What do you think?
Rate this book
Shadowlands #1
First Light
She crossed worlds to discover the truth. What she found changed everything.
When her boyfriend vanishes without a trace, mythology professor Carys Morgan refuses to believe he just walked away. Her search takes her to the rolling hills of Scotland—and to Lachlan’s identical twin, Duncan, a man who knows far more than he’s willing to share.
Because Lachlan didn’t leave her.
He crossed into another world.
Beyond a hidden portal lies the Shadowlands, a parallel realm rooted in Celtic mythology, where every person has a doppelgänger and creatures from myth and legend are real. Humans like Carys aren’t meant have magic… much less be able to use it. But when Carys discovers she can speak to dragons, she becomes a mystery, dangerously entangled in a world of ancient magic, political intrigue, and deadly secrets.
Torn between two identical men from opposite worlds, Carys must decide who she can trust before the Shadowlands claim her life.
First Light is the first book in a sweeping romantic portal fantasy series filled with unexpected magic, dragon bonds, Celtic folklore, and a heart-wrenching love triangle perfect for fans of epic fantasy romance.
Step through the veil in First Light. Once you enter the Shadowlands, there’s no going back.
When her boyfriend vanishes without a trace, mythology professor Carys Morgan refuses to believe he just walked away. Her search takes her to the rolling hills of Scotland—and to Lachlan’s identical twin, Duncan, a man who knows far more than he’s willing to share.
Because Lachlan didn’t leave her.
He crossed into another world.
Beyond a hidden portal lies the Shadowlands, a parallel realm rooted in Celtic mythology, where every person has a doppelgänger and creatures from myth and legend are real. Humans like Carys aren’t meant have magic… much less be able to use it. But when Carys discovers she can speak to dragons, she becomes a mystery, dangerously entangled in a world of ancient magic, political intrigue, and deadly secrets.
Torn between two identical men from opposite worlds, Carys must decide who she can trust before the Shadowlands claim her life.
First Light is the first book in a sweeping romantic portal fantasy series filled with unexpected magic, dragon bonds, Celtic folklore, and a heart-wrenching love triangle perfect for fans of epic fantasy romance.
Step through the veil in First Light. Once you enter the Shadowlands, there’s no going back.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2024
1976 people are currently reading
7880 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Hunter
83 books6,288 followersELIZABETH HUNTER is an eleven-time USA Today bestselling author of romance, contemporary fantasy, and paranormal mystery. Based in Central California and Addis Ababa, she travels extensively to write fantasy fiction exploring world mythologies, history, and the universal bonds of love, friendship, and family.
She has published over fifty works of fiction and sold over two million books world-wide. She is the author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Irin Chronicles, the Cambio Springs Mysteries, and other works of fiction.
She has published over fifty works of fiction and sold over two million books world-wide. She is the author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Irin Chronicles, the Cambio Springs Mysteries, and other works of fiction.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 330 reviews
November 26, 2024
“Dread the day you meet a north wolf for they love war.”
WOW, JUST WOW!!!! I'm in complete awe at this book, which happens to be my first read by Elizabeth Hunter, and I see now that I've seriously been missing out. First Light was perfection, chef's kiss, instantly going on my ultimate favourite books shelf.
This story is exactly what I'd want to happen to me (minus my partner going poof and me having to travel across the world to find them thing), I want to wander into a portal and enter a world where unicorns, fae, dragons, kelpies and brownies roam, where magic is around every corner, and the forest is alive and has a mind of its own.
It has such a unique feeling, I can't compare it to any other book I've read before. The lore of this world is so rich and well-developed, I was instantly pulled in, needing to know more.
I had so many theories about Carys and who/what she was, my mind was like "she's x, no wait she's y, no no she's z" and eventually I'd guess it like a moment before it happened, it really kept me on my toes!
I have some thoughts about her family as well, I can't wait to be completely wrong and mind-blown in the sequel, hah.
I like that she didn't immediately learn everything there is to know about the Shadowlands, and start training, gaining powers etc, she's doing it all slowly while trying to solve a mystery.
She's also figuring out her feelings towards Lachlan (who left her to go back to his own realm, ahem ahem) and his human twin Duncan (the best option, if you ask me).
Now I knew I'd be team Duncan the second he held her hand the first time, and with the way he always put her first and protected her afterwards, THAT'S YOUR MAN RIGHT THERE CARYS!!!
I'm obsessed with the characters, okay, obsessed. I love Carys, I love Duncan, I love Cadell, I love Dafydd, I love Naida, I love Dru, I love Azar, I love Darius...you get the point. I like Lachlan, as long as he isn't endgame, we're good!!
First Light made me smile, laugh, cry, I even audibly gasped at one scene which I don't recall ever happening with other books. I was literally there living every single moment, you can't convince me otherwise.
The writing is beautiful, the descriptions vivid, the pacing is perfect, there's not a single thing I'd change. Except the second book being out today so I could immediately jump in.
The ending left me with so many more questions, I was ready to scream, in a good way though. I literally CANNOT wait till April, GIVE ME BOOK TWO NOW!!!!
*Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
WOW, JUST WOW!!!! I'm in complete awe at this book, which happens to be my first read by Elizabeth Hunter, and I see now that I've seriously been missing out. First Light was perfection, chef's kiss, instantly going on my ultimate favourite books shelf.
This story is exactly what I'd want to happen to me (minus my partner going poof and me having to travel across the world to find them thing), I want to wander into a portal and enter a world where unicorns, fae, dragons, kelpies and brownies roam, where magic is around every corner, and the forest is alive and has a mind of its own.
It has such a unique feeling, I can't compare it to any other book I've read before. The lore of this world is so rich and well-developed, I was instantly pulled in, needing to know more.
I had so many theories about Carys and who/what she was, my mind was like "she's x, no wait she's y, no no she's z" and eventually I'd guess it like a moment before it happened, it really kept me on my toes!
I have some thoughts about her family as well, I can't wait to be completely wrong and mind-blown in the sequel, hah.
I like that she didn't immediately learn everything there is to know about the Shadowlands, and start training, gaining powers etc, she's doing it all slowly while trying to solve a mystery.
She's also figuring out her feelings towards Lachlan (who left her to go back to his own realm, ahem ahem) and his human twin Duncan (the best option, if you ask me).
Now I knew I'd be team Duncan the second he held her hand the first time, and with the way he always put her first and protected her afterwards, THAT'S YOUR MAN RIGHT THERE CARYS!!!
I'm obsessed with the characters, okay, obsessed. I love Carys, I love Duncan, I love Cadell, I love Dafydd, I love Naida, I love Dru, I love Azar, I love Darius...you get the point. I like Lachlan, as long as he isn't endgame, we're good!!
First Light made me smile, laugh, cry, I even audibly gasped at one scene which I don't recall ever happening with other books. I was literally there living every single moment, you can't convince me otherwise.
The writing is beautiful, the descriptions vivid, the pacing is perfect, there's not a single thing I'd change. Except the second book being out today so I could immediately jump in.
The ending left me with so many more questions, I was ready to scream, in a good way though. I literally CANNOT wait till April, GIVE ME BOOK TWO NOW!!!!
*Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
October 31, 2024
First Light by Elizabeth Hunter
Shadowlands series #1. Dark fantasy.
Carys Morgan travels to Scotland, looking for the man she loved. He disappeared leaving behind his car, passport and more. His phone pinged too soon in Scotland so Carys travels there hoping to find some trace. What she finds is his twin brother Duncan and a world she’s always thought of as myth. Once in the magic of Shadowland, it’s almost impossible to leave. Or eve survive is you’re clever.
Jealousy, greed, Magic, love and betrayal, family, lies, and dragons.
Dark fae twists and magic. Not quite a cliffhanger, but clearly not the end of the story.
Shadowlands series #1. Dark fantasy.
Carys Morgan travels to Scotland, looking for the man she loved. He disappeared leaving behind his car, passport and more. His phone pinged too soon in Scotland so Carys travels there hoping to find some trace. What she finds is his twin brother Duncan and a world she’s always thought of as myth. Once in the magic of Shadowland, it’s almost impossible to leave. Or eve survive is you’re clever.
Jealousy, greed, Magic, love and betrayal, family, lies, and dragons.
Dark fae twists and magic. Not quite a cliffhanger, but clearly not the end of the story.
October 29, 2024
4.75 ⭐️ (Rounded to 5)
First Light was my first foray into the world of Elizabeth Hunter. I’ve been told that her other series are amazing so I will have to delve into her other worlds. I enjoyed this book immensely and so very happy that I took the chance by applying for this ARC.
I was drawn in immediately to this rich and wondrous story that Hunter has created. This portal fantasy is teeming with Celtic mythology and parallel worlds that are rich, vibrant and masterfully built. The lore and fairytales within this book are so beautifully done that it was so hard to put this book down because I was so immersed in this exquisite world.
The characters are well developed and quite a different take on what I usually read. The twin dynamic of the parallel worlds was interesting and intriguing. There is much to be discovered by Carys, the FMC, when she is thrust into this new world which contains fae, mages, unicorn shifters and, best of all, DRAGONS!! A sassy dragon at that!! What more could you ask for!! Who better to navigate a real life fairytale world than a mythology professor. Carys quickly learns that the fairytales she’s been told and educated on her whole life are real and she’s living it.
The romance aspect with the twin brothers is complicated at best. While Carys feels she loves Lachlan, thus traveling to a whole new world to find him; she is inexplicably drawn to his human twin, Duncan. I’m eager to see where this relationship dynamic goes in subsequent installments.
Overall, I truly loved this story! I am thoroughly invested and looking forward to the next book.
*A huge thank you to Elizabeth Hunter and Valentine PR for giving me the opportunity of delving into this world!
First Light was my first foray into the world of Elizabeth Hunter. I’ve been told that her other series are amazing so I will have to delve into her other worlds. I enjoyed this book immensely and so very happy that I took the chance by applying for this ARC.
I was drawn in immediately to this rich and wondrous story that Hunter has created. This portal fantasy is teeming with Celtic mythology and parallel worlds that are rich, vibrant and masterfully built. The lore and fairytales within this book are so beautifully done that it was so hard to put this book down because I was so immersed in this exquisite world.
The characters are well developed and quite a different take on what I usually read. The twin dynamic of the parallel worlds was interesting and intriguing. There is much to be discovered by Carys, the FMC, when she is thrust into this new world which contains fae, mages, unicorn shifters and, best of all, DRAGONS!! A sassy dragon at that!! What more could you ask for!! Who better to navigate a real life fairytale world than a mythology professor. Carys quickly learns that the fairytales she’s been told and educated on her whole life are real and she’s living it.
The romance aspect with the twin brothers is complicated at best. While Carys feels she loves Lachlan, thus traveling to a whole new world to find him; she is inexplicably drawn to his human twin, Duncan. I’m eager to see where this relationship dynamic goes in subsequent installments.
Overall, I truly loved this story! I am thoroughly invested and looking forward to the next book.
*A huge thank you to Elizabeth Hunter and Valentine PR for giving me the opportunity of delving into this world!
December 7, 2024
DNF at 47%
I got insanely bored midway through. Carys, the main character, asks wayyyy too many questions about the world. I wish there was actual descriptive world building instead of her just asking questions all the time and getting straightforward answers.
I couldn’t tell who the romantic interest was at all and I honestly don’t care enough about any of them to want to know. There was little character building. The dialogue felt unnatural and weird. I’m not a fan of the writing style.
I got insanely bored midway through. Carys, the main character, asks wayyyy too many questions about the world. I wish there was actual descriptive world building instead of her just asking questions all the time and getting straightforward answers.
I couldn’t tell who the romantic interest was at all and I honestly don’t care enough about any of them to want to know. There was little character building. The dialogue felt unnatural and weird. I’m not a fan of the writing style.
April 23, 2025
Dragons, dragons peeps, need I say more?
Ms. Hunter you got me with our heroine can take with dragons. I am obesessed with dragons ever since I've been a wee lass and it still hasn't changed.
Hold what you are all doing and let me tell you need to check this book out. It is a brand new world by one of my favourite authors and it is absolutely outstanding. This is nothing like I have read in a very, very, very long time. It is original world with indepth characters and a rich history. It is a different take on dragons, fairytales, fae and portals between worlds.
I don't want to give anything away as this is an experience you need to jump fully into. However there were some things in the book that I had difficulties with.
Carys Morgan's boyfriend Lachlan Murray disappears and where did he go? Well, Scotland of course but how did he get there in such short time. Carys wants to know what happened to Lachlan so she goes all the way to Scotland to find out as his brother Duncan isn't returning her calls. Okay this is where it go iffy for me they were only dating for four months. I'm most likely not romantic enough ro get it.
Read the spoiler at your own peril
After what Lachlan did I don't understand how Carys could sleep with him and I knew there would be a semi love triangle. Team Duncan all the way here.
I also had an issue with the whole Shadowkin/Brightskin and brother/sisters how found it hard to buy into it. We all have a counterpart but does that make them siblings?
Nevertheless this book hit all the right spots. It is magical, fascinating rich with political intrigue. This is Ms. Hunter's best work to date!
ARC generously received in exchange for an honest review.
Ms. Hunter you got me with our heroine can take with dragons. I am obesessed with dragons ever since I've been a wee lass and it still hasn't changed.
Hold what you are all doing and let me tell you need to check this book out. It is a brand new world by one of my favourite authors and it is absolutely outstanding. This is nothing like I have read in a very, very, very long time. It is original world with indepth characters and a rich history. It is a different take on dragons, fairytales, fae and portals between worlds.
I don't want to give anything away as this is an experience you need to jump fully into. However there were some things in the book that I had difficulties with.
Carys Morgan's boyfriend Lachlan Murray disappears and where did he go? Well, Scotland of course but how did he get there in such short time. Carys wants to know what happened to Lachlan so she goes all the way to Scotland to find out as his brother Duncan isn't returning her calls. Okay this is where it go iffy for me they were only dating for four months. I'm most likely not romantic enough ro get it.
Read the spoiler at your own peril
After what Lachlan did I don't understand how Carys could sleep with him and I knew there would be a semi love triangle. Team Duncan all the way here.
I also had an issue with the whole Shadowkin/Brightskin and brother/sisters how found it hard to buy into it. We all have a counterpart but does that make them siblings?
Nevertheless this book hit all the right spots. It is magical, fascinating rich with political intrigue. This is Ms. Hunter's best work to date!
ARC generously received in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2024
This is a big departure from the other stories that I have read from Elizabeth Hunter, and she hit this one out of the park! She has started an entire new world built on myth and fairytales. The character structure feels completely different from her other worlds, but still has the complex and strong family ties that she does so well. The story had me from the first pages. I am desperate for the second book! World building and epic storytelling is a talent for this author. I LOVED this book!
November 6, 2024
This is my first time reading this author. I saw dragons and knew I needed to read it. The author did a great job with world building in a way that made you want to keep reading and it was entertaining. There was some spice but it wasn’t heavy, which worked really great with this story. The FMC was so well written and the twists, turns and betrayals of this story was unexpected but made the story so great. THAT TWIST AT THE END!!! I can’t wait to see what the second book brings. I’m so happy I was introduced to this author.
October 28, 2024
Woah!
I literally just finished the book and I was completely blown away. Excuse me if this review is based mainly on feelings and emotion than anything else.
Carys, FMC, was amazing. I loved her determination and her steel spine. She is smart, kinda sassy, and knows her limits. She developed and evolved very nicely throughout the book. She has a kind heart without being a pushover. I especially enjoyed how she handled the love interests.
Speaking of love interests… I’m not really invested in either. I’m not sure if it’s because we saw less of one and I just didn’t feel it with the other or what. Personally hoping she finds someone else in the next “kingdom” she visits.
Let’s talk world building. I loved the shadowlands and the picture the author painted. I also enjoyed the different creatures and the lore we heard. I felt like it was just enough to paint a picture but not too much to make it boring and have me zone out.
And that ending… my goodness! I need the next one right away!
I literally just finished the book and I was completely blown away. Excuse me if this review is based mainly on feelings and emotion than anything else.
Carys, FMC, was amazing. I loved her determination and her steel spine. She is smart, kinda sassy, and knows her limits. She developed and evolved very nicely throughout the book. She has a kind heart without being a pushover. I especially enjoyed how she handled the love interests.
Speaking of love interests… I’m not really invested in either. I’m not sure if it’s because we saw less of one and I just didn’t feel it with the other or what. Personally hoping she finds someone else in the next “kingdom” she visits.
Let’s talk world building. I loved the shadowlands and the picture the author painted. I also enjoyed the different creatures and the lore we heard. I felt like it was just enough to paint a picture but not too much to make it boring and have me zone out.
And that ending… my goodness! I need the next one right away!
June 19, 2025
I knew not all romantasy could be bad. This one has particularly crappy marketing, 'brand new romantic portal fantasy'? Please don't do that, every novel deserves to be considered on its own merits. Without being saddled with what came before and what'll come after.
Funnily enough, I thought the story would be something vastly different from what it turned out to be, a different combination of the elements dragons, missing boyfriend and alternate realms. But I still quite liked the story. It's a good story, which could've been great if it had been polished up a bit. Some awkward moments, clumsy and repetitive phrasing, could be more fleshed out in spots, especially in the early chapters (which were disappointingly perfunctory). A few inconsistencies, I think, all of which could've been resolved with a good editor. I thought the pacing and the story itself was pretty great otherwise.
I especially liked what Hunter did with the idea of soulmates, how she twisted it around. And the concept of Mary Sue. You'd think it would be Carys, right? Heh. You'd be wrong, and there's two of them to boot. I quite liked Carys herself, just how much self-respect she has and her grit, even though she does make stupid decisions sometimes. I allow a protagonist a few stupid decisions personally, being cautious and safe all the time rarely makes for a good story. I'm surprised by just how much I liked the boyfriend's brother Duncan as well. Like Carys, he's much more proactive and actually caring, not that he shows it in anything but very subtle ways. I did wonder if he shone brighter next to his brother, who has Dashing Romantic Lead written all over him. Deliberate charm is not really my thing.
It's not without its problems, a few things such as Carys' mother are telegraphed very blatantly and it's a kind of mystery why and how people feel a bond with their 'twin'. The perpetrator of the murderer was obvious, by design, I thought, but the author did throw in a bit more complexity. I winced every time Carys thought about or talked about something very contemporary, like e-bikes or her pop psychologist friends ("mm yes, abusive family dynamic, I know one when I see one." please, die in a fire.) but they were mercifully far and few in between. As someone who dislikes romanticised fae and dragonriders, I was pleasantly surprised, fae are cannibal bastards and there's no traditional dragonriding here. Dragons are not your bitch (and Cadell will only be too happy to remind you). I even found the political intrigue interesting, which is a compliment coming from me. The notion of fae as oppressive overlords is a great one, I hope she does more with it.
A decent read, if not a perfect one. Could've been amazing if people had worked on it a bit more. What can I say, I'm a sucker for stories where someone finds out magic is real. It's near and dear to my heart.
Funnily enough, I thought the story would be something vastly different from what it turned out to be, a different combination of the elements dragons, missing boyfriend and alternate realms. But I still quite liked the story. It's a good story, which could've been great if it had been polished up a bit. Some awkward moments, clumsy and repetitive phrasing, could be more fleshed out in spots, especially in the early chapters (which were disappointingly perfunctory). A few inconsistencies, I think, all of which could've been resolved with a good editor. I thought the pacing and the story itself was pretty great otherwise.
I especially liked what Hunter did with the idea of soulmates, how she twisted it around. And the concept of Mary Sue. You'd think it would be Carys, right? Heh. You'd be wrong, and there's two of them to boot. I quite liked Carys herself, just how much self-respect she has and her grit, even though she does make stupid decisions sometimes. I allow a protagonist a few stupid decisions personally, being cautious and safe all the time rarely makes for a good story. I'm surprised by just how much I liked the boyfriend's brother Duncan as well. Like Carys, he's much more proactive and actually caring, not that he shows it in anything but very subtle ways. I did wonder if he shone brighter next to his brother, who has Dashing Romantic Lead written all over him. Deliberate charm is not really my thing.
It's not without its problems, a few things such as Carys' mother are telegraphed very blatantly and it's a kind of mystery why and how people feel a bond with their 'twin'. The perpetrator of the murderer was obvious, by design, I thought, but the author did throw in a bit more complexity. I winced every time Carys thought about or talked about something very contemporary, like e-bikes or her pop psychologist friends ("mm yes, abusive family dynamic, I know one when I see one." please, die in a fire.) but they were mercifully far and few in between. As someone who dislikes romanticised fae and dragonriders, I was pleasantly surprised, fae are cannibal bastards and there's no traditional dragonriding here. Dragons are not your bitch (and Cadell will only be too happy to remind you). I even found the political intrigue interesting, which is a compliment coming from me. The notion of fae as oppressive overlords is a great one, I hope she does more with it.
A decent read, if not a perfect one. Could've been amazing if people had worked on it a bit more. What can I say, I'm a sucker for stories where someone finds out magic is real. It's near and dear to my heart.
October 24, 2024
4.5 stars
This was such a cool book!! It is completely different from anything Elizabeth has written before and I absolutely loved it!!! The world she created is amazing! It’s like mythology, folklore and fantasy twisted together! So GOOD!
It’s kinda got a love triangle, but I was rooting for one over the other. I loved Carys. She just adapts and the journey she is going on and what she finds out is awesome.
It’s such a great first book in the series. The world building was done so well! The twists I kind of predicted, but didn’t. I was second guessing myself a lot, and they weren’t exactly what I thought and they still threw me for a loop! Especially that ending one! Wow! I’m so intrigued about what is going to happen next! I can’t hardly wait!
This was such a cool book!! It is completely different from anything Elizabeth has written before and I absolutely loved it!!! The world she created is amazing! It’s like mythology, folklore and fantasy twisted together! So GOOD!
It’s kinda got a love triangle, but I was rooting for one over the other. I loved Carys. She just adapts and the journey she is going on and what she finds out is awesome.
It’s such a great first book in the series. The world building was done so well! The twists I kind of predicted, but didn’t. I was second guessing myself a lot, and they weren’t exactly what I thought and they still threw me for a loop! Especially that ending one! Wow! I’m so intrigued about what is going to happen next! I can’t hardly wait!
October 29, 2024
First Light was my most anticipated release of 2024 and it did NOT disappoint! What an exciting new series this is! First Light took all of my favorite things and melded them together in a unique new way. Magic, mythology and dragons oh my! Cranky but handsome Scottish MMC? Check. Brilliant and stubborn FMC? Double check. Sprinkle in Celtic mythology (and then some), Unicorns, a love triangle and a magical parallel world and this book has it all!
I have read so many books that have some the elements that First Light has, but never have I read them so uniquely and beautifully combined into one brilliant story. This broke me out of my funk immediately, I have never worked so hard to purposely NOT finish a book. I didn’t want it to end! I will be pre-ordering book 2 as soon as it is written!
I have read so many books that have some the elements that First Light has, but never have I read them so uniquely and beautifully combined into one brilliant story. This broke me out of my funk immediately, I have never worked so hard to purposely NOT finish a book. I didn’t want it to end! I will be pre-ordering book 2 as soon as it is written!
October 17, 2024
Do you believe in fairy tales? Do elves, dragons, fae, and all manner of fantasy beings make you dream of visiting their realm? If yes, this book is for you!
Carys is a mythology professor that meets her prince. At least he said he was a prince. She believed him until he left. Now she's on a mission to find him and ask why he didn't even say goodbye. Off to Scotland.
She meets his (identical twin?) brother, Duncan. He's ignored her calls and won't talk to her about Lachlan. After some "negotiations", reluctantly he agrees to take her on a journey to find Lachlan.
The Brothers Grimm could not have written a better story. Killer kelpies, unicorns, and a suspected murder all await Carys. This book is signature Elizabeth Hunter. Cleverly woven storylines with descriptions so vivid you can hear the strange noises in the fairy murder forest. All wrapped up in my favorite way for her to end a book. An epic battle and the promise of more of the story to come.
Carys is a mythology professor that meets her prince. At least he said he was a prince. She believed him until he left. Now she's on a mission to find him and ask why he didn't even say goodbye. Off to Scotland.
She meets his (identical twin?) brother, Duncan. He's ignored her calls and won't talk to her about Lachlan. After some "negotiations", reluctantly he agrees to take her on a journey to find Lachlan.
The Brothers Grimm could not have written a better story. Killer kelpies, unicorns, and a suspected murder all await Carys. This book is signature Elizabeth Hunter. Cleverly woven storylines with descriptions so vivid you can hear the strange noises in the fairy murder forest. All wrapped up in my favorite way for her to end a book. An epic battle and the promise of more of the story to come.
October 29, 2024
First Light by Elizabeth Hunter -Shadowlands Book 1-
4.5/5⭐️
1/3🌶️
1/3🦋
•My Thoughts•
New romantasy alert! Friends, I ate this up! Celtic mythology in all its glory, a very cool dual (almost mirrored) world, a love triangle where I’m not conflicted but our FMC is (I’m right, I KNOW I am) AND dragons!! This world was fascinating with its modern day world and portals to a magical shadowland that mirrors the modern world but where fairytales are true. People have a “twin” or counterpart in the shadowlands and the set up for this story uses that in a really entertaining way. The world building was well done, the characters were complex and layered. This is an epic fantasy romance where the story and romance are spread out over multiple books and I ate up the angst and slow burn bread crumbs with every page. The romance was a little light in this one but that’s the nature of this type of series and things are BREWING and I loved it. I liked our FMC, Carys a lot - she’s softer, a professor and academic, she likable and not stabby. Our MMCs are twins, opposite sides of the same coin (one from the modern world and one from the shadowlands). Carys’s choice is hard and I actually enjoyed the tension of that, even though I don’t seek out a love triangle trope. I have a favorite and he’s the only answer 👀, ok? Ok. I’m really looking forward to book 2 (out in April!)! Definitely recommend this one!!
Thank you so much to Elizabeth Hunter and Valentine PR for the early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. First Light releases October 29th, 2024.
4.5/5⭐️
1/3🌶️
1/3🦋
•My Thoughts•
New romantasy alert! Friends, I ate this up! Celtic mythology in all its glory, a very cool dual (almost mirrored) world, a love triangle where I’m not conflicted but our FMC is (I’m right, I KNOW I am) AND dragons!! This world was fascinating with its modern day world and portals to a magical shadowland that mirrors the modern world but where fairytales are true. People have a “twin” or counterpart in the shadowlands and the set up for this story uses that in a really entertaining way. The world building was well done, the characters were complex and layered. This is an epic fantasy romance where the story and romance are spread out over multiple books and I ate up the angst and slow burn bread crumbs with every page. The romance was a little light in this one but that’s the nature of this type of series and things are BREWING and I loved it. I liked our FMC, Carys a lot - she’s softer, a professor and academic, she likable and not stabby. Our MMCs are twins, opposite sides of the same coin (one from the modern world and one from the shadowlands). Carys’s choice is hard and I actually enjoyed the tension of that, even though I don’t seek out a love triangle trope. I have a favorite and he’s the only answer 👀, ok? Ok. I’m really looking forward to book 2 (out in April!)! Definitely recommend this one!!
Thank you so much to Elizabeth Hunter and Valentine PR for the early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. First Light releases October 29th, 2024.
October 25, 2024
Are you looking for something with the location vibes and hot kilted-out men of Outlander but with way more magic, myth, and magical creatures? If you said yes or even, “Maybe…tell me more,” you’re in luck! Elizabeth Hunter has written an absolutely AMAZING new book chock full of inspiration from the British Isles. I’m talking magical, mythical creatures, gods and goddesses, dragons, watery murder horses AKA Kelpies, dragons, unicorns, and my favorite mythical creature: the hot, grumpy, single, kilt wearing Scotsman. As someone that grew up with the tales & myths of this part of the world and is literally obsessed with pretty much everything she included in this book in general, i did not want it to end.
I loved Elizabeth’s Irin Chronicles series so I had high hopes for First Light and I was not disappointed. In general, Elizabeth’s writing style is the type that is able to blend fantasy and reality in such a way that it really does seem like it would be 100% normal to find out there’s an identical shadow version of our world filled will the fairytale creatures we’ve grown up hearing about around the world. Like, no one would bat an eye if they went on a nice little walk in the woods behind their house and ended up in a weird Ren Faire version filled with whatever local myths and legendary creatures inhabit whatever part of the world you were living in. Oh, and you might meet your magical twin…you know, totally normal stuff.
Throughout First Light our MFC, Carys, a Welsh-American sorta has that experience…but not quite. Her experience differs a bit in terms of who she meets, but she definitely walks into the woods and pops up into a hazy, Ren Faire version of Scotland, complete with castles, dragons, royalty, and a complete and utter mindfuck. As this book is more about the world building and establishing characters/rules, etc. there isn’t much active romance, but there sure is a nice little love triangle forming. I don’t normally enjoy love triangles, but this one…oh, this one I’m enjoying. The jealousy, the angst, the glares, the posturing…it’s delicious and I certainly have a favorite/preference.
I don’t want to delve too deep into this book because it’ll give too much away, but I would describe this book as a mix between Outlander and Game of Thrones but with Celtic and Welsh deities and magical creatures and a dash of Arthurian legend sprinkled throughout.
I loved Elizabeth’s Irin Chronicles series so I had high hopes for First Light and I was not disappointed. In general, Elizabeth’s writing style is the type that is able to blend fantasy and reality in such a way that it really does seem like it would be 100% normal to find out there’s an identical shadow version of our world filled will the fairytale creatures we’ve grown up hearing about around the world. Like, no one would bat an eye if they went on a nice little walk in the woods behind their house and ended up in a weird Ren Faire version filled with whatever local myths and legendary creatures inhabit whatever part of the world you were living in. Oh, and you might meet your magical twin…you know, totally normal stuff.
Throughout First Light our MFC, Carys, a Welsh-American sorta has that experience…but not quite. Her experience differs a bit in terms of who she meets, but she definitely walks into the woods and pops up into a hazy, Ren Faire version of Scotland, complete with castles, dragons, royalty, and a complete and utter mindfuck. As this book is more about the world building and establishing characters/rules, etc. there isn’t much active romance, but there sure is a nice little love triangle forming. I don’t normally enjoy love triangles, but this one…oh, this one I’m enjoying. The jealousy, the angst, the glares, the posturing…it’s delicious and I certainly have a favorite/preference.
I don’t want to delve too deep into this book because it’ll give too much away, but I would describe this book as a mix between Outlander and Game of Thrones but with Celtic and Welsh deities and magical creatures and a dash of Arthurian legend sprinkled throughout.
May 2, 2025
4 ⭐️ Dragons, Murder & Emotional Whiplash …
Look, I’ll be honest … I was coming off a serious book hangover when I started this, so my brain was a bit fried and overly dramatic. I’d just finished an intense series and fell into that weird little slump where no other book can quite hit the same. So, fair warning: some of my experience reading First Light was definitely tainted by my own post-book depression.
BUT despite all that, I really liked the story. We’ve got a woman, Carys, heading off to find her missing lover, and instead she lands in a whole other world while also trying to solve a damn murder. Honestly? Intriguing as hell.
Carys herself was great, although occasionally a bit of a muppet. People would drop massive truth bombs in front of her and she’d be like “nah” and just carry on. Ma’am. Please.
Now Lachlan? No. Absolutely not. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. He claims to love her but spends half the book pushing her away? That’s not love, that’s emotional whiplash. I wanted Carys to punch him in the face. Repeatedly.
Cadell the dragon guardian? Icon. Hilarious, charming, protective … 10/10 would adopt.
Duncan had his moments, sure, but at least he acted like he gave a damn about her. Team Duncan by default because Lachlan was busy being a tortured broody mess with zero emotional range.
Honestly, I want to reread this one when I’m in a better headspace. It deserves a proper go when I’m not subconsciously comparing it to the book that emotionally wrecked me before it. There’s something really solid here, and I think second time round I’d enjoy it even more.
Look, I’ll be honest … I was coming off a serious book hangover when I started this, so my brain was a bit fried and overly dramatic. I’d just finished an intense series and fell into that weird little slump where no other book can quite hit the same. So, fair warning: some of my experience reading First Light was definitely tainted by my own post-book depression.
BUT despite all that, I really liked the story. We’ve got a woman, Carys, heading off to find her missing lover, and instead she lands in a whole other world while also trying to solve a damn murder. Honestly? Intriguing as hell.
Carys herself was great, although occasionally a bit of a muppet. People would drop massive truth bombs in front of her and she’d be like “nah” and just carry on. Ma’am. Please.
Now Lachlan? No. Absolutely not. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. He claims to love her but spends half the book pushing her away? That’s not love, that’s emotional whiplash. I wanted Carys to punch him in the face. Repeatedly.
Cadell the dragon guardian? Icon. Hilarious, charming, protective … 10/10 would adopt.
Duncan had his moments, sure, but at least he acted like he gave a damn about her. Team Duncan by default because Lachlan was busy being a tortured broody mess with zero emotional range.
Honestly, I want to reread this one when I’m in a better headspace. It deserves a proper go when I’m not subconsciously comparing it to the book that emotionally wrecked me before it. There’s something really solid here, and I think second time round I’d enjoy it even more.
November 12, 2024
I only discovered Elizabeth Hunter's books recently, but it was love at first sight. I love her writing style, I love her characters and I love her storytelling skills. So, I had to have this first book in a new series. I was already positively surprised when I received the hardcover and discovered it looked stunning. I was even more positively surprised by the story itself. Everything about it works. The world building is amazing. I loved exploring everything this world had to offer and yet it never felt overwhelming or too random or too much. I also loved the emotional journey. The plot was relatively thin, but the characters were growing and learning throughout the book. The characters at the end are so different from the ones we meet in the beginning. I also loved the romance, and mostly how not prominent it was, allowing other things to shine, and I for sure loved the ending. I can't wait to read the second book!
October 30, 2024
I AM TEAM DUNCAN AND I WILL FIGHT ANYONE WHO SAYS ANY DIFFERENT!! I loved this book. The story, the concept, THE DRAGONS!, all of it was fantastic! I mean you have a different world, a love triangle, a grumpy dragon on top of a murder mystery….what else do you need? Oh and add in a Scottish accent and I seriously just melt! 🫠
I honestly could not put this book down. Carys is such a strong FMC and I love how determined she is and the fact that she is older and a professor of mythology just makes my heart soar! I cannot get over how much I like Cadell, he’s such a grumpy dragon, and so protective, I love him so much! Love all the tension between Carys and the brothers as well. 🫦
I cannot wait for book 2 cause I need more grumpy dragon and especially some gruff, Scottish men! Highly recommend this book!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️.5
I honestly could not put this book down. Carys is such a strong FMC and I love how determined she is and the fact that she is older and a professor of mythology just makes my heart soar! I cannot get over how much I like Cadell, he’s such a grumpy dragon, and so protective, I love him so much! Love all the tension between Carys and the brothers as well. 🫦
I cannot wait for book 2 cause I need more grumpy dragon and especially some gruff, Scottish men! Highly recommend this book!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️.5
February 10, 2025
Lovely story! I enjoyed this very much and I’m really looking forward to the next book.
October 28, 2024
I haven’t had a book make me feel this way since reading the TOG series. This book was EVERYTHING. The world building was everything! I’m actually at a loss for words when writing this review because there’s so many good things I want to say and go on about. This book is full of Celtic mythology and British fairy tales, set in Scotland. It’s got alternate worlds, a love triangle (between twins might I add 😉), magic, secrets & lies, a murder mystery being solved, and a soul bonded DRAGON!! It a mix between modern day and olden times and it’s just amazing. It made me laugh, it made me gasp, it made me yell “WTF” more time than I can count. It was everything I love about fantasy books…and OF COURSE book 2 doesn’t come out until April!! I could go on and on about this book so please go read it. You will not be disappointed.
October 30, 2024
First Light is the first book in the Shadowlands Series. It is a romantic portal fantasy read with elements of mythology and adventure. This story is written in third person POV and has mystery, intrigue, a character with a mental health illness, surprises, and many magical creatures.
Carys is a mythology professor whose boyfriend, Laughlin, has gone missing. She loves him and know's he loves her too, so she goes in search of him. What Carys finds makes her question everything she knows about herself and the world she lives in.
This was a very entertaining and intriguing read that I thoroughly enjoyed. The story is addictive and the characters are amazing. I honestly did not want to put it down and would definitely recommend it.
Carys is a mythology professor whose boyfriend, Laughlin, has gone missing. She loves him and know's he loves her too, so she goes in search of him. What Carys finds makes her question everything she knows about herself and the world she lives in.
This was a very entertaining and intriguing read that I thoroughly enjoyed. The story is addictive and the characters are amazing. I honestly did not want to put it down and would definitely recommend it.
January 4, 2025
DNF’d at 42% I liked the idea, but the dialogue was atrocious and cringe
March 15, 2025
3.5 stars
The first book in the Shadowlands series, this is a light fantasy novel with a great heroine, a broody hero, a murder mystery, and a complex romance. It’s the beginning of what could be an epic story, and I really enjoyed it!
Carys’s boyfriend, Lachlan, has disappeared without a trace, and she’s desperate to find him. She travels to Scotland to track down his brother, Duncan, in her search for answers and discovers a whole world that she thought existed only in fairy tales. Duncan takes her through a portal to another world, populated by the ‘twins’ of human on earth, and where magic exists along with all manner of fantasy creatures. Lachlan is actually Duncan’s twin from the Shadowlands, and it turns out that that wasn’t the only secret he was keeping from Carys.
I don’t want to give away spoilers, because you just want to dive in and experience this one, but wow, what a wildly complicated dynamic Carys finds herself in! It’s so clever, and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next as the story unfolded. Complicating matters, Carys discovers that she has a bit of magic of her own when she finds herself bonded to a dragon that was previously bonded to her own twin, who was murdered a few years previously. Humans aren’t supposed to bond with magical creatures, and Carys quickly finds herself swept up into this new world, desperate to uncover what happened to her twin, and wrestling her complicated feelings for Lachlan, who lied to her, and Duncan, who may be broody, but who supports and protects her without question, and who definitely had my heart fluttering.
Elizabeth Hunter is so great at world building, and she’s done a fantastic job creating this world. It’s rich and magical and the way it’s set up creates some fantastic complexities for Carys. And there’s a fabulous bunch of characters that she encounters along the way – special shout out to her dragon, Cadell, who is able to shift into a human form and who is awesome in every way.
I really enjoyed this book. It didn’t suck me in quite as much as I was hoping, but I’m definitely invested, and with more mysteries to be uncovered and the romance only really hinted at, I can’t wait to see how the story progresses from here.
3.5 stars.
The first book in the Shadowlands series, this is a light fantasy novel with a great heroine, a broody hero, a murder mystery, and a complex romance. It’s the beginning of what could be an epic story, and I really enjoyed it!
Carys’s boyfriend, Lachlan, has disappeared without a trace, and she’s desperate to find him. She travels to Scotland to track down his brother, Duncan, in her search for answers and discovers a whole world that she thought existed only in fairy tales. Duncan takes her through a portal to another world, populated by the ‘twins’ of human on earth, and where magic exists along with all manner of fantasy creatures. Lachlan is actually Duncan’s twin from the Shadowlands, and it turns out that that wasn’t the only secret he was keeping from Carys.
I don’t want to give away spoilers, because you just want to dive in and experience this one, but wow, what a wildly complicated dynamic Carys finds herself in! It’s so clever, and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next as the story unfolded. Complicating matters, Carys discovers that she has a bit of magic of her own when she finds herself bonded to a dragon that was previously bonded to her own twin, who was murdered a few years previously. Humans aren’t supposed to bond with magical creatures, and Carys quickly finds herself swept up into this new world, desperate to uncover what happened to her twin, and wrestling her complicated feelings for Lachlan, who lied to her, and Duncan, who may be broody, but who supports and protects her without question, and who definitely had my heart fluttering.
“You never liked me from the beginning. If you ever give me a chance, Carys Morgan, it’ll be because I earned it.”
Elizabeth Hunter is so great at world building, and she’s done a fantastic job creating this world. It’s rich and magical and the way it’s set up creates some fantastic complexities for Carys. And there’s a fabulous bunch of characters that she encounters along the way – special shout out to her dragon, Cadell, who is able to shift into a human form and who is awesome in every way.
I really enjoyed this book. It didn’t suck me in quite as much as I was hoping, but I’m definitely invested, and with more mysteries to be uncovered and the romance only really hinted at, I can’t wait to see how the story progresses from here.
“You walk through this world thinking you leave no footsteps, Carys Morgan. But your path here could change everything.” He pulled back and stared into her eyes. “Everything.”
3.5 stars.
October 29, 2024
First LIght is the first book in Elizabeth Hunter’s new romantic portal fantasy series. The story revolves around the romance between Lachlan Murray and Carys Morgan, who literally come from different worlds. We are introduced to a secret and magical world based on mythology and folklore. It is a spellbinding and intriguing tale as Carys goes looking for answers and finds a shadow world. An alternate dimension which is a mirror to her world and full of wonderful magical creatures and strange happenings. Welcome to the Shadowlands.
“Do you believe in fairy tales?”
Carys Morgan is an assistant mythology professor who has been suffering from depression but for the last four months she has been feeling much better due to her new wonderful boyfriend Lachlan. She lives in a wooden cabin built by her dad and grew up listening to fairy tales from her mum which encouraged her love of myths and folklore. One day Lachlan goes for a hike in the forest behind her house and just vanishes. She is desperate to find him as she’s positive he didn’t leave her, so travels to Scotland to confront his brother Duncan. When she finally speaks to Duncan, she is shocked to see he is Lachlan’s identical twin. However, their personalities are totally different.
“When you love someone - really love them - you’ll cross an ocean to find them again. Maybe even cross a world.”
It turns out there was a lot Lachlan hadn’t told her about himself and she is so confused when Duncan tries to explain things to her. In the end he decides it’s easier to show her as she won’t back down in her quest to find Lachlan. Leaving the Brightlands behind, they enter a magical otherworld known as the Shadowlands. She is confused and shocked at all the revelations she faces on the journey to find Lachlan. He is entirely different from the guy she fell in love with but she realises circumstances in the Shadowlands are complicated. She starts to question if Lachlan really loved her and if their relationship was real or based on lies and secrets?
We follow Carys as she tries to navigate this magical world and meets fae, unicorns, wolves, and dragons. She finds some people help her but others are curious and suspicious of her. I loved her first encounter with a dragon and the surprising connection between them. Her feelings for the brothers don’t help matters especially as Duncan so worried about her. ( Team Duncan here !)
I haven’t read this author before but she has created a fascinating world with lots of excellent characters and wonderful creatures. She evens manages to include some political intrigue and mystery. You are constantly trying to guess what is going to happen next and how are Carys and her family connected to it all. I am not usually a fantasy reader but I absolutely loved this and now have so many questions that hopefully will be answered in The Shadow Path #2.
“Do you believe in fairy tales?”
Carys Morgan is an assistant mythology professor who has been suffering from depression but for the last four months she has been feeling much better due to her new wonderful boyfriend Lachlan. She lives in a wooden cabin built by her dad and grew up listening to fairy tales from her mum which encouraged her love of myths and folklore. One day Lachlan goes for a hike in the forest behind her house and just vanishes. She is desperate to find him as she’s positive he didn’t leave her, so travels to Scotland to confront his brother Duncan. When she finally speaks to Duncan, she is shocked to see he is Lachlan’s identical twin. However, their personalities are totally different.
“When you love someone - really love them - you’ll cross an ocean to find them again. Maybe even cross a world.”
It turns out there was a lot Lachlan hadn’t told her about himself and she is so confused when Duncan tries to explain things to her. In the end he decides it’s easier to show her as she won’t back down in her quest to find Lachlan. Leaving the Brightlands behind, they enter a magical otherworld known as the Shadowlands. She is confused and shocked at all the revelations she faces on the journey to find Lachlan. He is entirely different from the guy she fell in love with but she realises circumstances in the Shadowlands are complicated. She starts to question if Lachlan really loved her and if their relationship was real or based on lies and secrets?
We follow Carys as she tries to navigate this magical world and meets fae, unicorns, wolves, and dragons. She finds some people help her but others are curious and suspicious of her. I loved her first encounter with a dragon and the surprising connection between them. Her feelings for the brothers don’t help matters especially as Duncan so worried about her. ( Team Duncan here !)
I haven’t read this author before but she has created a fascinating world with lots of excellent characters and wonderful creatures. She evens manages to include some political intrigue and mystery. You are constantly trying to guess what is going to happen next and how are Carys and her family connected to it all. I am not usually a fantasy reader but I absolutely loved this and now have so many questions that hopefully will be answered in The Shadow Path #2.
October 21, 2024
“So… do you believe in fairy tales?”
🐉 Portal Fantasy / Parallel Worlds
💙 Magic & Murder
🐉 Dragons
💙 Complicated Romance / Love Triangle
🐉 Fae & Mythology
💙 Twists!
“She was in the middle of a fairy tale with all the intrigue, beauty, and humanity of her favorite stories. There were unicorns in the forest and fae in the shadows. There were kings and knights, and more wondrous than anything, there were dragons.”
Oh boy, this book did not disappoint in the slightest! Elizabeth Hunter has given us a story absolutely chock full of Celtic mythology, complicated romance (Twin brother… need I say more?) with the most beautifully described parallel worlds and possibly the most important thing… dragons! Sassy ones at that.
“Fairy tales tell us about ourselves in ways that might make us uncomfortable, but that doesn’t mean they’re not their own version of truth.”
Hunter has created such a rich and compelling world, all of the lore and the fairytales were so well done and I was completely immersed. Seriously I couldn’t stop reading once I started, this world will draw you in like nothing else!
There was no one better to navigate this world of fairytales than a mythology professor. Carys is well versed in fairytales, and yet it is a whole different thing when they become your real life. I loved how she put things together and held her own.
“You never liked me from the beginning. If you ever give me a chance, Carys Morgan, it’ll be because I earned it.”
Team Duncan. That’s it. That’s all I’ve got to say.
In all seriousness, the two characters of Duncan and Lachlan were incredibly interesting. Twins who may be identical in appearance but could not be more different in personality. I loved how Hunter really emphasised that, the parallel worlds may be a mirror images but the twin souls definitely aren’t. Duncan, the gruff and grumpy Scottish Laird that has a heart of gold. Lachlan, the lighter but dare I say it more spoilt and reckless Prince. There’s still so much to uncover about them both and I can’t wait!
Are you saying that I am not sympathetic?
“Your human form is the size of a garden shed, and I’ve never seen you smile.”
I smile.
“Is that what dragons call it when they breathe fire?”
He didn’t have a comeback for that.
Oh Cadell. There really is nothing better than a sassy dragon, and Cadell is the perfect balance of hilarious genuinely laugh out loud moments and this beautiful overprotected mentor who is unwaveringly loyal. I just loved him and I miss reading about him already
This book was such an incredible read and I am thrilled I picked it up. It definitely won’t be the last Elizabeth Hunter book I read.
~ Thank you to Elizabeth Hunter and Valentine PR for the ARC ~
October 24, 2024
It's a wonderful story that has dragons! That should be enough said, but there's more.
It took me a bit to sink my teeth into this one, but once I did, it hooked me. I love me a feisty and strong heroine who also feels real human emotions, and Carys filled that bill for me. I even enjoyed living through the tough decisions she was facing and going along as she tried to figure out which way she was going to go.
As I said before, THERE ARE DRAGONS (!!!), but many other "fairytale" creatures we meet along the way. Unicorns, wolf shapeshifters, fae, brownies, and the mention of a leviathan. It's definitely a shadow world I'd love to visit.
This is a fantastic entry into a new world that I can't wait to dive into again.
It took me a bit to sink my teeth into this one, but once I did, it hooked me. I love me a feisty and strong heroine who also feels real human emotions, and Carys filled that bill for me. I even enjoyed living through the tough decisions she was facing and going along as she tried to figure out which way she was going to go.
As I said before, THERE ARE DRAGONS (!!!), but many other "fairytale" creatures we meet along the way. Unicorns, wolf shapeshifters, fae, brownies, and the mention of a leviathan. It's definitely a shadow world I'd love to visit.
This is a fantastic entry into a new world that I can't wait to dive into again.
October 23, 2024
This was good. A new world created by Elizabeth Hunter.... What a world it is, or rather, a Shadowland of our world. But different as night and day. Whete fairytales aren't imagined but are real.
One heartbroken woman is set to find her boyfriend who disappeared without a message, left everything behind, his phone pinging in places/times that not fit.
Finding his exact twin at the other side of the world. And that is how Carys' journey into the Shadowlands starts.
If you are familiar with Elizabeth Hunter's book, you know this will be a thrilling ride.
10 stars if possible.
One heartbroken woman is set to find her boyfriend who disappeared without a message, left everything behind, his phone pinging in places/times that not fit.
Finding his exact twin at the other side of the world. And that is how Carys' journey into the Shadowlands starts.
If you are familiar with Elizabeth Hunter's book, you know this will be a thrilling ride.
10 stars if possible.
November 16, 2024
4.5⭐️ What do you MEAN I’ve got to wait till 2025 for the next one 😭
April 19, 2025
By far one of the best books I have ever read. Can't say much without spoiling it, so will say great story building. Brilliant explanation and definition to details for the storyline. Beautiful and detailed world building. Keeps you guessing the whole time, but not in an antsy way. A great flow between mythology and imagination. A book that stays on your mind. Have to read some more of Hunter's work.
October 29, 2024
⭐️ 4.5 stars rounded up to 5
What an incredible, immersive, and unique novel…truly unlike other books I’ve read in recent years.
This was my very first Elizabeth Hunter book, and I feel like I have been missing out! She has an incredible way of writing and world building, with complex characters and rich Celtic mythology. I especially enjoyed the mystery of whodunit to add a twist to the already intriguing and wondrous story.
I really truly enjoyed this and am really looking forward to the next book!!
Thank you to Elizabeth Hunter and Valentine PR for the ARC!
What an incredible, immersive, and unique novel…truly unlike other books I’ve read in recent years.
This was my very first Elizabeth Hunter book, and I feel like I have been missing out! She has an incredible way of writing and world building, with complex characters and rich Celtic mythology. I especially enjoyed the mystery of whodunit to add a twist to the already intriguing and wondrous story.
I really truly enjoyed this and am really looking forward to the next book!!
Thank you to Elizabeth Hunter and Valentine PR for the ARC!
March 23, 2025
3/25 2nd read so bumped up to five stars. Getting ready for the next one in April, loved this more on the second re read, I guess bc I slowed down and savored.
Originally 4 stars.
April 25th, 2025?!?!?!?!?!?!?! I can't believe I have to wait 6 months, lol, but I am so thankful she started a new series. I love her writing and this new fantasy/fairytale retelling is fun. I'm not a Lachlan fan, I am a Duncan fan. Honestly though, I'm not big on lurve triangles. Also, 4 months just didn't seem like enough time to fall head over heels with someone to the point you reorganize your entire life to that extent.. That's a niggle. I did have an idea that her friend, Laura, knew about this other world when she said that "in theory" there could be other dimensions that run parallel to our world. Here thar be Dragons, Dragons mate, and his name is Cadell. And none of what I just wrote will make sense until you read the book. I gobbled it down in one day.
It was a solid 4 stars, which is great for a first book in a series bc there's always the "huh's?" and "wait, wut?" and "but, what about.........?" They'll get smoothed out and it'll run like a well oiled machine as it goes on. Fun, fun, fun.
Originally 4 stars.
April 25th, 2025?!?!?!?!?!?!?! I can't believe I have to wait 6 months, lol, but I am so thankful she started a new series. I love her writing and this new fantasy/fairytale retelling is fun. I'm not a Lachlan fan, I am a Duncan fan. Honestly though, I'm not big on lurve triangles. Also, 4 months just didn't seem like enough time to fall head over heels with someone to the point you reorganize your entire life to that extent.. That's a niggle. I did have an idea that her friend, Laura, knew about this other world when she said that "in theory" there could be other dimensions that run parallel to our world. Here thar be Dragons, Dragons mate, and his name is Cadell. And none of what I just wrote will make sense until you read the book. I gobbled it down in one day.
It was a solid 4 stars, which is great for a first book in a series bc there's always the "huh's?" and "wait, wut?" and "but, what about.........?" They'll get smoothed out and it'll run like a well oiled machine as it goes on. Fun, fun, fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 330 reviews