swept under the rug any longer. There are surprising plot twists, especially with
I cannot put into words how much I LOVED this book. I will anxiously be awaiting book two in this series. I would recommend this book to any fans of UF. This book has a little of everything. A paranormal world, a smart heroine, an interesting love triangle and action throughout.
McKenzie Lewis isn't anything special, other than the fact that she can see Fae, and more importantly, that she can trace their movements between Earth and the Realm (fairy land, or all intents and purposes). For the last 10 years, since she was 16-years-old, she has been working for the Kind of the Realm with his Sword Master, Kyol, tracing rebels and threats to the throne. Kyol is the embodiment of loyalty, honor and calm, cool control. Although the King forbids any hanky-panky between fae and humans, these two have been in love with one another for 10 years. Unfortunately for McKenzie, due to the aforementioned loyalty and honor, Kyol has never allowed himself to indulge in McKenzie, keeping her at an arm's distance for the last 10 years. For her part, McKenzie has stayed away from all other men, hoping one day that Kyol would chose her over his King.
"I dedicated my life to my king. I should have dedicated it to you."
See, there's an epic war going on between the Fae King and the rebel forces, and one day, the rebel leaders kidnap McKenzie. They either want her to work for them, or to tell them where certain gates are that will help them defeat the King. McKenzie is loyal to the King and to Kyol, and tries very hard to escape her captors. McKenzie, if nothing else, is stubborn and determined. Honestly, if I were the rebel faction, I would have killed McKenzie for the sheet number of times she tries to escape. But the rebel leader, Aren, has different plans for McKenzie. Nothing in the fae world is black and white. It's all varying shades of gray, open to each person's own perception. Aren wants to show McKenzie that the rebels aren't the "bad guys" and begins to teach her the fae language. Aren rescues and heals McKenzie every time she gets hurt, including a nasty compound fracture that had me wincing as I read. Aren soon turns his affections towards McKenzie, and a love triangle ensues. Both men are honorable, both men are strong and loyal, and both are hot as Hades! Kyol with his broad shoulders and thick, black hair, and Aren with his slimmer muscular body and tousled blond hair were excellent man candy.
"Fine," he says, his words coming out breathless. "I'll save your precious sword master, McKenzie. But I will never, ever give you back to him."
One of my favorite scenes in this book is the wedding reception scene, where Aren and McKenzie dance. It's such a sweet scene, that even an unromantic person my nature like me can see the romance and happiness in that moment, not to mention the gazowga! gift Aren gives to McKenzie.
One of the most telling quotes in this book is:
Once McKenzie gets back to the palace in the Realm, she starts realizing that things aren't what they appear to be. McKenzie makes very difficult choices along the way. She is not an ass-kicking heroine, but she's very smart and uses her mind over any weapons she might find. She calculates each situation, even thinking she may have developed Stockholm Syndrome, and decides the best way to proceed.
This novel is action packed. No decision or question is drawn out for too long. The love triangle is well-written, and although I eventually felt bad for one of the triangle members, the ending didn't break my heart. McKenzie has excellent reasons for her decisions and refuses to be swept under the rug any longer. There are surprising plot twists, especially with
I cannot put into words how much I LOVED this book. I will anxiously be awaiting book two in this series. I would recommend this book to any fans of UF. This book has a little of everything. A paranormal world, a smart heroine, an interesting love triangle and action throughout.
December 7, 2011
SOME SPOILERS BEWARE
Mckenzie is a shadow reader, a human with the ability to see fae and track them when they teleport or 'fissure'. Her ability makes her very valuable to the fae especially when there is a war on as the fae use their teleporting abilities to prottect themselves when fighting.
Mckenzie since the age of 16 has been helping the fae court to fight the rebel fae who want to replace the king, she has been helping them for 10 years and thanks to her many of the rebel fae have died. Mckenzie has been in love with the king's sword master Kyol for 10 years and is very loyal to him. When Mckenzie is kidnapped by the rebel fae's leader Aren she is very much desperate to get back to Kyol. As she gets to know the rebel fae she begins to doubt what she has been told by them and starts to suspect that she have been used and manipulated by the court.
The writing is good and the storyline was pretty interesting but I couldn't give this more than 2 stars because of my dislike of the heroine.
Mckenzie was someone I could not relate to AT ALL. She has put her life on hold since she was 16 because she's in love with Kyol - she's spent 8 years at uni and still not got a degree, she only has 1 human friend, she's never been in a relationship. She's been out on the odd date but has never had a boyfriend so yes she's a 26yr old virgin (rolls eyes).. and why because she's so in 'wuv' with Kyol who has told her for the last 10 yrs that they can never be together and to have a relationship with a human alas Mckenzie doesn't listen and begs for any crumbs Kyol throws her way.. she does have eventually have an epiphany and realises she's wasted 10yrs but the epiphany's 9.5 years to late.. I found her love for him quite sweet at times but I lost all respect for her when it's made clear she that made very little effort to connect with anyone else.
Mckenzie also went weak at the knees everytime Kyol or Aren touched her or even looked at her.. she sounded like a hormonal teenager not a 26yr old woman. She was very gullible and naive when it came to fae poilitics. She constantly made stupid decisions.. it just got too much. I really could have liked this book if Mckenzie was someone who after been told many times that she could not be with Kyol had actually moved and been in a relationship or two with a human guy instead of pining away for Kyol.. who by the way being a red blood male was probably having sex with other women. Also she should have made an effort to find out about the rebel fae's instead of just believing everything she was told. I think in future books she will probably be stronger as she's now learning more about the fae.
Other predictions for future books:
*She'll fall more in love with Aren
*She'll lose her virginity to Aren and become a nympho overnight
*one of Aren's ex-lovers will turn up to cause jealousy, angst and drama
*Kyol will pop up and she'll be confused about who she wants
*They'll be more fighting and fae politics
*Mckenzie and Aren will life-bond and have babies.
What I would like to happen (but never will):
*She breaks up with Aren to 'find herself'
*She stands up for herself more and is not at the beck and call of the fae 24/7.
*She dates human guys - has a passionate affair or two, a couple of flings and a steady realtionship with a human guy
*She finally finishes her degree and gets a job
*She gets more human friends and reconnects with her parents
*She finally gets with Aren after living her life more.. they have sex and because she's slept with human guys she can appreciate that Aren is a better lover.
Mckenzie is a shadow reader, a human with the ability to see fae and track them when they teleport or 'fissure'. Her ability makes her very valuable to the fae especially when there is a war on as the fae use their teleporting abilities to prottect themselves when fighting.
Mckenzie since the age of 16 has been helping the fae court to fight the rebel fae who want to replace the king, she has been helping them for 10 years and thanks to her many of the rebel fae have died. Mckenzie has been in love with the king's sword master Kyol for 10 years and is very loyal to him. When Mckenzie is kidnapped by the rebel fae's leader Aren she is very much desperate to get back to Kyol. As she gets to know the rebel fae she begins to doubt what she has been told by them and starts to suspect that she have been used and manipulated by the court.
The writing is good and the storyline was pretty interesting but I couldn't give this more than 2 stars because of my dislike of the heroine.
Mckenzie was someone I could not relate to AT ALL. She has put her life on hold since she was 16 because she's in love with Kyol - she's spent 8 years at uni and still not got a degree, she only has 1 human friend, she's never been in a relationship. She's been out on the odd date but has never had a boyfriend so yes she's a 26yr old virgin (rolls eyes).. and why because she's so in 'wuv' with Kyol who has told her for the last 10 yrs that they can never be together and to have a relationship with a human alas Mckenzie doesn't listen and begs for any crumbs Kyol throws her way.. she does have eventually have an epiphany and realises she's wasted 10yrs but the epiphany's 9.5 years to late.. I found her love for him quite sweet at times but I lost all respect for her when it's made clear she that made very little effort to connect with anyone else.
Mckenzie also went weak at the knees everytime Kyol or Aren touched her or even looked at her.. she sounded like a hormonal teenager not a 26yr old woman. She was very gullible and naive when it came to fae poilitics. She constantly made stupid decisions.. it just got too much. I really could have liked this book if Mckenzie was someone who after been told many times that she could not be with Kyol had actually moved and been in a relationship or two with a human guy instead of pining away for Kyol.. who by the way being a red blood male was probably having sex with other women. Also she should have made an effort to find out about the rebel fae's instead of just believing everything she was told. I think in future books she will probably be stronger as she's now learning more about the fae.
Other predictions for future books:
*She'll fall more in love with Aren
*She'll lose her virginity to Aren and become a nympho overnight
*one of Aren's ex-lovers will turn up to cause jealousy, angst and drama
*Kyol will pop up and she'll be confused about who she wants
*They'll be more fighting and fae politics
*Mckenzie and Aren will life-bond and have babies.
What I would like to happen (but never will):
*She breaks up with Aren to 'find herself'
*She stands up for herself more and is not at the beck and call of the fae 24/7.
*She dates human guys - has a passionate affair or two, a couple of flings and a steady realtionship with a human guy
*She finally finishes her degree and gets a job
*She gets more human friends and reconnects with her parents
*She finally gets with Aren after living her life more.. they have sex and because she's slept with human guys she can appreciate that Aren is a better lover.
February 9, 2017
Interested in more of my reviews? Visit my !
4/4.5 stars
I was ridiculously hooked to this book from the very first page. Great characters, exciting storyline, and more important an original storyline.
Storyline
McKenzie is a hot commodity in the faerie war. She’s a shadow reader who is able to track faeries that fissure out. She’s been assisting the faerie King since she was 16; it’s now been 10 years. For those past 10 years McKenzie has also been pining over Kyol, the king’s swordsman, who is forbidden from being with a human. They share kisses and private moments but they’ve never gone further as Kyol’s loyalty to the King keeps him from doing so. McKenzie herself has been loyal to the King for the last 10 years and when she is abducted by the faerie rebels and discovers pertinent information that’s been kept from her for all these years her loyalties begin to divide.
Single Issue
The emotional bonding with a captor or an abuser known as Stockholm syndrome was referred to in this story after McKenzie began having feelings for Aren. I felt that the fact that she could have had Stockholm syndrome would have been better left implied rather than stated so bluntly. Also, do victims even realize they have Stockholm syndrome? McKenzie kept referring to it almost like it’s a third person. Open for discussion on that because I'm really not sure.
’Damn this Stockholm syndrome. There’s got to be some cure for it.�
Other than that, I really didn’t have any problems with this story.
Thoughts
I’m sure we all know by now how much I despise love triangles and I know I’m not the only one that feels this way. This one wasn’t the worst by far; I believe it was one of the most well-handled love triangles I’ve read to date.
I loved the originality of the story. I feared that this would end up being a variation of the Iron Fey series, just with adult alterations. I ended up being quite wrong in that assumption, quite wrong and pleasantly surprised. I also loved how it wasn’t your typical badass heroine stories where she’s unbelievably powerful, super-hot, and can kick everyone’s ass. This was not the case. McKenzie may have had a super awesome power that came in handy and made her super important to a large number of people, but she was still vulnerable and real. At first I was kind of irritated at the fact that she seemed to be a major weenie, but it made the story and McKenzie more realistic in my opinion.
I look forward to the next book in the series coming out. The author already released the name of the next book in the series� ‘The Shattered Dark�. Sounds fabulous! I can’t wait! :D
4/4.5 stars
I was ridiculously hooked to this book from the very first page. Great characters, exciting storyline, and more important an original storyline.
Storyline
McKenzie is a hot commodity in the faerie war. She’s a shadow reader who is able to track faeries that fissure out. She’s been assisting the faerie King since she was 16; it’s now been 10 years. For those past 10 years McKenzie has also been pining over Kyol, the king’s swordsman, who is forbidden from being with a human. They share kisses and private moments but they’ve never gone further as Kyol’s loyalty to the King keeps him from doing so. McKenzie herself has been loyal to the King for the last 10 years and when she is abducted by the faerie rebels and discovers pertinent information that’s been kept from her for all these years her loyalties begin to divide.
Single Issue
The emotional bonding with a captor or an abuser known as Stockholm syndrome was referred to in this story after McKenzie began having feelings for Aren. I felt that the fact that she could have had Stockholm syndrome would have been better left implied rather than stated so bluntly. Also, do victims even realize they have Stockholm syndrome? McKenzie kept referring to it almost like it’s a third person. Open for discussion on that because I'm really not sure.
’Damn this Stockholm syndrome. There’s got to be some cure for it.�
Other than that, I really didn’t have any problems with this story.
Thoughts
I’m sure we all know by now how much I despise love triangles and I know I’m not the only one that feels this way. This one wasn’t the worst by far; I believe it was one of the most well-handled love triangles I’ve read to date.
I loved the originality of the story. I feared that this would end up being a variation of the Iron Fey series, just with adult alterations. I ended up being quite wrong in that assumption, quite wrong and pleasantly surprised. I also loved how it wasn’t your typical badass heroine stories where she’s unbelievably powerful, super-hot, and can kick everyone’s ass. This was not the case. McKenzie may have had a super awesome power that came in handy and made her super important to a large number of people, but she was still vulnerable and real. At first I was kind of irritated at the fact that she seemed to be a major weenie, but it made the story and McKenzie more realistic in my opinion.
I look forward to the next book in the series coming out. The author already released the name of the next book in the series� ‘The Shattered Dark�. Sounds fabulous! I can’t wait! :D
August 15, 2014
5 stars
Wow...This book was unputdownable... And amazing. I don't even know how to discuss this rationally, but here goes.
McKenzie is a shadow reader, a human who got involved with the fae ten years ago because of her abilities. Namely one, and that is reading shadows, knowing where a fae fissured(think teleported) There's a war going on, and she's firmly on the side of the Court, or better said, on the side of Kyol, the king's sword-master. She's loved him forever, but has never had a chance to be more with him, because the Court forbids it. Now, she just wants to have a completely normal human life. But, fate gets in the way, or precisely, the rebels do.
Rebels are on the other side of the war, and McKenzie's enemies, the universal bad guys. Or...are they? She's a captive, but they try to make her see both sides. And one of those trying is Aren...The dashing, charming, sometimes ruthless rebel. One of the leaders of the rebellion, he wants McKenzie to help them. And pretty soon, Mac starts feeling things for him, against her will...
"... No. No way. I don't love Aren. I can't because, damn it, I'm not one of those girls, the ones who have two men chasing after them but can't make up their minds who to choose. If you can’t decide who you love more, you don’t love either of them enough. So I don’t have feelings for Aren, I won’t."
Of course, that's one of my favorite passages in the book. And it takes us to the love triangle. I have to admit it, it was very well done. I'm not a fan of LTs in general, but here it was different. For one thing, both men are honorable, good, and have genuine feelings for her. I didn't have a side. All I wanted was for it to get resolved without major pain, heartbreak or death. Or, you know, one of them turning villainous. I could genuinely see her dilemma and I'm happy she decided...But, I'm unsure about the ending. I think she may have decided too fast/it was anticlimactic. I mean, I hope that's the end of it, but I wanted to see her thought process and her certainty. In any case, it was well done and I enjoyed even that.
I also liked the war side of the story. More specifically, the way McKenzie was forced to see both sides of it, and then decide. Although, I was surprised that the war was resolved, too. Basically almost everything was resolved at the end, and I was expecting cliffhangers, angst and indecision. All in all, I'm not disappointed AT ALL and I can't wait for the next book, coming in October.
Note-Buddy read with Anna
Wow...This book was unputdownable... And amazing. I don't even know how to discuss this rationally, but here goes.
McKenzie is a shadow reader, a human who got involved with the fae ten years ago because of her abilities. Namely one, and that is reading shadows, knowing where a fae fissured(think teleported) There's a war going on, and she's firmly on the side of the Court, or better said, on the side of Kyol, the king's sword-master. She's loved him forever, but has never had a chance to be more with him, because the Court forbids it. Now, she just wants to have a completely normal human life. But, fate gets in the way, or precisely, the rebels do.
Rebels are on the other side of the war, and McKenzie's enemies, the universal bad guys. Or...are they? She's a captive, but they try to make her see both sides. And one of those trying is Aren...The dashing, charming, sometimes ruthless rebel. One of the leaders of the rebellion, he wants McKenzie to help them. And pretty soon, Mac starts feeling things for him, against her will...
"... No. No way. I don't love Aren. I can't because, damn it, I'm not one of those girls, the ones who have two men chasing after them but can't make up their minds who to choose. If you can’t decide who you love more, you don’t love either of them enough. So I don’t have feelings for Aren, I won’t."
Of course, that's one of my favorite passages in the book. And it takes us to the love triangle. I have to admit it, it was very well done. I'm not a fan of LTs in general, but here it was different. For one thing, both men are honorable, good, and have genuine feelings for her. I didn't have a side. All I wanted was for it to get resolved without major pain, heartbreak or death. Or, you know, one of them turning villainous. I could genuinely see her dilemma and I'm happy she decided...But, I'm unsure about the ending. I think she may have decided too fast/it was anticlimactic. I mean, I hope that's the end of it, but I wanted to see her thought process and her certainty. In any case, it was well done and I enjoyed even that.
I also liked the war side of the story. More specifically, the way McKenzie was forced to see both sides of it, and then decide. Although, I was surprised that the war was resolved, too. Basically almost everything was resolved at the end, and I was expecting cliffhangers, angst and indecision. All in all, I'm not disappointed AT ALL and I can't wait for the next book, coming in October.
Note-Buddy read with Anna
September 28, 2013
I went into THE SHADOW READERnot really knowing what to expect and came out blown away by the this incredible fae story. This was a really a intriguing world to be thrown into and I enjoyed every minute of it.
All McKenzie wants is to be normal. She is a "Shadow Reader", a person able to read shadows left behind from fae who travel from one place to another. For about 10 years she has worked for the court and thought she was working for the good guys and then she is kidnapped by the rebels who are thought to be the bad guys, but are they really?
"I don't want to hurt you," the fae's leader says. "I'd like to talk to you." He takes a step toward me. I take a step back."Look." He sheaths his sword, then holds his hands out, palms up like he's harmless.Screw him. I won't let them take me.
And what's an incredible fae story without some steamy hot love interests? Aren is the rebel leader who wants to keep McKenzie alive because he believes she can be brought over to the rebels side, but McKenzie proves to be quite a stubborn woman. Aren is every woman's wet dream. McKenzie is in love with someone else but Aren doesn't care, he plans to win her over anyway.
"If I were a good man," he says, "I'd acknowledge that Taltrayn is an honorable fae, that he loves you and would take care of you. I'd step down and let you have the man you've always wanted, but, McKenzie, I'm not as good as Taltrayn. I never will be, and I can't step down. I'll fight for the chance to be with you."
Mackenzie was really a stubborn heroine and I really liked no matter how much so got threatened by the rebels that she never changed her loyalty, that she really thought about some of her decisions. Even with the decisions with both of the love interests. I really felt her determination and strong will. I think that is one reason our Aren is quite smitten with her.
"Fine," he says, his words coming out breathless. "I'll save your precious sword-master, McKenzie. But I will never, ever give you back to him."
Kyol is the king's sword-master, the man McKenzie truly loves. The thing here is the 10 year wait and still no action between the two. I like Kyol, but I want my hero's in the story to take action and not let their heroine slip from their fingers. Kyol is a good man and dedicated to his king and the court, but I wish he would be a little selfish sometimes for himself.
All and allTHE SHADOW READERactually turned out to be quite a exciting and thrilling read. I am really looking forward to see where this story goes in the sequel.
All McKenzie wants is to be normal. She is a "Shadow Reader", a person able to read shadows left behind from fae who travel from one place to another. For about 10 years she has worked for the court and thought she was working for the good guys and then she is kidnapped by the rebels who are thought to be the bad guys, but are they really?
"I don't want to hurt you," the fae's leader says. "I'd like to talk to you." He takes a step toward me. I take a step back."Look." He sheaths his sword, then holds his hands out, palms up like he's harmless.Screw him. I won't let them take me.
And what's an incredible fae story without some steamy hot love interests? Aren is the rebel leader who wants to keep McKenzie alive because he believes she can be brought over to the rebels side, but McKenzie proves to be quite a stubborn woman. Aren is every woman's wet dream. McKenzie is in love with someone else but Aren doesn't care, he plans to win her over anyway.
"If I were a good man," he says, "I'd acknowledge that Taltrayn is an honorable fae, that he loves you and would take care of you. I'd step down and let you have the man you've always wanted, but, McKenzie, I'm not as good as Taltrayn. I never will be, and I can't step down. I'll fight for the chance to be with you."
Mackenzie was really a stubborn heroine and I really liked no matter how much so got threatened by the rebels that she never changed her loyalty, that she really thought about some of her decisions. Even with the decisions with both of the love interests. I really felt her determination and strong will. I think that is one reason our Aren is quite smitten with her.
"Fine," he says, his words coming out breathless. "I'll save your precious sword-master, McKenzie. But I will never, ever give you back to him."
Kyol is the king's sword-master, the man McKenzie truly loves. The thing here is the 10 year wait and still no action between the two. I like Kyol, but I want my hero's in the story to take action and not let their heroine slip from their fingers. Kyol is a good man and dedicated to his king and the court, but I wish he would be a little selfish sometimes for himself.
All and allTHE SHADOW READERactually turned out to be quite a exciting and thrilling read. I am really looking forward to see where this story goes in the sequel.
May 29, 2012
So I guess it's true: the urban fantasy genre really doesn't get better than .
Just this year, I became a huge fan of the genre when I picked up a book that just about every fan of the genre was screaming to the heavens about: . Not even so much the actual book, but Jericho Barrons (but the book itself was praised heavily, don't forget). I myself loved it, and have since read two more in the series (and plan on getting my hands on the last two possibly tomorrow!)
Then, just yesterday, I finished 's , and I enjoyed it enough, but mainly for it being light and fun like (most) of her other works. So, I turned on my Kindle immediately after finishing the latter, expecting another enjoyable UF novel, despite hearing that most novels in this genre are garbage, formulatic, and just not worth your time, at least in recent years.
is a decent book, it was worth my time, but I didn't get much from it. It was pretty standard. We had our main character, McKenzie Lewis, who could see the fae, and was used as a weapon for King Atroth, to track down rebels in a civil war. We had a love triangle going on between Kyol, the king's swordsman that McKenzie has loved since she was sixteen (she's now twenty-six, so she's been waiting for quite some time), and Aren, a rebel fae who kidnaps her in the first two chapters of the novel, and brings her to a rebel hideout, where he teaches her the language of the Fae, and some startling (and possibly true) new sides to this war, bringing in the shades of gray that McKenzie was so blind to until this point.
1. The Writing
It's one of the things I love about this genre. It's simple, yet not too simple that it seems juvenile, but it flows pretty well, and it held my attention. It moves at a fairly brisk pace, but not too fast that anything seems rushed. I enjoyed reading McKenzie's voice, and I felt that the writing had enough personality to it. Still, nothing extraordinary, like , but decent.
2. The Love Triangle
Annoying. It felt very obvious who McKenzie was going to choose at the end of the novel. The most frustrating part of it was when McKenzie would be thinking about if Aren really loved her when they'd be discussing war strategy. When is that EVER a good time to decide if some guy loves you when you keep insisting that you don't have feelings for him? The fact that so much time was dedictaed to just the wonderings of "Does he love me?" or the "Does he not?" is lost on me.
3. The "Kick-Ass" Heroine
Um, I don't know how McKenzie gets this title. Semi-intelligent I guess, but even that is questionable. She never stands up for herself, such as when Aren CUTS HER NECK (I know Barrons is rough around the edges, but he would never do that - he only tried to give Mac ONE tattoo). The most she ever does is say, "No! I will never help you!" Anybody can do that. Doesn't make her a kick-ass, independent heroine that I look for in UF.
MacKayla Lane (Fever series) is not the strongest character I've ever read. She's pretty good with a spear to kill Unseelie, but I've read stronger (Katniss Everdeen, Saba, Rose Hathaway). However, in the strength department, she makes up for it by being smart, and never letting Barrons push her around, even when it was clear he could break her with his bare hands.
McKenzie is flat, umemorable, and a damsel in distress. That cover is very decieving. Not once does McKenzie ever weild a sword, or any weapon. The strongest she is was when she'd be tracking the shadows, and that's not some sign of being strong.
4. Aren & Kyol
Kyol = Honorable, boring, overdone, and it was obvious he would get the raw end of the deal.
Aren = Asshole, douche, possessive, abusive, prick.
5. Overall Thoughts
It was simply okay. It won't stand out in my mind. It had a predictable love triangle. A heroine trying to be smart and strong, but was really just weak and needed her two hot fae guys to protect her.
I'll read , but not NEARLY with the same amount of excitement that I came to with this one.
Just this year, I became a huge fan of the genre when I picked up a book that just about every fan of the genre was screaming to the heavens about: . Not even so much the actual book, but Jericho Barrons (but the book itself was praised heavily, don't forget). I myself loved it, and have since read two more in the series (and plan on getting my hands on the last two possibly tomorrow!)
Then, just yesterday, I finished 's , and I enjoyed it enough, but mainly for it being light and fun like (most) of her other works. So, I turned on my Kindle immediately after finishing the latter, expecting another enjoyable UF novel, despite hearing that most novels in this genre are garbage, formulatic, and just not worth your time, at least in recent years.
is a decent book, it was worth my time, but I didn't get much from it. It was pretty standard. We had our main character, McKenzie Lewis, who could see the fae, and was used as a weapon for King Atroth, to track down rebels in a civil war. We had a love triangle going on between Kyol, the king's swordsman that McKenzie has loved since she was sixteen (she's now twenty-six, so she's been waiting for quite some time), and Aren, a rebel fae who kidnaps her in the first two chapters of the novel, and brings her to a rebel hideout, where he teaches her the language of the Fae, and some startling (and possibly true) new sides to this war, bringing in the shades of gray that McKenzie was so blind to until this point.
1. The Writing
It's one of the things I love about this genre. It's simple, yet not too simple that it seems juvenile, but it flows pretty well, and it held my attention. It moves at a fairly brisk pace, but not too fast that anything seems rushed. I enjoyed reading McKenzie's voice, and I felt that the writing had enough personality to it. Still, nothing extraordinary, like , but decent.
2. The Love Triangle
Annoying. It felt very obvious who McKenzie was going to choose at the end of the novel. The most frustrating part of it was when McKenzie would be thinking about if Aren really loved her when they'd be discussing war strategy. When is that EVER a good time to decide if some guy loves you when you keep insisting that you don't have feelings for him? The fact that so much time was dedictaed to just the wonderings of "Does he love me?" or the "Does he not?" is lost on me.
3. The "Kick-Ass" Heroine
Um, I don't know how McKenzie gets this title. Semi-intelligent I guess, but even that is questionable. She never stands up for herself, such as when Aren CUTS HER NECK (I know Barrons is rough around the edges, but he would never do that - he only tried to give Mac ONE tattoo). The most she ever does is say, "No! I will never help you!" Anybody can do that. Doesn't make her a kick-ass, independent heroine that I look for in UF.
MacKayla Lane (Fever series) is not the strongest character I've ever read. She's pretty good with a spear to kill Unseelie, but I've read stronger (Katniss Everdeen, Saba, Rose Hathaway). However, in the strength department, she makes up for it by being smart, and never letting Barrons push her around, even when it was clear he could break her with his bare hands.
McKenzie is flat, umemorable, and a damsel in distress. That cover is very decieving. Not once does McKenzie ever weild a sword, or any weapon. The strongest she is was when she'd be tracking the shadows, and that's not some sign of being strong.
4. Aren & Kyol
Kyol = Honorable, boring, overdone, and it was obvious he would get the raw end of the deal.
Aren = Asshole, douche, possessive, abusive, prick.
5. Overall Thoughts
It was simply okay. It won't stand out in my mind. It had a predictable love triangle. A heroine trying to be smart and strong, but was really just weak and needed her two hot fae guys to protect her.
I'll read , but not NEARLY with the same amount of excitement that I came to with this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,068 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.