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Guardians of Time #4
The Shadow
The battle is over. The war is won. The prophecy complete.But life can’t just pick up where it left off for the Guardians known as the Named. Ethan, who has lost the most, especially struggles to cope. He finds himself adrift, jumping at shadows and sensing someone who can’t possibly be there.Blaming herself for Lathenia’s death, Jesilla swears to avenge her mother and fulfil her vision for world domination. But she hadn’t planned to fall in love. And that leaves her with an unbearable choice – should she follow her heart or the parental strings of a Goddess, short on praise but high on expectation who continues to pull on her from the grave?As the Guard and the Order battle through the past and into an impossible future, darkness lurks around every corner, and the fight for the world’s survival comes to rest with just one.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2019
36 people are currently reading
1257 people want to read
About the author
Marianne Curley
26 books1,238 followersI loved reading from a young age and scoured my school libraries during my younger years, but I never thought I would become a writer. It was not until my mid-thirties, while teaching office studies and computers to adults at the Coffs Harbour Education Campus that I began to think seriously about writing. I took several courses and experimented with different styles and genres. With two teenage daughters at the time I fell into writing young adult paranormal and knew I'd found something I loved.
My first four novels, Old Magic, The Named, The Dark and The Key, were published by Bloomsbury Publishing in Australia, the UK, and the USA, with translations into more than a dozen foreign languages.
In 2004, just as The Key was being prepared for printing, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone marrow cancer called Myelofibrosis. With only a short time to live, I was given a stem-cell bone marrow transplant using my sister’s stem cells, which saved my life. I have now been cancer free for more than twenty years and have written a total of ten books. The Avena Series - Hidden, Broken and Fearless were published in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
In March 2018, I was finally able to publish the long-awaited fourth book to the Guardians of Time Series, called The Shadow. To unite the series, I brought out a new edition of the entire series with matching fantasy covers tying the four books together.
Website: http://mariannecurley7.com
Email: marianne.curley7@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marianne.cur...
Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/MarianneCurl...
Insta: @marianne_curley
My first four novels, Old Magic, The Named, The Dark and The Key, were published by Bloomsbury Publishing in Australia, the UK, and the USA, with translations into more than a dozen foreign languages.
In 2004, just as The Key was being prepared for printing, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone marrow cancer called Myelofibrosis. With only a short time to live, I was given a stem-cell bone marrow transplant using my sister’s stem cells, which saved my life. I have now been cancer free for more than twenty years and have written a total of ten books. The Avena Series - Hidden, Broken and Fearless were published in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
In March 2018, I was finally able to publish the long-awaited fourth book to the Guardians of Time Series, called The Shadow. To unite the series, I brought out a new edition of the entire series with matching fantasy covers tying the four books together.
Website: http://mariannecurley7.com
Email: marianne.curley7@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marianne.cur...
Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/MarianneCurl...
Insta: @marianne_curley
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 9, 2018
Just the perfect continuation of one of my favourite series of all time.
Everything I wanted to happen, happened. It felt like everything I'd known for the last ten years was a lie and it was such a good feeling. I re-read the whole series before I read The Shadow and so my heartbreak was fresh going in. Everything that my little fangirl heart could have asked for to fix it was given to me and I'm so happy!
The ending was perfect because it rounded off one story and left the door open for their future story. I don't know whether we will ever see that story, but I for one, would love to read it.
Everything I wanted to happen, happened. It felt like everything I'd known for the last ten years was a lie and it was such a good feeling. I re-read the whole series before I read The Shadow and so my heartbreak was fresh going in. Everything that my little fangirl heart could have asked for to fix it was given to me and I'm so happy!
The ending was perfect because it rounded off one story and left the door open for their future story. I don't know whether we will ever see that story, but I for one, would love to read it.
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February 27, 2025How poetic is it that a series about time travel made me travel back to my childhood.
I was 8 when The Key was published in 2005, but I only discovered the trilogy when I was 10. I remember I found the first two books at my local bookstore, translated copies of my mother tongue language. I bought the first one, thinking it seemed interesting. I started reading it at night when I was in my bed, and soon after my mom started coming to my room every five minutes telling me to turn off the lights, it's past my bedtime. When she seemed too mad to argue with anymore, I turned off the light, waited for her footsteps to die down, then went under covers with a flashlight, the way every child should. The next day I demanded my mom to go to the bookstore and get me the second one.
When I was done with the first two, I made my mom take me to every bookstore in our area, searching for the third. When we couldn't find the translated version, we ordered it off amazon, in English. It was the first English book I read. I remember having a dictionary open next to me, but as it turned out I didn't need it much. I read it secretly under my desk at school the next day, and I finished it by that night. And in the following eleven years, I've read it countless many times, so much so that the covers of the books are torn apart, there are years old chocolate stains on the pages, and ripped corners from where I doggy eared my page. Every time my dad saw the books on my nightstand, he would chuckle and say, "these, again?".
I ordered The Shadow off amazon on Thursday, and received it six hours ago. I'm 21 now, alone in a college dorm with no mother near me telling me I should be studying instead, but as soon as I laid my hands on it, I ran into bed, went under covers, and started reading. From the very first sentence, I was back in my childhood room, with my stuffed dolphin under my arm, diving into this world in childlike wonder.
When I read the part in the first chapter where Ethan says "it's been one week since the final battle" I actually teared up. It hasn't been a week, it's been 13 years. 13 years since the final book was published, and 11 years since I became a part of the Named. But then, it feels as though it really was only a week ago. I remember so vividly finding the first book in the bookstore; I remember exactly which corner of the store it was in, on which shelf. I even remember what the cashier looked like. I remember it so well, it could not have been more than a week ago. There's nothing more effective than reading the books you grew up with to be transported to the time when you first found them.
What I'm trying to say is, thank you for the trilogy, and thank you for this additional book, which let me be the one doing the time traveling, and not just the one reading about it. It's been a pleasure growing up with your books.
(On another note - wow, I wrote enough to create a fifth novel. Sorry about that)
I was 8 when The Key was published in 2005, but I only discovered the trilogy when I was 10. I remember I found the first two books at my local bookstore, translated copies of my mother tongue language. I bought the first one, thinking it seemed interesting. I started reading it at night when I was in my bed, and soon after my mom started coming to my room every five minutes telling me to turn off the lights, it's past my bedtime. When she seemed too mad to argue with anymore, I turned off the light, waited for her footsteps to die down, then went under covers with a flashlight, the way every child should. The next day I demanded my mom to go to the bookstore and get me the second one.
When I was done with the first two, I made my mom take me to every bookstore in our area, searching for the third. When we couldn't find the translated version, we ordered it off amazon, in English. It was the first English book I read. I remember having a dictionary open next to me, but as it turned out I didn't need it much. I read it secretly under my desk at school the next day, and I finished it by that night. And in the following eleven years, I've read it countless many times, so much so that the covers of the books are torn apart, there are years old chocolate stains on the pages, and ripped corners from where I doggy eared my page. Every time my dad saw the books on my nightstand, he would chuckle and say, "these, again?".
I ordered The Shadow off amazon on Thursday, and received it six hours ago. I'm 21 now, alone in a college dorm with no mother near me telling me I should be studying instead, but as soon as I laid my hands on it, I ran into bed, went under covers, and started reading. From the very first sentence, I was back in my childhood room, with my stuffed dolphin under my arm, diving into this world in childlike wonder.
When I read the part in the first chapter where Ethan says "it's been one week since the final battle" I actually teared up. It hasn't been a week, it's been 13 years. 13 years since the final book was published, and 11 years since I became a part of the Named. But then, it feels as though it really was only a week ago. I remember so vividly finding the first book in the bookstore; I remember exactly which corner of the store it was in, on which shelf. I even remember what the cashier looked like. I remember it so well, it could not have been more than a week ago. There's nothing more effective than reading the books you grew up with to be transported to the time when you first found them.
What I'm trying to say is, thank you for the trilogy, and thank you for this additional book, which let me be the one doing the time traveling, and not just the one reading about it. It's been a pleasure growing up with your books.
(On another note - wow, I wrote enough to create a fifth novel. Sorry about that)
May 6, 2018
Before I start, I need to say that the original series are three of my favourite books of all time. I've re-read them a dozen times over the years - I vividly remember racing to the bookstore after school one day to buy The Key when it came out. So to say I was highly anticipating this book is an understatement. I was desperate to see how Ethan, Isabelle, Arkarian, Matt & Neriah were doing. I missed Dillon, Shaun and Jimmy, and I wanted to know what the Tribunal would do next! But....
I wish I'd never read it.
I guess the hardest part was that I'd imagined what had happened to all the characters post-final battle so many times. Maybe because it's been more than 10 years since the last one came out, my understanding of good fantasy has changed. I don't know. The best comparison I can make, is to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Sure, it was all the characters you loved back again, but felt like someone's attempt at fan fiction. And that's what the Shadow was for me. It didn't feel like Curley's best writing, and the characters felt off for me. Arkarian would never call Isabelle 'baby'. Seriously. (I mean, one, she's 16, so that's still kind of creepy).
I think if Curley had been able to write this book right away it would have been different. I completely understand her reasons for not doing so (for those not obsessively waiting 12 years for this book, she had cancer), but in the end, I'm just disappointed.
I wish I'd never read it.
I guess the hardest part was that I'd imagined what had happened to all the characters post-final battle so many times. Maybe because it's been more than 10 years since the last one came out, my understanding of good fantasy has changed. I don't know. The best comparison I can make, is to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Sure, it was all the characters you loved back again, but felt like someone's attempt at fan fiction. And that's what the Shadow was for me. It didn't feel like Curley's best writing, and the characters felt off for me. Arkarian would never call Isabelle 'baby'. Seriously. (I mean, one, she's 16, so that's still kind of creepy).
I think if Curley had been able to write this book right away it would have been different. I completely understand her reasons for not doing so (for those not obsessively waiting 12 years for this book, she had cancer), but in the end, I'm just disappointed.
February 23, 2020
I really enjoyed the Guardians of Time trilogy when I was younger, so I was very excited to step back into this world again.
However, this book was not up to the standard of the previous three. It is self-published by the author and there were often times when I felt that parts required further editing. Some of the dialogue was clumsy and character reactions either seemed too extreme or too passive given the situation.
For most of the book, I had planned on giving it 2 stars, as there were some good parts. Unfortunately, there were two things that I read that left me no choice but to give it 1 star. I don't know if these are the views of the author or if they are her characters' opinion but either way, I totally disagree with them. I understand that sometimes authors will put forward unpleasant opinions because it is important to the persona of a character and hopefully, where it is a negative viewpoint, the author will go on to show how this is challenged by others. In the two instances I will mention, these views are not challenged. I also feel that they both cover such sensitive subjects that, particularly as a writer of YA fiction, the author should be challenging these stereotypes rather than perpetuating them.
However, this book was not up to the standard of the previous three. It is self-published by the author and there were often times when I felt that parts required further editing. Some of the dialogue was clumsy and character reactions either seemed too extreme or too passive given the situation.
For most of the book, I had planned on giving it 2 stars, as there were some good parts. Unfortunately, there were two things that I read that left me no choice but to give it 1 star. I don't know if these are the views of the author or if they are her characters' opinion but either way, I totally disagree with them. I understand that sometimes authors will put forward unpleasant opinions because it is important to the persona of a character and hopefully, where it is a negative viewpoint, the author will go on to show how this is challenged by others. In the two instances I will mention, these views are not challenged. I also feel that they both cover such sensitive subjects that, particularly as a writer of YA fiction, the author should be challenging these stereotypes rather than perpetuating them.
March 15, 2018
I love this series, but there are some issues *outlined below* that made it a 3.5 instead of a dazzling 5!
Good things: Arkarian is just as awesome.
King Richards swagger
Dillon
A really nice "Avengers, Justice League" type vibe building up
Now the bad.
***MASSIVE SPOILERS BELOW********
Issue 1:
If Rochelle is not dead, Marduke is not stone. Why, when Ethan thought that Rochelle was not dead, did someone not go: "hey, easy fix, let's see if Marduke is still stone, then we'll know." And on that note, why the heck is Marduke still stone! ?! Keziah clearly said he saved the last of her brain function. So she's not dead, she never died. Therefore, Marduke can't be stone. Why did no one even think about Marduke when they realized Rochelle was alive?! Someone should have been like: "oh hey Rochelle, what's up- great golden gollys! Does this mean Marduke isn't stone!?! Someone check this stat!"
Issue 2
Ethan getting Smallpox in Egypt, yet still having Smallpox when his soul is returned to his body. A disease is in a body, not a soul. I just could not, not roll my eyes at that.
Issue 3
Immortality being given out like candy. "One for you, one for you, and hey, you in the back! You get one too!" I see where the author was going with this but, eh, it would be nice to have some mere mortals still represented as main characters. * yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. Jimmy and Shaun.*
Issue 5
I agree with another reviewer, I didn't really get why Rochelle had to go back to school to torture Ethan.
Issue 4
As a personal preference. I hate battles where almost no one dies. Love Rochelle, but you know, it's okay to kill a character every now and then, keeps things interesting.
But now everyone is immortal, so that doesn't really apply anymore.
********************************************************************************************
That said, Marianne Curley is still my favorite and I hope she writes a billion more books!
Good things: Arkarian is just as awesome.
King Richards swagger
Dillon
A really nice "Avengers, Justice League" type vibe building up
Now the bad.
***MASSIVE SPOILERS BELOW********
Issue 1:
If Rochelle is not dead, Marduke is not stone. Why, when Ethan thought that Rochelle was not dead, did someone not go: "hey, easy fix, let's see if Marduke is still stone, then we'll know." And on that note, why the heck is Marduke still stone! ?! Keziah clearly said he saved the last of her brain function. So she's not dead, she never died. Therefore, Marduke can't be stone. Why did no one even think about Marduke when they realized Rochelle was alive?! Someone should have been like: "oh hey Rochelle, what's up- great golden gollys! Does this mean Marduke isn't stone!?! Someone check this stat!"
Issue 2
Ethan getting Smallpox in Egypt, yet still having Smallpox when his soul is returned to his body. A disease is in a body, not a soul. I just could not, not roll my eyes at that.
Issue 3
Immortality being given out like candy. "One for you, one for you, and hey, you in the back! You get one too!" I see where the author was going with this but, eh, it would be nice to have some mere mortals still represented as main characters. * yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. Jimmy and Shaun.*
Issue 5
I agree with another reviewer, I didn't really get why Rochelle had to go back to school to torture Ethan.
Issue 4
As a personal preference. I hate battles where almost no one dies. Love Rochelle, but you know, it's okay to kill a character every now and then, keeps things interesting.
But now everyone is immortal, so that doesn't really apply anymore.
********************************************************************************************
That said, Marianne Curley is still my favorite and I hope she writes a billion more books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2018
Marianne Curley takes the reader on a beautiful journey back through the characters she created many years ago. We see all of our favorites: Ethan, Isabel, Arkarian (we know most people read just to see what our favorite blue-haired ageless mentor is doing), Matt, Dillon, Neriah, and many others. Marianne also brilliantly weaves in new characters that seem they have been there the whole time. While most continuation to series can leave the reader empty or wanting more, Marianne Curley successfully and seamlessly brings this world back to life and transports readers to another world where The Named and immortals are real and protect our world from the powers of chaos.
To be honest, I wasn't sure if The Shadow would live up to the last three novels in this series, The Named, The Dark, and The Key, but it surpasses all of my highest expectations. This novel is true to the characters and to the story of The Named. Marianne Curley's prose takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotion - from sorrow to hope to suspense to laughing out loud (Legit, I love that Ethan and the others refer to using their wings as "wing out.") to absolute happiness. Readers new and old will not be disappointed by this novel. It is one of my absolute favorites and one I will read and read again.
See full review on blog post:
https://allisonblanchardbooks.blogspo...
To be honest, I wasn't sure if The Shadow would live up to the last three novels in this series, The Named, The Dark, and The Key, but it surpasses all of my highest expectations. This novel is true to the characters and to the story of The Named. Marianne Curley's prose takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotion - from sorrow to hope to suspense to laughing out loud (Legit, I love that Ethan and the others refer to using their wings as "wing out.") to absolute happiness. Readers new and old will not be disappointed by this novel. It is one of my absolute favorites and one I will read and read again.
See full review on blog post:
https://allisonblanchardbooks.blogspo...
April 24, 2018
I loved this book. Loved getting to see the lives of the characters I came to love when reading the earlier books. I loved meeting new characters. I really liked Jesilla and I had hopes for her. I have a lot of clear memories of reading this series especially The Key. I have a habit of sometimes reading the last line of a story before I finish it and this never backfired on me like it did with The Key. I had to tell myself not to do that with this. I loved how we got to go the future this time that was an interesting twist. A character was still heartbroken at the end but a couple of characters were a lot happier then we last saw them by the end. I hope we get to see more of this universe.
April 26, 2018
It's been more than a month since I finished this book and until today I abstained from rating it or writing a review because ... honestly ... I was not sure what to make of it. When Marianne asked me how I liked the book, I told her it was great fun, which it was - I never laughed out loud while reading a book and I say that as a big Discworld fan. The problem is I laughed when I should not have. And to be frank, this feels less like a sequel and more like a fanfiction, and not a very good one. Most of the characters are actually very out of their characters, and those who had little to no character at all (like Neriah) are just left that way while more attention is paid to the new characters.
I have a lot more problems with this book, but the characterization is certainly the biggest one and I do not want to look too harsh, especially when Marianne herself is such a wonderful, kind person. Let's just hope her next book is better.
I have a lot more problems with this book, but the characterization is certainly the biggest one and I do not want to look too harsh, especially when Marianne herself is such a wonderful, kind person. Let's just hope her next book is better.
July 15, 2018
Esta vez sí. Han pasado unos cuantos años, pero la espera ha merecido la pena, porque este sí es el final que tenía que tener la serie de Los Guardianes del Tiempo. En este libro se arreglan todas las cosas que me parecieron errores en La Llave, se resuelven todas las cuestiones que habían quedado sin respuesta, se homenajea a algunos de los elementos más inolvidables de los libros anteriores, y creo que la autora incluso ha mejorado un poco su estilo de escritura. Lo único es que los miembros de las parejas que ya se formaron en los otros libros, en este están como excesivamente enchochados los unos con los otros para mi gusto. Por suerte, supongo que por el cariño que les tengo a todos, y teniendo en cuenta el final de La Llave, tampoco me ha molestado demasiado, pobretes. En definitiva, ha sido fantástico revivir mis años mozos y recordar las sensaciones que me produjo la lectura de esta serie en aquella época.
October 3, 2018
I feel like she's setting this up for another series! But also I didn't get the name title. Some how I missed it? Unless it was the vision someone had that ended up not being part of the main story.
And I wish we saw more encounters of Ethan with a certain girl- solving that problem. And how did a certain someone obtain their memories? That was never explained unless I missed it.
It was nice to have certain questions answered that weren't answered in the third book and to see further development with Isabel and her Beau. I wish we saw more of Matt and his gal's relationship as well as more of Neriah. I like Neriah's character a lot.
It was still a fun read that made you want to read to the end. And I actually liked Dillon this time, except when he was irrationally insulting and taking it too far.
She always introduces new things that makes it intriguing and I love all the happy good stuff with romance and adventure.
And I wish we saw more encounters of Ethan with a certain girl- solving that problem. And how did a certain someone obtain their memories? That was never explained unless I missed it.
It was nice to have certain questions answered that weren't answered in the third book and to see further development with Isabel and her Beau. I wish we saw more of Matt and his gal's relationship as well as more of Neriah. I like Neriah's character a lot.
It was still a fun read that made you want to read to the end. And I actually liked Dillon this time, except when he was irrationally insulting and taking it too far.
She always introduces new things that makes it intriguing and I love all the happy good stuff with romance and adventure.
August 28, 2019
I found an email I wrote to Marianne Curley back in 2005 asking if there would be another Guardians of Time book and man, she really came through for 13-year-old me.
March 10, 2019
The Named, The Dark and The Key have, for a long time, been one of my favorite trilogies ever. I had no idea this book had been announced or even that it'd been published before I accidentally ran into it here on Goodreads. So naturally, as a big big fan I immediately ordered it and read it.
Overall it was okay. It had action, humor, mystery and some scenes that made me feel all the feels. I loved reading about the wonderful characters that I'd fallen in love with years before when I first read the Named, and I was happy to have them again in my life. There were new things revealed about old favorites and some alright new characters introduced.
But there were some things I really didn't like. Some plot twists felt quite random and disappointing like for example ---- SPOILERS AHEAD YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED ---- a certain character making an unaccepted return. So, the big plot of the book was a bit disappointing. And there wasn't a lot of my favorite character, so that was hugely disappointing.
I don't know would I recommend it if you're a huge fan - it might disappoint you a lot like it did me - but I guess you could give it a shot and hope you enjoy the wacky plotwists.
Overall it was okay. It had action, humor, mystery and some scenes that made me feel all the feels. I loved reading about the wonderful characters that I'd fallen in love with years before when I first read the Named, and I was happy to have them again in my life. There were new things revealed about old favorites and some alright new characters introduced.
But there were some things I really didn't like. Some plot twists felt quite random and disappointing like for example ---- SPOILERS AHEAD YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED ---- a certain character making an unaccepted return. So, the big plot of the book was a bit disappointing. And there wasn't a lot of my favorite character, so that was hugely disappointing.
I don't know would I recommend it if you're a huge fan - it might disappoint you a lot like it did me - but I guess you could give it a shot and hope you enjoy the wacky plotwists.
May 8, 2020
I haven’t even finished the book, and will only do so because of my love for the trilogy.
This trilogy was my absolute favourite, and in fact, still is.
What this book completely lacks is the maturity that the other three possessed. It feels like I’m reading something for a love sick teenager (comparative to the Twilight series mixed with 50 Shades).
I felt that almost all of the original characters completely changed in fundamental ways and lacked depth. I didn’t feel Ethan’s pain for losing Rochelle, instead I felt an overwhelming sense of self pity which is NOT the character I remember from previously.
This wasn’t reminiscent of the previous three books at all. There were also a few editing errors in this book, grammatically and even a couple spelling errors.
Honestly, if you love this series, let it die as a trilogy. Forget this 4th book exists. It doesn’t reflect the same quality and story telling ability as we have come to know and love from Curley.
This trilogy was my absolute favourite, and in fact, still is.
What this book completely lacks is the maturity that the other three possessed. It feels like I’m reading something for a love sick teenager (comparative to the Twilight series mixed with 50 Shades).
I felt that almost all of the original characters completely changed in fundamental ways and lacked depth. I didn’t feel Ethan’s pain for losing Rochelle, instead I felt an overwhelming sense of self pity which is NOT the character I remember from previously.
This wasn’t reminiscent of the previous three books at all. There were also a few editing errors in this book, grammatically and even a couple spelling errors.
Honestly, if you love this series, let it die as a trilogy. Forget this 4th book exists. It doesn’t reflect the same quality and story telling ability as we have come to know and love from Curley.
January 30, 2023
No es tan especial como la trilogía original, pero) he disfrutado mucho y he vuelto a tener 14 años 💜✨ me molesta que no lo vayan a traducir por mi madre básicamente.
April 3, 2021
The guardians of Time had a special place in my heart. I read them a long time ago and then I found that there was another book. Of course, I enjoyed reading the book and coming back to this time traveling.
I hope there will be another one after the open ending.
Spoilers
In general, I liked the book, but from my point of view, there were some plot holes. for instance, when they know Rochelle is alive, nobody thinks to go and check on Marduke? Or why Ethan still has Smallpox after coming back to his own body.
A thing that I really found annoying was the constant use of "Babe" and "Baby", it was like they had aged a lot.
And the last but not least, the girls in the book are really insecure and I'm not sure they were like that in the previous, maybe they were but this time that was a little too much for me.
I hope there will be another one after the open ending.
Spoilers
In general, I liked the book, but from my point of view, there were some plot holes. for instance, when they know Rochelle is alive, nobody thinks to go and check on Marduke? Or why Ethan still has Smallpox after coming back to his own body.
A thing that I really found annoying was the constant use of "Babe" and "Baby", it was like they had aged a lot.
And the last but not least, the girls in the book are really insecure and I'm not sure they were like that in the previous, maybe they were but this time that was a little too much for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2020
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
The Guardians of Time trilogy was my all time favourite series growing up. I adored it and re-read it several times over. It's remained on my shelves ever since because of this. The thing is, I didn't even know The Shadow was a thing until I stumbled upon a mention of it online. At first I had to check what the heck it actually was and I was even more shocked to find that it had been released for two years already and I hadn't read it. Well, that was soon sorted. After a quick re-read of the original trilogy I was set.
Here's the thing. I always found a deep bitter satisfaction in the way The Key ended because I'm a sucker for stories that don't just end with a happily ever after but there was something, for me, always left wanting from it and I can kind of understand why now.
The Shadow is a good continuation of the books for long time fans on the whole. The feel is still there and the vibe of the characters and themes are the same. I enjoyed the slightly more detailed backgrounds to some characters and I liked seeing a bit more of the inner workings of the Order. I liked having the POV of a more morally interesting character in Jesilla, and a guilty pleasure - I really liked Dillon's redemption. I really liked his character in the original trilogy and always felt him hard done by so that really did make me happy.
I appreciate that the time between publications made some differences happen, and whilst my personal preference would be less 'pair everyone up' romance there was enough of other familial and friend relationships that I could put up with it.
The one thing that made me knock off a star was the constant use by seemingly every character of all the terms of endearment - there were babies, buddies, sweethearts in every exchange, from characters who I don't believe would ever say such things and it did grate on me a little bit I was able to look past it.
Overall, for me this was a fantastic surprise, an enjoyable and nostalgic read and a return to what felt like old friends. I hope there may be more books in the future, but either way, both teenage me and current me are very pleased about this book.
The Guardians of Time trilogy was my all time favourite series growing up. I adored it and re-read it several times over. It's remained on my shelves ever since because of this. The thing is, I didn't even know The Shadow was a thing until I stumbled upon a mention of it online. At first I had to check what the heck it actually was and I was even more shocked to find that it had been released for two years already and I hadn't read it. Well, that was soon sorted. After a quick re-read of the original trilogy I was set.
Here's the thing. I always found a deep bitter satisfaction in the way The Key ended because I'm a sucker for stories that don't just end with a happily ever after but there was something, for me, always left wanting from it and I can kind of understand why now.
The Shadow is a good continuation of the books for long time fans on the whole. The feel is still there and the vibe of the characters and themes are the same. I enjoyed the slightly more detailed backgrounds to some characters and I liked seeing a bit more of the inner workings of the Order. I liked having the POV of a more morally interesting character in Jesilla, and a guilty pleasure - I really liked Dillon's redemption. I really liked his character in the original trilogy and always felt him hard done by so that really did make me happy.
I appreciate that the time between publications made some differences happen, and whilst my personal preference would be less 'pair everyone up' romance there was enough of other familial and friend relationships that I could put up with it.
The one thing that made me knock off a star was the constant use by seemingly every character of all the terms of endearment - there were babies, buddies, sweethearts in every exchange, from characters who I don't believe would ever say such things and it did grate on me a little bit I was able to look past it.
Overall, for me this was a fantastic surprise, an enjoyable and nostalgic read and a return to what felt like old friends. I hope there may be more books in the future, but either way, both teenage me and current me are very pleased about this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2020
Nebudu vám lhát. Číst tuhle sérii prvně, tak ji ani nedočtu. Ale společně s Harrym a Eragonem to je série, která mě přivedla ke čtení, a kterou jsem četla tolikrát, že to radši nechci vědět. Objektivně to je nedobrý, je tam spousta cliché a věcí, co jinde vytýkám. Ale.. prostě tu sérii miluju, je to součást mého dětství.
Když jsem The Shadow četla v roce 2018 poprvé, byla jsem nadšená - po více jak deseti letech pokračování! A v nadšení jsem si nevšimla spousty věcí, který mi neunikly při druhém čtení. Třeba toho, jak na snad každý druhý stránce brečí nějaká mužská postava a obvykle proti tomu nic nemám, ať si brečí, ale tohle mi přišlo fakt přehnaný. Tak často nebrečím ani já a to, že já mám stavidla otevřený často.
A prostě.. bylo to plný momentů přitažených za vlasy. Jo. Objektivně to nebylo dobrý, ale subjektivně? Jsem ráda, že takhle knížka existuje a že mi dala zakončení, které jsem si zasloužila (jo, já! :D).
Autorka si nechala otevřená vrátka, tak se třeba do světa Strážců času ještě někdy podíváme.
Když jsem The Shadow četla v roce 2018 poprvé, byla jsem nadšená - po více jak deseti letech pokračování! A v nadšení jsem si nevšimla spousty věcí, který mi neunikly při druhém čtení. Třeba toho, jak na snad každý druhý stránce brečí nějaká mužská postava a obvykle proti tomu nic nemám, ať si brečí, ale tohle mi přišlo fakt přehnaný. Tak často nebrečím ani já a to, že já mám stavidla otevřený často.
A prostě.. bylo to plný momentů přitažených za vlasy. Jo. Objektivně to nebylo dobrý, ale subjektivně? Jsem ráda, že takhle knížka existuje a že mi dala zakončení, které jsem si zasloužila (jo, já! :D).
Autorka si nechala otevřená vrátka, tak se třeba do světa Strážců času ještě někdy podíváme.
August 2, 2021
Im so heartbroken. This series was one of my all time favorites. What did the author do to Arkarian, like who is this person? Calling Isabel baby, allowing that other girl to almost kiss him. And who is Isabel, so insecure, watching it happen and then like 3 pages later them going from 0 to 100? So many plots that do not connect to the trilogy at all. Superficial characters...like did Dillon ever make sense? Im so all over the place with disapointment i cant even write a coherent review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2025
man i feel like nothing happened in there. the first 4 hundred pages were just full of people thirsting, glances of desire or whatever. then jesilla died and that was it. dillon and jesilla lowk deserved better and way more depth but i guess we didnt have enough pages for that. also its weird how easily they give out immortality and eternality like yeaah i get it, ethan was about to die so thats a bit reasonable ? but the author should grow some balls and kill off the main chars this is boring. so now literally everyine except for shaun and jimmy are not gonna age wowzers. once again they hit us with a huge lore bomb, explained it in one sentence and that was it. wdym rochelles mother is lady arabella??? girl?? did she not feel bad that her daughter was getting abused by the man she used to love whose memories were wiped out?? why dont we talk more about the fact that lord andrej banged lathenia??? oh yeah, and he cursed anyone who would take his place yeah so cool or whatever idk. lorians ‘genderless’ identity pmo so bad. ‘he stripped himself of gender so he would not be biased’ thats such a bullshit statement dont even try telling me it makes sense. and he was using he/him and looked like a man anyway so wtf it made no sense. and even if he WAS genderless he could still have dated lady arabella??? being genderless have never stopped anyone from getting laid thank you. also dillon deserved way better. i kinda expected that jesilla would just turn out good and theyd be together but oh well now he gets a random ass lady who tried to hit on arkarian. but im ngl id hit on dillon too hes pretty fine. i liked his character the most id say because at least he was a bit funny while the other characters were all about their soulmates. to not be mean all the time, i absolutely enjoyed the rochelle getaway until she and ethan began making out again i KNOW im not the targeted age to be reading this series so i guess if i were 7 years younger id like it?? it is still my childhood book series so i healed my inner child by finishing this book🤞🤞
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2018
Ahhh what to say about this book? I loved the original trilogy when I first read it as a teenager, and was delighted to find that I still loved it when I reread it last month in preparation for reading this new instalment. However, I think the gap between the third and fourth books really shows here.
This series is classic YA in that there's lots of drama and teenage crushes and cheesy romance - but I loved it in the original. The balance was just right between developing romances between the characters and their overall mission. Unfortunately in this one, the cheesy romance seemed to have been increased tenfold, and I found it incredibly distracting. Suddenly everyone was calling each other 'sweetheart' and 'baby' and it was gross! There was suddenly more jealousy and immaturity that hadn't been there before. This one felt far more teenage than its predecessors and that was a real shame. I also felt there was a dramatic shift towards technology, as if acknowledging that this book is being released in 2018 - the problem is that it's set immediately after The Key ended.
It wasn't all bad by any means, I enjoyed being back in that world again and gobbled this up in a day. I thought Dillon's journey was the most interesting and it was an extra layer to have Jesmila's perspective and see what was going on with The Order.
Overall, an exciting opportunity to revisit a much loved world but it didn't quite live up to the original trilogy.
This series is classic YA in that there's lots of drama and teenage crushes and cheesy romance - but I loved it in the original. The balance was just right between developing romances between the characters and their overall mission. Unfortunately in this one, the cheesy romance seemed to have been increased tenfold, and I found it incredibly distracting. Suddenly everyone was calling each other 'sweetheart' and 'baby' and it was gross! There was suddenly more jealousy and immaturity that hadn't been there before. This one felt far more teenage than its predecessors and that was a real shame. I also felt there was a dramatic shift towards technology, as if acknowledging that this book is being released in 2018 - the problem is that it's set immediately after The Key ended.
It wasn't all bad by any means, I enjoyed being back in that world again and gobbled this up in a day. I thought Dillon's journey was the most interesting and it was an extra layer to have Jesmila's perspective and see what was going on with The Order.
Overall, an exciting opportunity to revisit a much loved world but it didn't quite live up to the original trilogy.
December 29, 2019
As a teenager, I was a massive fan of the original trilogy. It wasn't perfect, but it was a very good marriage of fantasy and YA romance, with a delicious little sprinkling of historical fiction. I most assuredly did not open this book expecting Bulgakov, but I also did not expect whatever this is.
*This* reads like a very rough draft. Like a brainstorming session that went ahead of itself and got itself published. Like something that you'd read on fanfiction.net at 2 AM. Except, even in fan fiction, there is a degree of fidelity to the source material that's honored, without the free-for-all take on characterization present in The Shadow. The depth of character development here is on the level of a medieval morality play. Our main archetypes are: angsty horny teenager, overstepping best friend, clingy lover, sinister villain. Their only descriptions are strictly of a physical nature - arms, legs, curves, chests, lips. There is so much sexual frustration imbued in these pages that a character who previously resembled the Wololo priest is transformed into a DILF that little girls are positively swooning over. Who edited this? Did anyone?
The plot is basically predicated on revenge. It makes just enough sense that we can close one eye and call it character-driven. But within that plot, there are contrivances to manufacture suspense and pathos that directly contradict everything from common sense to previously established characterization. Let's talk about Arkarian living in a Good Place-eque commune and planning what is essentially a gap year with Isabel. It really rolls off the tongue as a natural successor to their multiple and intense near-death experiences.
I have no idea what else to say about this book. Is it worth reading for the nostalgia factor? Maybe. Can you stomach suspending your disbelief that a person becomes utterly unrecognizable to everyone around with the aid of a fake tan and a pair of glasses? Then this is the book for you.
*This* reads like a very rough draft. Like a brainstorming session that went ahead of itself and got itself published. Like something that you'd read on fanfiction.net at 2 AM. Except, even in fan fiction, there is a degree of fidelity to the source material that's honored, without the free-for-all take on characterization present in The Shadow. The depth of character development here is on the level of a medieval morality play. Our main archetypes are: angsty horny teenager, overstepping best friend, clingy lover, sinister villain. Their only descriptions are strictly of a physical nature - arms, legs, curves, chests, lips. There is so much sexual frustration imbued in these pages that a character who previously resembled the Wololo priest is transformed into a DILF that little girls are positively swooning over. Who edited this? Did anyone?
The plot is basically predicated on revenge. It makes just enough sense that we can close one eye and call it character-driven. But within that plot, there are contrivances to manufacture suspense and pathos that directly contradict everything from common sense to previously established characterization. Let's talk about Arkarian living in a Good Place-eque commune and planning what is essentially a gap year with Isabel. It really rolls off the tongue as a natural successor to their multiple and intense near-death experiences.
I have no idea what else to say about this book. Is it worth reading for the nostalgia factor? Maybe. Can you stomach suspending your disbelief that a person becomes utterly unrecognizable to everyone around with the aid of a fake tan and a pair of glasses? Then this is the book for you.
December 8, 2020
13 years after the publication of The Key , Marianne Curley gets back to her readings with the direct sequel to the original trilogy. As an avid fan of the Guardians of Time books, I was eager to find out what happened after the final battle and what was the fate of the Named.
I have mixed feelings about this book. One of my favorite things about the original trilogy is how bold the end was, and how much drama arose among the characters. The book also has some very notable plotholes, which might prevent some readers from fully getting into the story.
However, the book is filled with great "behind the scenes" information about the secretive Guard that we didn't get to see in the original books. It was, hands down, my favorite thing about it. The characters have a further personal arc that settles them in more stable personal situations than where they were in The Key , which is great; and I also love that the ending implies they will still keep on growing in this fantastic world. I would have loved to see more of the side characters, such as Shaun, Jimmy, and even Rochelle - although she is a main point in the story, she is always seen through the eyes of some other character.
Overall, the book suffers from slight "fanfic-y" tones, but to me is a welcomed addition to the story of The Guardians of Time.
I have mixed feelings about this book. One of my favorite things about the original trilogy is how bold the end was, and how much drama arose among the characters. The book also has some very notable plotholes, which might prevent some readers from fully getting into the story.
However, the book is filled with great "behind the scenes" information about the secretive Guard that we didn't get to see in the original books. It was, hands down, my favorite thing about it. The characters have a further personal arc that settles them in more stable personal situations than where they were in The Key , which is great; and I also love that the ending implies they will still keep on growing in this fantastic world. I would have loved to see more of the side characters, such as Shaun, Jimmy, and even Rochelle - although she is a main point in the story, she is always seen through the eyes of some other character.
Overall, the book suffers from slight "fanfic-y" tones, but to me is a welcomed addition to the story of The Guardians of Time.
September 2, 2018
I really loved this series when I first read it when I was 12/13. it's time travel and superpowers. it's delightful. so i was THRILLED when I heard there was a new book in the year of our lord 2018. What a treat.
but man, this book was WILD. I don't know what I expected. I re-read the older books in preparation, which was fine, but this book kinda took a left turn? I liked how backstories got fleshed out (my dude Dillon!) but I didn't like the cheapening of immortality/agelessness. everyone has it, so now it's like.... :/
the stuff about traveling to the future was fun, and interesting! Isabel's vision to that part was neat. I wish we'd gotten to see more of everyone using their gifts; it felt like Truthseeing was suddenly the only thing. I missed Ethan's telekinesis.
another surprising thing: this book gets uh a bit more... sexual? still tame. but it kind of went from 0 to 100 real quick, considering how the other books in the series go nowhere near there. not necessarily a bad thing. [the kids are growing up! it's what happens!] but I did not expect it.
I did read this book in a day because I had to know what happens next. it's a fun romp.
but man, this book was WILD. I don't know what I expected. I re-read the older books in preparation, which was fine, but this book kinda took a left turn? I liked how backstories got fleshed out (my dude Dillon!) but I didn't like the cheapening of immortality/agelessness. everyone has it, so now it's like.... :/
the stuff about traveling to the future was fun, and interesting! Isabel's vision to that part was neat. I wish we'd gotten to see more of everyone using their gifts; it felt like Truthseeing was suddenly the only thing. I missed Ethan's telekinesis.
another surprising thing: this book gets uh a bit more... sexual? still tame. but it kind of went from 0 to 100 real quick, considering how the other books in the series go nowhere near there. not necessarily a bad thing. [the kids are growing up! it's what happens!] but I did not expect it.
I did read this book in a day because I had to know what happens next. it's a fun romp.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2025
I don't even know what to think about this book. For some reason, in my imagination after the Key Ethan ended up giving his life up and being reunited with Rochelle. But the author had something completely different in mind, and I don't know how to feel about that.
You can also tell how her writing has changed. Now, when the characters spoke, they didn't sound like in the other three books. Too many cheesey nicknames and weird expressions that they never used before. That took me out of the story completely.
Jesilla's character was another difficult one... The author wanted us to feel empathy for her, but in the end she is not redeemed? It bugged me too much.
And, as always, the biggest cliche in these novels is Ethan almost being killed (I've lost count, seriously), to then being finally saved once more... It's too unrealistic at this point.
Anyway, I could continue with all the issues that I have with this novel, but ultimately I'm happy that we got more of Ethan (and Rochelle), even if it wasn't what I was expecting and I didn't like it as much as I'd have liked... It is what it is.
You can also tell how her writing has changed. Now, when the characters spoke, they didn't sound like in the other three books. Too many cheesey nicknames and weird expressions that they never used before. That took me out of the story completely.
Jesilla's character was another difficult one... The author wanted us to feel empathy for her, but in the end she is not redeemed? It bugged me too much.
And, as always, the biggest cliche in these novels is Ethan almost being killed (I've lost count, seriously), to then being finally saved once more... It's too unrealistic at this point.
Anyway, I could continue with all the issues that I have with this novel, but ultimately I'm happy that we got more of Ethan (and Rochelle), even if it wasn't what I was expecting and I didn't like it as much as I'd have liked... It is what it is.
October 20, 2021
Admittedly more of a 3 stars but I have a soft spot for this series! Was fun to return to the characters and was an entertaining book. Could have benefitted from being longer though since at times it felt unwieldy and too fast- especially considering how many characters are being juggled. Also ultimately I don't think it needed to exist- while it was awesome to get more content with characters I loved, I still believe the trilogy ended perfectly.
Interesting that there's been a trend lately of authors releasing an additional book to a series that ended years ago (this, Legend, Graceling, Aristotle and Dante). Admittedly enjoyment will be arbitrary and I should just consider myself lucky that I'm getting more books from authors I love as part of series I love!
Interesting that there's been a trend lately of authors releasing an additional book to a series that ended years ago (this, Legend, Graceling, Aristotle and Dante). Admittedly enjoyment will be arbitrary and I should just consider myself lucky that I'm getting more books from authors I love as part of series I love!
August 29, 2021
La Sombra comienza justo un día después de la batalla final entre La Guardia y la Orden del Caos transcurrida en La Llave. Los inmortales Lorian y Lathenia han muerto, el señor Carter ha sido encerrado con un demonio, Rochelle muere en los brazos de Ethan y su asesino, Marduke, se convierte en piedra mientras se pone el sol en Angel Falls.
Así, asistiremos a un comienzo caótico y descorazonador, donde Ethan es uno de los Puntos de Vista de esta novela. Sus capítulos están llenos de dolor, rabia y desesperación. La muerte de Rochelle ha roto su corazón en mil pedazos, y su vida, sin ella, no tiene sentido. Pero Ethan es fuerte, valiente y leal, y sigue siendo el corazón de La Guardia. Además, gracias a sus PDV, conoceremos cómo han afectado a La Guardia la muerte de Lorian, el destrozo de la Ciudadela y las bajas producidas por la batalla. Asimismo, a través de Ethan volveremos a encontrarnos con los demás Elegidos: Arkarian, Isabel, Matt, Shaun, Dillon, Neriah y Jimmy, lo que siempre es un placer. Sin duda, los capítulos de Ethan han sido mi parte favorita de esta novela, no solo porque sea mi personaje favorito de la Saga, sino porque pienso que la autora ha sabido plasmar el duelo, la actitud y los sentimientos de Ethan tal y como yo me los había imaginado.
El otro Punto de Vista pertenece a Jesilla. Jesilla, se culpa de la muerte de su madre, Lathenia, por lo que decide seguir con los planes de la Diosa de “salvar” el Mundo y vengarse de Ethan por haber hecho tanto daño a la Orden. Jesilla es una chica de 18 años, segura de sí misma e inteligente donde destaca su humanidad (a pesar de ser hija de quien es). Se trata de un personaje bastante interesante y bien construido, donde se nos permite conocer su interior, sus sentimientos hacia Bastian, su admiración hacia varios integrantes de La Guardia y sobre todo, la dicotomía que siente entre hacer lo que ella quiere (o piensa que es lo correcto) o lo que su madre hubiese querido.
Además, en La Sombra volveremos a retroceder en el tiempo gracias a las misiones de los Elegidos y conoceremos cómo funciona y se gestiona la Orden del Caos. También, viviremos momentos emocionantes, reencuentros emotivos y volveremos a sentirnos parte de La Guardia luchando para que no impere el caos en el Mundo.
Aun con todo, tengo sentimientos encontrados con esta novela. Y es que tiene ciertos fallos:
- Como ya he mencionado anteriormente, Marianne Curley autopublicó La Sombra, y eso se nota. Se nota la falta de un editor que acortase las partes o conversaciones que acaban haciéndose excesivamente largas y tediosas, como ocurre en la primera reunión de La Guardia tras la batalla (Neriah me cae bien, pero buff que pesada) o en los capítulos de Jesilla, donde sus divagaciones sobre Bastian o su madre son repetitivas y simplemente aburridas.
- La trama principal de la historia, es decir, el plan de venganza de Jesilla no está bien desarrollado, ni acaba teniendo mucho sentido .
- Los baby, babe, mate ….que se dicen entre ellos. No les pega nada, pienso que está totalmente fuera de los personajes e incluso acaba haciéndose muy empalagoso.
- Un fallo importante en el argumento ¿puede que se solucione en una hipotética quinta parte? (who knows…)
- Los PDV que pertenecen a Isabel. Me gusta Isabel, pero no en los 3 capítulos que pertenecen a ella. Pienso que la autora la ha retratado como una chica insegura, celosa y poco madura para su edad. No recuerdo que ella fuese así en los anteriores libros.
- Un deus ex machina que me chirría un poco
- El final. Creo que en esta parte se aprecia claramente el resultado negativo de no tener una edición. Y es que me ha parecido un final un tanto largo con escenas, en ocasiones, insulsas y que no aportan nada. Aun así, se trata de un final bastante satisfactorio, aunque me hubiese gustado que fuese algo más agridulce.
Aun así, ha sido un auténtico placer volver al leer sobre estos personajes y sobre su futuro tras el fatídico final de La Llave. Me ha permitido volver a mis 13 años, cuando por primera vez leí Los Elegidos y quedé fascinada con la historia de La Guardia y su labor para salvar la Tierra.
En definitiva, La Sombra es un libro recomendable (si eres fan de los GDT, pienso que su lectura es obligatoria, aunque sea por la nostalgia). ¿Me esperaba más? Sí, aunque siempre se espera más, pero lo importante es que por fin podemos saber lo que pasaba después y llegar así al final de una era, la era de los Guardianes del Tiempo.
https://entre-paginass.blogspot.com/2...
Así, asistiremos a un comienzo caótico y descorazonador, donde Ethan es uno de los Puntos de Vista de esta novela. Sus capítulos están llenos de dolor, rabia y desesperación. La muerte de Rochelle ha roto su corazón en mil pedazos, y su vida, sin ella, no tiene sentido. Pero Ethan es fuerte, valiente y leal, y sigue siendo el corazón de La Guardia. Además, gracias a sus PDV, conoceremos cómo han afectado a La Guardia la muerte de Lorian, el destrozo de la Ciudadela y las bajas producidas por la batalla. Asimismo, a través de Ethan volveremos a encontrarnos con los demás Elegidos: Arkarian, Isabel, Matt, Shaun, Dillon, Neriah y Jimmy, lo que siempre es un placer. Sin duda, los capítulos de Ethan han sido mi parte favorita de esta novela, no solo porque sea mi personaje favorito de la Saga, sino porque pienso que la autora ha sabido plasmar el duelo, la actitud y los sentimientos de Ethan tal y como yo me los había imaginado.
El otro Punto de Vista pertenece a Jesilla. Jesilla, se culpa de la muerte de su madre, Lathenia, por lo que decide seguir con los planes de la Diosa de “salvar” el Mundo y vengarse de Ethan por haber hecho tanto daño a la Orden. Jesilla es una chica de 18 años, segura de sí misma e inteligente donde destaca su humanidad (a pesar de ser hija de quien es). Se trata de un personaje bastante interesante y bien construido, donde se nos permite conocer su interior, sus sentimientos hacia Bastian, su admiración hacia varios integrantes de La Guardia y sobre todo, la dicotomía que siente entre hacer lo que ella quiere (o piensa que es lo correcto) o lo que su madre hubiese querido.
Además, en La Sombra volveremos a retroceder en el tiempo gracias a las misiones de los Elegidos y conoceremos cómo funciona y se gestiona la Orden del Caos. También, viviremos momentos emocionantes, reencuentros emotivos y volveremos a sentirnos parte de La Guardia luchando para que no impere el caos en el Mundo.
Aun con todo, tengo sentimientos encontrados con esta novela. Y es que tiene ciertos fallos:
- Como ya he mencionado anteriormente, Marianne Curley autopublicó La Sombra, y eso se nota. Se nota la falta de un editor que acortase las partes o conversaciones que acaban haciéndose excesivamente largas y tediosas, como ocurre en la primera reunión de La Guardia tras la batalla (Neriah me cae bien, pero buff que pesada) o en los capítulos de Jesilla, donde sus divagaciones sobre Bastian o su madre son repetitivas y simplemente aburridas.
- La trama principal de la historia, es decir, el plan de venganza de Jesilla no está bien desarrollado, ni acaba teniendo mucho sentido .
- Los baby, babe, mate ….que se dicen entre ellos. No les pega nada, pienso que está totalmente fuera de los personajes e incluso acaba haciéndose muy empalagoso.
- Un fallo importante en el argumento ¿puede que se solucione en una hipotética quinta parte? (who knows…)
- Los PDV que pertenecen a Isabel. Me gusta Isabel, pero no en los 3 capítulos que pertenecen a ella. Pienso que la autora la ha retratado como una chica insegura, celosa y poco madura para su edad. No recuerdo que ella fuese así en los anteriores libros.
- Un deus ex machina que me chirría un poco
- El final. Creo que en esta parte se aprecia claramente el resultado negativo de no tener una edición. Y es que me ha parecido un final un tanto largo con escenas, en ocasiones, insulsas y que no aportan nada. Aun así, se trata de un final bastante satisfactorio, aunque me hubiese gustado que fuese algo más agridulce.
Aun así, ha sido un auténtico placer volver al leer sobre estos personajes y sobre su futuro tras el fatídico final de La Llave. Me ha permitido volver a mis 13 años, cuando por primera vez leí Los Elegidos y quedé fascinada con la historia de La Guardia y su labor para salvar la Tierra.
En definitiva, La Sombra es un libro recomendable (si eres fan de los GDT, pienso que su lectura es obligatoria, aunque sea por la nostalgia). ¿Me esperaba más? Sí, aunque siempre se espera más, pero lo importante es que por fin podemos saber lo que pasaba después y llegar así al final de una era, la era de los Guardianes del Tiempo.
https://entre-paginass.blogspot.com/2...
February 7, 2025
It was so nice to be back in this world after so many years. The first 3 books have been my favourite stories for so long because of how nostalgic they were. They were the first books I ever shed tears over and I used to read them every year when I was in school. Although I didn’t enjoy this as much as the first three, it still holds a special place. I’m so glad Ethan got his happy ending and I appreciated Dillon’s character development because I was really seeing him from Isabel’s point of view for a while there. 15 years is a long time to wait on such a heartbreaking cliffhanger but I’m so glad Marianne could give us one more story in this world ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2020
This final installment was long awaited for me. I always felt like the series was unfinished and I’m so glad that Marianne was able to lay to rest questions and stipulations I had!
There were a lot of surprises and revelations I was not expecting but seemed like they made so much sense.
I re read the entire series prior to reading this and it’s like a book about time travel sent be back in time. It was like finally reconnecting with old friends that you you’ve had disquieted feelings about for years.
I was so happy to read this book. And it ended so well I can’t give it enough stars!
There were a lot of surprises and revelations I was not expecting but seemed like they made so much sense.
I re read the entire series prior to reading this and it’s like a book about time travel sent be back in time. It was like finally reconnecting with old friends that you you’ve had disquieted feelings about for years.
I was so happy to read this book. And it ended so well I can’t give it enough stars!
April 12, 2020
I love the Guardians of Time book series and fell in love with each of the characters throughout the past three books and I wasn't disappointed with this book, despite the years between the last book and this Marianne Curley still captured the same magic that I had loved. However, the reason this was only three stars for me was that it seemed that she had tried too hard to give everyone a happy ending in a fairytale sort of way, when in the setting of the book it would have made sense if we had lost a few of the characters we loved and had a more bittersweet ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2020
Blessing!
I had thought the Key was the last one until I decided to buy the series to read again ! I am so glad and grateful that Curley took the time to give us this ending instead of the ending with The Key! A Part of me wishes to have just one last book but it's so well written and it seems to have concluded greatly. Marianne if you decide to release one more due to the ending of this one us readers would be incredibly delighted!
I had thought the Key was the last one until I decided to buy the series to read again ! I am so glad and grateful that Curley took the time to give us this ending instead of the ending with The Key! A Part of me wishes to have just one last book but it's so well written and it seems to have concluded greatly. Marianne if you decide to release one more due to the ending of this one us readers would be incredibly delighted!
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