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annabethjoy23's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
lolovesbooks3's review against another edition
3.0
This was promising and I was excited to read it!
Eliza was a unique strong heroine and the idea of the story was great. I think I was a bit disappointed because we heard a lot about her amazing skills in code cracking, memorizing documents, shooting pistols and long bows, her knife skills, etc etc but we really didn’t get to see her use them very much. For example, one of the rare times she needed to defend herself, she couldn’t reach her knife because it was under her dress. Don’t you think a top female agent would have access to her knife when wearing gowns? There were a few moments where she saw action, but it felt lackluster after how much her skills were built up.
I liked the mix of spy action and romance in this book, but the romance was very insta love. I was disappointed by this because I was looking forward to watching them fall in love as they worked together on missions, which wasn’t the case at all. They fell in love almost instantly and then most or the book revolves around their relationship and not their work.
Ultimately this was a romance with a lot of conversation about being a spy and not much about actually spying. I was hoping the relationship would be intertwined with the spy mission, but they actually felt like completely separate parts of the book.
Still a entertaining read, but it didn’t live up to its potential, IMO.
Eliza was a unique strong heroine and the idea of the story was great. I think I was a bit disappointed because we heard a lot about her amazing skills in code cracking, memorizing documents, shooting pistols and long bows, her knife skills, etc etc but we really didn’t get to see her use them very much. For example, one of the rare times she needed to defend herself, she couldn’t reach her knife because it was under her dress. Don’t you think a top female agent would have access to her knife when wearing gowns? There were a few moments where she saw action, but it felt lackluster after how much her skills were built up.
I liked the mix of spy action and romance in this book, but the romance was very insta love. I was disappointed by this because I was looking forward to watching them fall in love as they worked together on missions, which wasn’t the case at all. They fell in love almost instantly and then most or the book revolves around their relationship and not their work.
Ultimately this was a romance with a lot of conversation about being a spy and not much about actually spying. I was hoping the relationship would be intertwined with the spy mission, but they actually felt like completely separate parts of the book.
Still a entertaining read, but it didn’t live up to its potential, IMO.
100pagesaday's review against another edition
5.0
Lady Elizabeth Beckett has been trained as a code-breaker and spy for the English Crown from an early age. Elizabeth watched in envy as her brother Jonathon took on dangerous missions and soon forced her way into accompanying him. Being adept at the longbow and a dagger, Elizabeth excelled in the field and earned the code name Shadow. When young ladies begin to disappear around London, Eliza makes it her personal mission to stop the man responsible for selling the women off. However, to complete the mission, Eliza must partner with the agent, Benedict, who believes his step-brother is responsible for the missing girls. When Eliza and Benedict meet, sparks fly, but the mission must come first.
Saving Shadow is a fun, intriguing, historical spy-thriller with just the right touch of romance. I absolutely loved Eliza's character, for a story set in Regency London Eliza is a good blend of a lady of high society and a woman who gets to use her intellect while not being pigeonholed into the image of a proper woman. I enjoyed that her intelligence and unique talents of memory and coding were utilized and promoted instead of stifled. I do wish we could have seen some of the examples of the encryptions that she decoded. My favorite scenes were those where Eliza was in action, it is truly her element. The theme of being in control was prevalent throughout the story. Eliza wanted to continue having control over her life after being banished from the control of her mother's household. All of the men in Eliza's life attempted to establish control, however quickly learned that it would not work with Eliza. The man responsible for the kidnappings of the young women also wanted to feel powerful and in control. The pacing of the story was just right, I savored the scheme leading up to Eliza and Benedict finding the stolen women and bringing down the man responsible. Not to mention the super-sweet romance with a wonderful amount of witty banter that added some spice. I'll look forward to reading more about the Beckett's in A Peculiar Courtship.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Saving Shadow is a fun, intriguing, historical spy-thriller with just the right touch of romance. I absolutely loved Eliza's character, for a story set in Regency London Eliza is a good blend of a lady of high society and a woman who gets to use her intellect while not being pigeonholed into the image of a proper woman. I enjoyed that her intelligence and unique talents of memory and coding were utilized and promoted instead of stifled. I do wish we could have seen some of the examples of the encryptions that she decoded. My favorite scenes were those where Eliza was in action, it is truly her element. The theme of being in control was prevalent throughout the story. Eliza wanted to continue having control over her life after being banished from the control of her mother's household. All of the men in Eliza's life attempted to establish control, however quickly learned that it would not work with Eliza. The man responsible for the kidnappings of the young women also wanted to feel powerful and in control. The pacing of the story was just right, I savored the scheme leading up to Eliza and Benedict finding the stolen women and bringing down the man responsible. Not to mention the super-sweet romance with a wonderful amount of witty banter that added some spice. I'll look forward to reading more about the Beckett's in A Peculiar Courtship.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
sassysmutlover's review against another edition
5.0
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review
I am hooked on this series! I couldn't put it down and then had to talk about it. The way it opens will instantly pull you in and you will never know what is coming next. I loved that instant connection between them and how they really helped each other. I almost dropped my book at the twist about her and then again with the one about her mother. I was on the edge of my sea when she was on the ship but had to cheer with how it ended. I loved that there were backstories for Martha and Mr. Lawson because they are favorites of mine. I can't wait for the next one!
Eliza is an extremely smart and independent woman, but she is haunted by what she had to do. I loved her right away because she was very real about things and that she could throw a dagger. I felt for her because she needed help to understand what happened and to get past it, but she didn't trust anyone fully with her heart.
Benedict is a man that is very understanding and determined to find justice one way or another for his brother. He was a natural charmer, but in a good way and knew when he was wrong. I loved that he didn't even bat an eye at what she told him and that he knew what his heart wanted right away.
I am hooked on this series! I couldn't put it down and then had to talk about it. The way it opens will instantly pull you in and you will never know what is coming next. I loved that instant connection between them and how they really helped each other. I almost dropped my book at the twist about her and then again with the one about her mother. I was on the edge of my sea when she was on the ship but had to cheer with how it ended. I loved that there were backstories for Martha and Mr. Lawson because they are favorites of mine. I can't wait for the next one!
Eliza is an extremely smart and independent woman, but she is haunted by what she had to do. I loved her right away because she was very real about things and that she could throw a dagger. I felt for her because she needed help to understand what happened and to get past it, but she didn't trust anyone fully with her heart.
Benedict is a man that is very understanding and determined to find justice one way or another for his brother. He was a natural charmer, but in a good way and knew when he was wrong. I loved that he didn't even bat an eye at what she told him and that he knew what his heart wanted right away.
leslie_books_and_socks_rock's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book with the spy element and seriously swoon worthy sweet romance! I can't wait to read the other books in the series!
sourpersimmon's review
I love Laura Beers but the writing and characterization in this book were too over the top tropey/cringey for me to continue. Somehow her other series were much easier with better flow.
meezcarrie's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
I’m always up for new Regency fiction. Throw in some spies, a swoony hero, and a strong heroine? Sign me up please!
Lady Eliza Beckett is certainly not a typical Regency heroine. For starters, she has a eidetic memory which comes in handy for snooping around high-stakes documents and correspondence. Because rather than bide her time embroidering on a settee or playing Whist in the drawing room, she is instead Shadow – the code name for England’s most notorious spy and assassin. I loved that she knows her own mind, that she doesn’t take condescension from ‘the boys club’, and that she kicks butt and takes names.
There are a few things that could be a bit tighter. For example, a lot of the dialogue feels like narrative/info dumping and overall the narrative itself leans more toward telling than showing. Also, the romance felt a tad rushed and could have used some more development between the initial sizzle of chemistry and declarations of love. Besides the kisses. Lots of kisses. Good kisses. And the swoony Lord Benedict. But it needed more emotional dimension, in my opinion.
Bottom Line: Saving Shadow is full of intrigue and romance! From the strong, independent heroine to the dashing hero and most of the people in between, the characters are vibrant and engaging. While it’s true that this debut novel could use a little tightening, overall it is an enjoyable adventure!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
I’m always up for new Regency fiction. Throw in some spies, a swoony hero, and a strong heroine? Sign me up please!
Lady Eliza Beckett is certainly not a typical Regency heroine. For starters, she has a eidetic memory which comes in handy for snooping around high-stakes documents and correspondence. Because rather than bide her time embroidering on a settee or playing Whist in the drawing room, she is instead Shadow – the code name for England’s most notorious spy and assassin. I loved that she knows her own mind, that she doesn’t take condescension from ‘the boys club’, and that she kicks butt and takes names.
There are a few things that could be a bit tighter. For example, a lot of the dialogue feels like narrative/info dumping and overall the narrative itself leans more toward telling than showing. Also, the romance felt a tad rushed and could have used some more development between the initial sizzle of chemistry and declarations of love. Besides the kisses. Lots of kisses. Good kisses. And the swoony Lord Benedict. But it needed more emotional dimension, in my opinion.
Bottom Line: Saving Shadow is full of intrigue and romance! From the strong, independent heroine to the dashing hero and most of the people in between, the characters are vibrant and engaging. While it’s true that this debut novel could use a little tightening, overall it is an enjoyable adventure!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
apagetoturn's review
4.0
I'm a sucker for some historical romance, and I just devoured this book in less than 36 hours! It was so good, so creative, and interesting. I've also not read much of what is considered "regency", so that was a new aspect for me as well. I can't believe I've never given books like this a shot before!
Lady Eliza is not the typical 1900's lady - she is a spy. She is also the daughter of a Nobleman, a Duke.
She has some spunk and spirit; has her own set of beliefs; and is an all around strong female lead. She is not the character to back down from a fight or to stand aside and let anyone take advantage of someone else.
The romance plays a huge part in this story - the attraction between Eliza and Benedict jumps off pretty quick as I would imagine it happened way back when. I feel like that was more of a testament to the culture of the time period than it was "insta-love". I really enjoyed their interactions a lot, and their ability to quickly become a team.
I thought the writing style was really a mix of modern and classic, and the story was full of action and adventure while remaining pretty clean. It was truly a refreshing story!
Lady Eliza is not the typical 1900's lady - she is a spy. She is also the daughter of a Nobleman, a Duke.
She has some spunk and spirit; has her own set of beliefs; and is an all around strong female lead. She is not the character to back down from a fight or to stand aside and let anyone take advantage of someone else.
The romance plays a huge part in this story - the attraction between Eliza and Benedict jumps off pretty quick as I would imagine it happened way back when. I feel like that was more of a testament to the culture of the time period than it was "insta-love". I really enjoyed their interactions a lot, and their ability to quickly become a team.
I thought the writing style was really a mix of modern and classic, and the story was full of action and adventure while remaining pretty clean. It was truly a refreshing story!
bookswithnopictures's review
2.0
The first several chapters were very entertaining and the story held a lot of promise. Just shy of the halfway point, I lost interest. I was hoping for a lot more action and less dialogue, more intrigue and far less flirtation.