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The Nightland Quartet #1
The Shade Between Shadows
I didn’t think myself truly silent. I possessed a voice, as sure as any other. It was simply not the same as any other I had met. The year is 1838. Queen Victoria has ascended the throne. And within the United Kingdom lies a sprawling forest filled with darkness and danger. Beatrice has always been different. She has not spoken since childhood, communicates through drawings, and hates to be touched. And she is a half-English and half-Nightlander. When she is forced into servitude across the border, she hatches a plan to escape with siblings Anselm and Gretchen. But gaining her freedom will be no simple task, for first, she must unravel the secrets of her master, Prince Edward. A man rumoured to have murdered his wife — and who shares Beatrice’s ability to see people’s souls.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2024
26 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
E.C. Hibbs
24 books57 followersE. C. Hibbs is an award-winning author and artist, often found lost in the woods or in her own imagination. Her writing has been featured in the British Fantasy Society Journal, and she has provided artworks in various mediums for clients across the world. She is also a calligrapher and live storyteller, with a penchant for fairytales and legends. She adores nature, fantasy, history, and anything to do with winter. She lives with her family in Cheshire, England.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 4, 2024
'I didn't think myself truly silent. I possessed a voice, as sure as any other. It was simply not the same as any other I had met.'
A few years ago, I discovered an author called EC Hibbs. She wrote wonderful, magical fantasy, but published her work herself because for some reason, no mainstream publisher had picked up her titles.
She’s now been writing for over a decade. Her books have anniversary editions, heaps of followers (including brilliant cosplayers!) and her words have touched readers around the world.
‘The Shade Between Shadows’ is the first part of her latest series, and it’s easily my favourite (so far). Every one of her book is original, but this one is also very deeply personal in a way that I think will resonate with a whole new flock of readers.
Protagonist Beatrice is a below-stairs maid in a Great Britain where magical creatures coexist with humans. Known as ‘greys’, they are essentially a lower caste, with indentured servants such as Beatrice treated according to the kindness of their owner. Yes, there’s issues of discrimination and slavery here, but the world-building is so natural that it’s clear which side we’ll be on.
With an apparently unique form of magic, Beatrice sees people’s ‘essence’, their spirit-soul (somewhat akin to Philip Pullman’s daemons), all of which are birds. Oh - and she’s mute. She can’t tell anyone.
I went into this book mostly blind, which is why I haven’t included a blurb or synopsis here. I learned about the world through Beatrice’s eyes; even though she cannot speak, she is quick and clever because she has to be. Life is brutal in this Victorian land, and I found myself wondering how alternate-Dickens would write about it, because he would surely grab onto the injustices of this society like a hawk.
One thing you should know heading into any of Ms Hibbs’ books is that you will feel for the characters. She puts them in peril pretty quickly, with terrible villains, petty judgments and painful scenarios, so the reader is soon cheering for the embattled heroes to win through. The odds are stacked against those telling the story - especially here because Beatrice literally has no voice. She has a notebook, and while we see her beautiful sketches throughout the story, what can she do to make herself heard? I had no idea what would happen next, because neither does she!
In addition, the manner of writing here is striking because I suspect at many points, Beatrice closely reflects the author. Her understanding of the world has been limited by her situation, but it’s clear she’s no fool. In a manner of speaking, she feels sounds, hears colours, tastes textures and is affected deeply by the stimulus around her. In contemporary terms, should we describe them as a spectrum? If you know, you know - and I am certain that readers who are any flavour of neuro-spicy will understand her journey even more deeply.
'What was I? I wasn’t even sure I knew anymore. I’d thought the game difficult before, but now, the board might as well be shrouded in mist. The only certain thing was the secret — that damned, elusive, shadowy secret. That must remain my compass, my anchor, in the wake of the storm rumbling on the horizon.
And as for me, what I was came second to who I was. The girl with the evening star on her forehead, who held a pen instead of a sword, and a shield made of silence. She might not be strong, but she was steadfast. Somehow, that needed to be enough.'
Gorgeous writing, a gripping adventure with deeply memorable characters full of bravery, wit and magic. Please do pick up this book - and once you’ve enjoyed it, take a look through the author’s back catalogue. Her voice absolutely deserves to be heard.
A few years ago, I discovered an author called EC Hibbs. She wrote wonderful, magical fantasy, but published her work herself because for some reason, no mainstream publisher had picked up her titles.
She’s now been writing for over a decade. Her books have anniversary editions, heaps of followers (including brilliant cosplayers!) and her words have touched readers around the world.
‘The Shade Between Shadows’ is the first part of her latest series, and it’s easily my favourite (so far). Every one of her book is original, but this one is also very deeply personal in a way that I think will resonate with a whole new flock of readers.
Protagonist Beatrice is a below-stairs maid in a Great Britain where magical creatures coexist with humans. Known as ‘greys’, they are essentially a lower caste, with indentured servants such as Beatrice treated according to the kindness of their owner. Yes, there’s issues of discrimination and slavery here, but the world-building is so natural that it’s clear which side we’ll be on.
With an apparently unique form of magic, Beatrice sees people’s ‘essence’, their spirit-soul (somewhat akin to Philip Pullman’s daemons), all of which are birds. Oh - and she’s mute. She can’t tell anyone.
I went into this book mostly blind, which is why I haven’t included a blurb or synopsis here. I learned about the world through Beatrice’s eyes; even though she cannot speak, she is quick and clever because she has to be. Life is brutal in this Victorian land, and I found myself wondering how alternate-Dickens would write about it, because he would surely grab onto the injustices of this society like a hawk.
One thing you should know heading into any of Ms Hibbs’ books is that you will feel for the characters. She puts them in peril pretty quickly, with terrible villains, petty judgments and painful scenarios, so the reader is soon cheering for the embattled heroes to win through. The odds are stacked against those telling the story - especially here because Beatrice literally has no voice. She has a notebook, and while we see her beautiful sketches throughout the story, what can she do to make herself heard? I had no idea what would happen next, because neither does she!
In addition, the manner of writing here is striking because I suspect at many points, Beatrice closely reflects the author. Her understanding of the world has been limited by her situation, but it’s clear she’s no fool. In a manner of speaking, she feels sounds, hears colours, tastes textures and is affected deeply by the stimulus around her. In contemporary terms, should we describe them as a spectrum? If you know, you know - and I am certain that readers who are any flavour of neuro-spicy will understand her journey even more deeply.
'What was I? I wasn’t even sure I knew anymore. I’d thought the game difficult before, but now, the board might as well be shrouded in mist. The only certain thing was the secret — that damned, elusive, shadowy secret. That must remain my compass, my anchor, in the wake of the storm rumbling on the horizon.
And as for me, what I was came second to who I was. The girl with the evening star on her forehead, who held a pen instead of a sword, and a shield made of silence. She might not be strong, but she was steadfast. Somehow, that needed to be enough.'
Gorgeous writing, a gripping adventure with deeply memorable characters full of bravery, wit and magic. Please do pick up this book - and once you’ve enjoyed it, take a look through the author’s back catalogue. Her voice absolutely deserves to be heard.
April 5, 2024
The Shade Between Shadows beautifully tells the tale of Beatrice while weaving in seamless references to fairytales, some familiar and some not so.
Beatrice is such a unique character and I feel that the author perfectly managed to capture the challenges she faced being mute while also maintaining her independence and tenacity.
I love seeing the world from Beatrice's point of view and really appreciate the beautiful drawings scattered throughout the story, taken directly from Beatrice's own drawings and explanations.
Beatrice is a half elf/half human (known as a grey) and is working as a below stairs maid in Victorian England, when the fact she is a grey is discovered she is sent back to Nightland, the home of the Elves and Goblins, as an indentured servant - however when her other secret is discovered, her world truly starts to spin apart.
I really enjoyed the world building in this, Victorian England was really brought to life brilliantly and I also have a clear picture in my head of Nightland as well as the Limens where people can travel between there and the other countries of the UK we're already familiar with.
All of this paired with the fairytale aspects already mentioned and Beatrice's vivid character come together to great a beautiful story which was a joy to read. It had been absolutely gripped and I couldn't wait to find out what happened to Beatrice next, I cannot wait for book 2!
I was lucky enough to be gifted a copy of the book as an ARC reader but as always all views are my own and this is my honest opinion on the book and I do hope you'll have a look yourselves.
Beatrice is such a unique character and I feel that the author perfectly managed to capture the challenges she faced being mute while also maintaining her independence and tenacity.
I love seeing the world from Beatrice's point of view and really appreciate the beautiful drawings scattered throughout the story, taken directly from Beatrice's own drawings and explanations.
Beatrice is a half elf/half human (known as a grey) and is working as a below stairs maid in Victorian England, when the fact she is a grey is discovered she is sent back to Nightland, the home of the Elves and Goblins, as an indentured servant - however when her other secret is discovered, her world truly starts to spin apart.
I really enjoyed the world building in this, Victorian England was really brought to life brilliantly and I also have a clear picture in my head of Nightland as well as the Limens where people can travel between there and the other countries of the UK we're already familiar with.
All of this paired with the fairytale aspects already mentioned and Beatrice's vivid character come together to great a beautiful story which was a joy to read. It had been absolutely gripped and I couldn't wait to find out what happened to Beatrice next, I cannot wait for book 2!
I was lucky enough to be gifted a copy of the book as an ARC reader but as always all views are my own and this is my honest opinion on the book and I do hope you'll have a look yourselves.
April 3, 2024
Keeping this review spoiler free, the story follows a mute half human/half elf women who has been placed into slavery because of her heritage. However, she finds she has a unique gift that allows her to see the essence of souls that gather round a person. She keeps this secret to herself until it is accidentally revealed by her actions.
The story is set in Victorian England when England is still in turmoil. Nightland is the 5th continent of the United Kingdom which is a dark enchanted forest and has its own royalty.
Our heroine finds herself face to face with that royalty and ends up in the middle of something much darker and sinister. This was full of twists and turns, I cannot wait for Book 2!
The story is set in Victorian England when England is still in turmoil. Nightland is the 5th continent of the United Kingdom which is a dark enchanted forest and has its own royalty.
Our heroine finds herself face to face with that royalty and ends up in the middle of something much darker and sinister. This was full of twists and turns, I cannot wait for Book 2!
August 25, 2024
“The Shade Between Shadows” by E. C. Hibbs is an enthralling gothic tale that transports readers to the heart of 1838 England, a time of royal ascension and societal divides, interwoven with the mystical allure of Nightland. This novel stands out not just for its rich historical setting but for its compelling exploration of silence, identity, and the unseen forces that shape our destinies. Beatrice, our protagonist, is a character of profound depth and complexity. Her silence, far from being a limitation, is portrayed as a unique strength, allowing her to communicate and perceive the world in ways others cannot. This aspect of her character challenges conventional notions of communication and connection, making her journey all the more intriguing. Her mixed heritage as a grey—half-English and half-Nightlander—further enriches her narrative, exploring themes of belonging and identity in a world of prejudice.
Including Nightland, a shadowy, dangerous forest that harbors as much mystery as it does peril, adds a fascinating layer to the story. It is a stark contrast to the human world, a place where the rules of society do not apply and where Beatrice’s true powers can emerge. This setting is not just a backdrop but a character in its own right, influencing the plot’s direction and the characters’ development.
The dynamic between Beatrice and Prince Edward is another highlight of the novel. Their shared ability to see people’s souls opens up a realm of possibilities and dangers, drawing them into a complex web of intrigue, secrets, and potential redemption. Prince Edward, rumored to have murdered his wife, is a character shrouded in mystery, and his interactions with Beatrice are charged with tension and an underlying connection that begs to be explored.
Hibbs’s writing style is elegant and evocative. It captures the essence of the Victorian era while weaving a tale of magic, mystery, and rebellion. The narrative is rich with detail, from the atmospheric descriptions of Nightland to the intricate social customs of the time, immersing readers in a world that feels familiar and entirely new at once.
“The Shade Between Shadows” is more than a historical fantasy; it’s a story of finding one’s voice in a world that seeks to silence it, fighting for freedom against insurmountable odds, and of the power of unseen connections that bind us all. E. C. Hibbs has crafted a mesmerizing novel that will resonate with gothic literature, fantasy, and historical fiction fans alike. It’s a hauntingly beautiful journey that proves light can be found even in the deepest shadows.
Including Nightland, a shadowy, dangerous forest that harbors as much mystery as it does peril, adds a fascinating layer to the story. It is a stark contrast to the human world, a place where the rules of society do not apply and where Beatrice’s true powers can emerge. This setting is not just a backdrop but a character in its own right, influencing the plot’s direction and the characters’ development.
The dynamic between Beatrice and Prince Edward is another highlight of the novel. Their shared ability to see people’s souls opens up a realm of possibilities and dangers, drawing them into a complex web of intrigue, secrets, and potential redemption. Prince Edward, rumored to have murdered his wife, is a character shrouded in mystery, and his interactions with Beatrice are charged with tension and an underlying connection that begs to be explored.
Hibbs’s writing style is elegant and evocative. It captures the essence of the Victorian era while weaving a tale of magic, mystery, and rebellion. The narrative is rich with detail, from the atmospheric descriptions of Nightland to the intricate social customs of the time, immersing readers in a world that feels familiar and entirely new at once.
“The Shade Between Shadows” is more than a historical fantasy; it’s a story of finding one’s voice in a world that seeks to silence it, fighting for freedom against insurmountable odds, and of the power of unseen connections that bind us all. E. C. Hibbs has crafted a mesmerizing novel that will resonate with gothic literature, fantasy, and historical fiction fans alike. It’s a hauntingly beautiful journey that proves light can be found even in the deepest shadows.
November 22, 2024
The Shade between Shadows by E.C Hibbs
Fantasy, historical fantasy
Beatrice is an orphaned indentured non verbal servant, she has hid her secret for 18 years but when another servant, a friend, dies she is found out and is reported to be a grey, a half daylander and half nightlander. After she’s found out she is sent back to nightland where she is indentured for another twelve years to work for a weaver. After her and two other indentured servants try to escape they are caught and bought by the Prince, many who have called him Prince Reaper, a man whom is seemed to be universally hated and has a wicked reputation. She must wield her silence as a weapon and hope to not make the wrong move as she fears the consequences.
“I was here, in my spectacular prison, surrounded by tigers. I felt their invisible claws upon me, weaving a tapestry of secrets.
Secrets which I had to unravel if there was to be any chance for me, or my friends.” A quote from The Shade Between Shadows by E.C. Hibbs
“And as for me… I was here for a reason, to play a part in an unknown game, it’s board invisible, its rules unwritten.” A quote from The Shade Between Shadows by E. C. Hibbs
“The girl with the evening star on her forehead, who held a pen instead of a sword, and a shield made of silence. She might not be strong, but she was steadfast.” A quote from The Shade Between Shadows by E. C. Hibbs
Wow. Just wow. This entire book was a ride! The character building and world building was fantastic! An amazing weaving of fantasy and history! I enjoyed every word. The author’s ability to lead me, as the reader, in one direction and then completely switch things up was amazing. The ending was one that I did not see coming at all. All of the characters were incredible and I was very surprised with how things played out. The fact that the author was able to completely take me by surprise by the end of the book I have to give this book a 5 star rating! If you love a fantasy world with hints of history, you’d definitely love this book!
I received an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Fantasy, historical fantasy
Beatrice is an orphaned indentured non verbal servant, she has hid her secret for 18 years but when another servant, a friend, dies she is found out and is reported to be a grey, a half daylander and half nightlander. After she’s found out she is sent back to nightland where she is indentured for another twelve years to work for a weaver. After her and two other indentured servants try to escape they are caught and bought by the Prince, many who have called him Prince Reaper, a man whom is seemed to be universally hated and has a wicked reputation. She must wield her silence as a weapon and hope to not make the wrong move as she fears the consequences.
“I was here, in my spectacular prison, surrounded by tigers. I felt their invisible claws upon me, weaving a tapestry of secrets.
Secrets which I had to unravel if there was to be any chance for me, or my friends.” A quote from The Shade Between Shadows by E.C. Hibbs
“And as for me… I was here for a reason, to play a part in an unknown game, it’s board invisible, its rules unwritten.” A quote from The Shade Between Shadows by E. C. Hibbs
“The girl with the evening star on her forehead, who held a pen instead of a sword, and a shield made of silence. She might not be strong, but she was steadfast.” A quote from The Shade Between Shadows by E. C. Hibbs
Wow. Just wow. This entire book was a ride! The character building and world building was fantastic! An amazing weaving of fantasy and history! I enjoyed every word. The author’s ability to lead me, as the reader, in one direction and then completely switch things up was amazing. The ending was one that I did not see coming at all. All of the characters were incredible and I was very surprised with how things played out. The fact that the author was able to completely take me by surprise by the end of the book I have to give this book a 5 star rating! If you love a fantasy world with hints of history, you’d definitely love this book!
I received an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2025
Have you ever found a wordsmith so good at weaving a yarn that it leaves you breathless and wondering how they did it? This is the kind of talent that E.C. Hibbs exhibits. The Shade Between Shadows is a unique and captivating story that I would describe as hauntingly Beautiful.
Beatrice has always known that having a voice meant having power but a girl who lives mute's drawings seems to be screaming something - something that Beatrice knows she can uncover.
E.C. has crafted a gripping tale that touches on themes of rebellion, discovering yourself, and the lacing of magic. In a place where silence is louder than any other voice, Beatrice evolves into a bold beacon of inspiration and bravery.
Beatrice has always known that having a voice meant having power but a girl who lives mute's drawings seems to be screaming something - something that Beatrice knows she can uncover.
E.C. has crafted a gripping tale that touches on themes of rebellion, discovering yourself, and the lacing of magic. In a place where silence is louder than any other voice, Beatrice evolves into a bold beacon of inspiration and bravery.
February 2, 2025
This is a captivating read that pulls you into its richly imagined world. Set in 1838, it introduces us to Nightland, a hidden realm within the United Kingdom, where the story unfolds. The protagonist's unique perspective adds depth to the narrative, making her journey both intriguing and heartfelt. The atmospheric setting and well-crafted characters make this book a standout in historical fantasy. If you're into tales that blend history with a touch of the supernatural, this one's definitely worth picking up.
September 14, 2025
I was expecting it to be really bad. it’s not, at all. really good writing, interesting story, and I liked how characters are described. not sure if I’ll continue with the series as I don’t quite… like?… the main character and understand her decisions 🫠
August 31, 2025
I enjoyed this book a lot!!! I think the aspect of having a main character that was neurodivergent and lgbt+ was such a stand out, I think it’s done really well. There’s a loooot about the fantasy aspects too that I loved, all the characters having bird essences is such a unique concept that was super interesting every time we met a new person. Stand out characters for me include the MC Beatrice because seeing her navigating the world was really interesting from her pov, Edward because he had layers that you don’t get to explore but make you want to know more and the goblin siblings who’s relationship was so wonderful to read. In conclusion! Fantasy! Historical! Sapphic! Neurodivergent! Complex characters! Wonderful!!!
September 1, 2025
I enjoyed this book. I loved that it was set in Victorian England, as it felt fresh, as many fantasy books have a medieval-type setting.
I loved the characters and how they interact, especially due to the main character being mute. I enjoyed hearing her voice through her POV and seeing what she is trying to say versus what she is trying to say.
I need to get the next one soon.
I loved the characters and how they interact, especially due to the main character being mute. I enjoyed hearing her voice through her POV and seeing what she is trying to say versus what she is trying to say.
I need to get the next one soon.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews