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The Shadow Soul (A Dance of Dragons #1)

Kaitlyn Davis (Goodreads Author)

3.87 · Rating details · 1,066 Ratings · 108 Reviews

From bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis comes a fantasy adventure perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Kristin Cashore, and Tamora Pierce! Told in alternating male and female perspectives, THE SHADOW SOUL has been hailed as "an amazing start to a new series that is going to have people of all ages wanting so much more." (Happy Tails & Tales Reviews)

When Jinji's home is des ...more

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Paperback, 292 pages

Published January 22nd 2014 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform (first published January 1st 2014)

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Jun 04, 2016 Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽ rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, ya-fantasy, cliffhanger-boo-hiss, kindle-freebie

3.5 stars. This YA fantasy is pretty solid, and it's a Kindle freebie if you want to check it out. Review first posted on Fantasy Literature:

The Shadow Soul came in first place of the 30 books that our Fantasy Literature team of reviewers read for Mark Lawrence’s 2016 Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off (SPFBO), in which 300 self-published science fiction and fantasy novels have been read and evaluated by ten blogs. The winner of the very first round, it managed to survive and prevail over all of th 3.5 stars. This YA fantasy is pretty solid, and it's a Kindle freebie if you want to check it out. Review first posted on Fantasy Literature:

The Shadow Soul came in first place of the 30 books that our Fantasy Literature team of reviewers read for Mark Lawrence’s 2016 Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off (SPFBO), in which 300 self-published science fiction and fantasy novels have been read and evaluated by ten blogs. The winner of the very first round, it managed to survive and prevail over all of the rest of the novels in our later rounds. A round of virtual but heartfelt applause to The Shadow Soul and its author, Kaitlyn Davis!

As the story begins, Jinji is a sixteen year old girl preparing for her formal joining in marriage to Maniuk, a future leader of their small Arpapajo tribe, along with Jinji herself. Jinji has the magical ability to see the elemental spirits of the land, which appear to her as brightly colored strands of thread weaving through the air, and to weave them into illusions. Jinji’s happiness is marred only by her longing for her twin brother, Janu, who was killed by a bear some time ago, and by a dream of a dark shadow with bright white eyes that attacks her in her dreams. But too soon, Jinji has a truly devastating tragedy to deal with, one in which the shadow plays a role, bringing the white, empty eyes and unspeakable violence.

Jinji nearly gives up in despair at her loss, until she is found by Whylrhen, or Rhen, a younger son of the king of their country. Several generations ago, the Arpapajo’s land was invaded by Whyl the Conqueror (heh), and his Whyl-named descendants have ruled the kingdom, which they renamed Whylkin, ever since. Rhen, discontented with his life as a spare prince, is secretly traveling through the kingdom in disguise, investigating the dangers that threaten it from the neighboring kingdom of Ourthuro. Jinji joins him in his adventures, though she uses the spirit threads to disguise herself as a boy, taking on the appearance of her dead twin, hiding her sex and her magical talents from Rhen. Rhen has secrets of his own ― in addition to being a prince, he also has the ability to absorb fire into his body and remain unharmed ― but he doesn’t know that Jinji can see the red flame threads circling around him. As Rhen seeks answers to his concerns about foreign invaders and Jinji seeks to avenge her people against the terrifying shadow, their friendship grows. But unexpected dangers, both within the kingdom and without, will try both their friendship and their souls.

The Shadow Soul is an engaging story with appealing main characters. Both Jinji and Rhen have good depth and complexity in their characters. They’re admirable characters but troubled, and unwilling to trust others quickly. Their friendship develops long before there’s any hint of romance ― understandably so, since Rhen views Jinji as a younger brother. Rhen begins to realize what a disservice his kingdom has done to Jinji’s people, isolating them and prohibiting them from speaking their native language. Rhen’s life in the royal family also turns out to be far more complicated than I expected, which helps to shed a somewhat different light on the conflicts that arise later in the story.

The pacing of the plot is smooth and moves along quickly. An unexpectedly perilous voyage to Ourthuro, the Golden Isles, which are literally built on gold and other metals, is a nice change of pace along the way, and some new characters are introduced who may become significant later. Some of the elements of the story, such as Jinji’s dreams and the nature of the ominous shadow, are never really explained, and the story ends on a cliffhanger. This is the first book in a trilogy, so readers will need to continue with the series to get all of the answers and the complete story.

The Shadow Soul, although it’s unusually well-written for a self-published book, still suffers somewhat from a lack of professional editing. There are occasional misspellings (such as “vile” for “vial”) and grammatical errors, and a few inconsistencies. For example, at one point men who are threatening Rhen are described as having eyes that are “vacant, open, but unaware;” a couple of pages later, however, “intelligence [is] reflected in their eyes". It’s also occasionally formulaic, but there’s enough of a difference here to make this novel enjoyable to most YA fantasy fans, even if it doesn’t push the boundaries of the genre.

Kaitlyn Davis has made the ebook version of The Shadow Soul available for free, and it’s worth checking out if you enjoy young adult fantasies. The Shadow Soul will now face off against the nine other winners chosen by these blogs, and we wish it the best of luck!
...more

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Nov 04, 2016 Mark Lawrence added it · review of another edition

I haven't read this book (yet), but it is one of the 10 finalists in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off. That's 10 out of 300 hopefuls!

Read about the competition here

http://mark---lawrence.blogspot.co.uk...

See ratings and reviews of all the finalists here:

http://mark---lawrence.blogspot.co.uk...

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Jan 02, 2015 Kirsty (Amethyst Bookwyrm) rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, netgalley-edelweiss, review

Thanks to Netgalley and Patchwork Press for giving me this book to review.

Jinji’s home is destroyed and everyone she has known has been killed by a mysterious shadow and she is left alone with nowhere to go, until a young man called Rhen finds her. However, both are hiding secrets, Jin is masquerading as a boy and has magic, meaning she can weave elements and create illusions, and Rhen is a prince on the search for foreign enemies and can pull flames into himself. While they go on a search to di ...more

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Dec 10, 2014 Marjolein rated it liked it

Shelves: arc, children-ya, fantasy, fiction, read-in-english

Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com

I had read the prequel of the A Dance of Dragons series already, and was at first quite surprised that this story seemed to be about completely different characters. However, the princess does make an appearance in the book.

Jinji is the last of her people, which are massacred by a shadow force. When she's trying to survive by pretending to be a boy she meets up with Rhen, a prince who's onto a plot to destroy his family.

It was described ...more

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Jan 13, 2015 Jen • Just One More Page rated it it was ok

Shelves: netgalley-edelweiss, young-adult, fantasy, magic, dragons, high-fantasy, adventure, stunning-covers, female-authors, abandoned-series

This review is also posted on my blog.

I received a copy free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

(view spoiler) ...more

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Jan 29, 2017 Wendy rated it liked it

Shelves: dark-fantasy, spfbo, young-adult

“People are born to this world with their destiny already laid out before them, with a future already set—they only get to fill in the details.”

Jinji is a 16-year old girl with a unique bond to the elemental spirits. As she prepares for what should be one of the proudest moments in her life, she finds herself bound to darkness -- a shadow that moves from her waking dreams into her reality and steals everything from her. She is found by a prince of the new world who shuns his royal standing, pref “People are born to this world with their destiny already laid out before them, with a future already set—they only get to fill in the details.”

Jinji is a 16-year old girl with a unique bond to the elemental spirits. As she prepares for what should be one of the proudest moments in her life, she finds herself bound to darkness -- a shadow that moves from her waking dreams into her reality and steals everything from her. She is found by a prince of the new world who shuns his royal standing, preferring adventure. He too is bound to the spirits, but unlike Jinji, his people fear such magic. Danger and secrets bind the two together as Jinji seeks answers and vengeance against the shadow that killed her people, while Prince Rhen tries to uncover a plot against his kingdom before it's too late.

The chapters flip back and forth between the two characters' points of view. Davis takes the time to dig deep into the their thoughts and actions, such that, by the end of the book when the action and intrigue picks up the pace, their separate perspectives are so well woven. Even when the chapters duplicate scenes, the emotional weight from each perspective adds so much more to the moment.

Considering what Jinji has lost, Davis does a good job of keeping Jinji focused on that pain, as would be expected after such tragedy, without letting her pain drag the story down. There are times when it seems like Jinji is losing that focus as she gets more and more wrapped up in Rhen's situation, but Davis brings it back and around to tie both their fates together.

However, when things do come together in the end, there are some pacing and detail issues that become lost due to the focus on Jinji and Rhen's perspectives alone. The political issues and the war itself become lost in the periphery because of this, which would lead to disappointment to anyone who accepted the book's claim that it is like Game of Thrones in any way.

Further, it is wonderful to have a female protagonist of colour, and her introduction and the introduction to her culture is beautifully detailed. But the book stumbles in having that character's entire people obliterated shortly after and having the only other people of colour villainized.

There are some issues with editing and pacing that are to be expected from a new author, but the story itself is sound and the characters are strong and endearing, so much so that when I finished reading The Shadow Soul, I promptly purchased the sequel, which is always a good sign!

www.bibliosanctum.com ...more

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Jan 16, 2017 Jaime (Two Chicks on Books) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Loved!!! On to the next novella!!!

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Aug 29, 2015 I, Spy, Books rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ba-chickas, yeah-buddy, paranormal-fantasy-sci-fi

I...It just...it was so...HOLY SHIT!!!!!!!

fangirling photo: Fangirling tumblr_inline_mkgev9tY0j1qz4rgp_zpsaf8430de.gif

UNEXPECTEDLY AMAZING!!!!!

fangirling photo: fangirling fangirling-1.gif

I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT!!!!

JUST READ IT!!!!!!

read it! photo: read My-reaction-as-a-Mormon-Parent-EFY-Counselor-and-Korean-5_zps07f07fa3.gif

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Nov 30, 2014 Sandra "Jeanz" rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2014-wishlist

INITIAL THOUGHTS
As my thoughts upon finishing "The Golden Cage" were "I need the next one now!" I guess you could say I am really looking forward to reading this novel. I would like to know more about Orthuri and it's customs, maybe I will discover some less barbaric customs in this book than were revealed in the prequel in the Kings treatment of his daughter and her personal guard.

MY REVIEW
I downloaded this novel from Amazon UK when it was free! The cover's main element is a female depicted as
INITIAL THOUGHTS
As my thoughts upon finishing "The Golden Cage" were "I need the next one now!" I guess you could say I am really looking forward to reading this novel. I would like to know more about Orthuri and it's customs, maybe I will discover some less barbaric customs in this book than were revealed in the prequel in the Kings treatment of his daughter and her personal guard.

MY REVIEW
I downloaded this novel from Amazon UK when it was free! The cover's main element is a female depicted as a dark daunting shadow figure that appears to be brandishing a dagger of some sort. So the cover seems to be promising plenty of action? Would the cover make me pick up the book from a bookstore shelf? I'd say yes, but in totally honesty I would be picking up the book on the assumption from the cover that my daughter may like the book. The cover makes me think the books may be like the Sarah J. Maas series Throne Of Glass.
This book is told from two points of view, that of Jenji, a native american, from the Arapapajo tribe and that of Whyl
This book begin's with Jinji's story, it is the day of her "joining" (what we would call wedding/marriage) to Manuik. Jinji has awoken early and gone to her secret place out in the forest to enjoy the peace and quiet before the preparations begin for the ceremony. She is still in a relaxed peaceful state when her best friend Leoa finds her. Jinji's mother has sent her to tell Jinji it is time to prepare. Leoa has brought the luxurious, white furs and skins. The two girls hear a scream and rush off to investigate. Leoa is the faster runner so ahead of Jinji. Jinji see's a dagger/spear hit her friend Leoa, and runs faster to her dear friend but is too late to save her. Jinji then see's the person who has killed her friend, it is Manuik! Manuick the very man who should be protecting her but there is something odd about his eyes. It's as if he is possessed.. . .
The other point of view this book is told from is that of Prince Whylrhen the somewhat wayward third son of the King of Whyl. Rhen is a "spare" rather than a true "heir" to the Whyl throne. Rhen has the reputation of being a carefree, ladies man, the truth is however totally different from that. Rhen is doing what turns out to be more important than anyone could have thought it would be including himself.
We follow Rhen meeting Jinji or rather Jin as Jinji has woven the spirits she can control and changed or masked her face to look like her deceased brother Janu. Though she has woven the image of his face she cannot bear to sully his name by using it herself as a lie, so she shortens her own name and continues to be disguised as a boy named Jin throughout the majority of this book. Jin does not trust Rhen for some time and initially hides her "spirit weaving" from Rhen, she also keeps her spirit woven mask on so Rhen thinks she is male. Having said that Rhen is highly reluctant to reveal that he is in fact a Prince. So they are both hiding things and keeping secrets from each other. Even when they become closer and Jin can she a fire element spirit weaving around Rhen as well as through travelling together, Jin keeps up the pretense of being male. Rhen does not discuss his "gift" either not trusting in it himself to speak to anyone or admit he has this affinity with fire. His "gift" ends up becoming extrmemly useful and in fact life saving at one point in the book.
They (Rhen & Jin) end up going on a ship to discover if the rumors of unknown, unmarked ships being seen at sea are true. Rhen chooses to kind of commandeer a ship. Captain Pygott, in charge of the ship allows Rhen to join the ship on it's trips as and when he wants. Rhen has used this regularly to escape his royal duties or "burdens" is perhaps more accurate as to how Rhen views the Royal part of his life. Captain Pygott has been a more "down to earth" accessible father figure to Rhen. Captain Pygott, Rhen and Jin and the rest of the crew learn the truth about the unmarked ships sailing in the seas near to Whyl. There is a fight between an unmarked ship (that turns out to be Ourthurian), it is during a fight between the two ships that Jin accidentally reveals some of the extent of the spirit weaving gift she has. The two end up trying to have a confrontation/discussion about their gifts but get side tracked by events.
I really could rattle on forever about this book, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from beginning to end. For example at the end of a chapter told from the point of view of Rhen there will be a little cliff hanger or things you're just not quite told, then the point of view will switch to Jin's and some of the things that happened in Rhen's chapter may be re-told from her point of view but go on a little further in time. . . . it's really brilliantly written and reels you in making you want to read to the early hours of the morning! I loved the characters. I specifically adored Jin, her constant battles with her inner demons, and her strong cultural beliefs that she cannot and will not forget her Arapapjo heritage and all it stands for. The relationship between Jin and Rhen begins as friends, and they then grow to confidantes and then an almost brotherly relationship. By the end of this book there are little clues and hints that point towards the possibililty of a genuine romantic relationship between the two of them if/when Jin is revealed as a woman? . . .
So did I enjoy this book? Enjoyed? I adored the book and it's characters. You do become really attached to Jin & Rhen. Would I recommend this book? Yes, especially to those who loved Sarah J Mass Throne Of Glass Series! Would I want to read more in this series? Want? I intend to purchase, download and read the next novella "The Silver Key" straight away! Would I read other titles by this author? Yes once I've read all that's available in this series I'll be checking out Kaitlyn's other titles. ...more

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Mar 14, 2017 Sarah rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-or-review-copy, read-in-2017, self-pub-challenge

3.5 stars

http://www.bookwormblues.net/2017/03/...

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May 26, 2017 Nat rated it liked it · review of another edition

Um yeah, what should I say...It was a free ebook so I was glad to have something while I was traveling up and down the US east coast, but nonetheless, I feel like the story could have been more intruiging...

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Nov 12, 2015 Angela marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, ya, kindle, free

12 November 2015: $0.00 FREE on Kindle

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Feb 26, 2017 Gabriela rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, my-reviews, barely-o-k

Kindle freebie. Mixed feelings about this. The plot is interesting and it flows nicely, the writing is decent and it has some good elements but I can't really recommend it because of the following factors:

- Weak worldbuilding: The three socieies were thinly disguised from real life ones, the Arpapajos are inspired by a Native American society, Rhen is a prince in a kingdom similar to a medieval European one and the Ourthuro seemed to be inspired in an African tribe.

- Casual racism: The Ourthuros ...more

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Jan 27, 2015 Carrie Slager rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviews-for-authors-publishers

[Full disclosure: I received a free ebook through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]

Normally I’m extremely skeptical of any book hailed as similar to “Game of Thrones” or “Graceling” but to be compared to both in the same sentence? I was pretty skeptical. But I set that skepticism aside when I read the blurb because despite the overly aggrandizing opening the rest of it sounded pretty good. I will clear up one thing first: The Shadow Soul is not really like A Game of Thrones or Graceli [Full disclosure: I received a free ebook through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]

Normally I’m extremely skeptical of any book hailed as similar to “Game of Thrones” or “Graceling” but to be compared to both in the same sentence? I was pretty skeptical. But I set that skepticism aside when I read the blurb because despite the overly aggrandizing opening the rest of it sounded pretty good. I will clear up one thing first: The Shadow Soul is not really like A Game of Thrones or Graceling. However, it is still a good story in its own right.

The thing that really stood out to me is Jinji, the female main character. She sees her whole tribe wiped out by the man she loves (who was possessed by what she calls the shadow) and then is nearly killed in an attack later. Thankfully, she’s saved by Rhen and thankfully for Rhen, she then saves his life in turn. Both of these characters get page time in their respective points of view. The chapters tend to alternate but it never really feels confusing since both of them have very, very different voices. Jinji is more reserved and quiet in part because that’s how she was raised but also because she’s still processing the grief associated with being the literal last member of your culture after seeing the others brutally wiped out. Rhen is more brash and loud but you can really tell he has the best interests of his family in his heart the whole time. Having them travel together was a good idea because it forced two very different personalities to get along, all the while holding back secrets from the other person. Jinji is hiding the fact that she is a girl while Rhen is hiding the fact that he’s actually a good guy, not the hedonistic playboy the kingdom seems to think he is.

The world-building was good but it never really had that wow factor. It was refreshing to see a Native American-like culture depicted, particularly since in the kingdom it is struggling against the ‘modernizing’ forces of invaders and the fact that its territory has been severely limited. And it was nice to see Jinji struggle to keep some of her traditions alive, even if the rest of the people in the kingdom frown upon her culture. Seeing Rhen’s reaction to some of her cultural practices was nice as well because it reveals that mixture of guilt he has for being a part of the family that committed an effective cultural genocide against her people but also the respect he has for those people. In essence, it reveals a lot of the modern attitudes toward native peoples and one of the great things about fantasy is that it can hold a mirror up to our own world for us to examine. My only real criticism about the world-building is that I would have liked the politics to be a little more subtle than “that other kingdom is jealous of us”. That is certainly a factor in many wars and in politics in general but it isn’t the only one as is really depicted in The Shadow Soul.

I must admit that despite all of the deserved praise of this book, there was one part that I had to struggle through immensely: the pacing. The plot itself was not bad even if it was a little predictable because Kaitlyn Davis used pretty familiar fantasy tropes. However, the pacing was brutal in the beginning. I don’t mind slow pacing but for some reason I really had to force myself to keep reading until the story really got going about 30% of the way in. It’s not that the plot it self was boring but rather that Davis just doesn’t have that flair for description that some authors have. Some authors could describe a peanut butter sandwich to you and it would be fascinating (see: M.J. Rose, Kristin Cashore, George R. R. Martin) but Davis’ longer descriptions were, well, boring. Her writing in general is excellent but I just wasn’t sucked into the story as I should have been, considering that there is quite a bit of action in the beginning. It’s hard to explain as you can tell from my rambling, but it felt like The Shadow Soul lacked excitement until about a third of the way in. After that it was pretty exciting and I had to keep reading to find out what would happen next, but the beginning was quite hard to get through.

So while the book has a great premise, decent enough world-building and vivid character, the beginning of it definitely lacks “oomph” (for lack of a better word). Would I recommend it to most fantasy-lovers? Probably because there were some interesting plot twists, particularly toward the end. But it’s getting past the beginning that is the real hurdle to reading this book. If you can get past the beginning, you’re in for a treat because the pacing significantly improves but if you aren’t one for sticking it out you’ll be sorely disappointed. By the end of the book you’ll be just as eager as I am to read the next book but the beginning, for whatever reason, was the hardest part of the book to read. It doesn’t lack action but it does lack excitement, if that makes any sense at all.

I give this book 3.5/5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars for Goodreads rating purposes. ...more

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Mar 19, 2017 Férial added it · review of another edition

Stopped reading at 40%-ish so, no rating. Just not interesting enough for me.

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Jan 23, 2015 Emilia rated it really liked it

Shelves: alread-out, reviewed, fantasy, magic, series

Filled with hidden demons

Yep, I'm already done with this book. There was just something about this storyline that kept me hooked. Once I sat down to read it, I just couldn't stop. Kaitlyn Davis knows how to write a good story. She was able to create to distinct point of view that even if you removed the name you knew exactly who was narrating that passage. Jinji's narration was very mystical and spiritual. She felt very connected to nature and the elements around her. You can just tell from the Filled with hidden demons

Yep, I'm already done with this book. There was just something about this storyline that kept me hooked. Once I sat down to read it, I just couldn't stop. Kaitlyn Davis knows how to write a good story. She was able to create to distinct point of view that even if you removed the name you knew exactly who was narrating that passage. Jinji's narration was very mystical and spiritual. She felt very connected to nature and the elements around her. You can just tell from the way she speaks about the world around her. Of course having the abilities that she does could be part of the reason I felt like she was so connected to nature, but, no, there is more to it. Rhen, on the other hand, was more like a city boy, looking at things through logic and reasoning. He is intelligent, clever enough to create a fake persona to hide his true workings as a spymaster. I loved how strongly their personalities came across through Kaitlyn Davis' writing. Beautifully developed, their character growths were exciting to watch. I especially loved reading from Jinji's point of view. Her upbringing and "oldworlder" influenced was wonderful to read. Her people will forever be with her, guiding her through life, not stopping her. Rhen's background was also interesting to learn about. He was a third son of a king, not commonly in many fantasies. I enjoyed reading about how this affected him. Most people forgot about him, thought him almost worthless, even his own father. To see this family dynamic was interesting, but what was more intriguing was the way Rhen acted towards this treatment. Rather than let resentment or anger build up, he seemed to almost flourish and enjoy the invisible power he was granted. He could be a spymaster as a prince because no one truly bothered to watch him. To them, he was the spoiled, lady-loving third son of the king.
All in all, the story was a brilliant and engaging piece of literature that I would recommend to fantasy lovers. It's worth it. However, I will warn you that it is a series so don't expect everything to end happily ever after in this first installment. ...more

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Feb 06, 2014 Christina Torretta rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I have to say I love Kaitlyn Davis and her books. I knew that I wanted to read this the second I saw it and the fact that she’s writing a sequel to this just makes me want to jump for joy!

Once again Kaitlyn is able to grab the reader with just a few words. Immediately I was enthralled and I knew I wasn’t going to be able to put this book down. Honestly I was also a little scared. This is about a girl who is raised in what we would call a Native American tribe. I had JUST finished a wonderful boo ...more

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Dec 29, 2014 Jill rated it it was amazing

This was so good!!!!
I already thought that the title and the cover was amazing so I was prepared. Obviously the two chapters were confusing as it introduced an entirely new world, new customs, and new religions, but it easily transitioned into the story, the setting artfully intergraded into the beginning plot.
This book is a split perspective which really added to the story. Dare I say it, I almost liked the boys perspective better. Rhen is amazing because he is a prince with a womanizing drunk ...more

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Apr 23, 2014 Mackenzie rated it it was amazing

A girl named Jinji lives in a Native American tribe called the Arapojo. Something is diffrent about Jinji. She has magic. She can weve allusions and and see the "sprits". On her marriage day, what seems to be the best day of her life, becomes the worst. Find out what happens in The Shadow Soul.

I loved this book. It was well written and really had its own personality. I would recomend it to any one who likes, sord fighting, magic, curses, ships, kingdoms, kings, queens, princes, and just plain aw ...more

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Mar 08, 2015 Beverly K rated it did not like it · review of another edition

DNF at 79%.

Eminently forgettable, this fantasy novel is in need of a good copy editor. Events happen in this book with scripted ease and whatever troubles the main characters encounter they escape with aplomb. It was as if the writer forced her will upon the characters without letting them tell the story.

I stopped when I realized that I was forcing myself through the book and no longer cared what became of any of the characters.

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Apr 01, 2015 Gail Thompson rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, magic-users

This is one the best books I have read in ages. I found that I could not put it down, and I will now be going straight to Amazon to download the next volume. The story has everything; secrets, friendship, danger; death, magic, royalty and voyages on the high seas with smugglers. I highly recommend this book, but a warning, you will neglect everything else as you can't put it down!

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Jun 22, 2016 Damali rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Free 6/22/16

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Jun 11, 2016 Kat Hooper rated it liked it

SPFBO http://www.fantasyliterature.com/give...

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Sep 03, 2013 Kaitlyn Davis rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author) · review of another edition

Shelves: gender-bender, epic-fantasy, young-adult, dragons, magic, romance, fantasy, gender-bending, girls-pretending-to-be-boys

I'm not finished writing the book yet, but I know it will be great! I hope you all love it too!

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Jun 06, 2016 Thibaut Nicodème marked it as potential-snark · review of another edition

It's called A Dance With Dragons, and the blurb goes "Game of Thrones meets Graceling". Why wouldn't I consider a snark.

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Dec 18, 2016 G.R. Matthews added it · review of another edition

I enjoyed this one. An SPFBO review to follow on Fantasy-Faction.

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Nov 23, 2017 Hetal marked it as dnf · review of another edition

Shelves: hope-takes-flight-fantasy, boring-boys, good-plot-subpar-writing

DNF @ 40%

The Shadow Soul has an awesome plot that deals with some really culture heavy and sensitive themes such as genocide.

Additionally, the world building is just enrapturing. That being said, I was in the mood for a complex book with complex characters. This book does not have those elements. I felt like the main hero (Rhen) was Ron Weasley. Bright red hair and quite awkward.But he also carries along some deep dark emotional baggage. Our heroine, Jinji, is slightly better and has understan ...more

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May 14, 2018 Caelena Fey rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, bed-time-story, avatar

She can weave illusion!!!!!!! That's super cool, If this manage not to make you want to read this book, I don't know what would....

This feel like reading a childrean story though, rather than Young adult. Both POVs sound innocent, but not in the bad way. Ever since I was kid, I always love the idea that someone can control elements just like animation of Avatar. This book manage to make me believe them again..

The writing is light and yet descriptive enough. The concept of magic in this book is ...more

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May 05, 2017 Grace Ormerod rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I need to read the rest of the books but horror! Kindle charges for the rest of the series. It is a really good YA book, maybe not as enjoyable to adults, but it's just the sort of thing I love.

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Aug 13, 2017 Patti Andry rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Great book. Looking forward to reading the rest. Love the characters and story line

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topics	posts	views	last activity
YA Buddy Readers'...: The Shadow Soul (A Dance of Dragons #1) By Kaitlyn Davis - Starting October 12th 2017	2	13	Sep 14, 2017 07:12AM
Giveaway Opportunity for Series -- Win Amazon Gift Cards or Signed Paperback!	1	2	Nov 18, 2015 12:27PM
Goodreads Librari...: Please Change Book Cover!	3	29	Apr 10, 2014 03:21PM
Read the first chapter!	1	8	Sep 26, 2013 05:41PM
Sign up for the Pub Day Newsletter!	1	2	Sep 03, 2013 06:35PM

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About Kaitlyn Davis

Kaitlyn Davis

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Kaitlyn Davis, a bestselling author with over a quarter of a million books sold, writes young adult fantasy novels under the name Kaitlyn Davis and contemporary romance novels under the name Kay Marie. Publisher's Weekly has said, "Davis writes with confidence and poise," while USA Today has recommended her work as "must-read romance."

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Quotes from The Shadow Soul

“I can see them—the elemental spirits—earth, air, water, and fire. They're in everything, everywhere. And the fire spirits cling to you, they latch onto your skin, they fuse to you. I had never seen anything like it before I met you. So I knew, I knew the fire wouldn't, couldn't hurt you. Because you are fire, Rhen.” — 0 likes

“Could life really be so cruel—to give a glimmer of hope and then take it so swiftly?” — 0 likes

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