59 books
—
249 voters
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “Of Silver and Shadow” as Want to Read:
Of Silver and Shadow
by
Ren Kolins is a silver wielder—a dangerous thing to be in the kingdom of Erdis, where magic has been outlawed for a century. Ren is just trying to survive, sticking to a life of petty thievery, card games, and pit fighting to get by. But when a wealthy rebel leader discovers her secret, he offers her a fortune to join his revolution. The caveat: she won’t see a single coin
...more
Get A Copy
Paperback, 480 pages
Published
February 16th 2021
by Flux
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
Of Silver and Shadow,
please sign up.
Popular Answered Questions
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of Of Silver and Shadow

Well, another book I had conflicted feelings about it so I will summarize my thoughts with pros and cons right now to be fair:
Pros: Story-telling is fast pacing, intriguing and stick to the point, straightforward, not much meandering and stalling, action-packed, keeping your attention intact. Ren is one of the last silver wielders of the country hesitates to be a part of rebellious action against the king as Kellen tries to endure his life, living with his brother and his king father, Darek want ...more
Pros: Story-telling is fast pacing, intriguing and stick to the point, straightforward, not much meandering and stalling, action-packed, keeping your attention intact. Ren is one of the last silver wielders of the country hesitates to be a part of rebellious action against the king as Kellen tries to endure his life, living with his brother and his king father, Darek want ...more

Mar 21, 2019
Brittney ~ Reverie and Ink
added it
YOU GUYS YOU GUYS AHHHHHH. Look at the cover!

Trust me! You'll want to add this book!!
Jenn was my very first critique partner. Like, ever. And I've had the unique privilege of seeing this book from its very first drafts - all the way into the beauty it is now. And I can't wait for everyone to read it!
AND LET THE RECORD SHOW THAT I SAW KELLEN FIRST.
That is all. ...more

Trust me! You'll want to add this book!!
Jenn was my very first critique partner. Like, ever. And I've had the unique privilege of seeing this book from its very first drafts - all the way into the beauty it is now. And I can't wait for everyone to read it!
AND LET THE RECORD SHOW THAT I SAW KELLEN FIRST.
That is all. ...more

3.25 STARS in the shadow ★★★✩✩
⤐ Overall.
Fine, I admit it. It did get better after a while. All in all, this read is a disappointment nonetheless. My hopes were sky-high. Of Silver and Shadow was not a great book for me, I pe ...more
This book is for you if… over the top banter that should be labelled 'cruel battle of words' does not taint the originality of a story for you. There's some heartbreaking truth to many of the narratives that might make this a better read for others than it was for me.
⤐ Overall.
Fine, I admit it. It did get better after a while. All in all, this read is a disappointment nonetheless. My hopes were sky-high. Of Silver and Shadow was not a great book for me, I pe ...more

Update: Because of the pandemic, the release of this book has been pushed back to February 16, 2021.
///
Since the cover is finally here (!!) a couple details about OF SILVER AND SHADOW:
- It's a true multi-perspective novel with four different POVs
- It's upper YA that would fit well into a crossover category if that existed in traditional publishing
- The setting is fairly dark and gritty
- Tropes include hate-to-love and forbidden lovers
I can't wait for you to read it in May! ...more
///
Since the cover is finally here (!!) a couple details about OF SILVER AND SHADOW:
- It's a true multi-perspective novel with four different POVs
- It's upper YA that would fit well into a crossover category if that existed in traditional publishing
- The setting is fairly dark and gritty
- Tropes include hate-to-love and forbidden lovers
I can't wait for you to read it in May! ...more

***It was just announced by Flux books that the release date has been pushed back to Feb 16 2021, but you can still preorder it😭***
Thank you so much to North Star Editions: Flux for the digital arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own!
Magic in the form of Silver has been outlawed in the country of Erdis for years. The Kingdom's bloody history includes a huge genocide of magic wielders and a systematic eradication of trade routes and immigration from areas wher ...more
Thank you so much to North Star Editions: Flux for the digital arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own!
Magic in the form of Silver has been outlawed in the country of Erdis for years. The Kingdom's bloody history includes a huge genocide of magic wielders and a systematic eradication of trade routes and immigration from areas wher ...more

Update: May 19th 2020
This book's release date seems to have officially been changed. Instead of being released later this month, it will be released on February 16th 2021, as far as I know.
First of all, I'd like to thank NetGalley, Jennifer Gruenke, and Flux, for the amazing opportunity I've been given to read this book so many months before its release. I received a free digital advanced reading copy (ARC) by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Original Release Date: May 26th 2020
U ...more
This book's release date seems to have officially been changed. Instead of being released later this month, it will be released on February 16th 2021, as far as I know.
First of all, I'd like to thank NetGalley, Jennifer Gruenke, and Flux, for the amazing opportunity I've been given to read this book so many months before its release. I received a free digital advanced reading copy (ARC) by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Original Release Date: May 26th 2020
U ...more

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
I must admit I walked into this world expecting a little more.
"Of Silver and Shadow" unfortunately got lost for me in the endless pile of revolution/motley crew of misfits seeking to do X, Y or Z.
The book delves straight away into the main story arc, and while that could've resulted in a fast paced adventure, I kept waiting to feel that connection to the characters but it never happened. The writing seemed specially abrupt in the beggining as well. The ...more
I must admit I walked into this world expecting a little more.
"Of Silver and Shadow" unfortunately got lost for me in the endless pile of revolution/motley crew of misfits seeking to do X, Y or Z.
The book delves straight away into the main story arc, and while that could've resulted in a fast paced adventure, I kept waiting to feel that connection to the characters but it never happened. The writing seemed specially abrupt in the beggining as well. The ...more

“But Markus was their mother’s son. Rebellion swam in his blood”
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Wow! That’s all I can say for a moment... Ok
I’m back haha. I actually stayed up late to keep reading this! This book was amazing. I love how the story dives into action from the very beginning and the world descriptions were beautiful! I thought the concept of “The King’s Children” was creative and very interesting. The magic was amazing, the characters were phe ...more
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Wow! That’s all I can say for a moment... Ok
I’m back haha. I actually stayed up late to keep reading this! This book was amazing. I love how the story dives into action from the very beginning and the world descriptions were beautiful! I thought the concept of “The King’s Children” was creative and very interesting. The magic was amazing, the characters were phe ...more

Wow. I loved this book so much! I actually enjoyed reading every chapter and every point of view, which feels like it hadn't happened to me in so long. I didn't even want it to end because then I would have to wait for the next book (with that ending, I don't think it could stay a standalone). I'm a bit surprised to be honest to have enjoyed it so much compared to some other readers who gave lower ratings. Usually, I'm the one with the lower rating but I'm glad it's not the case here ahah.
This ...more
This ...more

ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changes my rating or review.
4 kickass stars! Buddy read with the wonderful Azraa!
This book was a wonderful start to what is sure to be a thrilling series. The writing was easy to read and the storyline was simple enough to follow, yet also complex enough to be interesting. The characters were realistic and reasonable unique, and the romance was fun and sweet.
The novel swapped between four main characters: Ren – the secret silve ...more
4 kickass stars! Buddy read with the wonderful Azraa!
This book was a wonderful start to what is sure to be a thrilling series. The writing was easy to read and the storyline was simple enough to follow, yet also complex enough to be interesting. The characters were realistic and reasonable unique, and the romance was fun and sweet.
The novel swapped between four main characters: Ren – the secret silve ...more

I love absolutely everything about this dark, gritty fantasy!
First off, the magic. Cool magic systems are always the first thing to snag me and the silver wielding in OSAS is SO. COOL. It reminds me of ATLA style element manipulation and I am here for it.
The world is so vivid and detailed. Jenn's writing is incredibly cinematic and I felt like I lived in Denfell. A lot of that was also due to the lifelike characters. Ren is fierce, Darek is dreamy, Kellen is so adorable I just want to hug him, ...more
First off, the magic. Cool magic systems are always the first thing to snag me and the silver wielding in OSAS is SO. COOL. It reminds me of ATLA style element manipulation and I am here for it.
The world is so vivid and detailed. Jenn's writing is incredibly cinematic and I felt like I lived in Denfell. A lot of that was also due to the lifelike characters. Ren is fierce, Darek is dreamy, Kellen is so adorable I just want to hug him, ...more

I love anti-heroines and Ren is an AMAZING one. In her world, magic is forbidden. In fact, everyone who had magic had been murdered by the king, assuring him that only his family has magic... Except that Ren has magic, and when the king found out, he set her house on fire. Her parents were killed, and she was supposed to die, but no one knew she survived. She made her own rules to survive on the streets, playing cards, stealing and fighting in the pits. But only one friend knew she had silver...
...more

I would like to thank Jennifer Gruenke & Flux for my copy of the ARC. Due to this kind gesture, I have decided to leave a review.
WOW WOW WOW WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW! What in the hell bells was that?!
In a kingdom where magic has been purged, only the Royals have the pleasure of using silver. But a normal girl, generations down the line can wield her own silver? Hunted down, thought to be murdered by the king's children... what's a girl to do?! Lay low? Become nothing? Or swindle card games and hit ...more
WOW WOW WOW WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW! What in the hell bells was that?!
In a kingdom where magic has been purged, only the Royals have the pleasure of using silver. But a normal girl, generations down the line can wield her own silver? Hunted down, thought to be murdered by the king's children... what's a girl to do?! Lay low? Become nothing? Or swindle card games and hit ...more

Dec 20, 2019
Alexia | Right Writing Words
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
2019,
netgalley,
fantasy,
stand-alone,
enjoyed-it,
liked-it,
female-male-pov,
gorgeous-cover,
arc

Title: Of Silver and Shadow
Author: Jennifer Gruenke
Release Date:26 May 2020
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
*I received this arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was so surprised when Netgalley approved this arc for me, and even more surprised when I found out that the author is one of my favorite reviewer’s friends!
Of Silver and Shadow follows the journey of Ren Kollins as she joins a rebellion against the tyrant king of Erdis. It’s by no means an easy road, since the king and his son d ...more

When almost everything in the fantasy genre tends to be a part of the series, I am really glad to find this rare gem where the story actually ends. Some of us have fragile hearts you know and cannot handle prolonged state of tension which may even last years. So thank you Jennifer Gruenke for keeping us in mind.
What are the things I loved then? First there is the plot. Kingdom of Erdis is governed by a cruel king (practically a devil incarnate) and the country is at the brink of war. A revoluti ...more
What are the things I loved then? First there is the plot. Kingdom of Erdis is governed by a cruel king (practically a devil incarnate) and the country is at the brink of war. A revoluti ...more

4.5 Star Rating
A transformative journey of survival and politics, a band of unlikely but lovable heroes, a world brimming with the echoes of magic lost and whispers of revolution rising. Fantasy lovers, rejoice! Jennifer Gruenke delivers a captivating tale where the blood spills red, the morality runs grey, and the magic always has a silver lining.
Of Silver and Shadow is a knockout of a read and a standout for the 2020 lineup. It does the unthinkable from the get go - it takes a fairly recogniz ...more
A transformative journey of survival and politics, a band of unlikely but lovable heroes, a world brimming with the echoes of magic lost and whispers of revolution rising. Fantasy lovers, rejoice! Jennifer Gruenke delivers a captivating tale where the blood spills red, the morality runs grey, and the magic always has a silver lining.
Of Silver and Shadow is a knockout of a read and a standout for the 2020 lineup. It does the unthinkable from the get go - it takes a fairly recogniz ...more

I really enjoyed of silver and shadow and was presently surprised on how much I enjoyed this book, at first I didn’t think I was going to be a book for me but I kept reading and got sucked into the story.
I really enjoyed Ren and the rebels characters, and quickly got caught up in the story where I didn’t want to put it down.
My rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I really enjoyed Ren and the rebels characters, and quickly got caught up in the story where I didn’t want to put it down.
My rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Dec 02, 2019
Candace Robinson
added it
ARC received via publisher!

Rebellion, outlawed magic, potential romance, witty banter all make up this new fantasy book by Jennifer Gruenke.
Thoughts:
Rebellion is at the forefront of this young adult/new adult book. The kingdom is being run by those who don’t deserve to be in power and it is long past time to remove them.
Ren is a pit fighting, sarcastic, street-wise girl who gets noticed by the rebellion leaders. Why? Because she can do magic in a kingdom where magic is outlawed by death. They need her, but she’s not reall ...more
Thoughts:
Rebellion is at the forefront of this young adult/new adult book. The kingdom is being run by those who don’t deserve to be in power and it is long past time to remove them.
Ren is a pit fighting, sarcastic, street-wise girl who gets noticed by the rebellion leaders. Why? Because she can do magic in a kingdom where magic is outlawed by death. They need her, but she’s not reall ...more


'Of Silver and Shadow' is about Ren, who is a self-taught silver wielder that nearly escaped death as a child before she went into hiding in the Kingdom of Eris, where magic is outlawed and being outed could be the death of her. While attempting to survive by succumbing to thievery, card games, and dangerous pit fighting to pay an overdue debt, along the way she encounters a Rebel, King's Children, and Prince that pulls her towards a rebellion she wants no part of in which case f ...more![]()

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review
4.25 stars
Of Silver and Shadow was such a hilarious and enjoyable reading! I laughed multiple times, which is rare in fantasy books nowadays. I loved all the characters, especially Ren who reminded me of Lila ❤️ She was such a sassy character that it wasn't impossible to not like her! Plus, her banters with Darek and their enemies to lovers relationship were SO FREAKING GOOD! I can't help myself, I LOVE this trope! I also enjoye ...more
4.25 stars
Of Silver and Shadow was such a hilarious and enjoyable reading! I laughed multiple times, which is rare in fantasy books nowadays. I loved all the characters, especially Ren who reminded me of Lila ❤️ She was such a sassy character that it wasn't impossible to not like her! Plus, her banters with Darek and their enemies to lovers relationship were SO FREAKING GOOD! I can't help myself, I LOVE this trope! I also enjoye ...more

I was given an advanced copy of this book to provide a review by Flux – North Star Editions.
A captivating story that had me from the very beginning and until the very end. I was left feeling bereft and hopelessly wondering what was left in store for all the colourful and vivid characters in this mesmerising tale.
Ren Kolins is strong and feisty young woman whose bark is definitely not worse than her bite. She is rude and abrupt but life has forced her to be this way. Ever since her parent’s death ...more
A captivating story that had me from the very beginning and until the very end. I was left feeling bereft and hopelessly wondering what was left in store for all the colourful and vivid characters in this mesmerising tale.
Ren Kolins is strong and feisty young woman whose bark is definitely not worse than her bite. She is rude and abrupt but life has forced her to be this way. Ever since her parent’s death ...more

Disclaimer: This book was sent to me by the publisher, Flux – North Star Editions, via Netgalley for an honest review.
Of Silver and Shadow had a lot going right for it.
A story of rebellion with unique and diverse characters, a plot with twists and surprises lurking in shadowed alleyways, a rugged world built on oppression and fear, and a female lead with a liking towards thievery and pit fights.
But with all the good that this story was – enthralling, exciting, fresh – there were too many ho ...more
Of Silver and Shadow had a lot going right for it.
A story of rebellion with unique and diverse characters, a plot with twists and surprises lurking in shadowed alleyways, a rugged world built on oppression and fear, and a female lead with a liking towards thievery and pit fights.
But with all the good that this story was – enthralling, exciting, fresh – there were too many ho ...more

THIS. BOOK.
It's like if Lila Bard teamed up (and had a steamy romance) with Enjolras. Pit fighter Ren is all knives; Darek is a broody rebel who talks of revolution. Put them together, and bam! You have a sizzling, banter-filled fantasy that will keep you turning pages. Pick this one up. Display it proudly on your shelf. It's FABULOUS. ...more
It's like if Lila Bard teamed up (and had a steamy romance) with Enjolras. Pit fighter Ren is all knives; Darek is a broody rebel who talks of revolution. Put them together, and bam! You have a sizzling, banter-filled fantasy that will keep you turning pages. Pick this one up. Display it proudly on your shelf. It's FABULOUS. ...more
![julia ☆ [owls reads]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1587129562p2/5520447.jpg)
2 stars.
*
Of Silver and Shadow really wasn’t the book for me. From the very beginning, I felt like I was dropped in the middle of an ongoing story without any sort of explanation on who the characters were or what was going on. Because of this, I couldn't connect to the characters and the plot felt a bit wishy washy to me. Everything happened too fast and without pause.
The two positive things were the action scenes and the queer romance. There were quite a few cool action sequences throughout t ...more
*
Of Silver and Shadow really wasn’t the book for me. From the very beginning, I felt like I was dropped in the middle of an ongoing story without any sort of explanation on who the characters were or what was going on. Because of this, I couldn't connect to the characters and the plot felt a bit wishy washy to me. Everything happened too fast and without pause.
The two positive things were the action scenes and the queer romance. There were quite a few cool action sequences throughout t ...more

Update:
So I just noticed that the release date for this book was pushed back to next year - Feb. 16
Thank you so much Netgalley and North Star Editions/Flux for sharing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: Feb. 16, 2021
Okay, so we can we all just give a moment to LOOK AT THAT COVER!!!😍
I admit that when I was looking for books, this cover stood out so much, that I just had to read the synopsis. Yes, I know, don't judge a book by its cover, but c'mon. You can't look at that ...more
So I just noticed that the release date for this book was pushed back to next year - Feb. 16
Thank you so much Netgalley and North Star Editions/Flux for sharing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: Feb. 16, 2021
Okay, so we can we all just give a moment to LOOK AT THAT COVER!!!😍
I admit that when I was looking for books, this cover stood out so much, that I just had to read the synopsis. Yes, I know, don't judge a book by its cover, but c'mon. You can't look at that ...more

I had the absolute privilege of reading an early version of this and it blew my mind. Ren is the snarky, spirited MC we deserve and I loved her from the first page, and the other POVs are just as vivid and intriguing. The setting is so real and gritty and ties into a super cool magic system—like Scarlet Witch, but make it fantasy. This book is full of rebellion and romance and magic and it’ll sweep you away. OF SILVER AND SHADOW is a refreshing new YA fantasy that you won’t be able to put down.

This is an action packed YA fantasy book that has complex world building and a lot of interesting characters. Side characters are the ones that stole the show. The book ends in a way that suggests that there will be more books.
Even though there is a lot of things that should make this book a winner, but I was still felt that I missed something. Maybe the deciding factor was that I never really connected with Ren.
It is an okay read.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy of the book ...more
Even though there is a lot of things that should make this book a winner, but I was still felt that I missed something. Maybe the deciding factor was that I never really connected with Ren.
It is an okay read.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy of the book ...more

This story has all the expected characters and plot lines one would expect in a recipe for a magical fantasy. Take one despot king who thinks nothing of subjugating his subjects and killing them at will. Add in the heir-apparent, as ruthless as his father. Toss in a brother who has a far softer side than his brother or father. Mix in other characters such as Adley and Lesa, members of the King’s Children (an elite army) and partners in an illicit love; Darek and Markus, brothers and a major part
...more

*THANK YOU to North Star Editions and Flux for graciously providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Full 5 stars for the amazing journey that book is! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
No fillers no runaround, pure action from chapter one,right until the last one!
The story is told from several points of view and the timing to switch between them is so perfect and fluid, that is pure pleasure to read and complements the story, instead of distracting you and make you say "I wish i saw that momemt from that cha ...more
Full 5 stars for the amazing journey that book is! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
No fillers no runaround, pure action from chapter one,right until the last one!
The story is told from several points of view and the timing to switch between them is so perfect and fluid, that is pure pleasure to read and complements the story, instead of distracting you and make you say "I wish i saw that momemt from that cha ...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Challenge Corner: Of Silver and Shadow by Jennifer Gruenke -> Starting on March 10th, 2020 | 10 | 7 | Mar 27, 2020 01:45AM |
Jennifer Gruenke is a graduate of UC Santa Barbara, where she studied communication and writing. She grew up among the redwoods of Northern California, and now lives in Charlotte with her books and the houseplants she hasn't killed yet. If she's not writing or reading, you're most likely to find her in a cafe, music venue, or the aisles of Trader Joe's. OF SILVER AND SHADOW is her debut novel.
...more
Related Articles
As dedicated readers already know, some of the best and most innovative stories on the shelves come from the constantly evolving realm of...
38 likes · 8 comments
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“Books were a reminder that the whole world wasn't a bleak tapestry of violence, and while she might never see anything beautiful again, at least she could read about kinder things. It was easier to breathe between the pages of a book.”
—
2 likes
“You're smart, Kell, but you don't think with your head. You think with your heart. And hearts are dreadfully weak things."
Yet without them, we'd all be dead, Kellen thought.”
—
0 likes
More quotes…
Yet without them, we'd all be dead, Kellen thought.”