"I learned early that heroes don’t get to hesitate. Hesitation gets people killed. So I stopped. The first time I broke a rule, I was sixteen. The second time, it was easier. By the third… I stopped pretending I was still one of the good guys. They trained me to be perfect."
Chasing Shadows by new-to-me author Crimson Veil, has such a great premise and plenty of the elements I usually love - morally grey characters, dark paranormal elements, obsessive romance - but it just didn’t quite work for me.
I really struggled with the dual POV for Kim and Killian, with back to back chapters for the same scenes. Rather than each perspective moving the story forward, I felt like it just really slowed the pace and became repetitive.
That said, Chasing Shadows will likely appeal to readers who love emotional, possessive relationships and want to spend plenty of time inside both MC’s heads. Kim and Killian’s connection is all-consuming and the paranormal elements did give the story a different edge.
Chasing Shadows is a fantasy romance with a slight sci-fi/dystopian feel and an apocalyptic edge.
Kim is one of the top agents tasked with hunting down villains, while Killian is someone who isn't even meant to exist. He can disappear into the shadows and has ghost-like abilities that make him something Kim should be hunting, not someone she should feel drawn towards.
But when their paths cross, that pull is magnetic.
The enemies-to-lovers trope reigns supreme in this story, and I really loved the tension created by two characters being so intensely drawn towards each other while also knowing they absolutely should not be.
The beginning is very dialogue led, which made the character dynamic the strongest part for me early on. The middle did begin to feel a little repetitive, particularly with the dual narration sometimes covering the same scenario from both perspectives. Because of the way my brain engages with stories, I personally find it easier to become immersed when there is more narration woven between the dialogue and character interactions.
For me, the last 40% was where Chasing Shadows really took off.
There was more narration and worldbuilding for me to sink into, and suddenly I could immerse myself much more deeply in what was happening. The twists around this point were awesome, and I became much more invested in seeing where everything was going.
There is also a strong obsessive love and fated mates feel running throughout Kim and Killian's relationship. Their connection is intense, possessive and very much in the realm of, "I know I shouldn't want you, but that's not going to stop me." I really enjoyed where their story ultimately ended up.
This is definitely a book where the trigger warnings may matter for some readers, although there wasn't anything that personally jumped out at me as particularly troubling to read. I'd recommend checking them before diving in if you know there are specific themes or content you prefer to avoid.
If you enjoy your shadow daddy stories with enemies-to-lovers tension, obsessive love, morally complicated characters and a touch of fated mates energy, Chasing Shadows might be one for you.
I received this book as an ARC, however, this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.
This review may contain some spoilers for things that occur in the book!!!
Wow wow wow!!! You definitely need to read this book!!! If you like Dark banter between couples! Kim and Killian are a unique couple in this universe whom have the world out to get them. They have a force that is always guiding them together!
I do very much like the story line! We go into an apocalyptic setting midway through the book which is amazing!
Kim- black ops agent who learns at an early age that love is a weakness and not to let anyone use it against you. She is the top agent the golden agent until she isn’t anymore she becomes what she thinks is corrupted by the Phantom!
Killian- New shadow daddy whom will burn the whole world to the ground if they touch her. He is obsessed with our “little rebel” the start of the book we see he marks her and from there everything gets intense through there bond.
Absolutely loved the ending. It did get dark at the end of the book but I still loved it. After everything that occurred to them I am soooo soo glad they get a more normal life, they still banter like crazy which I love! ❤️
My favourite quotes -She has curves that make poets lie and sculptors quit. Soft waist. Strong shoulders. Wide hips that somehow look dangerous. Like she could either kiss you……or dislocate your jaw. -Let them keep their stories. They can call me a ghost. A monster. A myth whispered in dark alleyways.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was a whirlwind, on one hand there is a beautifully tragic dark love story and on the other a d@mn apocalypse is about to destroy the world as they know it. Chasing Shadows was purely original, wildly romantic (in the paranormal touch her and d1e sorta way) and filled with so many twists and turns! Some of which left me in tears or literal chills.
Check your triggers, this book gets dark. At times I was left speechless, others simply turned my stomach. But… That's what makes a good dark romance book. 😉 I loved the action scenes, Kim and Killian are a duo for the ages. Veil includes plenty of g0re and h0rror elements without going too over the top.
When reading Chasing Shadows there were a few chapters that seemed a little repetitive. The FMC and MMC both are expecting the other to walk away when things get too ugly. No details or spoilers, but for me; this is where the story really takes shape. Their traumas are so deep-rooted the push and pull throughout the book makes heartbreaking sense. Which makes this love story so much deeper than I was anticipating. Lines blur between obsession and devotion. Veil explores topics of hope and grief with such brutal honesty it's absolutely gut wrenching - I loved every second of it! Crimson Veil really brought it with this one and should not be missed.
This was my first book by Crimson Veil, and I really enjoyed it! It’s a dark supernatural romance with an intriguing storyline that definitely kept me invested.
I loved the darker supernatural elements and the twists throughout the story. While I really enjoyed the overall plot, I do think it could have been condensed down a little in places, as some parts felt a bit drawn out.
Overall, a great first introduction to this author, and I’ll definitely be checking out more of their books!
Chasing Shadows was a totally amazing book. The characters Kim and Killian were absolutely perfect. I loved your story. It has so many twist and turns you never knew where it was going to take you and I love A book like That. Crimson Veil did an amazing job writing this book. I highly recommend this book to everyone 18 + that loves dark romance at its best.
I loved Kim and Killian! I loved how we got a little bit from each of them before the story even started. This was an emotional read, dark, triggers galore. Crimson did it again though. This is my second read by her and she's an automatic read for me. I loved the twists and turns. I loved the tension between Kim and Killian. Please check your TWs before you read this book.
What if monsters had a bond that ruined each other? That’s exactly what this book is about. The tension is so good between Killian and Kim! The vibes truly reminds you what a dark romance book should embody and discuss.