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Into the Labyrinth #1
Stolen by Shadows
They promised me that fairy tales couldn't be real.
And then a man made of illusion and dark magic came to take me away.
My foster mother insisted I'd grow out of my overactive imagination. When I saw goblins dancing in the shadows on my bedroom walls, doctors armed with all the medication known to man tried their best to force the visions away.
They always swore I was one more pill from being normal.
And then my dreams became a waking nightmare.
The Erlking is cruel and obsessed. He wants to play a game, with the victor claiming the only prize that matters: my body and soul. I'll have one chance to defeat him and escape this twisted dream.
Otherwise, I'll be lost forever to his dark and seductive fantasy.
***The modern retelling of a fairy tale that never existed, Stolen by Shadows is a paranormal reverse harem romance for lovers of dream-like fantasy with a darker twist. Contains adult themes and may be triggering to some readers. This is the first book in a planned trilogy.***
And then a man made of illusion and dark magic came to take me away.
My foster mother insisted I'd grow out of my overactive imagination. When I saw goblins dancing in the shadows on my bedroom walls, doctors armed with all the medication known to man tried their best to force the visions away.
They always swore I was one more pill from being normal.
And then my dreams became a waking nightmare.
The Erlking is cruel and obsessed. He wants to play a game, with the victor claiming the only prize that matters: my body and soul. I'll have one chance to defeat him and escape this twisted dream.
Otherwise, I'll be lost forever to his dark and seductive fantasy.
***The modern retelling of a fairy tale that never existed, Stolen by Shadows is a paranormal reverse harem romance for lovers of dream-like fantasy with a darker twist. Contains adult themes and may be triggering to some readers. This is the first book in a planned trilogy.***
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2020
146 people are currently reading
966 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
May 29, 2020
If you were a fan of the 80’s film Labyrinth like myself this is going to tick every one of your boxes and more.
This story is heavily influenced by that particular story which was just so fabulous and hence instantly captured my attention making this a sure thing for me to pick up.
And this has the added bonus of being the darker version for adults and just like years back I’m totally in awe of the goblin king or in this case the Erlking.
I’ve always preferred the apparent Villain over the more traditional hero anyway and I was internally squealing with delight throughout this.
So Izzy has been struggling with reality for years, her parents are deceased and she’s been In and out of mental institutions all her life fantasy and reality becoming intertwined over the years.
She’s on a cocktail of medications to keep the darkness contained but her dreams and nightmares are filled with the underground a realm very much alive in her own head and that’s also spilling over into her regular life.
It’s a fantastical world ruled over by the Erlking a supposed character from a book she’s had with her since childhood.
This dream lord desires her total submission and surrender as his ultimate goal.
As a therapeutic way of dealing with her demons Izzy pens a screenplay that will, unfortunately, summon forth everything that she has been unknowingly running and hiding from her forgotten and mysterious past.
Her nightmares then become reality and to escape she will have to embrace the darkness inside striking a deal with the Erlking himself and entering his labyrinth.
13 hours is the time she's been granted to save her friends Chloe and Vaughn from there fate.
So this is the first book in the series and its slow-burn reverse-harem.
This one really just sets the stage for what’s to come answering questions and introducing it all and the world-building here is truly fabulous and this is an imaginative and intriguing start to the series.
We are also introduced to Puck and Tamlin and I’m assuming that they are going to play a big part of this going forward.
I’m also not quite sure where Vaughn fits into the mix yet but it’s obvious he really cares for Izzy so I’m intrigued with him being completely human and all but If I’m honest I’m more interested in Puck, Tamlin and mostly the Erlking himself, they're the ones I want to see with Izzy and sorry Vaughn just don’t compare here.
Still, I’m very much looking forward to seeing where this one goes next and I will definitely be continuing on with this.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Stolen By The Shadows (Into The Labyrinth #1).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
May 11, 2020
3.5.
I was so excited when I found this and started it. Like many of my generation, Labyrinth the movie was one of my favourite films growing up and I adored the Goblin King and was pretty much in love with David Bowie. I blame this movie, among other films and books (Mr Darcy also has a lot to answer for) on shaping the fact that I love anti hero or even villainous characters the best.
This book started out really strong. It was clear that the author could write well (which isn't always the case in the books I pick up) and I loved the tone of it. It was exactly how I expected a dark sort of retelling of Labyrinth to be. I liked how Izzy dealt with the things she imagined and it was always how I imagined Sarah from the film would have dealt with it had we seen her past the end of the movie.
I liked the introduction of the Erlking and her opening time in the Underground. But then it began to loose me and sort of did throughout the rest of the book.
I suppose my biggest issue was the lack of the actual Erlking. When he did appear I mostly loved the way he was presented, but it was very infrequent. Instead Izzy has two random guys thrown into her path, which felt sort of random really. Then we have Vaughan, who is the human boy that loves her, who she likes back, who is taken, along with her room mate, Chloe, to pure Izzy into solving the Labyrinth. I had zero interest in him or their relationship and frankly found that whole aspect a bit annoying.
So this unfortunately went from a 5 star read when I read the first 35% yesterday, to a 3 star read by the time I finished it today.
I don't get what is going on with the romance here. Is it a Reverse Harem? The Erlking's comments about Puck and Tamlin's continuing involvement in her life would suggest possibly. What about Vaughan? Is he the hero come to save her from this world and the HEA in her having some white picked fence human life with him (I bloody well hope not!)? Is the series going to be about uncovering the hidden depths of the Erlking and revealing the complicated range of their past centuries old relationship? Is it going to be about trying to break the unbreakable curse together? Is it going to be about Izzy finally having control over her life and being here she belonged?
This book would have worked better for me if Izzy and the Erlking were the focus. And therein lies my issue.
I will drifnitely pick up the next one because it should indicate what direction the series is heading in, but if it's not the direction that involves the Erlking then the series looses much of its appeal for me!
I definitely recommend this, though, whether you love the film or not.
EDIT: I have on fact now properly read the title and realise it IS a RH, which is cool because you should totally have all the cake. I just hope the Harem is the Welkimg, Puck and Tamlin though. And that the Eelking is not just the baddie, because that would be a waste.
I was so excited when I found this and started it. Like many of my generation, Labyrinth the movie was one of my favourite films growing up and I adored the Goblin King and was pretty much in love with David Bowie. I blame this movie, among other films and books (Mr Darcy also has a lot to answer for) on shaping the fact that I love anti hero or even villainous characters the best.
This book started out really strong. It was clear that the author could write well (which isn't always the case in the books I pick up) and I loved the tone of it. It was exactly how I expected a dark sort of retelling of Labyrinth to be. I liked how Izzy dealt with the things she imagined and it was always how I imagined Sarah from the film would have dealt with it had we seen her past the end of the movie.
I liked the introduction of the Erlking and her opening time in the Underground. But then it began to loose me and sort of did throughout the rest of the book.
I suppose my biggest issue was the lack of the actual Erlking. When he did appear I mostly loved the way he was presented, but it was very infrequent. Instead Izzy has two random guys thrown into her path, which felt sort of random really. Then we have Vaughan, who is the human boy that loves her, who she likes back, who is taken, along with her room mate, Chloe, to pure Izzy into solving the Labyrinth. I had zero interest in him or their relationship and frankly found that whole aspect a bit annoying.
So this unfortunately went from a 5 star read when I read the first 35% yesterday, to a 3 star read by the time I finished it today.
I don't get what is going on with the romance here. Is it a Reverse Harem? The Erlking's comments about Puck and Tamlin's continuing involvement in her life would suggest possibly. What about Vaughan? Is he the hero come to save her from this world and the HEA in her having some white picked fence human life with him (I bloody well hope not!)? Is the series going to be about uncovering the hidden depths of the Erlking and revealing the complicated range of their past centuries old relationship? Is it going to be about trying to break the unbreakable curse together? Is it going to be about Izzy finally having control over her life and being here she belonged?
This book would have worked better for me if Izzy and the Erlking were the focus. And therein lies my issue.
I will drifnitely pick up the next one because it should indicate what direction the series is heading in, but if it's not the direction that involves the Erlking then the series looses much of its appeal for me!
I definitely recommend this, though, whether you love the film or not.
EDIT: I have on fact now properly read the title and realise it IS a RH, which is cool because you should totally have all the cake. I just hope the Harem is the Welkimg, Puck and Tamlin though. And that the Eelking is not just the baddie, because that would be a waste.
April 11, 2020
Overall 4.5 stars
Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.
Goblins are one type of supernatural creature that I haven't read a lot about, I feel that they don't get near enough love and that is such a shame too because I love stories about the Erlking (aka the goblin king). I grew up watching David Bowie as the goblin king in the movie the Labyrinth. Even as a kid I recognize the dark beauty of the story and I was obsessed with the story, even to this day if something mentions goblins or the goblin king I will automatically reach for it.
Evelyn has created a story that is full of darkness, beauty, and wonder, the same elements I've gotten when I watched the Labyrinth or read a story about the goblin king but she has done it in such a wonderfully unique way. There are fae, characters that are famous throughout writing in the story and it totally makes sense. Then there are the pop culture references including mentioning Alice in Wonderland which I have to admit one of the characters was giving me major Wonderland vibes, one of my favorite characters in all the modern retellings of the story I've been rereading. The storyline gives me that nostalgia feeling while also giving something entirely new and exciting.
There are themes such as mental illness and unhealthy relationships, Evelyn takes a more realistic look at these themes which is a little bit different than what I am used to. Izzy is a wonderful character, she is into her own thing and embarrasses her weird, doesn't let too many people in but she seems to care about those she does let in. The relationship between the Erlking and Izzy is unhealthy but for some reason, I want them together, I know I know, but certain past details make me think it could be different. At one point I would swear that this book was gonna be a reverse harem, I have been reading way to many of them lately but I love them and with all of her potential love interest I wouldn't say no to a reverse harem, I would actually love it.
Stolen by Shadows is the first book in the Into the Labyrinth series and I absolutely adored it with it's dark, steamy and eerie beauty that is shrouded in a mystery that I want answers to. I have one theory about a certain character who kept getting mentioned and I am really excited to learn their backstory because it has to be good. This book ended on a cliffhanger and I don't know what to do with myself while I wait for the next book in the series.
Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.
Goblins are one type of supernatural creature that I haven't read a lot about, I feel that they don't get near enough love and that is such a shame too because I love stories about the Erlking (aka the goblin king). I grew up watching David Bowie as the goblin king in the movie the Labyrinth. Even as a kid I recognize the dark beauty of the story and I was obsessed with the story, even to this day if something mentions goblins or the goblin king I will automatically reach for it.
Evelyn has created a story that is full of darkness, beauty, and wonder, the same elements I've gotten when I watched the Labyrinth or read a story about the goblin king but she has done it in such a wonderfully unique way. There are fae, characters that are famous throughout writing in the story and it totally makes sense. Then there are the pop culture references including mentioning Alice in Wonderland which I have to admit one of the characters was giving me major Wonderland vibes, one of my favorite characters in all the modern retellings of the story I've been rereading. The storyline gives me that nostalgia feeling while also giving something entirely new and exciting.
There are themes such as mental illness and unhealthy relationships, Evelyn takes a more realistic look at these themes which is a little bit different than what I am used to. Izzy is a wonderful character, she is into her own thing and embarrasses her weird, doesn't let too many people in but she seems to care about those she does let in. The relationship between the Erlking and Izzy is unhealthy but for some reason, I want them together, I know I know, but certain past details make me think it could be different. At one point I would swear that this book was gonna be a reverse harem, I have been reading way to many of them lately but I love them and with all of her potential love interest I wouldn't say no to a reverse harem, I would actually love it.
Stolen by Shadows is the first book in the Into the Labyrinth series and I absolutely adored it with it's dark, steamy and eerie beauty that is shrouded in a mystery that I want answers to. I have one theory about a certain character who kept getting mentioned and I am really excited to learn their backstory because it has to be good. This book ended on a cliffhanger and I don't know what to do with myself while I wait for the next book in the series.
April 16, 2020
One of the movies I was "forced" to watch to fill some gap in my movie knowledge was Labyrinth. And although I enjoyed the adventure, I didn't fall in love with it like so many girls just a few years older than me. Not much of a surprise there, since the Goblin King is not my type at all. However, I did really enjoy the world and the adventure, so when there was a chance to already read this book I couldn't let it slip through my fingers.
And once I started reading this morning I just couldn't stop. Partly because of the writing style, that in a way fitted the world and the Goblin King, but also fitted Izzy and the more modern world where she grew up. It felt natural and flowed very nicely and just helped crafting the atmosphere of the story and the world.
Another huge part of my enjoyment was the labyrinth and all the challenges. Even though this labyrinth surely has a much darker edge to it than the movie I remember, it still feels magical and enchanting. I loved how there were well known elements in the labyrinth and totally new ones and I love how all those challenges and this entire trip through the labyrinth had a purpose, apart from it simply being a challenge.
And last but not least I also really enjoyed the characters and the complicated web of relations and history between them. Although we didn't get to know all the characters in depth, the ones we got to know very well seemed really vivid and real. I especially liked how Avery showed so much about our characters instead of just telling us. The contrast between Izzy in our world and Izzy in the world of the Goblin King might be the best example of that. And what I loved most? The Goblin King still has all his negative and sadistic character traits, making him far from a prince charming, but still very interesting and seductive.
In short: This book is an amazing start of a new series and I already can't wait to read the next book!
And once I started reading this morning I just couldn't stop. Partly because of the writing style, that in a way fitted the world and the Goblin King, but also fitted Izzy and the more modern world where she grew up. It felt natural and flowed very nicely and just helped crafting the atmosphere of the story and the world.
Another huge part of my enjoyment was the labyrinth and all the challenges. Even though this labyrinth surely has a much darker edge to it than the movie I remember, it still feels magical and enchanting. I loved how there were well known elements in the labyrinth and totally new ones and I love how all those challenges and this entire trip through the labyrinth had a purpose, apart from it simply being a challenge.
And last but not least I also really enjoyed the characters and the complicated web of relations and history between them. Although we didn't get to know all the characters in depth, the ones we got to know very well seemed really vivid and real. I especially liked how Avery showed so much about our characters instead of just telling us. The contrast between Izzy in our world and Izzy in the world of the Goblin King might be the best example of that. And what I loved most? The Goblin King still has all his negative and sadistic character traits, making him far from a prince charming, but still very interesting and seductive.
In short: This book is an amazing start of a new series and I already can't wait to read the next book!
April 10, 2020
This book is crazy good. You want to talk about messing with your head as you read this book. So when I started reading after the first chapter I was like what is going on. So you read about Izzy and how she writing a play. So you get Izzy's background and a better understanding of her. So as you read you kind of form an opinion of Izzy. Is she crazy or is everyone around her crazy? What is real and not? Well them one night everything changes. You know the saying Perception is their reality. This book hits the nail with it. So will her friends believe her now. What will happen? Who is actually the evil one. I was at a loss for words after reading this. I love the world that I was transported to. That ending though, mind blown. I can not wait for the next book.
June 1, 2020
I've had a strange obsession with David Bowie in tight pants since the 4th grade, thanks to the 1986 Labyrinth Movie.
So, when I saw there was a RH retelling- I was all about it!
All my strange and sick dreams come true!
Honestly though, this was pretty well written. Short, and eventful. It was a bit slow at times. I'm interested to see how it goes. But lawd knows I'm on the side of the villain (no one is surprised by that) and hope to heck he redeems himself and is a honorary member of this RH.
On to the next in the series!
So, when I saw there was a RH retelling- I was all about it!
All my strange and sick dreams come true!
Honestly though, this was pretty well written. Short, and eventful. It was a bit slow at times. I'm interested to see how it goes. But lawd knows I'm on the side of the villain (no one is surprised by that) and hope to heck he redeems himself and is a honorary member of this RH.
On to the next in the series!
June 6, 2020
Stolen by Shadows is a modern fairytale retelling rearranged as a paranormal reverse harem romance. Young theater student Izzy has been under meds her whole life, trying to escape her dreams that treat to trap her into a nightmare. Nightmares in which the Erlking calls for her, begging her to come back, he will make her his queen if she’ll submit to him. But Izzy has no intention to be bend by him.
Many elements will remind you of a twisted version of the movie Labyrinth. I’ve never read a reverse harem so at the beginning the behavior of the characters felt a bit confusing but then I realized it was probably the point of a RH.
Warning for sexual content, adult themes and a final cliffhanger that leads straight to the following book.
Many elements will remind you of a twisted version of the movie Labyrinth. I’ve never read a reverse harem so at the beginning the behavior of the characters felt a bit confusing but then I realized it was probably the point of a RH.
Warning for sexual content, adult themes and a final cliffhanger that leads straight to the following book.
April 11, 2020
*Spoiler Alert*
Think of a Dark Adult version of the film Labyrinth where David Bowie is a sexual sadist and Jennifer Connelly has been having the kind of naughty dreams that dont feature muppets then you get an idea about this book. Isabella (FMC) has been dreaming of Erlking - Killian Everdawn for years but everyone shes told has thought shes delusional. Until Erlking forces her hand and kidnaps her friends. In order to get back Vaughn & Chloe she has to make it through the Labyrinth within a time limit. If she doesnt she and her friends will have to stay in faerie forever. Meeting Puck (yum but too flirty for his own good) and Tamlin along the way who agree to help her. That starts an action-packed joyride of journey with plenty of manipulation added from Erlking. Just abso-bloody-lutely fantastic!! It was so good i read it from start to finish in one afternoon. Blimey that ending though?? It was knockout. Dying for book 2 now
Think of a Dark Adult version of the film Labyrinth where David Bowie is a sexual sadist and Jennifer Connelly has been having the kind of naughty dreams that dont feature muppets then you get an idea about this book. Isabella (FMC) has been dreaming of Erlking - Killian Everdawn for years but everyone shes told has thought shes delusional. Until Erlking forces her hand and kidnaps her friends. In order to get back Vaughn & Chloe she has to make it through the Labyrinth within a time limit. If she doesnt she and her friends will have to stay in faerie forever. Meeting Puck (yum but too flirty for his own good) and Tamlin along the way who agree to help her. That starts an action-packed joyride of journey with plenty of manipulation added from Erlking. Just abso-bloody-lutely fantastic!! It was so good i read it from start to finish in one afternoon. Blimey that ending though?? It was knockout. Dying for book 2 now
April 9, 2020
Oh I love it so much!!!! Finally a book similar to the Labyrinth movie!! ( which is a all time favorite of mine). Entire storyline is mind blowing. Absolutely loved it!!! Oh and there is another book coming out. All I kept saying was please don’t end yet. Phenomenal story. Highly recommend reading this. Like you have to read this one!!! Counting down till book 2.
April 18, 2020
This is the first time I have read a book by Evelyn Avery and I enjoyed the story and being taken into the world of the underground. We meet Izzy who has not had great life she lost her parents when she was a baby and was placed with Greta her guardian.
Izzy has always dreamed of the underground which in its self has lead to her being hospitalised for her mental health. But is it really or is it all in her head. When her friends are acting out her play she has wrote they are taken to the underground were Izzy has to do some challenges in order to get her friends back.
I didn’t like the film Labyrinth when I was younger but I loved this book you get lost in the world of the underworld and as much as I don’t want Izzy to get with the Erlking am sort of hoping they will in a way. I love Puck and tamilin charter and how they protect her as best they can from the Erlking and the way it ended wow can wait for the next book to see what happens to them all especially Vaughn
Izzy has always dreamed of the underground which in its self has lead to her being hospitalised for her mental health. But is it really or is it all in her head. When her friends are acting out her play she has wrote they are taken to the underground were Izzy has to do some challenges in order to get her friends back.
I didn’t like the film Labyrinth when I was younger but I loved this book you get lost in the world of the underworld and as much as I don’t want Izzy to get with the Erlking am sort of hoping they will in a way. I love Puck and tamilin charter and how they protect her as best they can from the Erlking and the way it ended wow can wait for the next book to see what happens to them all especially Vaughn
May 20, 2020
I saw that this book had 4.32 stars, read the first few sentences of the summary and was like SOLD. Download to kindle now. But then… the first 25% of the book was so slow and hard to follow. I actually stopped reading and decided I needed to look at some reviews to see what was going on. I needed some incentive to keep on keeping on.
And there I found that this book was a combination of many tales, but the primary one was a film called the Labyrinth?
So, I figured some of the book I just wasn’t getting because it was based on shiz I wasn’t familiar with and just persevered.
I still found the pacing to be pretty slow at some times, but I thought the character development was well done. I really enjoyed Izzy, which isn’t something I say often about a female main character. However, I really wanted to smack her in the end. She had all this leverage to make a deal where she doesn’t get absolutely shafted and she’s just like:
For someone whose supposed to be so smart, she sure was dumb there.
Anywho… I enjoyed all the side characters and the introduction of her potential men. I didn’t feel like this book really ventured into the reverse-harem aspect yet. More just a tease of what is to come? I hope at least.
Which brings me to the Erlking. I could NOT get a read on him. What a complex character. I’m not going to lie… he doesn’t really have the redeeming qualities to be considered an anti-hero. His obsession with Izzy has nothing remotely soft or loving about it. He mostly is just obsessed with torturing and killing her repeatedly… and smiling while doing it…?
He says that he loves her and then has some random blackout moment where he lunges forward and begins to choke her until he’s pulled off and essentially says, “Whoopsies!” and:
I can’t tell if he is going to become part of the reverse harem in the future or the villain for the rest of the series?
There seems to be much more powers at be withthin this plot and there are so many unanswered questions that I hope are answered soon. Like the fact that Izzy and the Erlking were banished to that relm?
In conclusion, this book is dark and not a happily ever after (yet?). It may piss you off at times, but it is pretty dang good.
And there I found that this book was a combination of many tales, but the primary one was a film called the Labyrinth?
So, I figured some of the book I just wasn’t getting because it was based on shiz I wasn’t familiar with and just persevered.
I still found the pacing to be pretty slow at some times, but I thought the character development was well done. I really enjoyed Izzy, which isn’t something I say often about a female main character. However, I really wanted to smack her in the end. She had all this leverage to make a deal where she doesn’t get absolutely shafted and she’s just like:
For someone whose supposed to be so smart, she sure was dumb there.
Anywho… I enjoyed all the side characters and the introduction of her potential men. I didn’t feel like this book really ventured into the reverse-harem aspect yet. More just a tease of what is to come? I hope at least.
Which brings me to the Erlking. I could NOT get a read on him. What a complex character. I’m not going to lie… he doesn’t really have the redeeming qualities to be considered an anti-hero. His obsession with Izzy has nothing remotely soft or loving about it. He mostly is just obsessed with torturing and killing her repeatedly… and smiling while doing it…?
He says that he loves her and then has some random blackout moment where he lunges forward and begins to choke her until he’s pulled off and essentially says, “Whoopsies!” and:
I can’t tell if he is going to become part of the reverse harem in the future or the villain for the rest of the series?
There seems to be much more powers at be withthin this plot and there are so many unanswered questions that I hope are answered soon. Like the fact that Izzy and the Erlking were banished to that relm?
In conclusion, this book is dark and not a happily ever after (yet?). It may piss you off at times, but it is pretty dang good.
May 4, 2020
Do dreams come true...
by and1515
Sitting quietly on his throne he lingered in despair for his kingdom succumbing to
gloom and darkness.His rage was the only thing left that sustained him now.
He couldn't recall how many crystal spheres he destroyed. It was her face that distressed him the most she'd been the end of all that was his and it wrecked him that she was the only who could resurrect his kingdom.
She didn't have a clue what would be waiting for her but he did.
Different and unusual were kind words to describe just how weird she was most people didn't know which was better for me. I remembered very little from my early years I even survived being in foster care.
Just say the lines please, Vaughn's optimism had been instrumental in chosing to produce this play.
The tale itself was alluring and harrowing.
She hoped he'd take this more serious than he was.
Chloe kindly reminded her about taking her meds and that there she had prescriptions to pick up before she ran out. Of course her foster mother would call she'd been her court appointed guardian while she'd been in and out of those places.
My meds seemed to steal my ability to remember anything while she slumbered.
Chloe her roommate kept reading even when she'd asked her not to but suddenly they were bathed in darkness.
Its was so bright when the lights returned and there was no one else there with her
The words she heard.
He was perfect an so cruel as he spoke her name she closed her eyes none of this was real it couldn't be real.
Taunting her that's what he was doing he was simply a figment of my imagination.
Magic didn't exsist there was no magic.
But in the end she was probably making the worse mistake of her life and she only had so many hours to win or she'd be trapped there forever.
The next thing she knew she was on a roof top he was out of his mind there was no way someone could survive.
All she could see was a maze no labyrinth one of the stones had changed colors so that meant there were only twelve hours left but where was the entrance.
Eveything happens for a reason even if you don't understand it and she was trying desperately to make sense of being in this world with out going insane. After all she wasn't Dorothy and this most definitely wasn't Kansas.
Tempus fugit.
Izzy considered herself lucky indeed.
But honestly she hadn't been prepared to face him again nor was Izzy ready for the truth she'd didn't understand.
However in the end the final choice was all her's.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
by and1515
Sitting quietly on his throne he lingered in despair for his kingdom succumbing to
gloom and darkness.His rage was the only thing left that sustained him now.
He couldn't recall how many crystal spheres he destroyed. It was her face that distressed him the most she'd been the end of all that was his and it wrecked him that she was the only who could resurrect his kingdom.
She didn't have a clue what would be waiting for her but he did.
Different and unusual were kind words to describe just how weird she was most people didn't know which was better for me. I remembered very little from my early years I even survived being in foster care.
Just say the lines please, Vaughn's optimism had been instrumental in chosing to produce this play.
The tale itself was alluring and harrowing.
She hoped he'd take this more serious than he was.
Chloe kindly reminded her about taking her meds and that there she had prescriptions to pick up before she ran out. Of course her foster mother would call she'd been her court appointed guardian while she'd been in and out of those places.
My meds seemed to steal my ability to remember anything while she slumbered.
Chloe her roommate kept reading even when she'd asked her not to but suddenly they were bathed in darkness.
Its was so bright when the lights returned and there was no one else there with her
The words she heard.
He was perfect an so cruel as he spoke her name she closed her eyes none of this was real it couldn't be real.
Taunting her that's what he was doing he was simply a figment of my imagination.
Magic didn't exsist there was no magic.
But in the end she was probably making the worse mistake of her life and she only had so many hours to win or she'd be trapped there forever.
The next thing she knew she was on a roof top he was out of his mind there was no way someone could survive.
All she could see was a maze no labyrinth one of the stones had changed colors so that meant there were only twelve hours left but where was the entrance.
Eveything happens for a reason even if you don't understand it and she was trying desperately to make sense of being in this world with out going insane. After all she wasn't Dorothy and this most definitely wasn't Kansas.
Tempus fugit.
Izzy considered herself lucky indeed.
But honestly she hadn't been prepared to face him again nor was Izzy ready for the truth she'd didn't understand.
However in the end the final choice was all her's.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2020
I’m not sure if I can finish it.
I knew from the description that this was a blatant Labyrinth rip off. Basically fan fiction. I read a lot of fairy tale retellings...but fairy tales are basically public domain, and really those stories have been rehashed so many times there are elements of them in nearly every other story ever told. Hell, even the Labyrinth has Beauty and the Beast vibes.
What I cannot tolerate is straight quoting out of the movie or basically telling the exact same story but changing one or two words or one or two tiny elements and then calling that story your own. And then to cap that off, in the story itself the woman is plagiarizing a story from a book she read by turning it into a play and then taking full credit....it’s like Copy-cat Inception. What the hell. It was too distracting.
Finding a story in this genre (didn’t realize this was supposed to be a RH as well, how is that going to happen? I’m almost intrigued enough to find out.) that is well written and thoroughly edited is like finding a four leaf clover. I get that. But at least TRY to make it unique and/or interesting. We read trashy novels, but we aren’t stupid.
I would have rather read a straight retelling of the Labyrinth only Jareth and Sara get freaky and get done with it than read something that skirts along the edges of the story by changing the names of everything. The details call the movie to kind, but in such a weird warped way that I can’t follow the story.
Two stars, though. One for writing a book which is hard. And one for not being impossible to read. The flow was decent (although...editing would be nice) and it was only occasionally that the prose became too purple for my taste.
I’m not sure if I’ll be able to finish it. I am intrigued, but the overlay of this story over the original is giving me a headache.
I knew from the description that this was a blatant Labyrinth rip off. Basically fan fiction. I read a lot of fairy tale retellings...but fairy tales are basically public domain, and really those stories have been rehashed so many times there are elements of them in nearly every other story ever told. Hell, even the Labyrinth has Beauty and the Beast vibes.
What I cannot tolerate is straight quoting out of the movie or basically telling the exact same story but changing one or two words or one or two tiny elements and then calling that story your own. And then to cap that off, in the story itself the woman is plagiarizing a story from a book she read by turning it into a play and then taking full credit....it’s like Copy-cat Inception. What the hell. It was too distracting.
Finding a story in this genre (didn’t realize this was supposed to be a RH as well, how is that going to happen? I’m almost intrigued enough to find out.) that is well written and thoroughly edited is like finding a four leaf clover. I get that. But at least TRY to make it unique and/or interesting. We read trashy novels, but we aren’t stupid.
I would have rather read a straight retelling of the Labyrinth only Jareth and Sara get freaky and get done with it than read something that skirts along the edges of the story by changing the names of everything. The details call the movie to kind, but in such a weird warped way that I can’t follow the story.
Two stars, though. One for writing a book which is hard. And one for not being impossible to read. The flow was decent (although...editing would be nice) and it was only occasionally that the prose became too purple for my taste.
I’m not sure if I’ll be able to finish it. I am intrigued, but the overlay of this story over the original is giving me a headache.
August 30, 2020
I enjoyed this story, but I also loved the concept of the movie The Labyrinth, which this book strongly resembles.... but it is NOT the movie, if that makes sense? You can see the inspiration, but looking a touch deeper and you land at the Erlking - or as some may know him, The Goblin King. That story is actually far older than the puppets who sang and danced around a popular music star - and there are surely no puppets or choirs in this dark tale.
Instead, it infuses the kind of 'fairytale' ambiance reminiscent of Grimm, with splashes of modern flair and enough familiar scenes to make it approachable. The Erlking, a story from the 1700's, is one of the more ominous Fae depictions in myth, and this blends that shadowy creature with our childhood imaginations, landing at a story that is both known and unknown.
It's interesting, not exactly original, yet wholly unique. And there are no puppets. Or lost little brothers.
Perspective
First and Third Person, Multiple POV
Ending Type
Cliffhanger
Rating
Adult - 18+
Romantic Dynamic
MMMMF
Character Age Range
24+
My Final Verdict on Stolen By Shadows
A childhood favorite rewritten for an adult audience, blending old myths with modern flair and romance.
Instead, it infuses the kind of 'fairytale' ambiance reminiscent of Grimm, with splashes of modern flair and enough familiar scenes to make it approachable. The Erlking, a story from the 1700's, is one of the more ominous Fae depictions in myth, and this blends that shadowy creature with our childhood imaginations, landing at a story that is both known and unknown.
It's interesting, not exactly original, yet wholly unique. And there are no puppets. Or lost little brothers.
Perspective
First and Third Person, Multiple POV
Ending Type
Cliffhanger
Rating
Adult - 18+
Romantic Dynamic
MMMMF
Character Age Range
24+
My Final Verdict on Stolen By Shadows
A childhood favorite rewritten for an adult audience, blending old myths with modern flair and romance.
May 10, 2020
ONE ACTION PACKED HARD HITTER!!!
Slam baby! Evelyn brought it with this brilliantly composed spin, laying out this hard hitting, pulse racing, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, page flipping bombshell, wrapping this bad boy up sleek, shiny and tight. Vexing mishaps and unsettling happenstance, thrusts those churning emotions into play, rocking this baby from start to finish. A whirlwind of horrendous trials and arduous tribulations, exposing the shocking twists and wicked turns, putting our characters through their paces. Sparks fly as perilous drama, mystifying intrigue, chilling danger and electrifying suspense along with nerve racking situations and a boatload of trouble while dodging calamity, you have one block busting experience. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, kicking this bad boy into a raging tempest, blasting it into a tailspin with a mind-blowing culmination. The characters, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuinely approachable personalities. The scenes are written with such realism, impressive talent and unique insight, blasts this sparkling jewel to life, making the storyline pop. Awesome job Evelyn, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.
Slam baby! Evelyn brought it with this brilliantly composed spin, laying out this hard hitting, pulse racing, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, page flipping bombshell, wrapping this bad boy up sleek, shiny and tight. Vexing mishaps and unsettling happenstance, thrusts those churning emotions into play, rocking this baby from start to finish. A whirlwind of horrendous trials and arduous tribulations, exposing the shocking twists and wicked turns, putting our characters through their paces. Sparks fly as perilous drama, mystifying intrigue, chilling danger and electrifying suspense along with nerve racking situations and a boatload of trouble while dodging calamity, you have one block busting experience. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, kicking this bad boy into a raging tempest, blasting it into a tailspin with a mind-blowing culmination. The characters, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuinely approachable personalities. The scenes are written with such realism, impressive talent and unique insight, blasts this sparkling jewel to life, making the storyline pop. Awesome job Evelyn, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.
May 8, 2020
Picture The Labyrinth, Alice and Wonderland, and The Wizard of Oz. Now imagine if they all came together and had a baby. This is that baby.
This was such a wonderful start to a series! The world building and detail in this book is fantastic as well as the background stories for each of the characters. Avery carefully and beautifully linked her characters in a way that makes you look forward to seeing how their connections develop even more as the series progresses. Will they deepen, change course, or completely derail us when we see what finally happens?
The main character, Izzy, is one of my favorites. She once lived a life where she never knew her place, was always the outcast and never felt at home, but in this realm she truly blossomed. I love how her whole demeanor changed once she entered the Erlking's Realm. It's just like everything in her shifted and clicked into place. I look forward to seeing her open up a bit more and be able to feel loved for who she is and all that she is capable of. Definitely looking forward to this series. I know it is going to be phenomenal!!
This was such a wonderful start to a series! The world building and detail in this book is fantastic as well as the background stories for each of the characters. Avery carefully and beautifully linked her characters in a way that makes you look forward to seeing how their connections develop even more as the series progresses. Will they deepen, change course, or completely derail us when we see what finally happens?
The main character, Izzy, is one of my favorites. She once lived a life where she never knew her place, was always the outcast and never felt at home, but in this realm she truly blossomed. I love how her whole demeanor changed once she entered the Erlking's Realm. It's just like everything in her shifted and clicked into place. I look forward to seeing her open up a bit more and be able to feel loved for who she is and all that she is capable of. Definitely looking forward to this series. I know it is going to be phenomenal!!
May 25, 2020
This book seemed like a retelling of the David Bowie Labyrinth movie. The Erlking (Goblin King) took someone important to the female lead and she delves into a magical world to get them back. Even the line "I turned this world upside down for you" was used. I wish the book description had stated that a lot of the ideas would follow this movie. I usually enjoy retellings of stories, but I like credit to be given to the original before I start reading so I'm not making mental lists of all the similarities. Also, I am not sure if it was just the copy given to me, but the word "castle" seemed to be taken out of the story. There were just blanks where the word, or a similar word should have been. With that being said, I did enjoy this book. I loved the original aspects of the book that I won't state because I don't want to spoiling the ending. I loved the characters and how this book ended with a perfect transition for the next book without having a huge cliffhanger. I definitely want to read the next book and see where this goes.
I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review.
I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review.
April 22, 2020
I've got to say I've never read another book like this one. The imagination that has gone into this book is fascinating. I felt like I had fallen down the rabbit hole, got lost in the maze and wandered around the labyrinth all at the same time.
Everyone things that Izzy is insane, including herself and that she is hanging on to her 'normal' life by the skin of her teeth and a huge amount of medication, but she is surprisingly rational about it all. Izzy as a character was fascinating, she's struggling to maintain her college life whilst also living with another alternative reality. She is a recluse but 'owns' her own quirkiness. Her journey through the book shows how strong she can be even whilst dealing with her mental illness.
I feel that her relationship with the Erlking has only scratched the surface and I hope book 2 delves into it more, along with her past history with Tamlin and Puck, theres a whole story there just waiting to be told.
The writing is excellent and the descriptions really put you into the story. If you love films like Labyrinth then you will love this story.
Everyone things that Izzy is insane, including herself and that she is hanging on to her 'normal' life by the skin of her teeth and a huge amount of medication, but she is surprisingly rational about it all. Izzy as a character was fascinating, she's struggling to maintain her college life whilst also living with another alternative reality. She is a recluse but 'owns' her own quirkiness. Her journey through the book shows how strong she can be even whilst dealing with her mental illness.
I feel that her relationship with the Erlking has only scratched the surface and I hope book 2 delves into it more, along with her past history with Tamlin and Puck, theres a whole story there just waiting to be told.
The writing is excellent and the descriptions really put you into the story. If you love films like Labyrinth then you will love this story.
April 15, 2020
I think most people who watched Labyrinth growing up got sucked in and wanted to know more. Who was the goblin king really.... why Sarah.... We saw the twisted love he had for her and the crumbling of kingdom and made up stories in our head and in our dreams to keep the magic alive.
Evelyn Avery somehow took all those fantasies and hopes and created a world reminiscent yet far more beguiling. I was sucked in from the first moment she hinted at this book and it will forever hold a special place in my heart. Her characters are vivid and real and feel like they could be sitting next to me getting coffee talking theater. The world, so well built I saw a movie playing in my head. I laughed, I cried, I got angry and annoyed. I got sucked in and was rewarded with everything I ever hoped for and more from the original movie, things I would have never dated dream as a teen. I am so excited for her and to see where she goes with the story.
Evelyn Avery somehow took all those fantasies and hopes and created a world reminiscent yet far more beguiling. I was sucked in from the first moment she hinted at this book and it will forever hold a special place in my heart. Her characters are vivid and real and feel like they could be sitting next to me getting coffee talking theater. The world, so well built I saw a movie playing in my head. I laughed, I cried, I got angry and annoyed. I got sucked in and was rewarded with everything I ever hoped for and more from the original movie, things I would have never dated dream as a teen. I am so excited for her and to see where she goes with the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2020
4 1/2 stars - A fantasy story about a women who dreams about the Erlking who no one believes is then taken by him to his dying kingdom. This story has many parallelism to the movie "Labyrinth" and it's also a serial. This starts when Izzy is producing on stage the play "The Tale of the Erlking" with her friend Vaughn who acting the Erlking role. Her foster mother, Greta (court appointed guardian) who handles Izzy trust fund, called Chloe her roommate, that Izzy who is taking medication because of her dreams, needs to pick them up. Chloe tells Greta they plan to go out to the Stockhouse which they do. When Vaughn and Chloe at the table start reading out loud the script, the lights go out and Izzy appears in front of the Erlking. This starts Izzy adventure as she bargains with the Erlking. This is a enjoyable story and if your a fan of the movie a great book to read. I won a copy via Goodreads.
Read
May 12, 2020This is NOT a reverse harem. At best it has a love triangle (I will be very lax in using the term love).
It follows the journey of one Izzy that has to cross a labyrinth to reach the Elrkönig's castle. Not much is happening overall. There are some tensioned replies and some angst in the beginning, for all to finish in a slightly eroticized atmosphere is just the expected.
In the castle is kept prisoner the mortal "love" that has to be rescued by her.
Erlkonig is there to smile mysteriously and apply some pressure to the old scars by doing excellent impressions of innuendos.
I have been reading such stories just to discover that they are all alike, in the end. However, I found myself always returning to them.
Tragicomedy
It follows the journey of one Izzy that has to cross a labyrinth to reach the Elrkönig's castle. Not much is happening overall. There are some tensioned replies and some angst in the beginning, for all to finish in a slightly eroticized atmosphere is just the expected.
In the castle is kept prisoner the mortal "love" that has to be rescued by her.
Erlkonig is there to smile mysteriously and apply some pressure to the old scars by doing excellent impressions of innuendos.
I have been reading such stories just to discover that they are all alike, in the end. However, I found myself always returning to them.
Tragicomedy
April 10, 2020
This book is the first in a series. The beginning starts slow (first three chapters) with Izzy talking about how everyone thinks she’s crazy and maybe she is but maybe she isn’t. When the Erkling comes to claim her the story picks up. The characters pulled into the Underworld with her grow and change. We learn more about her “real” friends and meet new characters based on popular fairy tales/stories. Izzy must complete the labyrinth before it’s too late while learning more about herself and struggling to reconcile what some think is reality along with what she believes/sees. Be prepared for a wrap up and set up for book 2. Everything doesn’t end in a nice little bow.
May 6, 2020
All of her life, Izzy had had what her step mother thought were hallucinations - she spent time in mental hospital,s and when she moved out to go to Unversity, she set Chloe up as her room mate to keep an eye on her.
But what if what Izzy was seeing was real? When Chloe and Vaughn are taken by the Erlking, there is only one way to free them - and that is to play his game and win. Puck, the hobgoblin tries to help her - or is he tricking her? Will she succeed, or will she lose her body and soul to her life long foe?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But what if what Izzy was seeing was real? When Chloe and Vaughn are taken by the Erlking, there is only one way to free them - and that is to play his game and win. Puck, the hobgoblin tries to help her - or is he tricking her? Will she succeed, or will she lose her body and soul to her life long foe?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 8, 2020
Dark Reverse Hatem Paranormal
This book is what nightmares are made of. Izzy has lived in terror her whole life. The Erlking has visited her over and over. She has been told she is crazy her whole life.. Her life is pictures she draws of a fantasy land and a book she is obsessed with. Until one night , it happens and she is forced to face the Erlking. Izzy's adventure starts. I am enjoying going on her adventure. The cliffhanger is shocking , but kinda expected. I reccomend this to lovers of a dark slow burn romance.
This book is what nightmares are made of. Izzy has lived in terror her whole life. The Erlking has visited her over and over. She has been told she is crazy her whole life.. Her life is pictures she draws of a fantasy land and a book she is obsessed with. Until one night , it happens and she is forced to face the Erlking. Izzy's adventure starts. I am enjoying going on her adventure. The cliffhanger is shocking , but kinda expected. I reccomend this to lovers of a dark slow burn romance.
May 9, 2020
For fans of Labyrinth like myself, I felt this to be a darker version of the story but beautifully told. The quote "No man is my master. I belong to no one" reminding me so much of Sarah to Jareth with " You have no power over me". Izzy and this play following the Eriking and an orphan, may have things she never thought could be real. This story will have you needing to know more. Can't wait to read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 11, 2020
This is a slow burn rh that is set in a crossover between our reality and the Fae Underground. The world building is excellent and the set up for the plot line is thorough and unique. The characters are believable and compelling. The story is full of haunting scenes and page-turning action. As the beginning of a series is does an excellent job of setting the reader up for more. It ends on a cliffhanger, so beware. This is definitely going to be on my pre-order list.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2020
I enjoyed the concept of the labyrinth and the Erlking, I had myself wondering the whole time if this real or not for the main character Izzy, very clever twists and obstacles thrown in her way. Great writing and loved the side comments and references that had me giggling, it is written in the first person for FMC, with a little third person for other chapters away from FMC. Interesting backstory that I found intriguing and makes sense further within the story, strong friendship characteristics, overall great read that has left me wanting more.
Medium burn, fantasy Romance
Medium burn, fantasy Romance
July 13, 2020
OMG I loved this book. I got this book on a recommendation of my love of the Labyrinth movie and this is a much more adult rated version take on it. I wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did. Now I'm totally invested in this series and bought the second and pre ordered the third. Izzy and the Erlking will take you on a journey that's for sure. Im going to hope into book two and will have a more thorough review then but if your a huge fan of the Labyrinth and would love a darker twisted version of it. With multiple men might I add. Then one click this book you will not regret it!
May 10, 2020
I enjoyed this story very much so. It had a well-thought out premise with plenty of extremely interesting characters. The main character was increasingly fascinating and I never found myself wanting to quit reading the story. I finished it all rather quickly and would definitely recommend this book to others wanting to try this author out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2020
Stolen by Shadows (Into the Labyrinth Book 1) by Evelyn Avery is a wonderful story that I have read. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand new series written by a brand new author for me to read. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy and paranormal romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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