What do you think?
Rate this book
Loves of Shadow and Power
Are the worst demons within or without?
Finally in the Underworld, Jin must find the black peony - and survive the immortal creatures that hunger for her.
Xiao would prefer ravenous immortal creatures to his parents. Imprisoned and continuously drained of power, Xiao is spiralling into addiction and despair...
Nanami doesn't know Xiao is drinking again. She just knows she needs to save the man she loves, even if it means getting help from an old foe. And if no one believes she can handle the powers she is challenging, well, Nanami has always defied expectations.
Speaking of expectations, Bai is shocked by the power that mortal worship grants the gods. Humbled by a confrontation with them, he must reinvent himself if he wants to claim the place next to Jin.
Separated by circumstance, the four friends must fight gods, monsters, and even themselves to come together again. But if they find each other, will they have changed too much to reunite?
Finally in the Underworld, Jin must find the black peony - and survive the immortal creatures that hunger for her.
Xiao would prefer ravenous immortal creatures to his parents. Imprisoned and continuously drained of power, Xiao is spiralling into addiction and despair...
Nanami doesn't know Xiao is drinking again. She just knows she needs to save the man she loves, even if it means getting help from an old foe. And if no one believes she can handle the powers she is challenging, well, Nanami has always defied expectations.
Speaking of expectations, Bai is shocked by the power that mortal worship grants the gods. Humbled by a confrontation with them, he must reinvent himself if he wants to claim the place next to Jin.
Separated by circumstance, the four friends must fight gods, monsters, and even themselves to come together again. But if they find each other, will they have changed too much to reunite?
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
1 person is currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Edith Pawlicki
8books63followersRegarding ratings - I only keep books on my shelves that I want to give 4 or 5 stars to - I am quite decisive about what I enjoy, so I rarely finish books that I don't and as a fellow author, it feels rude to broadcast when a book wasn't for me.
About me -With twenty-six first cousins and three older siblings, I grew up playing with all of them in the woods of Connecticut. I majored in computer science and Japanese and minored in history at the University of Rochester. After graduating, I taught English in Japan before moving to the Seattle suburbs, getting married, and earning my Masters in Teaching. The birth of my twin sons in 2016 turned me into a full-time mother, and when they turned two, I resumed my hobby of writing because the characters and worlds occupying my head were keeping me awake at night! In 2021, I felt ready to share a novel, so I published Minerva followed by the first two books of the Immortal Beings series.
About me -With twenty-six first cousins and three older siblings, I grew up playing with all of them in the woods of Connecticut. I majored in computer science and Japanese and minored in history at the University of Rochester. After graduating, I taught English in Japan before moving to the Seattle suburbs, getting married, and earning my Masters in Teaching. The birth of my twin sons in 2016 turned me into a full-time mother, and when they turned two, I resumed my hobby of writing because the characters and worlds occupying my head were keeping me awake at night! In 2021, I felt ready to share a novel, so I published Minerva followed by the first two books of the Immortal Beings series.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 10, 2021
I finishedLoves of Shadow and Powerand really want to thank the author for the early copy! I love anything orange so I’m super happy to have these in print!
One fun note is that Edith will be joining me on the blog next week for the Sunday Brunch Series!
I think the biggest difference in the second novel was the pacing and style. She went for longer chapters and more breaks, with a mini cliffhanger style. It helped the pacing a lot and made the book hard to put down.
I went pretty deep into the world building in my review for book one. The main addition toLoSaPwas the Underworld, which I think was also my favorite part. Meeting many of the Immortal Creatures was another high point since the author is skilled at creating lush visual images of places and animals. I liked that Jin had to reason with them and trust her judgement as well as her power.
The characters learned (mostly) to love and trust in themselves in book one, and now they have to get over initial misconceptions and changing world views to see if they can truly love each other and embrace their roles as responsible deities.
Does deification change them? How do prayers even work? Where does this immense amount of power fit into the grand scheme of things? Bai and Cheng had me laughing trying to figure these things out.
Theme wise there was self reflection, cause & effect, consequences, and lots of coming of age in this one. Friendship and sacrifice, justice and judgement, plus natural vs found family and breaking ties
You all know I’m a sucker for a found family. There was a bit of a morality nosedive towards the end that I would have really appreciated if I wasn’t half brain dead.
I just docked a star for some repetitive language and other small things, nothing serious at all.
Overall: a satisfying conclusion to the duology. Definitely recommend this series for fans of Asian based mythology & fantasy, lush descriptions, character driven coming of age stories and lore.
One fun note is that Edith will be joining me on the blog next week for the Sunday Brunch Series!
I think the biggest difference in the second novel was the pacing and style. She went for longer chapters and more breaks, with a mini cliffhanger style. It helped the pacing a lot and made the book hard to put down.
I went pretty deep into the world building in my review for book one. The main addition toLoSaPwas the Underworld, which I think was also my favorite part. Meeting many of the Immortal Creatures was another high point since the author is skilled at creating lush visual images of places and animals. I liked that Jin had to reason with them and trust her judgement as well as her power.
The characters learned (mostly) to love and trust in themselves in book one, and now they have to get over initial misconceptions and changing world views to see if they can truly love each other and embrace their roles as responsible deities.
Does deification change them? How do prayers even work? Where does this immense amount of power fit into the grand scheme of things? Bai and Cheng had me laughing trying to figure these things out.
Theme wise there was self reflection, cause & effect, consequences, and lots of coming of age in this one. Friendship and sacrifice, justice and judgement, plus natural vs found family and breaking ties
You all know I’m a sucker for a found family. There was a bit of a morality nosedive towards the end that I would have really appreciated if I wasn’t half brain dead.
I just docked a star for some repetitive language and other small things, nothing serious at all.
Overall: a satisfying conclusion to the duology. Definitely recommend this series for fans of Asian based mythology & fantasy, lush descriptions, character driven coming of age stories and lore.
August 11, 2021
I loved this book it was one of the best finale's to a series I have ever read everything was wrapped up really well. I loved the characters even more this time around since there is more development of each of them its nice to know what makes them who they are. The four main characters are really great Jin for her to be more than what she seemed Bai to be the most supportive love interest Nanami a insecure person who comes to accept many things Xiao someone who was abused that used addiction to cope finally overcomes all of that and finds what he was always meant to be. I loved the story it picks up from where it left off Xiao being trapped by his parents Nanami not with him but trying to free him Jin in the underworld trying to save someone and Bai not being able to follow Jin. I loved where the story goes from there gives great development to many of the characters and has the best set of romances with the perfect ending.
February 12, 2022
4.5 Rounded to 5
Xiao, Nanami, Jin and Bai are on separate journeys that will hopefully bring them back to each other. They must battle, not only their insecurities, but other immortal beings and creatures, as they try to save those they love and the life want with them.
Can they survive long enough to be reunited? Or will they fall prey to doubt, destruction and chaos?
I loved the development of the four main characters and the journeys they each embarked upon. As with the first book, Vows of Gold and Laughter, this is written so beautifully that I was once again immersed in grand, sweeping backdrops and vivid colors. I enjoyed every minute of it. So much so that I finished this in one sitting.
I sincerely appreciate the publisher for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
Xiao, Nanami, Jin and Bai are on separate journeys that will hopefully bring them back to each other. They must battle, not only their insecurities, but other immortal beings and creatures, as they try to save those they love and the life want with them.
Can they survive long enough to be reunited? Or will they fall prey to doubt, destruction and chaos?
I loved the development of the four main characters and the journeys they each embarked upon. As with the first book, Vows of Gold and Laughter, this is written so beautifully that I was once again immersed in grand, sweeping backdrops and vivid colors. I enjoyed every minute of it. So much so that I finished this in one sitting.
I sincerely appreciate the publisher for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
September 6, 2021
If you love fantasy and mythology. The Immortal Beings duology is for you!
Loves of Shadow and Power by Edith Pawlicki is the second book here and it’s deep. I mean deeeep. I’m not generally a fantasy reader (so maybe this is normal 🤷♀�) and wow…this was deep.
The storytelling and writing here is beyond beautiful imagery with epic layers. Respect to the author here, as I can’t imagine how all this can exist from one person’s mind. It’s crazy to me how many layers there are in this storyline.
This is a complex tale but also fun. It’s hard to explain in detail so�
here’s some tidbits:
✔️Asian Mythology
✔️ Magic and magical creatures galore
✔️ Immortal Beings with specific said magic powers
✔️Curses & Resurrections (my favorite part)
✔️ Romance - yes romance! ❤️
✔️ Both gorgeous and creepy locations (including the Underworld)
✔️ Complex characters (4 main 😳) all so well written and with their own storylines. 🙌
This book really is jam packed and is a read you will devour slowly as there’s a lot here with so many great details you will want to soak in. This is a well worth it read, even for a reader that isn’t ‘into� fantasy. It’s filled with mini cliff hangers while the reader gets another pov - and it left me on the edge of my seat!
How stunning is this cover also? One of the most gorgeous covers I’ve ever seen!
Thanks Edith for my gifted early copy. I’m sad that it’s over - but so happy with the ending!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️�
Loves of Shadow and Power by Edith Pawlicki is the second book here and it’s deep. I mean deeeep. I’m not generally a fantasy reader (so maybe this is normal 🤷♀�) and wow…this was deep.
The storytelling and writing here is beyond beautiful imagery with epic layers. Respect to the author here, as I can’t imagine how all this can exist from one person’s mind. It’s crazy to me how many layers there are in this storyline.
This is a complex tale but also fun. It’s hard to explain in detail so�
here’s some tidbits:
✔️Asian Mythology
✔️ Magic and magical creatures galore
✔️ Immortal Beings with specific said magic powers
✔️Curses & Resurrections (my favorite part)
✔️ Romance - yes romance! ❤️
✔️ Both gorgeous and creepy locations (including the Underworld)
✔️ Complex characters (4 main 😳) all so well written and with their own storylines. 🙌
This book really is jam packed and is a read you will devour slowly as there’s a lot here with so many great details you will want to soak in. This is a well worth it read, even for a reader that isn’t ‘into� fantasy. It’s filled with mini cliff hangers while the reader gets another pov - and it left me on the edge of my seat!
How stunning is this cover also? One of the most gorgeous covers I’ve ever seen!
Thanks Edith for my gifted early copy. I’m sad that it’s over - but so happy with the ending!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️�
September 14, 2021
This book had so much in it!! Romance, mythology, magic and so much more. So beautifully written, and I could not out it down!! I highly recommend the duology, but it should absolutely be read in order so you get the full affect.
October 2, 2021
Great story
Mind-blowing! I am so happy for reading the second volume of the series! The action flows and I enjoyed every page!
Mind-blowing! I am so happy for reading the second volume of the series! The action flows and I enjoyed every page!
August 4, 2022
I loved the first book by Edith and this was a great conclusion to these characters and their journey. There was so much that had happened in this book and having a grasp of the world and understanding what it was built on really helped me through this. This story was action packed with a hint of romance, but also focused on some pretty heavy themes like overcoming addiction, standing up for what you believe in and finding worth within oneself. All of these characters struggled and worked in order to get their relationship and sense of self to where it was by the end of this book and it was wonderful to be able to see the journey of these characters. The world is super intricate and the magic system is quite complex, so it really makes me have to pay attention when things happen. I think this book was lovely to read and I am currently reading the third book that talks about a side character that i really loved, so I am excited to dig into that one a bit more.
Thank you so so much to Edith for this copy of the book. I really love your work and cannot wait to continue more into this magical world!
I would recommend this to anyone who liked high fantasy books that have been inspired by Asian mythology with hints of romance and other themes throughout the series!
Thank you so so much to Edith for this copy of the book. I really love your work and cannot wait to continue more into this magical world!
I would recommend this to anyone who liked high fantasy books that have been inspired by Asian mythology with hints of romance and other themes throughout the series!
Read
April 27, 2022This book picks up right where the first one, , ends. I would highly encourage you to read them in order for this books spends less time explaining the world, magic system, and character backgrounds.
I am planning at least two more books in this world, but this one wraps up Bai, Jin, Xiao, and Nanami's stories!
I had so much fun writing this book, and seeing how awesome the four of them become after confronting their worst insecurities. May your day be filled with wonder, adventure, and love!
I am planning at least two more books in this world, but this one wraps up Bai, Jin, Xiao, and Nanami's stories!
I had so much fun writing this book, and seeing how awesome the four of them become after confronting their worst insecurities. May your day be filled with wonder, adventure, and love!
March 17, 2022
I enjoyed this book a great deal--it drew me in deeply. I can attribute some of that to knowing the characters better, and understanding the rules of magic more thoroughly, but there was more to it than that. The pace worked better for me, and the author did a great job of switching PoV and leaving each section with my wanting to get back to it, while also wanting to catch up on the characters I’d missed since the last time I’d seen them. She did a great job of keeping a tension between the characters, with possibilities of misunderstandings and the potential to be disappointed in one-another, leaving me wanting to know which way it would go—would they remain committed, or would the thorns in the relationship create festering wounds?
[spoilers]
The trip to the underworld felt like the author’s opportunity to go full throttle with her creativity—I love that feeling in a book. “Reader, ANYTHING can happen here.� But it is an anything that is still constrained by rules. As a reader, that part of a fantasy pulls at some innate need in me for there to be something more than what we see in this world. It’s what keeps me returning to books. So, well done.
I loved the devotion of some of the characters to one another, the guardrails set up by others, and the messed-up relationships of yet others. I loved the conflict the characters dealt with over free will versus the pain it can cause—I could have kept slurping those sections up if there’s been more.
The only mental hiccups I had in reading this book were based on my own distaste of detailed physical descriptions. The nature of the magical system in this world is based on color, so naturally each scene focuses, to some degree, on color. And I feel like there’s something in the Asian culture that resonates with that importance, beyond the magic system. And yet, my mind fogs up when I hit deep descriptions (in any book). On the other hand, the descriptions of characters� mental states drew me in. So that hiccup speaks more about me as a reader.
Well done, Edith Pawlicki. I look forward to more adventures.
[spoilers]
The trip to the underworld felt like the author’s opportunity to go full throttle with her creativity—I love that feeling in a book. “Reader, ANYTHING can happen here.� But it is an anything that is still constrained by rules. As a reader, that part of a fantasy pulls at some innate need in me for there to be something more than what we see in this world. It’s what keeps me returning to books. So, well done.
I loved the devotion of some of the characters to one another, the guardrails set up by others, and the messed-up relationships of yet others. I loved the conflict the characters dealt with over free will versus the pain it can cause—I could have kept slurping those sections up if there’s been more.
The only mental hiccups I had in reading this book were based on my own distaste of detailed physical descriptions. The nature of the magical system in this world is based on color, so naturally each scene focuses, to some degree, on color. And I feel like there’s something in the Asian culture that resonates with that importance, beyond the magic system. And yet, my mind fogs up when I hit deep descriptions (in any book). On the other hand, the descriptions of characters� mental states drew me in. So that hiccup speaks more about me as a reader.
Well done, Edith Pawlicki. I look forward to more adventures.
March 4, 2022
Edith has done it again with these wonderful characters. This book sucked me into it within the first few pages. She knows that this is not my usual genre, but her writing is just so good in these books.
Like seriously, Edith is super creative with these characters and her attention to detail is like nothing I've ever read before. She even includes maps, genealogy and even a glossary at the end. (All of those were super helpful for me and used multiple times!)
I'm not sure if she has a book three planned for them, but if not, that's okay! I LOVED the ending - it was perfect. These characters need their own mini-series on Netflix or Hulu.
Like seriously, Edith is super creative with these characters and her attention to detail is like nothing I've ever read before. She even includes maps, genealogy and even a glossary at the end. (All of those were super helpful for me and used multiple times!)
I'm not sure if she has a book three planned for them, but if not, that's okay! I LOVED the ending - it was perfect. These characters need their own mini-series on Netflix or Hulu.
September 1, 2021
This took me a minute to review as I had to read it more then once because it's soooo good! 5 stars I'm so excited to read more of this amazing author's work! You guys this book come out on September 14th make sure you get a copy! Thank you so much @edithpawlicki I can't wait to read more of you amazing work!
#vogal #vowsofgoldandlaughter #immortalbeings #loveofshadowandpower #bookmail #beautifulcover
#vogal #vowsofgoldandlaughter #immortalbeings #loveofshadowandpower #bookmail #beautifulcover
May 2, 2022
I was excited to finish the love stories established in the first book. The imaginative lands of the gods and goddesses, demons and monsters, their powers, and their everyday struggles not too unlike our own. It's an intricately crafted universe that has me so excited for the final book. Don't forget to read the first book first, and then the glossary at the end before you begin.
September 2, 2021
A nice end to the story started in book one. 💛
October 1, 2021
I loved this sequel!! It took me a little bit to remember who was who, it had been awhile since I read the first one. But once I got everyone straightened out in my head, it was wonderful!! Again, I love the mythology that is outside the norm, and fell in love with the characters all over again. So pleased with the way everything wrapped up, there were some interesting twists and turns as well! Looking forward to reading more by this author in the future!!
September 20, 2021
I listened to the audio for Vows, and I have to say that I enjoyed the actual reading of the second book. The long chapters and the audio were not my favorite combo, so the experience of reading book 2 was much better for me. The chapters were still long, but they had more breaks, which allowed for a more enjoyable experience for me. I also liked hearing the book in my own voice instead of the narrator from Book 1. I almost want to go back and re-read Book 1. 😂 This book, similar to the first, had beautiful world building - this time the Underworld. Overall, I enjoyed this book duo & especially liked the reading of this one.
September 16, 2021
This book wraps up the Immortal Beings Duology just perfectly, picking up right where the first one left off. I was surprised when I found myself looking up from the book and already being over 100 pages in.
The adventures that Jin, Xiao, Bai and Nanami go through show the true testament of what one goes through for love and to have the love they desire. I found the character development a huge highlight that the author does a phenomenal job portraying till the end. Some of the quotes in this book are also very relatable and had to stop to relish in the them for a second.
The world building also was great and it was easy to follow. Maps are everywhere to help guide your imagination. The Asian mythology was truly something special and not typically what I would pick up on my own, and now I’m a fan!
The adventures that Jin, Xiao, Bai and Nanami go through show the true testament of what one goes through for love and to have the love they desire. I found the character development a huge highlight that the author does a phenomenal job portraying till the end. Some of the quotes in this book are also very relatable and had to stop to relish in the them for a second.
The world building also was great and it was easy to follow. Maps are everywhere to help guide your imagination. The Asian mythology was truly something special and not typically what I would pick up on my own, and now I’m a fan!
September 9, 2021
Loves Of Shadow And Power by Edith Pawlicki is the second book in The immortal Beings series. This book starts where book one left off where there was a lot going on! Despite being a part of a series of four books this book ends the story for our four main characters Jin, Bai, Xiao, and Nanami!
This is one of the best endings I’ve read for a series in a long time this is coming from someone who has been disappointed by many other finale’s.
The whole story and the way things are wrapped up was complete perfection! I was left with a smile on my face as I finished this book! I could not ask for a better ending! There was so much going on with these characters! The pacing was well done and I was never bored! I was sad to see the see the characters go! Also I was happy to see that there were maps in this book! I love when fantasy books have maps in them it makes the world they write about feel even more real! If anyone is looking for a great Fantasy Book with asian mythology in it look no further than The Immortal Beings series!
Thank you so much Edith Pawlicki for sending me an Advance Reading Copy of this perfect book!
This is one of the best endings I’ve read for a series in a long time this is coming from someone who has been disappointed by many other finale’s.
The whole story and the way things are wrapped up was complete perfection! I was left with a smile on my face as I finished this book! I could not ask for a better ending! There was so much going on with these characters! The pacing was well done and I was never bored! I was sad to see the see the characters go! Also I was happy to see that there were maps in this book! I love when fantasy books have maps in them it makes the world they write about feel even more real! If anyone is looking for a great Fantasy Book with asian mythology in it look no further than The Immortal Beings series!
Thank you so much Edith Pawlicki for sending me an Advance Reading Copy of this perfect book!
January 12, 2023
To give some context to my review, I waited months to read this book, knowing it would be the sort that can’t be read on a whim and be forgotten just as quickly. Then, when I did read it, I was so engrossed that I finished it in six hours. (And then it took me like a year to write the review because I wanted the perfect words for it. (':)
This book is one of that category of sequels that should be known for exceeding the originals (and the original was good!). The action is much more interesting and engrossing, and the complex issues discussed in the first are presented even more thought-provokingly in the second. The characters are deeper and more distinct, and their various personalities play out very well in the action (even in the parts I didn’t like as much or where I disagreed with the characters� choices). My absolute favorite portion are these bit in which the author switched point-of-view multiple times in order to draw out a climax � it felt like a TV episode but so much *better* because we could read the characters� thoughts -- and when the characters spend time discussing the importance of choice in a way that is very real and very critical to the world itself. My literal only complaint is this one point where the timeline becomes confusing � but, even so, I understand why the author did it this way.
All taken together, this book felt like the makings of a legend, with the mythological air and the sense of grand importance that characterize the best epics. I look forward to more in this world (like Book 4, since I’ve read Book 3!) and to seeing the consequences of that legend over the series� timeline. Excellent work, Edie!
This book is one of that category of sequels that should be known for exceeding the originals (and the original was good!). The action is much more interesting and engrossing, and the complex issues discussed in the first are presented even more thought-provokingly in the second. The characters are deeper and more distinct, and their various personalities play out very well in the action (even in the parts I didn’t like as much or where I disagreed with the characters� choices). My absolute favorite portion are these bit in which the author switched point-of-view multiple times in order to draw out a climax � it felt like a TV episode but so much *better* because we could read the characters� thoughts -- and when the characters spend time discussing the importance of choice in a way that is very real and very critical to the world itself. My literal only complaint is this one point where the timeline becomes confusing � but, even so, I understand why the author did it this way.
All taken together, this book felt like the makings of a legend, with the mythological air and the sense of grand importance that characterize the best epics. I look forward to more in this world (like Book 4, since I’ve read Book 3!) and to seeing the consequences of that legend over the series� timeline. Excellent work, Edie!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.