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The Shadows of Wren: The Light in the Shadows
May the Valiant Prevail
After decades of peace within the lands of Caldumn ruled by the Red Kingdom, the southern towns have come under attack. Their libraries burned and ancient texts stolen by an ominous force. An unlikely alliance between two magic kinds is formed when Wren, a nineteen-year-old Mage, finds herself in the middle of a conflict that will take her outside of the peaceful life she’s known.
Along her journey, she meets Tyran, whose Necromancer magic is not widely trusted, and learns they share a deeper ancient magic that has long since disappeared.
Together with the help of all magic kinds, they must unite the towns to save their lands, and themselves, while the threat of the Red Kingdom looms.
After decades of peace within the lands of Caldumn ruled by the Red Kingdom, the southern towns have come under attack. Their libraries burned and ancient texts stolen by an ominous force. An unlikely alliance between two magic kinds is formed when Wren, a nineteen-year-old Mage, finds herself in the middle of a conflict that will take her outside of the peaceful life she’s known.
Along her journey, she meets Tyran, whose Necromancer magic is not widely trusted, and learns they share a deeper ancient magic that has long since disappeared.
Together with the help of all magic kinds, they must unite the towns to save their lands, and themselves, while the threat of the Red Kingdom looms.
Audible Audio
First published August 30, 2023
11 people are currently reading
3823 people want to read
About the author
Jen Bliton
6 books40 followersJennifer lives in Southern California with her husband, tiny human, and crew of cats.
Coming from a background in Content Creation, she and her husband livestream gaming content on Twitch and gaming content on YouTube, where you can find her playing World of Warcraft, and Diablo IV. She loves being out in her garden and tries her best to grow various fruits and veggies throughout the year among any flowers, bulbs, or roots she can get her hands on.
Coming from a background in Content Creation, she and her husband livestream gaming content on Twitch and gaming content on YouTube, where you can find her playing World of Warcraft, and Diablo IV. She loves being out in her garden and tries her best to grow various fruits and veggies throughout the year among any flowers, bulbs, or roots she can get her hands on.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 8, 2023
If you guys enjoyed Sorcery of Thorns this is a must read 👀❤️ it’s so cozy and at the same time dark, perfect to read under a blanket on a rainy day for the start of fall 🍁
This is a YA fantasy romance that follows Wren, a mage with the power to yield shadows (yess shadow mommy! Prepare yourself a for a world full of magic, amazing characters, a sweet friends to lovers romance and even a mysterious necromancer 🖤 also did I say that he has the best nickname for her? Dark star… 😈 I would have liked the romance to burn a little slower but overall I really enjoyed it! I was really impressed that it this is the authors debut work, because the worldbuilding is fantastic! Super lush and vivid!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review
This is a YA fantasy romance that follows Wren, a mage with the power to yield shadows (yess shadow mommy! Prepare yourself a for a world full of magic, amazing characters, a sweet friends to lovers romance and even a mysterious necromancer 🖤 also did I say that he has the best nickname for her? Dark star… 😈 I would have liked the romance to burn a little slower but overall I really enjoyed it! I was really impressed that it this is the authors debut work, because the worldbuilding is fantastic! Super lush and vivid!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review
January 22, 2024
Unfortunately this book was just not it for me. I found it really hard to get into and pretty boring. I’m also not a big fan of the Wizard and Witch stuff in fantasy books like this nor am I a fan of insta-love. Both of which were present in this one and made it hard for me to enjoy the read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the eARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the eARC.
August 30, 2023
“No matter how dark, and through all the shadows, I see you, and I love you.” *swoons* I want a Tyran to call me his Dark Star, too.
The Shadows of Wren was an exciting and surprisingly fast read. I flew through the pages in a matter of days, absorbing all the beautifully vivid world-building and magic system. While I was reading I couldn’t help but think of stories like The Witcher—not for the plot, which is entirely different, but for the way the world, the magic and the characters simply felt while I was reading. There was an epic vibe to it that reminded me of watching my brother play long fantasy games with compelling quests, side-missions and characters. And indeed, when I finished the book and read the author’s bio, I discovered she’s a gamer herself! One does not simply write such a vivid world with such attention of magic *pinches fingers*
What I enjoyed most about the book were the characters. I have a soft spot for Bergen. Might be because he’s a Wizard and mentor and it calls to my childhood. And of course I loved Wren and am looking forward to discover more about the shadow magic that links her to Tyran the Necromancer (yes Necromancer! Though not everyone likes that in this world.) (And yes, this leads to interesting romantic moments.) I’m especially interested in seeing how it all leads back to the Originals. The lore was fascinating, and I have no doubt the rest of the series is going to concentrate more on that and the role the Red Kingdom plays in the worship of one of said Originals and also in the control of the towns. I’m expecting them to be the big evil of the series. There’s a bigger plot afoot to the one that wrapped up within this book, and I want to know what it is.
As far as the romance goes, it was very sweet, though I think it would have benefitted from a slower burn. I feel like Wren and Tyran move to love too quickly, while instead the drama surrounding the couple could have put more obstacles in their relationship. But I enjoyed their scenes together!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
The Shadows of Wren was an exciting and surprisingly fast read. I flew through the pages in a matter of days, absorbing all the beautifully vivid world-building and magic system. While I was reading I couldn’t help but think of stories like The Witcher—not for the plot, which is entirely different, but for the way the world, the magic and the characters simply felt while I was reading. There was an epic vibe to it that reminded me of watching my brother play long fantasy games with compelling quests, side-missions and characters. And indeed, when I finished the book and read the author’s bio, I discovered she’s a gamer herself! One does not simply write such a vivid world with such attention of magic *pinches fingers*
What I enjoyed most about the book were the characters. I have a soft spot for Bergen. Might be because he’s a Wizard and mentor and it calls to my childhood. And of course I loved Wren and am looking forward to discover more about the shadow magic that links her to Tyran the Necromancer (yes Necromancer! Though not everyone likes that in this world.) (And yes, this leads to interesting romantic moments.) I’m especially interested in seeing how it all leads back to the Originals. The lore was fascinating, and I have no doubt the rest of the series is going to concentrate more on that and the role the Red Kingdom plays in the worship of one of said Originals and also in the control of the towns. I’m expecting them to be the big evil of the series. There’s a bigger plot afoot to the one that wrapped up within this book, and I want to know what it is.
As far as the romance goes, it was very sweet, though I think it would have benefitted from a slower burn. I feel like Wren and Tyran move to love too quickly, while instead the drama surrounding the couple could have put more obstacles in their relationship. But I enjoyed their scenes together!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
September 6, 2023
THE SHADOWS OF WREN is the first installment in a Romantic Fantasy series that sees amongst its cast of characters mages and warlocks, necromancers and warriors, and stunning magical creatures, with Wren the mage as its protagonist.
At its core, the book has a quest-like plot and structure riddled with missions, traveling, dangers, battles, and the encounter of characters that are reminiscent of epic fantasy books and games, and it came as no surprise when I discovered the author has a background in gaming! The attention to detail given to the world-building, the magic and the characters made it easy to visually imagine this story. The characters especially were most compelling, starting from Wren, whose mysterious shadow magic and past made her an interesting protagonist to follow, but most importantly the characters surrounding her, my favorites being her mentors, Bergen the Wizard and her adoptive father Viggo.
Another character with potential is Tyran, the Necromancer and Wren’s love interest. He’s a character in an interesting position, seeing as he’s someone whose magic people are wary of and another more important reason I cannot divulge because spoilers. However, I feel like we don’t know a lot about him, and I while his connection to Wren was adorable, it was also rather fast. A slower build-up perhaps would have warmed me up more to the romance and to the character itself.
Very curious to see how the series continues. The ending wraps up nicely, but there’s a lot more we’ve yet to uncover.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
At its core, the book has a quest-like plot and structure riddled with missions, traveling, dangers, battles, and the encounter of characters that are reminiscent of epic fantasy books and games, and it came as no surprise when I discovered the author has a background in gaming! The attention to detail given to the world-building, the magic and the characters made it easy to visually imagine this story. The characters especially were most compelling, starting from Wren, whose mysterious shadow magic and past made her an interesting protagonist to follow, but most importantly the characters surrounding her, my favorites being her mentors, Bergen the Wizard and her adoptive father Viggo.
Another character with potential is Tyran, the Necromancer and Wren’s love interest. He’s a character in an interesting position, seeing as he’s someone whose magic people are wary of and another more important reason I cannot divulge because spoilers. However, I feel like we don’t know a lot about him, and I while his connection to Wren was adorable, it was also rather fast. A slower build-up perhaps would have warmed me up more to the romance and to the character itself.
Very curious to see how the series continues. The ending wraps up nicely, but there’s a lot more we’ve yet to uncover.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
July 20, 2024
This is a fun story that combines a magical bond-linked romance and rich world-building. The story follows Wren, a young Mage, who becomes embroiled in a conflict that disrupts her peaceful life. Tyran, a Necromancer whose magic is widely distrusted among mages, and Wren discover that they share a deep bond and ancient magic that has been long forgotten.
The romance between Wren and Tyran is sweet, but develops very quickly. Their bond provides a sweet counterpoint to the darker adventure. My favorite aspect of their bond is that the shadow magic that links them has an almost sentient quality. One delightful and unique feature is the use of messenger cats, adding a whimsical touch to the world.
I also LOVE the grief representation in this book. I love that it doesn't make sense and is so reactive; the character needs time to figure things out before even considering forgiveness. The book manages to wrap up its main storyline satisfactorily, avoiding the dreaded intense cliffhanger while still setting the stage for future stories. It FEELS like a standalone, but I'm glad that we'll get more stories with these characters.
I appreciate the review copy from R&R Booktours and the author. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
The romance between Wren and Tyran is sweet, but develops very quickly. Their bond provides a sweet counterpoint to the darker adventure. My favorite aspect of their bond is that the shadow magic that links them has an almost sentient quality. One delightful and unique feature is the use of messenger cats, adding a whimsical touch to the world.
I also LOVE the grief representation in this book. I love that it doesn't make sense and is so reactive; the character needs time to figure things out before even considering forgiveness. The book manages to wrap up its main storyline satisfactorily, avoiding the dreaded intense cliffhanger while still setting the stage for future stories. It FEELS like a standalone, but I'm glad that we'll get more stories with these characters.
I appreciate the review copy from R&R Booktours and the author. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
September 3, 2023
4.5 stars:
I loved it! The Shadows of Wren is author Jen Bilton’s debut fantasy and oh my goodness, it was so good! After being orphaned as a child and discovering shortly thereafter that she has a gift for shadow magic, our FMC Wren trains diligently with her adoptive father to learn how to wield her shadow magic. When she meets Tyran, a necromancer who seems to be fighting for good rather than evil, she teams up with him to fight against the evil necromancer set on dominating their world. I loved Tyran and Wren’s connection (it was such a great friends to lovers story!) and love the fantastic world building. This story was fast paced and kept me up turning the pages way too late in the evenings! I cannot wait to see where Bliton takes this story in the next book 👀
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All opinions are my own.
I loved it! The Shadows of Wren is author Jen Bilton’s debut fantasy and oh my goodness, it was so good! After being orphaned as a child and discovering shortly thereafter that she has a gift for shadow magic, our FMC Wren trains diligently with her adoptive father to learn how to wield her shadow magic. When she meets Tyran, a necromancer who seems to be fighting for good rather than evil, she teams up with him to fight against the evil necromancer set on dominating their world. I loved Tyran and Wren’s connection (it was such a great friends to lovers story!) and love the fantastic world building. This story was fast paced and kept me up turning the pages way too late in the evenings! I cannot wait to see where Bliton takes this story in the next book 👀
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All opinions are my own.
May 20, 2024
“The Shadows of Wren” is a captivating YA fantasy that introduces readers to a world brimming with mages, sorcerers, necromancers, and fantastical beasts. Set in the lands of Caldumn, ruled by the Red Kingdom, decades of peace are shattered when the southern towns are attacked, libraries burned, and ancient texts stolen by a mysterious force.
The story centres on 19-year-old Wren, a mage with ancient magic, as she hones her skills as both a mage and a soldier to save her lands with the guidance of her mentors. Along her journey, Wren finds herself drawn to Tyran, a necromancer whose magic is not widely trusted.
As a fan of Dungeons and Dragons, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It features quests, side-missions, and diverse characters! The worldbuilding is clear, the magic system intriguing, and the different species add depth, making it an easy and engaging read. The lore and magic systems are particularly captivating, and I hope they are elaborated on in future installments. The book balances action with sentimental moments perfectly.
Wren is a relatable character who struggles with anxiety and imposter syndrome throughout the book. While she makes some questionable choices, her heart is always in the right place. Some character events didn't quite land for me, possibly due to lack of page time. Wren’s friendship and budding relationship with Tyran is pure and sweet, though for me, a slower burn romance would have made it feel more serious.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to future installments! If you enjoy YA fantasy, friends-to-lovers, and intricate magic systems, then “The Shadows of Wren” is a must-read!
The story centres on 19-year-old Wren, a mage with ancient magic, as she hones her skills as both a mage and a soldier to save her lands with the guidance of her mentors. Along her journey, Wren finds herself drawn to Tyran, a necromancer whose magic is not widely trusted.
As a fan of Dungeons and Dragons, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It features quests, side-missions, and diverse characters! The worldbuilding is clear, the magic system intriguing, and the different species add depth, making it an easy and engaging read. The lore and magic systems are particularly captivating, and I hope they are elaborated on in future installments. The book balances action with sentimental moments perfectly.
Wren is a relatable character who struggles with anxiety and imposter syndrome throughout the book. While she makes some questionable choices, her heart is always in the right place. Some character events didn't quite land for me, possibly due to lack of page time. Wren’s friendship and budding relationship with Tyran is pure and sweet, though for me, a slower burn romance would have made it feel more serious.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to future installments! If you enjoy YA fantasy, friends-to-lovers, and intricate magic systems, then “The Shadows of Wren” is a must-read!
September 12, 2023
I'm such a sucker for mages and magic, so I was here for a shadow user and a necromancer. The relationship between these two characters was so well done and I was so sad to have it end! This book is dark, but also somehow manages to be cozy at the same time. Bliton is a very talented writer and I can't wait to read more from this author!
December 29, 2023
"Sometimes people fear what they don't understand"
I wanted to end the year with a fantasy that completely transports you into another world. The Shadows of Wren didn't fully scratch that itch. The world was well built and I understood the lore and the magic within it, I enjoyed the moments about trying to figure out the dynamics of how this world of Mages and Necromancers operates.
My biggest downside was the characters themselves, specifically our main female and male lead. From the beginning of the book I never truly felt connected or was made to care about Wren. I could tell the author tried to make me understand and connect with her but it felt more telling than showing. The same goes for Tyran, and because of this, their relationship didn't feel as if it had a lot of depth. It felt more insta-love for me because of how fast the relationship pacing was rather than a gradual progression of two people falling in love. This opinion doesn't go for all characters, however, as I enjoyed the depth and backstory we got from Viggo.
Overall as a fantasy, I enjoyed myself, but as a romance not as much.
Thank you to netgalley for the arc! <3
I wanted to end the year with a fantasy that completely transports you into another world. The Shadows of Wren didn't fully scratch that itch. The world was well built and I understood the lore and the magic within it, I enjoyed the moments about trying to figure out the dynamics of how this world of Mages and Necromancers operates.
My biggest downside was the characters themselves, specifically our main female and male lead. From the beginning of the book I never truly felt connected or was made to care about Wren. I could tell the author tried to make me understand and connect with her but it felt more telling than showing. The same goes for Tyran, and because of this, their relationship didn't feel as if it had a lot of depth. It felt more insta-love for me because of how fast the relationship pacing was rather than a gradual progression of two people falling in love. This opinion doesn't go for all characters, however, as I enjoyed the depth and backstory we got from Viggo.
Overall as a fantasy, I enjoyed myself, but as a romance not as much.
Thank you to netgalley for the arc! <3
January 5, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this book!! The world building was great, leading the story to possibly continue into a series. To which I am very excited to see happen. Magic 🪄, necromancy, mythical creatures, shadow wielding, and some romance… yes please🤩
The story flowed so well for me, the characters, their journey, and their issues. I could not get enough of it. I loved how Jen Bliton made Wren relatable with anxiety and her doubtful thoughts.
Also, Wren and Tyran, ughhh I cannot get enough of them 🖤 I swear I wished this book had some 🌶️ scenes 😅 They literally are my favorites from the book. Like come on when Tyran calls Wren “My Dark Star” ⭐️ (internally screams), bye I’m unwell. Loved their interactions and how their relationship progressed.
Thank you Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to read this book and to review it.
I loved this book!! The world building was great, leading the story to possibly continue into a series. To which I am very excited to see happen. Magic 🪄, necromancy, mythical creatures, shadow wielding, and some romance… yes please🤩
The story flowed so well for me, the characters, their journey, and their issues. I could not get enough of it. I loved how Jen Bliton made Wren relatable with anxiety and her doubtful thoughts.
Also, Wren and Tyran, ughhh I cannot get enough of them 🖤 I swear I wished this book had some 🌶️ scenes 😅 They literally are my favorites from the book. Like come on when Tyran calls Wren “My Dark Star” ⭐️ (internally screams), bye I’m unwell. Loved their interactions and how their relationship progressed.
Thank you Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to read this book and to review it.
May 19, 2024
A fast-paced YA romantasy. The story was an epic good vs evil filled with unique creatures, ancient magicks, and an unforgettable love.
The story moved quickly and there wasn’t a dull moment. I enjoyed the magical creatures and different magicks as well.
Tropes enjoyed here are young adult romances, instalove, more of a cinnamon roll MMC with deadly magic, fighter FMC, mythical creatures, good vs evil battles, found family, save the world, magic, sweet romance and so much more!
The story moved quickly and there wasn’t a dull moment. I enjoyed the magical creatures and different magicks as well.
Tropes enjoyed here are young adult romances, instalove, more of a cinnamon roll MMC with deadly magic, fighter FMC, mythical creatures, good vs evil battles, found family, save the world, magic, sweet romance and so much more!
May 25, 2024
This cover was beautiful! This was such a beautiful and cozy read from Jen. I loved the whole magic and mythical creatures. Wren was a wonderful character. I really enjoyed each chapter. The way the story started and folded was perfect in my opinion. I love a good fantasy romance and this book certainly had it.
• Ancient Magic
• Mythical Creatures
• Friends to Lovers/ Insta Love
• Large Scale Battles
• Trauma Healing
• Mental Health Rep
• Ancient Magic
• Mythical Creatures
• Friends to Lovers/ Insta Love
• Large Scale Battles
• Trauma Healing
• Mental Health Rep
April 17, 2024
This book is a YA fantasy romance that I enjoyed thoroughly! I was hooked from the first few chapters which was a breath of fresh air. Having moved on to new adult fantasy and such s I have gotten older, I often find myself getting a little bored with some of the YA stories, but this one had a wonderful balance. I honestly didn’t even notice it was YA. I’m unsure if this is a standalone or a series as it isn’t really indicated on the book, but I would be interested to continue on with wren and tyrens storyline. I highly recommend this book to all readers!
September 16, 2023
The Shadows of Wren is filled with ancient magic, battles, a quest against evil. This friends to lovers tale had me on the edge of my seat. Perfect for romantasy readers.
This is giving me light Merlin/Witcher vibes when it comes to the lore and magic evolution. I loved the building of the world and the descriptions giving by the authors. The scenery was beautiful which made me more invested in the story. I loved the dynamic between the characters! Seriously the interactions are ones you will get hooked and swoon about.
If you want to add another book boyfriend to your list, watch out… Tyran is amazing.. I love the relationship he has with Wren the mage.. oh and Tyran is a Necromancer… yup! You read that right. And the pet name is one of my absolute favs, Tyran calls Wren his dark star. 🥹 my heart! I enjoyed this one, hoping to learn more about the origins in the next book.
Huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy. All Opinions are my own.
This is giving me light Merlin/Witcher vibes when it comes to the lore and magic evolution. I loved the building of the world and the descriptions giving by the authors. The scenery was beautiful which made me more invested in the story. I loved the dynamic between the characters! Seriously the interactions are ones you will get hooked and swoon about.
If you want to add another book boyfriend to your list, watch out… Tyran is amazing.. I love the relationship he has with Wren the mage.. oh and Tyran is a Necromancer… yup! You read that right. And the pet name is one of my absolute favs, Tyran calls Wren his dark star. 🥹 my heart! I enjoyed this one, hoping to learn more about the origins in the next book.
Huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy. All Opinions are my own.
October 12, 2023
“You are my Dark Star,” he said. “I see your light, Wren. You show me things I didn’t know I needed, and you give it freely. No matter how dark, and through all the shadows, I see you, and I love you.” 🖤
My thoughts….
The worldbuilding was amazing. HUGE fan of this world, it has all the fantasy aspects I love to see. There’s a lot going on but it’s well-written and easily digestible. I’m a sucker for anything to do with Necromancers, so I loved this system of magic. It gave Dungeons & Dragons or The Witcher vibes and also has a cozy, autumn feel that made me glad I was reading it on a rainy day.
The romance didn’t do it for me because I’m not a fan of the instalove trope at all. There was minimal buildup, no tension, and overall just felt hard to care about their relationship when it was just. There. It could maybe be friends to lovers if you squint so if that’s your style, you’ll love them. Also, no spice if that's something that matters to you.
I wanted to love the characters but they were very two-dimensional. I kept feeling like there was something missing from each of them that kept them from reaching a full character arc. They all had similar dialogue styles (aside from Viggo's repetitive "Aye") that made it hard to imagine distinct personalities. I think there are some great aspects to all of them, but it just fell a little short for me.
↳ Wren: Oh Wren. She has some of the coolest magic but is incredibly overpowered. Until the time this book starts when Wren is 19, she has no weapons or fight training and yet somehow keeps up with soldiers who have been training their whole lives??? Takes out monsters that kill much more advanced warriors? And there’s really no mention of her being a prodigy or particularly skilled or anything either, this is all just… happening.
↳ Tyran: My silver-haired KING. I love his wit and his storyline, he was one of the best things in the book for me. No notes, 10/10, would love for him to call me his Dark Star.
↳ Oona: I thought she was a great character and was looking forward to her, but she essentially disappears after the first 20% of the book once her major contribution to the plot is over.
↳ Viggo: I’m having trouble articulating exactly what the issue with him is. He’s kind of a giant asshole who goes back and forth between treating his daughter like a soldier and like she’s too weak to exist and holds constant grudges for her mistakes. Overall his attitude towards Wren is disdainful which feels weird for the fact he’s supposed to be her dad (and not a bad one?). Also at 73% I noticed for the first time he only can use one eye??? There have been so many fight scenes at this point I feel like the fact I either didn’t notice or just forgot is not on me but oh well
↳ Rhonin: I couldn’t take him too seriously as the ~evil~ antagonist when he says shit like
I struggled with this being in Wren’s POV because she seems so disjointed from everything she’s experiencing (which might contribute to the characters seeming 2 dimensional). She’ll experience or witness awful things and then just… kind of move on? Certain events also have minimal buildup or tension and resolve too quickly without enough conflict to justify the magnitude they’re supposed to carry. It makes the plot feel like separate and distinct events rather than steps towards a climax and resolution.
Overall, I think this has a lot of promise. This is such a rich and thought-out world that it’s a shame the characters fall so flat in comparison. So much time is spent on characters, monsters, or scenes that have basically no impact on the story at large, and it would be great to see that dedicated to developing what matters.
*I was gifted a copy of this book through NetGalley and am grateful to the author for the chance to read it!
My thoughts….
The worldbuilding was amazing. HUGE fan of this world, it has all the fantasy aspects I love to see. There’s a lot going on but it’s well-written and easily digestible. I’m a sucker for anything to do with Necromancers, so I loved this system of magic. It gave Dungeons & Dragons or The Witcher vibes and also has a cozy, autumn feel that made me glad I was reading it on a rainy day.
The romance didn’t do it for me because I’m not a fan of the instalove trope at all. There was minimal buildup, no tension, and overall just felt hard to care about their relationship when it was just. There. It could maybe be friends to lovers if you squint so if that’s your style, you’ll love them. Also, no spice if that's something that matters to you.
I wanted to love the characters but they were very two-dimensional. I kept feeling like there was something missing from each of them that kept them from reaching a full character arc. They all had similar dialogue styles (aside from Viggo's repetitive "Aye") that made it hard to imagine distinct personalities. I think there are some great aspects to all of them, but it just fell a little short for me.
↳ Wren: Oh Wren. She has some of the coolest magic but is incredibly overpowered. Until the time this book starts when Wren is 19, she has no weapons or fight training and yet somehow keeps up with soldiers who have been training their whole lives??? Takes out monsters that kill much more advanced warriors? And there’s really no mention of her being a prodigy or particularly skilled or anything either, this is all just… happening.
↳ Tyran: My silver-haired KING. I love his wit and his storyline, he was one of the best things in the book for me. No notes, 10/10, would love for him to call me his Dark Star.
↳ Oona: I thought she was a great character and was looking forward to her, but she essentially disappears after the first 20% of the book once her major contribution to the plot is over.
↳ Viggo: I’m having trouble articulating exactly what the issue with him is. He’s kind of a giant asshole who goes back and forth between treating his daughter like a soldier and like she’s too weak to exist and holds constant grudges for her mistakes. Overall his attitude towards Wren is disdainful which feels weird for the fact he’s supposed to be her dad (and not a bad one?). Also at 73% I noticed for the first time he only can use one eye??? There have been so many fight scenes at this point I feel like the fact I either didn’t notice or just forgot is not on me but oh well
↳ Rhonin: I couldn’t take him too seriously as the ~evil~ antagonist when he says shit like
“My, I expected more from two major towns joining forces,” Rhonin yelled with utter arrogance…Rhonin let out a tsk of disapproval as he looked at us.A tsk of disapproval? How can we ever recover
I struggled with this being in Wren’s POV because she seems so disjointed from everything she’s experiencing (which might contribute to the characters seeming 2 dimensional). She’ll experience or witness awful things and then just… kind of move on? Certain events also have minimal buildup or tension and resolve too quickly without enough conflict to justify the magnitude they’re supposed to carry. It makes the plot feel like separate and distinct events rather than steps towards a climax and resolution.
Overall, I think this has a lot of promise. This is such a rich and thought-out world that it’s a shame the characters fall so flat in comparison. So much time is spent on characters, monsters, or scenes that have basically no impact on the story at large, and it would be great to see that dedicated to developing what matters.
*I was gifted a copy of this book through NetGalley and am grateful to the author for the chance to read it!
May 24, 2024
There are bandits running around trying to find a relic for their leader, a Necromancer, and causing damage and even ending lives.
Wren has an ancient and dangerous power over shadows and has been trying to learn how to control them. Wren happens to meet a Necromancer that she’s drawn to and does not know why, but then he disappears.
When their village is attacked by bandits, Wren and her mentors, including her father, are determined to get to the bottom of what they’re searching for, and that means traveling to the Red Kingdom, one of the places the bandits have yet to strike, and try to get answers.
This is a unique fantasy filled with Wizards, Witches and Necromancers, a fierce, yet sensitive, FMC, a charming and cinnamon roll MMC, a found family that is slowly building, ancient powerful shadow magic, a forbidden sort of enemies to lovers possibly fated mates romance, with a hint of touch her/him and ☠️, and maybe some betrayal(you’ll have to read to understand!).
This was definitely unique, and I loved the romance! It was sweet and I needed something sweet after some of the heavier books I’ve read recently 😅 It is instalove, but there’s was something about it that I really liked. I really liked Tyran. He’s a cinnamon roll and clearly loves and cares a lot for Wren. It was endearing and sweet the interactions they had with each other.
I really liked the world and reading a fantasy with Necromancers. That doesn’t happen often for me. It was something new plus all the other mythical creatures that made appearances here and there.
Also, there’s messenger cats. Now, tell me a book that has messenger cats, because that small detail made me love this book more. I also really love cats 😜
Now, this book had A LOT of potential. The idea and concept are there, the world is and the characters, but the execution could have been done better.
There is no history at all about this world. There’s some glimpses of Wren’s history, and maybe some brief explanations of like these god-like beings from the past and their history, but otherwise, when you start this book, it feels like I was dropped into the middle of a story that started chapters ago, but I’m just missing those first few chapters.
And it was fine, but I missed the world building. There’s no history for me to understand what happened between these people and Necromancers. There was a war, but that’s all I know.
This book also felt like every single trope you love was thrown into here. And it’s all shoved into this book to cover all bases, but it didn’t always work. There’s betrayal in here, but it seemed a bit out of place for me and I think it was to add drama, but it felt unnecessary.
It’s a very fast-paced book and I wish there was more building on the world and characters. The scenes were just very fast for me. And I want to understand the magic better. I thought Wren only had shadow magic, but apparently she can do more than that, and the same goes for Tyran. There was just no explanation given about that or no explanation about the magic system.
That being said, I still liked enough to want to read the next book since I’m curious how this will continue!
I received a free digital copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Wren has an ancient and dangerous power over shadows and has been trying to learn how to control them. Wren happens to meet a Necromancer that she’s drawn to and does not know why, but then he disappears.
When their village is attacked by bandits, Wren and her mentors, including her father, are determined to get to the bottom of what they’re searching for, and that means traveling to the Red Kingdom, one of the places the bandits have yet to strike, and try to get answers.
This is a unique fantasy filled with Wizards, Witches and Necromancers, a fierce, yet sensitive, FMC, a charming and cinnamon roll MMC, a found family that is slowly building, ancient powerful shadow magic, a forbidden sort of enemies to lovers possibly fated mates romance, with a hint of touch her/him and ☠️, and maybe some betrayal(you’ll have to read to understand!).
This was definitely unique, and I loved the romance! It was sweet and I needed something sweet after some of the heavier books I’ve read recently 😅 It is instalove, but there’s was something about it that I really liked. I really liked Tyran. He’s a cinnamon roll and clearly loves and cares a lot for Wren. It was endearing and sweet the interactions they had with each other.
I really liked the world and reading a fantasy with Necromancers. That doesn’t happen often for me. It was something new plus all the other mythical creatures that made appearances here and there.
Also, there’s messenger cats. Now, tell me a book that has messenger cats, because that small detail made me love this book more. I also really love cats 😜
Now, this book had A LOT of potential. The idea and concept are there, the world is and the characters, but the execution could have been done better.
There is no history at all about this world. There’s some glimpses of Wren’s history, and maybe some brief explanations of like these god-like beings from the past and their history, but otherwise, when you start this book, it feels like I was dropped into the middle of a story that started chapters ago, but I’m just missing those first few chapters.
And it was fine, but I missed the world building. There’s no history for me to understand what happened between these people and Necromancers. There was a war, but that’s all I know.
This book also felt like every single trope you love was thrown into here. And it’s all shoved into this book to cover all bases, but it didn’t always work. There’s betrayal in here, but it seemed a bit out of place for me and I think it was to add drama, but it felt unnecessary.
It’s a very fast-paced book and I wish there was more building on the world and characters. The scenes were just very fast for me. And I want to understand the magic better. I thought Wren only had shadow magic, but apparently she can do more than that, and the same goes for Tyran. There was just no explanation given about that or no explanation about the magic system.
That being said, I still liked enough to want to read the next book since I’m curious how this will continue!
I received a free digital copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 17, 2024
I'm not exactly a fan of YA, but what can I say? Pretty cover is pretty.
Add to that a rather unique - to me - concept for a story, with an unconventional male lead, and I was intrigued, to say the least.
Plotwise, the book took a bit of time to actually pick up pace and truly let us in on the real theme of the story - I think it was about page 60 or so. The good news is, I don't usually leave a book until page 100, so I was able to be around to witness the change and honestly get invested. The bad news is... other people don't have that kind of patience. Yes, lore and world building and background story info are important, but they shouldn't take the focus away from what really interests a reader, which is the story itself. The action and the mystery and the characters.
So it's a good thing I don't drop a book easily, because once it got to the main part... Mhmmm, perfection! So much action and suspense, plus the feeling of the protagonists and their loved ones being in real danger that they had little odds of defeating. And don't even get me started on the romance!
Tyran was a wonderful example of non-toxic masculinity, the ideal blend of dark and marhsmallow, and I kept melting each time he showed just how awesome he was in and out. The guy saw a powerful woman, fell head over heels, was not afraid to admit it, and swooned every time Wren exhibited the kind of power that others would consider blasphemous or terrifying. I'm pretty sure she could have killed someone in cold blood, and he would still be on the sidelines yelling "You're doing great, sweetie!"
All in all, a really good book that only minor editing could have made even better.
***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***
Read this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com
Add to that a rather unique - to me - concept for a story, with an unconventional male lead, and I was intrigued, to say the least.
Plotwise, the book took a bit of time to actually pick up pace and truly let us in on the real theme of the story - I think it was about page 60 or so. The good news is, I don't usually leave a book until page 100, so I was able to be around to witness the change and honestly get invested. The bad news is... other people don't have that kind of patience. Yes, lore and world building and background story info are important, but they shouldn't take the focus away from what really interests a reader, which is the story itself. The action and the mystery and the characters.
So it's a good thing I don't drop a book easily, because once it got to the main part... Mhmmm, perfection! So much action and suspense, plus the feeling of the protagonists and their loved ones being in real danger that they had little odds of defeating. And don't even get me started on the romance!
Tyran was a wonderful example of non-toxic masculinity, the ideal blend of dark and marhsmallow, and I kept melting each time he showed just how awesome he was in and out. The guy saw a powerful woman, fell head over heels, was not afraid to admit it, and swooned every time Wren exhibited the kind of power that others would consider blasphemous or terrifying. I'm pretty sure she could have killed someone in cold blood, and he would still be on the sidelines yelling "You're doing great, sweetie!"
All in all, a really good book that only minor editing could have made even better.
***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***
Read this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com
April 3, 2024
Wren and Tyran give a new definition to moving into a relationship quickly.
The Shadows of Wren is a romantasy novel about necromancers, shadow magic, and the consequences of too much power. One thing I will note before I review any further is that there are a fair amount of grammatical and spelling mistakes (at least, in my copy) so if that's something that you can't ignore like I did, this book is not for you. Also, the telepathy in this book is not differentiated form normal text, meaning it can be a bit confusing at times.
The story itself took me a little while to get into, and I think it had to do with the characters, which I'll get into in a little bit. The magic system was interesting - there are witches, mages, warlocks, and necromancers, and they're all different. The main character, Wren, is a mage (meaning she can use elemental magic from what I gained, but she seems mostly to stick with fire) who also has shadow magic. I didn't really get a clear sense of the plot from the beginning, which is something I struggle with in books, but it definitely became more direct and interesting to me around 60%. I will say that I called most of the plot twists, but that's not exactly uncommon in YA fantasy for me.
I think my biggest struggle was trying to connect with the characters. At first I was excited for Wren because I don't usually see shadow-wielder women in books, but her personality fell a bit flat for me. The same goes for Tyran, whose only personality seemed to be hitting on Wren at every chance he got...and I mean every chance. They met in the woods a few chapters in and started making out at 30%, and then they didn't stop...ever. Bergen, Viggo, Endora, and the rest of the cast were relatively two-dimensional (although I liked Viggo's backstory). I also thought that Rhonin was a cool idea for a villain, but his motives were a bit bland.
If you're in the mood for a short, dark YA romantasy, The Shadows of Wren is a fast-paced read that checks all of those boxes.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
3.25/5
The Shadows of Wren is a romantasy novel about necromancers, shadow magic, and the consequences of too much power. One thing I will note before I review any further is that there are a fair amount of grammatical and spelling mistakes (at least, in my copy) so if that's something that you can't ignore like I did, this book is not for you. Also, the telepathy in this book is not differentiated form normal text, meaning it can be a bit confusing at times.
The story itself took me a little while to get into, and I think it had to do with the characters, which I'll get into in a little bit. The magic system was interesting - there are witches, mages, warlocks, and necromancers, and they're all different. The main character, Wren, is a mage (meaning she can use elemental magic from what I gained, but she seems mostly to stick with fire) who also has shadow magic. I didn't really get a clear sense of the plot from the beginning, which is something I struggle with in books, but it definitely became more direct and interesting to me around 60%. I will say that I called most of the plot twists, but that's not exactly uncommon in YA fantasy for me.
I think my biggest struggle was trying to connect with the characters. At first I was excited for Wren because I don't usually see shadow-wielder women in books, but her personality fell a bit flat for me. The same goes for Tyran, whose only personality seemed to be hitting on Wren at every chance he got...and I mean every chance. They met in the woods a few chapters in and started making out at 30%, and then they didn't stop...ever. Bergen, Viggo, Endora, and the rest of the cast were relatively two-dimensional (although I liked Viggo's backstory). I also thought that Rhonin was a cool idea for a villain, but his motives were a bit bland.
If you're in the mood for a short, dark YA romantasy, The Shadows of Wren is a fast-paced read that checks all of those boxes.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
3.25/5
December 29, 2023
4.4 rounded down to 4/5.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
"The Shadows of Wren" by Jen Bliton invites readers into the enchanting world of Caldumn, a realm of magic and mystery. Fans of
Sorcery of Thorns will love this book as it weaves a captivating tale filled with vivid world-building and an intriguing magic system.
The story unfolds as the southern towns of Caldumn face an ominous threat – their libraries are burned, and ancient texts stolen by an unknown force. In the midst of this conflict, Wren, a nineteen-year-old Mage, becomes an unexpected key player. The narrative takes readers on a journey that goes beyond Wren's peaceful life, forming an unlikely alliance between different magical beings.
The characters, particularly Wren and Tyran, are well-crafted, and the dynamics between them add depth to the narrative. While the romance aspect develops quickly, the novel manages to maintain a sense of intrigue and anticipation. The drama surrounding Wren and Tyran could have explored additional obstacles to enrich their relationship further.
One of the book's strengths lies in its world-building. The author paints a vivid picture of Caldumn, immersing readers in its magical landscapes and diverse magical beings. The magic system is well thought out and adds an additional layer of fascination to the story.
"Shadows of Wren" is a fast-paced read, perfect for a cozy day or the onset of fall. It keeps the pages turning with a compelling plot that combines elements of fantasy, magic, and adventure. As a debut novel, Jen Bliton demonstrates impressive storytelling and leaves readers eagerly anticipating what comes next.
In conclusion, "The Shadows of Wren" is a must-read for fans of magical fantasy. With its enchanting world, well-developed characters, and an engaging plot, it establishes Jen Bliton as a promising new voice in the fantasy genre.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
"The Shadows of Wren" by Jen Bliton invites readers into the enchanting world of Caldumn, a realm of magic and mystery. Fans of
Sorcery of Thorns will love this book as it weaves a captivating tale filled with vivid world-building and an intriguing magic system.
The story unfolds as the southern towns of Caldumn face an ominous threat – their libraries are burned, and ancient texts stolen by an unknown force. In the midst of this conflict, Wren, a nineteen-year-old Mage, becomes an unexpected key player. The narrative takes readers on a journey that goes beyond Wren's peaceful life, forming an unlikely alliance between different magical beings.
The characters, particularly Wren and Tyran, are well-crafted, and the dynamics between them add depth to the narrative. While the romance aspect develops quickly, the novel manages to maintain a sense of intrigue and anticipation. The drama surrounding Wren and Tyran could have explored additional obstacles to enrich their relationship further.
One of the book's strengths lies in its world-building. The author paints a vivid picture of Caldumn, immersing readers in its magical landscapes and diverse magical beings. The magic system is well thought out and adds an additional layer of fascination to the story.
"Shadows of Wren" is a fast-paced read, perfect for a cozy day or the onset of fall. It keeps the pages turning with a compelling plot that combines elements of fantasy, magic, and adventure. As a debut novel, Jen Bliton demonstrates impressive storytelling and leaves readers eagerly anticipating what comes next.
In conclusion, "The Shadows of Wren" is a must-read for fans of magical fantasy. With its enchanting world, well-developed characters, and an engaging plot, it establishes Jen Bliton as a promising new voice in the fantasy genre.
October 31, 2023
The Shadows of Wren is an easy fantasy read that tells the story of Wren, a mage used to a peaceful life, and Tyran, a mysterious necromancer she encounters in the forest. It focuses on their romance and the journey they face to save their lands, and is filled with magic, conflict, and adventure that is sure to captivate readers.
Unfortunately, this book was not for me.
I loved the magic system and world-building. I am a big fantasy reader, and this story contained aspects that I love to see in my books. Because of the level of detail put into these areas, however, the characters felt two-dimensional against the intricate backdrop of their world. As a side, I did enjoy the diversity of the characters which is an important feature to me as a queer reader.
I was not the biggest fan of the romance between the two MCs. I don’t particularly enjoy instalove, so I didn't feel attached to the relationship that Wren and Tyran shared. The lack of development in their relationship led to a lack of interest on my part.
The pacing and balance of the book was arguably my biggest issue. In addition to the pacing of the relationship between the MCs, there seemed to be a lack of balance between world-building and plot. It worked in favour of the world, which was intricate and beautiful, but it resulted in more time spent on scenes that weren’t as relevant to the overarching plot, and less spent on scenes that were more important to the story.
Overall, I can see how this book would work for a lot of people, and I am sad to say that I am not one of them. The Shadows of Wren does hold a lot of promise, and I look forward to seeing what else this author puts out.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!
Unfortunately, this book was not for me.
I loved the magic system and world-building. I am a big fantasy reader, and this story contained aspects that I love to see in my books. Because of the level of detail put into these areas, however, the characters felt two-dimensional against the intricate backdrop of their world. As a side, I did enjoy the diversity of the characters which is an important feature to me as a queer reader.
I was not the biggest fan of the romance between the two MCs. I don’t particularly enjoy instalove, so I didn't feel attached to the relationship that Wren and Tyran shared. The lack of development in their relationship led to a lack of interest on my part.
The pacing and balance of the book was arguably my biggest issue. In addition to the pacing of the relationship between the MCs, there seemed to be a lack of balance between world-building and plot. It worked in favour of the world, which was intricate and beautiful, but it resulted in more time spent on scenes that weren’t as relevant to the overarching plot, and less spent on scenes that were more important to the story.
Overall, I can see how this book would work for a lot of people, and I am sad to say that I am not one of them. The Shadows of Wren does hold a lot of promise, and I look forward to seeing what else this author puts out.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!
December 8, 2023
“No matter how dark, and through all the shadows, I see you, and I love you.”
The Shadows of Wren by Jen Bilton is the first instalment in a romantic fantasy series. It follows Wren, a young mage, and Tyran, a mysterious Necromancer, as they discover they share an ancient magic which people are hunted down and killed for. Lives are changed when libraries begin burning down and valuable texts are stolen. Unlikely alliances must form to save the peace of their kingdom against a force trying to wield unformidable power.
This book had me completely captivated at the first page. The world-building was incredible and the intricate details made me feel like I was in the story. Each page held important information and the writing was well-paced. The plot took unpredictable and exciting turns leaving me completely hooked and on the edge of my seat, it was so hard to put down. I loved learning about the different characters and types of magic.
There were a couple of things which could’ve made this book even better. I think the romance between Wren and Tyran could’ve been more of a slow burn to create a phenomenal enemies to lovers story. On a few occasions, I found that the language used felt slightly too modern for the time period the story was depicted in. Other than those tiny criticisms, the story felt perfect.
I know we all love a Shadow Daddy, but how about a powerful shadow wielding FMC?
I truly can’t believe The Shadows of Wren isn’t viral, it’s a must-read for all romantic fantasy fans!
The Shadows of Wren by Jen Bilton is the first instalment in a romantic fantasy series. It follows Wren, a young mage, and Tyran, a mysterious Necromancer, as they discover they share an ancient magic which people are hunted down and killed for. Lives are changed when libraries begin burning down and valuable texts are stolen. Unlikely alliances must form to save the peace of their kingdom against a force trying to wield unformidable power.
This book had me completely captivated at the first page. The world-building was incredible and the intricate details made me feel like I was in the story. Each page held important information and the writing was well-paced. The plot took unpredictable and exciting turns leaving me completely hooked and on the edge of my seat, it was so hard to put down. I loved learning about the different characters and types of magic.
There were a couple of things which could’ve made this book even better. I think the romance between Wren and Tyran could’ve been more of a slow burn to create a phenomenal enemies to lovers story. On a few occasions, I found that the language used felt slightly too modern for the time period the story was depicted in. Other than those tiny criticisms, the story felt perfect.
I know we all love a Shadow Daddy, but how about a powerful shadow wielding FMC?
I truly can’t believe The Shadows of Wren isn’t viral, it’s a must-read for all romantic fantasy fans!
October 19, 2023
Despite struggling to initially get into this book as it felt a little slow to begin with, I really enjoyed it once it got going. It has everything that you would want in a fantasy book; magic, quests, epic battles and of course a love story. I also thought the world building was phenomenal and really well written.
Wren is a mage who also has a gift for shadow magic which is ancient and feared. She trains with the town’s wizard to learn to control these powers and when trouble arises that threatens everything she has ever known she makes an unlikely alliance with the necromancer Tyran who she meets along the way to fight against an evil that wants to dominate the world.
I loved the instant connection that Wren and Tyran had from their shared magic initially that then grew into more. They were cute and I really enjoyed them together. My only slight criticism is that I wish there had been more build up and a slower burn as it all happened very quickly.
This book wrapped up neatly and I’m intrigued to see how the story continues to develop and the role the red kingdom plays in everything that has happened so far. I also hope we learn more about the history and how it all connects back to the originals as I found that part really interesting.
This was an incredible story for a debut novel and I’m excited to read more of their work going forward.
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC.
Wren is a mage who also has a gift for shadow magic which is ancient and feared. She trains with the town’s wizard to learn to control these powers and when trouble arises that threatens everything she has ever known she makes an unlikely alliance with the necromancer Tyran who she meets along the way to fight against an evil that wants to dominate the world.
I loved the instant connection that Wren and Tyran had from their shared magic initially that then grew into more. They were cute and I really enjoyed them together. My only slight criticism is that I wish there had been more build up and a slower burn as it all happened very quickly.
This book wrapped up neatly and I’m intrigued to see how the story continues to develop and the role the red kingdom plays in everything that has happened so far. I also hope we learn more about the history and how it all connects back to the originals as I found that part really interesting.
This was an incredible story for a debut novel and I’m excited to read more of their work going forward.
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC.
May 23, 2024
I was immediately drawn to this book, not only because of the gorgeous cover, but also because this revolved around a mage and necromancer! I’m always intrigued by a story when it includes necromancy. With the amazing world building and magic system and the story including wizards, witches, and magical beasts, it made this YA romantic fantasy a cozy read. In a way, it reminded me of Dungeons & Dragons with the added elements of quests and side missions, which I really enjoyed in this book. Also, they use cats as messengers who get paid in treats for deliveries. I just thought that was such a cute and unique aspect of this book!
I enjoyed reading the romance between Wren, our FMC who is a mage, and Tyran, who is our MMC and a necromancer. There’s ancient magic that makes them immediately drawn to each other. Their romance is instant love. While I know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea, I don’t mind it especially if it’s written really well, and in this case, it was! It was sweet and swoon-worthy!
I’m really looking forward to reading what happens next in book 2! I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy YA romantic fantasy and these tropes:
• Ancient Magic
• Mythical Creatures
• Friends to Lovers/ Insta Love
• Large Scale Battles
• Trauma Healing
• Mental Health Rep
Thank you to the author and R&R Book Tours for the arc and review opportunity! 🫶🏼
I enjoyed reading the romance between Wren, our FMC who is a mage, and Tyran, who is our MMC and a necromancer. There’s ancient magic that makes them immediately drawn to each other. Their romance is instant love. While I know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea, I don’t mind it especially if it’s written really well, and in this case, it was! It was sweet and swoon-worthy!
I’m really looking forward to reading what happens next in book 2! I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy YA romantic fantasy and these tropes:
• Ancient Magic
• Mythical Creatures
• Friends to Lovers/ Insta Love
• Large Scale Battles
• Trauma Healing
• Mental Health Rep
Thank you to the author and R&R Book Tours for the arc and review opportunity! 🫶🏼
October 22, 2023
Wren, a mage whose life revolves around the library in her village that safeguards the vast knowledge of magic. However, her world is turned upside down as a series of mysterious fires consume the libraries in the Red Kingdom. Fueled by determination, she embarks on a quest to unveil the culprits behind this unforgivable act.
Along the way, Wren crosses paths with Tyran, a necromancer, and a peculiar connection arises through their unique magical abilities. Their magnetic attraction draws them together, prompting them to unite forces with the noble goal of saving the kingdom from the arsonists. Their romance is far from a straightforward affair, as it's entangled with the complexities of their mission, the stark differences between their people, and the looming shadow of prejudice.
“The Shadows of Wren” by Jen Bliton is a really good book to read. I liked the characters and story, and it kept me wanting to read more. I did think the book was on the slower side. I wished for a bit more tension in the romance between Wren and Tyran, as well as stronger resistance from other characters against their relationship, considering the prevailing prejudices. I did like the book though and would like to read more of it in the future. 4 out of 5 stars.
Along the way, Wren crosses paths with Tyran, a necromancer, and a peculiar connection arises through their unique magical abilities. Their magnetic attraction draws them together, prompting them to unite forces with the noble goal of saving the kingdom from the arsonists. Their romance is far from a straightforward affair, as it's entangled with the complexities of their mission, the stark differences between their people, and the looming shadow of prejudice.
“The Shadows of Wren” by Jen Bliton is a really good book to read. I liked the characters and story, and it kept me wanting to read more. I did think the book was on the slower side. I wished for a bit more tension in the romance between Wren and Tyran, as well as stronger resistance from other characters against their relationship, considering the prevailing prejudices. I did like the book though and would like to read more of it in the future. 4 out of 5 stars.
November 20, 2023
I loved this book!
The story is told with such finesse and has a lovely storyline that makes you care for the characters and mourn when there is a loss of even the background characters. I read a lot and this is up there as one of the more beautiful books I have read recently, and I have read A LOT!
The story follows a young woman with powers and has known that there is something more within her. Very few know of this unknown power within her as it can be dangerous for others to find out. On a mission with her father and their troops, she gets separated and finds herself face to face with a necromancer, a breed that her father has hated and used to instill fear in her so she never mingles with their kind. After their unexpected meeting, they see each other again and realize that he also has the same power running through him.
They begin training with each other to determine the true strength of their power and how to wield it safely and it's a good thing they did because soon they will be face to face with Rhonin, his father.
The battle ensues for an obelisk that holds great power and can be unleashed using the power they both hold.
I can't tell you anymore without giving away a beautiful ending.
Please read it and I hope you enjoy it!
The story is told with such finesse and has a lovely storyline that makes you care for the characters and mourn when there is a loss of even the background characters. I read a lot and this is up there as one of the more beautiful books I have read recently, and I have read A LOT!
The story follows a young woman with powers and has known that there is something more within her. Very few know of this unknown power within her as it can be dangerous for others to find out. On a mission with her father and their troops, she gets separated and finds herself face to face with a necromancer, a breed that her father has hated and used to instill fear in her so she never mingles with their kind. After their unexpected meeting, they see each other again and realize that he also has the same power running through him.
They begin training with each other to determine the true strength of their power and how to wield it safely and it's a good thing they did because soon they will be face to face with Rhonin, his father.
The battle ensues for an obelisk that holds great power and can be unleashed using the power they both hold.
I can't tell you anymore without giving away a beautiful ending.
Please read it and I hope you enjoy it!
December 26, 2023
I don´t know if the book has been for me at all, but Wren definitely is.
On the one hand the plot is simple, wich I like because sometimes less is more, but it would have been nice if there was more context. It introduces you to the villian and the plot but tell you very little about both, I feel that 50 more pages would have been good to give context and that everything was more organic.
On the other hand, the magic system and the supernatural creatures follow the limple line that I like, so great :) I like to read convoluted magic systems, but to be easier to understand are also well. And the fact of being able to visualize in my head the creatures that are spoken of so clearly has been such a pleasure.
But the jewel in the crown is Wren. Is a character that feels very real. The are times when she feels anxiety or even doesn't know how she feels, and it's one of the few stories where I've seen this. She makes mistakes, she feels overwhelmed, she doesn't easily forgive a betrayal just because it's the right thing to do, she is real and makes you empathize with her.
I think the final battle might have lasted a little longer to be more epic, but it's not a bad book. I think it might be ideal for someone who starts reading fantasy with romance, but without spice scenes.
On the one hand the plot is simple, wich I like because sometimes less is more, but it would have been nice if there was more context. It introduces you to the villian and the plot but tell you very little about both, I feel that 50 more pages would have been good to give context and that everything was more organic.
On the other hand, the magic system and the supernatural creatures follow the limple line that I like, so great :) I like to read convoluted magic systems, but to be easier to understand are also well. And the fact of being able to visualize in my head the creatures that are spoken of so clearly has been such a pleasure.
But the jewel in the crown is Wren. Is a character that feels very real. The are times when she feels anxiety or even doesn't know how she feels, and it's one of the few stories where I've seen this. She makes mistakes, she feels overwhelmed, she doesn't easily forgive a betrayal just because it's the right thing to do, she is real and makes you empathize with her.
I think the final battle might have lasted a little longer to be more epic, but it's not a bad book. I think it might be ideal for someone who starts reading fantasy with romance, but without spice scenes.
October 12, 2023
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Initially, the cover of the book drew me in. It looks amazing! And then I read the synopsis and it left something to be desired. I didn’t think it had a lot of information about the book. But I went to Goodreads and read reviews and all of the reviews were really positive so I decided I would give it a try. And it wasn’t really for me.
It’s not that the writing is bad or I don’t like the characters or anything like that. It’s the fantasy portion for me. I’ll read fantasy books but I don’t read them that often. So maybe I shouldn’t have even picked up this book. But I tried it and the fantasy was just too heavy for me. I didn’t understand a lot of what was going on and I found myself confused on multiple occasions. That’s the main reason for me giving it a low rating and not even finishing the book.
I think that if you are into heavy fantasy, then this book would be one to look into. Like I said, all of the reviews I read painted the book in an amazing light. So I don’t think that the book is necessarily bad, just not for me.
Initially, the cover of the book drew me in. It looks amazing! And then I read the synopsis and it left something to be desired. I didn’t think it had a lot of information about the book. But I went to Goodreads and read reviews and all of the reviews were really positive so I decided I would give it a try. And it wasn’t really for me.
It’s not that the writing is bad or I don’t like the characters or anything like that. It’s the fantasy portion for me. I’ll read fantasy books but I don’t read them that often. So maybe I shouldn’t have even picked up this book. But I tried it and the fantasy was just too heavy for me. I didn’t understand a lot of what was going on and I found myself confused on multiple occasions. That’s the main reason for me giving it a low rating and not even finishing the book.
I think that if you are into heavy fantasy, then this book would be one to look into. Like I said, all of the reviews I read painted the book in an amazing light. So I don’t think that the book is necessarily bad, just not for me.
December 20, 2023
Jen Bliton’s debut was fantastical and wonderful!
The Shadows of Wren was a joy to read and I truly didn’t want it to end. Wren, the main character, is incredibly relatable and defies some of the current ‘fantasy girl’ stereotypes - she is steadfast and loyal in the face of adversity and loves fiercely. Although I thought the connection between her and the secondary main character Tyran was a bit quick, I still found myself rooting for them. Also, Tyran sounds super hot.
Jen’s background in gaming really came through in her world building - she is knowledgeable and wrote a totally believable world with fantasy races that exist simultaneously and seamlessly. The necromancer magic was super badass and I can’t wait for her to explore the boundaries of Wren’s magic in the sequel!
I do feel like the book could have easily been 200+ pages longer - there were moments where I wish I could have gotten more insight into character motives or backgrounds or internal monologues. Even so, I loved this story!!!
The Shadows of Wren was a joy to read and I truly didn’t want it to end. Wren, the main character, is incredibly relatable and defies some of the current ‘fantasy girl’ stereotypes - she is steadfast and loyal in the face of adversity and loves fiercely. Although I thought the connection between her and the secondary main character Tyran was a bit quick, I still found myself rooting for them. Also, Tyran sounds super hot.
Jen’s background in gaming really came through in her world building - she is knowledgeable and wrote a totally believable world with fantasy races that exist simultaneously and seamlessly. The necromancer magic was super badass and I can’t wait for her to explore the boundaries of Wren’s magic in the sequel!
I do feel like the book could have easily been 200+ pages longer - there were moments where I wish I could have gotten more insight into character motives or backgrounds or internal monologues. Even so, I loved this story!!!
May 26, 2024
While this book had a promising start, I was disappointed by it as I went on.
I liked the idea of it, this world living under the rule of a neighboring kingdom with each town centered around these beautiful libraries. I liked the different kind of magic users. I also appreciated the anxiety and imposter syndrome rep from the main character. There were so many fun magical details like the messenger cats and the flying fox-bats. Also the battle scenes were very cinematic and cool.
But overall this felt like a book I’d read a million times before. The main characters immediately fell in love which isn’t my jam but might be for others. My main issue though was how one dimensional the characters are. The good characters didn’t have any flaws, or if they did they didn’t make a ton of sense like how hypocritical her father figure was. He took her in knowing she had the scary dark magic, but judges all necromancers because one killed his partner? It felt like two people mashed into one. The villains didn’t have good reasons behind what they were doing. Both the king of the ruling country and the evil necromancer were caricatures who just wanted power without any deeper motive. There just wasn’t a lot of depth to this book, I don’t think I will continue the series.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the idea of it, this world living under the rule of a neighboring kingdom with each town centered around these beautiful libraries. I liked the different kind of magic users. I also appreciated the anxiety and imposter syndrome rep from the main character. There were so many fun magical details like the messenger cats and the flying fox-bats. Also the battle scenes were very cinematic and cool.
But overall this felt like a book I’d read a million times before. The main characters immediately fell in love which isn’t my jam but might be for others. My main issue though was how one dimensional the characters are. The good characters didn’t have any flaws, or if they did they didn’t make a ton of sense like how hypocritical her father figure was. He took her in knowing she had the scary dark magic, but judges all necromancers because one killed his partner? It felt like two people mashed into one. The villains didn’t have good reasons behind what they were doing. Both the king of the ruling country and the evil necromancer were caricatures who just wanted power without any deeper motive. There just wasn’t a lot of depth to this book, I don’t think I will continue the series.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2025
The Shadows of Wren is a lovely fantasy book. It is a cozy read that I really want to read again in the fall because it fits with that setting so much. This was a great book for me to get back into reading with. I really related to Wren, she experienced anxiety the same way that I have experienced anxiety. I love that Jen created a heroine that has doubts and anxiety. It made Wren more relatable and feel more real. I love the world that Jen created in this book. Fantasy hasn’t ever been my top reading genre because sometimes it’s too complicated or I can’t always follow it, Jen created a fantasy world that isn’t super complex and I love that. The themes and messages in this book are wonderful. The descriptions are very well written and I could really picture everything. The creatures in this book are both terrifying and beautiful and some are haunting. The romance between Tyran and Wren was sweet and I love their connection. If you haven’t read this book then I highly suggest you do, you won’t be disappointed! I can’t wait to read the sequel!
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