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A review by 2blueshoes
The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Look, starting off your book with a quote from Vampire Diaries is a bold choice. Perhaps it should also have been a red flag.
Somewhere along the recent journey of reading fantasy romances about “morally ambiguous shadow zaddies…” I have come to the conclusion that I do in fact require SOME morality to be present in order to root for characters.
In so many ways this book aligns with very typical fantasy tropes:
1. A “feminist for her time” heroine is thrust into a situation where she is competing for power, and finds love along the way.
2. A psychologically tortured hero in a position of political power finds himself captivated by the heroine who originally wont give him the time of day.
3. They are both attractive. Various plot points keep them apart. Lots of longing glances occur. They slowly reveal their true selves to each other. Meanwhile, larger forces threaten their lives and happiness. Happy ending.
Yes, great, sign me up. 👍🏻
Here’s where the tropes end: these characters do not abide by (traditional western) morality. They do not root for the underdogs. They do not seek fairness. They actively pursue injustice to benefit themselves. They are unrepentant in murder and celebrate their success in silencing anyone who questions the monarchy. There is a “Robin Hood” type character who is trying to help poor people, and they happilyput him in jail for life . When they get vulnerable with each other, the hopes and dreams they share are to “conquer all people and kingdoms” and “have ultimate power”.
I mean, at least they are aligned in their shared values… I guess?
There are a few things to love about this book.
- The author has chosen to write a heroine who is liberated in her body and sexuality, and who knows her own worth, which I applaud. (Side note: despite this, this book is fully fade-to-black when it comes to intimacy scenes.)
- While being an absolute dick to everyone else, the heroine does champion her two closest friends (while also kind of making fun of them in her head).
- There is only a very small element of magic in the story, but it’s a new take. There is some interesting fashion stuff if you are into that, and I only saw half of the surprise twist ending in advance.
If you love stories about really unusual characters, perhaps you’ll love this.
For me, this love story was believable - but I simply didn’t want to believe in it.
Somewhere along the recent journey of reading fantasy romances about “morally ambiguous shadow zaddies…” I have come to the conclusion that I do in fact require SOME morality to be present in order to root for characters.
In so many ways this book aligns with very typical fantasy tropes:
1. A “feminist for her time” heroine is thrust into a situation where she is competing for power, and finds love along the way.
2. A psychologically tortured hero in a position of political power finds himself captivated by the heroine who originally wont give him the time of day.
3. They are both attractive. Various plot points keep them apart. Lots of longing glances occur. They slowly reveal their true selves to each other. Meanwhile, larger forces threaten their lives and happiness. Happy ending.
Yes, great, sign me up. 👍🏻
Here’s where the tropes end: these characters do not abide by (traditional western) morality. They do not root for the underdogs. They do not seek fairness. They actively pursue injustice to benefit themselves. They are unrepentant in murder and celebrate their success in silencing anyone who questions the monarchy. There is a “Robin Hood” type character who is trying to help poor people, and they happily
I mean, at least they are aligned in their shared values… I guess?
There are a few things to love about this book.
- The author has chosen to write a heroine who is liberated in her body and sexuality, and who knows her own worth, which I applaud. (Side note: despite this, this book is fully fade-to-black when it comes to intimacy scenes.)
- While being an absolute dick to everyone else, the heroine does champion her two closest friends (while also kind of making fun of them in her head).
- There is only a very small element of magic in the story, but it’s a new take. There is some interesting fashion stuff if you are into that, and I only saw half of the surprise twist ending in advance.
If you love stories about really unusual characters, perhaps you’ll love this.
For me, this love story was believable - but I simply didn’t want to believe in it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Death of parent and Classism
Minor: Violence and Sexual harassment