Expected publication date: 03/01/13 (UK)GoodReads Summary: It’s almost a year since Gaby Winters was in the car crash that killed her twin brother, Jude. Her body has healed in the sunshine of Pandanus Beach, but her grief is raw and constant. It doesn’t help that every night in her dreams she kills demons and other hell-spawn.
And then Rafa comes to town. Not only does he look exactly like the guy who’s been appearing in Gaby’s dreams—he claims a history with her brother that makes no sense. Gaby is forced to accept that what she thought she knew about herself and her life is only a shadow of the truth—and that the truth is more likely to be
found in the shadows of her nightmares.
Who is Rafa? Who are the Rephaim? And most importantly, who can she trust?
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Shadows is an enjoyable read that's targeted at older YA readers. The characters are 18+ years old, they swear, and there are some pretty steamy moments.
Despite being thrust into a strange world Gaby is a snarky mc with some great lines. She loves reading and
works in a library that's connected to a coffee shop. Talk about every
bookworms dream job, right?!
I absolutely adored Gaby's best friend Maggie and her boyfriend Jason. Maggie is the kind of friend you'd want by your side, she never once -not even when some shocking revelations are revealed- turns her back on Gaby. Making her an awesome bf in my books. Moving on to Jason. Wow. What a sweet and caring guy. I have to admit that most of the time I was gravitating more towards him than Rafa.
While I found the banter between Rafa and Gaby to be entertaining, I didn't really get the romance. As soon as Rafa appears Gaby is drawn to him, and I couldn't understand why. Sure he's attractive and seems to know about her brother Jude, but why after all this time (since her brothers death to be precise) of not being interested in guys is she interested all of a sudden? I guess what I'm trying to say is that if the romance had been slowly drawn out I think I would have enjoyed it more.
Shadows is set in Australia, a country I've always wanted to visit. Not only does Weston take angel lore and make it her own, but she also does an incredible job of making the story unpredictable. Every time I thought I knew something I was proved wrong, there were some great plot twists and the ending left me wanting more.
This sounds like an absolutely interesting and refreshing read! I'm glad to hear you liked it and I'd like to read it too.
ReplyDeleteAs always, great review, Renu! :D
Sarika @ The Readdicts
I have a copy of this and I'm very eager to read it, but I simply can't find the time! Still, I'll have to try harder it seems, as I love that the characters are a bit older, and I especially love that it managed to surprise you. Hopefully I'll get to read it soon.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the wonderful review!
Maggie and Jason sound like a great couple! I'm glad that the story doesn't just focus on what's building between Gaby and Rafa. I love angel lore, so I'm definitely adding this to my wishlist. Awesome review, Renu :)
ReplyDeleteDon't even get me started on wanting more adult-like YAs. I know, it's weird, but that's what I want. I'll have to try this one. ;) lovely review, as always.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved this and am so pleased to see you enjoyed it too! I agree that it's nicer to get slightly older YA characters, without bordering too much into adult territory. I understand what you mean about the romance, especially at the start, but I enjoyed the banter between Gaby and Rafa. Hopefully more of that is in store for us come book 2. :)
ReplyDeleteThis book seems to fit perfectly into New Adult genre! :) I'm going to keep this book in mind, it seems like a great story I'm going to enjoy! The fact that the story is set in Australia makes me even more eager to read this book! <3 Fabulous review, Renu! :)
ReplyDeleteI've seen so many praising reviews for this book, and yours just made me more excited to read it! I love how it's a paranormal novel, but one that falls into the New Adult category. Plus, it's also written by an Aussie. Can it get any better than that? ;) Excellent review, Renu! I definitely have to read this book, asap!
ReplyDeleteI'm an older reader of YA, so I'm loving how many YA books/New Adult books are featuring older characters now! Aside from the romance, which I'm thinking I would like better if it was slowly drawn out as well, this sounds like a great read. I haven't heard too much about it, but I think it's definitely something I would enjoy. Thanks Renu!
ReplyDeleteI wish you could see my face right now! It says I want! :D I rarely read a good book about angels and when one occurs I tend to love it more than any other! :) This one is going on my to-read list! I hope to get to read it soon! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
Yayy! I'm so glad you enjoyed this one! I love the cover you have and I can't WAIT for the sequel now! This was such a pleasant surprise! :) Amazing review, Renu! :D
ReplyDeleteOh, I love angel stories! I'm glad you brought this to my attention. I'm happy you enjoyed it, despite the iffy romance. Great review!
ReplyDeleteFantastic review Renu! I want to visit Australia too someday. This sounds like a good book; older YA characters, a character with my dream job. Will definitely be checking it out.
ReplyDeleteI see a lot of things I like about this book. The fact that they are older is a plus! And a snarky character with a dream job is always great as MC. Lovely review, I haven't heard of this book before!
ReplyDeleteMel@thedailyprophecy.
Books about angels are always interesting. I just don't like predictable plots. Gabe and Rafa? Sounds like the Arcangels :) I like your review on this. Thanks for putting it on my radar :D
ReplyDelete-Dannielle
Yay, I am so happy you liked this, Renu!! The two A's are what first drew me in: Angels and Australia :D I'm all for seeing more paranomal novels set in my country. Like you, I LOVE when we get older characters in YA. As I grow up (ha!), I crave that more, but I don't want to read adult books. The mythology was unique and I so enjoyed the banter too. Looking forward to what the sequel brings! Awesome review!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds right up my alley! I really enjoy whn the characters are a bit older and actually think and talk realistically instead of the anti sear and anti-sex purity of a lot of YA novel. I'll have to keep an eye on this one!
ReplyDeleteOh I absolutely adored this book too Renu, I'm so glad that we've got some great Aussie gems trickling in over here! Brilliant review Renu!:)
ReplyDeleteI love banter and fun dialogue. The romance element seems a little forced but this one sounds like a goodie.
ReplyDelete