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A review by elisa_menz
Shade of Light by Kimberly Grymes
adventurous
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It never ceases to amaze me how despite reading hundreds of books, I still manage to find original and unexpected stories.
In Shade of Light, we have a morally grey heroine who ticks all the boxes of an absolute badass. Self-reliant, courageous, and smart. After escaping the villainous general who took her off the streets and turned her into a weapon, Adele could have gone anywhere. She had no attachments and all she wanted was her freedom and some peace. But she was due some answers about her past, and we join her as she goes back to her village.
While this first part of the book was interesting--discovering Adele's character and the turbulent world she lives in--the moment she reaches her hometown, things escalate rather quickly. A string of big events and revelations keeps you glued to the pages and soon have you connecting the dots and going "oooh" pretty often. I loved it!
I really enjoyed the author's writing style. It was fast and to the point, but it never felt rushed. We get as much information as we need to follow the story, but keep a good pace because we need answers and everyone in this village has mastered the art of being mysterious and sly. Just answer the question!
I also loved Adele's character. Cold and a bit sullen on the outside, but fiercely loyal and kind on the inside. And what's best is that she doesn't become an entirely different person by the end of the book, rather than learn to accept herself, the good, the bad, and the ugly. This dash of reality in a fantasy novel is what makes a story truly remarkable and relatable.
Looking forward to book two because I still need some answers!
In Shade of Light, we have a morally grey heroine who ticks all the boxes of an absolute badass. Self-reliant, courageous, and smart. After escaping the villainous general who took her off the streets and turned her into a weapon, Adele could have gone anywhere. She had no attachments and all she wanted was her freedom and some peace. But she was due some answers about her past, and we join her as she goes back to her village.
While this first part of the book was interesting--discovering Adele's character and the turbulent world she lives in--the moment she reaches her hometown, things escalate rather quickly. A string of big events and revelations keeps you glued to the pages and soon have you connecting the dots and going "oooh" pretty often. I loved it!
I really enjoyed the author's writing style. It was fast and to the point, but it never felt rushed. We get as much information as we need to follow the story, but keep a good pace because we need answers and everyone in this village has mastered the art of being mysterious and sly. Just answer the question!
I also loved Adele's character. Cold and a bit sullen on the outside, but fiercely loyal and kind on the inside. And what's best is that she doesn't become an entirely different person by the end of the book, rather than learn to accept herself, the good, the bad, and the ugly. This dash of reality in a fantasy novel is what makes a story truly remarkable and relatable.
Looking forward to book two because I still need some answers!