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Primordials of Shadowthorn #1
Shadow Crusade
A demon fighting to survive.
A huntress trained to slay.
Fate will bring them together. A curse could tear them apart.
When horrifying monsters kill Halira's and Dimitri's families, they join the Shadow Crusade, a legion of warriors tasked with destroying demon-kind.
Together, they'll avenge their loved ones…or die trying.
That’s the plan, until Halira meets the roguish half-demon responsible for killing her parents and discovers that perhaps there’s more to demonkind than she’s been told.
Can she be the savior her country needs? Or will the allure of dark forces thrust her into the shadows?
Shadow Crusade is the first in a gothic, high fantasy romance series with a badass demon huntress, an enemies-to-lovers romance, Lovecraftian immortal creatures, and epic world-building. If you enjoyed books by Leigh Bardugo, LJ Andrews, Elise Kova, and Camille Longley, then you'll devour Shadow Crusade !
Grab your copy of Shadow Crusade and start slaying demons today!
A huntress trained to slay.
Fate will bring them together. A curse could tear them apart.
When horrifying monsters kill Halira's and Dimitri's families, they join the Shadow Crusade, a legion of warriors tasked with destroying demon-kind.
Together, they'll avenge their loved ones…or die trying.
That’s the plan, until Halira meets the roguish half-demon responsible for killing her parents and discovers that perhaps there’s more to demonkind than she’s been told.
Can she be the savior her country needs? Or will the allure of dark forces thrust her into the shadows?
Shadow Crusade is the first in a gothic, high fantasy romance series with a badass demon huntress, an enemies-to-lovers romance, Lovecraftian immortal creatures, and epic world-building. If you enjoyed books by Leigh Bardugo, LJ Andrews, Elise Kova, and Camille Longley, then you'll devour Shadow Crusade !
Grab your copy of Shadow Crusade and start slaying demons today!
354 pages, Paperback
Published December 17, 2020
46 people are currently reading
573 people want to read
About the author
Jessaca Willis
31 books257 followersJESSACA is a fantasy writer with an inclination toward the dark, epic, and romance sub-genres. She draws inspiration from books like the Nevernight Chronicles & ACOTAR, videogames like Dark Souls III, and television shows like Game of Thrones and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
She is a self-proclaimed nerd who loves cosplay, video games, and comics, and if you live in the PNW, you just might see her at one of the local comic conventions in one of her favorite RWBY cosplays!
She is a self-proclaimed nerd who loves cosplay, video games, and comics, and if you live in the PNW, you just might see her at one of the local comic conventions in one of her favorite RWBY cosplays!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 25, 2020
The novel plunges the reader into a bleak world of war, where humans are forced to make the last stand against the forces of the darkness that take more and more of the land. As the leadership has "more important" concerns, the only hope of defense for the common people is the Shadow Crusade, an army of volunteers. Here we are following two young people who join the force and train to fight demons, making friends along the way, and learning more of what's going on behind the scenes.
Even if it wasn't an official inspiration, the world reminded me most of the Grishaverse Trilogy, except it was more well-rounded, mature and the journey was definitely more enjoyable. While the world was intriguing already with the information provided at the beginning, there were some mysteries brewing in the background and they kept me guessing throughout the book. The clues sprinkled here and there with real skill fed my curiosity and made the read very exciting.
The characters felt very really with all their flaws and prejudices and I was entertained by following the changing relations between them. Some of them I loved, some I hated, some annoyed me to no end, but they all were very human and came alive on the pages of the book.
The only element I didn't like at all was the romance. I disliked the male interest from the very beginning and he only got worse later on. I can't really root for the romance, if I don't at the very least feel neutral towards both sides. Since it was a significant portion of the story, it impacted my overall enjoyment of the novel.
It doesn't change the fact that the direction in which the plot is going is very intriguing and I'm looking forward to discovering more of this awesome world.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Even if it wasn't an official inspiration, the world reminded me most of the Grishaverse Trilogy, except it was more well-rounded, mature and the journey was definitely more enjoyable. While the world was intriguing already with the information provided at the beginning, there were some mysteries brewing in the background and they kept me guessing throughout the book. The clues sprinkled here and there with real skill fed my curiosity and made the read very exciting.
The characters felt very really with all their flaws and prejudices and I was entertained by following the changing relations between them. Some of them I loved, some I hated, some annoyed me to no end, but they all were very human and came alive on the pages of the book.
The only element I didn't like at all was the romance. I disliked the male interest from the very beginning and he only got worse later on. I can't really root for the romance, if I don't at the very least feel neutral towards both sides. Since it was a significant portion of the story, it impacted my overall enjoyment of the novel.
It doesn't change the fact that the direction in which the plot is going is very intriguing and I'm looking forward to discovering more of this awesome world.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2020
ACOTAR with demons instead of fae, set in the world of Dark Souls III...
That's what I was thinking of when I wrote this series. Now, like with all stories, as I wrote, it started to develop into something of its own accord, but I was constantly coming back to the things that inspired me to write this early on.
I'd like to think that Shadow Crusade isn't your typical demon hunter story. Demons are commonly associated with the urban fantasy genre, but this is an epic fantasy tale. The demons in this book are not reddish imps and devils; they are Lovecraftian beasts mean to instill horror in the hearts of mankind.
In Shadow Crusade, you will meet Halira Devonshire, one of the most relatable characters I think I've ever written. She struggles with the monotony of life and not having a strong sense of direction. She wouldn't describe herself as happy, but she's neither discontented. Life is what it is and she's going through the motions to make it through each day. But when tragedy befalls her family, she suddenly finds herself motivated and inspired in a way she never has before.
Shadow Crusade is a grim but magical story of revenge, of friendships and found family, of triumph over hardship; and most importantly, of discovering oneself amid the ruins of one's life.
To my readers, I truly hope you enjoy accompanying Halira on the path of vengeance, and the secrets she learns about herself and her world along the way.
That's what I was thinking of when I wrote this series. Now, like with all stories, as I wrote, it started to develop into something of its own accord, but I was constantly coming back to the things that inspired me to write this early on.
I'd like to think that Shadow Crusade isn't your typical demon hunter story. Demons are commonly associated with the urban fantasy genre, but this is an epic fantasy tale. The demons in this book are not reddish imps and devils; they are Lovecraftian beasts mean to instill horror in the hearts of mankind.
In Shadow Crusade, you will meet Halira Devonshire, one of the most relatable characters I think I've ever written. She struggles with the monotony of life and not having a strong sense of direction. She wouldn't describe herself as happy, but she's neither discontented. Life is what it is and she's going through the motions to make it through each day. But when tragedy befalls her family, she suddenly finds herself motivated and inspired in a way she never has before.
Shadow Crusade is a grim but magical story of revenge, of friendships and found family, of triumph over hardship; and most importantly, of discovering oneself amid the ruins of one's life.
To my readers, I truly hope you enjoy accompanying Halira on the path of vengeance, and the secrets she learns about herself and her world along the way.
December 31, 2020
Not good
I really wanted to like this. But I hated the main character and the love interest. The heroine is an idiot. Bad decisions, irritating snark (because she can not back it up), and weak. Really weak. She always needs saving. She is not a hero, but a damsel who should have been pushed to a supporting role.
The love interest was disappointing. I never knew a guy who loved a girl to encourage her to enlist into a job that has a few months of life expectancy. That is just crazy. It was not a believable “in love” story.
I really wanted to like this. But I hated the main character and the love interest. The heroine is an idiot. Bad decisions, irritating snark (because she can not back it up), and weak. Really weak. She always needs saving. She is not a hero, but a damsel who should have been pushed to a supporting role.
The love interest was disappointing. I never knew a guy who loved a girl to encourage her to enlist into a job that has a few months of life expectancy. That is just crazy. It was not a believable “in love” story.
January 31, 2021
Why did it take me so long to finally pick up this book? 5/5 stars!!!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When I first received my ARC for #ShadowCrusade I had a feeling I would love this book. Therefore, I felt like I needed to make time to fully immerse myself in this book and I didn’t want to read it in between other tasks, which is why I kept pushing it back for a more relaxed time. This weekend I finally took the entire weekend off and knew I would spend it with this book. And… I am glad it was the weekend. lol Because two evenings in a row I was awake until 2am and 3.30am, because this book didn’t want to let me go. It has been a minute since a book managed to do this to me!🖤
Starting this book, I got some the Hunger Games and Red Queen vibes. Not because it was the same, but because of the atmosphere! Shadow Crusade has this dark, mysterious, a little triste atmosphere that makes shivers run down to your arms, because this world is no welcoming one. I personally love books with a dark gothic vibe! And then it immediately started getting interesting with action and a mysterious creature and I was hooked. It is fast paced, full of action and feeling & it took me all of two chapters to be completely invested in the story.
The writing style itself had a huge part in this as well, because Jessaca’s writing is wonderful, fluent, fantastic and you can just inhale those words without ever being confused and stumbling about sentences etc. There is also a contrast between playfully light and dark and gruesome scenes, which is perfectly balanced, but also catches you off guard. GREAT!🖤
And then the characters! I appreciated every single character, even Halira’s awful cousin or the weirdly adorable Maxwell. 😂 And I absolutely loved the dynamics between some side characters! (Güthric and Silver)
But Halira herself? She and I - we clicked. Halira is clumsy, which is loveable, because I’m the same. 😂 And not just because of her clumsiness is she relatable. I love her, because she is NOT the most badass fighter in the world that can take on every opponent. She isn’t strong, she isn’t skilled, she doesn’t even have the most endurance. Instead she is real and loyal to those she loves and she questions things and actually THINKS. She isn’t always brave. She gets scared and wants to run often, but she has empathy. She helps those weaker than her and those who can’t fight for themselves. She tries to be brave for others and these are admirable qualities!🖤
And then there was Dimitri, who I loved, but also hated a little bit. He’s wonderful & protective, but he has many faults, is a little too stiff, a little too concerned with following the rules and a little too loyal. Other than Halira, he follows orders, but doesn’t question things like Halira does frequently.
Especially in regards to Dimitri the last portion of the book was an emotional rollercoaster in the end, because I didn’t know what he would do. I wanted him to do the “right” thing, but I think his and my version of “right” are extremely different in that aspect.
Those last 20% shocked me, made me feel relieved, broke my heart and put it back together SEVERAL times. I didn’t know whether to hate or love some characters. Some characters surprised me positively and the betrayal of others broke me. For some I thought they’d come around again others I knew were lost.
I have my theories for book 2 already though and I can’t wait to see more of a certain character whose name starts with an “R”...
All in all this book is a masterpiece and I could talk about so many things, but this #review is getting way too long already. So, let me end this with the following: Shadow Crusade is a dark novel that will literally steal your sleep and will keep you up until late in the night, because every chapter ends on a mini cliffhanger and you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from the page!🖤
When I first received my ARC for #ShadowCrusade I had a feeling I would love this book. Therefore, I felt like I needed to make time to fully immerse myself in this book and I didn’t want to read it in between other tasks, which is why I kept pushing it back for a more relaxed time. This weekend I finally took the entire weekend off and knew I would spend it with this book. And… I am glad it was the weekend. lol Because two evenings in a row I was awake until 2am and 3.30am, because this book didn’t want to let me go. It has been a minute since a book managed to do this to me!🖤
Starting this book, I got some the Hunger Games and Red Queen vibes. Not because it was the same, but because of the atmosphere! Shadow Crusade has this dark, mysterious, a little triste atmosphere that makes shivers run down to your arms, because this world is no welcoming one. I personally love books with a dark gothic vibe! And then it immediately started getting interesting with action and a mysterious creature and I was hooked. It is fast paced, full of action and feeling & it took me all of two chapters to be completely invested in the story.
The writing style itself had a huge part in this as well, because Jessaca’s writing is wonderful, fluent, fantastic and you can just inhale those words without ever being confused and stumbling about sentences etc. There is also a contrast between playfully light and dark and gruesome scenes, which is perfectly balanced, but also catches you off guard. GREAT!🖤
And then the characters! I appreciated every single character, even Halira’s awful cousin or the weirdly adorable Maxwell. 😂 And I absolutely loved the dynamics between some side characters! (Güthric and Silver)
But Halira herself? She and I - we clicked. Halira is clumsy, which is loveable, because I’m the same. 😂 And not just because of her clumsiness is she relatable. I love her, because she is NOT the most badass fighter in the world that can take on every opponent. She isn’t strong, she isn’t skilled, she doesn’t even have the most endurance. Instead she is real and loyal to those she loves and she questions things and actually THINKS. She isn’t always brave. She gets scared and wants to run often, but she has empathy. She helps those weaker than her and those who can’t fight for themselves. She tries to be brave for others and these are admirable qualities!🖤
And then there was Dimitri, who I loved, but also hated a little bit. He’s wonderful & protective, but he has many faults, is a little too stiff, a little too concerned with following the rules and a little too loyal. Other than Halira, he follows orders, but doesn’t question things like Halira does frequently.
Especially in regards to Dimitri the last portion of the book was an emotional rollercoaster in the end, because I didn’t know what he would do. I wanted him to do the “right” thing, but I think his and my version of “right” are extremely different in that aspect.
Those last 20% shocked me, made me feel relieved, broke my heart and put it back together SEVERAL times. I didn’t know whether to hate or love some characters. Some characters surprised me positively and the betrayal of others broke me. For some I thought they’d come around again others I knew were lost.
I have my theories for book 2 already though and I can’t wait to see more of a certain character whose name starts with an “R”...
All in all this book is a masterpiece and I could talk about so many things, but this #review is getting way too long already. So, let me end this with the following: Shadow Crusade is a dark novel that will literally steal your sleep and will keep you up until late in the night, because every chapter ends on a mini cliffhanger and you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from the page!🖤
February 26, 2021
Shadow Crusade is an exhilarating start to an epic new fantasy romance series by Jessaca Willis. Incredible world-building, horrifying monsters, edge-of-your-seat action, believable characters, and intriguing mysteries are just part of what make this novel so great. You know me, I love a bit of romance in everything I read and this book does not disappoint. Although, I’m not sure what it says about me that any time an evil-looking half demon/half man shows up I immediately see it as a romantic interest.
Halira is such a refreshing heroine. While her tragic backstory may be typical for a fantasy MC, her flaws reveal a character who’s far more relatable. She doesn’t cower to her friends, family, or superior’s wishes. She’s independent, yet compassionate. She’s sassy, but not to the point of annoyance. She doesn’t join the crusade and immediately become a skilled warrior. That’s not to say there isn’t a bit of magic and mystery surrounding our FMC. Suffice it to say, she’s the kind of character that captures your attention and your heart. If only she were real, I think we’d be best friends.
Dimitri is not my favorite person, but only because I don’t jive with his personality. All of the characters in Shadow Crusade (side characters included) are thoroughly well written. I appreciate that Willis did not create one-dimensional characters that are distinctly good or bad, likeable or hated. Rather, they posses both flaws and redeeming qualities that feel authentic and well-rounded.
This book has plenty of action, but feels like it is just the tip of the iceberg of what Willis has planned for this epic series. Fans of paranormal romance and high fantasy alike will adore this first installment of the Primordials of Shadowthorn.
Halira is such a refreshing heroine. While her tragic backstory may be typical for a fantasy MC, her flaws reveal a character who’s far more relatable. She doesn’t cower to her friends, family, or superior’s wishes. She’s independent, yet compassionate. She’s sassy, but not to the point of annoyance. She doesn’t join the crusade and immediately become a skilled warrior. That’s not to say there isn’t a bit of magic and mystery surrounding our FMC. Suffice it to say, she’s the kind of character that captures your attention and your heart. If only she were real, I think we’d be best friends.
Dimitri is not my favorite person, but only because I don’t jive with his personality. All of the characters in Shadow Crusade (side characters included) are thoroughly well written. I appreciate that Willis did not create one-dimensional characters that are distinctly good or bad, likeable or hated. Rather, they posses both flaws and redeeming qualities that feel authentic and well-rounded.
This book has plenty of action, but feels like it is just the tip of the iceberg of what Willis has planned for this epic series. Fans of paranormal romance and high fantasy alike will adore this first installment of the Primordials of Shadowthorn.
December 30, 2020
Wow this was one Hell of a story. In a good way of course. There's so much to divulge here, I barely know where to begin. And I certainly don't want to reveal any spoilers.
Halira bared witness to her parents and neighbors die by monstrous demons. With that gruesome fate, she decides to follow along her childhood friend Dimitri to become Shadow Crusaders. An elite group of demon hunters using Shadowsteel weapons. Throughout the book you witness Halira, Dimitri and their friends go through extensive training and gain knowledge of the shadowthorn slowly growing and the creatures that have a craving for blood and corpses. In addition, Halira also dives far deeper. Learning some behind the scenes secrets of events to come and a dark secret of her heritage.
Okay first off, this story is GOREY AF!! If you're squeamish about blood and dead bodies, I would not recommend this. Me? I love it! More gore, more fun! Lol. Halira came hot and cold for me. There were times where I wished she would just shut up, there were times I wanted her to grow more of a spine, but I also loved her enough to root for her. She was a well balanced character, and while annoying at times, she was very relatable. She signs to become a crusader to avenge the death of her family, and even with the odds stacked against her--even when people were intentionally plotting to make her fail--her goal never wavered. I admire her determination.
Okay, now I have to talk about the love interest. Dimitri...ugh...I was SO on board with him in the beginning. I was actually surprised bc I actually thought he was the most well rounded, wise and mature guy I've ever come across in a male love interest in any book. While his tenacity to uphold the law is admirable, there were times I wished he would just let his pride go and focus more on those he love.
I still believe Dimitri is the most mature and well rounded love interest in any romance book I've read in a long time, mainly because people obsess over bully romance and push the boundary of "bully" too far. Dimitri isn't a "bad guy" but his priorities leave a lot to be desired. Right now, I'm not completely a fan, but I don't hate him. I believe there is room for redemption, which I like.
The rest of the cast were very memorable and likeable with their own quirks (except for one that I thought I liked but now I hope she dies at some point!) The world building was *chefs kiss* and you can tell Ms. Willis put a lot of thought into the world she created. Which is something I greatly admire. There is so much that happened and I eagerly await for book 2 bc I'm dying to know what happens next!
There were some slight Grammar and errors, but nothing that took the story away.
***4.5/5 stars! I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.***
Halira bared witness to her parents and neighbors die by monstrous demons. With that gruesome fate, she decides to follow along her childhood friend Dimitri to become Shadow Crusaders. An elite group of demon hunters using Shadowsteel weapons. Throughout the book you witness Halira, Dimitri and their friends go through extensive training and gain knowledge of the shadowthorn slowly growing and the creatures that have a craving for blood and corpses. In addition, Halira also dives far deeper. Learning some behind the scenes secrets of events to come and a dark secret of her heritage.
Okay first off, this story is GOREY AF!! If you're squeamish about blood and dead bodies, I would not recommend this. Me? I love it! More gore, more fun! Lol. Halira came hot and cold for me. There were times where I wished she would just shut up, there were times I wanted her to grow more of a spine, but I also loved her enough to root for her. She was a well balanced character, and while annoying at times, she was very relatable. She signs to become a crusader to avenge the death of her family, and even with the odds stacked against her--even when people were intentionally plotting to make her fail--her goal never wavered. I admire her determination.
Okay, now I have to talk about the love interest. Dimitri...ugh...I was SO on board with him in the beginning. I was actually surprised bc I actually thought he was the most well rounded, wise and mature guy I've ever come across in a male love interest in any book. While his tenacity to uphold the law is admirable, there were times I wished he would just let his pride go and focus more on those he love.
I still believe Dimitri is the most mature and well rounded love interest in any romance book I've read in a long time, mainly because people obsess over bully romance and push the boundary of "bully" too far. Dimitri isn't a "bad guy" but his priorities leave a lot to be desired. Right now, I'm not completely a fan, but I don't hate him. I believe there is room for redemption, which I like.
The rest of the cast were very memorable and likeable with their own quirks (except for one that I thought I liked but now I hope she dies at some point!) The world building was *chefs kiss* and you can tell Ms. Willis put a lot of thought into the world she created. Which is something I greatly admire. There is so much that happened and I eagerly await for book 2 bc I'm dying to know what happens next!
There were some slight Grammar and errors, but nothing that took the story away.
***4.5/5 stars! I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.***
October 4, 2025
Gruesome!
A Dark Fantasy indeed. Halira's world is turned upside down the day the demons attack her quaint village. A threat that she hadn't seen first hand, but had lived under fear of her whole life. It spurs her to join the Shadow Crusade- a legion of warriors who have vowed to protect all from the blight of the demon scourge.
The story starts out slowly. Halira is naive and carefree. Listless in a small town with no goals. In love with Dimitri, the butcher. The horrific events pushing them to the training of war and the ranks of the Crusade.
I didn't much like Dimitri. He is so stalwart and righteous in a world that needs clever and cunning. Old ways aren't working and his head is stuck in the rules. I immediately felt Halira was too good for him, he'd squash her free-spirited nature. She's enamored with him though, so I read as she doted and he stopped her from her impulsive decisions. He thankfully doesn't win out and Halira is given space to be curious. Pushing the plot forward to then come to a twisty end where the stakes are raised.
I very much enjoyed the characters' development and the fact they didn't start out perfect. They are set apart and stay true to their nature, while also learning as the story unraveled. A story full of magic and gore. Love and consequences. The writing vivid and easy to follow. The end, open but harrowing to make this feel like a full story that has a continuing sequel. While the opening was slower, it really picked up the more secrets learned. I look forward to book 2 and discovering what Halira didn't know about herself.
A Dark Fantasy indeed. Halira's world is turned upside down the day the demons attack her quaint village. A threat that she hadn't seen first hand, but had lived under fear of her whole life. It spurs her to join the Shadow Crusade- a legion of warriors who have vowed to protect all from the blight of the demon scourge.
The story starts out slowly. Halira is naive and carefree. Listless in a small town with no goals. In love with Dimitri, the butcher. The horrific events pushing them to the training of war and the ranks of the Crusade.
I didn't much like Dimitri. He is so stalwart and righteous in a world that needs clever and cunning. Old ways aren't working and his head is stuck in the rules. I immediately felt Halira was too good for him, he'd squash her free-spirited nature. She's enamored with him though, so I read as she doted and he stopped her from her impulsive decisions. He thankfully doesn't win out and Halira is given space to be curious. Pushing the plot forward to then come to a twisty end where the stakes are raised.
I very much enjoyed the characters' development and the fact they didn't start out perfect. They are set apart and stay true to their nature, while also learning as the story unraveled. A story full of magic and gore. Love and consequences. The writing vivid and easy to follow. The end, open but harrowing to make this feel like a full story that has a continuing sequel. While the opening was slower, it really picked up the more secrets learned. I look forward to book 2 and discovering what Halira didn't know about herself.
October 23, 2022
For this book to have so many 5 star reviews I'm disappointed. It was just boring until the last 2 chapters. The only reason I continued to read it was because I was interested in knowing more about Ryven. I didn't really care for Halira and really really didn't like Dimitri. I'm not sure I'll continue this series.
December 30, 2020
What more do you need this book has a great plot ,fantastic characters , magic and more.
Fast moving ,really hard to put down.
So in-depth , you become a part of the story.
"DO NOT MISS THIS ONE"
Fast moving ,really hard to put down.
So in-depth , you become a part of the story.
"DO NOT MISS THIS ONE"
April 6, 2021
You know when you're reading a book and it turns into a movie in your head? Next thing you know, half the book is gone? This one definitely sucked me in that way! I love it when that happens! The characters are intriguing, the world is awesome and I totally need to know all the secrets (about Halira, about the demon man, about the druids!?!?!) now!!! It has action and adventure, mysterious demon men and magic. What else do you need?
A huge thank you to Jessaca Willis and Book of Matches Media for the e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
⚠️Warnings: death/grief, gore depiction.
A huge thank you to Jessaca Willis and Book of Matches Media for the e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
⚠️Warnings: death/grief, gore depiction.
February 1, 2021
4⭐️
English
Because I really loved Soul of The Crow by @jessaca_with_an_a on Instagram, that's the reason I was so excited to start this new book of the author, Shadow Crusade.
This book is placed in a world which is in War with the demons. So, people will need to join an army as a volunteers to combat against these dark force and defense their World from these dark army.
Also, this army is called The Shadow Crusade and that's why the name of the book.
During the story, we follow two young characters in the story who join to this army and train to fight.
One of them is characters is Halira. She joined to this warriors because the demons slaughtered her parents.
This is a great story, I'm enjoying it very much like Soul of The Crow. And also you can feel the dark and gothic vibes of the author here. I enjoyed the Lovecraft's references too.
In the other side to the characters, these ones have their own voices. You can't loss any of them.
Highly recommend it!!
Español
Debido a que disfruté muchísimo Soul of the Crow por Jessaca Willis, estaba muy emocionada por comenzar a leer este nuevo libro Shadow Crusade.
Este libro se sitúa en un mundo en guerra, debido a que este mundo está plagado de demonios. Por lo mismo, los humanos con tal de defender su mundo crean el ejército Shadow Crusade (como se llama el libro).
Durante la historia seguimos a los dos protagonistas que son dos jóvenes (una chica y un chico). Una de estas protagonistas es Halira, quien se ha unido al ejército después de que sus padres fueron sacrificados por estos demonios.
En general, es una gran historia. Y la he disfrutado tanto como disfruté Soul of the Crow. También, se puede fácilmente apreciar las vibras dark y góticas que tiene la autora en sus historias aquí. Un gran punto a favor, fueron las referencias a HP Lovecraft.
Y por el lado de los protagonistas, ambos se pueden distinguir muy fácilmente.
¡Muy recomendado!
English
Because I really loved Soul of The Crow by @jessaca_with_an_a on Instagram, that's the reason I was so excited to start this new book of the author, Shadow Crusade.
This book is placed in a world which is in War with the demons. So, people will need to join an army as a volunteers to combat against these dark force and defense their World from these dark army.
Also, this army is called The Shadow Crusade and that's why the name of the book.
During the story, we follow two young characters in the story who join to this army and train to fight.
One of them is characters is Halira. She joined to this warriors because the demons slaughtered her parents.
This is a great story, I'm enjoying it very much like Soul of The Crow. And also you can feel the dark and gothic vibes of the author here. I enjoyed the Lovecraft's references too.
In the other side to the characters, these ones have their own voices. You can't loss any of them.
Highly recommend it!!
Español
Debido a que disfruté muchísimo Soul of the Crow por Jessaca Willis, estaba muy emocionada por comenzar a leer este nuevo libro Shadow Crusade.
Este libro se sitúa en un mundo en guerra, debido a que este mundo está plagado de demonios. Por lo mismo, los humanos con tal de defender su mundo crean el ejército Shadow Crusade (como se llama el libro).
Durante la historia seguimos a los dos protagonistas que son dos jóvenes (una chica y un chico). Una de estas protagonistas es Halira, quien se ha unido al ejército después de que sus padres fueron sacrificados por estos demonios.
En general, es una gran historia. Y la he disfrutado tanto como disfruté Soul of the Crow. También, se puede fácilmente apreciar las vibras dark y góticas que tiene la autora en sus historias aquí. Un gran punto a favor, fueron las referencias a HP Lovecraft.
Y por el lado de los protagonistas, ambos se pueden distinguir muy fácilmente.
¡Muy recomendado!
January 1, 2021
Since I loved Jessaca Willis's other series, Reapers of Veltuur, I knew I had to read this one! The world-building is detailed to the point that you feel immersed in the world, but not overwhelmed with unnecessary info. I kept waiting for something to happen (hard to describe, but it was a feeling), something that would push Halira onto a path all her own, and the waiting paid off!
Dimitri was a great foil to Halira, and I'm interested to see what becomes of him. I really loved the other side characters as well, like Silver and Güthric. This book, as it's the first in the series, did a great job setting the stage for a larger scope of events to come, and I'm really excited to read the next book and see what happens!
Dimitri was a great foil to Halira, and I'm interested to see what becomes of him. I really loved the other side characters as well, like Silver and Güthric. This book, as it's the first in the series, did a great job setting the stage for a larger scope of events to come, and I'm really excited to read the next book and see what happens!
January 9, 2021
Actually 3.50 stars, not just 3.
Throughout Shadow Crusade by Jessaca Willis, we follow the story of Halira Devonshire, a girl whose life changes forever the moment her parents are killed by ravenous demons. After such a traumatizing encounter with the monsters that only get stronger with every passing day, Halira decides to join her best friend Dominic in a life-changing journey by signing herself up for the Shadow Crusade. The Shadow Crusade ends up being humanity’s last hope for surviving the blight and defeating the last primordial Qaeus before he eventually unleashes his chaos upon them. The world-building, the demon-lore and Halira’s adventure all sounded very promising at the beginning, but once the crusader training begun I couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed. I mean, learning about the importance of shadowsteel weapons and how easily they can slice through a demon wasn’t boring, and neither was learning about the mystery surrounding the catacombs or the importance of the ink the crusaders use to paint marks across their faces before entering the blight. All of that ended up being super interesting and unique, but the pacing of it all ended up being too slow for my own good.
Therefore, even though the lectures and the training for the new recruits helped the world building expand and make the story more intriguing, I personally felt like it lasted a lot longer than it should’ve. This sadly made the story feel long and uneventful, yet something that kind of managed to make up for it was the mystery behind Halira’s family and those who lived in what is still known as the Forgotten Forest of Eyve. Another thing that I actually enjoyed about this book were the characters–or most of them anyways. For example, I didn’t really enjoy Halira’s best friend or her sister, but I did love the part they played when it came to pushing Halira forward to do something with her life after her parents died. And from the little group of people that we get to meet once Halira joins the Shadow Crusade, my favorite one was Silver; a girl that seemed quiet and reserved but ended up being a lot stronger and smarter than she looked!
In the end, Shadow Crusade was a lot harder to get through than I thought it would be but I can’t complain much. The pace was slow and heavy, but I still managed to enjoy unexpected character interactions and most of the plot twists! I may have not been a big fan of the fact that what was left of Halira’s family treated her like garbage but that actually ended up building up quite an interesting conclusion–which I won’t spoil at all but do know that it was pretty good! If you’re a fan of dark fantasy books full of demons, powerful and mysterious beings, a little romance and a few other surprises, then you might want to give this one a try!
Throughout Shadow Crusade by Jessaca Willis, we follow the story of Halira Devonshire, a girl whose life changes forever the moment her parents are killed by ravenous demons. After such a traumatizing encounter with the monsters that only get stronger with every passing day, Halira decides to join her best friend Dominic in a life-changing journey by signing herself up for the Shadow Crusade. The Shadow Crusade ends up being humanity’s last hope for surviving the blight and defeating the last primordial Qaeus before he eventually unleashes his chaos upon them. The world-building, the demon-lore and Halira’s adventure all sounded very promising at the beginning, but once the crusader training begun I couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed. I mean, learning about the importance of shadowsteel weapons and how easily they can slice through a demon wasn’t boring, and neither was learning about the mystery surrounding the catacombs or the importance of the ink the crusaders use to paint marks across their faces before entering the blight. All of that ended up being super interesting and unique, but the pacing of it all ended up being too slow for my own good.
Therefore, even though the lectures and the training for the new recruits helped the world building expand and make the story more intriguing, I personally felt like it lasted a lot longer than it should’ve. This sadly made the story feel long and uneventful, yet something that kind of managed to make up for it was the mystery behind Halira’s family and those who lived in what is still known as the Forgotten Forest of Eyve. Another thing that I actually enjoyed about this book were the characters–or most of them anyways. For example, I didn’t really enjoy Halira’s best friend or her sister, but I did love the part they played when it came to pushing Halira forward to do something with her life after her parents died. And from the little group of people that we get to meet once Halira joins the Shadow Crusade, my favorite one was Silver; a girl that seemed quiet and reserved but ended up being a lot stronger and smarter than she looked!
In the end, Shadow Crusade was a lot harder to get through than I thought it would be but I can’t complain much. The pace was slow and heavy, but I still managed to enjoy unexpected character interactions and most of the plot twists! I may have not been a big fan of the fact that what was left of Halira’s family treated her like garbage but that actually ended up building up quite an interesting conclusion–which I won’t spoil at all but do know that it was pretty good! If you’re a fan of dark fantasy books full of demons, powerful and mysterious beings, a little romance and a few other surprises, then you might want to give this one a try!
October 13, 2023
I'm absolutely hooked, and I can't help but sing praises for Jessaca's brilliant work. The protagonist, Halira, is not just a character; she's a confidante, a friend, someone I felt an instant connection with. In the world of literature, there are characters that you read about, and then there are those like Halira, who you become a part of. Her reliability and depth make her someone you can't help but root for from the very beginning.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is the world-building. Jessaca has a unique gift for crafting intricate and captivating settings that breathe life into the story. As a reader, you'll find yourself completely immersed in a world where every corner, every scene, and every detail has been thoughtfully designed. The vivid imagery and detailed descriptions make it easy to lose yourself in this imaginative landscape, a testament to the author's storytelling prowess.
For fans of "A Court of Thorns and Roses" (ACOTAR), this book is an absolute must-read. If you've been yearning for a story that offers the same level of intrigue, romance, and magical escapism, Jessaca's creation is sure to captivate your heart. It's a tale that seamlessly weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure, making it an enticing read for anyone who enjoys the genre.
The characters, especially Halira, are multi-dimensional, with relatable qualities that draw you into their lives. The dialogue is well-crafted, offering insights into their personalities and relationships. The plot unfolds with twists and turns that keep you eagerly flipping pages, and the pacing is spot-on, ensuring you'll never want to put the book down.
As someone who adores immersive, enchanting, and emotionally resonant tales, I can confidently say that Jessaca's book has all the ingredients for a captivating reading experience. So, if you're searching for your next literary adventure, look no further. Dive into this enchanting world and get ready to be swept away on a breathtaking journey that will leave you yearning for more. Jessaca's storytelling prowess and world-building wizardry make this book an unmissable gem in the realm of fantasy literature. It's an enchanting tale that will linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the final page, and I can't recommend it enough. Happy reading! 💕
One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is the world-building. Jessaca has a unique gift for crafting intricate and captivating settings that breathe life into the story. As a reader, you'll find yourself completely immersed in a world where every corner, every scene, and every detail has been thoughtfully designed. The vivid imagery and detailed descriptions make it easy to lose yourself in this imaginative landscape, a testament to the author's storytelling prowess.
For fans of "A Court of Thorns and Roses" (ACOTAR), this book is an absolute must-read. If you've been yearning for a story that offers the same level of intrigue, romance, and magical escapism, Jessaca's creation is sure to captivate your heart. It's a tale that seamlessly weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure, making it an enticing read for anyone who enjoys the genre.
The characters, especially Halira, are multi-dimensional, with relatable qualities that draw you into their lives. The dialogue is well-crafted, offering insights into their personalities and relationships. The plot unfolds with twists and turns that keep you eagerly flipping pages, and the pacing is spot-on, ensuring you'll never want to put the book down.
As someone who adores immersive, enchanting, and emotionally resonant tales, I can confidently say that Jessaca's book has all the ingredients for a captivating reading experience. So, if you're searching for your next literary adventure, look no further. Dive into this enchanting world and get ready to be swept away on a breathtaking journey that will leave you yearning for more. Jessaca's storytelling prowess and world-building wizardry make this book an unmissable gem in the realm of fantasy literature. It's an enchanting tale that will linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the final page, and I can't recommend it enough. Happy reading! 💕
June 21, 2021
My personal warning! Be prepared to have time available, because once you start there is no putting this book back down! A thoroughly well-written book!!
“The mages abandoned us, expecting the demons to slaughter all of mankind. But what they did not know was that we were too brave to cower and die. We are the Shadow Crusade!... A protector, to be fearless on the face of death. A Crusader not only fights for themselves but for all of Arcathian.”
When entering into the world of Primordial of Shadow thorn created by Jessaca Willis, you would have to literally leave everything you know about goth/dark fantasy at the door.
To be honest, this is the first time that I read something of Jessaca Willis and when I started to read Shadow Crusade. I had to put it back down after the Prologue. The idea was not something I was familiar with, but with every great book, it's always the second read that everything falls into place, and you get drawn into a story like never before…
Where do I start? Shadow Crusade is simply amazing. It is in first-person writing where we follow the journey of Halira Devonshire, we witness the closeness, bravery, and loyalty she has to her family and her long-time friend Dimitri. We also see that Halira experienced some kind of abuse by her cousins in the past but hid it so no one would know. However, after a sudden attack in their community. She witnesses her parents being murdered by Lovecraftian beasts and enlists in the Shadow crusade to get her revenge.
Now the characters?
Halira is one of the strongest characters I ever know. She knows her weakness, knows that she may fail but she does not let it stop her from achieving her goal, especially if the people she considers close friends are threatened. This what makes me love this book because the main character is not a total pushover or a doormat. She fights for what she believes is right. It reminds me of that saying “innocent until proven guilty”.
Dimitri, I think I have a love/hate relationship with him, LOL. He plays such a strong companion but a weak love interest. He is always there to protect Halira and most of the time is there to hold her back from getting into trouble. Though, I think Halira just innocently walks into it with her questioning nature and mouthy mouth. I am at the stage where I think he is either redeemable or Halira just needs someone new …….[big smiles. Hopefully Ryven?]
Fox. Do I need to say more other than she lived up to her name?
Overall, Jessaca Wallis has created this world, that reminds me of the dark ages, during the war, where people are fighting just to survive day-to-day. It is so well written that the words used, create descriptive images that make you feel like it is actually a movie you are watching and not just a book you are reading. It pulls on emotions from happiness, to laughter, tear-jerking moments and emotions, nervousness, frustration, and anger that make you want to step through the book and slap Dimitri [LOL], love, betrayal to acceptance, and a hunger for more…
I do recommend it to those who enjoy the twist of war, self-discovery, laugher, light romance, betrayal, and a well-written book.
Cannot wait to start the next book called Blighted Heart by Jessaca Willis!!!!!
“The mages abandoned us, expecting the demons to slaughter all of mankind. But what they did not know was that we were too brave to cower and die. We are the Shadow Crusade!... A protector, to be fearless on the face of death. A Crusader not only fights for themselves but for all of Arcathian.”
When entering into the world of Primordial of Shadow thorn created by Jessaca Willis, you would have to literally leave everything you know about goth/dark fantasy at the door.
To be honest, this is the first time that I read something of Jessaca Willis and when I started to read Shadow Crusade. I had to put it back down after the Prologue. The idea was not something I was familiar with, but with every great book, it's always the second read that everything falls into place, and you get drawn into a story like never before…
Where do I start? Shadow Crusade is simply amazing. It is in first-person writing where we follow the journey of Halira Devonshire, we witness the closeness, bravery, and loyalty she has to her family and her long-time friend Dimitri. We also see that Halira experienced some kind of abuse by her cousins in the past but hid it so no one would know. However, after a sudden attack in their community. She witnesses her parents being murdered by Lovecraftian beasts and enlists in the Shadow crusade to get her revenge.
Now the characters?
Halira is one of the strongest characters I ever know. She knows her weakness, knows that she may fail but she does not let it stop her from achieving her goal, especially if the people she considers close friends are threatened. This what makes me love this book because the main character is not a total pushover or a doormat. She fights for what she believes is right. It reminds me of that saying “innocent until proven guilty”.
Dimitri, I think I have a love/hate relationship with him, LOL. He plays such a strong companion but a weak love interest. He is always there to protect Halira and most of the time is there to hold her back from getting into trouble. Though, I think Halira just innocently walks into it with her questioning nature and mouthy mouth. I am at the stage where I think he is either redeemable or Halira just needs someone new …….[big smiles. Hopefully Ryven?]
Fox. Do I need to say more other than she lived up to her name?
Overall, Jessaca Wallis has created this world, that reminds me of the dark ages, during the war, where people are fighting just to survive day-to-day. It is so well written that the words used, create descriptive images that make you feel like it is actually a movie you are watching and not just a book you are reading. It pulls on emotions from happiness, to laughter, tear-jerking moments and emotions, nervousness, frustration, and anger that make you want to step through the book and slap Dimitri [LOL], love, betrayal to acceptance, and a hunger for more…
I do recommend it to those who enjoy the twist of war, self-discovery, laugher, light romance, betrayal, and a well-written book.
Cannot wait to start the next book called Blighted Heart by Jessaca Willis!!!!!
January 23, 2021
3.5 / 5 stars
I had the pleasure of participating in an ARC tour for this book. This review (spoiler-free!) represents my fair and honest reaction to the book.
I have to say, I LOVED the unique and interesting world that the author has created! The Shadowthorn, a demon-infested dark forest, is creeping across the world of humans, and they have long since been abandoned by the magic-wielding mages (who took half the land with them when they went, dividing the world). Life is grim and difficult for pretty much everyone. Most of the main characters have lost all they hold dear, and joining the Shadow Crusade, the organized and trained soldiers whose mission is to protect the world from the Shadowthorn and, hopefully, eventually destroy the last remaining "Primordial"--the very evil being from which the demons emanate. I loved Halira, the main character, right from the start. She is feisty and opinionated, but also kind and quick-witted. I also liked Dimitri, her love interest, although his tendency toward loyalty and rule-following above all else was irritating for sure--which I think was the author's purpose. And haven't we all known those types in real life? I thought the characters were well done and the world was fascinating. I will say that there were three things that I would change/improve about this book if I could: 1) the pacing felt a little off--too slow at first, then much too fast at the end--but that could just be my personal preference for things that are a little more even; 2) sometimes the wordings/sentence structures felt a bit choppy and didn't come together right--I found myself rereading at times in order to understand, and there were other times where it seemed like something was missing between sentences; 3) there was some repetition in the plot towards the end that was confusing and unnecessary (I won't say more because I don't want to spoil anything). But overall, this is a solid start to a series, and the way it ended, I am just DYING for the next one so I can know what will happen next and get my questions answered. I want to know more about Halira's background and capabilities, and about the mysterious demon-man. Thanks for a great read!
I had the pleasure of participating in an ARC tour for this book. This review (spoiler-free!) represents my fair and honest reaction to the book.
I have to say, I LOVED the unique and interesting world that the author has created! The Shadowthorn, a demon-infested dark forest, is creeping across the world of humans, and they have long since been abandoned by the magic-wielding mages (who took half the land with them when they went, dividing the world). Life is grim and difficult for pretty much everyone. Most of the main characters have lost all they hold dear, and joining the Shadow Crusade, the organized and trained soldiers whose mission is to protect the world from the Shadowthorn and, hopefully, eventually destroy the last remaining "Primordial"--the very evil being from which the demons emanate. I loved Halira, the main character, right from the start. She is feisty and opinionated, but also kind and quick-witted. I also liked Dimitri, her love interest, although his tendency toward loyalty and rule-following above all else was irritating for sure--which I think was the author's purpose. And haven't we all known those types in real life? I thought the characters were well done and the world was fascinating. I will say that there were three things that I would change/improve about this book if I could: 1) the pacing felt a little off--too slow at first, then much too fast at the end--but that could just be my personal preference for things that are a little more even; 2) sometimes the wordings/sentence structures felt a bit choppy and didn't come together right--I found myself rereading at times in order to understand, and there were other times where it seemed like something was missing between sentences; 3) there was some repetition in the plot towards the end that was confusing and unnecessary (I won't say more because I don't want to spoil anything). But overall, this is a solid start to a series, and the way it ended, I am just DYING for the next one so I can know what will happen next and get my questions answered. I want to know more about Halira's background and capabilities, and about the mysterious demon-man. Thanks for a great read!
January 26, 2021
Shadow Crusade is the first book in the new adult Dark Gothic Fantasy Primordials of Shadowthorn series by Jessaca Willis. I really, really enjoyed Shadow Crusade. I am super pumped to continue on with the series because this world is creepy and riveting. I was easily drawn in to Jessaca Willis' fantastic writing, everything in this story flowed really well. It is a pretty dark book and there are some graphic battle scenes featuring some gruesome deaths, so be warned about that. If that is a trigger for you, then you might want to try a different book, but if you are not put off by that, I think The Primordials of Shadowthorn series is a fantastic read for fans of dark fantasies. I am already itching to read something else by this author.
In Shadow Crusade we meet out main character, Halira as she goes to see her best friend off to join the Shadow Crusade. Halira is not allowed to join because her parents believe it is a death sentence. The Shadow Crusade fights demons that are infecting the land with a disease called Blight and viciously slaughtering everything in their path. When Halira sees a demon attack on her way home, she discovers that both of her parents were killed. Newly orphaned and bent on revenge, Halira joins the Shadow Crusade and her dark and dangerous adventure begins. I loved Halira and her friend Dimitri.
I can't wait to see more of the world because a lot of this book was spent in Shadow Crusade training, which will really appeal to fans of an academy setting. I was pleasantly surprised that they went to an academy of sorts as well because I am always a sucker for a boarding school/training school/academy in my stories. I do hope that we get to see more of this world in the next book as well as learn more about the blight and the different kinds of demons. I am also hoping for some more romance in the next book. There was a little in Shadow Crusade but not too much and I am interested to see where that will go. I flew through this story in just a few short hours and I found myself wanting the next book to continue on! I really enjoyed Shadow Crusade and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
In Shadow Crusade we meet out main character, Halira as she goes to see her best friend off to join the Shadow Crusade. Halira is not allowed to join because her parents believe it is a death sentence. The Shadow Crusade fights demons that are infecting the land with a disease called Blight and viciously slaughtering everything in their path. When Halira sees a demon attack on her way home, she discovers that both of her parents were killed. Newly orphaned and bent on revenge, Halira joins the Shadow Crusade and her dark and dangerous adventure begins. I loved Halira and her friend Dimitri.
I can't wait to see more of the world because a lot of this book was spent in Shadow Crusade training, which will really appeal to fans of an academy setting. I was pleasantly surprised that they went to an academy of sorts as well because I am always a sucker for a boarding school/training school/academy in my stories. I do hope that we get to see more of this world in the next book as well as learn more about the blight and the different kinds of demons. I am also hoping for some more romance in the next book. There was a little in Shadow Crusade but not too much and I am interested to see where that will go. I flew through this story in just a few short hours and I found myself wanting the next book to continue on! I really enjoyed Shadow Crusade and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
December 28, 2020
This is an edge of your seat thrill ride! Hold on tightly or you may toss your book when things get bumpy. There are some very ghastly events in this and the imaginative depth is spectacular! The world building is utterly fantastic.
This is the 1st that I've ever read from this author and I'm absolutely invested to continue on with this series, because honestly I need some answers!
Halira is intriguing. The discovery of who she is and what she will become and how this plot shapes itself makes this unputdownable! When she chose her weapon and realized the history of it, I kept waiting for something magical to happen when she faced battle with it. I kept thinking... now her magic will mix with this legend and we'll discover something beyond exciting. I'm still holding out for that!
Dimitri gave me whiplash. I couldn't decide from one chapter to the next whether I liked him. I kept waiting for this huge division between Halira and him. And was honestly rooting for it by the end. He wasn't who she needed. He has a lot of maturing and world experience to gain. Then... I think he'll be hero worthy.
I have to be totally honest here. Can we just have a lot more of Ryven!? He's delicious and protective and once he was introduced I just wanted more of him. There is just so many things about him that I need to know! He is rocking some serious Rhysand vibes!
There were a few scenes where I was trying to keep up with what was going on. But honestly this is a book that you'll want to just roll with and keep reading. It's just that engrossing! And the cover has me crushing upon it! It's glorious!
This is the 1st that I've ever read from this author and I'm absolutely invested to continue on with this series, because honestly I need some answers!
Halira is intriguing. The discovery of who she is and what she will become and how this plot shapes itself makes this unputdownable! When she chose her weapon and realized the history of it, I kept waiting for something magical to happen when she faced battle with it. I kept thinking... now her magic will mix with this legend and we'll discover something beyond exciting. I'm still holding out for that!
Dimitri gave me whiplash. I couldn't decide from one chapter to the next whether I liked him. I kept waiting for this huge division between Halira and him. And was honestly rooting for it by the end. He wasn't who she needed. He has a lot of maturing and world experience to gain. Then... I think he'll be hero worthy.
I have to be totally honest here. Can we just have a lot more of Ryven!? He's delicious and protective and once he was introduced I just wanted more of him. There is just so many things about him that I need to know! He is rocking some serious Rhysand vibes!
There were a few scenes where I was trying to keep up with what was going on. But honestly this is a book that you'll want to just roll with and keep reading. It's just that engrossing! And the cover has me crushing upon it! It's glorious!
December 27, 2020
Shadow Crusade is a fantastic start to a new series brought to us by Jessaca Willis. Halira lives in a world where demons plague the land and tyrants rule the day. The one bulwark against destruction is the Shadow Crusade, a group of warriors who dedicate themselves to defeating the demon scourge. Halira has no pretention to join in the Crusade, but when a horrible demon attack kills her parents, she finds herself in line to sign up to fight with a renewed purpose. Now Halira is off to train to become a Shadow Crusader and to help put an end to the reign of darkness that plagues Aracathein, but there are numerous obstacles that stand in the way, including a secret power of her own that could mark her for death.
I absolutely loved Shadow Crusade! Willis has succeeded in inventing a unique and dark fantasy world filled with grotesque monsters, unpredictable magic, and really fantastic characters. The world-building in this book is masterclass, a world that is both gothic and high fantasy at its finest. I loved Halira as a MC and how she navigates the world of the Shadow Crusade in a world that is determined to see her fail because of who she is and the secrets she keeps. I also thought that the sibling relationship between Halira and her sister Kalli was really well done. I was intrigued by the politics and power-moves made by the major actors in Halira's world and how she defies them at every turn. Willis's writing style and pacing is really well done in this book and there wasn't a point where I felt my attention or interest in the plot as I read it. If anything, I devoured this book and couldn't put it down towards the end. Shadow Crusade is a fast-paced high fantasy about duty-the duty we have to family, to our friends, and most importantly to ourselves.
I absolutely loved Shadow Crusade! Willis has succeeded in inventing a unique and dark fantasy world filled with grotesque monsters, unpredictable magic, and really fantastic characters. The world-building in this book is masterclass, a world that is both gothic and high fantasy at its finest. I loved Halira as a MC and how she navigates the world of the Shadow Crusade in a world that is determined to see her fail because of who she is and the secrets she keeps. I also thought that the sibling relationship between Halira and her sister Kalli was really well done. I was intrigued by the politics and power-moves made by the major actors in Halira's world and how she defies them at every turn. Willis's writing style and pacing is really well done in this book and there wasn't a point where I felt my attention or interest in the plot as I read it. If anything, I devoured this book and couldn't put it down towards the end. Shadow Crusade is a fast-paced high fantasy about duty-the duty we have to family, to our friends, and most importantly to ourselves.
Read
January 25, 2021I was introduced to Jessaca Willis last year with her Reapers of Veltuur series and I absolutely fell in love with her dark style. So, as you could guess, I jumped at the chance to read this one. And it did not disappoint. There was just so much to love and just so many characters you couldn’t help but to love to hate.
So, like I said there are a lot of characters that you might not love so much, but… you know… still love. And that’s because these characters are beautifully morally grey and imperfectly perfect. Which you know I absolutely live for in books. And characters aside the plot is crazy so buckle up for some mysteries and twists and just a whole bunch of…. yeah, well, I’m not gonna actually tell you. So read it to find out.
But yeah, this was one heck of a read and I definitely might have found myself losing some sleep to binge it. So don’t start this one late at night if you aspire to go to sleep at some point in the night. But make sure you don’t miss out on this one! And also check out her other works while you’re at it.
You can view my full review on my blog! I also post about a lot of different types of books!
Reader | Bookstagrammer | Blogger | Reviewer
@ya.its.lit - https://www.instagram.com/ya.its.lit/
Blog - https://yaitslitblog.wordpress.com/
So, like I said there are a lot of characters that you might not love so much, but… you know… still love. And that’s because these characters are beautifully morally grey and imperfectly perfect. Which you know I absolutely live for in books. And characters aside the plot is crazy so buckle up for some mysteries and twists and just a whole bunch of…. yeah, well, I’m not gonna actually tell you. So read it to find out.
But yeah, this was one heck of a read and I definitely might have found myself losing some sleep to binge it. So don’t start this one late at night if you aspire to go to sleep at some point in the night. But make sure you don’t miss out on this one! And also check out her other works while you’re at it.
You can view my full review on my blog! I also post about a lot of different types of books!
Reader | Bookstagrammer | Blogger | Reviewer
@ya.its.lit - https://www.instagram.com/ya.its.lit/
Blog - https://yaitslitblog.wordpress.com/
January 24, 2021
Shadow Crusade is about a girl named Halira who decides to join the Shadow Crusade (elite demon hunting warriors who wield Shadowblade steel) to defend the people against the shadow creatures in the Shadowthorn and exact her revenge for her parents death.
Halira is a very relatable character and I enjoyed her immensely! She joins alongside her long standing friend, Dimitri, who is by the book and believes rules come first. As much as I enjoyed Halira, I despised Dimitri just as equally. He got on my nerves most of the book and I just wanted to shake him! He cared TO much about following the law and let it affect his relationships with Halira and the others included.
I loved the difference between each of the characters. They were very enjoyable when they appeared and made me laugh. This story has definite darker elements (which I’m a sucker for) and definite gore parts. If you are into dark themes, magic, and revenge then I think this story is for you.
I’m excited to see what happens next, especially after that ending!
Halira is a very relatable character and I enjoyed her immensely! She joins alongside her long standing friend, Dimitri, who is by the book and believes rules come first. As much as I enjoyed Halira, I despised Dimitri just as equally. He got on my nerves most of the book and I just wanted to shake him! He cared TO much about following the law and let it affect his relationships with Halira and the others included.
I loved the difference between each of the characters. They were very enjoyable when they appeared and made me laugh. This story has definite darker elements (which I’m a sucker for) and definite gore parts. If you are into dark themes, magic, and revenge then I think this story is for you.
I’m excited to see what happens next, especially after that ending!
January 22, 2021
Halira Devonshire is a recently orphaned, reckless and sometimes immature and headstrong character.
After seeing her parents die, she joins the Shadow Crusade with her best friend Dimitri to avenge their deaths. Halira could be annoying and childish at times but she was a character you wanted to root for. The tidbits of information about her heritage making me always want to know more and more about her.
The Shadow Crusade are warriors trained to kill the last Primordial and Demons that inhabit the Shadowthorn. The Crusade was a cool concept for the book, albeit gory and gross at times they were unique and interesting.
The love interest on the other hand, left a lot to be desired. Dimitri was not a character I rooted for. He generally made me angry and annoyed. As a stand alone character I am sure he would have been fine but he was never good enough for Halira.
The story line and plot of the book was great and different. It progressed nicely and was really well written. I am excited to know what happens next in Haliras story.
After seeing her parents die, she joins the Shadow Crusade with her best friend Dimitri to avenge their deaths. Halira could be annoying and childish at times but she was a character you wanted to root for. The tidbits of information about her heritage making me always want to know more and more about her.
The Shadow Crusade are warriors trained to kill the last Primordial and Demons that inhabit the Shadowthorn. The Crusade was a cool concept for the book, albeit gory and gross at times they were unique and interesting.
The love interest on the other hand, left a lot to be desired. Dimitri was not a character I rooted for. He generally made me angry and annoyed. As a stand alone character I am sure he would have been fine but he was never good enough for Halira.
The story line and plot of the book was great and different. It progressed nicely and was really well written. I am excited to know what happens next in Haliras story.
December 29, 2020
This high fantasy adventure will have you salivating for the next installment as soon as you flip that last page! The world building, with demons and magic is just phenomenal. The attention to detail really gives the reader such perspective and intricacies that other books gloss over. The characters have their own unique styles and personalities that make them stand out and memorable. I loved Halira and how strong of a FMC she is. Her drive and good heart was so beautiful to read.
I absolutely loved it and I will be eagerly waiting book two! A-maz-ing!
I received this book arc from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
I absolutely loved it and I will be eagerly waiting book two! A-maz-ing!
I received this book arc from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
December 20, 2020
Shadow Crusade is the first in a new gothic, high fantasy series by Jessaca Willis.
Halira has lost her parents and joins the Shadow Crusade in hopes of getting revenge on the demons who killed them.
I really loved this book! It was easy to read and kept my attention from the start to the end. I have to say this is my favorite book so far from Jessaca and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.
Halira has lost her parents and joins the Shadow Crusade in hopes of getting revenge on the demons who killed them.
I really loved this book! It was easy to read and kept my attention from the start to the end. I have to say this is my favorite book so far from Jessaca and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.
December 29, 2020
Shadow Crusade is the first book in the Primordials of Shadowthorn series. Halira never wanted to join the Shadow Crusade until she lost her parents to demons. Now, she trains to protect and discovers a power within.
What an amazing start to this new series. This is the second series I've read by Jessaca, I have been blown away with the world building. I can't wait to read more of this series.
I received an ARC and voluntarily gave my honest opinion and review
What an amazing start to this new series. This is the second series I've read by Jessaca, I have been blown away with the world building. I can't wait to read more of this series.
I received an ARC and voluntarily gave my honest opinion and review
January 25, 2021
First off this was a fairly engrossing story, right from the start. Slightly different than the books I've read before, yet oddly reminiscent of some of my favorite authors. Halira is a pretty well balanced MC right off the bat, so I'm looking forward to see where the series will take her as far as growth. She, at first, wasn't going to join the Shadow Crusade with her best friend. Then realized that was the best place for her to be. I liked the marking with necro-ink. It was fascinating. As was the idea that the Shadowthorn forest was almost sentient. I look forward to the next stages of the fight against the demons and where the new "friends" Halira has made will take her.
December 24, 2021
It took me so long to finish this book! I found myself wanting to do other things instead of read it. The pacing was bad and the characters annoyed me, especially the heroine and her love interest. Halira is a weak character who always needs saving. Her love interest, Dimitri, seems to have no personality other than being a rule follower.
December 11, 2020
Jessaca has done it again! She's created such a magnificent dark epic fantasy world that sucked me in from the get-go and spat me out at the end. The characters are fleshed out perfectly, all with their own personalities and quirks. The world building is fantastic, the lore even more so! And the plot!!!! Holy smokes. I could not for the life of me put this book down. I am so fricken excited for book two.
January 15, 2021
In Shadow Crusade (Primordials of Shadowthorn#1) by Jessaca Willis, Halira's parents are slaughtered by demons so she joins the Shadow Crusade to destroy demon kind once and for all. As her training begins she discovers a secret about forgotten magic that once thrived. Will she be the savior the country needs or will her dark secret force her into the shadows? Love this book that I received through bookfunnel. I highly recommend it. This book is available on Amazon
May 8, 2022
Honestly in awe that I’m friends with such a talented author. This book was exceptional and has given me a newfound love of fantasy after I’ve been in a slump.
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