#QueerLitLoft

Each new jaunt into the Rand universe is as delightfully magical as the last.

The Shadows Rise continues where the Daughter of The Light left off; Shadow Monsters are roaming across Rand, hunting the innocent, called forth by the Witches Coven. As Savannah, Pela and Co continue their Light Bender preparations, they are joined by the half-blood Sable cat Tempi in the race to thwart the Coven’s attempt to wreak havoc across every inch of Rand.

The first half of The Shadows Rise is a little slow to get going, and the plot often felt here, there, and everywhere. However, by the second half the tempo increases with each chapter action packed, as Rand’s smorgasbord of characters do what they do best: fight to save their homes and their loved ones.

This time around we get to experience a coupling which isn’t born of royalty. The pairing is instead that of Tempi, a half-blood Sable cat and a member of the secret Guild of Hunters, and Ketra, a half-blood warrior and Guard to the Queen of the Sirens. It was a nice change to have a pairing that is removed from the pomp and privilege of royalty and high society. It gave a different viewpoint of Rand and opened up another avenue to explore with respect to the Guild of Hunters.

Esme the fortune teller plays a more substantial role in this book, She’s a great character, full of mischief, unabashed banter, and quite likely a hoot in any endeavor she turns her hand to. There’s also more cuteness from Rand’s princesses – Bea and Feya, with it becoming clearer with each passing day that Feya is a powerful telepath on a scale not yet seen in Rand. The happenings throughout The Shadows Rise make plain that Feya will play an integral part in Rand’s final fate.

The scenes throughout the book also take place in more varied settings than previous books, perhaps reflective of the less noble characters of Rand being in the limelight for this installment. The use of a bondage club was an unexpected, yet delightful discovery despite its nefarious undertakings.

The real clincher however is the cliff hanger ending. As much as I enjoyed this story, I am so eager for the next book, already!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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