Scan barcode
afantaseaofbooks's review
5.0
◦ I've received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ◦
Monsters and humans once walked the earth together, until people turned to the shadow creatures and started hunting them one by one till only one Primordial remained alive – Qaeus, who grew stronger and engorged with darkness for every life he took. After the mages tried stopping Qaeus by splitting the land in two, thus forming the Forgotten Forest of Eyve and Illshore, leaving the Arcathainians abandoned with nothing but their shadow steel to comfort them – thus forcing the Arcathainians to form the Shadow Crusade, a legion of warriors sworn to find the Primordial Qaeus and slay the creature.
The Shadow Crusade follows the story of Halira and Dimitri’s life and how they live in a world where shadow creatures are lurking at every corner. After losing his family and coming of age Dimitri decides is time to join the Shadow Crusaders and fight for his country. On a day that seemed just like any normal day, the shadow creatures are attacking the town Halira’s living in, taking down with them her parents and leaving her with nothing – other than a sister that’s distant and hasn’t visited her family in ages.
I don’t usually get the chance to read dark fantasy / gothic fantasy because I don’t search for them per se, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love them. This book has been totally different than what I’ve read lately, it's been dark, mysterious, full of shadow creatures that were lurking in the dark, friends turning to lovers, and hearts breaking at the end.
I’ve had a hard time gathering my thoughts on this book because it's been that good. I loved the fact Halira isn’t your typical girl that does and knows everything so perfect, in fact, she’s clumsy, she doesn’t think much about her future or what she wants, and she definitely isn’t the most courageous person out there or knows how to defend herself. Even after going to the Shadow Crusade courses she’s still not the best when comes to fighting, she is as I’ve imagined someone living side by side the danger – afraid, but when the survival instinct kicks in, she digs deep down inside of her and fights, even when all she wants is run and never look back.
I loved the fact that she and Dimitri know each other since childhood and now that both of them are reaching the maturity age, are seeing each other with different eyes, and while neither of them is making the first step, slowly we see Halira’s getting a little bit bold and she’s not waiting for the guy to make the first step – she does it and that moment was a “YES” from me because the tension between them could’ve been cut with a knife, they really needed that … release ;).
Even if the book has been pretty gore on some chapters and also contains some triggers it didn’t make me change my opinion about it. I realized I don’t feel disgusted by many things in books (can’t say the same about that in real life lol), but considering I’ve read the book at night, It really kept me going, the more action it happened, the more they were in danger, the more they fought the danger the more I wanted to read – and the relationship between Halira and Dimitri was really sweet and what they went through I've lived it together with them.
I am glad I received the 2nd book on this series to read it as an ARC because the ending on this book, has really made me sad and wanted to scream at Dimitri – I’m not getting into more details because for me that was the real plot twist. His actions towards Halira have really made me question his feelings for her, his true feelings for her, because in a blink of an eye his sweet demeanor towards her has changed to 90 degrees and I felt so betrayed by that.
Overall this is an amazing story to follow if you love: dark fantasy/gothic, high fantasy romance, amazing world-building, friends to lovers, and a lot of action and gore things, for me this has been such a perfect read because I don’t always get the chance to read this type of books and whenever I get the chance I devour them so quick.
Follow me on my social media for more than just reviews:
Instagram
BookBub
Reedsy
Blog
Facebook
Monsters and humans once walked the earth together, until people turned to the shadow creatures and started hunting them one by one till only one Primordial remained alive – Qaeus, who grew stronger and engorged with darkness for every life he took. After the mages tried stopping Qaeus by splitting the land in two, thus forming the Forgotten Forest of Eyve and Illshore, leaving the Arcathainians abandoned with nothing but their shadow steel to comfort them – thus forcing the Arcathainians to form the Shadow Crusade, a legion of warriors sworn to find the Primordial Qaeus and slay the creature.
The Shadow Crusade follows the story of Halira and Dimitri’s life and how they live in a world where shadow creatures are lurking at every corner. After losing his family and coming of age Dimitri decides is time to join the Shadow Crusaders and fight for his country. On a day that seemed just like any normal day, the shadow creatures are attacking the town Halira’s living in, taking down with them her parents and leaving her with nothing – other than a sister that’s distant and hasn’t visited her family in ages.
I don’t usually get the chance to read dark fantasy / gothic fantasy because I don’t search for them per se, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love them. This book has been totally different than what I’ve read lately, it's been dark, mysterious, full of shadow creatures that were lurking in the dark, friends turning to lovers, and hearts breaking at the end.
I’ve had a hard time gathering my thoughts on this book because it's been that good. I loved the fact Halira isn’t your typical girl that does and knows everything so perfect, in fact, she’s clumsy, she doesn’t think much about her future or what she wants, and she definitely isn’t the most courageous person out there or knows how to defend herself. Even after going to the Shadow Crusade courses she’s still not the best when comes to fighting, she is as I’ve imagined someone living side by side the danger – afraid, but when the survival instinct kicks in, she digs deep down inside of her and fights, even when all she wants is run and never look back.
I loved the fact that she and Dimitri know each other since childhood and now that both of them are reaching the maturity age, are seeing each other with different eyes, and while neither of them is making the first step, slowly we see Halira’s getting a little bit bold and she’s not waiting for the guy to make the first step – she does it and that moment was a “YES” from me because the tension between them could’ve been cut with a knife, they really needed that … release ;).
Even if the book has been pretty gore on some chapters and also contains some triggers it didn’t make me change my opinion about it. I realized I don’t feel disgusted by many things in books (can’t say the same about that in real life lol), but considering I’ve read the book at night, It really kept me going, the more action it happened, the more they were in danger, the more they fought the danger the more I wanted to read – and the relationship between Halira and Dimitri was really sweet and what they went through I've lived it together with them.
I am glad I received the 2nd book on this series to read it as an ARC because the ending on this book, has really made me sad and wanted to scream at Dimitri – I’m not getting into more details because for me that was the real plot twist. His actions towards Halira have really made me question his feelings for her, his true feelings for her, because in a blink of an eye his sweet demeanor towards her has changed to 90 degrees and I felt so betrayed by that.
Overall this is an amazing story to follow if you love: dark fantasy/gothic, high fantasy romance, amazing world-building, friends to lovers, and a lot of action and gore things, for me this has been such a perfect read because I don’t always get the chance to read this type of books and whenever I get the chance I devour them so quick.
Follow me on my social media for more than just reviews:
BookBub
Reedsy
Blog
la_vampiresa's review
5.0
Shadow Crusade is the first book in the Primordials of Shadowthorn series. Halira never wanted to join the Shadow Crusade until she lost her parents to demons. Now, she trains to protect and discovers a power within.
What an amazing start to this new series. This is the second series I've read by Jessaca, I have been blown away with the world building. I can't wait to read more of this series.
I received an ARC and voluntarily gave my honest opinion and review
What an amazing start to this new series. This is the second series I've read by Jessaca, I have been blown away with the world building. I can't wait to read more of this series.
I received an ARC and voluntarily gave my honest opinion and review
tabatha_shipley's review
3.0
What I Did Like:
-Flawed characters. I love characters that are imperfect and flawed. This group comes with ready made prejudices that they’ll have to confront as the book progresses, which I adore.
-Found family. Both Halira and Dimitri have no real family remaining in their lives. They need people. So when they join up with other young recruits the found family dynamic is amazing. I want all the best things for this little group.
-Dark concept in an interesting direction. Demons walk the Earth, humans are hunted, Mages are the enemy. What’s not to love about that concept? It’s dark and foreboding but the author gives you just enough light to keep you reading. That spark of hope is why we read dark fantasy, afterall.
Who Should Read This One:
-Dark fantasy fans who like a bit of light romance in their stories.
My Rating: 3 Stars. This is a good fantasy story and I think it sets up the sequels to be even better.
For Full Review: https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2022/01/07/2022-book-review-shadow-crusade/
-Flawed characters. I love characters that are imperfect and flawed. This group comes with ready made prejudices that they’ll have to confront as the book progresses, which I adore.
-Found family. Both Halira and Dimitri have no real family remaining in their lives. They need people. So when they join up with other young recruits the found family dynamic is amazing. I want all the best things for this little group.
-Dark concept in an interesting direction. Demons walk the Earth, humans are hunted, Mages are the enemy. What’s not to love about that concept? It’s dark and foreboding but the author gives you just enough light to keep you reading. That spark of hope is why we read dark fantasy, afterall.
Who Should Read This One:
-Dark fantasy fans who like a bit of light romance in their stories.
My Rating: 3 Stars. This is a good fantasy story and I think it sets up the sequels to be even better.
For Full Review: https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2022/01/07/2022-book-review-shadow-crusade/
gonewithflynn's review
4.0
You know when you're reading a book and it turns into a movie in your head? Next thing you know, half the book is gone? This one definitely sucked me in that way! I love it when that happens! The characters are intriguing, the world is awesome and I totally need to know all the secrets (about Halira, about the demon man, about the druids!?!?!) now!!! It has action and adventure, mysterious demon men and magic. What else do you need?
A huge thank you to Jessaca Willis and Book of Matches Media for the e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
⚠️Warnings: death/grief, gore depiction.
A huge thank you to Jessaca Willis and Book of Matches Media for the e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
⚠️Warnings: death/grief, gore depiction.
colbybettley's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Honestly in awe that I’m friends with such a talented author. This book was exceptional and has given me a newfound love of fantasy after I’ve been in a slump.
jessaca_with_an_a's review
5.0
ACOTAR with demons instead of fae, set in the world of Dark Souls III...
That's what I was thinking of when I wrote this series. Now, like with all stories, as I wrote, it started to develop into something of its own accord, but I was constantly coming back to the things that inspired me to write this early on.
I'd like to think that Shadow Crusade isn't your typical demon hunter story. Demons are commonly associated with the urban fantasy genre, but this is an epic fantasy tale. The demons in this book are not reddish imps and devils; they are Lovecraftian beasts mean to instill horror in the hearts of mankind.
In Shadow Crusade, you will meet Halira Devonshire, one of the most relatable characters I think I've ever written. She struggles with the monotony of life and not having a strong sense of direction. She wouldn't describe herself as happy, but she's neither discontented. Life is what it is and she's going through the motions to make it through each day. But when tragedy befalls her family, she suddenly finds herself motivated and inspired in a way she never has before.
Shadow Crusade is a grim but magical story of revenge, of friendships and found family, of triumph over hardship; and most importantly, of discovering oneself amid the ruins of one's life.
To my readers, I truly hope you enjoy accompanying Halira on the path of vengeance, and the secrets she learns about herself and her world along the way.
That's what I was thinking of when I wrote this series. Now, like with all stories, as I wrote, it started to develop into something of its own accord, but I was constantly coming back to the things that inspired me to write this early on.
I'd like to think that Shadow Crusade isn't your typical demon hunter story. Demons are commonly associated with the urban fantasy genre, but this is an epic fantasy tale. The demons in this book are not reddish imps and devils; they are Lovecraftian beasts mean to instill horror in the hearts of mankind.
In Shadow Crusade, you will meet Halira Devonshire, one of the most relatable characters I think I've ever written. She struggles with the monotony of life and not having a strong sense of direction. She wouldn't describe herself as happy, but she's neither discontented. Life is what it is and she's going through the motions to make it through each day. But when tragedy befalls her family, she suddenly finds herself motivated and inspired in a way she never has before.
Shadow Crusade is a grim but magical story of revenge, of friendships and found family, of triumph over hardship; and most importantly, of discovering oneself amid the ruins of one's life.
To my readers, I truly hope you enjoy accompanying Halira on the path of vengeance, and the secrets she learns about herself and her world along the way.
kristynebooknerd's review
5.0
This story was amazing from start to finish. It started out with a bang and kept you wanting to read it as fast as possible. The world that Jessaca created was awesome and the characters were wonderful as well.
I loved Halira, she was against joining the Shadow Crusade (demon hunters) with good reason, but supported her friend Dimitri who wanted to join. Something happens and Halira decides its a good idea to join as well. We learn that magic happens around Halira at times which in this world Mages are trashed and not liked so it's not a good thing that this happens. This book did have a friends to lovers trope which I typically don't like but I became a fan of it in this story, at least in the beginning. Dimitri is very honor bound no matter what where Halira is not, as you can imagine this causes issues.
Halira does make friends with some of the other recruits, Silver and Fox are some and I really liked both of them...to a point.
I don't want to get too much into everything but let's say sh*t goes down in the end. The ending left me speechless and now I need the next book ASAP. This is an amazing start to what will be an amazing series and you need to read it ASAP!!
I loved Halira, she was against joining the Shadow Crusade (demon hunters) with good reason, but supported her friend Dimitri who wanted to join. Something happens and Halira decides its a good idea to join as well. We learn that magic happens around Halira at times which in this world Mages are trashed and not liked so it's not a good thing that this happens. This book did have a friends to lovers trope which I typically don't like but I became a fan of it in this story, at least in the beginning. Dimitri is very honor bound no matter what where Halira is not, as you can imagine this causes issues.
Halira does make friends with some of the other recruits, Silver and Fox are some and I really liked both of them...to a point.
I don't want to get too much into everything but let's say sh*t goes down in the end. The ending left me speechless and now I need the next book ASAP. This is an amazing start to what will be an amazing series and you need to read it ASAP!!
bookish_heidi's review
4.0
Jessaca has a way with dark topics. She writes them in such a phenomenal way that you get sucked right into the story and emerging is never fun. February 9th can't come fast enough! I need more of this series!
When primordial monsters take over the world and spread their blight upon the land, the Shadow Crusaders fight to keep the people safe. Halira and Dimitri both enlist and set off to train with the Crusaders. Halira knows she's different but it's a secret she holds close to her heart. If anyone finds out, she's as good as dead.
Monsters, weapons, dark secrets, what more could you ask for? Read this book!
When primordial monsters take over the world and spread their blight upon the land, the Shadow Crusaders fight to keep the people safe. Halira and Dimitri both enlist and set off to train with the Crusaders. Halira knows she's different but it's a secret she holds close to her heart. If anyone finds out, she's as good as dead.
Monsters, weapons, dark secrets, what more could you ask for? Read this book!