Author: Ashley Laster
Publisher: Indie
Released: February 20, 2025
Received: Reedsy
Find it on Storygraph | More Paranormal Fantasy
Book Summary:
Ari Jones pretty much just had her entire life uprooted. She and her mom are moving to a tiny town in what feels like the middle of nowhere. It’s supposed to be a fresh start, but it really isn’t. For starters, Ari’s hallucinations are still very much present.
The only difference is that Ari now has reason to question whether they’re hallucinations or reality. That’s perhaps not the best news, because if they’re real, then her dad is really in danger, and she’s the only one who can help free him.
My Review:
I’m not ashamed to admit the two primary reasons why I wanted to give Shades and Shadows a try. First, that cover! It’s stunning. Second, the comps sounded compelling: Supernatural meets The Mortal Instruments. It’s kind of hard for me to pass that up. I would like to add one more comp to the list, as many parts of this book reminded me of the setting for Coraline (the house, the mysterious landlady who knows more about the property, etc).
Overall, I’d say that Shades and Shadows is a lighter foray into the world of fantasy and the paranormal. While it does deal with death and other more permanent stakes, it never feels overly dark. The banter between Ari and Sam probably helps there.
The world itself is probably the highlight of the story, as Ashley Lester can certainly describe a scene! I was less attached to her characters than I would have liked, but the worldbuilding really got me hooked. On that note, I do think the character development could have been pushed a bit more, which would have also helped encourage reader attachment, so it’s a win-win.
Shades and Shadows is a quick and fun read. The worldbuilding is phenomenal, and the inclusion of biblically accurate demons and angels made me smile. It’s full of lore and references, and thus is a great starting point for newer fantasy lovers.
Highlights:
- Paranormal Fantasy
- Mental Health/Anxiety
- Ghosts, Angels, and Demons
- Coraline Vibes
- Urban Fantasy (and a cat!)
Thanks to Ashley Laster and #Reedsy for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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