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The Construction of Shadows
In a world where 74% of the population possesses unique abilities passed down by the 16 Divinities of the Sun and Moon, it takes a miracle to stand out…
Or a disaster.
Meiling Katz is a nobody. With no Divine blood and a mysterious illness that’s plagued her since the Lunar Eclipse Massacre killed her parents thirteen years ago, she’s powerless. Nevertheless, Meiling is determined to attend the prestigious Zialitos Academy for Sun-Gifted Children and rise in the ranks of their country’s lawmakers.
Suraya Zialitos is a living legend. As the heir to the most powerful lineage in the world—those descended from Ataru, Divinity of the Sun—Suraya is destined for greatness. But Suraya does not want greatness, she wants revenge for her family slaughtered by the notorious Miyako family in the Massacre.
When the childhood best friends arrive at the Academy only to find a string of terrorist attacks linked to the Miyakos, their initial plans go up in flames. With their friendship unraveling and the country in terror, they realize there’s only one way to solve this: together.
Combining complex magic, murder mystery, headstrong female leads, lgbtq+ representation, and a series-long slow-burn romance, The Construction of Shadows series is a must-read for fans of action-packed fantasy like Percy Jackson and manga classics like My Hero Academia.
Or a disaster.
Meiling Katz is a nobody. With no Divine blood and a mysterious illness that’s plagued her since the Lunar Eclipse Massacre killed her parents thirteen years ago, she’s powerless. Nevertheless, Meiling is determined to attend the prestigious Zialitos Academy for Sun-Gifted Children and rise in the ranks of their country’s lawmakers.
Suraya Zialitos is a living legend. As the heir to the most powerful lineage in the world—those descended from Ataru, Divinity of the Sun—Suraya is destined for greatness. But Suraya does not want greatness, she wants revenge for her family slaughtered by the notorious Miyako family in the Massacre.
When the childhood best friends arrive at the Academy only to find a string of terrorist attacks linked to the Miyakos, their initial plans go up in flames. With their friendship unraveling and the country in terror, they realize there’s only one way to solve this: together.
Combining complex magic, murder mystery, headstrong female leads, lgbtq+ representation, and a series-long slow-burn romance, The Construction of Shadows series is a must-read for fans of action-packed fantasy like Percy Jackson and manga classics like My Hero Academia.
412 pages, Paperback
Published May 16, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 14, 2026
The Construction of Shadows was an engaging fantasy that blended unique magic, political intrigue, and mystery into a story that kept me invested throughout. I especially enjoyed the contrast between Meiling and Suraya, two childhood friends with vastly different backgrounds whose goals and struggles made them both compelling in their own ways. The academy setting, combined with the looming threat of terrorist attacks and long-buried secrets, created plenty of tension and intrigue as the story unfolded. I loved watching the friendship dynamics evolve while the mystery surrounding the Lunar Eclipse Massacre and the Miyako family slowly came to light. With an imaginative magic system, strong female leads, and a promising slow-burn romance, this was a captivating start to a series that left me eager to see where these characters' journeys lead next.
May 14, 2025
I was given a free e-galley by the author in exchange for an honest review
CW’s: some violence, some language, pretty tame.
My Rating: 4.25/5 Stars
The concept right off the bad, was amazing. And for me, it kicked off right away. Jackson didn’t waste time in the book with exposition, she multi-tasked by providing both at the same time. She built the world and began building out the characters as she established what the story would be.
On that note, from the beginning the writing was so beautiful and lyrical. I adored how she wrote. The writing reads as effortlessly beautiful and readable at the same time. It didn’t feel like Jackson was trying too hard and it didn’t feel like she was implementing purple prose. Her writing style made the exposition seem natural, like she was telling a true fable and was building the world out for the fable to begin.
The world itself was a good mix of urban fantasy and high fantasy. I think most YA books are good entry points for high-fantasy, but this one especially is one of the ones that maintains quality of the book while being digesteable enough for someone new to the genre. I don’t know what it is about Fantasy worlds with plays on divinity, heavens/hells, etc. But I love them so much. I was obsessed with angel books as a teen (Hush, Hush, Fallen, Immortal City, etc) and this feels like it scratches that itch for me while having this even-better quality of escapism.
But at the same time, it maintains this aspect to it that interrogates oppressive systems that are in part, perpetuated by people around the oppressed. And it’s what they’re taught to do, yes, but it demonstrates how propaganda can influence people into participating in oppressive systems out of fear.
Meiling and Suraya are both enjoyable characters. I in particular really liked Suraya, as this overachiever who desperately wants to believe she deserves what hse has. She wants to earn her place. At the same time, in contrast, Meiling has the opposite problem. She deserves to be treated the same, to gain access to education, but because she’s not Gifted she doesn’t get it. So it offers up a really interesting contrast between the two of them.
This book does require a bit of suspension of disbelief and just acceptance of the world you’re placed in. Which i think is fine when it’s well done and well executed. And I think that Jackson did a pretty good job. She sprinkles in confirmation that this world is a lot like ours (mentions medications, doctor’s visits, lap tops, news, articles, etc). And the author explains, in pieces, about the religion and center source of powers. I think if you’re someone who needs a lot of establishing for the world, then it might be a bit confusing, but I think if you’re willing to go into it without having to know absolutely everything, it makes sense.
Also, special shout out to not having a long directory. For me, personally, I didn’t really feel like I needed it that much, which is a credit to the author.
I also like morally gray FMC’s, like Suraya. I’m so used to these teenage FMC’s that have to be perfect, or have to be this very specific type of morally gray. I like when girls are allowed to break the mould a bit and still be flawed and angry and ambitious.
There are a good number of POVs, and some show up more than others. I think if you’re someone who has a hard time keeping track of multiple POV’s, or wants them to be distinct, the book might be a bit disappointing. But I think with the third person point of view the book is written in, and the way it’s written, distinction doesn’t super make sense. The characters feel distinct, I don’t really think the narrative need to be separate. I think their motivations, their backgrounds, and their abilities distinguish them enough (I adored Evie by the way, though she’s introduced around the 30% mark, she’s adorable).
The book was well paced in my opinion, this is subjective, naturally. It’s a lot happening all at once and the book doesn’t always give time to breathe. But to me, that’s what makes it so readable. The characters have multiple plots going on but to me it doesn’t feel frivolous or inane to have so many. They feel like threads that matter. The way this is plotted, and the world building, feel like they were actually kept track of; things stayed consistent.
I will say the dialogue ia bit clunky, but dialogue is difficult to write, and it’s not so clunky that it takes you out of the book and honestly, real life people talk in clunky ways.
Also special shout out for the diversity in names AND the well written fight scenes.
Once the half-way mark passed, it picked up even faster. And it felt like one revelation after the other was happening but it didn’t feel overwhelming to me. Not really. The emotions felt complex and dynamic that the characters felt and I think the characters all got their fair shot at development and growth. I do feel like Suraya almost had reverse-growth, but i think it was well done and realistic. If that revelation happened to you, and you found out something about your best friend that was connected in such a negative way to your family, you’d react in a bad way too.
Overall, great book! I loved the two of them and their dynamic.
CW’s: some violence, some language, pretty tame.
My Rating: 4.25/5 Stars
The concept right off the bad, was amazing. And for me, it kicked off right away. Jackson didn’t waste time in the book with exposition, she multi-tasked by providing both at the same time. She built the world and began building out the characters as she established what the story would be.
On that note, from the beginning the writing was so beautiful and lyrical. I adored how she wrote. The writing reads as effortlessly beautiful and readable at the same time. It didn’t feel like Jackson was trying too hard and it didn’t feel like she was implementing purple prose. Her writing style made the exposition seem natural, like she was telling a true fable and was building the world out for the fable to begin.
The world itself was a good mix of urban fantasy and high fantasy. I think most YA books are good entry points for high-fantasy, but this one especially is one of the ones that maintains quality of the book while being digesteable enough for someone new to the genre. I don’t know what it is about Fantasy worlds with plays on divinity, heavens/hells, etc. But I love them so much. I was obsessed with angel books as a teen (Hush, Hush, Fallen, Immortal City, etc) and this feels like it scratches that itch for me while having this even-better quality of escapism.
But at the same time, it maintains this aspect to it that interrogates oppressive systems that are in part, perpetuated by people around the oppressed. And it’s what they’re taught to do, yes, but it demonstrates how propaganda can influence people into participating in oppressive systems out of fear.
Meiling and Suraya are both enjoyable characters. I in particular really liked Suraya, as this overachiever who desperately wants to believe she deserves what hse has. She wants to earn her place. At the same time, in contrast, Meiling has the opposite problem. She deserves to be treated the same, to gain access to education, but because she’s not Gifted she doesn’t get it. So it offers up a really interesting contrast between the two of them.
This book does require a bit of suspension of disbelief and just acceptance of the world you’re placed in. Which i think is fine when it’s well done and well executed. And I think that Jackson did a pretty good job. She sprinkles in confirmation that this world is a lot like ours (mentions medications, doctor’s visits, lap tops, news, articles, etc). And the author explains, in pieces, about the religion and center source of powers. I think if you’re someone who needs a lot of establishing for the world, then it might be a bit confusing, but I think if you’re willing to go into it without having to know absolutely everything, it makes sense.
Also, special shout out to not having a long directory. For me, personally, I didn’t really feel like I needed it that much, which is a credit to the author.
I also like morally gray FMC’s, like Suraya. I’m so used to these teenage FMC’s that have to be perfect, or have to be this very specific type of morally gray. I like when girls are allowed to break the mould a bit and still be flawed and angry and ambitious.
There are a good number of POVs, and some show up more than others. I think if you’re someone who has a hard time keeping track of multiple POV’s, or wants them to be distinct, the book might be a bit disappointing. But I think with the third person point of view the book is written in, and the way it’s written, distinction doesn’t super make sense. The characters feel distinct, I don’t really think the narrative need to be separate. I think their motivations, their backgrounds, and their abilities distinguish them enough (I adored Evie by the way, though she’s introduced around the 30% mark, she’s adorable).
The book was well paced in my opinion, this is subjective, naturally. It’s a lot happening all at once and the book doesn’t always give time to breathe. But to me, that’s what makes it so readable. The characters have multiple plots going on but to me it doesn’t feel frivolous or inane to have so many. They feel like threads that matter. The way this is plotted, and the world building, feel like they were actually kept track of; things stayed consistent.
I will say the dialogue ia bit clunky, but dialogue is difficult to write, and it’s not so clunky that it takes you out of the book and honestly, real life people talk in clunky ways.
Also special shout out for the diversity in names AND the well written fight scenes.
Once the half-way mark passed, it picked up even faster. And it felt like one revelation after the other was happening but it didn’t feel overwhelming to me. Not really. The emotions felt complex and dynamic that the characters felt and I think the characters all got their fair shot at development and growth. I do feel like Suraya almost had reverse-growth, but i think it was well done and realistic. If that revelation happened to you, and you found out something about your best friend that was connected in such a negative way to your family, you’d react in a bad way too.
Overall, great book! I loved the two of them and their dynamic.
July 25, 2025
The Construction of Shadows by Dakota Jackson is a spectacular fusion of political intrigue, elemental magic, and emotionally charged friendship, set in a world where divine bloodlines shape fate—and secrets threaten to tear it all apart. From the opening pages, Jackson immerses readers in a richly imagined society divided by celestial inheritance and haunted by generational trauma.
At the heart of this story are Meiling Katz and Suraya Zialitos—two girls bound by childhood friendship, yet divided by power, legacy, and pain. Meiling, powerless and plagued by a mysterious illness, is an underdog in every sense. Her quiet determination to forge a future at Zialitos Academy despite her lack of divine gifts is deeply moving, and her vulnerability only makes her resolve shine brighter.
Suraya, by contrast, is a firebrand of intensity—powerful, revered, and carrying the crushing weight of her family's name and tragedy. Her pursuit of revenge against the Miyakos—those responsible for her family's massacre—is brutal and raw. But it’s her unraveling emotional conflict, especially as her path diverges from Meiling’s, that gives this story its searing heart.
The friendship between Meiling and Suraya is where this novel truly excels. It’s not just a background bond—it is the story. Jackson explores the fragility, loyalty, and pain of growing apart while still clinging to shared history. Their dynamic is filled with unspoken love, betrayal, jealousy, and hope—far more complex than most YA or NA friendships dare to be.
Zialitos Academy is a magical and political powder keg, filled with divine factions, simmering resentments, and sharp class divides. The terrorist attacks that rock the academy raise the stakes with every chapter, revealing that the Massacre’s shadow is far from past. The political tensions and mythological undertones give this story a The Poppy War meets Legendborn vibe, while still feeling wholly original.
Jackson’s prose is sharp and lyrical, balancing poetic introspection with tight pacing and explosive action. The magic system—tied to the 16 Divinities of Sun and Moon—is both elegant and fierce, with abilities that feel grounded in lore and ripe with narrative potential.
At the heart of this story are Meiling Katz and Suraya Zialitos—two girls bound by childhood friendship, yet divided by power, legacy, and pain. Meiling, powerless and plagued by a mysterious illness, is an underdog in every sense. Her quiet determination to forge a future at Zialitos Academy despite her lack of divine gifts is deeply moving, and her vulnerability only makes her resolve shine brighter.
Suraya, by contrast, is a firebrand of intensity—powerful, revered, and carrying the crushing weight of her family's name and tragedy. Her pursuit of revenge against the Miyakos—those responsible for her family's massacre—is brutal and raw. But it’s her unraveling emotional conflict, especially as her path diverges from Meiling’s, that gives this story its searing heart.
The friendship between Meiling and Suraya is where this novel truly excels. It’s not just a background bond—it is the story. Jackson explores the fragility, loyalty, and pain of growing apart while still clinging to shared history. Their dynamic is filled with unspoken love, betrayal, jealousy, and hope—far more complex than most YA or NA friendships dare to be.
Zialitos Academy is a magical and political powder keg, filled with divine factions, simmering resentments, and sharp class divides. The terrorist attacks that rock the academy raise the stakes with every chapter, revealing that the Massacre’s shadow is far from past. The political tensions and mythological undertones give this story a The Poppy War meets Legendborn vibe, while still feeling wholly original.
Jackson’s prose is sharp and lyrical, balancing poetic introspection with tight pacing and explosive action. The magic system—tied to the 16 Divinities of Sun and Moon—is both elegant and fierce, with abilities that feel grounded in lore and ripe with narrative potential.
May 26, 2025
I was one of the lucky few people to be gifted a copy of this wonderful book a few days ago, and I can't even begin to explain how grateful I am for that because I'm pretty sure I've found my newest obsession!
I remember reading its summary a month ago or so and just knowing I had to get my hands on it as soon as I could and, boy, am I glad the Universe conspired in my favour, the stars aligned, and I ended up receiving this amazing, beautifully written book!
I won't go into too much detail about certain things just so I don't spoil anything - I promise you that the plot twist this story surprises you with is definitely worth the wait! The moment you finally realize what's actually going on, there's no turning back: you're already in love with our main characters Meiling and Suraya ―a.k.a. the bestest girls in all of Malumvia, if I do say so myself― and their incredible group of friends.
The world building is impeccable from beginning to end, and I definitely found myself wanting to know even more about everything. I'll admit the concept of the Divinities of the Sun and Moon had me hooked from the get-go, and I couldn't help but feel even more interested in them as the story progressed ― which is why I can't wait to see what's in store for all these people after the end of this wonderful, captivating, adventurous book.
Please do read it if you have the chance, I assure you that you won't regret it! In fact, you'll thank me for recommending it to you ― mark my words!
I remember reading its summary a month ago or so and just knowing I had to get my hands on it as soon as I could and, boy, am I glad the Universe conspired in my favour, the stars aligned, and I ended up receiving this amazing, beautifully written book!
I won't go into too much detail about certain things just so I don't spoil anything - I promise you that the plot twist this story surprises you with is definitely worth the wait! The moment you finally realize what's actually going on, there's no turning back: you're already in love with our main characters Meiling and Suraya ―a.k.a. the bestest girls in all of Malumvia, if I do say so myself― and their incredible group of friends.
The world building is impeccable from beginning to end, and I definitely found myself wanting to know even more about everything. I'll admit the concept of the Divinities of the Sun and Moon had me hooked from the get-go, and I couldn't help but feel even more interested in them as the story progressed ― which is why I can't wait to see what's in store for all these people after the end of this wonderful, captivating, adventurous book.
Please do read it if you have the chance, I assure you that you won't regret it! In fact, you'll thank me for recommending it to you ― mark my words!
Once again, a huge thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this fantastic story! Can't wait to see it flourish the same way I know Mei and Suri will!
June 19, 2025
Thank you to the author and Libray Thing for the arc!
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This book was filled with unique and intriguing abilities. I really enjoyed learning about all the different ones and seeing them in action! The fight scenes were written in a way I could easily visualize them and feel immersed in the action.
I didn’t love the characters. The only one I grew interested in was a side character, Evie. Meiling felt too weak and I think because it was laid on heavy that she was weak but trying to be strong it made the plot twist more predictable. Suraya was headstrong and seemed to care for no one. I love a good grumpy x sunshine friendship, but it was hard to even see why they were friends in the first place. Toward the end I loved the moments with Callum and his twin Karina that was very wholesome.
Things I loved:
-The prologue with the epic blood magic was SO COOL! I wanted more of that immediately and hope there will be more in the next book
-The river being filled with bones was eerie and haunting, really liked that.
-Chapter 33 had a code in it that was so fun. I love a fantasy mixed with mystery it makes for a good time.
“She feels like there are thorns blooming in her lungs.”
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This book was filled with unique and intriguing abilities. I really enjoyed learning about all the different ones and seeing them in action! The fight scenes were written in a way I could easily visualize them and feel immersed in the action.
I didn’t love the characters. The only one I grew interested in was a side character, Evie. Meiling felt too weak and I think because it was laid on heavy that she was weak but trying to be strong it made the plot twist more predictable. Suraya was headstrong and seemed to care for no one. I love a good grumpy x sunshine friendship, but it was hard to even see why they were friends in the first place. Toward the end I loved the moments with Callum and his twin Karina that was very wholesome.
Things I loved:
-The prologue with the epic blood magic was SO COOL! I wanted more of that immediately and hope there will be more in the next book
-The river being filled with bones was eerie and haunting, really liked that.
-Chapter 33 had a code in it that was so fun. I love a fantasy mixed with mystery it makes for a good time.
“She feels like there are thorns blooming in her lungs.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2025
The Construction of Shadows is a tightly plotted and fast-moving fantasy adventure story that will keep you reading. Jackson has created a detailed, authentic, immersive world that is built with craft and precision such that it pulls you in with ease and has you wondering all sorts about what's going to happen next...
Meiling and Suraya are a brilliant combination of teen heroes and frenemies, each with their own very human emotional baggage and complicated characters. They are great lead characters for a story like this that doesn't shy away from the challenges of being a young person with incredible powers.
I really enjoyed reading this and would recommend it wholeheartedly. Looking forward to the next instalment!
Meiling and Suraya are a brilliant combination of teen heroes and frenemies, each with their own very human emotional baggage and complicated characters. They are great lead characters for a story like this that doesn't shy away from the challenges of being a young person with incredible powers.
I really enjoyed reading this and would recommend it wholeheartedly. Looking forward to the next instalment!
August 27, 2026
The Construction of Shadows is a captivating fantasy that seamlessly blends political intrigue, elemental magic, mythology, and deeply emotional character relationships.
Jackson creates an immersive world shaped by divine bloodlines, generational trauma, and simmering class divisions, while keeping the story fast-paced and full of suspense. Meiling and Suraya are especially compelling, with their complicated friendship bringing heart, tension, betrayal, and vulnerability to the story.
The 16 Divinities of Sun and Moon create an intriguing magic system, while Zialitos Academy provides the perfect setting for danger and discovery. With sharp prose, memorable characters, and plenty of twists, this is an exciting and emotionally resonant read.
Jackson creates an immersive world shaped by divine bloodlines, generational trauma, and simmering class divisions, while keeping the story fast-paced and full of suspense. Meiling and Suraya are especially compelling, with their complicated friendship bringing heart, tension, betrayal, and vulnerability to the story.
The 16 Divinities of Sun and Moon create an intriguing magic system, while Zialitos Academy provides the perfect setting for danger and discovery. With sharp prose, memorable characters, and plenty of twists, this is an exciting and emotionally resonant read.
May 9, 2025
A captivating story! The Construction of Shadows delivers rich world-building, layered characters, and a powerful story about identity and resilience. Dakota Jackson blends fantasy and emotion seamlessly. I was given a copy of the book by the author, and I’m so glad I had the chance to read it early!
May 25, 2025
A very quick read that’s incredibly difficult to put down! The Construction of Shadows is so well thought out and full of complex characters who each have their own struggles and growth throughout the book. I can’t wait to see where the rest of the series takes the characters!
May 17, 2025
ARC. Great read. Amazing characters and such a great start to a larger series. If you like Percy Jackson and Avatar: The Last Airbender definitely check out this book!
August 23, 2025
Can't wait for the next book to come out!
November 24, 2025
Absolutely loved this story!
November 30, 2025
Love, love, love this book!
November 30, 2025
Great new series.
December 7, 2025
Great new series!
December 8, 2025
Very good read. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 10, 2025
What a cool new series!
September 20, 2025
Hello! I am the author of the series.
Please note the few trigger warnings:
- Bullying / Harassment
- Violence
- Xenophobia
- Non-graphic death
Please note the few trigger warnings:
- Bullying / Harassment
- Violence
- Xenophobia
- Non-graphic death
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews