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The Sevens #0.5
Spark of Shadows
True love never forgets.
Demons are coming for Cora Gardner. A witch like her sisters, and all the women of her line before her, her existence is threatened not only by mortals who fear what they don’t understand, but by those who live in the shadows and thrive on the darkness.
But when a warrior is summoned to be her guard she’d almost prefer to meet her fate.
Liam Wolfe is not just any warrior, he’s a Seven, created by the covens to protect the most powerful among them. He and his team are the hard edge that keep the violence at bay, so the witches of the world can hold the earth in her balance.
But demons aren’t the only ones drawn to Cora. Despite an animosity from her he cannot comprehend, Liam finds his oath as a Seven tested in the face of temptation. And as evil approaches, secrets are revealed – a truth which threatens everything he’s ever known.
Their past holds the power to reshape his world, but only if he can protect the woman who holds the key.
Demons are coming for Cora Gardner. A witch like her sisters, and all the women of her line before her, her existence is threatened not only by mortals who fear what they don’t understand, but by those who live in the shadows and thrive on the darkness.
But when a warrior is summoned to be her guard she’d almost prefer to meet her fate.
Liam Wolfe is not just any warrior, he’s a Seven, created by the covens to protect the most powerful among them. He and his team are the hard edge that keep the violence at bay, so the witches of the world can hold the earth in her balance.
But demons aren’t the only ones drawn to Cora. Despite an animosity from her he cannot comprehend, Liam finds his oath as a Seven tested in the face of temptation. And as evil approaches, secrets are revealed – a truth which threatens everything he’s ever known.
Their past holds the power to reshape his world, but only if he can protect the woman who holds the key.
Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2022
About the author
Rachel Madbury
11 books97 followersRachel Madbury lives in southern New Hampshire with her adopted coonhound, Gus, and too many plants to count. She writes paranormal and romantic suspense stories where the ending is always happy and the love is always worth fighting for.
To find out more and connect with Rachel, please visit www.rachelmadbury.com
To find out more and connect with Rachel, please visit www.rachelmadbury.com
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 16, 2021
I received a free review copy of Spark of Shadows from Book Sirens and the author Rachel Madbury. It was my choice to read it and review it.
The synopsis of Spark of Shadows mentioning witches and demons and warriors that have to take oaths made me want to request it from Book Sirens. While reading, I kept waiting for more. More displays of magic, more action sequences etc. There were a few scenes but not the amount I was expecting or hoping for.
I am intrigued and want to read more of this series, especially after the awesome ending. But I hope the next one has more fighting and less f*cking.
The synopsis of Spark of Shadows mentioning witches and demons and warriors that have to take oaths made me want to request it from Book Sirens. While reading, I kept waiting for more. More displays of magic, more action sequences etc. There were a few scenes but not the amount I was expecting or hoping for.
I am intrigued and want to read more of this series, especially after the awesome ending. But I hope the next one has more fighting and less f*cking.
March 22, 2021
I had no idea what this was about when I started so I was interested to find a love story that spans eleven years. Cora and Liam are in love and he's about to propose when he's suddenly promoted to a Seven, elite warriors who protect witches from demons. When she confronts him, he doesn't seem to know who she is and dismisses her.
Fast forward eleven years and Liam is back in Cora's life as a guardian as she nears her ascension. I struggle with second chance romance because it makes me sad that the couple has missed out on all this time. Cora has struggled since Liam left and it broke my heart seeing her so sad. Liam is a good warrior but he's cold and hasn't formed attachments to any one. I needed them to get back together and have their happy ever after they were cheated out of.
This is a quick novella that introduces us to the world of witches and demons. It definitely peaked my interest and I think I'll check out the other books in the series.
Fast forward eleven years and Liam is back in Cora's life as a guardian as she nears her ascension. I struggle with second chance romance because it makes me sad that the couple has missed out on all this time. Cora has struggled since Liam left and it broke my heart seeing her so sad. Liam is a good warrior but he's cold and hasn't formed attachments to any one. I needed them to get back together and have their happy ever after they were cheated out of.
This is a quick novella that introduces us to the world of witches and demons. It definitely peaked my interest and I think I'll check out the other books in the series.
May 4, 2021
SPARK OF SHADOWS is the prequel in The Seven series and introduces the reader to a world of witches, demons, and The Seven, who are chosen by the Goddess to protect her witches' souls from being stolen by the demons.
This is definitely a second-chance romance, with a break of eleven years from one meeting to the next. I really felt for Cora once Liam had gone through his change, not knowing why he was acting the way he was.
With a HFN ending, I would love to know more about Cora and Liam. How long was he tenured with Cecilia? How long did he remain a Seven? Did they ever get their HEA?!
A great dip into their world that leaves me wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is definitely a second-chance romance, with a break of eleven years from one meeting to the next. I really felt for Cora once Liam had gone through his change, not knowing why he was acting the way he was.
With a HFN ending, I would love to know more about Cora and Liam. How long was he tenured with Cecilia? How long did he remain a Seven? Did they ever get their HEA?!
A great dip into their world that leaves me wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 5, 2021
***copy provided by author/publisher through BookSirens***
Cora and Liam were in love when he went to London with the promise to return to her. Three days later, she went searching for him and he acted as if they were strangers, breaking her heart.
I read the sample (first chapter) and was immediately intrigued. Unfortunately, the rest of the story didn't deliver on the promise of the first chapter.
It would've definitely worked better as a shorter story. Granted, the author managed to avoid the dreaded info-dump by scattering the world-building elements and all the pertinent information regarding the series and the creatures dwelling in it throughout the story, but it was still too much for an introductory prequel.
The characters lacked major depth and development (he was broody, she was achy) so the romance wasn't really working, the paranormal suspense hinted at with the demon threat seemed to be thrown in as an afterthought to act as a catalyst for the resolution to the lackluster romance...
But what bothered me the most was the anachronisms. It was obviously set in the Victorian era and in England, but instead of the Victorian British, the characters acted and talked like the story was set in the present (using "baby" as an endearment was particularly jarring).
Quite a disappointment.
Cora and Liam were in love when he went to London with the promise to return to her. Three days later, she went searching for him and he acted as if they were strangers, breaking her heart.
I read the sample (first chapter) and was immediately intrigued. Unfortunately, the rest of the story didn't deliver on the promise of the first chapter.
It would've definitely worked better as a shorter story. Granted, the author managed to avoid the dreaded info-dump by scattering the world-building elements and all the pertinent information regarding the series and the creatures dwelling in it throughout the story, but it was still too much for an introductory prequel.
The characters lacked major depth and development (he was broody, she was achy) so the romance wasn't really working, the paranormal suspense hinted at with the demon threat seemed to be thrown in as an afterthought to act as a catalyst for the resolution to the lackluster romance...
But what bothered me the most was the anachronisms. It was obviously set in the Victorian era and in England, but instead of the Victorian British, the characters acted and talked like the story was set in the present (using "baby" as an endearment was particularly jarring).
Quite a disappointment.
May 23, 2021
Demons are coming for Cora Gardner. A witch like her sisters, and all the women of her line before her, her existence is threatened not only by mortals who fear what they don’t understand, but by those who live in the shadows and thrive on the darkness.
But when a warrior is summoned to be her guard she’d almost prefer to meet her fate.
Liam Wolfe is not just any warrior, he’s a Seven, created by the covens to protect the most powerful among them. He and his team are the hard edge that keep the violence at bay, so the witches of the world can hold the earth in her balance.
But demons aren’t the only ones drawn to Cora. Despite an animosity from her he cannot comprehend, Liam finds his oath as a Seven tested in the face of temptation. And as evil approaches, secrets are revealed – a truth which threatens everything he’s ever known.
Spark of Shadows is the prequel to The Seven series. It is a short novel that introduces the reader to witches, demons and the Seven - guardians of the witches.
It follows the forbidden love story of Cora and Liam in a heart breaking yet wonderful plot line. It is a well paced story full of deception, love and magic.
Although I wish we were exposed more to the world setting and more explanation in regards to the war between witches and demons, I think it’s a great introduction to the characters that I believe we will continue to see in the main series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
But when a warrior is summoned to be her guard she’d almost prefer to meet her fate.
Liam Wolfe is not just any warrior, he’s a Seven, created by the covens to protect the most powerful among them. He and his team are the hard edge that keep the violence at bay, so the witches of the world can hold the earth in her balance.
But demons aren’t the only ones drawn to Cora. Despite an animosity from her he cannot comprehend, Liam finds his oath as a Seven tested in the face of temptation. And as evil approaches, secrets are revealed – a truth which threatens everything he’s ever known.
Spark of Shadows is the prequel to The Seven series. It is a short novel that introduces the reader to witches, demons and the Seven - guardians of the witches.
It follows the forbidden love story of Cora and Liam in a heart breaking yet wonderful plot line. It is a well paced story full of deception, love and magic.
Although I wish we were exposed more to the world setting and more explanation in regards to the war between witches and demons, I think it’s a great introduction to the characters that I believe we will continue to see in the main series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 18, 2020
“Spark of Shadows” by Rachel Madbury, is a short novel intended as a prequel to the upcoming Sevens Series, which will follow seven warriors, whose purpose is to protect the most powerful witches on earth at any cost.
“Spark of Shadows” tell the story of witch Cora Gardner and one of that warriors, Liam. Ten years ago, Liam disappeared on Cora in the middle of London, now he comes back right into her life, with the assignment of protecting Cora and her sisters, from a demon horde in a killing spree. And whatever Cora’s feelings are, her protector will keep her safe even against her will, no matter whatever it takes. For Liam, duty has always been black & white, but in the course of this assignment he will unearth any possible grey nuance, which will eventually put everything he thought to know into question.
Rachel Madbury story is interesting, with a good plot anchored in a very well-crafted world, multidimensional characters and credible twists, the relationship between witches and warriors in general, and Cora and Liam in particular is fleshed-out and evolves organically. A very good prequel story!
“Spark of Shadows” tell the story of witch Cora Gardner and one of that warriors, Liam. Ten years ago, Liam disappeared on Cora in the middle of London, now he comes back right into her life, with the assignment of protecting Cora and her sisters, from a demon horde in a killing spree. And whatever Cora’s feelings are, her protector will keep her safe even against her will, no matter whatever it takes. For Liam, duty has always been black & white, but in the course of this assignment he will unearth any possible grey nuance, which will eventually put everything he thought to know into question.
Rachel Madbury story is interesting, with a good plot anchored in a very well-crafted world, multidimensional characters and credible twists, the relationship between witches and warriors in general, and Cora and Liam in particular is fleshed-out and evolves organically. A very good prequel story!
March 18, 2021
A charming tale of forbidden love, yet it's not a love story per say. It's a tale of Witches and their protectors, the Seven. A Demon's goal is to kill as many Witches as they can and steal the all important books that carry the spells of their Coven and family. This prequel to a series follows Cora and her sister Cecilia, who are preparing for Cora's ascension, to be embraced as a fully fledged witch of her Coven. 11 years prior, Cora and Liam, a soldier of the Legion, fall hopelessly in love but it was not to be. Liam leaves Cora, promising to return but he is taken to become one of the Seven and his memory of her blocked. Having already lost her parents, Cora is left reeling and feeling abandoned and unable to emotionally move on. Liam is assigned to the sisters, 11 years later, with no knowledge of what he and Cora once shared, yet both sisters are distrustful of him. When Cecilia does the unthinkable and his memory is restored, their love is reignited. But a relationship between a Seven and a witch are forbidden. The author manages to capture the raw emotions beautifullyl and written a well paced story of magic, decipt and love
I received a free copy for an honest review
I received a free copy for an honest review
April 5, 2021
Having already read the first book in the Sevens series (to which this book is a prequel), I already knew a lot of what was explained about the conflict between witches and demons and the warriors who defend the witches.
Madbury is a talented writer who knows how to craft an interesting story. The characters all had an emotional arc and made changes by the end. The romance and attraction between Wolfe and Cora was well-written and believable. There wasn't a lot of story-based conflict (like with the demons) until the end, but the relationship drama was definitely there.
I liked seeing a story from this world in a earlier time and different location and feel like there's endless potential for more from these characters and this world. This book would've earned five stars for me if it had done a bit more explaining about the witches, demons, and the Sevens (particularly about the Sevens).
Overall, this book reads like a short, sweet, romantic and action-packed novella that lovers of fantasy, romance, and witches will love.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Madbury is a talented writer who knows how to craft an interesting story. The characters all had an emotional arc and made changes by the end. The romance and attraction between Wolfe and Cora was well-written and believable. There wasn't a lot of story-based conflict (like with the demons) until the end, but the relationship drama was definitely there.
I liked seeing a story from this world in a earlier time and different location and feel like there's endless potential for more from these characters and this world. This book would've earned five stars for me if it had done a bit more explaining about the witches, demons, and the Sevens (particularly about the Sevens).
Overall, this book reads like a short, sweet, romantic and action-packed novella that lovers of fantasy, romance, and witches will love.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 13, 2021
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest and fair review.
It took me a little bit more to get into this than Splintered Stars. Probably because I had this horrible feeling all throughout the novella that Liam and Cora's story was going to end in tragedy. After all, their love isn't mentioned in Splintered Stars, so I felt it was an apt assumption. And whilst I like suspense, I don't love that constant feeling of tragedy.
Yet, without any spoilers, I did actually love this romance. Its definitely about long lost lovers being reunited. Finding your way back to the one you love and want and just... being with one another. I can't imagine spending eleven years without the one that I love, but I like the idea that we'd find our way back to one another eventually.
Although I didn't like this novella prequel quite as much as the first novel in this series, I still seriously enjoyed it. And it just makes me itch all that much more for the second book, which I believe is due to come out soon... now I just have to exercise patience and maturity... two things which aren't quite my strengths.
It took me a little bit more to get into this than Splintered Stars. Probably because I had this horrible feeling all throughout the novella that Liam and Cora's story was going to end in tragedy. After all, their love isn't mentioned in Splintered Stars, so I felt it was an apt assumption. And whilst I like suspense, I don't love that constant feeling of tragedy.
Yet, without any spoilers, I did actually love this romance. Its definitely about long lost lovers being reunited. Finding your way back to the one you love and want and just... being with one another. I can't imagine spending eleven years without the one that I love, but I like the idea that we'd find our way back to one another eventually.
Although I didn't like this novella prequel quite as much as the first novel in this series, I still seriously enjoyed it. And it just makes me itch all that much more for the second book, which I believe is due to come out soon... now I just have to exercise patience and maturity... two things which aren't quite my strengths.
April 8, 2021
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
After reading the extract I was immediately interested in this book. From what I read, I thought it was an enemies to lovers, forbidden love toupe but I only got the forbidden love part right.
The plot is basically about Cora and Liam who are in love. He's about to propose when he becomes a Seven; elite warriors who protect witches from demons. When she confronts him, he doesn't seem to know who she is and dismisses her. Fast forward eleven years, Liam is back in Cora's life as a guardian as she nears her ascension and where there was fire, ashes remain.
I enjoyed Rachel's writing style. She has a way of capturing you with her words and painting a clear picture of what is happening and the characters' feeling. I do wish, though, that she had dived more into the magic system of the universe.
All in all, I think it's a perfect introduction to the world and the characters that we, later on, continue to see in the series. That is why I gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
After reading the extract I was immediately interested in this book. From what I read, I thought it was an enemies to lovers, forbidden love toupe but I only got the forbidden love part right.
The plot is basically about Cora and Liam who are in love. He's about to propose when he becomes a Seven; elite warriors who protect witches from demons. When she confronts him, he doesn't seem to know who she is and dismisses her. Fast forward eleven years, Liam is back in Cora's life as a guardian as she nears her ascension and where there was fire, ashes remain.
I enjoyed Rachel's writing style. She has a way of capturing you with her words and painting a clear picture of what is happening and the characters' feeling. I do wish, though, that she had dived more into the magic system of the universe.
All in all, I think it's a perfect introduction to the world and the characters that we, later on, continue to see in the series. That is why I gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
January 25, 2021
Take a little bit of magic, add in some forbidden love, and sprinkle it with angst. Then stir for fifteen chapters for the perfect beginning to a new series. Spark of Shadows: A Seven Series Prequel is a sweet love story with a twist of magic and fate. The story takes off right away instantly weaving the reader into the pages. It moved smoothly along, though sometimes I wished it was just a tad bit faster pace.
Cora is a witch and under council rule. Liam is a part of the legion trained to protect the witches. According to their rules neither are supposed to fall in love with each other. The chemistry between them is undeniable.
As I said, I would’ve liked it to go faster, but I understand why it couldn’t. Being that it’s a prequel the slow-building gives the reader a better look of how things came to be for the next book. It’s a great beginning for what I hope is an amazing series to come.
Cora is a witch and under council rule. Liam is a part of the legion trained to protect the witches. According to their rules neither are supposed to fall in love with each other. The chemistry between them is undeniable.
As I said, I would’ve liked it to go faster, but I understand why it couldn’t. Being that it’s a prequel the slow-building gives the reader a better look of how things came to be for the next book. It’s a great beginning for what I hope is an amazing series to come.
April 1, 2021
SPARK OF SHADOWS is a terrific introduction to Rachel Madbury’s world of demons, witches and the Seven who fight to protect these witches. Set in the distant past, we see Liam’s romance with Cara, a witch, and the consequences of Liam graduating from the League to the Seven.
I honestly can’t say more than that about the plot without spoiling anything.
I read this book (a prequel) after having read Book 1, so I already understood some of the history in this mystical world. But SPARK OF SHADOWS showed me so much more about Liam that I’m excited to see his story updated in current time. Without knowing more about the witches, I have no idea whether Liam and Cara will appear together, whether Liam will have his own adventure but this early part of his story informs his future actions in our present day.
However it works out, I’m excited to read more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I honestly can’t say more than that about the plot without spoiling anything.
I read this book (a prequel) after having read Book 1, so I already understood some of the history in this mystical world. But SPARK OF SHADOWS showed me so much more about Liam that I’m excited to see his story updated in current time. Without knowing more about the witches, I have no idea whether Liam and Cara will appear together, whether Liam will have his own adventure but this early part of his story informs his future actions in our present day.
However it works out, I’m excited to read more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 11, 2021
This is a good introduction to the Sevens series. Liam and Cora have been in love since they were children. But just on the night he was planning to propose, he gets the call to become a Seven, protectors of the most powerful witch families. After that night, he seems not to know her at all. Eleven years later and Liam is assigned to protect Cora's sister Cecilia. The more time he spends there, the more memories come back to him.
I read Splintered Stars first so I was excited to be able to read this prequel. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book through BookSirens. The views and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I read Splintered Stars first so I was excited to be able to read this prequel. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book through BookSirens. The views and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
March 27, 2021
This is a prequel to about Witches and a legion of men called the Sevens who are charged to protect said witches from demons.
This short story focuses on Liam and Cora. A young couple torn apart when Liam was called to become a Seven. His memory wiped of her leaving Cora broken hearted.
10 years later they are back in each others presence and Cora believes Liam is putting on an act until her sister brings to light he may truly not remember her.
This was very romance centered versus witch centered. I would have liked to know more of the demons trying to kill the witches.
This was full of great writing and has high potential to be what I’m looking for in this series!
This short story focuses on Liam and Cora. A young couple torn apart when Liam was called to become a Seven. His memory wiped of her leaving Cora broken hearted.
10 years later they are back in each others presence and Cora believes Liam is putting on an act until her sister brings to light he may truly not remember her.
This was very romance centered versus witch centered. I would have liked to know more of the demons trying to kill the witches.
This was full of great writing and has high potential to be what I’m looking for in this series!
March 14, 2021
This is a good steady romance. It follows one of those 'best friends' kind of love that has passion. I enjoyed this novel because the struggles they faced weren't exhaustive yet real. The romance was splashed around at just the right times and the magical demon-fighting scene pulled me in. It's a good read and prequel to the Seven's Series. - I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 15, 2021
This short novel by Rachel Madbury has the perfect amount of 'witchy' themes that I adore in books. Set more as a prequel for the Seven's Series, I personally thought this book sets up the storyline pretty well for the next oncoming books. You got seven powerful warriors, witches, demons, love interests, and wonderful story building!
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.
May 5, 2021
I received a free copy for a fair review.
The extract of this book interested me from the start. I am a pagan witch myself and love this sort of story.
The plot involves around Cora and Liam. Who are very much in love .
All changes when he becomes an elite warrior who protects witches.
Rachel really has put thought into the workings of witchcraft and demons .
A great start of what I can see becoming a favourite series .
4 out of 5 stars.
The extract of this book interested me from the start. I am a pagan witch myself and love this sort of story.
The plot involves around Cora and Liam. Who are very much in love .
All changes when he becomes an elite warrior who protects witches.
Rachel really has put thought into the workings of witchcraft and demons .
A great start of what I can see becoming a favourite series .
4 out of 5 stars.
May 15, 2021
This book was just a tad slow for me, yet it was well written. I may go ahead and read the next book in the series to see if the story line picks up. I am grateful that the main characters didn’t betray each other. It did keep my interest, but I did do some speed reading over some long dialogue towards the end of the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2021
I’m now obsessed with warriors & witches! Liam is my new book boyfriend, I love him 😍 I’m excited for the rest of the warriors to rival my heart.
This was a captivating novella, I didn’t want it to end. It’s the perfect setup to introduce you to this magical world that madbury has crafted! Even though I cheated and read Splintered Stars first 😂
This was a captivating novella, I didn’t want it to end. It’s the perfect setup to introduce you to this magical world that madbury has crafted! Even though I cheated and read Splintered Stars first 😂
April 1, 2021
In all honesty, I struggled with this book. I'm not sure why but I couldn't get into the storyline or really buy into the characters. I hate giving anything less than a 4 star review on any book because I know how much time and effort goes into them.
I received an advance reader copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance reader copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 18, 2020
This was my first read from this author and I enjoyed it very much. My heart broke for Cora and Liam being kept apart for so long but I’m glad they got their HEA.
added-it
March 10, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/10/2021)! 🎁
May 24, 2021
Really enjoying this series. Something great to fill in the time with. So happy I came across this as I really enjoyed one of her more recent books. Can't wait for Sky of Ash!
June 8, 2024
Certainly a slow book, a little action some romance but not enough description.
April 29, 2021
Cora and Liam were a a couple of true love who you never thought could work out. Cora is a witch who will be ascebdibg to her full powers on the full moon. Due to possible threats from demons a Seven is assigned for protection. Through suspense, guilt, love, rage, fear, this fantasy story is woven together in a way that keeps you turning the page.
This prequel story of the sevens by Rachel Madbury was exceptional. I love reading fantasy stories and this one did not disappoint.
I read this story very quickly and I look forward to reading more of Rachel Madbury’s work. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a well written quick fantasy read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This prequel story of the sevens by Rachel Madbury was exceptional. I love reading fantasy stories and this one did not disappoint.
I read this story very quickly and I look forward to reading more of Rachel Madbury’s work. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a well written quick fantasy read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 4, 2021
Spark of Shadows by Rachel Madbury is a prequel to The Sevens Series. The love story of Cora Gardner and Liam Wolfe is satisfying, heartbreaking, frustrating, and wonderful. Their chemistry is palpable and as I read, I rooted for them to be together.
The story is set in the late 1800s. Liam is part of an army Legion and he hopes to be called to service as part of the Seven. Cora is descended from a long line of witches. She lives in her family home with her older sister, Cecelia. Liam and Cora are very much in love. However, we can’t read of happily ever after at the beginning and not expect a wrench or two to be thrown into the story. I liked the twist that separated the two lovebirds.
The witches aren’t as afraid of humans learning about them as they are of demons finding them. Demons are the instruments of the Second in a war waged against the witches and the First. I gather the First is the witches’ goddess and the Second is another god, but there isn’t much said about either and how the war came to be. Actually, the war is mostly just mentioned. We don’t see firsthand until close to the end of the story what the demons are after. Also, the sisters don’t really use their magic until they fight with the demons.
Spark of Shadows was well-written and could be read as a stand-alone. I had a couple of questions that weren’t answered, but if there wasn’t a second book it wouldn’t stop this one from being as good as it is. That being said, I really wanted to give this book five stars but kept going back to four. Mainly because I want to know more about what the demons are up to and when I read the excerpt of the next book, I was disappointed that it didn’t pick up closer to where the prequel leaves off. In the end, the book itself didn’t disappoint me and maybe the next one will have what I feel I was missing. I finally decided on 4 ½ out of 5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
#SparkofShadows #BookSirens
The story is set in the late 1800s. Liam is part of an army Legion and he hopes to be called to service as part of the Seven. Cora is descended from a long line of witches. She lives in her family home with her older sister, Cecelia. Liam and Cora are very much in love. However, we can’t read of happily ever after at the beginning and not expect a wrench or two to be thrown into the story. I liked the twist that separated the two lovebirds.
The witches aren’t as afraid of humans learning about them as they are of demons finding them. Demons are the instruments of the Second in a war waged against the witches and the First. I gather the First is the witches’ goddess and the Second is another god, but there isn’t much said about either and how the war came to be. Actually, the war is mostly just mentioned. We don’t see firsthand until close to the end of the story what the demons are after. Also, the sisters don’t really use their magic until they fight with the demons.
Spark of Shadows was well-written and could be read as a stand-alone. I had a couple of questions that weren’t answered, but if there wasn’t a second book it wouldn’t stop this one from being as good as it is. That being said, I really wanted to give this book five stars but kept going back to four. Mainly because I want to know more about what the demons are up to and when I read the excerpt of the next book, I was disappointed that it didn’t pick up closer to where the prequel leaves off. In the end, the book itself didn’t disappoint me and maybe the next one will have what I feel I was missing. I finally decided on 4 ½ out of 5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
#SparkofShadows #BookSirens
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