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Duplicity #1
Counting Shadows
Two hearts, one kiss...
...Nothing left.
Faye’s soul-mate is everything she should hate—an Angel, an outcast, an enemy. Ashe is just one more imperfection in her life that somehow makes everything… perfect.
Until he’s murdered.
With the only person she loves ripped away, Faye sets out to avenge Ashe’s death. The task seems impossible, until she finds Lor—an Angel who looks nearly identical to Ashe’s killer. Arrogant and hot-headed, Lor is everything Ashe wasn’t. But Lor is connected to her soul-mate’s past, and Faye needs him to find the killer—even if Lor is potentially deadly.
But when Faye discovers that Ashe’s past isn’t as black and white as she thought, she faces an impossible choice: Give up the hunt, and risk the lives of others. Or continue pursuing Ashe’s murderer, and forfeit the lives of everyone in her family—including herself.
“Counting Shadows” is a YA Epic Fantasy, suitable for ages 13+.
...Nothing left.
Faye’s soul-mate is everything she should hate—an Angel, an outcast, an enemy. Ashe is just one more imperfection in her life that somehow makes everything… perfect.
Until he’s murdered.
With the only person she loves ripped away, Faye sets out to avenge Ashe’s death. The task seems impossible, until she finds Lor—an Angel who looks nearly identical to Ashe’s killer. Arrogant and hot-headed, Lor is everything Ashe wasn’t. But Lor is connected to her soul-mate’s past, and Faye needs him to find the killer—even if Lor is potentially deadly.
But when Faye discovers that Ashe’s past isn’t as black and white as she thought, she faces an impossible choice: Give up the hunt, and risk the lives of others. Or continue pursuing Ashe’s murderer, and forfeit the lives of everyone in her family—including herself.
“Counting Shadows” is a YA Epic Fantasy, suitable for ages 13+.
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2013
574 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Rivers
32 books353 followersOlivia Rivers is an award-winning author of Young Adult fiction. Her works include Tone Deaf, which was awarded a place on the American Library Association's "Quick Picks" list, and In the Hope of Memories, which has been optioned for film. Olivia enjoys experimenting with new publishing technologies, and her online serials have received over 1,000,000 hits on Wattpad.com. She is represented by Laurie McLean of Fuse Literary.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 29, 2013
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**I received this as an eARC through Netgalley from the publisher. In no way does that effect the thoughts and opinions voiced here. I did not receive compensation in any way for writing this review.**
REVIEW
I don't know what to say. Counting Shadows was okay, I mean I didn't NOT like it.
I think it was that I kept expecting Ashe to pop up. I always hold to the philosophy that if I haven't seen the body it didn't happen, meaning the character could come back at any point. It's a fantasy novel for goodness sakes if you can't bring back a dead person what good is the genre?! Also the way Faye is obsessed over Ashe doesn't really allow me to move on from him, I couldn't really connect emotionally with any of the other characters. We don't get to know Ashe due to his being dead already when the book starts but we can tell how connected Faye and Ashe were through Faye's thoughts and feelings. She is so terribly heartbroken and lost without him. All that's keeping her going is her plan for revenge on her murderer. So in my mind the only thing possible was that Ashe was going to come back. In a way though this whole issue is a nod to Rivers' character development, she was able to make me fall in love with a "dead" character I've never met.
If I look past the whole Ashe aspect, the book is reasonably well written. Though I was disappointed that we never really left Faye's chambers. We see the outside world only twice, the second occurring at the end. It would have been nice to have a little more world development, especially since there are all these amazingly interesting creatures; vampires, dragons, angels, and faery all make an appearance. The pacing is well done though, it seemed I had just started when I turned the page and found myself at the end. By that point I was so engrossed in the story that I was disappointed it had ended, I tried scouring the vast internet in search of a release date for the second book but alas could find nothing.
Even though there were things that bugged me Counting Shadows was still worth reading and I find myself highly anticipating the second installment. Who knows maybe the things I didn't like will be completely changed or developed on. I'm also holding to my hope that Ashe will resurface or maybe Faye can get past her grief and get to know and love Lor, I would be cool with that too ;-)
**I received this as an eARC through Netgalley from the publisher. In no way does that effect the thoughts and opinions voiced here. I did not receive compensation in any way for writing this review.**
REVIEW
I don't know what to say. Counting Shadows was okay, I mean I didn't NOT like it.
I think it was that I kept expecting Ashe to pop up. I always hold to the philosophy that if I haven't seen the body it didn't happen, meaning the character could come back at any point. It's a fantasy novel for goodness sakes if you can't bring back a dead person what good is the genre?! Also the way Faye is obsessed over Ashe doesn't really allow me to move on from him, I couldn't really connect emotionally with any of the other characters. We don't get to know Ashe due to his being dead already when the book starts but we can tell how connected Faye and Ashe were through Faye's thoughts and feelings. She is so terribly heartbroken and lost without him. All that's keeping her going is her plan for revenge on her murderer. So in my mind the only thing possible was that Ashe was going to come back. In a way though this whole issue is a nod to Rivers' character development, she was able to make me fall in love with a "dead" character I've never met.
If I look past the whole Ashe aspect, the book is reasonably well written. Though I was disappointed that we never really left Faye's chambers. We see the outside world only twice, the second occurring at the end. It would have been nice to have a little more world development, especially since there are all these amazingly interesting creatures; vampires, dragons, angels, and faery all make an appearance. The pacing is well done though, it seemed I had just started when I turned the page and found myself at the end. By that point I was so engrossed in the story that I was disappointed it had ended, I tried scouring the vast internet in search of a release date for the second book but alas could find nothing.
Even though there were things that bugged me Counting Shadows was still worth reading and I find myself highly anticipating the second installment. Who knows maybe the things I didn't like will be completely changed or developed on. I'm also holding to my hope that Ashe will resurface or maybe Faye can get past her grief and get to know and love Lor, I would be cool with that too ;-)
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June 17, 2018In the interests of full disclosure, I should tell you that Olivia is a critique partner, friend, and the uber-awesome designer for the books in my Hyde series. The woman is seriously talented. Of course, as all of my critique partners know, I'm really picky and don't ever lie to anyone about the good and bad points of a book.
I beta read this book and loved it then. I can only imagine how good it is after the few tweaks it needed. The thing I like most about Olivia's writing is how incredibly profound she can be in just one line. I mean jaw-dropping, spend-the-next-few-minutes-contemplating-that-idea deep lines. And if you know anything about Olivia, you know why that just shouldn't be possible.
The tone of the book is dark but it is definitely YA. I'm just hoping she gets the next book in this series out soon.
I beta read this book and loved it then. I can only imagine how good it is after the few tweaks it needed. The thing I like most about Olivia's writing is how incredibly profound she can be in just one line. I mean jaw-dropping, spend-the-next-few-minutes-contemplating-that-idea deep lines. And if you know anything about Olivia, you know why that just shouldn't be possible.
The tone of the book is dark but it is definitely YA. I'm just hoping she gets the next book in this series out soon.
November 9, 2013
see this a more at my blog : http://crasyabout.blogspot.com
That was freaking awesome. And I am now stuck with not knowing when the second book is out. Tell me is it tolerable??? In the beginning I was seriously confused and I am still a little but by the world Olivia has created, a little bit clarification would be better, but I took what I got. Hope for more clarification in book two.
The story follows princess Faye, who is locked in her chambers by her dad because she is different and is hunted by nearly the whole population of her kingdom which accuses her of witchcraft. She is a total rebel at heart. Defying her dad – the King, not once but twice by choosing her guardian to be human’s sworn enemy – angel, that’s something. (And seriously how did angles came to be enemies of humans???)
As always, one of my favourite characters to read about are villains, but here I was super confused who was the real villain. And that seriously drove me nuts. I agree Faye’s dad is a total asshole. Way to ensure your daughter loves you, kill her one guardian and try to kill another. And if it is true that he is scheming against his own kingdom, then he’s a total ass, and needs to be killed. On the other hand we have Asair. And nobody can defy me when I am saying he’s the main villain in this book. But still, I really couldn’t grasp some things about him. Yes he’s calculative, he’s a maniac and I think he’s crazy too. But something is still missing in his story. And I hope to get to it in book two.
I liked Faye very much. She is a really strong character, who can stand her ground. The only thing which sometimes was killing me, was her over obsession with Ashe or Jay aka her ex-guardian, aka her new guardian’s twin. And will my question wasn’t answered , did she fall in love with Lor or not?? She has to. Or otherwise it’s no fun. And while some of you may hate Lor, he is freaking awesome!!!! That’s my opinion. And you will get to like him in the end of the book and trust me you’ll be as whiny as I am, because of the amazing cliffhanger Olivia leaves us on, and because I myself have no freaking idea when the second book is out… L
As always I highlight some of the most catching phrases for me, and I though you’ll be definitely interested in these ones:
“The Angels believe each star is a broken promise”, Father murmured, staring out alongside me. “They say they’ll linger above the heads of people forever”
…”Well the Fae’s belief is happier, they think their dead transform into stars so they can look down on their loved ones forever.”
“His voice drips with sarcasm, something I’ve learned not to acknowledge. It’s the lowest form of humor”
“Justice is Law and politics and lies. Revenge actually means something”
I hope you will consider this book. I hope you will. If yes, grab your copy now, and get lost in a new worlds set up by Olivia Rivers. Happy Reading!!! And don’t forget to leave comments!!! J J
That was freaking awesome. And I am now stuck with not knowing when the second book is out. Tell me is it tolerable??? In the beginning I was seriously confused and I am still a little but by the world Olivia has created, a little bit clarification would be better, but I took what I got. Hope for more clarification in book two.
The story follows princess Faye, who is locked in her chambers by her dad because she is different and is hunted by nearly the whole population of her kingdom which accuses her of witchcraft. She is a total rebel at heart. Defying her dad – the King, not once but twice by choosing her guardian to be human’s sworn enemy – angel, that’s something. (And seriously how did angles came to be enemies of humans???)
As always, one of my favourite characters to read about are villains, but here I was super confused who was the real villain. And that seriously drove me nuts. I agree Faye’s dad is a total asshole. Way to ensure your daughter loves you, kill her one guardian and try to kill another. And if it is true that he is scheming against his own kingdom, then he’s a total ass, and needs to be killed. On the other hand we have Asair. And nobody can defy me when I am saying he’s the main villain in this book. But still, I really couldn’t grasp some things about him. Yes he’s calculative, he’s a maniac and I think he’s crazy too. But something is still missing in his story. And I hope to get to it in book two.
I liked Faye very much. She is a really strong character, who can stand her ground. The only thing which sometimes was killing me, was her over obsession with Ashe or Jay aka her ex-guardian, aka her new guardian’s twin. And will my question wasn’t answered , did she fall in love with Lor or not?? She has to. Or otherwise it’s no fun. And while some of you may hate Lor, he is freaking awesome!!!! That’s my opinion. And you will get to like him in the end of the book and trust me you’ll be as whiny as I am, because of the amazing cliffhanger Olivia leaves us on, and because I myself have no freaking idea when the second book is out… L
As always I highlight some of the most catching phrases for me, and I though you’ll be definitely interested in these ones:
“The Angels believe each star is a broken promise”, Father murmured, staring out alongside me. “They say they’ll linger above the heads of people forever”
…”Well the Fae’s belief is happier, they think their dead transform into stars so they can look down on their loved ones forever.”
“His voice drips with sarcasm, something I’ve learned not to acknowledge. It’s the lowest form of humor”
“Justice is Law and politics and lies. Revenge actually means something”
I hope you will consider this book. I hope you will. If yes, grab your copy now, and get lost in a new worlds set up by Olivia Rivers. Happy Reading!!! And don’t forget to leave comments!!! J J
November 5, 2013
Counting Shadows is a book for someone who want a quick light read. The book is really short. It’s one of those book you could possibly read in one setting. The book starts off with the princess Faye witnessing her gourds cut the wing off of her Guardian. His name was Ashe and he was a angel. He was set to death.
Every since then she has been set on ravage. She plans on killing him for what he has done to Ashe. ON a mission she finds clues. She comes across a angel with the same tattoo as Ashe in the dungeon. He is set to death by king to fight in the arena. Faye decides to make him her new Guardian and have him found the killer to Ashe. Faye is a trained fighter, she can take care of herself and is not scared to do what is right and i think that’s what i loved about Faye. She is very Strong and Brave.
Lor is very sarcastic. He has a humor but you can tell his using that humor to hide what he is really feeling most of time. He didn’t have a choice when Faye makes him her Guardian.
The book is bittersweet love story of two people meeting after the death of Ashe. Lor is Ashes Twin brother. Faye and Lor find out along the way who the real killer is. Most of the book is Faye and Lor stuck in the castle. You watch them become close.
In Fays world there are all kinds of creatures, Vampires. and even dragons. Pretty much anything cool you can think of. Lots of fun characters in the book. The story gets really good the more you read. But right when it gets even more interesting the story ends and i’m just sitting there so mad! i wanted to keep reading it. A big battle against the kingdom and the angels break out and it becomes nail biting. It was a really fun epic story with touches of the paranormal.
Death brought them together. The book is sort of tragic but really sweet love story, full of suspense and action. The book might be small but how the book is written and the plot makes reading the book worth it. I recommend anyone one who loves a story of fays and Mythical creatures with a touch of a love story.
Of course there is a lot more to the story then i mention but you are gonna just have to read the book to find out for yourself. If you have read it let me know what you thought!
Every since then she has been set on ravage. She plans on killing him for what he has done to Ashe. ON a mission she finds clues. She comes across a angel with the same tattoo as Ashe in the dungeon. He is set to death by king to fight in the arena. Faye decides to make him her new Guardian and have him found the killer to Ashe. Faye is a trained fighter, she can take care of herself and is not scared to do what is right and i think that’s what i loved about Faye. She is very Strong and Brave.
Lor is very sarcastic. He has a humor but you can tell his using that humor to hide what he is really feeling most of time. He didn’t have a choice when Faye makes him her Guardian.
The book is bittersweet love story of two people meeting after the death of Ashe. Lor is Ashes Twin brother. Faye and Lor find out along the way who the real killer is. Most of the book is Faye and Lor stuck in the castle. You watch them become close.
In Fays world there are all kinds of creatures, Vampires. and even dragons. Pretty much anything cool you can think of. Lots of fun characters in the book. The story gets really good the more you read. But right when it gets even more interesting the story ends and i’m just sitting there so mad! i wanted to keep reading it. A big battle against the kingdom and the angels break out and it becomes nail biting. It was a really fun epic story with touches of the paranormal.
Death brought them together. The book is sort of tragic but really sweet love story, full of suspense and action. The book might be small but how the book is written and the plot makes reading the book worth it. I recommend anyone one who loves a story of fays and Mythical creatures with a touch of a love story.
Of course there is a lot more to the story then i mention but you are gonna just have to read the book to find out for yourself. If you have read it let me know what you thought!
January 7, 2014
I received a copy from Netgalley.
Very mild plot spoilers.
I'm not entirely sure how to review this one. It was only an okay book for me. I didn't outright dislike it. I particularly enjoyed the world building and the epic fantasy landscape that was created seemed quite interesting. My issue was really with the plot and the characters.
On the one hand, the story was interesting enough that I read it in one day. I read the first 24% during my lunch hour at work and read the rest when I came home. I found I didn't really connect with any of the character. Princess Faye started off quite interesting, but there were a few things about her that got on my nerves.
***possible spoiler****
I found the plot dragged a bit in the middle, not a lot seemed to be happening, and during the last 20% or so the action really picks up, but even then...I don't know.
I did like for the world building though. I won't be continuing this series.
Thank you to Netgalley for approving my request to view the book. I guess in the end this book was just not to my tastes.
Very mild plot spoilers.
I'm not entirely sure how to review this one. It was only an okay book for me. I didn't outright dislike it. I particularly enjoyed the world building and the epic fantasy landscape that was created seemed quite interesting. My issue was really with the plot and the characters.
On the one hand, the story was interesting enough that I read it in one day. I read the first 24% during my lunch hour at work and read the rest when I came home. I found I didn't really connect with any of the character. Princess Faye started off quite interesting, but there were a few things about her that got on my nerves.
***possible spoiler****
I found the plot dragged a bit in the middle, not a lot seemed to be happening, and during the last 20% or so the action really picks up, but even then...I don't know.
I did like for the world building though. I won't be continuing this series.
Thank you to Netgalley for approving my request to view the book. I guess in the end this book was just not to my tastes.
January 31, 2014
The story opens with Faye's Guardian, Ashe, being taken away and put to death based on a lie from a mysterious stranger. Devastated, Faye vows to hunt down the stranger and kill him to avenge Ashe. When she finds the man, things get interesting. The man may not be exactly who she was looking for, but he ends up having ties to Ashe that she could have never guessed. Can she follow through with her revenge?
Completely not what I expected. At first, I couldn't really get into it, but I also couldn't put it down. Somewhere along the way, I found I was totally engrossed. It had originality. It had great characters, especially Lor. The angels and other creatures were portrayed so differently from anything else I've ever read that it really was refreshing. Normally, I wouldn't read such a short book, but the length was one of Counting Shadows strengths. Things happened at such a quick pace that you didn't really have time to get bored. The only downside being that so much is going on, in such a short book, that so many questions go unanswered. While I know that is probably intentional, in order to get the reader hooked to follow the series, I generally like for my books to be more self-contained. So, while I did enjoy the book, I wasn't blown away. With that being said, I will gladly follow the series to find out what happens next, especially after that ending.
*I was given an eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in anyway for this review*
Completely not what I expected. At first, I couldn't really get into it, but I also couldn't put it down. Somewhere along the way, I found I was totally engrossed. It had originality. It had great characters, especially Lor. The angels and other creatures were portrayed so differently from anything else I've ever read that it really was refreshing. Normally, I wouldn't read such a short book, but the length was one of Counting Shadows strengths. Things happened at such a quick pace that you didn't really have time to get bored. The only downside being that so much is going on, in such a short book, that so many questions go unanswered. While I know that is probably intentional, in order to get the reader hooked to follow the series, I generally like for my books to be more self-contained. So, while I did enjoy the book, I wasn't blown away. With that being said, I will gladly follow the series to find out what happens next, especially after that ending.
*I was given an eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in anyway for this review*
June 24, 2014
I won this book through Goodreads July 26th, 2013 and never received it. There have been several communications about this book and was told that it would be sent again as there was a shipping error, but have yet to receive it. I will change my rating once it is received--- if it is received. I was told to put this up stating that I had won it but not received it.
Finally received book! Will get started on it today 11/19/2013 and change review hopefully :)
I was pretty sure I had edited this... ss...
I loved it and it was worth the wait! I am looking forward to book 2 - Eluding Light - and can hardly wait! I found it to be well written and a great read. I am definitely a fan of Olivia Rivers and am looking forward to her Tortured Elements series as well as the next in the Duplicity series.
Finally received book! Will get started on it today 11/19/2013 and change review hopefully :)
I was pretty sure I had edited this... ss...
I loved it and it was worth the wait! I am looking forward to book 2 - Eluding Light - and can hardly wait! I found it to be well written and a great read. I am definitely a fan of Olivia Rivers and am looking forward to her Tortured Elements series as well as the next in the Duplicity series.
November 29, 2013
Counting Shadows è il primo romanzo che leggo di Olivia Rivers, giovanissima e prolifica autrice d'oltreoceano. Nonostante le interessantissime premesse iniziali - siamo di fronte a un fantasy con pesanti contaminazioni di urban all'interno- che hanno reso il romanzo estremamente appetibile per la sottoscritta, purtroppo mi tocca dover dire che il libro non mi è piaciuto. Ho amato moltissimo il concetto di base, l'idea di fondo del testo. L'argomento della vendetta, la quest intrapresa dall'eroina - Faye- e le scelte che si trova a dover affrontare nel corso della narrazione suonano interessanti e accattivanti, ma purtroppo non si sono tradotte in maniera altrettanto convincente sulla carta.
Recensione completa su http://mornabooks.blogspot.it/2013/11...
Recensione completa su http://mornabooks.blogspot.it/2013/11...
November 15, 2013
wow. WOW. wOw.
This was, well, unexpected is an understatement.
I wasn't expecting it to be so good. I picked it up, just to have a quick browse and then before I knew it I was turning the last page, gutted that it was over and cursing at the cliffhanger.
I loved Lor, he really did bring the slight bit of humour to the story. His horse riding fear was just hilarious.
The story was compelling, I loved the characters and I think the author set a good scene for the next instalment. Depending on if like me you enjoyed this, you will be the first in line for book 2.
This was, well, unexpected is an understatement.
I wasn't expecting it to be so good. I picked it up, just to have a quick browse and then before I knew it I was turning the last page, gutted that it was over and cursing at the cliffhanger.
I loved Lor, he really did bring the slight bit of humour to the story. His horse riding fear was just hilarious.
The story was compelling, I loved the characters and I think the author set a good scene for the next instalment. Depending on if like me you enjoyed this, you will be the first in line for book 2.
March 22, 2016
I love this book so much that I would happily read it again, but right now all I want to do is read the next book of the series. I want to find out who the guy that keeps turning up in her mirror is.
Now I am waiting the second book to be completed for this series and the tortured elements series, too.
Now I am waiting the second book to be completed for this series and the tortured elements series, too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2013
wow!!! Review to come
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