Casting Shadows

Flynn #3

by Sophie McKenzie

Flynn is making every effort to stay in control of his hot temper, while River feels more content than she's ever been. Together the two of them make big plans for the future, but powerful secrets lurk in the shadows, ready to threaten their happiness.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary, Young Adult Contemporary, Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published July 4, 2013

About the author

Hey there! Welcome to my Goodreads page where you can keep up with all my stories - both the ones that are already published and the works in progress!!

I write mostly teen thrillers - plus some teen romance, books for younger children and four adult psychological thrillers.

I'm really excited right now because of...

Boy, Missing, my £1 book for World Book Day and Truth or Dare, my new teen thriller. (UK)


For more info on these and my other books, check out my website: www.sophiemckenziebooks.com

Reviews

[Olivia-Savannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was by far the best of the series and it’s still just mediocre. River is still so overdramatic. Their relationship is still so toxic. I would not commend the parenting here at all. They are way too lenient and then they are also way too harsh and just… making so many mistakes. Flynn is off the handle and needs some kind of help. Flynn’s mother IN IRELAND while her teenage son is in the UK doesn’t seem to be interested at all? The Leo storyline felt problematic to me. It really needed to be more thought through and handled better… Mostly, my problem with the series is that it has become repetitive. Every book seems to start in the same place and then end in the same place with the same ‘rising action’ and ‘climax’ in the middle. I can already guess how the fourth will go.

This review and others can be found on Olivia's Catastrophe: https://oliviascatastrophe.com/2020/1...

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Probably the worst book in the entire series so far, even beating Falling Fast which is pretty impressive in my opinion. There were close to no likeable characters by the end of the book, River became even more annoying and pathetic than she already was, and there were many other problematic situations in the book such as:
-A 17-year old couple living together with one of their parents because that's how much they love each other. Questionable decision by the end of the book.
-River basically telling her dad that Flynn having to sleep on people's sofas because he doesn't have a home is his responsibility. Also questionable since Flynn was the one who chose to leave Ireland.
-River and Emmi becoming BFFs again after 5 minutes in the street just because Emmi got dumped...even though it was Emmi's fault.
-Somebody coming out to somebody he barely knows despite the fact he 1) is not gay and knows it 2) only comes out so the other person will be friends with them
-Apparently your boyfriend wanting to go to Oxford to study law is a terrible thing because it's too far away from where you live and 'all he cares about is money'?? (Oxford is approx. 1 hour away from London by train.)
-Also apparently dropping all of your A-Levels and your entire education is a great idea and Sophie McKenzie has tried to show that this is the right decision to make when you change your mind about what you want to do in life by giving us a heartfelt speech about how you 'shouldn't be forced to do something just because you feel like somebody else wants you to do it' okay but if you're that intelligent and you've worked so hard, maybe you can redo your A-Levels or change your university course but don't drop out of school if you have the brains and you have never shown any reason to hate school so much before!
-Apparently it's okay for you to keep a secret from your boyfriend because you're scared of him.
-Apparently it's also okay for your life to revolve around nobody but your boyfriend and it's okay for you to cut off every single other person in your life either because you and your boyfriend love each other so much that nobody else matters, or your boyfriend hates you and you're so sad that you stop talking to people.
-Beating up someone on the first day of school so people won't mess with you is apparently a great tip to surviving school (although with no friends)
-Having no friends doesn't matter; all you need is a girlfriend, right?

Overall, this book was highly problematic, highly annoying and honestly terrible. I don't know why I let myself lose brain cells reading this.
And if River and Flynn end up together in the last book, I will shoot myself because they couldn't be any more blind as to how problematic their relationship is, with them both being possessive, selfish and ignorant.

[Sienna Logan (Lost to Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

For more of my reviews visit http://losttobooks.blogspot.com

Actual Rating 3.5

I really enjoyed the last two books in this series so was looking forward to reading Casting Shadows when I found out about the release date. However I did feel it was lacking compared to the previous books. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it but I guess it just wasn't what I was expecting.

In the last two books River and Flynn's relationship had been really intense, however I don't think it stayed at the same level, despite them moving in with each other.If anything I found it less intense as they spent more time apart. I don't know how to explain it, but there just felt something different about it all and I started to see everyone's point about Flynn.

Beside that the storyline was incredibly predictable. You could see how everything was going to blow up in River's face a mile off with the not so subtle hints the author kept dropping. I'm not saying this was a bad thing as I still wanted to keep reading but I guess it's obvious in the teen romance genre that there are going to be ups and downs, especially with first loves.

I liked the change Flynn went through in this book. He really matured, well most of the time, and there were really sweet moments where we saw his vulnerable side as he tried to change for the sake of his relationship and River. I loved these sections but then there were others that made me hate him. Before it was Flynn against the world and I was fully supporting him, now I'm not so sure. I guess the next book will have the swing vote on whether I like him or not. I did feel though that maybe a lot of detail was only touched upon as this book is quiet short. There were a few sections I wanted to read more about and parts did go by quickly but again, it was an enjoyable, fast-pace read.

The only thing that really bugs me about this book is the ending. Although there is another book coming in the series I hate the way it is left off. I love romances and I also adore HEAs but this book left me feeling slightly down and disheartened at the uncertain, cliffhanger ending. I wish Sophie McKenzie could write this series in less book that are more of the size of her Blood Ties series as for me I'm always left wanting more.

Overall it's an emotional read that although lacks compared to the first 2, is still easy and fast to get through. I'm disappointed with the ending but I will definitely be reading the next book in the series as I want to see what happens to River and Flynn - although I have my suspicions.

[Rebekah Blakeway · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Casting Shadows' started off so boring, I didn't think I'd like it although I had read good reviews about it. However, I carried on with the book and was shocked; in a good way! I can't wait for the next one which comes out in January., definitely on my too read list!
River and Flynn were such a great couple and it was so cute how they went around together. All the characters seemed so real and it was a real good surprising book! I recommend this book to you if you like teen-fiction!! Add it to your to-read list now! :-)

[Farah Shah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would say that this was actually 3.5 stars. I didn't feel the complete urge to read on but I did really enjoy it. I found myself again finding River extremely annoying but I did feel sorry for her when she was feeling dead after the party and Flynn. This book wasn't as intense as the first but it was showing them grow up. I did like how it was calm and there wasn't too much craziness that was happening due to them living i the Commune. i would definitely recommend though due to some of the big turning points.

[Emma Stallwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of the whole series so far, this book has been my favourite. The writing is so beautiful and had me on the edge of my seat. I really felt for River through all of this book especially seen as I have felt exactly how she had. Sophie wrote chapters 20-24 so in depth and so close to the truth, that I had to put my book down and cuddle my partner for a while. That is good writing, no matter what the subject. I can't wait to see what the final installment will be like.

[hels · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think i loved it because it was such an easy read, a bit like the first two books. i didn’t have to be introduced to new characters and the story just carried on so fluidly. i can also relate to the parenting in the book, so that’s why i think that that isn’t one of the bad features, as it shows a different story/ a middle ground to parenting instead of the extremes of either the best parents in the world or the worst ever haha.

[♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is soooo good and really addictive. Even though Flynn irritates me sometimes, I still really like him! After reading this book I hate both Leo and Emmi- I wish Leo would just leave the commune. there was so much drama in this book, I’m excited to see what Defy the Stars brings and it’s the last book which makes me sad😢hopefully there will be a happy ending

[Sonja Phipps · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favourite. Am I the only one that thinks there is something of a controlling relationship developing here? Tell tale signs are there. And characters beyond River and Flynn are turning into props.

Don’t think I’ll bother with Part 4.

[Veda Upadhyay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of drama involved! Can't wait to read the last part!

[chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another quick read, and i don’t have much to say about it. Flynn and Rivers relationship is still extremely toxic and I really liked Leo as a character.

[lucy 🦋 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another reread that's worse than the second and better than the first. So. So. Toxic!!!!

[Bethany Paisley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Cookiemonsterr · Rating 2 out of 5]

i take it back this relationship is like boredline abusive

onto the next book!! why are kids books so easy to read omds?

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Favourite book series as a 14 year old.

[Leja · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was actually really good I’m currently reading the next on in the series!

[Serendipity Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published on www.serendipityreviews.co.uk
If you haven’t heard me say it before, I will say it again – I LOVE THIS SERIES! I honestly can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book. With each book in the series I’ve grown more and more attached to Flynn and River and in some ways I’m now dreading the last book because I’m worried which way the story will go. Will Sophie McKenzie take the realistic route which will make me really really unhappy, or will she take the fictional route that will leave me sighing with happiness?

This book sees a drastic change in Flynn, who is normally better known for his hot temper and flying fists. Flynn has some serious issues, no one can deny that, but you can’t help but love him. He is trying so hard to deal with the burning issues that have plagued him his entire life. Flynn is a lot calmer and in control in the book; as to whether you are seeing the real Flynn, you’ll have to read the story to find out.

As with all the books in this series, there is an underlying theme. The theme in this one is definitely being truthful. Telling lies will inevitably bite you back in the near future, so it really pays to tell the truth straight away in a relationship. In this book we see what happens when you try to keep something secret…

The book leaves you with questions; even though the status of the relationship is very clear, you want to know what the characters intend to do in the future. The second half of this book was rather an emotional read, where you easily sympathise with River over how she feels. I’ve been left rather desperate for the final book in the series now.

It very clear that Sophie McKenzie knows how to write about real teenage relationships, warts and all. She captures the passion and the intensity and shows how easily it can ignite and blow out of control. I think Sophie McKenzie could write an excellent non fiction guide to teenage relationships!

For an intensely realistic and romantic teenage read, buy this series

[Greysmilexx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received the book today and I read it so quickly. It was really good at the beginning but it wasn't the best. I still love the first book more because their love feels too... I dunno it feels really common now I don't know the word it is annoying not knowing but there's nothing interesting its all explained already in the first 2 books so it feels like same old same old but there is this thing about the authors style the way she first builds up the romance at the beginning of the story so us readers read on and on and then in the second half of the story she bomb crashes the conflict and it isn't solved so we could read the next one. That's what gets on my nerves the most. The fact that she leaves it hanging so I can spend my cash in buying the next one to find out how it works out like I did after burning bright. But at the end I really hated River for being so selfish and arrogant. I mean you could suspect it form the time she got upset about him applying for uni she doesn't realize that he has his life and she isn't willing to sacrifice some of him for a while at the end of burning bright I thought she was really sensible and I liked her character but the thing is she really can't understand Flynn and how his hate for his dad in some way is justified the only thing that isn't is the fact he takes it out on others and plus I hate that she keeps all these things form him and isn't honest to him. she does love him but she doesn't have a foundation of trust on him because of his anger it is like she has never met someone with anger issues which is really unlikely. Son right at this moment I despise Rivers character and how she isn't being so giving as Flynn is. He left his whole life for her and she back stabs him. And Emmi was right in her ways when she said all that when she was drunk River never did trust Flynn not in any of the stories it really infuriates me. Overall though I really loved the book and I can't wait till defy the stars comes out.

[Charli - To Another World · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in about 45 minutes. As the third Falling Fast book, it carries on the series beautifully and deals with many issues.

A few of the issues the book deals with are: betrayal, heartbreak, LGBT, bullying and family issues. Normally, a book only has one or two of these things, as in a usual book it makes the book overcrowded and full of depression! But Sophie McKenzie made it possible- the book's essence is light and summery whilst being realistically showing the issues and River's feelings.

There are some chapter where I would love to read Flynn's point of view, such as the group counselling session and when the very, very drunk Emmi told him about "Slug Tongue" and her and James' "2-second kiss". I can imagine it: thoughts all over the place, anger pulsing... Although they would be interesting to read, they, even with Sophie McKenzie's talent, would probably be quite messy and hard to write if you wanted to properly reflect his anger in those scenes.

I think with any more, it would have been too much and go too fast. But the author made it just right!

If you haven't read Falling Fast and Burning Bright, it's best if you read those first, but unlike most books, you could just get away with not doing so; unlike many sequels, it subtley explains the minor details you need to know.

So, overall, this book is everything a girly summer read really needs... romance, drama and some action to add that hint of excitement.

5/5

You can read this review and many others at charliotherworld.blogspot.com

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie McKenzie is back with the third instalment to her Flynn series and wow, what a ride Casting Shadows is.

Casting Shadows brings us happiness, teenage drama and unfortunately, some unhappy times. Flynn's trying his hardest be the person he needs to be for River, however when it feels like the rest of the world is against Flynn, it's only so long before things come to ahead.

I was really excited to start Casting Shadows and I'm glad it lived up to my expectations. Sophie McKenzie really up'd the ant with this book and just when you thought things couldn't get worse - they do. I loved that while reading this I was full of suspense. I wasn't sure what was coming but when it did, it was so emotional!

River and Flynn's relationship this time around grows a lot. As their growing up, they're becoming more mature and they try to tackle their day to day problems better than have been. When things are good between them, they are the perfect couple. They love each other so much and it's really cute to read about them during their happy times.

I'm excited to see what Sophie brings us with the final book - these two characters must get a happy ending but more importantly, they need to somehow over come their issues for that to happen. Either way, I can't wait to see the end of their story.

[Samantha (A Dream of Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another enjoyable instalment in the series about River and Flynn. The two teenagers are now living together with River's Dad at the commune. Things seem to be much better with Flynn's temper until secrets are revealed which may upset all their future plans.

It seemed inevitable that something was going to happen to get in the way of their happiness. They've had so many ups and downs and have always managed to sort things out but this time it may be the end of the line for them. I think teens will love this book because the romance between River and Flynn is intense but not completely romanticised. There are real problems and obstacles for them to overcome and they are still trying to get River's family to completely accept them being together.

I still like Flynn but my feelings about him have changed as the series has progressed. I do think he overreacts quite a lot and even when he has a grip on his temper he can still fly off the handle over non-consequential things. It always seems to be River who has to suffer and I'm almost at the point now where I think she could be happier without him.

The next book (and the last one) in the series is called 'Defy the Stars'. It will be intriguing to see if a happy ending is on the cards or not for the teen lovers.

[Kirsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very short review on this one because I don't have huge amount to say.

The book is written in classic Sophie McKenzie style meaning it was easy and fast to get through as it flowed quite happily from one page to the next and I found myself done with in within a matter of hours.

This particular instalment carries on with the story established in book one and two of River and Flynn and sees them struggling to have their relationship accepted by those around them. I must admit in this instalment I started to see the point of those around River telling her to stay away from Flynn and I did find I didn't actually like him at all in this book. I found him quite arrogant and bit too full of it which is something I didn't think before reading this book.

The story finishes on a bit of a cliffhanger as you are left with a very uncertain future for the two of them. I am still quite curious to see where I goes but not sure I am a Flynn fan anymore.

[Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, so let's start off by saying that I am loving this series so far and cannot wait for Defy The Stars to come out!!!
Now, although I did fall even more in love with Flynn in this book, I didn't fully enjoy it as much as I have the first 2 books. I'm not sure why but something about this just didn't grab me like the others in the fact that I found this predictable. It was obvious something bad would happen in the barn and it was obvious that Flynn would turn up either on her doorstep or at the cafe or somewhere when River went to visit her mum. However, I did not expect them to actually break up! My heart broke a bit, just a little.
Also, River needs to rethink her friendship with Emmi, if they are going to fall out in every book then what's the point in their friendship anyway???

All in all, Sophie McKenzie is a brilliant author and I think I will definitely check out some of her other books as well.

[Shannon Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this book is amazing

People I know find me werid reading so many romance but I recomemend this book to anyone who loves a good story and easy to get into.

This book has carried the story of Flynn and Rivers trip and I found some bits heart breaking and sometimes I nearly cry as I could feel how the characters felt. I was really annoyed how the end finished and I wish it hurry up the next book as I love this series so much that I talk about it to my boyfirend and he gets annoyed and says I read to much but o well show how much I read lol. Anyway this story is so gripping and so good that I would read it again to be honest.

Over all I say that the book has 5 starts as it is bloody amazing and so good that I will read it again and cry again.

[Nicola Bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE these series of books by Sophie McKenzie. She is a brilliant author and her writing style is both unique and creative.It is very hard no to connect to the main characters and you soon end up having the same emotions as them. This series is all about a teenage girl who is always the single one. Most people around her are in relationships and she starts to doubt herself until she meets Flynn. This series follows a relationship of intense commitment, heart wrenching situations and the most shocking thing about it is that it's all based on a true story! This is a great book and I recommend it to anyone!

[Suhara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a massive fan of Sophie Mckenzie i have read all her books and i have got to say that i am in love with this series i love Flynn so much but in this book he just really annoyed me a lot and all i was thinking was why is River putting up with this but in the end i still love Flynn but something about the ending off this book made me think that Flynn is definitely up to something can't wait for the next book. 'Defy the stars.' hopefully it will come out as i can't wait to read the last book in this amazing series.

[Madeleine Mylrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books are getting better as the series goes on. I'd probably give this book three and a half stars. The part documenting River's heartache and pain was probably the best writing of the series so far. It was gut wrenching and well captured. I felt her pain and despair and absolutely hated Flynn. He did have redeeming moments in this book but I'm still hoping they don't end up together. Bring on, defy the stars!

[Krisha Sakhrani · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual I do find Sophie McKenzie books excellent but somehow this series has always made me coming back for more. I can't wait to find out if River and Flynn get back together and I can't wait to read the next book Defy the Stars, this is the last book in the series! :( I felt in this book Sophie opened up more new characters such as Leo, Ros, Leo's dad, Beth, Kirsty and a couple other Norton napper friends of hers. I wonder if she's going to keep them in her next book. :|

[Grace Augustine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book not just this but the whole Flynn series, I was crying my eyes out at the end, I hope in the defy of stars, they reunite again. This books feels so real. I cried so hard, can't stop crying when I think of the ending, keeping on telling myself it's just a book, nothing else. Can't wait to see what the next book brings forward. Only two possible ways. We have to wait and see

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good third instalment in the series and displayed significant moments like River leaving school for college and moving away. However I did predict what the 'secret' was that would lead things downhill, if you've read book 2 it's kind of obvious.