Book Review – The Shadows Between Us

Title: The Shadows Between Us

Author: Tricia Levenseller

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Publication date: February 25th, 2020

326 pages

5/5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis

Alessandra is tired of being overlooked, but she has a plan to gain power:

1) Woo the Shadow King.
2) Marry him.
3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.

No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves, and she’s going to do everything within her power to get it.

But Alessandra’s not the only one trying to kill the king. As attempts on his life are made, she finds herself trying to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen—all while struggling not to lose her heart. After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen?

All the time in the world is worth nothing if I don’t get to spend it with you.

tricia levenseller, the shadows between us

Review

So, I love everything Tricia Levenseller writes and will always read her books, but I was even MORE sold when I read the synopsis. Like, this book seemed right up my alley and I WAS RIGHT.

Alessandra is a strong, female character. Is she completely moral and a good person? Ehhhhh, not particularly seeing as she killed someone. BUT. She is unapologetically herself, which is something I respect in a character. If you’re going to make a heartless and morally gray character, then SELL IT TO ME. And ya’ll, Tricia did. Alessandra really only cares about herself (with a few exceptions) and is only looking out for her interests. She wants power and wants to be Queen, without having to bow to a King.

I love Tricia’s characters. Even the side characters had their own arcs and growth throughout the book, which I always find impressive in a standalone. Each character got an “ending” that made sense and mostly in line for what they were looking for. The Shadow King character was dark and mysterious, but I do wish his powers and magic had been explained a touch more thoroughly.

I enjoyed the plot twist. I saw about half of it coming. Like, I knew *who* it would be about but didn’t see the details coming. This is a bonus in books for me. I don’t mind being able to predict what happens, but I love when books throw me for a loop.

Overall, I loved reading The Shadows Between Us and Tricia Levenseller continues to be an auto buy author for me.

Happy reading, folks!