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Shadow's Lure #2
Casting Light
Bastian
When life dragged me down, I assumed I’d never get back up. I never guessed that Andras—the dark magic user I was always told to fear—would not only give me a helping hand but draw me into his arms and protect me from those who wished to harm me.
I never imagined that Andras and his “danger noodle� would be there to make me laugh, to care about me, and show me what it means to be loved. But now, the two of us have to prove to the Casters that we won’t be knocked down. Not when we don’t know who we can trust� and when there’s something darker coming for all of us.
Andras
As the hunt for the book that started all of this comes to a head, our enemies are getting closer, but so is the truth of what happened when my light magic was taken years ago. While they’ve fought to tear us apart, they’ve done nothing but draw us together as well as nearer to the truth.
I’m determined to finish this so I can get my happy ever after with the man I love and show him all of the little things he missed out in life. Oh, and so he can make me more chili.
Casting Light is the thrilling and humorous conclusion to the Shadow’s Lure duology.
When life dragged me down, I assumed I’d never get back up. I never guessed that Andras—the dark magic user I was always told to fear—would not only give me a helping hand but draw me into his arms and protect me from those who wished to harm me.
I never imagined that Andras and his “danger noodle� would be there to make me laugh, to care about me, and show me what it means to be loved. But now, the two of us have to prove to the Casters that we won’t be knocked down. Not when we don’t know who we can trust� and when there’s something darker coming for all of us.
Andras
As the hunt for the book that started all of this comes to a head, our enemies are getting closer, but so is the truth of what happened when my light magic was taken years ago. While they’ve fought to tear us apart, they’ve done nothing but draw us together as well as nearer to the truth.
I’m determined to finish this so I can get my happy ever after with the man I love and show him all of the little things he missed out in life. Oh, and so he can make me more chili.
Casting Light is the thrilling and humorous conclusion to the Shadow’s Lure duology.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2023
153 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Alice Winters
58books2,616followersAlice Winters started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to turn her ideas into written words. She loves writing a variety of things from romance and comedy to action. She also enjoys reading, horseback riding, and spending time with her pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
September 20, 2023
I really struggled with this one. It took me TWO DAYS to read it, when usually I read 2+ books a day!!! I kept putting it down and voluntarily doing unnecessary housework 😱
Like I said in my review of the first part of this duology, the plot was just too confusing to follow. Every time they start to explain and you think you'll finally understand what's going on, and what everyone is doing, they stop talking and go off to do something completely random! By the time everything was unveiled, I was over it and it had been so long between explanations that I couldn't even remember what we'd already found out.
This duo has been possibly the most frustrating reading experience I've had. What annoys me most is that I really liked the characters, I just didn't have a clue what was going on.
I think it's one of those series you need to re-read pretty much straight away for everything to really make sense, but it irritated me so much that I don't want to re-read this, maybe ever!!!
Like I said in my review of the first part of this duology, the plot was just too confusing to follow. Every time they start to explain and you think you'll finally understand what's going on, and what everyone is doing, they stop talking and go off to do something completely random! By the time everything was unveiled, I was over it and it had been so long between explanations that I couldn't even remember what we'd already found out.
This duo has been possibly the most frustrating reading experience I've had. What annoys me most is that I really liked the characters, I just didn't have a clue what was going on.
I think it's one of those series you need to re-read pretty much straight away for everything to really make sense, but it irritated me so much that I don't want to re-read this, maybe ever!!!
October 7, 2023
A riotous end to this duology
Honestly, I don't really think I have even a vague idea of what actually happened in this book. Or how the whole bad guy plot started in the first place.
But, it really doesn't matter because the story here is entertaining all on its own and I love both Andras and Bastian anyway.
Let's just say I wouldn't in a million years have ever come up with the villain at the centre of the plot or worked out how it was going to draw to a satisfactory conclusion.
But it does and it was a riot, plenty of smiles along the way as the villains are vanquished and some sort of order is returned to the chaos.
This is a duology but I have to say I would have liked one more book I think so we could see what was going on with Oliver and Roman and how everyone was coping with the new way of life.
Honestly, I don't really think I have even a vague idea of what actually happened in this book. Or how the whole bad guy plot started in the first place.
But, it really doesn't matter because the story here is entertaining all on its own and I love both Andras and Bastian anyway.
Let's just say I wouldn't in a million years have ever come up with the villain at the centre of the plot or worked out how it was going to draw to a satisfactory conclusion.
But it does and it was a riot, plenty of smiles along the way as the villains are vanquished and some sort of order is returned to the chaos.
This is a duology but I have to say I would have liked one more book I think so we could see what was going on with Oliver and Roman and how everyone was coping with the new way of life.
December 23, 2023
SO SO Funny!
I love Andras and Bastian together, I love how Andras just makes the best out of everything and brings life and joy to Bastian's life. I adored them bowling together LOL There is a little bit more steam in this one to at the end.
And let's be honest - Sssoren is the best lol
Now I really want something for Oliver and Roman haha.
I love Andras and Bastian together, I love how Andras just makes the best out of everything and brings life and joy to Bastian's life. I adored them bowling together LOL There is a little bit more steam in this one to at the end.
And let's be honest - Sssoren is the best lol
Now I really want something for Oliver and Roman haha.
February 11, 2025
3�3.35 stars?? I don't know, it was just one thing after another and just felt too chaotic & messy. Also, I really dislike flashbacks (unless they are brief).
I liked Roman much better in this one though so 🤗
I liked Roman much better in this one though so 🤗
May 10, 2024
AUDIO REVIEW
What a wild ride this book was! Nothing turned out like I expected, except for the fact that Andras and Bastian of course got their hard-won HEA at the end. As usual Greg Boudreaux did a fabulous job narrating this climactic series. And I do mean climactic. It felt like as soon as the MCs got themselves out of one near deadly fight, they were thrust right into another! Andras and Bastian had their work cut out for them that was for sure.
Andras finally shares his story about what really happened to him when he was young and the horrible day he "died." It broke my heart hearing his pleas to go home to his parents and brother. I swear the audio of it almost made me wanna tear up. It was such a contrast to the snarky and sarcastic Andras we've come to know. It really hit me seeing him acting so unlike himself. That is how you know what was being done to him was truly horrific, especially to a freaking child!
The ending was rather surprising! I never guessed who the hooded man turned out to be in my many attempts to try and figure him out. And that book. All the evil it caused. I don't know if it can be to blame for everything that went on, but it definitely heavily influenced quite a few people's actions. I'm glad it never tainted Andras fully enough for him to fall prey to its pages.
I loved that we got a nice bit at the end of Bastian and Andras just being together and happy. They are quite an odd pair, but they work well. I'm with Andras when it comes to all of Bastian's cute, embarrassed blushes. It's adorable that he continues to get flustered and Andras just eats that all up like he does magic. I wouldn't say no to a spin off with Oliver and Roman, but I'm also satisfied with this ending if the duet were to end here. Great listen!
What a wild ride this book was! Nothing turned out like I expected, except for the fact that Andras and Bastian of course got their hard-won HEA at the end. As usual Greg Boudreaux did a fabulous job narrating this climactic series. And I do mean climactic. It felt like as soon as the MCs got themselves out of one near deadly fight, they were thrust right into another! Andras and Bastian had their work cut out for them that was for sure.
Andras finally shares his story about what really happened to him when he was young and the horrible day he "died." It broke my heart hearing his pleas to go home to his parents and brother. I swear the audio of it almost made me wanna tear up. It was such a contrast to the snarky and sarcastic Andras we've come to know. It really hit me seeing him acting so unlike himself. That is how you know what was being done to him was truly horrific, especially to a freaking child!
The ending was rather surprising! I never guessed who the hooded man turned out to be in my many attempts to try and figure him out. And that book. All the evil it caused. I don't know if it can be to blame for everything that went on, but it definitely heavily influenced quite a few people's actions. I'm glad it never tainted Andras fully enough for him to fall prey to its pages.
I loved that we got a nice bit at the end of Bastian and Andras just being together and happy. They are quite an odd pair, but they work well. I'm with Andras when it comes to all of Bastian's cute, embarrassed blushes. It's adorable that he continues to get flustered and Andras just eats that all up like he does magic. I wouldn't say no to a spin off with Oliver and Roman, but I'm also satisfied with this ending if the duet were to end here. Great listen!
October 21, 2023
Nicely wrapped up with a bow.
October 26, 2023
Listening keeps my review at 5.
Casting Light went places I did not expect. There's so much that happens that I can't even say what my favourite part is!
Bastian and Andras really go through it and there are some emotional scenes. We also get answers about what happened to them all those years before.
More steam than book 1, some humour and a sweet HEA
Casting Light went places I did not expect. There's so much that happens that I can't even say what my favourite part is!
Bastian and Andras really go through it and there are some emotional scenes. We also get answers about what happened to them all those years before.
More steam than book 1, some humour and a sweet HEA
March 19, 2025
4.25 stars. Duology following the same couple, m/m, filled with the silliness and snark that is the hallmark of this author. A true enemies to lovers that does not resolve quickly, these two are not a couple for almost all of the first book.
Very interesting world building. Vendetta story with questing, plotting, bad guys that are actually bad, good guys, cluelessness and sass. We get a satisfying ending in book one, but it only partially completes the story, ends on a hopeful note but with more questing and plotting to be done. Book two starts immediately after the first, here is where we start to see the MC come together as a couple, full of snark, banter and cluelessness. Ends with a culmination of all the plotting and an HEA.
Overall the story moved along pretty well with new information and action scenes unfolding at a good pace to keep things interesting. The end was a bit much with so many characters and a huge info dump of who was on what side, who double crossed who, this one was doing this while that one was doing that. The who-done-it was lost on me and I ended up skimming it, would have preferred it be a bit simpler since this is a silly, ridiculous book at its core.
Magic, dark/light, enemies to lovers, current world, vers, m/m.
Very interesting world building. Vendetta story with questing, plotting, bad guys that are actually bad, good guys, cluelessness and sass. We get a satisfying ending in book one, but it only partially completes the story, ends on a hopeful note but with more questing and plotting to be done. Book two starts immediately after the first, here is where we start to see the MC come together as a couple, full of snark, banter and cluelessness. Ends with a culmination of all the plotting and an HEA.
Overall the story moved along pretty well with new information and action scenes unfolding at a good pace to keep things interesting. The end was a bit much with so many characters and a huge info dump of who was on what side, who double crossed who, this one was doing this while that one was doing that. The who-done-it was lost on me and I ended up skimming it, would have preferred it be a bit simpler since this is a silly, ridiculous book at its core.
Magic, dark/light, enemies to lovers, current world, vers, m/m.
November 17, 2023
Some of this was fantastic, some of it had my eyes crossing. Not my favourite Alice Winters but still enjoyable.
May 16, 2024
This was so much fun!! 😄 I didn't see that plot twist coming at all. I thought I knew who was behind everything, but I didn't realize there'd be multiple groups vying for control. As I said in my review of book one, this is first and foremost an urban fantasy. The romance definitely takes a backseat, but it is there, and the relationship is a good one. 5 stars
February 12, 2025
I love them so much!
November 6, 2023
4.25 Stars 🌟
This is the second book in this series and let me say that it does not suffer from the same beginning that book 1 did. At this point, we already have met the MC's - Andras and Bastian and the world has already been built. Those two things were a bit of a problem in book 1.
Now, even though we do have a world where the magic system has been outlined, there is still a whole heck of a lot that is left unexplained. This was a very plot heavy book that tended to be extremely confusing at times. It felt like there were too many side paths that popped out every once in a while. Some of those eventually were answered and explained, while others were just left kind of open ended.
Ms. Winters definitely has a "style" of writing her characters and this one is no different. I did like both of the main MC's and they seemed to be a good pairing - especially when Andras seemed to well, settle down a bit. This book is a little more difficult to talk about without going into spoilers but I can say that one of the strengths in this book is the cast of secondary characters. There is Roman, Oliver (one of my favorites ), and the one who steals the show....Sssssoren. Honestly, it's not often that snake can be a favorite. :)
This book continues on from where book 1 left off (this is not a stand alone, you need to read the first book if you want to have ANY idea of what is going on). There ends up being more than one group with more than one "plot". At times, it did make it hard to figure out who exactly the bad guys were. Things do get a bit complicated, but I think everything gets tied up fairly well at the end.
I listened to most of this on audio and as usual, Greg Boudreaux did a wonderful job with the narration. This world leaves a nice set up for possible future shenanigans.
You never know......
This is the second book in this series and let me say that it does not suffer from the same beginning that book 1 did. At this point, we already have met the MC's - Andras and Bastian and the world has already been built. Those two things were a bit of a problem in book 1.
Now, even though we do have a world where the magic system has been outlined, there is still a whole heck of a lot that is left unexplained. This was a very plot heavy book that tended to be extremely confusing at times. It felt like there were too many side paths that popped out every once in a while. Some of those eventually were answered and explained, while others were just left kind of open ended.
Ms. Winters definitely has a "style" of writing her characters and this one is no different. I did like both of the main MC's and they seemed to be a good pairing - especially when Andras seemed to well, settle down a bit. This book is a little more difficult to talk about without going into spoilers but I can say that one of the strengths in this book is the cast of secondary characters. There is Roman, Oliver (one of my favorites ), and the one who steals the show....Sssssoren. Honestly, it's not often that snake can be a favorite. :)
This book continues on from where book 1 left off (this is not a stand alone, you need to read the first book if you want to have ANY idea of what is going on). There ends up being more than one group with more than one "plot". At times, it did make it hard to figure out who exactly the bad guys were. Things do get a bit complicated, but I think everything gets tied up fairly well at the end.
I listened to most of this on audio and as usual, Greg Boudreaux did a wonderful job with the narration. This world leaves a nice set up for possible future shenanigans.
You never know......
September 9, 2023
Bastian and Andras are once again in the fight for their lives as they protect themselves and others from the malevolent dark magic being wielded by the unknown “Hooded Man�. They also need to fight the elders of the Casters who’s machinations are on the brink of destroying not just the complex but all casters. All of this action and drama is complemented by the humour and all round ridiculousness of Andras which provides plenty of laugh out loud moments and also induces plenty of blushing by Bastian who is still so sweet and innocent. However Andras does have his serious side which comes to the fore whenever those he cares about are in danger. The relationship between Bastian and Andras continues to grow during all of this, helped along by Andras introducing Bastian to the wonders of bowling which had me snort laughing!
The many intriguing plot twists held my interest from start to finish and I was completely surprised when the identity of the villainous “Hooded Man� was revealed. We also get to learn more about the childhood Andras endured and that made his HEA with Bastian all the more sweeter. All the interesting side characters from book one are involved including the ever sleeping Soren who does wake in some very fortuitous moments.
I loved everything about this book, from the well developed characters and the world building, to the action and drama and the sweet and tender intimate moments. I cannot recommend it highly enough but please read book one first.
The many intriguing plot twists held my interest from start to finish and I was completely surprised when the identity of the villainous “Hooded Man� was revealed. We also get to learn more about the childhood Andras endured and that made his HEA with Bastian all the more sweeter. All the interesting side characters from book one are involved including the ever sleeping Soren who does wake in some very fortuitous moments.
I loved everything about this book, from the well developed characters and the world building, to the action and drama and the sweet and tender intimate moments. I cannot recommend it highly enough but please read book one first.
September 14, 2023
I love Bastian!!! He is so adorable and the best guy ever!!! I Love his innocence and the way he blush every time Andras suggests something sexy, did I say that he is adorable????
This was beyond of what I was expecting, wow� we finally get together all the things to work together what happened in the past, Andras finally trust Bas with everything that happened to him since he was a child and he ways he was used for, it was heartbreaking all the things he when through, now I understand why he was looking for revenge.
This book was amazing, funny and very entertaining, Bas and Andras came face to face with the hooded man and it was a surprise the identity of the enemy, so many things happened in the past that affect not just Andras but many other that were involved, the connection between Andras and Bas was very important, overall the book was really good and the best past is that Bas and Andras got their HEA!
This was beyond of what I was expecting, wow� we finally get together all the things to work together what happened in the past, Andras finally trust Bas with everything that happened to him since he was a child and he ways he was used for, it was heartbreaking all the things he when through, now I understand why he was looking for revenge.
This book was amazing, funny and very entertaining, Bas and Andras came face to face with the hooded man and it was a surprise the identity of the enemy, so many things happened in the past that affect not just Andras but many other that were involved, the connection between Andras and Bas was very important, overall the book was really good and the best past is that Bas and Andras got their HEA!
September 18, 2023
Magic
There’sssss no doubt, Andras and Bastian are magic together. Hilarious banter, thrilling action, and a love like no other, I adore them completely and wholly. The more I learn about Andras the more I want to protect him, and hurt the ones who hurt him. It makes me quadruply happy that he has Bastian in his life.
“I just� I wouldn’t make all the ridiculous jokes if he didn’t look absolutely adorable every time I did! Like how can I possibly control myself to keep from teasing him?�
I hope you never do, Andras, as I too think Bastian and his red cheeks are too cute for words. And let’s face it, Andras will never be short on words, and that’s a treasure all of its own. I love him so; he makes my heart laugh, my mind smile, and my soul cheer. I really hope we see more of these two in other ways as I don’t think my life can survive without regular doses of Andras’s charm and antics.
There’sssss no doubt, Andras and Bastian are magic together. Hilarious banter, thrilling action, and a love like no other, I adore them completely and wholly. The more I learn about Andras the more I want to protect him, and hurt the ones who hurt him. It makes me quadruply happy that he has Bastian in his life.
“I just� I wouldn’t make all the ridiculous jokes if he didn’t look absolutely adorable every time I did! Like how can I possibly control myself to keep from teasing him?�
I hope you never do, Andras, as I too think Bastian and his red cheeks are too cute for words. And let’s face it, Andras will never be short on words, and that’s a treasure all of its own. I love him so; he makes my heart laugh, my mind smile, and my soul cheer. I really hope we see more of these two in other ways as I don’t think my life can survive without regular doses of Andras’s charm and antics.
September 20, 2023
Wow. Plot twist! That was a heck of a ride. This book was great! It's got the humor you've come to expect from Alice Winters as well as an excellent plot. I think l actually like this book better than book one. Andras is my favorite. He's just so charismatic and funny. I also adore his pet Soren and the way he's grown on Bastian. The thing I love most about Andras is how loyal and loving he his. He is just out here lifting everyone up and encouraging them. Well, everyone except Roman, lol. Just like their shared magic, Bastian and Andras were meant to go together. They compliment each other so perfectly.
I really enjoyed the craziness in this book. I was startled in the last half of the book to realize that what I thought I had figured out was totally wrong. Nothing was as it seemed, and all the fit hit the shan. But it all worked out, and Andras and Bas are free to live happily ever after. That said, I'd definitely like more books set in this world.
I really enjoyed the craziness in this book. I was startled in the last half of the book to realize that what I thought I had figured out was totally wrong. Nothing was as it seemed, and all the fit hit the shan. But it all worked out, and Andras and Bas are free to live happily ever after. That said, I'd definitely like more books set in this world.
September 19, 2023
This book immediately jumps right back into the action with Andras and Bastian fighting "The Hooded Man"! I love how we get past flashbacks to fill in the questions I had after reading Cast in Shadows and I really enjoyed that I was actually surprised when the Hooded Man mystery was revealed! As always Alice Winters had me laughing outloud with her amazing characters and their ridiculous interactions. Sssssoren was the best! 🤣
“Goddammit, Soren, use your own feet!� Bastian says as Soren tries his absolute hardest to get me to carry him. “Why did you literally pick the laziest shade alive? Don’t you DARE pick him up.�
“Goddammit, Soren, use your own feet!� Bastian says as Soren tries his absolute hardest to get me to carry him. “Why did you literally pick the laziest shade alive? Don’t you DARE pick him up.�
September 20, 2023
Mismatched socks and a helpful danger noodle
The absolute hilarity of Andras and Bastian together was fantastic. So many answers were discovered, and the truth was darker than they could have imagined. It was touch and go multiple times, but they, along with Oliver and Roman, came out the other side stronger than ever.
The absolute hilarity of Andras and Bastian together was fantastic. So many answers were discovered, and the truth was darker than they could have imagined. It was touch and go multiple times, but they, along with Oliver and Roman, came out the other side stronger than ever.
September 29, 2023
So - I admit, I had to reread book 1 first because I really had forgotten everything that had happend. But after that I was able to get into this one and it paced better and faster than the first one, also the characters lost some of the stupidity that annoyed me in the first book. All in all I would have given this one all 5 stars but it got confusing in the end. It was a bit too much of different groups with different goals and handicaps that could be overcome or not - depending on if it was necessary or not.
Still, it is an entertaining book with fun and thrilling storyline.
Still, it is an entertaining book with fun and thrilling storyline.
September 17, 2023
Alice Winters has a magical ability to create characters that I want to hang out with! Andras and Bastian are continuing on their journey in this book. There are twists and turns along with the classic Alice Winters humor and love! Definitely another must read!
November 2, 2023
Casting Light is the second in the Shadow’s Lure series. I loved everything about this story.Bastian and Andras are in for a lot, felt like more of an emotional journey to me. It did end with me giggling and a smile. Overall, a fantastic story!!
September 14, 2023
This book was so good. It hit all my emotions. It made me cry and laugh so much. Andras and Bastian are the absolute sweetest.
Thanks to the Author for the ARC.
Thanks to the Author for the ARC.
November 17, 2023
4.5⭐️ - this was so entertaining!! I loved the characters and mystery/suspense. I really didn’t know who was good or bad! And the pacing kept it exciting! The romance even picked up from the first. This was such a great audiobook!!
December 28, 2023
really liked it
September 19, 2023
Bastian was adorable when he blushed at the things Andras said to him.
These two went above and beyond to protect each other and others they cared for.
Andras’s backstory was heartbreaking but despite what he went through, he was still full of spirit and happiness.
I had so much fun reading this book. Andras was funny and entertaining throughout and he always managed to lighten up the intense atmosphere. Everything came together really well as the mystery behind the hooded man was finally revealed.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
These two went above and beyond to protect each other and others they cared for.
Andras’s backstory was heartbreaking but despite what he went through, he was still full of spirit and happiness.
I had so much fun reading this book. Andras was funny and entertaining throughout and he always managed to lighten up the intense atmosphere. Everything came together really well as the mystery behind the hooded man was finally revealed.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
September 23, 2023
I have to be honest, reading this book I felt exhausted. Sometimes I struggled to keep up with the dialogue and who was saying what. If I am really honest not alot seemed to happen throughout the book.
I do usually enjoy Alice's books but perhaps this wasn't for me.
I do usually enjoy Alice's books but perhaps this wasn't for me.
September 26, 2023
✨U P D A T E�
The full original review is below, and I stand by what I wrote, HOWEVER, I forgot to mention the formatting was not good. I’m knocking it down to 👉🏽4.25/5👈🏽 to reflect that. If you’re going to use the text bubble formatting, be consistent. Also, make sure the responses are on the correct side, because confusion is a thing that happens. Just saying.
Soren is the star of this whole thing.
If you don’t agree, we can totally fight about it.
Seriously, though, I loved this duology. It was plot-heavy, so if you’re in it for the spicy bits, you’re gonna have to curb your disappointment. Our shy boi stays pretty friggin� shy throughout the whole thing. It’s still the cutest.
The editing was fair, the story was intense at times, and while most folx tend to compare every set of characters to other ones from this author’s work, there was enough difference to make them stand out. I will never not love the humour lending some light to the heaviness of the story, which is another thing we can fight about.
I’m definitely sad Roman and Chase’s past never got talked about, but I’m assuming some things about his future love life with my lizard brain, and the fact that there’s a lil� bonus writing to go hunt down just confirms it. Very exciting times for me, obviously.
4.5/5!
The full original review is below, and I stand by what I wrote, HOWEVER, I forgot to mention the formatting was not good. I’m knocking it down to 👉🏽4.25/5👈🏽 to reflect that. If you’re going to use the text bubble formatting, be consistent. Also, make sure the responses are on the correct side, because confusion is a thing that happens. Just saying.
Soren is the star of this whole thing.
If you don’t agree, we can totally fight about it.
Seriously, though, I loved this duology. It was plot-heavy, so if you’re in it for the spicy bits, you’re gonna have to curb your disappointment. Our shy boi stays pretty friggin� shy throughout the whole thing. It’s still the cutest.
The editing was fair, the story was intense at times, and while most folx tend to compare every set of characters to other ones from this author’s work, there was enough difference to make them stand out. I will never not love the humour lending some light to the heaviness of the story, which is another thing we can fight about.
I’m definitely sad Roman and Chase’s past never got talked about, but I’m assuming some things about his future love life with my lizard brain, and the fact that there’s a lil� bonus writing to go hunt down just confirms it. Very exciting times for me, obviously.
4.5/5!
September 17, 2023
FR- Alors alors.... alors comme je vous le disais dans la chronique du tome 1 j'ai été agréablement surprise par cette série d'Alice Winters.
Si Cast in Shadows m'avait beaucoup plus, c'est également le cas de Casting Light. Alice Winters nous prend vraiment à revers avec cette série et casse les codes du genre. Ainsi que les codes de ses propres romans et c'est d'autant plus intéressant.
Comme dans le premier tome, l'humour est là mais n'est pas omniprésent. On se concentre essentiellement sur l'intrigue. Au risque de faire presque passer la romance au second plan. On est sur un méga slow burn. Si les personnages s'étaient rapprochés dans le premier tome, il faudra attendre 75% du roman pour leur première fois.
Mais c'est tout simplement logique avec l'histoire et la structure du roman. Dans Casting Light, Alice Winters se concentre principalement sur la résolution de l'intrigue. Le roman est bien cadencé. Tout arrive de manière logique et les révélations s'enchainent spontanément.
J'ai aimé la manière dont Alice Winters va traiter son thème principal. A savoir la lutte entre le bien et le mal. J'ai aimé la morale de ce roman et le fait que les personnages ne soient pas parfait.
Dans Casting Light, Alice Winter répond à toutes les questions qu'à fait naitre Cast in Shadows et cloture parfaitement sa duologie.
En résumé, une très bonne duologie qui renoue avec la qualités des premiers romans de l'auteure.
ENG- So well well well... well as I told you in the review of book 1 I was pleasantly surprised by this series by Alice Winters.
If I really liked Cast in Shadows , that is also the case with Casting Light. Alice Winters really takes us by surprise with this series and breaks the codes of the genre. As well as the codes of her own novels and it's all the more interesting.
As in the first book, the humor is there but is not omnipresent. We mainly focus on the plot. At the risk of almost putting the romance in the background. We're on a really slow burn. If the characters had gotten closer in the first book, we will have to wait until 75% of the novel for their first time.
But it just makes sense with the story and structure of the novel. In Casting Light, Alice Winters focuses primarily on resolving the plot. The novel is well paced. Everything happens logically and the revelations follow one another spontaneously.
I liked the way Alice Winters handles her main theme. Namely the struggle between good and evil. I liked the moral of this novel and the fact that the characters are not perfect.
In Casting Light, Alice Winter answers all the questions that Cast in Shadows raised and brings her duology to a perfect close.
In summary, a very good duology which reconnects with the qualities of the author's first novels.
Si Cast in Shadows m'avait beaucoup plus, c'est également le cas de Casting Light. Alice Winters nous prend vraiment à revers avec cette série et casse les codes du genre. Ainsi que les codes de ses propres romans et c'est d'autant plus intéressant.
Comme dans le premier tome, l'humour est là mais n'est pas omniprésent. On se concentre essentiellement sur l'intrigue. Au risque de faire presque passer la romance au second plan. On est sur un méga slow burn. Si les personnages s'étaient rapprochés dans le premier tome, il faudra attendre 75% du roman pour leur première fois.
Mais c'est tout simplement logique avec l'histoire et la structure du roman. Dans Casting Light, Alice Winters se concentre principalement sur la résolution de l'intrigue. Le roman est bien cadencé. Tout arrive de manière logique et les révélations s'enchainent spontanément.
J'ai aimé la manière dont Alice Winters va traiter son thème principal. A savoir la lutte entre le bien et le mal. J'ai aimé la morale de ce roman et le fait que les personnages ne soient pas parfait.
Dans Casting Light, Alice Winter répond à toutes les questions qu'à fait naitre Cast in Shadows et cloture parfaitement sa duologie.
En résumé, une très bonne duologie qui renoue avec la qualités des premiers romans de l'auteure.
ENG- So well well well... well as I told you in the review of book 1 I was pleasantly surprised by this series by Alice Winters.
If I really liked Cast in Shadows , that is also the case with Casting Light. Alice Winters really takes us by surprise with this series and breaks the codes of the genre. As well as the codes of her own novels and it's all the more interesting.
As in the first book, the humor is there but is not omnipresent. We mainly focus on the plot. At the risk of almost putting the romance in the background. We're on a really slow burn. If the characters had gotten closer in the first book, we will have to wait until 75% of the novel for their first time.
But it just makes sense with the story and structure of the novel. In Casting Light, Alice Winters focuses primarily on resolving the plot. The novel is well paced. Everything happens logically and the revelations follow one another spontaneously.
I liked the way Alice Winters handles her main theme. Namely the struggle between good and evil. I liked the moral of this novel and the fact that the characters are not perfect.
In Casting Light, Alice Winter answers all the questions that Cast in Shadows raised and brings her duology to a perfect close.
In summary, a very good duology which reconnects with the qualities of the author's first novels.
September 21, 2023
excellent finale
Rating: 4.5🌈
Casting Light ends the duology or two-part series, Shadow’s Lure by Alice Winters. I both loved this and had my frustrations with this end novel, all of which stem from the author’s typical style of storytelling.
Starting with the wondrous, that would be the narrative elements. They are imaginative, incredibly complex, especially with the light and dark magic themes embedded into the characters and many plot lines. The shades, the Casters, the dark history of the characters and their world that’s revealed, layer by layer, as the story unfolds, is thrilling. By turns, suspense filled, humorous, highly entertaining, or strewn with blooded bodies filled with magical rage, the plot is complex and contains quite a few twists to keep the reader engaged.
The characters are well written but are also where I have my frustrations with the novel and author’s writing style, one I enjoy by the way. The secondary characters end up being the most interesting ones simply because they are less chatty, unencumbered by paragraphs of conversations filled with what feels like overly cutesy dialogue or just so unendingly smirky. That’s Andras, by the way. He’s a tragic figure but his dialogue often makes him annoying rather than funny. It’s the wonderful way Winters has with this type of character and snappy dialogue but taken a tad too far. It’s the stage where it feels repetitive and that’s the place where it’s irritating, at least to me.
Andras and Bastian are a good match with each other’s stories and magical backgrounds. Bastian especially is a favorite of mine, so endearing and emotionally layered. Even the shade snake works for me incredibly well here when it comes down to the fighting and battle with The Hooded Man. That too was an excellent choice by Winters and a fabulous moment.
Oliver and Ronan, they were both great and their development throughout the series was a huge success. It’s one of the things this author does well with secondary characters, making them so important and necessary to the reader and the narrative that we need more of them.
Casting Light contains many chilling, suspenseful scenes and dramatic moments to make this a great read and way to finish off Shadow’s Lure. I was happy to see how the characters were able to get on with their lives, and satisfied with the explanation of the new status quo.
I’m definitely recommending this but read the series in the order that they are written, otherwise it won’t make any sense.
Shadow’s Lure (complete)
- [x] Cast In Shadows #1
- [x] Casting Light #2 finale
Rating: 4.5🌈
Casting Light ends the duology or two-part series, Shadow’s Lure by Alice Winters. I both loved this and had my frustrations with this end novel, all of which stem from the author’s typical style of storytelling.
Starting with the wondrous, that would be the narrative elements. They are imaginative, incredibly complex, especially with the light and dark magic themes embedded into the characters and many plot lines. The shades, the Casters, the dark history of the characters and their world that’s revealed, layer by layer, as the story unfolds, is thrilling. By turns, suspense filled, humorous, highly entertaining, or strewn with blooded bodies filled with magical rage, the plot is complex and contains quite a few twists to keep the reader engaged.
The characters are well written but are also where I have my frustrations with the novel and author’s writing style, one I enjoy by the way. The secondary characters end up being the most interesting ones simply because they are less chatty, unencumbered by paragraphs of conversations filled with what feels like overly cutesy dialogue or just so unendingly smirky. That’s Andras, by the way. He’s a tragic figure but his dialogue often makes him annoying rather than funny. It’s the wonderful way Winters has with this type of character and snappy dialogue but taken a tad too far. It’s the stage where it feels repetitive and that’s the place where it’s irritating, at least to me.
Andras and Bastian are a good match with each other’s stories and magical backgrounds. Bastian especially is a favorite of mine, so endearing and emotionally layered. Even the shade snake works for me incredibly well here when it comes down to the fighting and battle with The Hooded Man. That too was an excellent choice by Winters and a fabulous moment.
Oliver and Ronan, they were both great and their development throughout the series was a huge success. It’s one of the things this author does well with secondary characters, making them so important and necessary to the reader and the narrative that we need more of them.
Casting Light contains many chilling, suspenseful scenes and dramatic moments to make this a great read and way to finish off Shadow’s Lure. I was happy to see how the characters were able to get on with their lives, and satisfied with the explanation of the new status quo.
I’m definitely recommending this but read the series in the order that they are written, otherwise it won’t make any sense.
Shadow’s Lure (complete)
- [x] Cast In Shadows #1
- [x] Casting Light #2 finale
September 19, 2023
Alice Winters just keeps bringing us stories and worlds that you just can’t help but have complete immersion into and her Shadow’s Lure Series is no different. Casting Light is the
Second book in the series and we continue the story of Andras and Bastian. After reading book one, I really wasn’t sure how the author would pull off their HEA as Andras had basically said he had to kill Bastian in order to get what he wanted. I should have known better because Alice Winters is better than pretty much any other author I read at the creativity she brings to her characters and their fictional lives. I loved the twists and turns that she brought to us with this story. I’m an avid reader and usually I can see what's coming but this book definitely took me by surprise more than once. Now we need the story to continue with Oliver and Roman and the future of the Casters, or at least I hope so! Sidenote, I really enjoy how the author brings unique pets into her characters worlds, shows us all that family can be whatever you want it to be..All in all another must read series by one of my favorite authors!
Second book in the series and we continue the story of Andras and Bastian. After reading book one, I really wasn’t sure how the author would pull off their HEA as Andras had basically said he had to kill Bastian in order to get what he wanted. I should have known better because Alice Winters is better than pretty much any other author I read at the creativity she brings to her characters and their fictional lives. I loved the twists and turns that she brought to us with this story. I’m an avid reader and usually I can see what's coming but this book definitely took me by surprise more than once. Now we need the story to continue with Oliver and Roman and the future of the Casters, or at least I hope so! Sidenote, I really enjoy how the author brings unique pets into her characters worlds, shows us all that family can be whatever you want it to be..All in all another must read series by one of my favorite authors!
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