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minionjenn's review
5.0
Can’t say enough good things about this book!
It’s nice and fast paced with a pleasant amount of information giving out slowly so we are able to make are own assumptions.
Definitely check your trigger warnings before reading!
Angles, demons, and werwolf’s you can’t go wrong.
It’s nice and fast paced with a pleasant amount of information giving out slowly so we are able to make are own assumptions.
Definitely check your trigger warnings before reading!
Angles, demons, and werwolf’s you can’t go wrong.
birddbookss's review
5.0
This powerful story was filled with so many tragic, emotional, and heart fluttering moments! I honestly don't even know where to begin.
There was not a single chapter where I wasn't lost in the pages, feeling every emotion, from kicking my feet giggling to sobbing quietly. It's been a while since I have been so deeply, emotionally invested, and connected with a character than I was with River.
There was action, mind-bending reveals, feminine rage, sweet friendship, tender romance, and incredible magic.
The last couple chapters had me hunched over the pages, holding the book in a death grip, crying my eyes out. I don't know how I'll ever recover.
There was not a single chapter where I wasn't lost in the pages, feeling every emotion, from kicking my feet giggling to sobbing quietly. It's been a while since I have been so deeply, emotionally invested, and connected with a character than I was with River.
There was action, mind-bending reveals, feminine rage, sweet friendship, tender romance, and incredible magic.
The last couple chapters had me hunched over the pages, holding the book in a death grip, crying my eyes out. I don't know how I'll ever recover.
cicismama1019's review
5.0
This was such an immersive and creative read. I love that we get surfing mixed in with all of the fantasy elements. Her grief manifested itself in these “voices” who stick with her for YEARS until one day, they’re no longer there. Next thing you know, River is thrown into a whole supernatural world with angels and demons, werewolves and more. I loved her best friend Javi and low key was hoping they’d become more lol.
ember1999's review
5.0
*I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review*
I could not put this book down, it was so good. This a true Young Adult novel about finding yourself and figuring out who you are and who you want to be; all the while fighting demons, of course. I loved that I could see the change in River throughout the novel; it allowed me to really connect to her. I felt her pain with her when the boy she loved betrayed her and broke her heart. I felt like I was right there with her when it happened.
The imagery used is also really good. I could paint a picture in my head every time I read. I highly recommend this novel, especially to middle - high school students who love reading the paranormal. It is truly a great read.
I could not put this book down, it was so good. This a true Young Adult novel about finding yourself and figuring out who you are and who you want to be; all the while fighting demons, of course. I loved that I could see the change in River throughout the novel; it allowed me to really connect to her. I felt her pain with her when the boy she loved betrayed her and broke her heart. I felt like I was right there with her when it happened.
The imagery used is also really good. I could paint a picture in my head every time I read. I highly recommend this novel, especially to middle - high school students who love reading the paranormal. It is truly a great read.
art_books_chemistry's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was a little worried about this book, around the one third mark due to its similarity with City of Bones by C. Clare. But it pulled through and distinguished itself enough for me to give it 4 well deserved stars. Unlike some other more traditional protagonists, River is quite flawed and in such a way as to affect the story. Her personal history has several big hurtles to cross and the plot progression reflects that. I will say, it doesn't necessarily make her the most lovable MC but she is definitely relatable.
I did guess the major plot twist from the very beginning, though some clues made me think that was the author's intention. If you have an issue with cliffhangers, I don't recommend this, hah. Although some questions are answered, just as many are opened at the end.
I did guess the major plot twist from the very beginning, though some clues made me think that was the author's intention. If you have an issue with cliffhangers, I don't recommend this, hah. Although some questions are answered, just as many are opened at the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Violence, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Rape and Injury/Injury detail
kmartbooks's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
4.0
River is a young woman who suffers from sensory issues. While everyone else hears background noise, stressful situations turn those into a trio of enigmatic Voices. The Voices showed up after the tragic loss of her mother. When River is abruptly disconnected from these Voices at her graduation party, she is treated to a semblance of normalcy she has yearned for. However, this newfound normality quickly dissolves when her life becomes even more complex.
As River navigates through numerous supernatural situations, she finds herself entwined in a complex, age-old conflict between worlds. Alongside a mysterious hunter named Ryder, she embarks on a quest to rediscover her lost connection with the Voices and uncover the buried truths of her mother's past.
This book was immersive and thoroughly enjoyable. While categorically a(n older) young adult novel, it was able to captivate through its nostalgic elements, complex themes, and exploration of pivotal coming-of-age experiences. The narrative artfully portrays the shifting dynamics of relationships, particularly River's emotional journey with Javi and the bittersweetness of outgrowing or shifting friendships.
The theme of grief and its intricate complexities struck a deep chord, resonating strongly with me. The story not only engages readers through its contemporary fantasy elements but also delves into the intricate layers of human emotions and personal growth, creating a compelling narrative that explores the nuances of tragedy and the subsequent impact on an individual's life.
Thanks to the author and R&R booktours for the review copy. This is an honest review.
As River navigates through numerous supernatural situations, she finds herself entwined in a complex, age-old conflict between worlds. Alongside a mysterious hunter named Ryder, she embarks on a quest to rediscover her lost connection with the Voices and uncover the buried truths of her mother's past.
This book was immersive and thoroughly enjoyable. While categorically a(n older) young adult novel, it was able to captivate through its nostalgic elements, complex themes, and exploration of pivotal coming-of-age experiences. The narrative artfully portrays the shifting dynamics of relationships, particularly River's emotional journey with Javi and the bittersweetness of outgrowing or shifting friendships.
The theme of grief and its intricate complexities struck a deep chord, resonating strongly with me. The story not only engages readers through its contemporary fantasy elements but also delves into the intricate layers of human emotions and personal growth, creating a compelling narrative that explores the nuances of tragedy and the subsequent impact on an individual's life.
Thanks to the author and R&R booktours for the review copy. This is an honest review.
cait_reads13's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.75
Book Review! Thank you so much Tory Guyon and @rrbooktours for the signed physical copy of Angel of Water and Shadow. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I absolutely LOVE urban fantasy. There is something about our world colliding with a fantasy realm that gets me every time. It’s easy to see why I had to request a copy of Angel of Water and Shadow, a newly published upper YA paranormal/fantasy romance set on the sultry beaches of Santa Cruz. Readers, this one does not disappoint!
One of the things I loved most about FMC, River Harlow, is that she’s not like most fantasy FMCs. River isn’t the strongest, smartest, most special person to ever walk the Earth. She’s real. She struggles in school, finds certain situations overstimulating, and just wants to spend her time hanging out with her best friend, Javier, and surfing. In short, she’s actually very relatable, which I find refreshing.
Of course, the book couldn’t be a romantic fantasy without the romance 🥰! Lucky for the reader, smoke show, Ryder, fits the bill perfectly. It’s completely understandable why River can’t get Ryder out of her head from the first moment she lays eyes on him. The man never leaves home without his bow and arrows, can slay demons, and always shows up when River needs rescuing. *sighs*😍
Although I enjoyed getting to know River, hands down my favorite character in the book is Javier. He’s exactly the kind of hot, always-there-for you-bestie-but-maybe-could-be-something-more sidekick of my dreams. This man dropped by River’s place of employment with her favorite candy unprompted when he knew she had a bad day. 😭 How could you not fall in love at least a little bit?
That huge plot twist at the end had me reeling! I can’t wait to see what happens in the next installment!
In the pages, you will find:
Lovers to enemies
🪽Mental health rep
😈“Good girl”
🐺Forbidden love
🪽Morally gray MMC
😈Chosen one
🐺Warring realms
🪽Hidden identities
😈Betrayal
🐺Elemental magic
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
bookwyrms_shelf's review
4.0
River is just another ordinary senior in high school, trying to get to graduation despite a struggle to focus pretty much all the time. Hearing voices in her head constantly and having episodes where she is completely out of it have made life harder for River, but she's never been able to figure out why they're there it where they came from.
I loved the way everything was set up for her-best friend Javi who of course wants more; Ryder, the mysterious and gorgeous stranger who knows about the world she's just been thrust into; and River, the teen with a tragic past who has relied on her dad and Javi for her whole life, and is now being forced to upend everything she thought she ever knew.
The emotions in this feel so real and relatable, they were really well done. The development between River and Ryder seemed a bit rushed and felt a little bit off the wholetime, but for good reason. She seems to be adapting and accepting her new identity, but of course there are obstacles to be faced.
I loved the way everything was set up for her-best friend Javi who of course wants more; Ryder, the mysterious and gorgeous stranger who knows about the world she's just been thrust into; and River, the teen with a tragic past who has relied on her dad and Javi for her whole life, and is now being forced to upend everything she thought she ever knew.
The emotions in this feel so real and relatable, they were really well done. The development between River and Ryder seemed a bit rushed and felt a little bit off the wholetime, but for good reason. She seems to be adapting and accepting her new identity, but of course there are obstacles to be faced.
originalbooknerd's review
4.0
Angel of Water and Shadow - Book of the Watchers #1 - Review
Couple: River & Ryder
Author: Tory Guyon
Tropes: Angel/Demon, hidden heir, prophetic romance, batboy romance, PNR
Review: If you like hidden identities, plot twists and save the world prophecy then this book is for you. Tory’s debut novel is a great YA fantasy read for anyone wanting a clean and thrilling read.
The book is written from River’s POV and centers around her journey to learn about her past, her mother’s past and the voices she hears in her head. While this book has themes of a love triangle and enemy to lovers style MMCs, I did not really see the love triangle between River, Ryder and Javi. I felt like River really only had eyes for Ryder and Javi was more of a brother but we will see what happens in the next book.
I enjoyed this read and loved how it took a spin off the normal Angel/Demon romance. Tory did an amazing job with setting the scene and intriguing the audience with the plot twists and turns. The book’s ending will throw you for a loop and make you rage for River.
My favorite parts of this book were the way that River and Ryder bonded over their pasts. It made his betrayal in the end that much worse. However, I enjoyed the build up and the confidence he instilled in her about her past and her future with the supernaturals in her area.
The spice is minimal in this first book and leads to a really innocent and sweet romance between the two of them that begins to escalate before the implosion of them. I am looking forward to book 2 and how Ryder will progress as the MMC.
Rating: 8/10, great first book…the ending made me want book 2!
Couple: River & Ryder
Author: Tory Guyon
Tropes: Angel/Demon, hidden heir, prophetic romance, batboy romance, PNR
Review: If you like hidden identities, plot twists and save the world prophecy then this book is for you. Tory’s debut novel is a great YA fantasy read for anyone wanting a clean and thrilling read.
The book is written from River’s POV and centers around her journey to learn about her past, her mother’s past and the voices she hears in her head. While this book has themes of a love triangle and enemy to lovers style MMCs, I did not really see the love triangle between River, Ryder and Javi. I felt like River really only had eyes for Ryder and Javi was more of a brother but we will see what happens in the next book.
I enjoyed this read and loved how it took a spin off the normal Angel/Demon romance. Tory did an amazing job with setting the scene and intriguing the audience with the plot twists and turns. The book’s ending will throw you for a loop and make you rage for River.
My favorite parts of this book were the way that River and Ryder bonded over their pasts. It made his betrayal in the end that much worse. However, I enjoyed the build up and the confidence he instilled in her about her past and her future with the supernaturals in her area.
The spice is minimal in this first book and leads to a really innocent and sweet romance between the two of them that begins to escalate before the implosion of them. I am looking forward to book 2 and how Ryder will progress as the MMC.
Rating: 8/10, great first book…the ending made me want book 2!
onlybooksinmycoffin's review
4.0
Angel of Water and Shadow by Tory Guyon was given to me by Hidden Gems Books. I am voluntarily giving my honest review. My options are mine alone.
Angel of Water and Shadow follows seniors right out of high school Greer (a surfer girl) and Javi (super smart and kind). Greer has dealt with severe PTSD and guilt since she lost her mother due to a supposed drowning in the ocean trying to save Greer. Javi, her loyal and amazing best friend (possible boyfriend???), has supported her through it all. Her dad is semi-present, but they used to be close and he was the one who taught her our to surf. Things drastically change when she meets Ryder in the middle of the night on the way home from Grad Night at the famous Lost Boys beach/theme park in Santa Cruz, California. She learns the truth about her family and herself after running into Nephilim. And her co-worker isn't all she appears to be. Her life has just gotten more dramatic if the voices and loss of her mother wasn't enough.
Trigger Warnings: Violence, mature language, sexual content with 18 year old characters (we will get into that and shout out to Tory!), alcohol abuse, sexual harassment (Looking at you, Chet), anxiety, auditory hallucinations, depression, death, and suicidal ideation. Not for anyone under 16. (Taken from the content warning section of the book).
Genre 5/5 - Tory does a great job at writing for the fantasy/supernatural/YA fiction. True to the genre and easy to get into.
Characters 5/5 The characters are well written and are not one dimensional. Team Greer and Javi and Ryder can go touch grass. I also really loved her psychologist, Dr. Fairmore and her co-worker Shanley. Shanley is also LGBT and her girlfriend is epic. There is also high school bully and jock Chet, he is such trash.
Plot/theme 4/5 I loved how despite how plentiful this genre and type of plot and hero's journey is, Tory still finds away to standout and be unique while delivering us readers something sturdy and reliable to entertain. That being said, YA/Fantasy/Romantasy/Supernatural is still an impacted genre and it can be difficult to carve your own into. I loved how Greer wasn't in opposition to her bloodline or her nature like how it typically goes in these types of stories. She is actually very accepting and likes it. She and Javi's friendship is also a major highlight point for me and Ryder is trash. Greer is a strong surfer girl that deals with mental health issues, she has Javi and he is amazing. The story proceeds with demons, werewolves, and Greer being hunted down because of some political power grab by the Nephilim and the different dimension. The watchers are there to protect humans from Nephilim and all the different types that live in the other places. Magic is known as Source and I loved how the concept is that the Nephilim are actually very much sharing the earth and our realm with us 24/7 but not all of us see them because we closed off/rationalized them and thus lost our source or ability to see with our source. Greer hasn't and it is because she is half human. Shanley is a werewolf and we really get an amazing scene on Davenport Beach.
My only issue was the 18 year old explicit content. I personally stay away from YA written by adults, or YA written by 18 - 25 authors in general because if they feature sexually explicit content it comes off very gross. I was originally going to DNF and I had reached out to Tory before doing so. She is amazing, truly. She told me which parts to avoid and I was still able to read and enjoy her novel. I really enjoyed reading it up to that point. So, I was pleased she worked with me so I could still continue with the book. If you are like me and certain age groups getting it on is a little...predatory to you, reach out to Tory Guyon on instagram - she'll tell you what's up!
Pacing 4.5/5 Action packed and a quick read. I wish some of the lore was brought up in the book since this is book 1 and that Tory took the time to expand and elaborating a tad bit. I was stuck rating the pacing at 4.5 or 5 and it can lean either way. I love how action packed it was, yet at the same time I kind of wish certain elements were slowed down and expanded more. Like I would have loved to see another more calmness between all the hectic. Like her and Shanley could have had more time, or her and Javi. But, if you have issues with attention spans (I am ADHD, so sometimes these faster paced books are godsend), then you will definitely love the pacing. I can see the pacing being 5/5 for me on a bad, zero attention span day.
Prose 5/5 Tory writes in an action packed and excitatory type of style. she gives enough details but doesn't get lost in them which can help fellow attention sufferers. Not a complicated type of voice or word choice. The type of writing that is easy to get into and not need hours to break it down. I like it when an author can still exhibit the ability to be a show the reader writer without needing to drone on in order to do it.
Overall 4.7, I usually round up but, I still couldn't deal with the age range spicy. I have a lot of reasons but let my tl;dr it - psychology/social work. Yes I understand and accept teen sexuality, no I don't need to watcher read it, I am too grown and it feels icky at this age.
I will be skipping the next book in this installment. HOWEVER, Tory has another WIP that is more in the appropriate (for me) age range and I will be jumping on that so quickly. Especially since I did, overall, enjoy Angel of Water and Shadow. (Team Greer and Javi - they are too cute).
Angel of Water and Shadow follows seniors right out of high school Greer (a surfer girl) and Javi (super smart and kind). Greer has dealt with severe PTSD and guilt since she lost her mother due to a supposed drowning in the ocean trying to save Greer. Javi, her loyal and amazing best friend (possible boyfriend???), has supported her through it all. Her dad is semi-present, but they used to be close and he was the one who taught her our to surf. Things drastically change when she meets Ryder in the middle of the night on the way home from Grad Night at the famous Lost Boys beach/theme park in Santa Cruz, California. She learns the truth about her family and herself after running into Nephilim. And her co-worker isn't all she appears to be. Her life has just gotten more dramatic if the voices and loss of her mother wasn't enough.
Trigger Warnings: Violence, mature language, sexual content with 18 year old characters (we will get into that and shout out to Tory!), alcohol abuse, sexual harassment (Looking at you, Chet), anxiety, auditory hallucinations, depression, death, and suicidal ideation. Not for anyone under 16. (Taken from the content warning section of the book).
Genre 5/5 - Tory does a great job at writing for the fantasy/supernatural/YA fiction. True to the genre and easy to get into.
Characters 5/5 The characters are well written and are not one dimensional. Team Greer and Javi and Ryder can go touch grass. I also really loved her psychologist, Dr. Fairmore and her co-worker Shanley. Shanley is also LGBT and her girlfriend is epic. There is also high school bully and jock Chet, he is such trash.
Plot/theme 4/5 I loved how despite how plentiful this genre and type of plot and hero's journey is, Tory still finds away to standout and be unique while delivering us readers something sturdy and reliable to entertain. That being said, YA/Fantasy/Romantasy/Supernatural is still an impacted genre and it can be difficult to carve your own into. I loved how Greer wasn't in opposition to her bloodline or her nature like how it typically goes in these types of stories. She is actually very accepting and likes it. She and Javi's friendship is also a major highlight point for me and Ryder is trash. Greer is a strong surfer girl that deals with mental health issues, she has Javi and he is amazing. The story proceeds with demons, werewolves, and Greer being hunted down because of some political power grab by the Nephilim and the different dimension. The watchers are there to protect humans from Nephilim and all the different types that live in the other places. Magic is known as Source and I loved how the concept is that the Nephilim are actually very much sharing the earth and our realm with us 24/7 but not all of us see them because we closed off/rationalized them and thus lost our source or ability to see with our source. Greer hasn't and it is because she is half human. Shanley is a werewolf and we really get an amazing scene on Davenport Beach.
My only issue was the 18 year old explicit content. I personally stay away from YA written by adults, or YA written by 18 - 25 authors in general because if they feature sexually explicit content it comes off very gross. I was originally going to DNF and I had reached out to Tory before doing so. She is amazing, truly. She told me which parts to avoid and I was still able to read and enjoy her novel. I really enjoyed reading it up to that point. So, I was pleased she worked with me so I could still continue with the book. If you are like me and certain age groups getting it on is a little...predatory to you, reach out to Tory Guyon on instagram - she'll tell you what's up!
Pacing 4.5/5 Action packed and a quick read. I wish some of the lore was brought up in the book since this is book 1 and that Tory took the time to expand and elaborating a tad bit. I was stuck rating the pacing at 4.5 or 5 and it can lean either way. I love how action packed it was, yet at the same time I kind of wish certain elements were slowed down and expanded more. Like I would have loved to see another more calmness between all the hectic. Like her and Shanley could have had more time, or her and Javi. But, if you have issues with attention spans (I am ADHD, so sometimes these faster paced books are godsend), then you will definitely love the pacing. I can see the pacing being 5/5 for me on a bad, zero attention span day.
Prose 5/5 Tory writes in an action packed and excitatory type of style. she gives enough details but doesn't get lost in them which can help fellow attention sufferers. Not a complicated type of voice or word choice. The type of writing that is easy to get into and not need hours to break it down. I like it when an author can still exhibit the ability to be a show the reader writer without needing to drone on in order to do it.
Overall 4.7, I usually round up but, I still couldn't deal with the age range spicy. I have a lot of reasons but let my tl;dr it - psychology/social work. Yes I understand and accept teen sexuality, no I don't need to watcher read it, I am too grown and it feels icky at this age.
I will be skipping the next book in this installment. HOWEVER, Tory has another WIP that is more in the appropriate (for me) age range and I will be jumping on that so quickly. Especially since I did, overall, enjoy Angel of Water and Shadow. (Team Greer and Javi - they are too cute).