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Priestess of Shadows #1
Priestess of Shadows
Nevara was born into a kingdom of poverty and segregation but when a series of fortunate events seem to turn her life around, she finds herself striving towards one goal. Becoming a magical swordsman.
Whilst on her journey towards her dream, she finds herself being overwhelmed by darkness and shadows and she must either fight against it or let it consume her entirely.
When she discovers the truth behind the magic of her kingdom, she teams together with a frustratingly handsome azure-eyed Alec to help return what has been stolen in hopes to right what her kingdom has wronged.
But a surprise would seem to throw everything out of balance.
Whilst on her journey towards her dream, she finds herself being overwhelmed by darkness and shadows and she must either fight against it or let it consume her entirely.
When she discovers the truth behind the magic of her kingdom, she teams together with a frustratingly handsome azure-eyed Alec to help return what has been stolen in hopes to right what her kingdom has wronged.
But a surprise would seem to throw everything out of balance.
- GenresFantasy
350 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2021
5 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 30, 2021
3.5/5
Listen, I think this is a pretty good book but if I were to critique it, I'd say a little less instalove and a little more corruption.
Writing's not bad but this would have DEFINITELY benefited from having an editor (missing commas, apostrophes, word repetition).
I get that everyone wants the love interests to be very obvious from the beginning of a series but, damn, I swear to you, you can have characters be attracted to each other without them thinking they're ~in love~ after three positive interactions. I don't think instalove only applies to people who've known each other for two days, I also think it applies to people who've had maybe one meaningful conversation in the span of three months.
I think my favorite part was the first 40% with the backstory and competition. So; more of that, less of the men.
Listen, I think this is a pretty good book but if I were to critique it, I'd say a little less instalove and a little more corruption.
Writing's not bad but this would have DEFINITELY benefited from having an editor (missing commas, apostrophes, word repetition).
I get that everyone wants the love interests to be very obvious from the beginning of a series but, damn, I swear to you, you can have characters be attracted to each other without them thinking they're ~in love~ after three positive interactions. I don't think instalove only applies to people who've known each other for two days, I also think it applies to people who've had maybe one meaningful conversation in the span of three months.
I think my favorite part was the first 40% with the backstory and competition. So; more of that, less of the men.
August 9, 2021
I ended up really enjoying this book! The beginning was a little slow for the first few pages (pretty standard for the first book in a fantasy series) but I think they were important in that they tell you a lot about the protagonists back story and world building. I really liked how original the story line was and there were definitely features I haven’t seen in YA fantasy before! There were definitely S&B vibes at some points but with the edition of Fae which I personally loved. I also really enjoyed the romance elements as they actually added to the story whereas in a lot of YA fantasy I feel like they’re just there for the sake of it… The TWISTS in this book had me obsessed and that ENDING has left me very very excited to read the next book in the series when it comes out!
February 5, 2022
Magic, Fae, Princes and a strong warrior with newfound powers. What's not to love.
I really liked the pace in this book, Lewis spent just enough time showing us Nevara with her family that we get emotionally invested but not too much to have us think it is slow.
Then when she gets into the school she has been working for all her life, we see her grow into a woman.
Now I have to say I did see the twist coming but that is not to say it was not well written, because it was. And even when I was proved right, I almost threw the book.
A very well thought out magic system that interlocks humans and Fae. There was plenty of action but so much more building that I cannot wait to see where we go in book 2!
I really liked the pace in this book, Lewis spent just enough time showing us Nevara with her family that we get emotionally invested but not too much to have us think it is slow.
Then when she gets into the school she has been working for all her life, we see her grow into a woman.
Now I have to say I did see the twist coming but that is not to say it was not well written, because it was. And even when I was proved right, I almost threw the book.
A very well thought out magic system that interlocks humans and Fae. There was plenty of action but so much more building that I cannot wait to see where we go in book 2!
August 11, 2021
*The author sent me a copy of her book for feedback*
Priestess of Shadows is a fantasy novel about a teenage girl named Nevara. She lost her mother young and lives in poverty until a raven delivers her a gold coin. This gold coin allows her to be trained by a magic swordsman and improve her life. She eventually attends an academy. However, looming in the background, a war involving fae lingers which requires Nevara to intervene.
One of my favorite scenes in this book is when Nevara begins to fade into the darkness and is unsure of whether or not she cares to go on! Throughout the book, Nevara is extremely stoic and fails to grieve what would devastate a typical person (e.g., she does not react to her face being burned and is more concerned with comforting those around her). However, when we eventually see her vulnerable, I love it and feel I am finally learning her true feelings. Some of my favorite lines involved the descriptions of Nevara fading into the darkness. I also was surprised by the twist and felt the surprise was well timed and leaves the reader wanting more! I am a huge fan of the found family trope and appreciated how Nevara discusses loving people who are not her blood. My favorite scenes took place in the academy, and I believe this is where characters such as Damon/Alec stand out as having their own personality. The dialogue is very strong in these sections. I also loved the scene where she is marked with her prophecy. Something I appreciated was how Darren is not a pure “good guy.” He has nuance and can be moody yet caring at the same
time.
Since this is the author’s first book and it will be a part of a series, I thought I’d offer suggestions to make the sequel even stronger! While I loved how engaged I felt by the fast pace of the book, everything before the academy felt a bit too fast where characters and relationships did not have the time to develop. For example, 5 years passed in a number of pages. In these 5 years, Nevara has already trained with Kain/Darren and feels like family to these characters. Since I did not get to see the build up of these relationships, I did not feel as connected and did not know how Nevara came to see Kain as a father figure. I think that this relationship is something that can be expanded upon in the sequel! Perhaps we can see flashbacks between these two. I also want to understand how the transition from being alone to being adopted took place and how she came to let in others. What was it like for Nevara to be parentless? What memories does she have of her mother? Her mother is described as gentle. Is this why she is so self-sacrificial now? If she is sensitive for others, why does she not allow herself to cry from beatings or have trauma reactions? Does she have deeply buried pain she repressed? It’s interesting that Nevara identifies as someone hardened by her trauma because on the outside she is loving and selfless throughout. Despite starving herself, her instinct is to give bread to other impoverished individuals. I would love to know why this is and learn more about her psyche in book #2!
This book is an incredibly engaging page turner, and I binged it in a sitting! I feel like this would be a wonderful series to help people get into fantasy who may be new to the genre. The book was easy to read, and I am very appreciative of Luna Lewis for sending me a copy ❤️ It is impressive to know that this book was self-published and the author’s first because it was so well put together. I cannot wait to learn what happens after that plot twist.
Priestess of Shadows is a fantasy novel about a teenage girl named Nevara. She lost her mother young and lives in poverty until a raven delivers her a gold coin. This gold coin allows her to be trained by a magic swordsman and improve her life. She eventually attends an academy. However, looming in the background, a war involving fae lingers which requires Nevara to intervene.
One of my favorite scenes in this book is when Nevara begins to fade into the darkness and is unsure of whether or not she cares to go on! Throughout the book, Nevara is extremely stoic and fails to grieve what would devastate a typical person (e.g., she does not react to her face being burned and is more concerned with comforting those around her). However, when we eventually see her vulnerable, I love it and feel I am finally learning her true feelings. Some of my favorite lines involved the descriptions of Nevara fading into the darkness. I also was surprised by the twist and felt the surprise was well timed and leaves the reader wanting more! I am a huge fan of the found family trope and appreciated how Nevara discusses loving people who are not her blood. My favorite scenes took place in the academy, and I believe this is where characters such as Damon/Alec stand out as having their own personality. The dialogue is very strong in these sections. I also loved the scene where she is marked with her prophecy. Something I appreciated was how Darren is not a pure “good guy.” He has nuance and can be moody yet caring at the same
time.
Since this is the author’s first book and it will be a part of a series, I thought I’d offer suggestions to make the sequel even stronger! While I loved how engaged I felt by the fast pace of the book, everything before the academy felt a bit too fast where characters and relationships did not have the time to develop. For example, 5 years passed in a number of pages. In these 5 years, Nevara has already trained with Kain/Darren and feels like family to these characters. Since I did not get to see the build up of these relationships, I did not feel as connected and did not know how Nevara came to see Kain as a father figure. I think that this relationship is something that can be expanded upon in the sequel! Perhaps we can see flashbacks between these two. I also want to understand how the transition from being alone to being adopted took place and how she came to let in others. What was it like for Nevara to be parentless? What memories does she have of her mother? Her mother is described as gentle. Is this why she is so self-sacrificial now? If she is sensitive for others, why does she not allow herself to cry from beatings or have trauma reactions? Does she have deeply buried pain she repressed? It’s interesting that Nevara identifies as someone hardened by her trauma because on the outside she is loving and selfless throughout. Despite starving herself, her instinct is to give bread to other impoverished individuals. I would love to know why this is and learn more about her psyche in book #2!
This book is an incredibly engaging page turner, and I binged it in a sitting! I feel like this would be a wonderful series to help people get into fantasy who may be new to the genre. The book was easy to read, and I am very appreciative of Luna Lewis for sending me a copy ❤️ It is impressive to know that this book was self-published and the author’s first because it was so well put together. I cannot wait to learn what happens after that plot twist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2021
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Priestess of Shadows was such a bloody good read! Full of magic, twists and turns, and an amazing cast of characters! (I also didn't even realise with this photo, how apt that coloured stone is...😏)
I have to say it was so interesting to follow alongside Nevara's journey—from her poverty-stricken start to seeing how she keeps a kind heart and tough skin to become a magical swordsman; all whilst finding a found family, and herself, in the process...
This was something I loved—the family created over the course of the book, how it developed and constantly grew; those dynamics pulled at my heartstrings!
Where magic abides so does great unfortunate events, hidden truths and things hiding just out of reach in the shadows... It was some things I clocked around the half-way mark, but when the cliffhanger came at the end, I still had a complete bloody meltdown!
If you want a book with magic, a badass female lead, mysterious and hot love interests, and a found family that will melt your heart... Well just go pick this up! ❤
(Luna, please I need book two! 🥺)
Priestess of Shadows was such a bloody good read! Full of magic, twists and turns, and an amazing cast of characters! (I also didn't even realise with this photo, how apt that coloured stone is...😏)
I have to say it was so interesting to follow alongside Nevara's journey—from her poverty-stricken start to seeing how she keeps a kind heart and tough skin to become a magical swordsman; all whilst finding a found family, and herself, in the process...
This was something I loved—the family created over the course of the book, how it developed and constantly grew; those dynamics pulled at my heartstrings!
Where magic abides so does great unfortunate events, hidden truths and things hiding just out of reach in the shadows... It was some things I clocked around the half-way mark, but when the cliffhanger came at the end, I still had a complete bloody meltdown!
If you want a book with magic, a badass female lead, mysterious and hot love interests, and a found family that will melt your heart... Well just go pick this up! ❤
(Luna, please I need book two! 🥺)
August 2, 2021
*I received a free copy in exchange for some feedback, thank you for sending me a copy!*
Honestly this book was absolutely amazing, and perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas and Jennifer Armentrout!
I found the writing to be so smooth and descriptive considering this is the author's first book, the world building was so well developed and I was hooked from chapter one!
I loved that we got to see the main character Nevara train for the first few chapters, it's something I don't often see in books and I liked how it shows us her learning and adds to her development.
Nevara was an excellent main character, she's kind and determined, and has big ambitions. The dynamics between her and her found family were so heartwarming and funny, I'm amazed at how well these relationships are shown, the friendships are just as well written and I liked the romance, Alec was so dark and mysterious, as well as protective.
The story had a perfect mix of action, magic and mystery, plus I loved the Fae elements and would love more detail about the kingdoms in book 2.
I also liked the ending, I would have liked a more drawn out ending as it seemed to go pretty fast, and the massive cliffhanger was so unexpected!
Overall, I LOVED this book, I'm so excited for book 2 and would recommend this book to literally everyone!!!
Honestly this book was absolutely amazing, and perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas and Jennifer Armentrout!
I found the writing to be so smooth and descriptive considering this is the author's first book, the world building was so well developed and I was hooked from chapter one!
I loved that we got to see the main character Nevara train for the first few chapters, it's something I don't often see in books and I liked how it shows us her learning and adds to her development.
Nevara was an excellent main character, she's kind and determined, and has big ambitions. The dynamics between her and her found family were so heartwarming and funny, I'm amazed at how well these relationships are shown, the friendships are just as well written and I liked the romance, Alec was so dark and mysterious, as well as protective.
The story had a perfect mix of action, magic and mystery, plus I loved the Fae elements and would love more detail about the kingdoms in book 2.
I also liked the ending, I would have liked a more drawn out ending as it seemed to go pretty fast, and the massive cliffhanger was so unexpected!
Overall, I LOVED this book, I'm so excited for book 2 and would recommend this book to literally everyone!!!
July 20, 2021
The beginning of this book had me a bit wary at first BUT it was such a fast paced book and super easy to read. The magic system and plot was quite unique from the usual fae fantasy stories! The characters and the found family trope was beautiful! I am excited for the next book!!
My only complaint for this book would be that I wish there was a little more substance to the personal relationships I felt that they were formed too quickly but besides that I found it a very captivating read! A really great YA read!
My only complaint for this book would be that I wish there was a little more substance to the personal relationships I felt that they were formed too quickly but besides that I found it a very captivating read! A really great YA read!
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January 8, 2022Thank you to the author for giving me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
All views are entirely my own.
The storyline is gripping and interesting and there are multiple characters in this book that I adored, Kain, Kitty and Netta being some of them. I do wish we’d seen a little more of some of the side characters, but I feel like we may do in future as this book has definitely been set up to have a book 2!
I did like the fact that this book slightly touched on the aspect of mental health and ptsd (I won’t give any spoilers) but I feel like it was quickly forgotten about and basically felt like they acted like it never happened? I wish it had been continued a bit more consistently.
I really, really loved the found family aspect of this read, the familial relationships our MC developed at the beginning of the book were some of my favourite relationships she had in the whole thing. I adored how she found somewhere to fit in.
The ending was quite impressive! Although I’d figured out what was going on early, it didn’t detract from the ‘OMG’ moment that we experience with our MC.
There are a few things I didn’t enjoy as much, but I don’t think they detracted from my enjoyment of the book. I’m just going to list them here:
- Very fast paced storyline
- Instalove, I feel like our MC fell in love with any man her age that was slightly nice to her.
- Our MC was slightly naïve
- It was a bit predictable, I kind of clicked on quite early about what was happening and I felt quite iffy about a certain someone from the get go.
Overall, I’d say this book is definitely a solid start to what I hope to be a series and I’d definitely read more from this author.
All views are entirely my own.
The storyline is gripping and interesting and there are multiple characters in this book that I adored, Kain, Kitty and Netta being some of them. I do wish we’d seen a little more of some of the side characters, but I feel like we may do in future as this book has definitely been set up to have a book 2!
I did like the fact that this book slightly touched on the aspect of mental health and ptsd (I won’t give any spoilers) but I feel like it was quickly forgotten about and basically felt like they acted like it never happened? I wish it had been continued a bit more consistently.
I really, really loved the found family aspect of this read, the familial relationships our MC developed at the beginning of the book were some of my favourite relationships she had in the whole thing. I adored how she found somewhere to fit in.
The ending was quite impressive! Although I’d figured out what was going on early, it didn’t detract from the ‘OMG’ moment that we experience with our MC.
There are a few things I didn’t enjoy as much, but I don’t think they detracted from my enjoyment of the book. I’m just going to list them here:
- Very fast paced storyline
- Instalove, I feel like our MC fell in love with any man her age that was slightly nice to her.
- Our MC was slightly naïve
- It was a bit predictable, I kind of clicked on quite early about what was happening and I felt quite iffy about a certain someone from the get go.
Overall, I’d say this book is definitely a solid start to what I hope to be a series and I’d definitely read more from this author.
December 27, 2021
Growing up poor and alone in the slums, a young Nevara fights not only for herself but for all the other people living in poverty. One day a hooded man appears and gives her a strange magic symbol on her chest, and then disappears again. Years pas where she finds her new found family and trains to be a strong magic swordsman. And thus along the way many secrets are bieng revealed. Who was this mysterious hooded man and what does this all mean? 👀
If you like strong and Badass women Nevara is definitely it. There is magic, talk of guilds and dungeons (wich made me think back to my MMORPG day's in the best way possible 🙌) , a school for learning how to use your new power
AND hot Fae (who are probably way too old but you don't care because they look like they are in their twenties).
If you like any of this, this book is definitely for you!
If you like strong and Badass women Nevara is definitely it. There is magic, talk of guilds and dungeons (wich made me think back to my MMORPG day's in the best way possible 🙌) , a school for learning how to use your new power
AND hot Fae (who are probably way too old but you don't care because they look like they are in their twenties).
If you like any of this, this book is definitely for you!
September 7, 2021
This is a 4.5* rating. First off thank you to Luna Lewis herself for sending me a free copy of her book in return for an honest review. Secondly, EVERYONE GO GET THIS BOOK!!
Everything this book is, was surprisingly unexpected. The timeline seemed odd to me at first, I genuinely thought this book was going to be about a thirteen-year-old. But no, it's all a part of Nevara's character development. The side characters all brought a range of dynamics to the story, helped Nevara's story advance in one way or another. Helped bring out her good and bad qualities which is necessary for us to be able to love and recognise her character in the right way, no matter the situation.
The fantasy / magical element of this story is really unique. A magical swordsman?! Never heard of the sorts before but I was intrigued, and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. It's amazing seeing something new in this genre, especially with so many plots and tropes being regurgitated constantly nowadays.
The goddamn plot just kept providing the goods, the twists and turns. It progressed with a fast-pace which was exactly what I wanted and needed. It just never bore me, there was always something making me want to keep turning the pages, looking for more answers.
This author deserves every ounce of praise and recognition she gets for this book. Not only did she write it, but she edited and published independently too, all by herself! That's a massive achievement.
Nevara is the type of character you wish yourself to be. She is strong-willed, brave, caring and damn right powerful. She shows that woman can do exactly what a man can do, sometimes even better. She realises early on that life is never all about money or power, it's about strength and loyalty, family and friends. It's about being kind to those who are kind to you.
I'm honestly blown away by this whole book, and frankly cannot freaking wait for the second one! The cliffhanger was just cruel, because now I'm still struggling to come to terms with it and what this means, what will happen next for Nevara.
Everything this book is, was surprisingly unexpected. The timeline seemed odd to me at first, I genuinely thought this book was going to be about a thirteen-year-old. But no, it's all a part of Nevara's character development. The side characters all brought a range of dynamics to the story, helped Nevara's story advance in one way or another. Helped bring out her good and bad qualities which is necessary for us to be able to love and recognise her character in the right way, no matter the situation.
The fantasy / magical element of this story is really unique. A magical swordsman?! Never heard of the sorts before but I was intrigued, and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. It's amazing seeing something new in this genre, especially with so many plots and tropes being regurgitated constantly nowadays.
The goddamn plot just kept providing the goods, the twists and turns. It progressed with a fast-pace which was exactly what I wanted and needed. It just never bore me, there was always something making me want to keep turning the pages, looking for more answers.
This author deserves every ounce of praise and recognition she gets for this book. Not only did she write it, but she edited and published independently too, all by herself! That's a massive achievement.
Nevara is the type of character you wish yourself to be. She is strong-willed, brave, caring and damn right powerful. She shows that woman can do exactly what a man can do, sometimes even better. She realises early on that life is never all about money or power, it's about strength and loyalty, family and friends. It's about being kind to those who are kind to you.
I'm honestly blown away by this whole book, and frankly cannot freaking wait for the second one! The cliffhanger was just cruel, because now I'm still struggling to come to terms with it and what this means, what will happen next for Nevara.
January 13, 2022
Wow! I had such an incredible time reading this book and the story absolutely blew me away!!!
We follow our MC Nevara from when she's a young girl living in poverty, to when she finds a family and grows to be a strong, kind and incredibly powerful young woman. I loved that we followed Nevara and her journey from such a young age and we watched her grow in body and in mind. This story is very fast paced and has an amazing plot line with twists and turns at every corner. Some twists I saw coming and some I didn't expect at all but made me so intrigued to continue reading.
What I loved most about this book was the found family aspect that runs throughout the storyline. Reading about Nevara finding a family that love her and finding a group of friends that stick with her through thick and thin was so heartwarming! I also loved the magic system in this and it's unlike any I've read about before which was so refreshing!!!
Overall an incredible story and I can't believe the author ends the book the way she does 😱 I NEED BOOK 2 ASAP!!!
4.5/5 stars 🌟
Definitely recommend!
We follow our MC Nevara from when she's a young girl living in poverty, to when she finds a family and grows to be a strong, kind and incredibly powerful young woman. I loved that we followed Nevara and her journey from such a young age and we watched her grow in body and in mind. This story is very fast paced and has an amazing plot line with twists and turns at every corner. Some twists I saw coming and some I didn't expect at all but made me so intrigued to continue reading.
What I loved most about this book was the found family aspect that runs throughout the storyline. Reading about Nevara finding a family that love her and finding a group of friends that stick with her through thick and thin was so heartwarming! I also loved the magic system in this and it's unlike any I've read about before which was so refreshing!!!
Overall an incredible story and I can't believe the author ends the book the way she does 😱 I NEED BOOK 2 ASAP!!!
4.5/5 stars 🌟
Definitely recommend!
September 11, 2021
I love this book ❤️. And well where should I start?
Okay, first the writing style. It is really good. I understood everything. It was so easy to read and I had so much fun while doing it.
The story is amazing . With many action scenes and so many mysterious occurences. I just love the way this book made me feel. It made me smile so many times. The story with the magic swordsmen - I totally love it. This whole idea is so great . I love it how the protagonist, Nevara, worked so hard to make her childhood dream come true. And there are Fae, and I love Fae - so it's perfect. And the turning point at the end. I kind of new something is wrong but still I wasn't prepared for this .
The characters are so adorable. I love them all. The family found trope is so beautifuly made. It is so touching. I love it. Luca and Brendan are soooo adorable . And Netta is so caring. Always doing what's best for her sons and Nevara. I love the friendships Nevara makes with the guild and then at the Ashwood Academy. And Nevara herself is a realistic character. She's strong, caring, brave but also in a way broken, misses her family and cares about her appearance (she's not obsessed with it).
The only thing I didn't like that much is that Kain agreed to easily to really serious things. It kinda is very much unrealistic.
But otherwise this book is amazing.
I can only recommend it! ❤️
Okay, first the writing style. It is really good. I understood everything. It was so easy to read and I had so much fun while doing it.
The story is amazing . With many action scenes and so many mysterious occurences. I just love the way this book made me feel. It made me smile so many times. The story with the magic swordsmen - I totally love it. This whole idea is so great . I love it how the protagonist, Nevara, worked so hard to make her childhood dream come true. And there are Fae, and I love Fae - so it's perfect. And the turning point at the end. I kind of new something is wrong but still I wasn't prepared for this .
The characters are so adorable. I love them all. The family found trope is so beautifuly made. It is so touching. I love it. Luca and Brendan are soooo adorable . And Netta is so caring. Always doing what's best for her sons and Nevara. I love the friendships Nevara makes with the guild and then at the Ashwood Academy. And Nevara herself is a realistic character. She's strong, caring, brave but also in a way broken, misses her family and cares about her appearance (she's not obsessed with it).
The only thing I didn't like that much is that Kain agreed to easily to really serious things. It kinda is very much unrealistic.
But otherwise this book is amazing.
I can only recommend it! ❤️
November 18, 2021
Thank you so much to the lovely Luna Lewis for sending me a copy of this book to review! <3
I would like to start out by saying this book was so easy for me to read! Very fast past, action packed and there is no hesitation of jumping straight into the story. Our MC Nevara is a young girl living in poverty at the beginning of her journey and I really enjoyed watching her grow into the fighter she becomes.
I thought the world was really interesting and the construct of magic wasn't anything like I've read before! I loved Nevara, I loved Damon, I loved Alec, I just loved it! (But Penumbra was my favourite!)
We've got lots of eligible bachelors to pick as we please, a kickass boss bitch MC, fight competitions, balls - literally EVERYTHING you could want! Gave me Throne of Glass vibes and also a few vibes from The Falconer!
I NEED book 2!!!! Can't believe it ended like that!
Just go read it my friends! <3
I would like to start out by saying this book was so easy for me to read! Very fast past, action packed and there is no hesitation of jumping straight into the story. Our MC Nevara is a young girl living in poverty at the beginning of her journey and I really enjoyed watching her grow into the fighter she becomes.
I thought the world was really interesting and the construct of magic wasn't anything like I've read before! I loved Nevara, I loved Damon, I loved Alec, I just loved it! (But Penumbra was my favourite!)
We've got lots of eligible bachelors to pick as we please, a kickass boss bitch MC, fight competitions, balls - literally EVERYTHING you could want! Gave me Throne of Glass vibes and also a few vibes from The Falconer!
I NEED book 2!!!! Can't believe it ended like that!
Just go read it my friends! <3
August 17, 2021
4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don’t like to write book reviews only because what I love, someone else might not.
Luna Lewis sent me this book herself and she deserves the credit the book has earned. She wrote and published it on her own.
I will forever admire you. 💕
This book alone had me from the description and the cover. This story is unlike most I have read. It’s starts off with her being a young child and seeing her grow up for the first few chapters. I absolutely loved that. Most of the time, you hear about their childhood as the story itself moves along. I loved how I saw Nevara before she became one of the most strongest female characters I have seen written yet. She surprised me at every turn.
Not only did I love the main character(s), but the side characters as well.
The ending is what had me the most. I was expecting it and not expecting it at the same time. I loved it more for that. I finished it and was just “Nope, no, I don’t want to talk about it.” 😂
There is just so much we know and don’t know that it has me waiting in angst for the second book!
I cannot absolutely wait to see what Luna has in store for Nevara and everyone else!
I don’t like to write book reviews only because what I love, someone else might not.
Luna Lewis sent me this book herself and she deserves the credit the book has earned. She wrote and published it on her own.
I will forever admire you. 💕
This book alone had me from the description and the cover. This story is unlike most I have read. It’s starts off with her being a young child and seeing her grow up for the first few chapters. I absolutely loved that. Most of the time, you hear about their childhood as the story itself moves along. I loved how I saw Nevara before she became one of the most strongest female characters I have seen written yet. She surprised me at every turn.
Not only did I love the main character(s), but the side characters as well.
The ending is what had me the most. I was expecting it and not expecting it at the same time. I loved it more for that. I finished it and was just “Nope, no, I don’t want to talk about it.” 😂
There is just so much we know and don’t know that it has me waiting in angst for the second book!
I cannot absolutely wait to see what Luna has in store for Nevara and everyone else!
August 25, 2021
Read in a day. Loved it. Hope for more.
September 14, 2021
I'm in love with this book.
August 27, 2021
There are a lot of things that I loved about Priestess of Shadows, but I’ll start with how well the found family trope was done in this book! It is so refreshing to have a main character that has found a family that both loves her and is an incredible support system. I feel like a lot of Fantasy Romance books feature a main character whose family is the source of their trauma so it is really great that Nevara didn’t have to go through that despite not being biologically related to Kain, the twins, and Netta.
If you liked Throne of Glass, you will definitely like this too. Nevara has the same strength of character and perseverance Aelin has without having to deal with the added trauma of losing her family at such a young age. Plus, Priestess of Shadows is a much faster pace than Throne of Glass so it is definitely a much more pleasant reading experience.
I’ll admit that I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Priestess of Shadows initially because the first few chapters were pretty slow. However, those chapters definitely laid the foundations for present day Nevara from chapter 5 onwards and without those chapters certain scenes would still need to be told in order to get the full picture. In the end I’m glad that those chapters were included because as you read on you appreciate them more and it definitely leaves some things to be explored in the sequel to Priestess of Shadows.
Now let's talk about that ending. I love a plot twist that is well done and unpredictable and this definitely did not disappoint me! The plot twist ending was done so well because although there were some clues about some fishy things going on with a certain character, no one could’ve guessed exactly what those clues were alluding to.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading Priestess of Shadows and I would totally recommend picking it up. It is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Throne of Glass and I will definitely be picking up the sequel because of that ending!
If you liked Throne of Glass, you will definitely like this too. Nevara has the same strength of character and perseverance Aelin has without having to deal with the added trauma of losing her family at such a young age. Plus, Priestess of Shadows is a much faster pace than Throne of Glass so it is definitely a much more pleasant reading experience.
I’ll admit that I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Priestess of Shadows initially because the first few chapters were pretty slow. However, those chapters definitely laid the foundations for present day Nevara from chapter 5 onwards and without those chapters certain scenes would still need to be told in order to get the full picture. In the end I’m glad that those chapters were included because as you read on you appreciate them more and it definitely leaves some things to be explored in the sequel to Priestess of Shadows.
Now let's talk about that ending. I love a plot twist that is well done and unpredictable and this definitely did not disappoint me! The plot twist ending was done so well because although there were some clues about some fishy things going on with a certain character, no one could’ve guessed exactly what those clues were alluding to.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading Priestess of Shadows and I would totally recommend picking it up. It is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Throne of Glass and I will definitely be picking up the sequel because of that ending!
September 8, 2021
Firstly I want to thank Luna for the free copy of this amazing book and say that this review is completely unbiased ❤️✨
Spoilers below ❤️🥰
This book is INCREDIBLE!! The magic system that Luna has invented is so cool, the characters are all extraordinary and I love the feel of how strong the main character, Nevara, is throughout the book. She has so much thrown at her throughout her life and she’s still a complete bad**s 😍😍
As someone who is obsessed with books about fae I love how they’re integrated into the story, it’s subtle at first and then it becomes the main vein of the story❤️✨
The book is fast paced and the plot is action packed. The ending of this book was HUGELY surprising for me!! I loved the twist so much!! Luna deserves so much praise for this book, it’s so wonderful and I cannot wait to get my hands on book number 2!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for sure!!
Spoilers below ❤️🥰
This book is INCREDIBLE!! The magic system that Luna has invented is so cool, the characters are all extraordinary and I love the feel of how strong the main character, Nevara, is throughout the book. She has so much thrown at her throughout her life and she’s still a complete bad**s 😍😍
As someone who is obsessed with books about fae I love how they’re integrated into the story, it’s subtle at first and then it becomes the main vein of the story❤️✨
The book is fast paced and the plot is action packed. The ending of this book was HUGELY surprising for me!! I loved the twist so much!! Luna deserves so much praise for this book, it’s so wonderful and I cannot wait to get my hands on book number 2!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for sure!!
September 6, 2021
I really loved this book. The story and magic system are really unique and the characters are well developed. I was invested in the main character as much as I was invested in the supporting characters which, I think, is a testament to the author’s writing and story development. Plus there is romance and a plot twists so really, what else could you ask for???
November 6, 2021
I was kindly sent a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Fans of Jennifer L Armentrout will love this. I loved the descriptive context, it really was on point. It's quite faced paced and the world building was done nicely. I really enjoyed the dynamics between her found family and the guild, it was so heartwarming. I love a good slow burn, enemies to lovers vibe and this had it. But that ending, what a twist!
The only thing I would say is some relationship development were too fast paced. I would've loved to see how they were formed, especially with Kain (the found family) they were just adorable. Hopefully these things will be included in book 2!
Nevara is a sweet feisty little thing with a heart of gold. Orphaned at such a tender age, she was left to the streets to fend for herself. Her only goal in life is to become q magical swordsman. Fortunate events lead her to meet Kain, who takes her under his wing. Until she is faced with some hard truth about the whole magic system. Can she fight for her people or will the darkness devour her?
Fans of Jennifer L Armentrout will love this. I loved the descriptive context, it really was on point. It's quite faced paced and the world building was done nicely. I really enjoyed the dynamics between her found family and the guild, it was so heartwarming. I love a good slow burn, enemies to lovers vibe and this had it. But that ending, what a twist!
The only thing I would say is some relationship development were too fast paced. I would've loved to see how they were formed, especially with Kain (the found family) they were just adorable. Hopefully these things will be included in book 2!
Nevara is a sweet feisty little thing with a heart of gold. Orphaned at such a tender age, she was left to the streets to fend for herself. Her only goal in life is to become q magical swordsman. Fortunate events lead her to meet Kain, who takes her under his wing. Until she is faced with some hard truth about the whole magic system. Can she fight for her people or will the darkness devour her?
October 23, 2021
Was good, reminded me of the first throne of glass book a lot
June 12, 2023
12/06/23->
Did a re-read to prepare for the next book in the series and just like the first time I absolutely loved this story! Even though I knew how it would end. I can't wait to now see how this story continues and finally get some more answers! I'm curious what will happen next and how everything will play out after that mind blowing ending.
18/12/21->
I LOVED IT!
The story is amazing! The MC is badass and she fights to get stronger every day.
She goes through a lot at the beginning of her life and I love the fact that the first part of the book we get the full story of how she grew up and finds her family instead of it just being told as a memory as it mostly is in books. I love learning about it right away.
Now the story itself is really good! The magic in it is fun and the world's are really interesting.
And that ending! 🤯
I need that second book like now!!!
If you're looking for a good fast and fun fantasy read I definitely recommend this book! It should get a lot more love and attention tbh! 🤩
Did a re-read to prepare for the next book in the series and just like the first time I absolutely loved this story! Even though I knew how it would end. I can't wait to now see how this story continues and finally get some more answers! I'm curious what will happen next and how everything will play out after that mind blowing ending.
18/12/21->
I LOVED IT!
The story is amazing! The MC is badass and she fights to get stronger every day.
She goes through a lot at the beginning of her life and I love the fact that the first part of the book we get the full story of how she grew up and finds her family instead of it just being told as a memory as it mostly is in books. I love learning about it right away.
Now the story itself is really good! The magic in it is fun and the world's are really interesting.
And that ending! 🤯
I need that second book like now!!!
If you're looking for a good fast and fun fantasy read I definitely recommend this book! It should get a lot more love and attention tbh! 🤩
April 10, 2022
Truth be told, I wasn't very familiar with the author's work until recently. I got introduced to them through a cover reveal for the second book and since I've always admired @niru.sky 's artwork, I decided to buy the first book as well.
Loving it is an understatement. I basically read a few pages every single day right after coming back from university so that I could relax and get away from reality. There were a few grammatical/syntactical mistakes but they were so small and few that you barely noticed them (keep in mind that the author worked hard on their own for this and it's self published).
The main character of the book, Nevara, is your typical poor, with a tragic past hero but she doesn't spend the entire book talking about it (as we usually see) or dwell on it forever. She moves on, adapts quickly and creates a new family (found family trope). She's smart, strong and always tries her best without whining about it.
The magic system of the book is well developed and you can easily learn things about it at the same time that Nevara does. The second characters (friends and family) are also very loveable and unique and their bond is just something to be jealous of! The main love interest is someone I have beef with but I'm sure that if you read the book you'll understand what I mean 😂 (I'm only here for his brother)
Last but not least I would have loved to see a map in the book but I understand that we can't have everything. I hope you'll give this amazing book a chance as well as the author's future work!
Can't wait to see more of them @lunalewisbooks ! I wish you all the success 💗💗
Loving it is an understatement. I basically read a few pages every single day right after coming back from university so that I could relax and get away from reality. There were a few grammatical/syntactical mistakes but they were so small and few that you barely noticed them (keep in mind that the author worked hard on their own for this and it's self published).
The main character of the book, Nevara, is your typical poor, with a tragic past hero but she doesn't spend the entire book talking about it (as we usually see) or dwell on it forever. She moves on, adapts quickly and creates a new family (found family trope). She's smart, strong and always tries her best without whining about it.
The magic system of the book is well developed and you can easily learn things about it at the same time that Nevara does. The second characters (friends and family) are also very loveable and unique and their bond is just something to be jealous of! The main love interest is someone I have beef with but I'm sure that if you read the book you'll understand what I mean 😂 (I'm only here for his brother)
Last but not least I would have loved to see a map in the book but I understand that we can't have everything. I hope you'll give this amazing book a chance as well as the author's future work!
Can't wait to see more of them @lunalewisbooks ! I wish you all the success 💗💗
December 28, 2021
I really enjoyed this book!
A fantasy novel about a girl named Nevara, who receives an opportunity to train with a magic swordsman, and turn her life around, as she trains at the academy, a war lingers, and fate requires Nevara to step in.
Luna Lewis has created such an amazing world and some truly incredible characters, I love how brave and selfless Nevara is, and seeing her keep a good heart despite all her struggles, just makes her even more of a bad ass!
Once I started this book I couldn't put it down, Priestess of shadows is such a fast paced, page turning, captivating book and I can't wait to dive into more of this world and see what happens as the series continues. (especially after that ending )
if you love a strong female protagonist, found family, magic, twists, turns & swoon worthy love interests then this is definitely the book for you!
This is a self published book and one of the authors first, its so well put together its extremely impressive! and although there are a few small errors its so incredibly easy to look beyond them as the story is just so gripping you're too busy wanting to know what happens next! Luna Lewis deserves all the praise for her work! what an achievement!
I can't wait for book 2!
A fantasy novel about a girl named Nevara, who receives an opportunity to train with a magic swordsman, and turn her life around, as she trains at the academy, a war lingers, and fate requires Nevara to step in.
Luna Lewis has created such an amazing world and some truly incredible characters, I love how brave and selfless Nevara is, and seeing her keep a good heart despite all her struggles, just makes her even more of a bad ass!
Once I started this book I couldn't put it down, Priestess of shadows is such a fast paced, page turning, captivating book and I can't wait to dive into more of this world and see what happens as the series continues. (especially after that ending )
if you love a strong female protagonist, found family, magic, twists, turns & swoon worthy love interests then this is definitely the book for you!
This is a self published book and one of the authors first, its so well put together its extremely impressive! and although there are a few small errors its so incredibly easy to look beyond them as the story is just so gripping you're too busy wanting to know what happens next! Luna Lewis deserves all the praise for her work! what an achievement!
I can't wait for book 2!
December 14, 2021
Aah😆 this book😆🥰 it stole my heart♥️ this is such an amazing book🥰
So this book follows Nevara, a girl who grew up with nothing. During the book she changes a lot but, and that's what I found really good, she keeps taking care of the people with who she lived earlier, the ones in the same situation as she was.
This book had everything what I needed a book to have. This had some amazing trope that kept me screaming from excitement😆
If you love enemies to lovers, only one bed trope, with two on one horse, love triangle than is this book definitely something for you.
And than I haven't said something bout the story itself😅 It was a very original story with many plottwist you didn't see it coming, although sometimes you had your suspicious😅 This book was also hard to put away, you want to keep reading because you want to know what will happen to Nevara♥️
So this book had everything I needed in this book and the author has done a great job writing this. I really loved every page of this book and I am very excited to get to know these characters even more♥️
So this book follows Nevara, a girl who grew up with nothing. During the book she changes a lot but, and that's what I found really good, she keeps taking care of the people with who she lived earlier, the ones in the same situation as she was.
This book had everything what I needed a book to have. This had some amazing trope that kept me screaming from excitement😆
If you love enemies to lovers, only one bed trope, with two on one horse, love triangle than is this book definitely something for you.
And than I haven't said something bout the story itself😅 It was a very original story with many plottwist you didn't see it coming, although sometimes you had your suspicious😅 This book was also hard to put away, you want to keep reading because you want to know what will happen to Nevara♥️
So this book had everything I needed in this book and the author has done a great job writing this. I really loved every page of this book and I am very excited to get to know these characters even more♥️
May 19, 2022
Priestess of Shadows by Luna Lewis
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 out of 5⭐️
Oh.. my… goodness! I am so glad I read this book! I cannot wait to get book 2!! It absolutely exceeded my expectations and THE ENDING!!
If you liked These Hollow Vows or Throne of Glass then I really suggest this book! Some plot twists that come in and I am so excited to see how this story plays out next.
I love love LOVE Nevara character! There is a strong found family trope which is just beautiful to see throughout this book. Her journey from being homeless to training to be a swordsman to getting into the Academy is inspiring and she never changes through out it! She is still the loving, kind and generous woman.
The middle had me shocked and it went so quickly that I feel like a bit more length and information would have been great but other than that such a good book… I need to know how she reacts or get past what happened at the end!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 out of 5⭐️
Oh.. my… goodness! I am so glad I read this book! I cannot wait to get book 2!! It absolutely exceeded my expectations and THE ENDING!!
If you liked These Hollow Vows or Throne of Glass then I really suggest this book! Some plot twists that come in and I am so excited to see how this story plays out next.
I love love LOVE Nevara character! There is a strong found family trope which is just beautiful to see throughout this book. Her journey from being homeless to training to be a swordsman to getting into the Academy is inspiring and she never changes through out it! She is still the loving, kind and generous woman.
The middle had me shocked and it went so quickly that I feel like a bit more length and information would have been great but other than that such a good book… I need to know how she reacts or get past what happened at the end!!!
July 29, 2023
What a great first book to a fantasy series!
At the start of the book we get some insight into Nevara’s backstory. It is heartbreaking. I felt so sorry for her as she is born into poverty and lives in the slums. Despite this, she always puts others first and shows immense compassion and so much inner strength.
The writing had me tearing up at parts, it is so beautifully written. The found family trope is just heartwarming.
Priestess of Shadows has a bit of everything: magic, fae, romance, sword fighting, family and betrayal. I did guess the twist but the reveal was executed perfectly.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I was captivated by Nevara’s story.
At the start of the book we get some insight into Nevara’s backstory. It is heartbreaking. I felt so sorry for her as she is born into poverty and lives in the slums. Despite this, she always puts others first and shows immense compassion and so much inner strength.
The writing had me tearing up at parts, it is so beautifully written. The found family trope is just heartwarming.
Priestess of Shadows has a bit of everything: magic, fae, romance, sword fighting, family and betrayal. I did guess the twist but the reveal was executed perfectly.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I was captivated by Nevara’s story.
January 9, 2022
This book started off really great with the background story, the competition, and the arrival at the academy. After that, some things happened really fast, which made it a bit difficult for me to try to wrap my head around it. The ending was really well done which makes me very curious about the sequel Priestess of Flames! I really hope Nevara dumps Alec's ass as one of the first things. Please just give me Nevara and Damon (heart eyes!!!).
December 29, 2021
Solid first book in a new series
I was really impressed with the plot and storyline in the Priestess of Shadows. I can’t wait to see what Nevara does next and how she uses her powers.
I was really impressed with the plot and storyline in the Priestess of Shadows. I can’t wait to see what Nevara does next and how she uses her powers.
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