The Shadows Between Us
- First published 2020
- 326 pages
- English
Alessandra is tired of being overlooked, and she has a devious plan to seize power. Her goal is simple and threefold: woo the enigmatic Shadow King, marry him, and then kill him to take his kingdom for herself. No one knows the true extent of the king's power; some say he commands the very shadows that swirl around him, while others believe they whisper the secrets of his enemies. He is a man shrouded in mystery and danger, an untouchable ruler who has evaded connection and assassination attempts alike.
Upon arriving at court, Alessandra discovers her plan is more complicated than she anticipated. She is not the only one who wants the king dead. As threats against his life escalate, she finds herself in the unexpected position of needing to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen. What begins as a straightforward quest for power becomes a treacherous game of court politics and shifting allegiances. She must navigate the dangers of the court and the even greater danger of losing her own heart to the one man she has sworn to destroy.
Upon arriving at court, Alessandra discovers her plan is more complicated than she anticipated. She is not the only one who wants the king dead. As threats against his life escalate, she finds herself in the unexpected position of needing to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen. What begins as a straightforward quest for power becomes a treacherous game of court politics and shifting allegiances. She must navigate the dangers of the court and the even greater danger of losing her own heart to the one man she has sworn to destroy.
What readers say
3.81
226K ratings across the web 7 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
Many reviewers were drawn to the book's intriguing premise, often described as a "Slytherin romance" featuring morally ambiguous characters. The protagonist, Alessandra, garnered significant praise for being a self-aware, ambitious, and cunning anti-heroine who is unapologetically herself, breaking away from typical YA tropes. Readers appreciated her confidence, intelligence, and even her passion for fashion, as well as the book's themes of female empowerment and sex positivity. The dynamic between Alessandra and the Shadow King was frequently highlighted as addictive, with many enjoying their respectful, angsty, and often humorous interactions, and the refreshing portrayal of their relationship as one of equals. Additionally, the book was lauded for its fast-paced, engaging writing, witty banter, and the inclusion of diverse side characters and supportive female friendships. Many also celebrated it as a satisfying standalone fantasy romance.
Despite its strengths, the book received considerable criticism, primarily regarding its underdeveloped world-building. Many reviewers found the setting vague and superficial, with little detail given to the kingdoms, magic system, or the world outside the main castle, leading to confusion about its technological and historical context. The characters, while initially promising, were often felt to lack consistent development, with some finding Alessandra's "villainous" traits diminishing over the course of the story, making her feel less unique or even "whiny" to some. The Shadow King was also criticized for not being as intimidating or villainous as expected, often coming across as a "soft" or "generic" love interest. The romance, while enjoyed by some, was described by others as bland, lacking genuine chemistry or the intense "enemies-to-lovers" tension that was anticipated. Furthermore, the plot was frequently labeled as predictable, messy, and easily resolved, with several subplots feeling underdeveloped or extraneous, leading to a sense of disappointment for readers who expected a more complex or original narrative.
Ultimately, "The Shadows Between Us" evokes a polarized response, with some readers finding it an entertaining and addictive read, while others felt it fell short of its potential. It is generally considered a light, romance-heavy fantasy, rather than a deep, intricate high fantasy. This book is likely to appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven stories with morally gray protagonists and a strong focus on romance, particularly those who appreciate a quick, fun read with witty dialogue and themes of female agency. However, those seeking extensive world-building, complex political intrigue, or a truly dark and ruthless "villain-meets-villain" narrative might find it underwhelming. It's best approached with an expectation for an enjoyable, standalone romantic fantasy that prioritizes character dynamic and banter over intricate plot or world detail.
Despite its strengths, the book received considerable criticism, primarily regarding its underdeveloped world-building. Many reviewers found the setting vague and superficial, with little detail given to the kingdoms, magic system, or the world outside the main castle, leading to confusion about its technological and historical context. The characters, while initially promising, were often felt to lack consistent development, with some finding Alessandra's "villainous" traits diminishing over the course of the story, making her feel less unique or even "whiny" to some. The Shadow King was also criticized for not being as intimidating or villainous as expected, often coming across as a "soft" or "generic" love interest. The romance, while enjoyed by some, was described by others as bland, lacking genuine chemistry or the intense "enemies-to-lovers" tension that was anticipated. Furthermore, the plot was frequently labeled as predictable, messy, and easily resolved, with several subplots feeling underdeveloped or extraneous, leading to a sense of disappointment for readers who expected a more complex or original narrative.
Ultimately, "The Shadows Between Us" evokes a polarized response, with some readers finding it an entertaining and addictive read, while others felt it fell short of its potential. It is generally considered a light, romance-heavy fantasy, rather than a deep, intricate high fantasy. This book is likely to appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven stories with morally gray protagonists and a strong focus on romance, particularly those who appreciate a quick, fun read with witty dialogue and themes of female agency. However, those seeking extensive world-building, complex political intrigue, or a truly dark and ruthless "villain-meets-villain" narrative might find it underwhelming. It's best approached with an expectation for an enjoyable, standalone romantic fantasy that prioritizes character dynamic and banter over intricate plot or world detail.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- Feiwel & Friends, 2020
- ISBN
- 9781250189967
- Language
- English
