Between the Shadows

Renegades of Wrath #1

by Grace R. Pringle

Solnia happily spends her days helping her father in his weaving shop and reading about places she doesn’t dare visit. Her quiet life is upended when she runs into a blind stranger in the street.
Row’s hints about a dark past and wrongs done to him consume Solnia with curiosity and pull her into a world filled with riddles. Why do his eyes glow in the dark? What does he want with the ancient texts kept in the city Archives?
While uncovering forgotten history and buried atrocities, Solnia is forced to ask is love worth dying for?

"Between the Shadows" is a clean, no spice, young adult romantic fantasy love letter to books and the written word.

Genres: Fantasy

418 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2025

About the author

Grace R. Pringle is a Canadian kickboxing, D&D playing, homeschooling Mom of six kids, who is married to her best friend and fellow author, Stuart Pringle. She writes things. Mostly books, but also some poetry and short stories. She also dabbles in art and graphic design for her own amusement.

She may or may not be obsessed with dragons.

All her books are no-spice.

Reviews

[Liz Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me major Inkheart vibes—with a deep love of stories, the thrill of a secret messages hidden in ancient books, and characters that feel alive on the page. The romance was tender and believable, the world immersive, and the pacing kept me on the edge of my seat (like a really good D&D campaign—full of surprises and emotional stakes).

The scenes were so vividly written I could see them. I kept thinking, “I want to paint this.” The imagery was striking and colorful.

What really stuck with me was how emotionally real it felt. I laughed, I cried, and I truly cared about these characters. The story pulled me in and didn’t let go.

Absolutely stunning work. Highly recommend. 👏

P.S. I read this book in 1 day because I couldn't put it down, which I haven't done in at least 10 years. So be prepared! 😁

[Tales and Treats with Tay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this overall but the writing felt a bit off for my brain.

I can't fully articulate why the writing didn't click well with my brain, and there are several who gave this book 5 stars, so it's probably just a me thing. I didn't feel particularly connected to the romance, perhaps due to how the beginning of their relationship played out. Some of the banter/interactions were odd to me, one line about Row joking he had killed someone was off-putting.

There is a significant part where the FMC learns about the MMCs past via reading his journal (per his request due to a situation that is a spoiler.) I didn't care for this writing move, felt like a cop out to more easily explain things and I kept thinking what teen boy is going to write this much detail, especially emotional, when he knows his adoptive mother will be reading it.

I did enjoy the world and the Christian allegorical type elements. It was interesting figuring out with Row who he really is.

This Book leaves a lot hanging which makes the reader want book 2 ASAP.


⚫️ Chosen one
⚫️ Magical/fantastical word
⚫️ Bookish elements
⚫️ Similar to some aspects of Narnia
⚫️ Forbidden love



Content: on page death scene of an emotionally important character

Christian faith rating: 1/3 allegorical elements

[thelilcloseddoorbookgal · Rating 4 out of 5]

What to expect: Fantasy romance for 12+, secret libraries, magical books, forbidden love, riddles, panthers, shape shifters, glowing flowers, mysterious vibes, forgotten history

“You can’t force others to change. Work on yourself if you want to see change.”

If I hadn’t had other things going on, I totally would have binge-read this. The prose was easy to follow and had a little bit of formality that fits well in classic fantasy without being too lush or flowery. I also thought the world-building was woven in well. Both MCs were very likable, and I thought they were so precious. We love GREEN FLAGS. The mysterious identity was fun, and the romance aspect was heartwarming. There were times when I felt like things were too convenient, and some of the tension in the plot lost momentum in certain chapters, but overall, I did find the plot intriguing. The best parts for me were the characters, who I believe should be protected at all costs, the atmosphere, and also the setting, which is perfect for book lovers. 🤭 I liked how the power of knowledge versus ignorance is acknowledged, as well as how history is skewed to fit certain narratives. All in all, it was an intriguing story. I will be telling some teens girls I know who like to read fantasy about this book.

📖 content 📖
-zero spice in the romance
-zero profanity
-death, grief, emotional parental abuse (not graphic)

I received a copy from the author for an honest review.

[Hannah Beth (Hannah's Book Cafe) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is over and I want to cry because I loved it so much, but now I have so many questions. 😭😭

Such an unexpected surprise. The characters, the humor, the wit and the banter, a girl with a healthy relationship with her father, a couple with really good chemistry, an engaging storyline, this book has got it all. And now I'm so sad it's over. I feel this sadness because I just left a world that I still want to be part of.

I can't wait to return to this world. It also reminds me of why I don't like to start series before the rest of the books are out. Woe is me.

[Simz Caelestis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most excellent

I loved every bit of this book! Excellent plot, magic, characters, and romance. Highly recommend! I can't wait for the next one!

[Kjb · Rating 5 out of 5]

That book was amazing!
Maybe I'm biased, because the love-story between the two MCs reminds me of my husband and I. But! it really is a great book. I love the writing style, the world- building, the honesty and the faith element.
I'm so happy, I came across G.Ps books, she is an amazing author!
I can't wait for the next book in this world!

[Carrleigh Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved stumbling into this on Kindle Unlimited. I loved the fantasy mixed in with some Christian allegorical characters. I’m really glad this is a series, I can feel there’s a lot of story to tell. I hate that I found it before it was finished. I’m hoping it’s not rushed and the plat and characters get built out the way they deserve. Waiting to see how Solnia gets to be more proactive is the heroics and how Row will find his way back to her will for sure be tough. I’d love to be a beta reader. 😉

I really enjoy that both the FMC and MMC aren’t so much today’s fantasy book standard. She does none of the butt kicking but she also isn’t helpless. And the MMC kicks butt but isn’t morally grey. It’s weirdly refreshing for a character to have some moral boundaries. The end doesn’t always justify the means you know.

Thanks for the read Grace.

[Stefanie Lozinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You are,” he stepped closer and carefully took a piece of my long blonde hair in his free hand, “my sunlight. You are burned behind my eyes. I cannot see anything else.”

Between the Shadows broke my heart in the best way!

This is the second (or third!) time that one of Grace R. Pringle's books has had this effect on me. I absolutely loved this story. It had secret libraries, tons of intrigue, quirky side characters, and just an overall page-turning plot. But what struck me the most were the characters of Solnia and Row. Their dynamic was so interesting to read about, and I am so excited to see what happens to them in book two.

[Whit · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this wasn’t phenomenal, it wasn’t too bad. It was an easy read, and I was always sucked into the story easily. So instead of reading a bit of it every day, I read chunks of it every few days or so haha. In all honesty, I enjoyed reading this more than I expected! The pacing was really well done, and I wasn’t too overwhelmed with the world-building. Can’t wait for book 2 to release!

[Natasha Wall · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautifully written story that paints the picture as actual movie scenes. I love when I can feel the story come to life, and Grace did that with this story . I can not wait to read more from Grace.

[Patricia Reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book I was looking for. Thank you! It is very well balanced and a fun read. I had given up on modern romance books but you have given me so much hope. I loved the world building, the characters and just how vulnerable each could be without being cheesy. I loved being inside the main character’s mind and her thought processing. It wasn’t overwhelming, boring or unreliable. She was a very relatable character not because you had to had gone through the same (or similar) situations but because the author made a character that simply made sense. She was sufficiently down to earth without it being insufferable or insulting to one’s logic or experiences.

And Row was great as well. He was a complex character but not unreasonable. He had struggles but he wasn’t whiny about it. You could tell the author loved this character and was careful to show it without putting him on a pedestal.

Overall, the author did a great job helping the reader connect with the characters and a completely new world. Very well paced and without information dumping. Everything was told at the right time in the right way. No unnecessary drama or tedious cliffhangers. And best of all, it was a lovely read that capitalized in loving another without necessarily being physical. The author did not rely on cheap sexual tricks and kept it wonderful and intriguing. And that ladies and gentlemen, is so unique and special. It gives so much depth to the story and proves how a good author can write good stories all around. I was interested in their live story just as much as I was interested in everything else that was happening.

Again, thank you! And God bless you. PLEASE keep writing. I will be waiting to read more of your work.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could remember where I first saw this book (somewhere on instagram), but I really enjoyed it. A true YA romantic fantasy, this is the first in a new series (apologies to my sister who won't read it til they're all released haha). Though I found Sonia's quirkiness endearing, I do wish more of her character and personality were established before meeting Row. That being said, the story was enjoyable and I'll happily add the next to my TBR!

🤎 #1 in Renegades of Wrath
🤎 Young Adult
🤎 Romantasy
🤎 Clean Romance
🤎 Find it on: KU + Amazon + B&N

[Mary-Jean Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between the Shadows is an immersive fantasy story with memorable characters and unique magic that really drew me in. The world of the story seemed real and the protagonist, Solnia, had a deep connection to her adventure that brought me into the story as well. The mysteries she and Row uncover and the magic of Row’s people was brought to light in a well thought out way that kept me wanting to turn the pages and read more.
The book is also a love letter to libraries, old books, and the mysteries they contain. I loved the descriptions of the libraries the main characters explore and the inclusion of books and the secrets they hold!
I found that the insertion of Row’s diary that revealed his backstory to be interesting but far too long, causing it to detract from the main events, especially right when the events were ramping up. The insights from the diary was certainly important, but that section did not need to be so long.
I found Solnia to be a likable character, though she was predictable and followed common tropes. Row was more unique and I enjoyed learning about him and the magic that causes his blindness (or near blindness in the light), which was something that I’d never seen in a fantasy book before. Their romance was poignant at times, cringey at others, but overall, I found that they were well-suited to each other and made a great duo in the story.
I found Between the Shadows to be an engaging story and a sweet romance with a unique fantasy world and magic system. It is a quick read and geared more toward teen and young adult readers. The story did leave off on a cliff-hanger though, so I’ll definitely have to snatch up the next in the series when it comes out!

[Lisa Titley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d say this wasn’t a book I instantly fell in love with, but I really enjoy fantasy and love supporting indie authors. With fantasy, I often feel like I have to push myself a little at the beginning because the world-building takes time. But once you’re in that world, the payoff at the end of the story is usually worth that slower start. Not all fantasy is like this, but this one was for me.

I especially loved part two of the book. I don’t want to spoil anything, but there’s a shift in perspective and style that completely pulled me in. I couldn’t put it down—even though I was supposed to be going to bed. That was definitely the highlight for me.

The world itself is really interesting and thoughtfully built. You can tell there’s a lot behind it, which makes me really hope there’s a book two coming, because it feels like there’s still more to explore.

If you enjoy clean fantasy, slower, more thoughtful storytelling, and bookish themes, I think this could really work for you.

For me, it’s about a 3.5-star read, which I’ll round up to 4 on Goodreads. Always in awe of authors who self-publish!

[Anna (Crochetsavetheday) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant piece of writing! I love the concept of a blind man who can see but also not. I won’t go into details and spoil it. Grace has created an entire world of creatures and characters that have elements of real life woven into it. I found myself eagerly devouring each page in order to find what happens next. I love a good read with dual POV. There was a really sweet tension between characters that was bittersweet and lovely. I cannot wait to see the next story and find out what happens. This series is intriguing. Grace has an art for working with words and twisting them into delightful stories.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Well Done

4.75/5 ⭐️ This story was a such a pleasant read. It held my attention from the get go. The only thing I struggled connecting with were the names, they were a little weird, but I adjusted. Solnia was a simple girl whose life got shaken up by a boy with moonlight eyes, Row. The adventure they go on was captivating, their relationship was sweet and endearing. I wish there had been a little more of the theology that was the make up of this world. I am hoping it will be made clearer in the next book.

[Barbara Lowdermilk · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters were fun to get to know. Their adventures were exciting. It was a great story and I can't wait for the next book.

[Em’s Book Nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ What a fun, clean fantasy world and magic system! Parts of it dragged at times for me, but I liked it overall and look forward to book 2!

[Mommylonglegs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh - I really hope there’s a second because this one felt empty