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The Shadows: Book One of The Blackwell Series
The Land of the Shadows has been right below our feet since the beginning of time... What happens when our worlds collide and the monsters trying to destroy us both come out to play?
What would you do if you found out you were the daughter of a dark lord who ruled the shadow world below our feet?
Willow Taylor's life gets ripped out from under her at the age of twenty-five. She has lost so much in life already, but losing her name, the man she is falling for, and the only world she has ever known are almost too much to bear.
Until she realizes what comes with her new life.
A soul mate. Power. A father.
The only problem is the monster that has plagued her nightmares is real too. And he's determined to destroy not only Willow, but all of mankind.
Contains references to mental illness, death, self-harm, and sexual content.
What would you do if you found out you were the daughter of a dark lord who ruled the shadow world below our feet?
Willow Taylor's life gets ripped out from under her at the age of twenty-five. She has lost so much in life already, but losing her name, the man she is falling for, and the only world she has ever known are almost too much to bear.
Until she realizes what comes with her new life.
A soul mate. Power. A father.
The only problem is the monster that has plagued her nightmares is real too. And he's determined to destroy not only Willow, but all of mankind.
Contains references to mental illness, death, self-harm, and sexual content.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2022
276 people are currently reading
1881 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 9, 2022
First of all, holy cliffhanger. Which I wouldn't be so
irritated about, since this is supposed to be the first book
in a series, but after looking at the Author's website and
looking for information on Facebook (many of the authors
l enjoy have a FB group) I didn't see anything about when
the next book is coming out, or anything about it at all for
that matter.
Second, the Author posted a TikTok that originally drew
me to the book. That TikTok was kind of deceptive. It's not
a true representation of the book's main store line.
Third, this book makes a major turn about 50% into the
book. And not just a "wow, I didn't see that coming" kind
of major turn, a whole different genre.
Fourth, there is a shift in relationship dynamics that I just
can't get over. One of the romantic interest changes from
one character to another in a way that is upsetting and
disloyal. But worse than upsetting and disloyal, it doesn't
feel like these actions are true to these characters based
on their character development in the first half of the
book.
Last, there are so many new terms/principles/ideas/ways
of living in the fantasy portion of the book that it becomes
kind of hard to follow.
I wanted to quit reading several times, it I kept going
hoping that it would get better, but it didn't.
irritated about, since this is supposed to be the first book
in a series, but after looking at the Author's website and
looking for information on Facebook (many of the authors
l enjoy have a FB group) I didn't see anything about when
the next book is coming out, or anything about it at all for
that matter.
Second, the Author posted a TikTok that originally drew
me to the book. That TikTok was kind of deceptive. It's not
a true representation of the book's main store line.
Third, this book makes a major turn about 50% into the
book. And not just a "wow, I didn't see that coming" kind
of major turn, a whole different genre.
Fourth, there is a shift in relationship dynamics that I just
can't get over. One of the romantic interest changes from
one character to another in a way that is upsetting and
disloyal. But worse than upsetting and disloyal, it doesn't
feel like these actions are true to these characters based
on their character development in the first half of the
book.
Last, there are so many new terms/principles/ideas/ways
of living in the fantasy portion of the book that it becomes
kind of hard to follow.
I wanted to quit reading several times, it I kept going
hoping that it would get better, but it didn't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2023
I was not expecting this.
I decided to read this book after I saw a Tiktok of the author, and I was definitely not expecting this; I thought I was going to read a romance, instead I was dragged into a new fantasy world.
The world-building is a bit confusing, but this is the first book, so I hope that it will get more clear later on in the series; the characters are interesting, even if I have to admit sometimes their actions were totally OOC.
**SPOILER ALERT**
I hated the Sophia and Sam chapters, I'm sorry but I've almost skipped all of them; for me, it doesn't make sense and right now is totally useless to the plot, so why add it? I really hope it's going to be useful later on.
I decided to read this book after I saw a Tiktok of the author, and I was definitely not expecting this; I thought I was going to read a romance, instead I was dragged into a new fantasy world.
The world-building is a bit confusing, but this is the first book, so I hope that it will get more clear later on in the series; the characters are interesting, even if I have to admit sometimes their actions were totally OOC.
**SPOILER ALERT**
I hated the Sophia and Sam chapters, I'm sorry but I've almost skipped all of them; for me, it doesn't make sense and right now is totally useless to the plot, so why add it? I really hope it's going to be useful later on.
July 3, 2022
There was just way too much happening in this book. I felt like I was reading 3 different books at once and it ended up being a mess. I did not find a single character likeable.
Also, best thing to do when your sister goes missing is hook up with her boyfriend 🥴
Also, best thing to do when your sister goes missing is hook up with her boyfriend 🥴
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2023
So good! When’s the sequel coming?
It’s romance meets supernatural. Two of my favorite genres paired together.
It’s romance meets supernatural. Two of my favorite genres paired together.
February 15, 2023
I cannot wait for the second book!
This isn't your typical romance where you can assume the plot line. You literally cannot expect what happens throughout this book it keeps you intrigued through the storyline while not dragging on!
I'll be binging the author's other work while I patiently wait for the second book.
This isn't your typical romance where you can assume the plot line. You literally cannot expect what happens throughout this book it keeps you intrigued through the storyline while not dragging on!
I'll be binging the author's other work while I patiently wait for the second book.
July 5, 2022
Like other reviewers, I also felt underwhelmed by this book after the hype. Unless her mum also slept with an angel hence Sophia being so “perfect” (irritatingly so until she slept her sisters boyfriend) and that somehow becomes important in the next books, her and Sam felt unnecessary and just didn’t add anything good to the plot. If anything it detracted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2022
3.5 felt a bit rushed. Too many things happened in one book. However, I enjoyed the book
March 8, 2023
Actually so mad bc I didn’t realise this was a series and now I have to wait until July to know what happens!! Also totally not what I expected from the tiktoks but I’m pleasantly surprised
February 16, 2023
MAJOR ICKKKKKK!!!!!
Sam and Sophia hooking up makes my blood actually boil. Never mind that it’s taboo, I’d have zero complaints had this been done properly but insteaaaaad we got to see Willow and Sam grow and cultivate somewhat of a relationship and we got a lot of spicy buildup between them only for it to be forgotten about in three chapters????!!!!! I’m sorry what??!!!
Ok, now before anyone gets upset I know I know I know, Willow and Nox. Ok I get it but it doesn’t excuse Sam. I was sooooo down to get into a taboo therapist/patient romance. I should have probably read more about what the book was about because I didn’t realize I’d be going into a fantasy like this. While I enjoyed the world building and the other relationships in the book I grew to absolutely hate Sam. I hated the hunting at the beginning that maybe he wanted Sophia only to turn around and get soooo infatuated with Willow. He was jealous while with Willow and I can understand that. He went with her to meet her mother. He did a lot for her very quickly. They stopped being doctor patient and starting just being boyfriend girlfriend but he kept secrets while she was honest. Even about nox. I really feel like if Sam had mentioned that he’d been interested in Sophia none of my anger would exist. But alas here we are. I understand I didn’t get my happy ending I’m just so annoyed by this fucking hookup. For a 32 year old therapist to start fucking his 24 year old patient and then make her his girlfriend and lie by omission to the point of losing her, literally, to then fucking her 22 year old sister during the week Willow went missing is just grossssss. Major ick. Major ick.
I will say though, this little triangle/square situationship effected me enough to dream about smacking Sam around so good on G for writing such a blood boiling character.
Sam and Sophia hooking up makes my blood actually boil. Never mind that it’s taboo, I’d have zero complaints had this been done properly but insteaaaaad we got to see Willow and Sam grow and cultivate somewhat of a relationship and we got a lot of spicy buildup between them only for it to be forgotten about in three chapters????!!!!! I’m sorry what??!!!
Ok, now before anyone gets upset I know I know I know, Willow and Nox. Ok I get it but it doesn’t excuse Sam. I was sooooo down to get into a taboo therapist/patient romance. I should have probably read more about what the book was about because I didn’t realize I’d be going into a fantasy like this. While I enjoyed the world building and the other relationships in the book I grew to absolutely hate Sam. I hated the hunting at the beginning that maybe he wanted Sophia only to turn around and get soooo infatuated with Willow. He was jealous while with Willow and I can understand that. He went with her to meet her mother. He did a lot for her very quickly. They stopped being doctor patient and starting just being boyfriend girlfriend but he kept secrets while she was honest. Even about nox. I really feel like if Sam had mentioned that he’d been interested in Sophia none of my anger would exist. But alas here we are. I understand I didn’t get my happy ending I’m just so annoyed by this fucking hookup. For a 32 year old therapist to start fucking his 24 year old patient and then make her his girlfriend and lie by omission to the point of losing her, literally, to then fucking her 22 year old sister during the week Willow went missing is just grossssss. Major ick. Major ick.
I will say though, this little triangle/square situationship effected me enough to dream about smacking Sam around so good on G for writing such a blood boiling character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2024
confusing 😑
The plots are all over the place. It started off soo strong I really liked it. Then I admit I had to skim then I straight skipped chapters.
Why did Sam and Sophia end up together?
He literally in the beginning thought she was just there and innocent, then tells her that he thought she was perfect when he’s explaining to her they SHOULD be together .. straight up lie. I don’t buy that bogus lie. So I won’t invest in that relationship. definitely wasn’t into the shadow nonsense because it was boring. like I read paranormal and it was boring I skipped chapters I thought Willow was awesome
TILL she wasn’t.
Honestly don’t care where this series is going. I read a lot and … I comment on books that are really good or profoundly awful. I’m sorry but I didn’t even read the 🌶️ parts I just gave up on the Characters at that point.
The plots are all over the place. It started off soo strong I really liked it. Then I admit I had to skim then I straight skipped chapters.
Why did Sam and Sophia end up together?
He literally in the beginning thought she was just there and innocent, then tells her that he thought she was perfect when he’s explaining to her they SHOULD be together .. straight up lie. I don’t buy that bogus lie. So I won’t invest in that relationship. definitely wasn’t into the shadow nonsense because it was boring. like I read paranormal and it was boring I skipped chapters I thought Willow was awesome
TILL she wasn’t.
Honestly don’t care where this series is going. I read a lot and … I comment on books that are really good or profoundly awful. I’m sorry but I didn’t even read the 🌶️ parts I just gave up on the Characters at that point.
September 25, 2022
intense
I love paranormal books, I started following G.L. Strong on tictok and instantly got hooked with her clips of this book and HAD to read it!!!
When I say intense, I mean it. You will be hooked from the first sentence to the last and then max that the next book isn’t out yet!!!
I love paranormal books, I started following G.L. Strong on tictok and instantly got hooked with her clips of this book and HAD to read it!!!
When I say intense, I mean it. You will be hooked from the first sentence to the last and then max that the next book isn’t out yet!!!
July 4, 2022
Amazing
I truly loved this book, I won't ruin the ending but there is a part I felt so sad and was not needed.... but the best books don't have everything perfect, and what was loss wasn't even meant to be... I cannot wait for book 2, I wish it was out now.
I truly loved this book, I won't ruin the ending but there is a part I felt so sad and was not needed.... but the best books don't have everything perfect, and what was loss wasn't even meant to be... I cannot wait for book 2, I wish it was out now.
August 2, 2022
I loved the Idea of this book but the dialogue was full of drama. Men with huge egos and it felt so childish to me. I liked the beginning but the second half was just ridiculous as to how they interacted with each other.
March 8, 2023
Okay, i started this book after seeing the author turn a conversation between Willow and Sam into spicy texts on Tik Tok. Immediately, I was drawn in, but I was not expecting this book to take me where it did and to love it as much as I did! Not only did the entire shadows situation throw me for a complete loop, but I found myself torn between which guy I liked better: Sam or Nox! I felt bad for Sam when he watched Nox be with Willow in the bed and he couldn’t move or speak. And I felt bad for him when he was willing to help Willow get through this before she realized her true identity and he dealt with the fact that Nox was in her head while they were together. Then she went to Ombra, and I felt even worse for Sam because I felt like he deserved happiness and Willow was going to get hers with Nox but Sam wasn’t going to get him.
When I realized how right Sam and Sophia were for each other, I got excited all over again! I love them two together as much as I love Nox and Adrienne together! This whole book threw me for a loop and I fell in love with the characters and this storyline! I cannot wait for the second book to come out!
When I realized how right Sam and Sophia were for each other, I got excited all over again! I love them two together as much as I love Nox and Adrienne together! This whole book threw me for a loop and I fell in love with the characters and this storyline! I cannot wait for the second book to come out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2023
Relatively decent, very questionable
**SPOILERS**
The first half of the book was great, then it completely changed genres, which I was fine with until Sam got with her sister. That made me grossed out, I hated it. That made no sense to me and it grossed me out, especially since she was missing for a week. I understand Adrienne and Nox because they’ve had a connection forever. But that whole sister situation Icks me out and I almost stopped reading but I wanted to continue Nox and Adrienne’s story. The cliffhanger was great. I thing most of it was great if it weren’t for the whole relationship between Sam and Adrienne’s sister.
**SPOILERS**
The first half of the book was great, then it completely changed genres, which I was fine with until Sam got with her sister. That made me grossed out, I hated it. That made no sense to me and it grossed me out, especially since she was missing for a week. I understand Adrienne and Nox because they’ve had a connection forever. But that whole sister situation Icks me out and I almost stopped reading but I wanted to continue Nox and Adrienne’s story. The cliffhanger was great. I thing most of it was great if it weren’t for the whole relationship between Sam and Adrienne’s sister.
June 30, 2023
spoiler??
dr. archer, so fuck yourself. #TeamRen4Eva
tbh sophia can do better and shouldn’t have gone for the doc yk. like that’s so against sister code. doc and willow are basically a very right person wring time couple but i feel like they both just brought in their both issues and it doesn’t help that he was her therapist. and the whole shadow world bs and other man in her head shit. doc didn’t need to go at sophia like that and literally attack ren when she came to see HER SISTER not doc.
anyways, 2/5.
not gonna read the sequel. maybe. idgaf.
dr. archer, so fuck yourself. #TeamRen4Eva
tbh sophia can do better and shouldn’t have gone for the doc yk. like that’s so against sister code. doc and willow are basically a very right person wring time couple but i feel like they both just brought in their both issues and it doesn’t help that he was her therapist. and the whole shadow world bs and other man in her head shit. doc didn’t need to go at sophia like that and literally attack ren when she came to see HER SISTER not doc.
anyways, 2/5.
not gonna read the sequel. maybe. idgaf.
July 7, 2023
I love the whole therapist/patient relationship and initially thought that the shadow/nightmare thing was really all in her head. As you progress into the book, it started becoming way more different than I thought and the fact that Sam started getting together with the sister is what made me stop reading it. It makes sense why Sam describe Sophie as beautiful and innocent in the beginning. Maybe I should’ve read the book description book more but a text conversion between Sam and Willow on TikTok was what really intrigued me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2023
I think the author forgot her story
I think the author forgot her story halfway through. There is a lot going on, different genres mixed together that don't work well, some messed up relationships with ick factors, unlikable characters added halfway through. If the author had stuck with one story or the other I think I would have liked the book better but it was a jumble that felt lacking.
I think the author forgot her story halfway through. There is a lot going on, different genres mixed together that don't work well, some messed up relationships with ick factors, unlikable characters added halfway through. If the author had stuck with one story or the other I think I would have liked the book better but it was a jumble that felt lacking.
February 16, 2023
¿Me he terminado el libro en una noche? Sip.
¿Traigo algo enfado porque destrozo los personajes a lo largo que avanzó la historia y fue empeorando el desarrollo de la protagonista y la situación? También.
Odio cuando cambian radicalmente a los personajes... O sea, había alta química y después lo destrozan todo por meter un drama innecesario.
No es probable que vaya a leer las otras partes.
¿Traigo algo enfado porque destrozo los personajes a lo largo que avanzó la historia y fue empeorando el desarrollo de la protagonista y la situación? También.
Odio cuando cambian radicalmente a los personajes... O sea, había alta química y después lo destrozan todo por meter un drama innecesario.
No es probable que vaya a leer las otras partes.
February 26, 2023
What the fuck did I even just read? To completely switch the plot 60% of the way through is a fucked and baited way to make sure people keep reading. Not to mention all the basic grammatical errors. I’m so mad I read this. It would have been DNF if it didn’t take until over halfway through the book to pick a lane
July 3, 2022
underwhelming
The hype I saw for this book was overstated. It wasn’t advertised hype but from other readers (probably ARCs) but it didn’t seem worth it.
I really didn’t like Sam getting with Willows sister.
The hype I saw for this book was overstated. It wasn’t advertised hype but from other readers (probably ARCs) but it didn’t seem worth it.
I really didn’t like Sam getting with Willows sister.
July 8, 2022
Wow!!!!
I wasn't sure how I was going go feel.about this book. It is not something I usually read, but OMG I LOVED IT!!! This book was great and all I can say is I NEED the next part of the story ASAP!
I wasn't sure how I was going go feel.about this book. It is not something I usually read, but OMG I LOVED IT!!! This book was great and all I can say is I NEED the next part of the story ASAP!
August 15, 2022
AMAZING. I finished this book in one sitting.
This book was amazing. Something different but so alluring. I could not put it down until the very end and even then I was so upset it find out the second book isn’t out yet. I am obsessed.
This book was amazing. Something different but so alluring. I could not put it down until the very end and even then I was so upset it find out the second book isn’t out yet. I am obsessed.
February 14, 2023
Like…. Meh? I liked it, but also, it was…. Not objectively very good? I wouldn’t read it again, I won’t be reading the sequel, and I can’t really say I would recommend it to people, but it had its good moments for sure.
February 26, 2023
Not a terrible read, but it started off as a romance book and somehow turned into a fantasy novel. I think it tied in well together, however, coming from tiktok, this is not what I was expecting at all. I will be reading the second book!
February 27, 2023
The most random twists and turns so much so that I never knew what was gonna happen? At several points I want ‘what the fuck is happening in this book’ and I’ve decided it’s good, always kept me on my toes to be fair
May 31, 2023
one extreme to another
just not my favorite. After about page 100 it gets weird and confusing. Willow is seeing Sam her therapist and then she goes to the “shadow” world and basically doesn’t come back. It’s weird. It’s like two books in one. It’s a no go for me
just not my favorite. After about page 100 it gets weird and confusing. Willow is seeing Sam her therapist and then she goes to the “shadow” world and basically doesn’t come back. It’s weird. It’s like two books in one. It’s a no go for me
July 30, 2023
Just meh
The first half of the book was good then suddenly it switched into a different genre all together.
Just know that when you get this book you're getting half romance half weird fantasy.
The first half of the book was good then suddenly it switched into a different genre all together.
Just know that when you get this book you're getting half romance half weird fantasy.
January 7, 2025
The first half of the book was wonderful, then it shifted randomly into the fantasy book. It felt like two books forced together to make one. I have never DNFed a book before and almost did with this one. I had to skim pages and skip bits to make it through.
July 13, 2022
I couldn’t really finish it. Sam getting with Willow’S sister was distasteful. The whole relationship between Sam and willow was just pointless in my opinion after that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews