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Shadow's Lure #2
Casting Light
Bastian
When life dragged me down, I assumed I’d never get back up. I never guessed that Andras—the dark magic user I was always told to fear—would not only give me a helping hand but draw me into his arms and protect me from those who wished to harm me.
I never imagined that Andras and his “danger noodle” would be there to make me laugh, to care about me, and show me what it means to be loved. But now, the two of us have to prove to the Casters that we won’t be knocked down. Not when we don’t know who we can trust… and when there’s something darker coming for all of us.
Andras
As the hunt for the book that started all of this comes to a head, our enemies are getting closer, but so is the truth of what happened when my light magic was taken years ago. While they’ve fought to tear us apart, they’ve done nothing but draw us together as well as nearer to the truth.
I’m determined to finish this so I can get my happy ever after with the man I love and show him all of the little things he missed out in life. Oh, and so he can make me more chili.
Casting Light is the thrilling and humorous conclusion to the Shadow’s Lure duology.
When life dragged me down, I assumed I’d never get back up. I never guessed that Andras—the dark magic user I was always told to fear—would not only give me a helping hand but draw me into his arms and protect me from those who wished to harm me.
I never imagined that Andras and his “danger noodle” would be there to make me laugh, to care about me, and show me what it means to be loved. But now, the two of us have to prove to the Casters that we won’t be knocked down. Not when we don’t know who we can trust… and when there’s something darker coming for all of us.
Andras
As the hunt for the book that started all of this comes to a head, our enemies are getting closer, but so is the truth of what happened when my light magic was taken years ago. While they’ve fought to tear us apart, they’ve done nothing but draw us together as well as nearer to the truth.
I’m determined to finish this so I can get my happy ever after with the man I love and show him all of the little things he missed out in life. Oh, and so he can make me more chili.
Casting Light is the thrilling and humorous conclusion to the Shadow’s Lure duology.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2023
157 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Alice Winters
66 books2,839 followersAlice Winters started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to turn her ideas into written words. She loves writing a variety of things from romance and comedy to action. She also enjoys reading, horseback riding, and spending time with her pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
September 20, 2023
I really struggled with this one. It took me TWO DAYS to read it, when usually I read 2+ books a day!!! I kept putting it down and voluntarily doing unnecessary housework 😱
Like I said in my review of the first part of this duology, the plot was just too confusing to follow. Every time they start to explain and you think you'll finally understand what's going on, and what everyone is doing, they stop talking and go off to do something completely random! By the time everything was unveiled, I was over it and it had been so long between explanations that I couldn't even remember what we'd already found out.
This duo has been possibly the most frustrating reading experience I've had. What annoys me most is that I really liked the characters, I just didn't have a clue what was going on.
I think it's one of those series you need to re-read pretty much straight away for everything to really make sense, but it irritated me so much that I don't want to re-read this, maybe ever!!!
Like I said in my review of the first part of this duology, the plot was just too confusing to follow. Every time they start to explain and you think you'll finally understand what's going on, and what everyone is doing, they stop talking and go off to do something completely random! By the time everything was unveiled, I was over it and it had been so long between explanations that I couldn't even remember what we'd already found out.
This duo has been possibly the most frustrating reading experience I've had. What annoys me most is that I really liked the characters, I just didn't have a clue what was going on.
I think it's one of those series you need to re-read pretty much straight away for everything to really make sense, but it irritated me so much that I don't want to re-read this, maybe ever!!!
October 7, 2023
A riotous end to this duology
Honestly, I don't really think I have even a vague idea of what actually happened in this book. Or how the whole bad guy plot started in the first place.
But, it really doesn't matter because the story here is entertaining all on its own and I love both Andras and Bastian anyway.
Let's just say I wouldn't in a million years have ever come up with the villain at the centre of the plot or worked out how it was going to draw to a satisfactory conclusion.
But it does and it was a riot, plenty of smiles along the way as the villains are vanquished and some sort of order is returned to the chaos.
This is a duology but I have to say I would have liked one more book I think so we could see what was going on with Oliver and Roman and how everyone was coping with the new way of life.
Honestly, I don't really think I have even a vague idea of what actually happened in this book. Or how the whole bad guy plot started in the first place.
But, it really doesn't matter because the story here is entertaining all on its own and I love both Andras and Bastian anyway.
Let's just say I wouldn't in a million years have ever come up with the villain at the centre of the plot or worked out how it was going to draw to a satisfactory conclusion.
But it does and it was a riot, plenty of smiles along the way as the villains are vanquished and some sort of order is returned to the chaos.
This is a duology but I have to say I would have liked one more book I think so we could see what was going on with Oliver and Roman and how everyone was coping with the new way of life.
December 23, 2023
SO SO Funny!
I love Andras and Bastian together, I love how Andras just makes the best out of everything and brings life and joy to Bastian's life. I adored them bowling together LOL There is a little bit more steam in this one to at the end.
And let's be honest - Sssoren is the best lol
Now I really want something for Oliver and Roman haha.
I love Andras and Bastian together, I love how Andras just makes the best out of everything and brings life and joy to Bastian's life. I adored them bowling together LOL There is a little bit more steam in this one to at the end.
And let's be honest - Sssoren is the best lol
Now I really want something for Oliver and Roman haha.
February 11, 2025
3～3.35 stars?? I don't know, it was just one thing after another and just felt too chaotic & messy. Also, I really dislike flashbacks (unless they are brief).
I liked Roman much better in this one though so 🤗
I liked Roman much better in this one though so 🤗
May 10, 2024
AUDIO REVIEW
What a wild ride this book was! Nothing turned out like I expected, except for the fact that Andras and Bastian of course got their hard-won HEA at the end. As usual Greg Boudreaux did a fabulous job narrating this climactic series. And I do mean climactic. It felt like as soon as the MCs got themselves out of one near deadly fight, they were thrust right into another! Andras and Bastian had their work cut out for them that was for sure.
Andras finally shares his story about what really happened to him when he was young and the horrible day he "died." It broke my heart hearing his pleas to go home to his parents and brother. I swear the audio of it almost made me wanna tear up. It was such a contrast to the snarky and sarcastic Andras we've come to know. It really hit me seeing him acting so unlike himself. That is how you know what was being done to him was truly horrific, especially to a freaking child!
The ending was rather surprising! I never guessed who the hooded man turned out to be in my many attempts to try and figure him out. And that book. All the evil it caused. I don't know if it can be to blame for everything that went on, but it definitely heavily influenced quite a few people's actions. I'm glad it never tainted Andras fully enough for him to fall prey to its pages.
I loved that we got a nice bit at the end of Bastian and Andras just being together and happy. They are quite an odd pair, but they work well. I'm with Andras when it comes to all of Bastian's cute, embarrassed blushes. It's adorable that he continues to get flustered and Andras just eats that all up like he does magic. I wouldn't say no to a spin off with Oliver and Roman, but I'm also satisfied with this ending if the duet were to end here. Great listen!
What a wild ride this book was! Nothing turned out like I expected, except for the fact that Andras and Bastian of course got their hard-won HEA at the end. As usual Greg Boudreaux did a fabulous job narrating this climactic series. And I do mean climactic. It felt like as soon as the MCs got themselves out of one near deadly fight, they were thrust right into another! Andras and Bastian had their work cut out for them that was for sure.
Andras finally shares his story about what really happened to him when he was young and the horrible day he "died." It broke my heart hearing his pleas to go home to his parents and brother. I swear the audio of it almost made me wanna tear up. It was such a contrast to the snarky and sarcastic Andras we've come to know. It really hit me seeing him acting so unlike himself. That is how you know what was being done to him was truly horrific, especially to a freaking child!
The ending was rather surprising! I never guessed who the hooded man turned out to be in my many attempts to try and figure him out. And that book. All the evil it caused. I don't know if it can be to blame for everything that went on, but it definitely heavily influenced quite a few people's actions. I'm glad it never tainted Andras fully enough for him to fall prey to its pages.
I loved that we got a nice bit at the end of Bastian and Andras just being together and happy. They are quite an odd pair, but they work well. I'm with Andras when it comes to all of Bastian's cute, embarrassed blushes. It's adorable that he continues to get flustered and Andras just eats that all up like he does magic. I wouldn't say no to a spin off with Oliver and Roman, but I'm also satisfied with this ending if the duet were to end here. Great listen!
October 21, 2023
Nicely wrapped up with a bow.
October 26, 2023
Listening keeps my review at 5.
Casting Light went places I did not expect. There's so much that happens that I can't even say what my favourite part is!
Bastian and Andras really go through it and there are some emotional scenes. We also get answers about what happened to them all those years before.
More steam than book 1, some humour and a sweet HEA
Casting Light went places I did not expect. There's so much that happens that I can't even say what my favourite part is!
Bastian and Andras really go through it and there are some emotional scenes. We also get answers about what happened to them all those years before.
More steam than book 1, some humour and a sweet HEA
March 19, 2025
4.25 stars. Duology following the same couple, m/m, filled with the silliness and snark that is the hallmark of this author. A true enemies to lovers that does not resolve quickly, these two are not a couple for almost all of the first book.
Very interesting world building. Vendetta story with questing, plotting, bad guys that are actually bad, good guys, cluelessness and sass. We get a satisfying ending in book one, but it only partially completes the story, ends on a hopeful note but with more questing and plotting to be done. Book two starts immediately after the first, here is where we start to see the MC come together as a couple, full of snark, banter and cluelessness. Ends with a culmination of all the plotting and an HEA.
Overall the story moved along pretty well with new information and action scenes unfolding at a good pace to keep things interesting. The end was a bit much with so many characters and a huge info dump of who was on what side, who double crossed who, this one was doing this while that one was doing that. The who-done-it was lost on me and I ended up skimming it, would have preferred it be a bit simpler since this is a silly, ridiculous book at its core.
Magic, dark/light, enemies to lovers, current world, vers, m/m.
Very interesting world building. Vendetta story with questing, plotting, bad guys that are actually bad, good guys, cluelessness and sass. We get a satisfying ending in book one, but it only partially completes the story, ends on a hopeful note but with more questing and plotting to be done. Book two starts immediately after the first, here is where we start to see the MC come together as a couple, full of snark, banter and cluelessness. Ends with a culmination of all the plotting and an HEA.
Overall the story moved along pretty well with new information and action scenes unfolding at a good pace to keep things interesting. The end was a bit much with so many characters and a huge info dump of who was on what side, who double crossed who, this one was doing this while that one was doing that. The who-done-it was lost on me and I ended up skimming it, would have preferred it be a bit simpler since this is a silly, ridiculous book at its core.
Magic, dark/light, enemies to lovers, current world, vers, m/m.
November 17, 2023
Some of this was fantastic, some of it had my eyes crossing. Not my favourite Alice Winters but still enjoyable.
May 16, 2024
This was so much fun!! 😄 I didn't see that plot twist coming at all. I thought I knew who was behind everything, but I didn't realize there'd be multiple groups vying for control. As I said in my review of book one, this is first and foremost an urban fantasy. The romance definitely takes a backseat, but it is there, and the relationship is a good one. 5 stars
September 23, 2023
I have to be honest, reading this book I felt exhausted. Sometimes I struggled to keep up with the dialogue and who was saying what. If I am really honest not alot seemed to happen throughout the book.
I do usually enjoy Alice's books but perhaps this wasn't for me.
I do usually enjoy Alice's books but perhaps this wasn't for me.
April 30, 2026
I love them so much!
April 16, 2026
He puts a hand under my chin and lifts it until I’m looking into his eyes. “When do you think you’ll ever see yourself the way I see you?”
I hesitate, unsure of what to say about that. “I… don’t know what you mean.”
“You do. But that’s okay because you’re all mine and that’s all that matters…”
📘5 freaking stars | 20th March, 2026. My 2nd fav series by Alice Winters. Aww Andras think Bastian will always be good and kind no matter how much of dark magic has now mixed into him. 🥺 Have you ever read Wordsworth’s poem Of The Many Things ? That happens here too. From Andras to Basti. :’)
🔹Story- 4.8⭐, Characters- 5⭐, Sex- 3.8⭐, Epilogue- n/a⭐
We start with a very action packed situation where the trio alongside… roman are trapped. The action is always good with Alice’s books. We also find out how Andras drained the monster cult leader’s powers. And they’re finally going after the elusive book Andras has been searching for.
🖤Loch..-er i mean… Andras trying so hard not to steal and so he deserves praises from Basti in form of head pats. Sooo much head pats!! And watching movies! Basti even gets jelly over Chase’s dad saying he’ll make chilli for Andras! Daawww 🥺 And the verbal assurances are killing me!! Loch. is. that. YOU??? Oh. Yeah. You are cuz it's the same guy playing the role.
“I’m right here. I’m right here.”
🖤Was this a situationship? Were they dating? Cuz to Adras they’re already fiances, but apparently they previously never “defined their relationship”. They finally bcome boyfies here. 🥺
🖤LOVE Basti’s total acceptance of who Andras is, what he’s done in the past, what he had to do to Basti down in the basement, everything. Cuz he knows it’s 1. His nature and 2. The villain made him do it when he was a kid.
I almost wrote “normal” but knew I’d never hear the end of that one. There’s nothing about Andras that I’d want to change. I absolutely love his energy, I might be drawn to his conniving side, and the way he flashes me that smile makes my heart work overtime, but if he’s pretending to play Chase, he’s a bit… much.
🖤Andras has the whole, “i will kill anyone who will harm my precious” energy!! 💋💋💋 And he delivers every. single. time.
Of course he did. Why did I expect anything different?
“It was all done to protect you. I assure you. Absolutely no one can even think about hurting or murdering you or I will tear them apart piece by piece.”
🖤This is major spoilers but it concerns a MC. Don’t worry no one dies.
🖤HOLY SHIT THE TWIST!!!! And here i was thinking the original chase was the bad guy and Andras didn’t know. It’s such an interesting concept. Very Evil Kermit like.
*// i rate sex different from sex acts and all my reviews reflect that. The views are my personal and may not align with yours. Only read if you’re ok with that. Else, please skip this next part.*
🖤There are 2 sex scenes. 1st at 76%. Another MC who bottoms out of pure devotion for his lover. Both vers now!!! It works so well for them and it was responsive and well written. So happy this series didn’t let me down. i wish Tavish & Ellis’ story had scenes like this then it would’ve been the most perfect book for me. 2nd one at the next to last chapter, in a bathtub following some very sensual touching. Oh this was also good. Both are loud people. Also 1 good sex act early on.
🖤i am so glad at what happened to reinhold and wendy cuz both of them are awful monsters. The way they abused and used Andras was cruel. i’m glad the bitch got what she deserved in book 1 and so did the other bloke. She had no care for another child right there?? But Basti’s hurt, that’s all she cares. Is Andras not a child too? And she acts as if Andras is the devil’s spawn. Fuck her.
Just some notes on angst:
♦️Andras recounts the story of Andras and Basti as kids, and how the cult leader verbally and physically abused little Andras, using his magic and calling him a “sacrifice.” It was horrible and so uncomfortable to sit through. The angst ripped my guts out. And those voice quivers… Greg will be the death of me. Spoilers:
♦️This has Roman’s redemption arc and i still don’t like him. He was complicit in Basti’s abuse, period. Sure, he tries to be better, to lead and protect, and he does care for Basti… but too little too late. Basti forgives him cuz he’s an angel. Not everyone can be redeemed.
♦️Same with Oliver. He was awful to young Andras, gaslighting him into thinking he was “safe” with that monster cult leader. Poor kid just wanted protection. Now yeah, he goes all out trying to bring his brother back and the guilt eats him alive… so ig i’m willing to forgive him.
📘Tropes & tags: •Ultra slow burn, •Castor x Shade, •gay x gay, •officially become lovers, •fated mate-ish, •head pats, •praise kink, •touch him & die, •found family, •snake as a pet, •heavy care taking, •bathing him, •feeding him, •pampering, •massaging him, •go bowling, •watch movies, •sensual touching, •high angst, •high stakes, •mystery, •intense action, •separation (by villains, briefly), •no om drama, •1st person dual pov, •HFN →HEA.
CW: Betrayal by others, MC almost dies (survives), SC almost dies (survives), recounting trauma of abuse on MC as a child (explicitly shown on page), child MC in distress.
November 6, 2023
4.25 Stars 🌟
This is the second book in this series and let me say that it does not suffer from the same beginning that book 1 did. At this point, we already have met the MC's - Andras and Bastian and the world has already been built. Those two things were a bit of a problem in book 1.
Now, even though we do have a world where the magic system has been outlined, there is still a whole heck of a lot that is left unexplained. This was a very plot heavy book that tended to be extremely confusing at times. It felt like there were too many side paths that popped out every once in a while. Some of those eventually were answered and explained, while others were just left kind of open ended.
Ms. Winters definitely has a "style" of writing her characters and this one is no different. I did like both of the main MC's and they seemed to be a good pairing - especially when Andras seemed to well, settle down a bit. This book is a little more difficult to talk about without going into spoilers but I can say that one of the strengths in this book is the cast of secondary characters. There is Roman, Oliver (one of my favorites ), and the one who steals the show....Sssssoren. Honestly, it's not often that snake can be a favorite. :)
This book continues on from where book 1 left off (this is not a stand alone, you need to read the first book if you want to have ANY idea of what is going on). There ends up being more than one group with more than one "plot". At times, it did make it hard to figure out who exactly the bad guys were. Things do get a bit complicated, but I think everything gets tied up fairly well at the end.
I listened to most of this on audio and as usual, Greg Boudreaux did a wonderful job with the narration. This world leaves a nice set up for possible future shenanigans.
You never know......
This is the second book in this series and let me say that it does not suffer from the same beginning that book 1 did. At this point, we already have met the MC's - Andras and Bastian and the world has already been built. Those two things were a bit of a problem in book 1.
Now, even though we do have a world where the magic system has been outlined, there is still a whole heck of a lot that is left unexplained. This was a very plot heavy book that tended to be extremely confusing at times. It felt like there were too many side paths that popped out every once in a while. Some of those eventually were answered and explained, while others were just left kind of open ended.
Ms. Winters definitely has a "style" of writing her characters and this one is no different. I did like both of the main MC's and they seemed to be a good pairing - especially when Andras seemed to well, settle down a bit. This book is a little more difficult to talk about without going into spoilers but I can say that one of the strengths in this book is the cast of secondary characters. There is Roman, Oliver (one of my favorites ), and the one who steals the show....Sssssoren. Honestly, it's not often that snake can be a favorite. :)
This book continues on from where book 1 left off (this is not a stand alone, you need to read the first book if you want to have ANY idea of what is going on). There ends up being more than one group with more than one "plot". At times, it did make it hard to figure out who exactly the bad guys were. Things do get a bit complicated, but I think everything gets tied up fairly well at the end.
I listened to most of this on audio and as usual, Greg Boudreaux did a wonderful job with the narration. This world leaves a nice set up for possible future shenanigans.
You never know......
September 9, 2023
Bastian and Andras are once again in the fight for their lives as they protect themselves and others from the malevolent dark magic being wielded by the unknown “Hooded Man”. They also need to fight the elders of the Casters who’s machinations are on the brink of destroying not just the complex but all casters. All of this action and drama is complemented by the humour and all round ridiculousness of Andras which provides plenty of laugh out loud moments and also induces plenty of blushing by Bastian who is still so sweet and innocent. However Andras does have his serious side which comes to the fore whenever those he cares about are in danger. The relationship between Bastian and Andras continues to grow during all of this, helped along by Andras introducing Bastian to the wonders of bowling which had me snort laughing!
The many intriguing plot twists held my interest from start to finish and I was completely surprised when the identity of the villainous “Hooded Man” was revealed. We also get to learn more about the childhood Andras endured and that made his HEA with Bastian all the more sweeter. All the interesting side characters from book one are involved including the ever sleeping Soren who does wake in some very fortuitous moments.
I loved everything about this book, from the well developed characters and the world building, to the action and drama and the sweet and tender intimate moments. I cannot recommend it highly enough but please read book one first.
The many intriguing plot twists held my interest from start to finish and I was completely surprised when the identity of the villainous “Hooded Man” was revealed. We also get to learn more about the childhood Andras endured and that made his HEA with Bastian all the more sweeter. All the interesting side characters from book one are involved including the ever sleeping Soren who does wake in some very fortuitous moments.
I loved everything about this book, from the well developed characters and the world building, to the action and drama and the sweet and tender intimate moments. I cannot recommend it highly enough but please read book one first.
September 14, 2023
I love Bastian!!! He is so adorable and the best guy ever!!! I Love his innocence and the way he blush every time Andras suggests something sexy, did I say that he is adorable????
This was beyond of what I was expecting, wow… we finally get together all the things to work together what happened in the past, Andras finally trust Bas with everything that happened to him since he was a child and he ways he was used for, it was heartbreaking all the things he when through, now I understand why he was looking for revenge.
This book was amazing, funny and very entertaining, Bas and Andras came face to face with the hooded man and it was a surprise the identity of the enemy, so many things happened in the past that affect not just Andras but many other that were involved, the connection between Andras and Bas was very important, overall the book was really good and the best past is that Bas and Andras got their HEA!
This was beyond of what I was expecting, wow… we finally get together all the things to work together what happened in the past, Andras finally trust Bas with everything that happened to him since he was a child and he ways he was used for, it was heartbreaking all the things he when through, now I understand why he was looking for revenge.
This book was amazing, funny and very entertaining, Bas and Andras came face to face with the hooded man and it was a surprise the identity of the enemy, so many things happened in the past that affect not just Andras but many other that were involved, the connection between Andras and Bas was very important, overall the book was really good and the best past is that Bas and Andras got their HEA!
September 18, 2023
Magic
There’sssss no doubt, Andras and Bastian are magic together. Hilarious banter, thrilling action, and a love like no other, I adore them completely and wholly. The more I learn about Andras the more I want to protect him, and hurt the ones who hurt him. It makes me quadruply happy that he has Bastian in his life.
“I just… I wouldn’t make all the ridiculous jokes if he didn’t look absolutely adorable every time I did! Like how can I possibly control myself to keep from teasing him?”
I hope you never do, Andras, as I too think Bastian and his red cheeks are too cute for words. And let’s face it, Andras will never be short on words, and that’s a treasure all of its own. I love him so; he makes my heart laugh, my mind smile, and my soul cheer. I really hope we see more of these two in other ways as I don’t think my life can survive without regular doses of Andras’s charm and antics.
There’sssss no doubt, Andras and Bastian are magic together. Hilarious banter, thrilling action, and a love like no other, I adore them completely and wholly. The more I learn about Andras the more I want to protect him, and hurt the ones who hurt him. It makes me quadruply happy that he has Bastian in his life.
“I just… I wouldn’t make all the ridiculous jokes if he didn’t look absolutely adorable every time I did! Like how can I possibly control myself to keep from teasing him?”
I hope you never do, Andras, as I too think Bastian and his red cheeks are too cute for words. And let’s face it, Andras will never be short on words, and that’s a treasure all of its own. I love him so; he makes my heart laugh, my mind smile, and my soul cheer. I really hope we see more of these two in other ways as I don’t think my life can survive without regular doses of Andras’s charm and antics.
September 20, 2023
Wow. Plot twist! That was a heck of a ride. This book was great! It's got the humor you've come to expect from Alice Winters as well as an excellent plot. I think l actually like this book better than book one. Andras is my favorite. He's just so charismatic and funny. I also adore his pet Soren and the way he's grown on Bastian. The thing I love most about Andras is how loyal and loving he his. He is just out here lifting everyone up and encouraging them. Well, everyone except Roman, lol. Just like their shared magic, Bastian and Andras were meant to go together. They compliment each other so perfectly.
I really enjoyed the craziness in this book. I was startled in the last half of the book to realize that what I thought I had figured out was totally wrong. Nothing was as it seemed, and all the fit hit the shan. But it all worked out, and Andras and Bas are free to live happily ever after. That said, I'd definitely like more books set in this world.
I really enjoyed the craziness in this book. I was startled in the last half of the book to realize that what I thought I had figured out was totally wrong. Nothing was as it seemed, and all the fit hit the shan. But it all worked out, and Andras and Bas are free to live happily ever after. That said, I'd definitely like more books set in this world.
September 19, 2023
This book immediately jumps right back into the action with Andras and Bastian fighting "The Hooded Man"! I love how we get past flashbacks to fill in the questions I had after reading Cast in Shadows and I really enjoyed that I was actually surprised when the Hooded Man mystery was revealed! As always Alice Winters had me laughing outloud with her amazing characters and their ridiculous interactions. Sssssoren was the best! 🤣
“Goddammit, Soren, use your own feet!” Bastian says as Soren tries his absolute hardest to get me to carry him. “Why did you literally pick the laziest shade alive? Don’t you DARE pick him up.”
“Goddammit, Soren, use your own feet!” Bastian says as Soren tries his absolute hardest to get me to carry him. “Why did you literally pick the laziest shade alive? Don’t you DARE pick him up.”
September 20, 2023
Mismatched socks and a helpful danger noodle
The absolute hilarity of Andras and Bastian together was fantastic. So many answers were discovered, and the truth was darker than they could have imagined. It was touch and go multiple times, but they, along with Oliver and Roman, came out the other side stronger than ever.
The absolute hilarity of Andras and Bastian together was fantastic. So many answers were discovered, and the truth was darker than they could have imagined. It was touch and go multiple times, but they, along with Oliver and Roman, came out the other side stronger than ever.
September 29, 2023
So - I admit, I had to reread book 1 first because I really had forgotten everything that had happend. But after that I was able to get into this one and it paced better and faster than the first one, also the characters lost some of the stupidity that annoyed me in the first book. All in all I would have given this one all 5 stars but it got confusing in the end. It was a bit too much of different groups with different goals and handicaps that could be overcome or not - depending on if it was necessary or not.
Still, it is an entertaining book with fun and thrilling storyline.
Still, it is an entertaining book with fun and thrilling storyline.
September 17, 2023
Alice Winters has a magical ability to create characters that I want to hang out with! Andras and Bastian are continuing on their journey in this book. There are twists and turns along with the classic Alice Winters humor and love! Definitely another must read!
November 2, 2023
Casting Light is the second in the Shadow’s Lure series. I loved everything about this story.Bastian and Andras are in for a lot, felt like more of an emotional journey to me. It did end with me giggling and a smile. Overall, a fantastic story!!
September 14, 2023
This book was so good. It hit all my emotions. It made me cry and laugh so much. Andras and Bastian are the absolute sweetest.
Thanks to the Author for the ARC.
Thanks to the Author for the ARC.
November 17, 2023
4.5⭐️ - this was so entertaining!! I loved the characters and mystery/suspense. I really didn’t know who was good or bad! And the pacing kept it exciting! The romance even picked up from the first. This was such a great audiobook!!
December 28, 2023
really liked it
September 19, 2023
Bastian was adorable when he blushed at the things Andras said to him.
These two went above and beyond to protect each other and others they cared for.
Andras’s backstory was heartbreaking but despite what he went through, he was still full of spirit and happiness.
I had so much fun reading this book. Andras was funny and entertaining throughout and he always managed to lighten up the intense atmosphere. Everything came together really well as the mystery behind the hooded man was finally revealed.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
These two went above and beyond to protect each other and others they cared for.
Andras’s backstory was heartbreaking but despite what he went through, he was still full of spirit and happiness.
I had so much fun reading this book. Andras was funny and entertaining throughout and he always managed to lighten up the intense atmosphere. Everything came together really well as the mystery behind the hooded man was finally revealed.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
September 26, 2023
✨U P D A T E✨
The full original review is below, and I stand by what I wrote, HOWEVER, I forgot to mention the formatting was not good. I’m knocking it down to 👉🏽4.25/5👈🏽 to reflect that. If you’re going to use the text bubble formatting, be consistent. Also, make sure the responses are on the correct side, because confusion is a thing that happens. Just saying.
Soren is the star of this whole thing.
If you don’t agree, we can totally fight about it.
Seriously, though, I loved this duology. It was plot-heavy, so if you’re in it for the spicy bits, you’re gonna have to curb your disappointment. Our shy boi stays pretty friggin’ shy throughout the whole thing. It’s still the cutest.
The editing was fair, the story was intense at times, and while most folx tend to compare every set of characters to other ones from this author’s work, there was enough difference to make them stand out. I will never not love the humour lending some light to the heaviness of the story, which is another thing we can fight about.
I’m definitely sad Roman and Chase’s past never got talked about, but I’m assuming some things about his future love life with my lizard brain, and the fact that there’s a lil’ bonus writing to go hunt down just confirms it. Very exciting times for me, obviously.
4.5/5!
The full original review is below, and I stand by what I wrote, HOWEVER, I forgot to mention the formatting was not good. I’m knocking it down to 👉🏽4.25/5👈🏽 to reflect that. If you’re going to use the text bubble formatting, be consistent. Also, make sure the responses are on the correct side, because confusion is a thing that happens. Just saying.
Soren is the star of this whole thing.
If you don’t agree, we can totally fight about it.
Seriously, though, I loved this duology. It was plot-heavy, so if you’re in it for the spicy bits, you’re gonna have to curb your disappointment. Our shy boi stays pretty friggin’ shy throughout the whole thing. It’s still the cutest.
The editing was fair, the story was intense at times, and while most folx tend to compare every set of characters to other ones from this author’s work, there was enough difference to make them stand out. I will never not love the humour lending some light to the heaviness of the story, which is another thing we can fight about.
I’m definitely sad Roman and Chase’s past never got talked about, but I’m assuming some things about his future love life with my lizard brain, and the fact that there’s a lil’ bonus writing to go hunt down just confirms it. Very exciting times for me, obviously.
4.5/5!
April 18, 2024
This duo was definitely the weakest series I've read. I still kept getting the feeling that Bastian was way more into Andras than Andras was into him. I also didn't quite understand why Bastian feels guilty for taking Andras's magic. The shade tells him, "when you tried to take your magic back you took yours instead," so they both took the other's magic... But Andras was the one who chose to take Bastian's; Bastian was unconscious or whatever when he took Andras's. Idk. Maybe I'm wrong. The plot was not easy to follow. I have aphantasia so, because I can't picture anything, if a scene is not described logically and well I can't follow it.
Then there are the flashbacks which just pick up from where the previous flashback left off, as if I'm able to keep track of what happened when, and who was involved.
Also, some idioms are used in atypical ways and I never can tell if it's intentional. "Maybe it'll give you good authority" is obviously a reference to the phrase, "have it on good authority", but that's just ... not how you use it. So is it clever? Or stupid? I can't tell.
Then there are the flashbacks which just pick up from where the previous flashback left off, as if I'm able to keep track of what happened when, and who was involved.
Also, some idioms are used in atypical ways and I never can tell if it's intentional. "Maybe it'll give you good authority" is obviously a reference to the phrase, "have it on good authority", but that's just ... not how you use it. So is it clever? Or stupid? I can't tell.
December 23, 2023
Frustrating Read
This book got frustrating to read the more it dragged on. The characters are basically useless and powerless in their own world that they supposedly own.. You'll see the "I don't know how" quote a lot. I agree with the other reviewers saying it's all over the place. The book throws plenty at you that are hard to follow and not explained very well. You keep getting drip fed these small details that seem like it's getting good but then just fall flat. It's also hard to find the logic in all of the characters' motivations, reasoning and how they handle things, which is the most frustrating part. Given the backstory, it makes you even wonder how Andras developed the personality he has.
It's sad because the first book laid a good foundation. This one just screams "shit hit the fan" in every aspect.
The audiobook performance made it tolerable at least.
This book got frustrating to read the more it dragged on. The characters are basically useless and powerless in their own world that they supposedly own.. You'll see the "I don't know how" quote a lot. I agree with the other reviewers saying it's all over the place. The book throws plenty at you that are hard to follow and not explained very well. You keep getting drip fed these small details that seem like it's getting good but then just fall flat. It's also hard to find the logic in all of the characters' motivations, reasoning and how they handle things, which is the most frustrating part. Given the backstory, it makes you even wonder how Andras developed the personality he has.
It's sad because the first book laid a good foundation. This one just screams "shit hit the fan" in every aspect.
The audiobook performance made it tolerable at least.
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