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Shadow Song: A Korean-Inspired Fantasy Romance
Star-crossed lovers will meet again, love triangles will erupt, and old feuds will be reignited. It will be an exciting year at Cresthall Academy for the gifted. Sisters June, Moon, and Sookie Quasar are Supremes and daughters of the notorious Black Void. June still struggles with her best friend Rowan's betrayal while trying not to let that bad boy Yeonjun under her skin. Moona finds herself in a love triangle between Yunjin and Minho, while Sookie deals with feelings for her ex-boyfriend Han, and the mysterious secret she carries with her.Meanwhile, Jin, Easton, and Gabriel try to teach their students the ways of Supreme Power while battling the authorities and a demon Army of Agma's trying to disrupt society as we know it.In this New America, the sisters have difficulty knowing who is friend and who is foe.Will they trust their instincts, or will their new love interests influence them? But they have dark secrets of their own...
449 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2024
4 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 1, 2025
If Jane Austen and a K-drama director had a brainstorming session over a cup of bubble tea, they might have dreamed up Shadow Song. This is not your average “magic academy with a prophecy” novel. No, E. Hereygers has layered her world with a depth that most readers may not even notice at first—but that’s exactly what makes it fascinating. Let’s talk about what’s really happening under the surface of this book.
The K-Popification of Fantasy: Cultural Alchemy or Aesthetic Overload?
Korean influence in pop culture is not just a trend—it’s a cultural tidal wave. But Shadow Song does something different. It doesn’t just borrow aesthetics; it reengineers an entire fantasy world through a K-pop lens. Names like Yeonjun and Yunjin aren’t just nods to fans of Korean entertainment; they signal a shift in fantasy world-building that aligns with globalization.
Did you know that the South Korean entertainment industry contributed $10.3 billion to the country's economy in 2022 alone? This novel isn’t just riding a wave—it’s a literary experiment in how cultural soft power reshapes fiction. It raises the question: is fantasy evolving into something more globally integrated, or are we packaging it in trend-friendly wrapping?
Magic Systems and the Science of Power: Supreme, Null, and the Black Void
Most fantasy books either go full “soft magic” (a la Lord of the Rings, where magic just sort of exists) or full “hard magic” (Mistborn, where powers have explicit rules). Hereygers finds an intriguing middle ground. The Void Magic system isn’t just a backdrop—it functions as a metaphor for emotional control, the weight of inheritance, and, quite possibly, the human subconscious.
Consider Moon’s Null Space Power: an ability to manipulate absence. In real-world physics, voids are where particles behave unpredictably, challenging the laws of nature. Coincidence? Probably not. The book plays with the idea of power as something both inherited and unpredictable—a nod to both ancient aristocracies and the pressures of modern dynasties (K-pop idols, royal families, even tech empires).
Could it be that Hereygers is making a larger statement about the nature of legacy itself?
The Love Triangle Conundrum: Necessary Drama or Narrative Crutch?
Ah, love triangles. The cornerstone of YA fantasy, and also the bane of many readers who’ve outgrown them. Yet, what Shadow Song does well is use them not just for drama but as character studies.
Moon’s entanglement with Yunjin and Minho isn’t just romantic fluff—it’s a controlled exploration of identity and choice. Love triangles, when done correctly, aren’t just about choosing between two people; they’re about choosing between two versions of oneself. Does she pick stability or chaos? Certainty or curiosity? Who hasn’t stood at such a crossroads, wondering which version of themselves they’d rather live with?
And what about Sookie and Han? That’s where things get truly intriguing. Her siren heritage plays into her romantic struggles, symbolizing a voice that can enchant yet is burdened by truth. Is this just another trope, or is the novel subtly critiquing the way society frames emotional power—especially in women?
A Demon Army and Government Forces: Politics in Fantasy Aren’t Just About Swords and Spells
Let’s talk about the Agmas—the demonic force trying to overthrow society. They may seem like just another horde of bad guys, but look closer. The best fantasy villains represent something deeper: Tolkien’s orcs symbolized industrialization; Voldemort, racial purity and tyranny. So what do the Agmas represent?
Their presence, juxtaposed with governmental forces and power struggles at Cresthall Academy, hints at something larger—perhaps a reflection of real-world ideological battles. With today’s headlines filled with clashes between authoritarian rule and rebellion, is Shadow Song offering a fantasy parallel?
Or maybe it’s just a cool demon war. Either way, the subtext is there for those who care to look.
Final Verdict: The Future of Fantasy or Just a Well-Written Escape?
E. Hereygers has crafted something both timely and timeless. Shadow Song isn’t just another fantasy romance; it’s a subtle interrogation of legacy, power, and cultural evolution disguised as an engaging story. Whether you come for the romance, the magic, or the world-building, you’ll find something deeper lurking beneath the surface—if you’re willing to listen to the song.
So, is Shadow Song the future of fantasy, or just an expertly written escape? Maybe it’s both. And maybe, in the best of books, those two things are one and the same.
The K-Popification of Fantasy: Cultural Alchemy or Aesthetic Overload?
Korean influence in pop culture is not just a trend—it’s a cultural tidal wave. But Shadow Song does something different. It doesn’t just borrow aesthetics; it reengineers an entire fantasy world through a K-pop lens. Names like Yeonjun and Yunjin aren’t just nods to fans of Korean entertainment; they signal a shift in fantasy world-building that aligns with globalization.
Did you know that the South Korean entertainment industry contributed $10.3 billion to the country's economy in 2022 alone? This novel isn’t just riding a wave—it’s a literary experiment in how cultural soft power reshapes fiction. It raises the question: is fantasy evolving into something more globally integrated, or are we packaging it in trend-friendly wrapping?
Magic Systems and the Science of Power: Supreme, Null, and the Black Void
Most fantasy books either go full “soft magic” (a la Lord of the Rings, where magic just sort of exists) or full “hard magic” (Mistborn, where powers have explicit rules). Hereygers finds an intriguing middle ground. The Void Magic system isn’t just a backdrop—it functions as a metaphor for emotional control, the weight of inheritance, and, quite possibly, the human subconscious.
Consider Moon’s Null Space Power: an ability to manipulate absence. In real-world physics, voids are where particles behave unpredictably, challenging the laws of nature. Coincidence? Probably not. The book plays with the idea of power as something both inherited and unpredictable—a nod to both ancient aristocracies and the pressures of modern dynasties (K-pop idols, royal families, even tech empires).
Could it be that Hereygers is making a larger statement about the nature of legacy itself?
The Love Triangle Conundrum: Necessary Drama or Narrative Crutch?
Ah, love triangles. The cornerstone of YA fantasy, and also the bane of many readers who’ve outgrown them. Yet, what Shadow Song does well is use them not just for drama but as character studies.
Moon’s entanglement with Yunjin and Minho isn’t just romantic fluff—it’s a controlled exploration of identity and choice. Love triangles, when done correctly, aren’t just about choosing between two people; they’re about choosing between two versions of oneself. Does she pick stability or chaos? Certainty or curiosity? Who hasn’t stood at such a crossroads, wondering which version of themselves they’d rather live with?
And what about Sookie and Han? That’s where things get truly intriguing. Her siren heritage plays into her romantic struggles, symbolizing a voice that can enchant yet is burdened by truth. Is this just another trope, or is the novel subtly critiquing the way society frames emotional power—especially in women?
A Demon Army and Government Forces: Politics in Fantasy Aren’t Just About Swords and Spells
Let’s talk about the Agmas—the demonic force trying to overthrow society. They may seem like just another horde of bad guys, but look closer. The best fantasy villains represent something deeper: Tolkien’s orcs symbolized industrialization; Voldemort, racial purity and tyranny. So what do the Agmas represent?
Their presence, juxtaposed with governmental forces and power struggles at Cresthall Academy, hints at something larger—perhaps a reflection of real-world ideological battles. With today’s headlines filled with clashes between authoritarian rule and rebellion, is Shadow Song offering a fantasy parallel?
Or maybe it’s just a cool demon war. Either way, the subtext is there for those who care to look.
Final Verdict: The Future of Fantasy or Just a Well-Written Escape?
E. Hereygers has crafted something both timely and timeless. Shadow Song isn’t just another fantasy romance; it’s a subtle interrogation of legacy, power, and cultural evolution disguised as an engaging story. Whether you come for the romance, the magic, or the world-building, you’ll find something deeper lurking beneath the surface—if you’re willing to listen to the song.
So, is Shadow Song the future of fantasy, or just an expertly written escape? Maybe it’s both. And maybe, in the best of books, those two things are one and the same.
April 29, 2025
I finished reading this romantic fantasy novel that truly swept me off my feet. With a large cast of characters and multiple points of view, it took me a little while to get into the rhythm of the story. But once I did, I was completely hooked. The world-building is rich, the romance is beautifully woven in, and the storytelling is immersive and addictive. The author has a real talent for drawing you into the emotions and dynamics of each character. I can’t wait to dive into the next books in the series!
February 1, 2025
It is a mesmerizing blend of fantasy and romance. With vivid storytelling, compelling characters, and an intricate plot, this book is perfect for fans of fantasy romance. A must-read for those who love magic, mystery, and heartfelt drama!
June 28, 2024
First of all: I loved the book. It is a great story. It’s not something I’ve seen before, and for that I must really commend the author. I am honestly looking forward to the next two books. And if I didn’t have a baby I would’ve finished the book way sooner!
But there are reasons as to why I only gave it four stars.
1) The story is huge and it throws you in the deep end right from the beginning. There are a lot of characters (not as much as GoT, but still) and the switching POV’s threw me in the beginning. It was really confusing to follow the story in the initial ten or so chapters. I think it would benefit from having the first three chapters start from the same POV to build up the other characters a bit more and go from there.
2) The spelling and grammar mistakes. It’s probably just down to the fact that English isn’t the first language of the author (which is actually pretty cool). But it did take me out of the story a couple of times. I don’t mind the use of both British and American English, because it is after all a science-fiction book. I’m really talking about the weird sentence structures and the too literal translations.
HOWEVER: I am absolutely sucked into the world and want to know how the story ends! So bring on the next one please!
But there are reasons as to why I only gave it four stars.
1) The story is huge and it throws you in the deep end right from the beginning. There are a lot of characters (not as much as GoT, but still) and the switching POV’s threw me in the beginning. It was really confusing to follow the story in the initial ten or so chapters. I think it would benefit from having the first three chapters start from the same POV to build up the other characters a bit more and go from there.
2) The spelling and grammar mistakes. It’s probably just down to the fact that English isn’t the first language of the author (which is actually pretty cool). But it did take me out of the story a couple of times. I don’t mind the use of both British and American English, because it is after all a science-fiction book. I’m really talking about the weird sentence structures and the too literal translations.
HOWEVER: I am absolutely sucked into the world and want to know how the story ends! So bring on the next one please!
October 22, 2024
Absolutely LOVE this first part of the 'Shadow Song' trilogy. Step into a magical world of Korean-style fantasy. Written in alternating POV's, which makes it very interesting and dynamic to follow the different young adults' characters. A must-read for all Harry Potter fans!!!
February 1, 2024
Spellbinding from start to finish, this novel captivates with its intricate world-building and deeply emotional storyline.
The characters are richly developed, and the storyline seamlessly intertwines fantasy and romance. A mesmerizing read that leaves you eagerly awaiting the next installment.
The characters are richly developed, and the storyline seamlessly intertwines fantasy and romance. A mesmerizing read that leaves you eagerly awaiting the next installment.
February 10, 2025
I loved the book. The story was captivating and brought an exciting storyline mixed with some spicy love interests. But more importantly it showed an amazing bond between sisters and the strenght they have together.
The story threw some unexpected curveballs and the writing while describing the setting clearly, also left just enough room to let your imagination run wild with it. Definately would recommend, and can't wait to finish part 2!
The story threw some unexpected curveballs and the writing while describing the setting clearly, also left just enough room to let your imagination run wild with it. Definately would recommend, and can't wait to finish part 2!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews