This might be one of my favourite blog tours I've participated in and definitely have to hype up all of my fellow hosts because, DANG. Pure fire. The Shadows Between us is a stunning release and posts like Tricia Levensellar's Guest Post on Crafting a Slytherin Romance over at Novel Knight have got me all kinds of hyped. (And, I mean, really, we could all use more Slytherin Romance Vibes. It's a term that Levenseller excels in.)


About The Shadows Between Us
by Tricia Levenseller 
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Release Date: February 25th 2020



 
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the authors in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way. 

OKAY, OKAY, as far as first experiences with author's goes I think Tricia Levenseller just set the new standard for me. I'm obsessed. The Shadows Between Us exceeded all expectations and I've just been sitting here trying to figure out how to write my feelings out on this one. The best way to explain The Shadows Between Us is by saying that it is the type of novel that you need to literally catch your breath after reading.

Days later and I'm still catching my breath. The Shadows Between Us had a little bit of everything in terms of what I like from my stories: morally gray characters, a lot of tension, fast paced prose, the delectably tense and slow-burn of romance. If you're looking for something that is powerful and dark and pulsing with energy, then The Shadows Between Us is your next obsession.

Everything about it felt breathless and magnetic. I did not put it down unless I absolutely had to.
Pull up a chair. Grab a steaming hot beverage. (Or, if you prefer, icy cold.) Put on Marina's Power and Control.  Get comfortable and dive on in.

When it comes to The Shadows Between Us, you'll be in it for the long haul.

There's something so enthralling about the way that Tricia Levenseller sets the stage for this particular book. You know, before diving into it, that you'll be in for a treat. Everything about The Shadows Between Us screams control. Still, nothing quite prepares a reader for the wild ride they will be in for.

Levenseller writes with an undeniably blunt quality. The Shadows Between Us is like the chill of a knife against your consciousness. It grips you from the very first pages. You're left on edge and full of anticipation for something. Levenseller is quick at work when crafting characters that are bleak and full of darkness.

I love every minute of this one and that may be entirely due to the fantastic cast of characters and the way in which Levenseller developed them. Characters like Alessandra who are ambitious, determined and never shy away from doing whatever it takes to meet their goals. (Side note: Interactions between Alessandra and other's was an unexpected bonus to an already wonderful read. Give me all the banter.)

The Shadows Between Us encompasses all that I like when it comes to morally gray characteristics and development. And the connections they form; the goals they set out to reach. There isn't much for me to complain about when it comes to this novel. It was fully entertaining, intriguing, pulsing with its own brand of magic, danger and humor.

Each step we take is set within a world that is atmospheric, vivid and addictive. There's a dangerous glint in the way that Levenseller unravels this story that is deeply satisfying, at times chilling, and every page is utterly all consuming. The Shadows Between Us is impossible to put down and by far one of my favourite books of the year so far.



My playlist for The Shadows Between Us can't be explained without going full on spoilery. BUT, I can say that every second of it is full of a quality that keeps your attention, and lets your heart beat frantically to the tune of Levenseller's prose. Something about The Shadows Between Us is so striking and ambitious, a quality that extends beyond the characters and their actions. I wanted to capture that in the same way that shows like Shadowhunters, Riverdale and Siren do.

I wanted there to be this equal balance of aggressive, pulsing beats and haunting melodies. I wanted it to truly be all about power and control.

Each song is intentional. Be it because of development of characters, plotlines, or atmosphere. It's easy to picture how each scene would look in The Shadows Between Us. But, for me, it's even easier to hear what could be in the background.


Tricia Levenseller is the author of the Daughter of the Pirate King duology, Warrior of the Wild, and forthcoming The Shadows Between Us. She likes to describe her books as young adult alternate–world historical fantasies with heavy romantic subplots.
Initially from a small town in Oregon, Tricia now lives next to the Rocky Mountains with her bossy dog, Rosy. She received her degree in English Language and editing, and she is thrilled that she never has to read a textbook again. When she’s not writing or reading, Tricia enjoys putting together jigsaw puzzles, playing volleyball, playing Overwatch with her siblings, and watching shows while eating extra-buttered popcorn.

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