Spotlight on: BETWEEN THE SHADE AND THE SHADOW by Coleman Alexander

Spotlight on:

BETWEEN THE SHADE AND THE SHADOW

by Coleman Alexander

Synopsis:
In the deep heart of the forest, there are places where no light ever shines, where darkness is folded by pale hands and jewel-bright eyes, where the world is ruled by the wicked and kept by the wraiths. This is where the Sprites of the Sihl live.
But Sprites are not born, they are made. On the path to Spritehood, spritelings must first become shades. They do so by binding a shadow: a woodland creature, who guides them through their training. Together, they keep from the light and learn to enchant living things, to bind them, and eventually, to kill them.
Ahraia is a shade who has bound a wolf for a shadow, as strong a shadow as there has ever been. But while her wolf marks her for greatness, Ahraia struggles with the violent ways of her people. Illicit as it is, she would rather be running wild beneath the moons. But a test is coming, and the further she and her shadow wander out of the darkness, the deeper they wander into danger. Ahraia’s time is coming and what awaits her at the end of her test will either make her or kill her . . .

Expected publication: June 21st 2018

Goodreads /  Amazon

New review: Everless by Sara Holland

Title: Everless
Author: Sara Holand
Blurb:In the kingdom of Sempera, time is currency—extracted from blood, bound to iron, and consumed to add time to one’s own lifespan. The rich aristocracy, like the Gerlings, tax the poor to the hilt, extending their own lives by centuries.
No one resents the Gerlings more than Jules Ember. A decade ago, she and her father were servants at Everless, the Gerlings’ palatial estate, until a fateful accident forced them to flee in the dead of night. When Jules discovers that her father is dying, she knows that she must return to Everless to earn more time for him before she loses him forever.
But going back to Everless brings more danger—and temptation—than Jules could have ever imagined. Soon she’s caught in a tangle of violent secrets and finds her heart torn between two people she thought she’d never see again. Her decisions have the power to change her fate—and the fate of time itself.

Let me honest, at first I thought this was going to be the same old, same old young adult fantasy inspired book. However, I'm pleased to say that it wasn't exactly the case and that Everless, definitely surprised me.

At first (as in: the first 3/4 chapters) I was a bit confused by the huge info dump full of strange terminology I had some problems to understand (like blood irons and such), but it got easier in time and, sure enough, I was soon hooked.

I found the concept of time-bleeding quite creepy but interesting, ad of course in this peculiar world Sara Holland has built the rich have it much easier than the poor.
Anyway, I found Jules an okay character, can't say I loved her so much but at least I didn't hate her! Strangely (knowing myself) I didn't dislike the romantic twist, I really didn't mind and in truth I sort of look forward to see what happens in the next book.

The pacing of the book wasn't exactly fast but the plot keeps the reader well entertained and wanting to know more. Besides Sara Holland's writing style is pleasant enough and makes it for an easy read. I really loved how that the plot thickened as the book progressed with lots of twist and turns, some of them were very original (I really loved the Alchemist & the Sorceress "backstory").
It was the plot more than the characters that drove me to read (quite frenetically) page after page and then BOOM---- cliffhanger! OUCH! I now really, really need book two! LOL

Jokes aside, I really recommend reading Everless, especially if you like fantasy and are looking for something not too heavy to read but still very entertaining.

Rating: 4 blossoms

*A really big thank you to the publisher for providing me with an arc!*