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Shadowed Whispers
Good Girls Don’t Cry…
The Hidden Shifter
All I wanted was to survive.
Unfortunately, my memories demand justice.
Blood. But their presence disrupts my focus.
They are always there, cryptic and watchful. And I cannot ignore them.
Not when every clue entwines our fates closer together.
With each revelation, I realize the past is not as distant as I thought.
And survival is only the beginning.
My journey will force me to confront the shadows of my past and the monsters within.
Her Shadows
We never intended to reveal the shadows of our pasts to her.
But now that she’s glimpsed the darkness, the darkness craves her.
We’re captivated by her strength, her curiosity, and the way she challenges everything.
We shield her from the truth, watching and protecting until we can ensure her safety.
And once she understands her role, we’ll never let her face it alone.
Not even when she discovers the full extent of her powers.
We are bound to her, and her destiny is ours to protect.
As long as our secrets don't rip us apart...Shadowed Whispers is Book One of Shadow Locke Shifters Trilogy, a Why Choose Academy, Paranormal Romance. This book ends on a cliffhanger. To view all content warnings please visit ElleLincoln (dot) com
The Hidden Shifter
All I wanted was to survive.
Unfortunately, my memories demand justice.
Blood. But their presence disrupts my focus.
They are always there, cryptic and watchful. And I cannot ignore them.
Not when every clue entwines our fates closer together.
With each revelation, I realize the past is not as distant as I thought.
And survival is only the beginning.
My journey will force me to confront the shadows of my past and the monsters within.
Her Shadows
We never intended to reveal the shadows of our pasts to her.
But now that she’s glimpsed the darkness, the darkness craves her.
We’re captivated by her strength, her curiosity, and the way she challenges everything.
We shield her from the truth, watching and protecting until we can ensure her safety.
And once she understands her role, we’ll never let her face it alone.
Not even when she discovers the full extent of her powers.
We are bound to her, and her destiny is ours to protect.
As long as our secrets don't rip us apart...Shadowed Whispers is Book One of Shadow Locke Shifters Trilogy, a Why Choose Academy, Paranormal Romance. This book ends on a cliffhanger. To view all content warnings please visit ElleLincoln (dot) com
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2024
490 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Elle Lincoln
42 books243 followersElle Lincoln has been writing out her dreams and even nightmares for over a decade. She believes in magic in all forms, and oftentimes you’ll find her daydreaming in the oddest of places. Her passion is Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, where the men are a little bit real and a dash of mythical.
When Elle isn’t writing she’s probably chasing around her four children, child-like husband, and a rambunctious Australian Shepherd. All who keep her on her toes. Nice try with the distractions, but mommy still got those books written and published. She resides in the beautiful state of Pennsylvania with lore and legends, and a whole lot of cornfields.
When Elle isn’t writing she’s probably chasing around her four children, child-like husband, and a rambunctious Australian Shepherd. All who keep her on her toes. Nice try with the distractions, but mommy still got those books written and published. She resides in the beautiful state of Pennsylvania with lore and legends, and a whole lot of cornfields.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
August 16, 2024
DNF 35%
One reviewer summed up the writing style perfectly: "The author was trying too hard" and that's exactly it. EVERYTHING had a sense of foreboding; from a door closing, to walking down a hall, to the bar the FMC works at. While many authors struggle with simple imagery, this author went in the other direction - TOO much imagery.
Also, as soon as the FMC succumbed to her body betrayal syndrome I was out. She allowed herself to be used and hurt. If an author wants to make a strong FMC, let's not have her get called a cum slut during the first on page sex scene.
One reviewer summed up the writing style perfectly: "The author was trying too hard" and that's exactly it. EVERYTHING had a sense of foreboding; from a door closing, to walking down a hall, to the bar the FMC works at. While many authors struggle with simple imagery, this author went in the other direction - TOO much imagery.
Also, as soon as the FMC succumbed to her body betrayal syndrome I was out. She allowed herself to be used and hurt. If an author wants to make a strong FMC, let's not have her get called a cum slut during the first on page sex scene.
August 16, 2024
Omg Elle!!!! That ending!!!! I want to yell at you right now!!! I need more, like yesterday!
OK, rant over, Shadowed Whispers was a great first installment into the Showdow Locke Shifters series.
Elle's writing was absolutely impeccable, utterly refreshing, and just kept me hooked the whole way through.
I devoured this book from the writing style, the characters, the seemless blend of past and present, and the mystery and intrigue.
Frankie, our FMC, has a dark past. She's used to being alone with her walls up and her attitude as kick ass as her shadow wolves.
Frankie attends, Shadow Locke, where everything starts unraveling, secrets and pasts, magic and mystery. This book has it all.
A past lover, some new hotties and a found family, slowly worm their way into Frankie's life, and as her walls come down, so does the veil.
I loved this book, I can not wait for book 2, and I will definitely be getting my grubby little hands on everything else Elle has written while I wait for book 2.
OK, rant over, Shadowed Whispers was a great first installment into the Showdow Locke Shifters series.
Elle's writing was absolutely impeccable, utterly refreshing, and just kept me hooked the whole way through.
I devoured this book from the writing style, the characters, the seemless blend of past and present, and the mystery and intrigue.
Frankie, our FMC, has a dark past. She's used to being alone with her walls up and her attitude as kick ass as her shadow wolves.
Frankie attends, Shadow Locke, where everything starts unraveling, secrets and pasts, magic and mystery. This book has it all.
A past lover, some new hotties and a found family, slowly worm their way into Frankie's life, and as her walls come down, so does the veil.
I loved this book, I can not wait for book 2, and I will definitely be getting my grubby little hands on everything else Elle has written while I wait for book 2.
June 3, 2024
Omg what an amazing book for a new series. Frankie is about to start her Junior year at Shadow Locke University. But this year she isn't going to be the invisible girl she has been the last two years. This book has so many mysteries happening that we get to find out everything along with Frankie. The guys in this book are sweet or possessive there is no either or. This book does end on a cliffhanger and I'm need book two now.
June 2, 2025
I'm so disappointed in this book.
I've never seen writing that was so WEIRD before. like, some sections were very well handled, written by someone with obvious talent and of the usual quality to draw me in and keep me going. but also... it needed an editor in the weirdest ways. actions would be repeated almost word-for-word in two nearby individual paragraphs. characterization is weird and flaky and has no real depth of feeling. other actions were completely skipped over and leave you wondering how they got from A to B. Frankie herself is super dislikable, and makes you wonder how she snagged the hearts and attention of FOUR different guys, all at the same time, for no perceivable reason.
like, it's weird and flip-floppy enough that I can't help but wonder if this was written with help by AI. I really don't like to default to AI as an accusation, I mean, writing can be weird and bad without any kind of computer intervention, but THIS flavor of weird is just.... it almost feels like there was little to no human touch to the writing. most of the mistakes could've been fixed with just simple editing and re-reading, and it's pretty clear that none of that happened at any point.
I just - I wanted to get through this to the end. I wanted to give it a full chance. I hoped if I only read one chapter a day, I could get it done. but just... it couldn't work. I got about 55% into it and had enough. it's a damn shame, really, the premise was actually kind of interesting.
I've never seen writing that was so WEIRD before. like, some sections were very well handled, written by someone with obvious talent and of the usual quality to draw me in and keep me going. but also... it needed an editor in the weirdest ways. actions would be repeated almost word-for-word in two nearby individual paragraphs. characterization is weird and flaky and has no real depth of feeling. other actions were completely skipped over and leave you wondering how they got from A to B. Frankie herself is super dislikable, and makes you wonder how she snagged the hearts and attention of FOUR different guys, all at the same time, for no perceivable reason.
like, it's weird and flip-floppy enough that I can't help but wonder if this was written with help by AI. I really don't like to default to AI as an accusation, I mean, writing can be weird and bad without any kind of computer intervention, but THIS flavor of weird is just.... it almost feels like there was little to no human touch to the writing. most of the mistakes could've been fixed with just simple editing and re-reading, and it's pretty clear that none of that happened at any point.
I just - I wanted to get through this to the end. I wanted to give it a full chance. I hoped if I only read one chapter a day, I could get it done. but just... it couldn't work. I got about 55% into it and had enough. it's a damn shame, really, the premise was actually kind of interesting.
June 19, 2024
Magical academy story
This first in a series features a young woman in her junior year of university. She has had a horrendous life up to now. The depths of which are revealed through mini flashbacks throughout the book. She has always had a drive to protect others and uses her secret magical abilities to do so. After two years at the school it becomes clear that most of the tangential characters know about her secret, but hide that from her due to some mystical law that requires her to "awaken" without their interference. This leads to lots of lies by them and confusion for our heroine. She has become isolated fearing how others will perceive her powers, not knowing they have them also. The story line is more profound than others of this genre, so it's not an easy read. The slow revelations frustrate the fmc and the reader. There are four potential love interests, one potential bff and several predictable mean girls and guys. There is an undercurrent of mysticism that coincides with her collegiate studies in cyber cryptography. All in all an intelligent novel, well written and edited, despite it being a bit too long and dragged out. I look forward to the next in the series.
This first in a series features a young woman in her junior year of university. She has had a horrendous life up to now. The depths of which are revealed through mini flashbacks throughout the book. She has always had a drive to protect others and uses her secret magical abilities to do so. After two years at the school it becomes clear that most of the tangential characters know about her secret, but hide that from her due to some mystical law that requires her to "awaken" without their interference. This leads to lots of lies by them and confusion for our heroine. She has become isolated fearing how others will perceive her powers, not knowing they have them also. The story line is more profound than others of this genre, so it's not an easy read. The slow revelations frustrate the fmc and the reader. There are four potential love interests, one potential bff and several predictable mean girls and guys. There is an undercurrent of mysticism that coincides with her collegiate studies in cyber cryptography. All in all an intelligent novel, well written and edited, despite it being a bit too long and dragged out. I look forward to the next in the series.
March 18, 2025
love this author but…
This book tested me…Elle writes such brilliant stories, always dark and always convoluted …. But this one? — aaaargh! It’s frustrating, repetitive and needs a really, really good edit. Otherwise the characters are compelling until the FMC just isn’t. I’m giving this 3.5 stars and really hoping the second book gets better.
This book tested me…Elle writes such brilliant stories, always dark and always convoluted …. But this one? — aaaargh! It’s frustrating, repetitive and needs a really, really good edit. Otherwise the characters are compelling until the FMC just isn’t. I’m giving this 3.5 stars and really hoping the second book gets better.
March 27, 2025
***MEH***
It was good till around 80%, and Frankie became stupid. She is pathetic and clueless. I'm not continuing the next book. Sorry, this stupidity is annoying.
It was good till around 80%, and Frankie became stupid. She is pathetic and clueless. I'm not continuing the next book. Sorry, this stupidity is annoying.
August 7, 2024
3.5 / 5 ⭐️
It has:
〰️ Shadow Powers
〰️ Morally grey FMC
〰️ Why choose
〰️ Academy Frenemies to Lovers
〰️ Multiple POVs
Francesca Vale is a lonely girl determined to make her place in the world. She’s getting by one day at a time, fighting the harsh realities when a scholarship letter from a prestigious university finds her. Shadow Locke University offers her a chance at a new beginning, but it comes with its own set of challenges. The university is shrouded in secrets, and Frankie finds herself surrounded by people who seem to be hiding the truth from her, especially the boys she’s trying so hard to trust.
Shadow Locke University, with its Gothic architecture and mysterious atmosphere, is more than just a school. It's a place where shadowed powers lurk and secrets abound. From the moment Frankie steps onto the island campus, the mood is set for a suspenseful and eerie adventure. The narrative intricately weaves a world within a world, where the shadow world is dying for unknown reasons, creating an air of urgency and mystery.
The story is driven towards one pivotal event: the lunar eclipse. This celestial occurrence is the central plot point that everything seems to be moving towards. The world-building is intricate, with just enough detail to keep us as clueless as Frankie, making the plot amazingly confounding and engaging.
Coffee puns like “hug in a mug” or “steaming cup of companionship” are cute and well-placed, lifting the mood and providing moments of warmth amidst the darker elements of the story. They highlight the normalcy and comfort that Frankie seeks in a world filled with uncertainty and danger.
First in the Shadow Locke Shifters series, the book leaves you with crumbs of mysteries yet to be solved. Like Dorian’s curse, unspoken rules of the University or the reason for shadow world’s collapse. I loved the coffee puns. The romance with every love interest is different, it’s still budding. The pace is good and spice is superb! With multiple POVs this shadowed mystery is worth a read. Also, check the content warnings before diving into the book as the list is quite lengthy.
It has:
〰️ Shadow Powers
〰️ Morally grey FMC
〰️ Why choose
〰️ Academy Frenemies to Lovers
〰️ Multiple POVs
Francesca Vale is a lonely girl determined to make her place in the world. She’s getting by one day at a time, fighting the harsh realities when a scholarship letter from a prestigious university finds her. Shadow Locke University offers her a chance at a new beginning, but it comes with its own set of challenges. The university is shrouded in secrets, and Frankie finds herself surrounded by people who seem to be hiding the truth from her, especially the boys she’s trying so hard to trust.
Shadow Locke University, with its Gothic architecture and mysterious atmosphere, is more than just a school. It's a place where shadowed powers lurk and secrets abound. From the moment Frankie steps onto the island campus, the mood is set for a suspenseful and eerie adventure. The narrative intricately weaves a world within a world, where the shadow world is dying for unknown reasons, creating an air of urgency and mystery.
The story is driven towards one pivotal event: the lunar eclipse. This celestial occurrence is the central plot point that everything seems to be moving towards. The world-building is intricate, with just enough detail to keep us as clueless as Frankie, making the plot amazingly confounding and engaging.
Coffee puns like “hug in a mug” or “steaming cup of companionship” are cute and well-placed, lifting the mood and providing moments of warmth amidst the darker elements of the story. They highlight the normalcy and comfort that Frankie seeks in a world filled with uncertainty and danger.
First in the Shadow Locke Shifters series, the book leaves you with crumbs of mysteries yet to be solved. Like Dorian’s curse, unspoken rules of the University or the reason for shadow world’s collapse. I loved the coffee puns. The romance with every love interest is different, it’s still budding. The pace is good and spice is superb! With multiple POVs this shadowed mystery is worth a read. Also, check the content warnings before diving into the book as the list is quite lengthy.
October 21, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 rounded up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This was a super slow burn for me. The world is complex and information is drip-fed throughout. It’s obvious there’s a big secret but it’s 80% before our MFC Frankie starts putting the pieces together.
I loved Frankie, she’s spunky and doesn’t give a damn but beneath her prickly exterior, she’s deeply scarred and hurting. Even though we only get glimpses of her past, it’s enough to know she’s truly been through the wringer.
Our MMCs are all different yet (mostly!) loveable. Leo’s the golden retriever everyone needs in their life; Matteo is dark and brooding and always there when you need him; Bishop is the first love lost working towards a second chance; and Dorian is an enigma wrapped up in a mystery. Plus an honourable mention to Tori, who I started off hating and ended up loving.
Given the slow burn, there were parts that felt like they dragged a bit, but when it moved it was fast and twisty. I didn’t see one of the big finale twists coming, even though I more-or-less guessed how the book would end and what the cliffhanger would be.
That said, I can’t wait for book 2! I need to know what happens next, and am very much hoping we get the much-teased development of Frankie’s relationship with her guys as I felt a little spice-deprived at times.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a super slow burn for me. The world is complex and information is drip-fed throughout. It’s obvious there’s a big secret but it’s 80% before our MFC Frankie starts putting the pieces together.
I loved Frankie, she’s spunky and doesn’t give a damn but beneath her prickly exterior, she’s deeply scarred and hurting. Even though we only get glimpses of her past, it’s enough to know she’s truly been through the wringer.
Our MMCs are all different yet (mostly!) loveable. Leo’s the golden retriever everyone needs in their life; Matteo is dark and brooding and always there when you need him; Bishop is the first love lost working towards a second chance; and Dorian is an enigma wrapped up in a mystery. Plus an honourable mention to Tori, who I started off hating and ended up loving.
Given the slow burn, there were parts that felt like they dragged a bit, but when it moved it was fast and twisty. I didn’t see one of the big finale twists coming, even though I more-or-less guessed how the book would end and what the cliffhanger would be.
That said, I can’t wait for book 2! I need to know what happens next, and am very much hoping we get the much-teased development of Frankie’s relationship with her guys as I felt a little spice-deprived at times.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 7, 2025
Unsure
I like the premise of this book, but I didn't really enjoy the story. Frankie is supposed to be this strong character after all her life experiences. However, all I see is a character who is incapacitated by her fears. She even seems to be afraid of herself! I want to like her, but right now I don't like her. I feel sympathetic towards her past, but I feel like she's obviously done some work on herself to become physically strong, yet she's too afraid to use that strength unless she's kicking someone out of the bar. She lets Tori and her friends bully her. She hides behind her school work to keep from interacting with anyone. She doesn't use her brain to think that maybe she should find out if her new "counselor" is on the up and up. She just puts up with his strange requests. She runs into her ex and does the ONE thing I can't forgive a character for... She had sex with him just because she hadn't had sex in awhile and he was good in bed. I absolutely can't stand a character who is run by her libido to the degree that she will give her body to someone who was awful to her in the past. It's unforgivable in my opinion.
Anyway, there's a mystery to the story line, so I'll read the next book. But if I don't see some character growth from Frankie, then I'm going to call it quits.
I like the premise of this book, but I didn't really enjoy the story. Frankie is supposed to be this strong character after all her life experiences. However, all I see is a character who is incapacitated by her fears. She even seems to be afraid of herself! I want to like her, but right now I don't like her. I feel sympathetic towards her past, but I feel like she's obviously done some work on herself to become physically strong, yet she's too afraid to use that strength unless she's kicking someone out of the bar. She lets Tori and her friends bully her. She hides behind her school work to keep from interacting with anyone. She doesn't use her brain to think that maybe she should find out if her new "counselor" is on the up and up. She just puts up with his strange requests. She runs into her ex and does the ONE thing I can't forgive a character for... She had sex with him just because she hadn't had sex in awhile and he was good in bed. I absolutely can't stand a character who is run by her libido to the degree that she will give her body to someone who was awful to her in the past. It's unforgivable in my opinion.
Anyway, there's a mystery to the story line, so I'll read the next book. But if I don't see some character growth from Frankie, then I'm going to call it quits.
August 19, 2024
Love, love, love this book, it really draws you into the story. Our FMC Frankie has had a tough upbringing with no one to count on. Bounced around the foster system, never fitting in anywhere. The one person she thought had he back, a guy in her last foster home “Bishop’ let her down, leaving her with very mixed feelings towards him when they meet again..
Frankie has had to develop dubious skills to survive and keeps everyone at arms length. She lives life on her terms, love how independent she is.
She knows there’s something different about her shadows, that scares her sometimes.
The way she gradually realises what’s going on at Shadow Locke University and becomes the focus of several guys leads to some spicy scenes.
I have questions about what’s happening and the mystery that surrounds the University. The story is very engrossing and I will definitely be reading the next book as this was so good, loved it.
Frankie has had to develop dubious skills to survive and keeps everyone at arms length. She lives life on her terms, love how independent she is.
She knows there’s something different about her shadows, that scares her sometimes.
The way she gradually realises what’s going on at Shadow Locke University and becomes the focus of several guys leads to some spicy scenes.
I have questions about what’s happening and the mystery that surrounds the University. The story is very engrossing and I will definitely be reading the next book as this was so good, loved it.
September 15, 2024
Frustratingly Slow
SLIGHT SPOILER
The storyline to this book was enticing and I thought it would be really good but I was overall disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, it was still ok but the main character feels very naive despite her being “shaped by her trauma”. And everyone knows about this shadow world except her and they all keep it from her for reasons (don’t want to say too much). BUT it takes the entire book for her to actually realize this world exists and it just annoyed me. It was paced so slow and by the end I’m not sure if I’ll read the next book when it comes out. Would’ve given it 3 stars if the romance had developed a little more but the secrets between them all interfered. In general I felt that despite being almost 400 pages, nothing really happened in the book until the end. There was definite tension and an attempt to build the suspense, but at a certain point it was just frustrating.
SLIGHT SPOILER
The storyline to this book was enticing and I thought it would be really good but I was overall disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, it was still ok but the main character feels very naive despite her being “shaped by her trauma”. And everyone knows about this shadow world except her and they all keep it from her for reasons (don’t want to say too much). BUT it takes the entire book for her to actually realize this world exists and it just annoyed me. It was paced so slow and by the end I’m not sure if I’ll read the next book when it comes out. Would’ve given it 3 stars if the romance had developed a little more but the secrets between them all interfered. In general I felt that despite being almost 400 pages, nothing really happened in the book until the end. There was definite tension and an attempt to build the suspense, but at a certain point it was just frustrating.
September 12, 2024
DNF 60%
This is a somewhat interesting read if you enjoy being completely clueless about what you are reading. I skimmed a lot hoping to get to the bit where Frankie would also know what was going on. But the secrets got more and more convoluted as extra threads kept getting added with no resolution in sight.
I skimmed even more as I was getting bored and eventually just stopped.
For me, I found the plot wasn't moving. I have zero interest in cryptology or history. There are plenty of stories about Dorian Gray, I wasn't looking for another.
Frankies relationships with everyone were also stagnant, her walls didn't move an inch. At 60% I'd have thought something, anything, would have changed. Well I suppose something did, the sassy woman we are introduced to at the start ends up hiding in a cove to get away from people.......
This is a somewhat interesting read if you enjoy being completely clueless about what you are reading. I skimmed a lot hoping to get to the bit where Frankie would also know what was going on. But the secrets got more and more convoluted as extra threads kept getting added with no resolution in sight.
I skimmed even more as I was getting bored and eventually just stopped.
For me, I found the plot wasn't moving. I have zero interest in cryptology or history. There are plenty of stories about Dorian Gray, I wasn't looking for another.
Frankies relationships with everyone were also stagnant, her walls didn't move an inch. At 60% I'd have thought something, anything, would have changed. Well I suppose something did, the sassy woman we are introduced to at the start ends up hiding in a cove to get away from people.......
November 1, 2024
I really enjoy books like this — where we learn about the world the character is in through the character’s experience. The FMC’s whole life is shadowed, both figuratively and literally. Her world seems very dark and bleak and trust comes hard to her. As she begins to open up to other people, she also begins to see more of that shadowed world. The whole book leads up to her finally seeing/accepting the shadow world and I can’t wait for the next book to see what she makes of it.
There were some inconsistencies in the plot. At one point she goes into the Grotto and orders a cup of coffee and 2 paragraphs later, she gets out of her Jeep to go inside the Grotto. It doesn’t really detract from my enjoyment of the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There were some inconsistencies in the plot. At one point she goes into the Grotto and orders a cup of coffee and 2 paragraphs later, she gets out of her Jeep to go inside the Grotto. It doesn’t really detract from my enjoyment of the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 7, 2024
Elle became one of my favorite authors because she has a way of creating a world. That's easy to visualize and feel a part of. She makes the characters so approachable and realistic. You can't help but wondering if they aren't real. She does exactly that in this series starter. She throws in her normal humor with incredible world and character building. It has an excellent plot and storyline. I can't wait to see where the story goes.
Frankie has been through a lot in her short life. Your heart goes out to her. When she attends the university do you think finally her life is going to get better. Of course what kind of book with that be LOL. Thankfully, the MCs are there to help sort of lol definite must-read.
Frankie has been through a lot in her short life. Your heart goes out to her. When she attends the university do you think finally her life is going to get better. Of course what kind of book with that be LOL. Thankfully, the MCs are there to help sort of lol definite must-read.
April 18, 2025
shadowed..
Honestly a good story with a lot of mystery and intrigue to keep you going. A big problem is editing is needed. You have sentences and whole paragraphs that repeat randomly and things moving, scenes jumping without any notice. A big example of this is in chapter 38 you have her going into the bar, getting a drink, sitting down, then suddenly in her car, getting ready to walk into the bar. Or her roommate throws her phone on the bed, only to throw it in the bed a few paragraphs later, without having ever picked it up. These inconsistencies, randomness, and repetitiveness throws you out of the reading headspace and makes you doubt what you read prior. I really hope the other two stories are edited better.
Honestly a good story with a lot of mystery and intrigue to keep you going. A big problem is editing is needed. You have sentences and whole paragraphs that repeat randomly and things moving, scenes jumping without any notice. A big example of this is in chapter 38 you have her going into the bar, getting a drink, sitting down, then suddenly in her car, getting ready to walk into the bar. Or her roommate throws her phone on the bed, only to throw it in the bed a few paragraphs later, without having ever picked it up. These inconsistencies, randomness, and repetitiveness throws you out of the reading headspace and makes you doubt what you read prior. I really hope the other two stories are edited better.
July 17, 2024
DNF at 42%. 2.5 stars
The fmc may as well be a mute as she’s always spoken over and anything she does say is essentially not considered at all, that was my main frustration, is she even part of the story, I don’t know doesn’t feel like it.
The book started out strong and fmc seemed to have a good back bone and a nice balanced personality that’s slightly edgy, not a ‘I’m so different’ obnoxious kind but not something mundane either. However fmc pretty much loses all of that when the introduction of other characters is started in the book.
Overall, had potential and I recommend if you can handle being frustrated with everyone in the book.
The fmc may as well be a mute as she’s always spoken over and anything she does say is essentially not considered at all, that was my main frustration, is she even part of the story, I don’t know doesn’t feel like it.
The book started out strong and fmc seemed to have a good back bone and a nice balanced personality that’s slightly edgy, not a ‘I’m so different’ obnoxious kind but not something mundane either. However fmc pretty much loses all of that when the introduction of other characters is started in the book.
Overall, had potential and I recommend if you can handle being frustrated with everyone in the book.
December 10, 2024
1.5
You know when you’re in middle school, and the teacher asks you to be more descriptive in your writing? This reads like a student got told to be more descriptive and went overboard with it to be snarky. Every single detail had at least two sentences to describe it. Every thought had paragraphs of explanation. This book hand holds you through every tiny detail and it is utterly exhausting. I’m sure there is a decent story in there, but you have to dig through each page to find it. Maybe the author strives to be the next Brontë. Maybe they just think the way they write. All I know for sure, is that this was an excruciating read.
You know when you’re in middle school, and the teacher asks you to be more descriptive in your writing? This reads like a student got told to be more descriptive and went overboard with it to be snarky. Every single detail had at least two sentences to describe it. Every thought had paragraphs of explanation. This book hand holds you through every tiny detail and it is utterly exhausting. I’m sure there is a decent story in there, but you have to dig through each page to find it. Maybe the author strives to be the next Brontë. Maybe they just think the way they write. All I know for sure, is that this was an excruciating read.
December 11, 2024
thank you to the author for my copy of the book! wow, this sucked me right IN. I went to check if there were more books out and when the 3rd releases. I checked if I could get the ARC and I may have missed the deadline so I'm devastated because I have to know what happens. waiting 'til FEBRUARY? please ;-;
my only qualm about book 1 is that I am missing so much information because obviously, Frankie is not a reliable narrator and she's dealing with her own STUFF. but, there's a whole lot of her personal lore, university lore, and OTHER lore that I'm missing and have been scratching my head about throughout the book. I love this though. this has gripped me!
my only qualm about book 1 is that I am missing so much information because obviously, Frankie is not a reliable narrator and she's dealing with her own STUFF. but, there's a whole lot of her personal lore, university lore, and OTHER lore that I'm missing and have been scratching my head about throughout the book. I love this though. this has gripped me!
January 2, 2025
I thought this was a very well written book. The story and characters were well thought out. I liked the overall premise of the story with the shadows and i enjoy how both the FMC, as well as some of the other characters, both male and female, progress as the story unfolds.
I did feel kinda disappointed/upset with a few of the FMC interactions with some of the other characters based on provided past story/interactions. I felt like those interactions were not true to the story/FMC personality.
But overall, i did enjoy this book a lot and i would be interested in reading more of this world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I did feel kinda disappointed/upset with a few of the FMC interactions with some of the other characters based on provided past story/interactions. I felt like those interactions were not true to the story/FMC personality.
But overall, i did enjoy this book a lot and i would be interested in reading more of this world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 29, 2024
Dark and Intriguing
This is a fascinating take on shadow creatures and shifters. I adore Frankie and want to wrap her in bubble wrap and comfy blankets so that nothing can ever harm her ever again.
The guys are a mixed bag for me. I think I like a couple but others need to do some serious groveling. Maybe all of them need to grovel, idk. Frankie deserves all the grovels she can get.
The lore and world building is fabulous, with lots of secrets and twists that drive the plot forward. Can’t wait to see what comes next!
This is a fascinating take on shadow creatures and shifters. I adore Frankie and want to wrap her in bubble wrap and comfy blankets so that nothing can ever harm her ever again.
The guys are a mixed bag for me. I think I like a couple but others need to do some serious groveling. Maybe all of them need to grovel, idk. Frankie deserves all the grovels she can get.
The lore and world building is fabulous, with lots of secrets and twists that drive the plot forward. Can’t wait to see what comes next!
dnf
July 8, 2024DNF @ pg. 120
I just honestly couldn’t continue with this book. I wasn’t connecting to the characters, yes I was rooting for the MC, but I didn’t like the MMC’s, and I feel like that is a huge part of reading a story.
I also felt a little disconnected from the writing. I don’t necessarily know how to describe it, but while the descriptions and writing in this book was beautiful it just felt like it was trying a little too hard.
The story really did sound interesting, but I just can’t finish it at this point.
I just honestly couldn’t continue with this book. I wasn’t connecting to the characters, yes I was rooting for the MC, but I didn’t like the MMC’s, and I feel like that is a huge part of reading a story.
I also felt a little disconnected from the writing. I don’t necessarily know how to describe it, but while the descriptions and writing in this book was beautiful it just felt like it was trying a little too hard.
The story really did sound interesting, but I just can’t finish it at this point.
July 10, 2024
Oh wow perfection
Oh wow, this book was absolutely amazingly perfect. So well written with beautiful prose and descriptions that literally jump off the page. You can feel every emotion Frankie feels, her loneliness, her anxiety, her fear, almost viscerally. The story is so well paced and thoughtout with just enough snippets of answers to not be frustrating whilst still playing the cards close enough to the vest to keep me enthralled. One of the best books I've read so far this year, and I've already read over 200.
Oh wow, this book was absolutely amazingly perfect. So well written with beautiful prose and descriptions that literally jump off the page. You can feel every emotion Frankie feels, her loneliness, her anxiety, her fear, almost viscerally. The story is so well paced and thoughtout with just enough snippets of answers to not be frustrating whilst still playing the cards close enough to the vest to keep me enthralled. One of the best books I've read so far this year, and I've already read over 200.
November 21, 2024
fantastic read
Shadow shifters…. Ancient Languages…. Coding… This story sucked me in. Frankie has a checkered past but is so much more than even she knows. She thinks the shadows in her life make her different from others. Little does she know she’s surrounded by so much that she’s unaware of. I really love her thirst for knowledge and puzzles. She’s so into technology and cybersecurity and it definitely fits her. I’m curious to see where things go with the guys in her life. More and more secrets are exposed and I’m dying to see the outcome of that.
Shadow shifters…. Ancient Languages…. Coding… This story sucked me in. Frankie has a checkered past but is so much more than even she knows. She thinks the shadows in her life make her different from others. Little does she know she’s surrounded by so much that she’s unaware of. I really love her thirst for knowledge and puzzles. She’s so into technology and cybersecurity and it definitely fits her. I’m curious to see where things go with the guys in her life. More and more secrets are exposed and I’m dying to see the outcome of that.
December 14, 2024
I mean, the FMC is at least not a simpering virgin so that's that. I hate those. I don't know why Dorian gray is in there. Why do author keep using him. I don't see the point. What bothered me the most and they better have a very very good explanation for it is why no one can illuminate people that don't know what the are. I found that annoying and if I were in the FMC shoes I would have told them I was done playing games and I was leaving.
Ap.s. don't they described leo hair has being shaved. Then later described her grabbing and playing with his hair?! He has none...
Ap.s. don't they described leo hair has being shaved. Then later described her grabbing and playing with his hair?! He has none...
December 16, 2024
I love the story, the plot, and the writing style. I really enjoyed the characters. Frankie is cool and fun and easy to fall in love with. She's got a full backstory that pulls you in and leaves you hoping for her future. This first book is full of world building, setting future books up for a ton of action and adventure, however I have found myself very confused through out the first book. I am hoping more will be explained in the next books and cannot wait to see where Frankie's adventure takes her. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 4, 2024
Oh wow, what a captivating story. Frankie is an orphaned who's been through abuse and hurt her whole life. Out of the blue, she gets an acceptance letter from Shadow Locke University. There, she meets Mateo, who is quiet and honest. Leo, who is fun and hot, Dorien, the broading and dervish, and finally, Bishop, a man from the past. Filled with action and suspense, I must read with one wicked cliffhanger.
June 29, 2024
Man so much potential
I'm annoyed TBH
This girl is supposed to be hardened by the world and tough enough to have survived this long. She dispenses vigilante justice and acts as a bouncer. But when faced with a real fight she's wounded with no effort and is a crying mess. So disappointed with a story that I was so excited to read.
I'm hoping book two started to put together all the great material we have here because there is so much potential.
I'm annoyed TBH
This girl is supposed to be hardened by the world and tough enough to have survived this long. She dispenses vigilante justice and acts as a bouncer. But when faced with a real fight she's wounded with no effort and is a crying mess. So disappointed with a story that I was so excited to read.
I'm hoping book two started to put together all the great material we have here because there is so much potential.
August 27, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters and the story kept you interested. I could not put this book down. I cannot wait to see how everything begins to unfold in book 2 & what these characters do next. It’s jaw dropping action with drama and some spicy love. If you haven’t read this book yet or anything by author Elle Lincoln ten you are missing out, her writing style sets it up to where you can immerse yourself in this story and get lost for hours.
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