Fantasy Friday and Giveaway: Shadow

Shadow, by Jenny Moss

Publisher: Scholastic
Pages: 375
Reading Level: 12 and Up
Enjoyment Level: Highest


I’ve been so fortunate, lately, to pick up books that I love. Maybe I’m getting better at my selection. Or maybe it’s just a phase and I’ll read a mediocre book soon… I have to say, though, with this book, I’m so glad I loved it so much. I was slated to get an ARC, but it didn’t happen that way. The post office apparently didn’t want me to have it, so I anxiously waited for a while until I had to just inquire about the book again. The author’s publicist was very nice and sent me a second copy. So a lot of work went in to get this book to me!

Shadow has been the queen’s shadow for as long as she can remember. She’s mistreated, ignored, and generally disliked by everyone. When a prophecy at long last comes true, Shadow thinks it’s her chance at a free life. Despite her resolve to escape, though, she stays with her knight, Sir Kenway, and discovers that there’s a lot she never knew, and by embracing her fears, she will be able to live happily.

Throwback. It’s one word I’d use to describe how I feel about this book. It reminded me of the first memories I have of reading fantasy novels and loving them. I can’t think of a specific book, but there’s a feeling that I’ve had before. The feeling kept me reading for five hours straight the day I got it (and a couple more hours while my babysitting charge slept). I don’t think I’ve felt so connected and engaged since I first started reading the Pern series (Anne McCaffrey).

I won’t say too much since this is a brand-new release, but the characters are wonderful. The setting is wonderful. There were parts where the descriptions were so good that I swear I’d been to that place before. (Wow, could I gush any more?)

The plot is very typical to fantasy, but with twists and turns, and characters that add so much. I called one major plot point, but was delighted when another major point caught me by surprise.

If you hadn’t planned to read this, you’ll need to rectify that situation fast. Put this in your TBR pile. You won’t regret it. And then listen to my interview with Jenny Moss on the podcast.

Until next time, go read something good!

~ Vilate

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Contest

If you want to read Shadow, you're in luck! The author graciously signed a copy of the book for me to give away! The winner will be chosen at random and will receive an autographed copy of Shadow, by Jenny Moss. To enter you must do the following:

1. Comment on this post with your name, age, email address, and twitter name
2. Tweet this blog post to your followers

That's it! Simple, huh? Good luck! You have until Friday, May 7th to enter.