Sylvain Reynard has another incredible novel in The Shadow.

This is the sequel to The Raven, and it doesn't disappoint. While this novel doesn't seem to move as fast as the first one, it is still delicious and intriguing.

I liked this novel, but I didn't exactly love it. Yes, I was obsessed with knowing what would happen with the characters but I felt like it was missing something. There was a good amount of romance in it, and the action lacked a little. I felt like this book was more of a set up, since it explained a lot of the vampire politics involved in the story.

This series does have at least one more book (I heard a rumour it was two) so this book ended at the perfect little cliffhanger. It wasn't a cliffhanger that left me angry at Sylvain for making me wait, but it was just enough - leaving me desperate for the next book but willing to wait.

Overall, I did enjoy this book! The first book was so incredible (and so was the Gabriel's series) that I had really high expectations for this book, perhaps too high.

Four out of five stars. I can't wait for the next book, I want it now! ( )

FGMAMTC Blog Review
4.5 stars

I really liked The Raven, but for me, The Shadow is even better. The plot picks up exactly where it left off. If you enjoyed the art and history intermingled with vampire fantasy and carnal desire featured in The Raven, you're in for more of the same depth. Features that I didn't notice as much from the first book but loved in this one mostly include the action and twists.

There is a war brewing. The reader has to try to deduce who is bad or good. Also, several little important clues have been dropped in both books about the background and connections of Williams. Raven's past and relationships play big parts too.

A female lead that keeps her wits while being in love and doesn't give in to the physical perfection the vamp blood could give her is enduring. Including actual historical figures as characters is brilliant for this storyline. Watching the mystery of William slowly unravel is alluring.

The Shadow speaks to the reader's interests in intelligence and romance. It's a great mix. I’m very much looking forward to the next novel in the series.


***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***

Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents

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( )

FGMAMTC Blog Review
4.5 stars

I really liked The Raven, but for me, The Shadow is even better. The plot picks up exactly where it left off. If you enjoyed the art and history intermingled with vampire fantasy and carnal desire featured in The Raven, you're in for more of the same depth. Features that I didn't notice as much from the first book but loved in this one mostly include the action and twists.

There is a war brewing. The reader has to try to deduce who is bad or good. Also, several little important clues have been dropped in both books about the background and connections of Williams. Raven's past and relationships play big parts too.

A female lead that keeps her wits while being in love and doesn't give in to the physical perfection the vamp blood could give her is enduring. Including actual historical figures as characters is brilliant for this storyline. Watching the mystery of William slowly unravel is alluring.

The Shadow speaks to the reader's interests in intelligence and romance. It's a great mix. I’m very much looking forward to the next novel in the series.


***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***

Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Google  / Pinterest / Goodreads / Tumblr / tsū / Bloglovin'




( )

I don't know. I loved his first series, but this one seems to be getting worse as it goes on. The Raven was just okay, and I dragged through the pages of this one hoping that something would happen. Raven whines, the Prince broods, they have sex and repeat for over two-thirds of the book. When there finally is some action, it's over so fast, and then the book was over, leaving a cliff-hanger. I will say that the cliffhanger seems to indicate that then next book will be much better, or, at least, has that potential.
Sylvain Reynard is a decent writer and his love of art and Florence shines through. I just wish there was a better story here. ( )

2.5 Stars | Hot Steam

Steamier and more fast paced than THE RAVEN, THE SHADOW will likely appease established fans of The Florentine series who were looking forward to continuing Raven and William’s story. For me, these nice improvements simply couldn't make up for Raven’s irritating and weighing self consciousness and supreme lack of self esteem. Her negatively skewed self assessment remained an ongoing nagging debate and point of discussion between the lovers that, in my view, poisoned the romance.

Here are a few classic examples from the many cringe-inducing exchanges they shared:

Example 1:
She glanced at William and found his gaze intent on her.
“What are you looking at?”
“You.”
She turned back to the view. “There are more beautiful things you could be looking at.”

* * *

Example 2:
“You are a soft, warm, desirable woman whose body is a wonder of divine artistry.”

She drew him down so she could hide her face in his neck. “Go easy on the compliments, William. I’m not ready to hear them.”
——————-

What?! She’s not ready to hear them yet?! This is book two! They should be past all of this by now or at the very least, progressing. I wanted to shout: “Believe him already! He loves you, he desires you—history, scars, curves, and all! Go for it, girl!”

No more of this timid ridiculousness for me. Pass.

*Trigger warning: Includes discussions and descriptions of abuse.*

Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ( )