A review by thebookishren
A Tempest of Shadows by Jane Washington

4.0

This book was brutal. It wasn't a romance...yet. Our FMC, Lavenia, was put through HELL from the very first chapter. Tortured, shunned, and blamed for things FATE set into place for her.

Split between 5 twisted, manipulative Masters and shadowed by Calder, her "protector," I have to admit I cringed quite a bit throughout most of this book. This wasn't an easy read. SO many bad things happen to Ven that I felt depressed reading this book.

But at the same time, the setting, the plot, the world building was so beautifully written I couldn't read this fast enough. I was awed as I watched Ven navigate through 5 completely different, yet similar places. Through TONS of trials and tribulations she forged new friendships and gained a confidence that will allow her to become the fated Tempest. This is SLOW burn. I didn't see any romance but it clung to the background. I'm definitely intrigued about where this series is going. I just hope we get a lighter theme in future books because this one just felt dark and gloomy.