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Tangled Shadows
Thursday, magic spills into the Chesapeake Bay, changing the fabric of reality.
Alexis is a photographer focused on her five year plan, until she offers first-aid to a stranger, who's trying to hide a unicorn in the marsh. It’s always been easier for her to help others than follow her own dreams and she wants answers about magic.
Being discovered with a creature that didn't exist an hour ago is the least of Brian's problems. His family is in danger, the secret anti-magic organization they belong to is more focused on saving the world than helping, and Merlin's Compass, which Brian is sworn to protect, is being hunted by a rich and desperate man.
With 48-hours to save his family without sacrificing the Compass, Brian needs Alexis’s help for more than a band-aid. Her calm rationale and newly developing ability to read shadows complement his strengths. In turn, Brian might just be able to help her figure out what’s missing from her magic and her photography. But time is running out, and if the Compass falls into the wrong hands it will lead to the magical equivalent of a nuclear winter.
Alexis is a photographer focused on her five year plan, until she offers first-aid to a stranger, who's trying to hide a unicorn in the marsh. It’s always been easier for her to help others than follow her own dreams and she wants answers about magic.
Being discovered with a creature that didn't exist an hour ago is the least of Brian's problems. His family is in danger, the secret anti-magic organization they belong to is more focused on saving the world than helping, and Merlin's Compass, which Brian is sworn to protect, is being hunted by a rich and desperate man.
With 48-hours to save his family without sacrificing the Compass, Brian needs Alexis’s help for more than a band-aid. Her calm rationale and newly developing ability to read shadows complement his strengths. In turn, Brian might just be able to help her figure out what’s missing from her magic and her photography. But time is running out, and if the Compass falls into the wrong hands it will lead to the magical equivalent of a nuclear winter.
Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 6, 2023
My friend gave me a copy of Tangled Shadows, since she knows I am a huge reader. I'm really glad she did - I enjoyed this book!
I mean... you can't really go wrong with a unicorn and a dog as one of the main characters. That's ALWAYS the right call. But I really liked Alexis and Brian, the other [true] main characters. I like Alexis's dedication to helping others, and her natural way of taking stock of an emergency and dealing with it. Brian was a cool dude, and I thought everything he did made sense - from the panicking to the logical planning as well.
I really like the way magic is developed on this world. I've never really read anything like it. It's cool that there are different kinds of magic, but also that it can take a physical form. That makes for some pretty interesting options when it comes to magic! It's also really cool the way this history of magic is explained, and the use of secret societies. I always like when magic has a science explanation in books
I think that this book sets up excellent for further books. It answers enough questions that the story is complete, but still leaves a couple of loose ends to be explored.
I enjoyed this book, and recommend it to people looking for a book with:
• Magic and distrust of magic
• Romance [clean]
• Young adult
• Almost cozy fantasy vibes
• Secret societies
• Unicorns
I mean... you can't really go wrong with a unicorn and a dog as one of the main characters. That's ALWAYS the right call. But I really liked Alexis and Brian, the other [true] main characters. I like Alexis's dedication to helping others, and her natural way of taking stock of an emergency and dealing with it. Brian was a cool dude, and I thought everything he did made sense - from the panicking to the logical planning as well.
I really like the way magic is developed on this world. I've never really read anything like it. It's cool that there are different kinds of magic, but also that it can take a physical form. That makes for some pretty interesting options when it comes to magic! It's also really cool the way this history of magic is explained, and the use of secret societies. I always like when magic has a science explanation in books
I think that this book sets up excellent for further books. It answers enough questions that the story is complete, but still leaves a couple of loose ends to be explored.
I enjoyed this book, and recommend it to people looking for a book with:
• Magic and distrust of magic
• Romance [clean]
• Young adult
• Almost cozy fantasy vibes
• Secret societies
• Unicorns
May 31, 2023
This is a lighter, almost cozy read. This book is for people who enjoy higher stakes with a mostly lower stakes feel. Yes, a family is kidnapped but there’s still time to walk the dog and have pizza.
In this world, the bad guys carry guns and the good guys don’t. In this world, love and trust form overnight and are genuine and healthy. In this world, the good win without bloodshed. There’s a simplicity that allows your brain to relax.
The coolest part of this book is how magic works. It’s not your typical magical powers or superpowers. There’s no wands or spell casting. There’s a deep, personal connection between the world and magic, and people experience that connection differently.
In this world, the bad guys carry guns and the good guys don’t. In this world, love and trust form overnight and are genuine and healthy. In this world, the good win without bloodshed. There’s a simplicity that allows your brain to relax.
The coolest part of this book is how magic works. It’s not your typical magical powers or superpowers. There’s no wands or spell casting. There’s a deep, personal connection between the world and magic, and people experience that connection differently.
September 1, 2025
Captivating Read - I really enjoyed Tangled Shadows! So captivating and suspenseful. Christina Crothers created a wonderful and well-developed fantasy seamlessly weaving reality and magic together. I also appreciated the descriptions of how the characters worked through their emotions as they figured things out.
As a person who always wants to know "more" from my books, I really liked the style of switching between the two main characters, Alexis and Brian. This allowed me so much more understanding of each of the characters personalities.
As a person who always wants to know "more" from my books, I really liked the style of switching between the two main characters, Alexis and Brian. This allowed me so much more understanding of each of the characters personalities.
October 18, 2022
This is a compelling story with descriptions that leap off the page. Looking forward to the next one.
December 4, 2022
Loved the characters & plot, with fantasy spilling into the modern world. Can't wait for the next! :D
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews