Shifting Shadows

by M.J. Bavis

Having faced her past and discovered its painful truth, Kalika is determined to right her wrongs and return to her homeland. Together with the Prince of Narun, she sets off to stop a looming war with the Gorahites. But, with the borders heavily monitored and Hunters breathing down her neck, she is forced into hiding until her seen and unseen scars have healed from her last encounter with enemy soldiers.

When the time comes to leave for Narun, Kalika is faced with a series of choices that will determine not only her destiny but that of her loved ones.

With the fate of two nations in her hands, will the cost of peace require the ultimate sacrifice?

Unknown Binding

Published March 24, 2020

About the author

M.J. Bavis coined her first book as a teenager and it was about horses, mean girls and a misunderstood heroine—and a worrying amount of violence. It took a move from her Finnish childhood home to the UK, a degree in Criminology and a bit of living to realise horses and mean girls weren't her thing. Still, she loves writing young adult novels with fantasy, mystery, big emotions and headstrong characters. When she’s not writing she’s chasing after her ridiculously fast toddler, dodging footballs, binging on Netlifx, or browsing for her next book to read on her e-reader.

Her YA low fantasy, Shadow Soul—a story of a broken girl learning to slay her demons—is available in e-book and paperback formats on Amazon.

Her newest book, The Inflictor - a dystopian romance - is available now on Amazon!

Reviews

[Sofii♡ (A Book. A Thought.) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes me sad that I can't elaborate much on this book because it's a sequel, and also because it's those kinds of stories that when you reveal too much, you can easily ruin the experience for someone else, so I wouldn't want to do that. If you have more questions about the story itself and what it is about, you can always read my review on the first book. The most important thing is that I did enjoy it, I think it was very easy to read and super atmospheric.



3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

You can find more of my reviews and fun content on my blog A Book. A Thought.


It was a good and pretty solid sequel, I still enjoyed the first book more, but I liked this one as well. I love how the author plays with two completely different worlds and mixes them in a very unique way. That makes it have a weight within the fantasy genre, but without neglecting contemporary factors, which I think is the strong point of this whole story. I think that sometimes when a book tries to play a lot with fantasy and reality, can be confusing, but I don't think that's the case this time, it's well developed and is super fun to read.


This is always just my opinion, of course, but at times I felt the characters were somewhat weak surrounded by a plot with a very solid construction of the world and ideas, they're not my favorite characters, but I would continue reading the story just for the plot, and that doesn't happen to me often so it is a great merit.
Also, I adore the author's style, I already knew what I would find, but again it gives us a fluid style and super easy to read, but at the same time doesn't neglect the atmosphere because the descriptions are there and are just the necessary amount of them. I always say this because I don't know how else to describe it, but you know when you watch a TV series of urban fantasy like Vampire Diaries or Grimm, well that's what I feel when I read this story, it's like watching a series, it's addictive because you want to know what will happen, but it's light at the same time and you have fun in the process, so that's great!

I like the tone that the author has decided to give to the sequel, maybe I don't entirely agree with some of Camilla's decisions, but I still really appreciate seeing a growth in her as the main character, as well as the weight of the scenes, who show great tension and anticipation. I think the opinions regarding the direction of the plot could be polarized, but it was still interesting to me to read it.


I quite liked the book in general, I tend to be demanding when it comes to this type of genre, but I would still recommend it, especially I love the beginning of this story, so go see my review of the first book for more info and then it develops solidly, there's a moment of surprise, there are some that are quite predictable, but still it doesn't lose its soul and I appreciate that, because if you're looking for a book that will keep you entertained from the first page, that has a good writing style and unique factors that convince the fantasy with the contemporary, then this is the book for you! I know that if one day you just want to relax and read something very fun you can enjoy it, no doubt about it, it reads very quickly and I think it's worth giving it a try.

I'm sorry I can't share much about without spoilers, but I hope I've been able to transmit the soul of the book as such. Now, to find out the events and obstacles that will be presented to the characters (which are many, dangerous and monstrous) you'll have to read it

[E.P. Stavs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely exceptional! I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this duology, Shadow Soul, and the second did not disappoint. In fact, I think I enjoyed this second half even more, despite the multitude of heart-wrenching moments. Oof. But Bavis knew what she was doing, and I can't imagine a more fitting conclusion to this beautifully written, modern fantasy. Highly, HIGHLY recommend!

[From Heaven With Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

rtc!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS WAS AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

[Elizabeth Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I thought it couldn't get any better than the first book, Shifting Shadows came out fighting. This book was exciting to read. There were twists and cliffhangers at every turn. I just couldn't put it down. All that's really left for me to say is... are there any plans for book 3??

[M.J. Bavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excited to be bringing you SHIFTING SHADOWS, the second book in the Narun duology!

I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it :)

[Danalynn Donovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this wonderfully well written duology!

What a wonderful conclusion to a truly stupendous two-book series! I loved Shadow Soul, and Shifting Shadows was even better! M.J. Bavis is an impressive storyteller, and the amazing writing is awe-inspiring in its greatness. Two of the best written books I've ever read!

This was such a great story, full of unique and spunky characters, fantastic prose, twists and turns, anguish and turmoil, yet also heart and hope for the better. And there were lots of surprises... just when I thought I had something figured out, it turned out different/better than I'd imagined. I enjoyed the way everything was wrapped up and EVERY question was answered by the end.

M.J. Bavis has pure writing talent, and it really shows in this fabulous debut series.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!

[Aaron D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started slow on this book because it had been a while since reading the first one. I'd forgotten who people were and what their backgrounds were. After a bit the story became so absorbing that things fell into place and became gripping.
I finished the story feeling like I'd been involved in something really important, like a legend. The story was so full of action that it was impossible not to read on.
I could understand why (although this was meant to be a story completed by 2 books) another review suggested that there was more story to be told. What happens next?
All in all a fantastic tale.

[Frances Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed returning to Narun and backfilling some of Kalika's story. The ending took me by surprise and although it was poignantly satisfying, it does leave things open for more from this series later, which can only be a good thing. I won't spell out what happens, but I'm marking this as a spoiler because just knowing there's a twist can ruin it.

Highly recommended for fantasy readers who don't like predictable outcomes!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved book one in MJ Bavis’s Narun duology and was so excited to dive back into this YA Fantasy world with SHIFTING SHADOWS. Leo and Kali are on the run from Hunters who are intent on taking out the young prince of Narun and the pacing is intense as they evade capture at every turn. I loved how they explored jealousies and growing feelings while confronting fear and heartbreak, betrayals and losses, the tension never letting up for a second. I liked how we learned more about Leo’s past, and as we travel to Narun in the second part of the book, see more of what future awaits Leo and Kali… if they live to survive it. Check out this YA Fantasy… you won’t regret it! 5/5 stars.

[Anya Pavelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to return to this world! In Shifting Shadows, M.J. Bavis continues to develop her characters in an engaging way. The stakes are so high in this book, and I was on the edge of my seat through at least the last third. The world building is also even richer than in the first novel. I think I like the second book even better than the first because I was pulled in and heavily invested in the outcome. Highly recommended! I can't wait to see what this author publishes next.

[Renee Marski · Rating 4 out of 5]

War and Weakness

Leo and Kali are on the run. They have to get back to Narun but Kali needs to heal and train. When the family they stayed with ends up dead and Sebastian is loose, they gather with their friends to try to get to Narun. Kali convinces Jack to help her ensure Leo's safety. Once in Narun, she is faced with choices she never thought she's have to make. The question is, will she make the right one?

An awesome conclusion to the story!

[Martin McGregor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good read and a fitting conclusion to the Narun series. Without spoilers, it does leave an opening for another chapter if the author (hopefully) decides to return. A fitting tale of morality and difficult choices under tough conditions, the author has a wonderful way of expressing grief, remorse and near impossible life choices which is a testament to her talent. Bravo!

[W.A. Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book I couldn't put it down.
I loved the first book and was keen to find out what would happen when they returned to Narun.
This book had me hooked from the start
They both lost so much and I had a tear in my eye a few times but I loved how it all came together in the end.
I highly recommend this series.

[Writing Bliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book, I like the story telling style.