Shadow and Torment Review

 Hey guys!! It’s been a while. Today, we’re going to be talking about a book I received in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 3.5/5

Synopsis: After escaping a life of abuse as Princess of the Zennith Court, Ember finds herself in the mysterious Umbra Court in the care of the mysterious and alluring King Azarel. Having to face her trauma and learn to adapt to her new environment. Ember finds herself drawn to the people of Umbra Court after learning of the intense unseelie slave trade in Athedia. The decision is made to save the unseelie race from torment and the final act of war ensues.

Ember soon learns that saving an entire race of fae is a harrowing task; one that calls for bravery, magic and the help of the ancient beings of Athedia.

 

Thoughts: Like I said above, this book was given to me in exchange for an honest review. When I read the synopsis, I was super intrigued. The premise of the story sounds super interesting, but the execution could have used a little work. Don’t get me wrong, I liked this book, and it was very easy to read and follow with the world, but there were times while reading this that it felt… awkward? The way the chapters ended was a bit odd and something about this story felt incomplete.

               I didn’t really like that the book just ended where it did. I did not feel a sense of danger while the characters went through the trials to get to the chasm. Although I did enjoy reading it, I did not feel that there were any stakes. I did enjoy Ember reading up on the topic though and kind of getting used to the power she has gained. Throughout the story you do see her struggle a bit with the power that was finally accessible to her, and I do enjoy a training montage which I do wish lasted a bit longer.

               I was also conflicted about the way this was written. I understand the MC Ember needed time to heal from her trauma and grow into her own person, but at the same time I felt like Az was wasted since their “romance” went nowhere. Honestly, for a short period of time I shipped Ember and Talia together. That is one thing I really hope we get more of in the second book.

               Overall, though this was a very easy read and entertaining from the start. I was desperately rooting for Ember in the beginning, and I can’t wait to see what unfolds for her in the next installment of the series. She went through so much, a lot we don’t even know about and that will make for one bad ass character. One more thing I’d like to add… I LOVED THE CHARACTER ART IN THE BEGINNING OF THE BOOK!!!

Anyway guys! That’s all for today! You should check out this book for sure. It would be a good start for people just getting into fantasy and are not ready for a deep dive. DO LOOK INTO THE TW BEFORE YOU READ THIS THOUGH!!!

Bye!