“There is a legend of a demon huntress who banished the demons into the shadow realm, freeing our world of their reign. Furthermore, there’s a prophecy that she will return in a descendent, if the need arises, and help rid the world of the demons once and for all.” - Lana
Seventeen year old Kali has grown up in a world where vampires are possessed by demons and while the government pretends to search for a cure that will eradicate them, many suspect that they are secretly in league with them. When Kali’s younger brother Mason, tests positive for the mandatory urine sample that those who are coming of age must provide, he is taken by the faction. Kali’s older brother, Finn, disappeared five years before, and is presumed dead. Refusing to lose Mason too, Kali realises that her only chance of rescuing him is to walk the thin line between humanity and vampirism whereby she has their abilities without the accompanying bloodlust.
When vampire hunters interrupt a blood sacrifice, Finn is appalled when he recognises one of the vampire fledglings as his baby sister. Kali is shocked to learn that Finn is alive and learns that he was rescued by hunters and has spent the last five years, training to become one while watching his siblings from the shadows.
Kali is quarantined for her part in the blood sacrifice which almost turned her into a vampire. The decision not to kill her outright causes discontent amongst the hunters, particularly Max, who was a blood sacrifice himself and who despises the choice she made. When she fails to show signs of vampirism, Kali is released from quarantine and irritated at Finn’s overprotectiveness, resolves to train as a huntress and have a part in rescuing Mason. Lana, a huntress high up in the hierarchy, sees potential in Kali and helps her to train. Kali learns of a prophecy foretelling the eradication of the vampires at the hands of a demon huntress.
News of Mason’s whereabouts, however, instigates Kali to make a reckless decision that not only endangers her own life, but that of the very man who despises her. Will Kali redeem herself?
Shadow Realms is the first instalment of the Shadow Realm series and was my first introduction to the author. I was impressed by her unique concept of vampires in that they are being controlled by demons. The idea that by tasting the blood of a human, one opened a part of their soul up to the demon world which gave one abilities but cursed them with bloodlust was intriguing.
The characters were relatable, flawed and realistic. Kali is impulsive, reckless, stubborn yet brave. Her love for her brother being her only driving force since the loss of her mother. Finn was annoying at times due to his overbearing protectiveness towards Kali. Despite Ioving Kaden, it was Max who turned out to be a surprise.
All in all, Shadow Realms is a unique, fast paced, action packed book with enough twists and turns to ensnare the reader into picking up the next instalment. The strength of the book definitely lies in the intriguing world building that the author has gone at great lengths to portray. I highly recommend it to fans of vampires, demons, hunters and urban fantasy.