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The Shadow Realm #1
A Shadow in the Reaping
A chaotic vampire and an executioner demon clash in this wickedly funny enemies-to-lovers paranormal dark romcom by #1 NYT bestselling author Brynne Weaver.
A siren who must stay silent to survive.
An executioner with a bounty he cannot kill.
Lu has been living a quiet, undercover life, a vampire hidden in the quaint village of Sanford. Afraid that her voice will give her secrets away, Lu has lived for years without words, speaking only to the one witch she can trust. Except, of course, when it's time to hunt. When it comes to luring in her victims, no song is sweeter than Lu's.
But when Lu's hunt is interrupted by Ashen, a mysterious and striking Reaper of the Shadow Realm, it seems like fate has finally caught up with her. An executioner with a soul to claim, Ashen doesn't realize he's stumbled on the bounty of an immortal lifetime until it's too late. As the two enemies are forced to work together to solve a crime that shouldn't be possible, it's more than just secrets that emerge between them.
With every moment that passes, Lu finds it harder and harder to live like a shadow among her enemies, especially the enigmatic demon she's bound to. She might just be a little bored of living the quiet life. But for Lu, nothing is more inseparable than danger and desire.
...And there are few creatures in any realm more dangerous than Ashen.
*mature themes, including violence, strong language, & sexual content*
A siren who must stay silent to survive.
An executioner with a bounty he cannot kill.
Lu has been living a quiet, undercover life, a vampire hidden in the quaint village of Sanford. Afraid that her voice will give her secrets away, Lu has lived for years without words, speaking only to the one witch she can trust. Except, of course, when it's time to hunt. When it comes to luring in her victims, no song is sweeter than Lu's.
But when Lu's hunt is interrupted by Ashen, a mysterious and striking Reaper of the Shadow Realm, it seems like fate has finally caught up with her. An executioner with a soul to claim, Ashen doesn't realize he's stumbled on the bounty of an immortal lifetime until it's too late. As the two enemies are forced to work together to solve a crime that shouldn't be possible, it's more than just secrets that emerge between them.
With every moment that passes, Lu finds it harder and harder to live like a shadow among her enemies, especially the enigmatic demon she's bound to. She might just be a little bored of living the quiet life. But for Lu, nothing is more inseparable than danger and desire.
...And there are few creatures in any realm more dangerous than Ashen.
*mature themes, including violence, strong language, & sexual content*
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2021
1841 people are currently reading
23522 people want to read
About the author
Brynne Weaver
20 books26.9k followersBrynne Weaver is a #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author and international sensation with over 4 million copies sold in over twenty-five countries to date. She has traveled the world, taken in more stray animals than her husband would probably prefer, and nurtured her love for dark comedies, horror, and romance in both literature and film. During all her adventures, the constant thread in Brynne’s life has been writing. With thirteen published works and counting, Brynne has made her mark in the literary world by blending irreverent dark comedy, swoon-worthy romance, and riveting suspense to create genre-breaking, addictive stories for readers to escape into. Known as the “Queen of Dark Romcom,” Brynne Weaver aspires to write female-focused stories about resilient characters navigating the darker edges of love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 510 reviews
January 11, 2022
I’m reviewing my own book again. Because I can and you can’t stop me. Muahahahaha.
First: extra points if you spot the movie this book pays homage to.
Second: extra EXTRA points if you get the homage reference.
But mostly, I just want you to know:
I. Love. This. Book.
ASITR is the most fun I’ve ever had writing. I wanted to write something that truly reflected my sense of humour and it does, and it was such a joy to pour it into these pages.
At first, I set out to prove to myself that a vampire book could be fresh and funny and unique. And I think (or I hope!) I achieved that. But it’s also about loss and anger and taking a chance, risking yourself to find love. Lu and Ashen grabbed my heart and ran with it, and sometimes I felt like I couldn’t write fast enough to keep up with them! It was an odd and exhilarating feeling, but it was an absolute joy.
Their story is not over. Work on the second book has already begun (title tbd).
If you’ve taken a chance on my work, I hope you love it (I sure as hell do!). I’m really honoured that you would take the time. So, THANK YOU.
All the best,
B xxx
First: extra points if you spot the movie this book pays homage to.
Second: extra EXTRA points if you get the homage reference.
But mostly, I just want you to know:
I. Love. This. Book.
ASITR is the most fun I’ve ever had writing. I wanted to write something that truly reflected my sense of humour and it does, and it was such a joy to pour it into these pages.
At first, I set out to prove to myself that a vampire book could be fresh and funny and unique. And I think (or I hope!) I achieved that. But it’s also about loss and anger and taking a chance, risking yourself to find love. Lu and Ashen grabbed my heart and ran with it, and sometimes I felt like I couldn’t write fast enough to keep up with them! It was an odd and exhilarating feeling, but it was an absolute joy.
Their story is not over. Work on the second book has already begun (title tbd).
If you’ve taken a chance on my work, I hope you love it (I sure as hell do!). I’m really honoured that you would take the time. So, THANK YOU.
All the best,
B xxx
dnf
October 21, 2021she started singing WAP to lure a frat boy i cant even make this shit up
July 30, 2025
3.5 Stars
Having recently read Weaver’s Butcher & Blackbird and having enjoyed it very much, I thought I’d look into her earlier works. Overall, I was not disappointed.
Here, there’s a slight twist on vampire, demon, angel, werewolf lore, and this sets up an interesting take where the land of the living is caught between an ancient struggle between basically heaven and hell.
When vampire Lu finds herself impulsively saving a sworn enemy, the reaper Ashen, she unknowingly binds them together and hence, is pulled into the dangerous agenda between his kind (demons) and the mysteriously elusive angels.
I liked this. I loved Lu. She’s an off-kilter smart ass, her dirty brand of humor showing through every scenario - thick or thin, life or death - lending much needed levity to the dire situations and revelations she's faced with. Ashen is no slouch if you like a very broody smoldering antihero. He’s the reticent grouch that Lu’s chipper snarky self loves to poke over and over and over. I truly enjoyed their antagonistic flirting, their dangerously bloody conflicts, and ultimately, their sexy interactions.
I suspect this first installment barely scratches the surface on the history and angsty pasts of these two characters who don't really fight their attraction despite knowing it’s not going to end very well. This concludes on a cliffhanger, and I know I won’t wait too long to start the next book!
The Shadow Realm Series
1. A Shadow in the Reaping - 3.5 Stars
2. A Heart of Bitter Poison - 4 Stars
3. A Queen of Broken Realms - 5 Stars!
Other Brynne Weaver Reads
Black Sheep - 3 Stars
Butcher & Blackbird - 4 Stars
Having recently read Weaver’s Butcher & Blackbird and having enjoyed it very much, I thought I’d look into her earlier works. Overall, I was not disappointed.
Here, there’s a slight twist on vampire, demon, angel, werewolf lore, and this sets up an interesting take where the land of the living is caught between an ancient struggle between basically heaven and hell.
When vampire Lu finds herself impulsively saving a sworn enemy, the reaper Ashen, she unknowingly binds them together and hence, is pulled into the dangerous agenda between his kind (demons) and the mysteriously elusive angels.
I liked this. I loved Lu. She’s an off-kilter smart ass, her dirty brand of humor showing through every scenario - thick or thin, life or death - lending much needed levity to the dire situations and revelations she's faced with. Ashen is no slouch if you like a very broody smoldering antihero. He’s the reticent grouch that Lu’s chipper snarky self loves to poke over and over and over. I truly enjoyed their antagonistic flirting, their dangerously bloody conflicts, and ultimately, their sexy interactions.
I suspect this first installment barely scratches the surface on the history and angsty pasts of these two characters who don't really fight their attraction despite knowing it’s not going to end very well. This concludes on a cliffhanger, and I know I won’t wait too long to start the next book!
The Shadow Realm Series
1. A Shadow in the Reaping - 3.5 Stars
2. A Heart of Bitter Poison - 4 Stars
3. A Queen of Broken Realms - 5 Stars!
Other Brynne Weaver Reads
Black Sheep - 3 Stars
Butcher & Blackbird - 4 Stars
October 11, 2021
Hold up...
Wait...
That ending though!
The story kept building and building and when it got to the end... WHAM!
I'm hit in the tits, waiting on tenterhooks for this story to continue.
Lu was a riot and a half. While I could have done with less pop culture references (yeah, I love WAP too), nothing could really take away from how marvelous I found this character to be.
By now, most people know that I can't stand stories told from a single perspective. I always find something lacking, something missing, and wishing I could hear another side. And while I did feel this way, meaning Lu's voice wasn't strong enough (how ironic?), I was still able to fall in love with the way this story was told. There was humor, violence, the standard dose of tension when two enemies are in forced proximity, subtle hints of romance, and tons of otherworldly imaginings. How could I not love it?
A vampire and a reaper. No one could say they were a true match and yet, what was developing between them worked. I wanted and needed them to be together. To take out anyone who went against them. To triumph over everyone. For everything that Lu had gone through over the millenia (though who would know it when she looks and acts 25), I wanted her to catch a break. And just when I thought Ashen would be the one to help her... the rug got pulled out from under me.
So yeah, the cover of this book (ain't it gorgeous) pulled me in, but it's the story that will keep me going. Book two can't come soon enough. More of Lu's crazy, please!
Wait...
That ending though!
The story kept building and building and when it got to the end... WHAM!
I'm hit in the tits, waiting on tenterhooks for this story to continue.
Lu was a riot and a half. While I could have done with less pop culture references (yeah, I love WAP too), nothing could really take away from how marvelous I found this character to be.
By now, most people know that I can't stand stories told from a single perspective. I always find something lacking, something missing, and wishing I could hear another side. And while I did feel this way, meaning Lu's voice wasn't strong enough (how ironic?), I was still able to fall in love with the way this story was told. There was humor, violence, the standard dose of tension when two enemies are in forced proximity, subtle hints of romance, and tons of otherworldly imaginings. How could I not love it?
A vampire and a reaper. No one could say they were a true match and yet, what was developing between them worked. I wanted and needed them to be together. To take out anyone who went against them. To triumph over everyone. For everything that Lu had gone through over the millenia (though who would know it when she looks and acts 25), I wanted her to catch a break. And just when I thought Ashen would be the one to help her... the rug got pulled out from under me.
So yeah, the cover of this book (ain't it gorgeous) pulled me in, but it's the story that will keep me going. Book two can't come soon enough. More of Lu's crazy, please!
May 5, 2022
God did I love this book. Our Heroine is so Fu#king sassy, quirky and relatable 𝐀𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐀 𝟓𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐎𝐥𝐝 𝐕𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞, that i couldn't but 𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐄 the hell out of her.
“Bats? Seriously? Do I look like the kind of girl to have a collection of sky mice? Hell no. I might be too cold to incubate rabies, but I don't want to douse myself in it either.”
“I love hissing. It sounds vicious and I don't get to do it enough.”
“Don't judge me. I'm a vampire. We like to be dramatic and melancholy at times. But it's ridiculous, I know that.”
⋘⋙--------•⪼⪻•--------⋘⋙
I love how the author made Lu interacted with us, it almost feels like she's breaking the 4th wall. Her inner monologs are so Fu#king hilarious that I found myself laughing out loud on many occasions. I mean seriously at some point the woman was about to go down against 𝟑𝟎+ werewolves who wanted her dead and her thoughts were solely focused on the reaper next to her.
“Fucking hell. Balls of steel. He doesn't seem very troubled that we're about to face an entire pack of werewolves. It's as though he was picking up his laundry or ordering a latte. It's like he went into a bakery to buy one donut and thought, you know what, fuck it. I burn a shitload of calories killing other immortal creatures, I can eat whatever the hell I want. I'll just have them all. I imagine him at the donut counter, staring down at a case of pastries, and saying to some zitty teenager I will reap them all.” I burst out laughing. Like, properly laughing. Fuck.”
Yeah take a second and imagine that scene, all of them in a dark alley facing each other, western style 𝟑𝟎+ against 𝟐. There is a moment of silence after threats and warnings have been thrown out and then 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 out of nowhere from her own batshit thoughts. Like the lunatic she is.
]|I{•---------⋘⋙---------------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•---------------⋘⋙---------•}I|[
Then we have her relationship with our fearless reaper 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐧. I loved their banter so much but also their connection, they are both death dealers in some ways and lived in the shadows for so long that they didn't even know what not being alone felt anymore. Only Being hidden, hated and hunted for what they are. Remembering every moment of their lives, every person they ever cared about only to be forgotten from the world.
So many beautiful moments were shared between them that slowly but surely soothed the ache in their souls. They found Trust and Companionship in each other.
“I won't let anything hurt you, Lu," he says. His voice sounds like a promise. He sounds like a warrior. He sounds like he will burn the world to keep his word. I open my eyes as he pulls away to meet my gaze. There is enough fury there to destroy every realm. Somehow, I think I would be the only one spared.”
⋘⋙--------•⪼⪻•--------⋘⋙
Now let's not kid ourselves here I mean i did cherished every single one of those moments but what I 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐃 more was the dynamic between the two, the way Lu kept pushing his buttons. Our reaper is so immaculate and sharp, everything has a place and not a thread is out of order. But our sassy vampire, ruffle his feathers like no one else's business. He's not used to having Supernatural creatures 𝐍𝐎𝐓 react a certain way toward him. (𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐂𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫, 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐇𝐢𝐦.) She's a puzzle he can't quite figure out. He's used to demanding and receiving. So she takes great pleasure in Irritating and Frustrating him. She just Pokes and pokes and pokes to get a rise out of him and I'm so here for that.
“Ashen has been in my life for a week and I've already thought through at least fifty different ways to kill him. My favorite so far is stabbing him in the guts with a dirty toilet brush.” [...] “My life since the Reaper has been neither comfortable nor predictable. Therefore, the only way out of my current state of misery is to either: A. Kill the Reaper - B. Kill the Alpha - C. Kill them both.” [...] “Reaper. You sound like even more of an asshole today than you did yesterday. I didn't think it would be possible, and yet, here we are.”
[...] “He stares at me, unblinking. I think I might have broken him. My smile blooms. The Reaper picks up his butter knife and flips it across his knuckles, and for a moment I think he might fire it at my chest. He looks at me the way he did the other day, like a puzzle, but this time he's understood something fundamental that he didn't see before. That it's not a puzzle after all, but a maze. And unless he keeps his head, he'll never find his way out...”
]|I{•---------⋘⋙---------------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•---------------⋘⋙---------•}I|[
I also loved 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐲𝐞 so freakin' much, the friendship between the two was beautiful. Especially knowing vampires and witches do not mix. She is a badass who was willing to 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 and 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 a Reaper for her dearest friend. And if you thought no one could 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐤 Lu you were wrong.
“Stop playing the mute siren and help me out here.”
“You saved a Reaper? What the fuck is wrong with you? Were you hit in the head harder than usual?”
“I fought the werewolves with him. They tried to kill him with an obsidian blade laced with Angelwing and I didn't feel right leaving him to die behind Cheese Louise."
“Couldn't you have dragged him behind the Hair's To Ya salon? That's a more honorable place to die.”
[...] “She holds the journal in front of his face and points to it. “This is not all she is.” She jabs a finger to his chest on the exact spot where his wound is still healing. “This? What she did for you? This is Lu.”
He shifts the briefest glance to me before meeting Ediye's eyes once more. “I will bring her back unharmed.”
“You'd better, or I will come for you, Reaper. I don't care who you are or how many souls you've taken. There will be no House in your Realm that will be able to hide you. Not from me.”
]|I{•---------⋘⋙---------------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•---------------⋘⋙---------•}I|[
Overall the story was very Compelling. There is 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐧, 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞, 𝐃𝐮𝐭𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞, 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. I also loved this new take on Vampires and Reapers, Werewolves, Angels, Hybrids and the whole world building/lore. Totally recommend.
But to end this with 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 goddamn cliffhanger!? 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐌𝐍 𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘...
“Bats? Seriously? Do I look like the kind of girl to have a collection of sky mice? Hell no. I might be too cold to incubate rabies, but I don't want to douse myself in it either.”
“I love hissing. It sounds vicious and I don't get to do it enough.”
“Don't judge me. I'm a vampire. We like to be dramatic and melancholy at times. But it's ridiculous, I know that.”
⋘⋙--------•⪼⪻•--------⋘⋙
I love how the author made Lu interacted with us, it almost feels like she's breaking the 4th wall. Her inner monologs are so Fu#king hilarious that I found myself laughing out loud on many occasions. I mean seriously at some point the woman was about to go down against 𝟑𝟎+ werewolves who wanted her dead and her thoughts were solely focused on the reaper next to her.
“Fucking hell. Balls of steel. He doesn't seem very troubled that we're about to face an entire pack of werewolves. It's as though he was picking up his laundry or ordering a latte. It's like he went into a bakery to buy one donut and thought, you know what, fuck it. I burn a shitload of calories killing other immortal creatures, I can eat whatever the hell I want. I'll just have them all. I imagine him at the donut counter, staring down at a case of pastries, and saying to some zitty teenager I will reap them all.” I burst out laughing. Like, properly laughing. Fuck.”
Yeah take a second and imagine that scene, all of them in a dark alley facing each other, western style 𝟑𝟎+ against 𝟐. There is a moment of silence after threats and warnings have been thrown out and then 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 out of nowhere from her own batshit thoughts. Like the lunatic she is.
]|I{•---------⋘⋙---------------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•---------------⋘⋙---------•}I|[
Then we have her relationship with our fearless reaper 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐧. I loved their banter so much but also their connection, they are both death dealers in some ways and lived in the shadows for so long that they didn't even know what not being alone felt anymore. Only Being hidden, hated and hunted for what they are. Remembering every moment of their lives, every person they ever cared about only to be forgotten from the world.
So many beautiful moments were shared between them that slowly but surely soothed the ache in their souls. They found Trust and Companionship in each other.
“I won't let anything hurt you, Lu," he says. His voice sounds like a promise. He sounds like a warrior. He sounds like he will burn the world to keep his word. I open my eyes as he pulls away to meet my gaze. There is enough fury there to destroy every realm. Somehow, I think I would be the only one spared.”
⋘⋙--------•⪼⪻•--------⋘⋙
Now let's not kid ourselves here I mean i did cherished every single one of those moments but what I 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐃 more was the dynamic between the two, the way Lu kept pushing his buttons. Our reaper is so immaculate and sharp, everything has a place and not a thread is out of order. But our sassy vampire, ruffle his feathers like no one else's business. He's not used to having Supernatural creatures 𝐍𝐎𝐓 react a certain way toward him. (𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐂𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫, 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐇𝐢𝐦.) She's a puzzle he can't quite figure out. He's used to demanding and receiving. So she takes great pleasure in Irritating and Frustrating him. She just Pokes and pokes and pokes to get a rise out of him and I'm so here for that.
“Ashen has been in my life for a week and I've already thought through at least fifty different ways to kill him. My favorite so far is stabbing him in the guts with a dirty toilet brush.” [...] “My life since the Reaper has been neither comfortable nor predictable. Therefore, the only way out of my current state of misery is to either: A. Kill the Reaper - B. Kill the Alpha - C. Kill them both.” [...] “Reaper. You sound like even more of an asshole today than you did yesterday. I didn't think it would be possible, and yet, here we are.”
[...] “He stares at me, unblinking. I think I might have broken him. My smile blooms. The Reaper picks up his butter knife and flips it across his knuckles, and for a moment I think he might fire it at my chest. He looks at me the way he did the other day, like a puzzle, but this time he's understood something fundamental that he didn't see before. That it's not a puzzle after all, but a maze. And unless he keeps his head, he'll never find his way out...”
]|I{•---------⋘⋙---------------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•---------------⋘⋙---------•}I|[
I also loved 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐲𝐞 so freakin' much, the friendship between the two was beautiful. Especially knowing vampires and witches do not mix. She is a badass who was willing to 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 and 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 a Reaper for her dearest friend. And if you thought no one could 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐤 Lu you were wrong.
“Stop playing the mute siren and help me out here.”
“You saved a Reaper? What the fuck is wrong with you? Were you hit in the head harder than usual?”
“I fought the werewolves with him. They tried to kill him with an obsidian blade laced with Angelwing and I didn't feel right leaving him to die behind Cheese Louise."
“Couldn't you have dragged him behind the Hair's To Ya salon? That's a more honorable place to die.”
[...] “She holds the journal in front of his face and points to it. “This is not all she is.” She jabs a finger to his chest on the exact spot where his wound is still healing. “This? What she did for you? This is Lu.”
He shifts the briefest glance to me before meeting Ediye's eyes once more. “I will bring her back unharmed.”
“You'd better, or I will come for you, Reaper. I don't care who you are or how many souls you've taken. There will be no House in your Realm that will be able to hide you. Not from me.”
]|I{•---------⋘⋙---------------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•---------------⋘⋙---------•}I|[
Overall the story was very Compelling. There is 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐧, 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞, 𝐃𝐮𝐭𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞, 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. I also loved this new take on Vampires and Reapers, Werewolves, Angels, Hybrids and the whole world building/lore. Totally recommend.
But to end this with 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 goddamn cliffhanger!? 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐌𝐍 𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘...
February 13, 2022
The MC started singing WAP to lure a man to “suck dry”. I didn’t get past that.
Sorry, just not in my tastes.
Sorry, just not in my tastes.
October 16, 2022
2022 reread:
I stand by everything I said about this previously. 🥰 THEIR BANTER IS IMMACULATE.
Original:
Siren Vampires? Demons who hunt immortal beings (Reapers)? Werewolves? Witches? ANGELS? HYBRIDS? What the actual fuck?
OK HEAR ME OUT. It sounds chaotic, AND IT IS but like in the best way. We’ve got a fundamental enemies to lovers situation going on here. She is a siren vampire (ONE OF THE ORIGINAL ONES) and he hunts immortal beings like her. I AM A SUCKER FOR THIS TROPE.
Not only is she a siren vampire, SHE CAN SPELLCAST, and she accidentally casts a spell that binds them together. CAN WE SAY FORCED PROXIMITY TROPE? We love to see that.
Oh but of course you gotta throw in a revenge trope, and a false identity trope (OR IS IT). And sprinkle in some slow burn, sexual tension, with some hilarious banter AND BOOM. There you have Lu and Ashen. Plus there is “I WONT LET ANYONE HURT YOU LINE” that I think I died at, again a sucker for that kind of scene.
There was at least two plot points that SHOOK ME, like I literally whispered "what the fuck?" as I was reading.
The fact that I thought this was a standalone AND RUDELY FOUND OUT I WAS WRONG FROM THAT ENDING is very upsetting. But here I'll be impatiently awaiting the sequel...
I stand by everything I said about this previously. 🥰 THEIR BANTER IS IMMACULATE.
Original:
Siren Vampires? Demons who hunt immortal beings (Reapers)? Werewolves? Witches? ANGELS? HYBRIDS? What the actual fuck?
OK HEAR ME OUT. It sounds chaotic, AND IT IS but like in the best way. We’ve got a fundamental enemies to lovers situation going on here. She is a siren vampire (ONE OF THE ORIGINAL ONES) and he hunts immortal beings like her. I AM A SUCKER FOR THIS TROPE.
Not only is she a siren vampire, SHE CAN SPELLCAST, and she accidentally casts a spell that binds them together. CAN WE SAY FORCED PROXIMITY TROPE? We love to see that.
Oh but of course you gotta throw in a revenge trope, and a false identity trope (OR IS IT). And sprinkle in some slow burn, sexual tension, with some hilarious banter AND BOOM. There you have Lu and Ashen. Plus there is “I WONT LET ANYONE HURT YOU LINE” that I think I died at, again a sucker for that kind of scene.
There was at least two plot points that SHOOK ME, like I literally whispered "what the fuck?" as I was reading.
The fact that I thought this was a standalone AND RUDELY FOUND OUT I WAS WRONG FROM THAT ENDING is very upsetting. But here I'll be impatiently awaiting the sequel...
November 29, 2024
I love Ashen in this book, but why is WAP mentioned so many times 😩
June 12, 2024
2.5⭐️
I feel like this had a lot of potential, and having read more recent books from this author I know she can get there. This was just fine.
Vampire siren who loves Cardi B meets Reaper/demon sexy guy and spell makes the forced proximity happen.
Cliffhanger for next book.
I feel like this had a lot of potential, and having read more recent books from this author I know she can get there. This was just fine.
Vampire siren who loves Cardi B meets Reaper/demon sexy guy and spell makes the forced proximity happen.
Cliffhanger for next book.
November 3, 2021
Hi, my name is Gabbey and I live in Gloucestershire. Yes, the Gloucestershire of 'Sandford,' Gloucestershire. If you know, you know.
A Shadow in the Reaping is sort-of set in the Sandford of Hot Fuzz. I went into this book blind, so when I read "You clearly haven't met Lurch. All he says is 'Yarp' for yes and 'Narp' for no,' I suddenly thought "Eh? What?" Upon trying to discover what on Earth was going on, I read Brynne's author bio and saw that " She can relate nearly anything you say to a line from the movie Hot Fuzz," and I realised I wasn't going crazy (Or crazier, at any rate).
I really enjoyed this book. In the Author's Note, Weaver said she wanted to "Make it batshit crazy. Make it weird and wonderful. Make it FUN." Well, it was certainly all of the above! The ending especially was unexpected and spectacular! I only wish I enjoyed Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallions WAP more, then I may of better-appreciated the references!
P.S. How gorgeous is this book's cover though?!
A Shadow in the Reaping is sort-of set in the Sandford of Hot Fuzz. I went into this book blind, so when I read "You clearly haven't met Lurch. All he says is 'Yarp' for yes and 'Narp' for no,' I suddenly thought "Eh? What?" Upon trying to discover what on Earth was going on, I read Brynne's author bio and saw that " She can relate nearly anything you say to a line from the movie Hot Fuzz," and I realised I wasn't going crazy (Or crazier, at any rate).
I really enjoyed this book. In the Author's Note, Weaver said she wanted to "Make it batshit crazy. Make it weird and wonderful. Make it FUN." Well, it was certainly all of the above! The ending especially was unexpected and spectacular! I only wish I enjoyed Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallions WAP more, then I may of better-appreciated the references!
P.S. How gorgeous is this book's cover though?!
October 5, 2021
What a fun read! It's fast paced and entertaining from start to finish. I really enjoy Lu's personality. The ending left me like 😮
My biggest question is how long do I have to wait for book 2?
My biggest question is how long do I have to wait for book 2?
December 24, 2025
3.5 “Have fun. Don't hiss too loud” Stars
Lu has been living a shadow life for over three hundred years. She was hunted by the Reaper, demon bounty hunters, for being a Siren and a Vampire. She she used to smash ships on the rocks and drink the sailors dry but that was millennia ago and with no Netflix what was she supposed to do for entertainment. After faking her death though she had a change to start a new life. She just didn't realize how empty it really was until...Ashen.
Ashen was in the mortal realm to reap a werewolf Alpha with some very nefarious plans for Lu. Roping her into the fight there is something that connects them and Lu, did something unthinkable, she saved a Reaper. Now she and Ashen are bound together until they figure out how to kill the Alpha or one of them dies.
I enjoyed Lu and the flashes of the story. Ashen is the bad boy we all want to love and he seems to just get Lu, more than anyone has in centuries. The heat between them builds until it combusts. But Ashen is a Demon and there are others who are looking to use Lu in the upcoming war with the Angels and the Realm of Light.
Overall this was a fun story. I liked the characters and longing and steam throughout the story. The ending was a bit of a slap in the face, well to Lu at least but I'm marching into the next book right away to see how she gets out of the trouble she is in.
Fun and quirky story, that doesn't follow the normal vampire rules, but at least Lu doesn't sparkle.
Lu has been living a shadow life for over three hundred years. She was hunted by the Reaper, demon bounty hunters, for being a Siren and a Vampire. She she used to smash ships on the rocks and drink the sailors dry but that was millennia ago and with no Netflix what was she supposed to do for entertainment. After faking her death though she had a change to start a new life. She just didn't realize how empty it really was until...Ashen.
I haven't survived this long by letting my guard down to a hot guy with a sick body and some pretty words.
Ashen was in the mortal realm to reap a werewolf Alpha with some very nefarious plans for Lu. Roping her into the fight there is something that connects them and Lu, did something unthinkable, she saved a Reaper. Now she and Ashen are bound together until they figure out how to kill the Alpha or one of them dies.
I enjoyed Lu and the flashes of the story. Ashen is the bad boy we all want to love and he seems to just get Lu, more than anyone has in centuries. The heat between them builds until it combusts. But Ashen is a Demon and there are others who are looking to use Lu in the upcoming war with the Angels and the Realm of Light.
Overall this was a fun story. I liked the characters and longing and steam throughout the story. The ending was a bit of a slap in the face, well to Lu at least but I'm marching into the next book right away to see how she gets out of the trouble she is in.
Fun and quirky story, that doesn't follow the normal vampire rules, but at least Lu doesn't sparkle.
March 14, 2022
...
This book started so strong. I was actually enjoying it but once the story started progressing, I started losing interest a little bit at a time. I was expecting Lu to be more badass. She was a five thousand year old vampire but it didn't seem to me that she was that powerful. Don't get me wrong, I did like her... it's just I was expecting more from her. She was funny, a little bit crazy and I didn't mind her quoting and singing WAP but I wanted more visciousness from her. It seemed like Ashen was always the one that was shining and she was constantly in his shadow whether it was in a fight or just in general.
I was impartial to Ashen. He was meh... I couldn't really get a feel with regards to his emotions or his feelings for Lu. I didn't feel the love which made me get a tiny bit irritated and feel somewhat empty. And don't get me started on that cliffhanger... I wanted to punch something. I hate when OW dramas get thrown into the mix at the last possible second which further hurts the heroine. It makes me doubt the love the hero has for the heroine even after everything has been resolved and they get the HEA. Especially when it occurs like it happend in this book. Now I'm not so sure if I'm going to read the second book. Maybe I'll give it a few days/months.
This book started so strong. I was actually enjoying it but once the story started progressing, I started losing interest a little bit at a time. I was expecting Lu to be more badass. She was a five thousand year old vampire but it didn't seem to me that she was that powerful. Don't get me wrong, I did like her... it's just I was expecting more from her. She was funny, a little bit crazy and I didn't mind her quoting and singing WAP but I wanted more visciousness from her. It seemed like Ashen was always the one that was shining and she was constantly in his shadow whether it was in a fight or just in general.
I was impartial to Ashen. He was meh... I couldn't really get a feel with regards to his emotions or his feelings for Lu. I didn't feel the love which made me get a tiny bit irritated and feel somewhat empty. And don't get me started on that cliffhanger... I wanted to punch something. I hate when OW dramas get thrown into the mix at the last possible second which further hurts the heroine. It makes me doubt the love the hero has for the heroine even after everything has been resolved and they get the HEA. Especially when it occurs like it happend in this book. Now I'm not so sure if I'm going to read the second book. Maybe I'll give it a few days/months.
January 4, 2022
This book is so FUN. From the opening line referencing the beautiful singing voice of Vlad the Impaler to the stunning cliffhanger conclusion, I couldn’t put it down. It is a funny, insane, sexy, silly romp that builds the tension and leaves you wanting more at exactly the right moments.
Is it perfect? No. But it is effervescent in its tone and brilliant in its pacing. I will say though, there is going to have to be one hell of a redemption arc after that final chapter to make up for some of the characters’ actions. At times Lu felt very young for a 5,000 year old mother of vampires, and I would love to see her get to show some of that depth of life experience. Finally, I wish we had more of Ediye: she’s fascinating and fierce, and I hope to see more of her in future.
I will admit, I felt like I had stumbled into an alternate dimension when there was mention of the Japanese Peace Lily, Peter Staker’s missing swan, and DC Andy Cartwright hanging out at the inn - turns out, this is both a paranormal romance and an homage to the cinematic masterpiece “Hot Fuzz”. It was unexpected and amusing to see references to the characters and events in a totally new way. Was it necessary? Not at all, but it was definitely entertaining.
Fingers crossed the next instalment will be out soon - I can’t wait.
I received an ARC through BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
Is it perfect? No. But it is effervescent in its tone and brilliant in its pacing. I will say though, there is going to have to be one hell of a redemption arc after that final chapter to make up for some of the characters’ actions. At times Lu felt very young for a 5,000 year old mother of vampires, and I would love to see her get to show some of that depth of life experience. Finally, I wish we had more of Ediye: she’s fascinating and fierce, and I hope to see more of her in future.
I will admit, I felt like I had stumbled into an alternate dimension when there was mention of the Japanese Peace Lily, Peter Staker’s missing swan, and DC Andy Cartwright hanging out at the inn - turns out, this is both a paranormal romance and an homage to the cinematic masterpiece “Hot Fuzz”. It was unexpected and amusing to see references to the characters and events in a totally new way. Was it necessary? Not at all, but it was definitely entertaining.
Fingers crossed the next instalment will be out soon - I can’t wait.
I received an ARC through BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2024
I can't express how much i fell head over heels for this series. This was just so much fun
Brynne Weaver writes main characters like no one else. Their chemistry and banter is over the top !
Brynne Weaver writes main characters like no one else. Their chemistry and banter is over the top !
October 7, 2021
If I could give this book more than five stars, I absolutely would! Brynne already knows how much I absolutely adored her new book so now it's time for me to tell y'all how good this book is and why you need to pick it up like right now!
In this new series, we follow Lu a very old but very modern vampire, who's just trying to live her best life with her friends, job and life. When she runs into a very dark and *handsome* Reaper by the name of Ashen, her world gets flipped upside down. She's suddenly thrown into a new world where she has to work with Ashen if they want to survive this together.
I absolutely loved that Lu was this modern girl because she was relatable, funny and a well rounded character. For once in my life, I read a vampire book where I can actually relate to the main character who listens to WAP, plays scrabble and is just as annoyed at Honda/Mazda drivers as I get sometimes. I think that's what made this book memorable for me, because I actually felt like I knew Lu & could see the world through her eyes.
Ashen on the other hand, was super dark and mysterious (+ after reading the entire book I don't know how much I love him just yet!), but he in himself was so complex that I couldn't help falling in love with him too. Their banter was so sweet and cute, most importantly it's funny.
This entire book was so relatable and so good, I cannot wait to see where this story goes & what the end for our beloved Lu & Ashen, Brynne has in mind for us! Y'all gotta pick this book up, it's my new favourite vampire book & it'll be yours too!
In this new series, we follow Lu a very old but very modern vampire, who's just trying to live her best life with her friends, job and life. When she runs into a very dark and *handsome* Reaper by the name of Ashen, her world gets flipped upside down. She's suddenly thrown into a new world where she has to work with Ashen if they want to survive this together.
I absolutely loved that Lu was this modern girl because she was relatable, funny and a well rounded character. For once in my life, I read a vampire book where I can actually relate to the main character who listens to WAP, plays scrabble and is just as annoyed at Honda/Mazda drivers as I get sometimes. I think that's what made this book memorable for me, because I actually felt like I knew Lu & could see the world through her eyes.
Ashen on the other hand, was super dark and mysterious (+ after reading the entire book I don't know how much I love him just yet!), but he in himself was so complex that I couldn't help falling in love with him too. Their banter was so sweet and cute, most importantly it's funny.
This entire book was so relatable and so good, I cannot wait to see where this story goes & what the end for our beloved Lu & Ashen, Brynne has in mind for us! Y'all gotta pick this book up, it's my new favourite vampire book & it'll be yours too!
October 8, 2021
HAHAHAHA Okay.
This book was phenomenal but I am DYING.
Ma'am. Did you make this book dead center in Hot Fuzz?! Because as soon as I saw the "Japanese peace lily," I was like NO. NO SHE DID NOT. This alone just made this an absolute chefs kiss.
This book was phenomenal but I am DYING.
Ma'am. Did you make this book dead center in Hot Fuzz?! Because as soon as I saw the "Japanese peace lily," I was like NO. NO SHE DID NOT. This alone just made this an absolute chefs kiss.
October 22, 2021
This book had me hooked from the first paragraph. If you are looking for a fresh voice in the world of paranormal romance, pick up this one! Brynne Weaver's humor, imagination, and glittering prose will captivate you, and Ashen and Lu will keep you coming back for more.
March 6, 2024
I am a reckless, silly creature, thinking of embraces and endearments and emotions. I’ve been afraid of what I feel about him. Now I can’t seem to stop it, and I fear that too.
This was a 5 ☆ read for me until that last 15% of absolute chaos. I haven’t had a plot twist and cliffhanger make me so mad in so long.
I’ve taken a few days to think about it, and I’m still annoyed, but I can concede that this was probably closer to 4 ☆ than the 3 ☆ I gave it.
It’s sometimes silly and definitely on the lighter side of dark romance, while still being an engaging story. Weaver pokes fun at a lot of fantasy stereotypes, mixing in a bunch of pop culture references along the way, BUT what absolutely ruined this for me was the chaotic cliffhanger ending. It was so shocking and made me question everything I had read up to that point. We would have benefited so much from Ashen’s POV, for obvious reasons, but mostly because he was so subdued that I never got a real read on him and that ending had me screaming WHAT THE HECK. I’m hooked though and I’ll definitely finish this trilogy.
ꕤ ROMANTASY
ꕤ SINGLE POV
ꕤ HEADSTRONG FMC
ꕤ ENEMIES TO LOVERS
ꕤ MISCOMMUNICATION
ꕤ CLIFFHANGER
This was a 5 ☆ read for me until that last 15% of absolute chaos. I haven’t had a plot twist and cliffhanger make me so mad in so long.
I’ve taken a few days to think about it, and I’m still annoyed, but I can concede that this was probably closer to 4 ☆ than the 3 ☆ I gave it.
It’s sometimes silly and definitely on the lighter side of dark romance, while still being an engaging story. Weaver pokes fun at a lot of fantasy stereotypes, mixing in a bunch of pop culture references along the way, BUT what absolutely ruined this for me was the chaotic cliffhanger ending. It was so shocking and made me question everything I had read up to that point. We would have benefited so much from Ashen’s POV, for obvious reasons, but mostly because he was so subdued that I never got a real read on him and that ending had me screaming WHAT THE HECK. I’m hooked though and I’ll definitely finish this trilogy.
ꕤ ROMANTASY
ꕤ SINGLE POV
ꕤ HEADSTRONG FMC
ꕤ ENEMIES TO LOVERS
ꕤ MISCOMMUNICATION
ꕤ CLIFFHANGER
February 12, 2022
This book was so good! I have been plunged into a new world of vampires , reapers , werewolves and angels. Loved the language used in this book. The vampire is ancient and says out loud what the reader would say if caught in the situation. I caught myself laughing out loud so many times. The author has built this story so well, that you can’t help but cheer for the main character or commiserate with her. So many plot twists….loved it! Thank you for making this book 1 of a series! I am hooked!
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 1, 2022
OBSESSED. Absolutely loved this book.
You've got siren vampires, angels, witches, werewolves, and a fit reaper from the shadow realm - what more could you ask for. Lu's character was the perfect combination of funny, sassy, powerful and a little crazy.
This is the first book i've read that i've thought would be an amaaazing anime. Just the dialogue, and the chaotic energy (in the best way) would translate so well.
You've got siren vampires, angels, witches, werewolves, and a fit reaper from the shadow realm - what more could you ask for. Lu's character was the perfect combination of funny, sassy, powerful and a little crazy.
This is the first book i've read that i've thought would be an amaaazing anime. Just the dialogue, and the chaotic energy (in the best way) would translate so well.
January 14, 2022
Rating : 5/5 ... funny and sexy read ... my kind of book ;)
Review in french : cliquez ici
Review in english : It's been a long time since I've read an "adult fantasy" book that had me hooked: humor, action, kickass heroine, passion and cliffhanger. In short, I was not bored during this reading.
The characters in A shadow in the reaping are original and interesting. I especially liked Lu, the vampire/ FMC of this novel. She has lived a quiet, hidden life for years. The only risk she takes is eating the jerks who come to her hotel. Usually her victims are men who are a little too aggressive. Her siren side, which was very cool, allows her to attract her victims.
Everything changes the day she meets Ashen. Ashen is a reaper (natural enemy of vampires). This race hunts supernatural people who commit crimes. With her life in danger, she has to trust the handsome reaper. They find themselves having to team up to find the person who wants to harm Lu.
Thanks to Lu's humor, I really enjoyed this investigation. Lu is far from perfect, but she completely embraces it. I'd like to say that I also really liked Ashen's character but given the ending (which I won't spoil for you) ... he'll be lucky if he survives in the second volume (either Lu kills him or I will).
This is one of the few books where the ending really surprised me. I wasn't expecting the bombshell the author dropped in the last few pages at all. Fortunately, I read this book in December and the second volume is coming out at the end of January... :)
The book is "adult" and there are one or two sexy scenes, but nothing hyper graphic. These moments remain marginal in the plot.
Conclusion: I recommend this book if you like fantasy books with romance (in the background) and lots of humor.
Review in french : cliquez ici
Review in english : It's been a long time since I've read an "adult fantasy" book that had me hooked: humor, action, kickass heroine, passion and cliffhanger. In short, I was not bored during this reading.
The characters in A shadow in the reaping are original and interesting. I especially liked Lu, the vampire/ FMC of this novel. She has lived a quiet, hidden life for years. The only risk she takes is eating the jerks who come to her hotel. Usually her victims are men who are a little too aggressive. Her siren side, which was very cool, allows her to attract her victims.
Everything changes the day she meets Ashen. Ashen is a reaper (natural enemy of vampires). This race hunts supernatural people who commit crimes. With her life in danger, she has to trust the handsome reaper. They find themselves having to team up to find the person who wants to harm Lu.
Thanks to Lu's humor, I really enjoyed this investigation. Lu is far from perfect, but she completely embraces it. I'd like to say that I also really liked Ashen's character but given the ending (which I won't spoil for you) ... he'll be lucky if he survives in the second volume (either Lu kills him or I will).
This is one of the few books where the ending really surprised me. I wasn't expecting the bombshell the author dropped in the last few pages at all. Fortunately, I read this book in December and the second volume is coming out at the end of January... :)
The book is "adult" and there are one or two sexy scenes, but nothing hyper graphic. These moments remain marginal in the plot.
Conclusion: I recommend this book if you like fantasy books with romance (in the background) and lots of humor.
June 20, 2025
If he thinks he’s going to be all flirty and I’m just going to tell him all my secrets and place my trust in him, he’s got another thing coming. I haven’t survived this long by letting my guard down to a hot guy with a sick body and some pretty words.
—
A Shadow in the Reaping
by
Brynne Weaver
(The Shadow Realm Book 1)
☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
“You are like the wind or the sea, like an elemental force of nature. You feared me and yet I’m the one who is left defenseless as you dismantle my walls, stone by stone.”
☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
I've seen a lot of dead shit. I've seen a lot of fucked-up shit. But I've never seen anything like this.
☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝘂𝗻... 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝗐𝖺𝗒 𝗍𝗈𝗈 𝗆𝗎𝖼𝗁 𝗈𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗉𝗈𝗉 𝖼𝗎𝗅𝗍𝗎𝗋𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝖿𝖾𝗋𝖾𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗌. 𝖸𝖤𝖲- 𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗌𝖾 𝖼𝖺𝗇 𝗐𝗈𝗋𝗄 𝗂𝗇 𝗌𝗈𝗆𝖾 𝖼𝖺𝗌𝖾𝗌. 𝖧𝗈𝗐𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋, 𝗂𝗍 𝗌𝖾𝖾𝗆𝖾𝖽 𝖺 𝖻𝗂𝗍 𝖿𝗈𝗋𝖼𝖾𝖽. 𝖨 𝖺𝗆 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗈𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖡𝗋𝗒𝗇𝗇𝖾 𝖶𝖾𝖺𝗏𝖾𝗋 𝖻𝖺𝗇𝖽𝗐𝖺𝗀𝗈𝗇 & 𝗍𝗋𝗎𝗅𝗒 𝖾𝗇𝗃𝗈𝗒𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝖡𝖴𝖳 𝖮𝖬𝖦... 𝖨 𝖻𝖺𝗌𝗂𝖼𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗒 𝗁𝖺𝖽 𝗍𝗈 𝗀𝗅𝗈𝗌𝗌 𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗌𝖾 𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇𝗌 𝗐𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝗍hey 𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗉𝖾𝗇𝖾𝖽.
𝖨𝗇𝗌𝗍𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝖺𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗍𝗈 𝖺 𝖼𝗁aracter 𝗆𝗈𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍; 𝖨 𝖿𝖾𝗅𝗍 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾 𝗂𝗍 𝗓𝖺𝗉𝗉𝖾𝖽 𝖺𝗎𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗂𝖼𝗂𝗍𝗒… drained.
☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝗀𝗈𝗈𝖽????
𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗗𝗔𝗠𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗘𝗟𝗦𝗘.
☠️witty
☠️͏r͏e͏a͏p͏e͏r͏s ͏v͏a͏m͏p͏i͏r͏e͏s ͏w͏e͏r͏e͏w͏o͏l͏v͏e͏s ͏w͏i͏t͏c͏h͏e͏s
☠️MFC & MMC that you really are drawn to
☠️life drama relationships
☠️ no room for boredom here
☠️action
☠️fantasy/darkish fantasy with romance
☠️crime mystery
biiggy cliffhanger: ͏b͏o͏o͏k 1 ͏i͏n ͏s͏e͏r͏i͏e͏s
͏o͏n ͏b͏o͏a͏r͏d ͏t͏o ͏c͏o͏n͏t͏i͏n͏u͏e ͏t͏h͏i͏s ͏j͏o͏u͏r͏n͏e͏y
:::: ͏t͏h͏i͏s ͏i͏s ͏n͏o͏t вutchєr αnd вlαckвírd- 𝗂𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗂𝗌 𝗐𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝖾𝗑𝗉𝖾𝖼𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀:::::
★★★☆☆
fun start to series - 𝗍𝗁𝗋𝖾𝖾 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗋𝗌 𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗈𝖿 𝖿𝗂𝗏𝖾
╝ Happy reading ┊┊┊┊ ➶ ❁۪ ｡˚ ✧
—
A Shadow in the Reaping
by
Brynne Weaver
(The Shadow Realm Book 1)
☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
“You are like the wind or the sea, like an elemental force of nature. You feared me and yet I’m the one who is left defenseless as you dismantle my walls, stone by stone.”
☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
I've seen a lot of dead shit. I've seen a lot of fucked-up shit. But I've never seen anything like this.
☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝘂𝗻... 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝗐𝖺𝗒 𝗍𝗈𝗈 𝗆𝗎𝖼𝗁 𝗈𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗉𝗈𝗉 𝖼𝗎𝗅𝗍𝗎𝗋𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝖿𝖾𝗋𝖾𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗌. 𝖸𝖤𝖲- 𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗌𝖾 𝖼𝖺𝗇 𝗐𝗈𝗋𝗄 𝗂𝗇 𝗌𝗈𝗆𝖾 𝖼𝖺𝗌𝖾𝗌. 𝖧𝗈𝗐𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋, 𝗂𝗍 𝗌𝖾𝖾𝗆𝖾𝖽 𝖺 𝖻𝗂𝗍 𝖿𝗈𝗋𝖼𝖾𝖽. 𝖨 𝖺𝗆 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗈𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖡𝗋𝗒𝗇𝗇𝖾 𝖶𝖾𝖺𝗏𝖾𝗋 𝖻𝖺𝗇𝖽𝗐𝖺𝗀𝗈𝗇 & 𝗍𝗋𝗎𝗅𝗒 𝖾𝗇𝗃𝗈𝗒𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝖡𝖴𝖳 𝖮𝖬𝖦... 𝖨 𝖻𝖺𝗌𝗂𝖼𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗒 𝗁𝖺𝖽 𝗍𝗈 𝗀𝗅𝗈𝗌𝗌 𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗌𝖾 𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇𝗌 𝗐𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝗍hey 𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗉𝖾𝗇𝖾𝖽.
𝖨𝗇𝗌𝗍𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝖺𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗍𝗈 𝖺 𝖼𝗁aracter 𝗆𝗈𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍; 𝖨 𝖿𝖾𝗅𝗍 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾 𝗂𝗍 𝗓𝖺𝗉𝗉𝖾𝖽 𝖺𝗎𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗂𝖼𝗂𝗍𝗒… drained.
☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝗀𝗈𝗈𝖽????
𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗗𝗔𝗠𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗘𝗟𝗦𝗘.
☠️witty
☠️͏r͏e͏a͏p͏e͏r͏s ͏v͏a͏m͏p͏i͏r͏e͏s ͏w͏e͏r͏e͏w͏o͏l͏v͏e͏s ͏w͏i͏t͏c͏h͏e͏s
☠️MFC & MMC that you really are drawn to
☠️life drama relationships
☠️ no room for boredom here
☠️action
☠️fantasy/darkish fantasy with romance
☠️crime mystery
biiggy cliffhanger: ͏b͏o͏o͏k 1 ͏i͏n ͏s͏e͏r͏i͏e͏s
͏o͏n ͏b͏o͏a͏r͏d ͏t͏o ͏c͏o͏n͏t͏i͏n͏u͏e ͏t͏h͏i͏s ͏j͏o͏u͏r͏n͏e͏y
:::: ͏t͏h͏i͏s ͏i͏s ͏n͏o͏t вutchєr αnd вlαckвírd- 𝗂𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗂𝗌 𝗐𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝖾𝗑𝗉𝖾𝖼𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀:::::
★★★☆☆
fun start to series - 𝗍𝗁𝗋𝖾𝖾 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗋𝗌 𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗈𝖿 𝖿𝗂𝗏𝖾
╝ Happy reading ┊┊┊┊ ➶ ❁۪ ｡˚ ✧
December 5, 2024
theoretically I should have liked this but I hated it.
will not be reading the other books in the series.
will not be reading the other books in the series.
March 5, 2024
“I overpower your heart. But I’m starting to worry that mine has already succumbed.” -Lu
April 17, 2024
Oh my God. The ending.
March 15, 2022
This was a fun read, had funny moments, and heart warming stuff.
But there is lots to unpack with Lu & Ashens relationship.
Lu is CENTURIES old, but does act very young and naive. She fell for Ashen quickly, yes, she didn't trust him right off the bat but gave it up pretty quickly.
Here's what bothers me, it's the GUY WHO WOES THE MC INTO LOVING & TRUSTING HIM JUST FOR THE MC TO DISCOVER HE TOTALLY USED HER AND FUCKED HER OVER. Now, for a centuries old vampire, this is really pathetic, I get it, she was lonely, probably Susceptible to his wiles. Still, hard to feel bad for an OLD vampire who should know waaaayyy better. Especially with the secrets she needs to protect. Unless she has given up on life.
Now this ends on a cliffhanger, Lu discovers Ashens deceit, and ooh boy, it's a doozy. I am not exaggerating when I say Ashen worked her good from the start. YOU CAN TRUST ME, I WONT LET ANY HARM COME TO YOU.... EVER, I PROMISE. Yikes. He broke every single promise that flew from lying face. He found all her soft spots and cut so deep. Dickhead!
Ashen gets his, I would assume, old love/wife back at the end for his services. So book2 will be the aftermath. And Ashen so thoroughly fucked Lu over, like bad, she was taken and is halfway turned into a hybrid, her voice burned out of her, to be used as a weapon in some stupid fucking useless war of the realms. To me, Ashen is beyond redemption, no matter his reasons for deceiving & using Lu. LOOK WHAT HAPPENED TO HER. It is bad. I feel like these 2 will end up together despite it all. This is a paranormal romance after all. But I don't want them together, Ashen is heinous for what has become of Lu, even if it all gets undone. I hope she does become a hybrid, is ultra strong, destroys Ember, and finds a real mate, and let Ashen live with the loss of her. It would be a great twist, why reward these lying POS men with getting the girl at the end because they rescue her?! I say Lu rescues herself, and finds a fine ass man to be her true mate and Ashen can suck rocks. I mean there is now a OW in the story. So Lu has to deal with his betrayal and now the OW. Pass. To remind you, Ashen got Lu turned into a fucking science experiment! It's sooooo awful. So for me, I would love to see Lu find someone better, bring in a new sexy bad ass hunk, who is like honest with her from the start, and Ashen doesn't get the girl, cuz he really, really, doesn't deserve her. I mean, how do you come back from your guy handing you over to be a science experiment?
Now I say all this, but, maybe in book2, things aren't all as they seem. Maybe Ashen didn't do it like that or something, but, if he did, then I can't support their relationship. No matter his reasons. Even if it's like the other tropes of it started out as a bet but then I fell for you for real. Ashen went too far. Fight me.
But there is lots to unpack with Lu & Ashens relationship.
Lu is CENTURIES old, but does act very young and naive. She fell for Ashen quickly, yes, she didn't trust him right off the bat but gave it up pretty quickly.
Here's what bothers me, it's the GUY WHO WOES THE MC INTO LOVING & TRUSTING HIM JUST FOR THE MC TO DISCOVER HE TOTALLY USED HER AND FUCKED HER OVER. Now, for a centuries old vampire, this is really pathetic, I get it, she was lonely, probably Susceptible to his wiles. Still, hard to feel bad for an OLD vampire who should know waaaayyy better. Especially with the secrets she needs to protect. Unless she has given up on life.
Now this ends on a cliffhanger, Lu discovers Ashens deceit, and ooh boy, it's a doozy. I am not exaggerating when I say Ashen worked her good from the start. YOU CAN TRUST ME, I WONT LET ANY HARM COME TO YOU.... EVER, I PROMISE. Yikes. He broke every single promise that flew from lying face. He found all her soft spots and cut so deep. Dickhead!
Ashen gets his, I would assume, old love/wife back at the end for his services. So book2 will be the aftermath. And Ashen so thoroughly fucked Lu over, like bad, she was taken and is halfway turned into a hybrid, her voice burned out of her, to be used as a weapon in some stupid fucking useless war of the realms. To me, Ashen is beyond redemption, no matter his reasons for deceiving & using Lu. LOOK WHAT HAPPENED TO HER. It is bad. I feel like these 2 will end up together despite it all. This is a paranormal romance after all. But I don't want them together, Ashen is heinous for what has become of Lu, even if it all gets undone. I hope she does become a hybrid, is ultra strong, destroys Ember, and finds a real mate, and let Ashen live with the loss of her. It would be a great twist, why reward these lying POS men with getting the girl at the end because they rescue her?! I say Lu rescues herself, and finds a fine ass man to be her true mate and Ashen can suck rocks. I mean there is now a OW in the story. So Lu has to deal with his betrayal and now the OW. Pass. To remind you, Ashen got Lu turned into a fucking science experiment! It's sooooo awful. So for me, I would love to see Lu find someone better, bring in a new sexy bad ass hunk, who is like honest with her from the start, and Ashen doesn't get the girl, cuz he really, really, doesn't deserve her. I mean, how do you come back from your guy handing you over to be a science experiment?
Now I say all this, but, maybe in book2, things aren't all as they seem. Maybe Ashen didn't do it like that or something, but, if he did, then I can't support their relationship. No matter his reasons. Even if it's like the other tropes of it started out as a bet but then I fell for you for real. Ashen went too far. Fight me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2023
I had to DNF. Not badly written at all but couldn’t get past the fact this is essentially hot fuzz fanfic with two OCs. It completely took me out of the story and I just didn’t enjoy it. I absolutely love hot fuzz… but not like this. I could push through the references to WAP but not this. It had so much potential but I just couldn’t. If you’re American and have never seen hot fuzz you’re probably safe but if you’re English and have seen it more than any other film it’s going to be hard to get through
November 7, 2022
This is hard because I really did like the storyline and the characters but the execution just wasn’t for me. There’s just too much silliness and pop culture references. It also needs an editor super badly.
Overall: 2.5
Overall: 2.5
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