Binding Shadows

Tooth & Spell #1

by Jasmine Silvera

There are two find a way to use your magic and never reveal it to anyone. Hunting lost books is more than a job; it's a way for Barbara to hide her powers in the mundane world of the university library. One misstep and she risks exposure to ruthless necromancers willing to destroy anything supernatural they cannot control. But the prickly new professor in charge of her latest assignment proves more than he seems, and rules are no match for her growing fascination. After years of battling to cage the beast within him, Tobias returns to Prague and the safety of his pack of brothers. But keeping his family safe means never revealing his dual nature, not even to the irresistible research assistant with a nose for rare books. When an enchanted book triggers unpredictable surges in Barbara's magic, unleashing his beast may be their only defense against the malevolent spell buried in its pages. Now, a 400-year-old witch's revenge threatens to reveal everything they've concealed. Trapped between a witch and a necromancer, Barbara and Tobias must embrace the powers that could expose them or allow their secrets to destroy them.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Fiction, Magic

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 26, 2020

About the author

Jasmine Silvera spent her impressionable years sneaking "kissing books" between comics and fantasy movies. She's been mixing them up in her writing ever since. She is the author of three books in the Grace Bloods series: Death's Dancer, Dancer's Flame, and The Talon & the Blade. Binding Shadows, the first book in the Tooth & Spell trilogy, is forthcoming in 2020.

Jasmine loves hearing from readers, find her online at:

www.jasminesilvera.com
www.facebook.com/jassilvera
www.twitter.com/jassilvera

Want more Grace Bloods? Sign up for Jasmine's monthly newsletter at:

www.jasminesilvera.com/newsletter

Reviews

[aarya · Rating 3 out of 5]

2020 Fall Bingo (#fallintorombingo🍁): ‪Librarian/Bookseller

The romantic arc is adorable, but I was frequently confused by the magic system and necromancer power structure. I agree with the criticism that the worldbuilding needs to be fleshed out more.

[Alex (HEABookNerd) · Rating 5 out of 5]

BINDING SHADOWS was a book I picked up on sale a few months back and I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to read it because it was an absolute delight! I found the world that Jasmine Silvera created to be really interesting though it does take a bit to settle into the world and I still have some questions. This is apparently a prequel series to her GRACE BLOODS trilogy so some world building may be relying on prior knowledge of that series. BINDING SHADOWS starts out a bit slow in the first quarter but it's the perfect match for the story and lets you get to know the characters individually before any romance starts to develop.

Both our hero and heroine have supernatural abilities they have to keep secret from others and this presents challenges for each of them when it comes to trusting others. Many years before this book, a war broke out between humans who were using the powers of gods and it wasn't until necromancers stepped in that the Godswar was ended. Now the world has been divided into eight territories, each ruled by a different necromancer. Humans are now taught to fear anything supernatural and if you have any abilities you keep it quiet. Barbara has a special talent, or a "grace" as she calls it, for finding lost books but it's always been easy to hide. All Barbara wants is to honor her mother by earning a fellowship in conservation at the university but a misogynistic Professor (not the hero) has been blocking her path forward. Tobias comes from a family of werewolves but he's never really accepted that side of himself and never wants to pass it on to a child. He's never forgiven his mother or older brother for the way he discovered his abilities during his first change. While Barbara finds small ways to use her grace, Tobias does everything he can to avoid shifting except when absolutely necessary.

Things start out slowly for these two, but when they do finally start spending time together it's amazing! The slow burn turns into the absolute best mix of sweet and sexy. I loved Barbara and Tobias together so much and it was so great to watch them lift each other up and champion for the other. They both see who the other person truly is and love them for it. I especially loved how Tobias is pretty much done for after meeting Barbara and he starts falling right away. I also really liked how Silvera handled the power imbalance between Tobias and Barbara since she's acting as his research assistant on a project; this was particularly important considering the way Barbara was being harassed and treated unfairly in the department.

I especially loved the Vogel family and can't wait to get the other brothers' stories and to see where this series goes.

Content Warning: references to parental death, death of a close friend, sexual harassment from a supervising professor (not the hero)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:

"If you still want...to kiss me, I want that too."

Kiss her? Hell, after that, he wanted to wrap himself around her so that nothing could touch her with malice ever again. She may not wear a crown, but he would make her his queen if she let him.

- - - - -

He slipped his glasses off and set them on the nightstand table. “Won’t need those where I’m headed,” he said with a wink.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Connected Series:
1. Grace Bloods
2. Tooth & Spell

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the romantic element - it was adorable (what can I say, smart wolf Professor and smart research assistant/librarian/book keeper is just awesome combination). But I agree with several other reviews out there, the world building is almost non-existent and I was often confused with the mentions of the godswar, and the role of the necromancer, and such. Also, the book could be trimmed a little bit because at times, it felt a bit too long.

[Jenica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a 4.5, I think.

This was really neat and I enjoyed it a lot, but it was very confusing at the beginning.

[Kazen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I have been all about paranormal and science fiction romance lately so when the author asked if I'd be interested in a werewolf romance featuring people of color, written by a person of color I was all, yes please!

The reading process was utterly enjoyable - interesting characters in a world with a unique magic system, with enemies and happenings left and right. As soon as I finished I thought, four stars!, but unfortunately the book hasn't stuck with me.

Why, though? I'm not sure. It's probably me - a pandemic ramped up while I read this and heaven knows I was distracted. Regardless, I am excited to return to the world whenever the next book comes out, and hopefully I have a bit more brain space to give it its proper due.

If you'd like to hear more of my thoughts as I was reading it check out my 24 in 48 reading vlog: https://youtu.be/hzqoV4SIfA0

Thanks to the author for providing a review copy.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up on sale and I'm glad that I did! I wish that I understood the supernatural world this is set in a bit better--I don't understand the Necromancer or Godswar or any of that stuff and that made the stakes a bit hard at times? But witches and books and magic involving books! Those are all very good things. I will almost certainly read the second book.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly rich and riveting paranormal. It has twists and turns to keep a reader turning those pages. And, it also succeeds in balancing a great and nuanced love story while riding this roller-coaster. I’ll definitely be looking for more from this new-to-me author!

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember how I first stumbled upon this book, it was in one of Veronica Scott's new releases post. The cover caught my eye first, I thought it was a well designed and great looking cover for this genre. Then I read the blurb and was sold. Everything sounded like a book I would enjoy. Not much later I bought a copy and started reading it shortly after that.

Binding Shadows is an awesome paranormal romance read set in the Czech Republic. It's a sort of alternative history world where after a big war called the God's War necromancers now rule the world and those with magic have to hide their magic, but they also have to use it or risk worse consequences. Barbara has what she calls grace (magic), which mostly helps her find books. She works at the university and hopes to get further at her studies. Professor Tobias Vogel is a visiting professor at the same university and doing work on a newly unearthed collection of books. Barbara becomes his research assistant and that's how they meet.

This book caught my attention from the start and kept it throughout the story. It's well written and I liked how it felt unique while at the same time it also fit very well into the paranormal romance genre. I liked the unique world and the setting in Prague. I liked how subtle the world building was woven slowly throughout the book and you get to know more as the story progresses. I liked the characters, how they both come alive and have their own struggles and secrets. And their romance, I liked seeing that develop. Their romance faces some realistic struggles, but I liked there wasn't too much drama or miscommunication going on.

One issue I did have was that the feel of the story sometimes switched a bit. There are some darker parts and then suddenly we have some lighter scenes again. The storyline surrounding the mysterious book Barbara finds was a bit creepy and caused the darker parts. I didn't like the power the book had, but it did make for an engaging story and I enjoyed seeing how the characters dealt with it. And it made for a good way to introduce more of the magic to the story. The plot line surrounding the book comes and goes a bit instead of being fully woven throughout the story, which felt a bit off at times, but for the most parts it worked and I was happy to get a break from the creepy book at times.

I liked both main characters. Barbara was this determined and headstrong young women who was determined to get further into the studies even with everything in her way and how some faculty rumor rounded her changes. She's capable and good at her job. I like how she handled things and how she opened her heart to Tobias. Tobias is a professor who has some difficulties with social interactions at times and has a stutter. He struggles to deal with the beast inside of him and seeing him slowly find a way to deal with the wolf was one of my favorite parts of the story. There are some great wolf form scenes as well.

The romance between them was great. I liked how it started slowly and then eventually turns up in heat when they have the chance to let things progress. I did feel that once their romance progresses it goes a lot further quite suddenly, but it was clear they cared about one another. They made for a great couple and I like how much they care about each other. I also liked how their relationships struggles felt realistically handled and without too much drama. They both have secrets and it takes time for them to trust the other enough, which I thought made sense and the pace with which this progressed felt realistic.

There is an interesting cast of side characters mostly in the form of Tobias' family. We even get a few short chapters form beryl, Tobias' mother, her point of view, which was interesting. Then there are his brothers Mark and Chris, who both have quite the role to play as side characters. I liked both of them and look forward to their stories. As well as their sister Isela, who has her own trilogy of books. I have to say that Barbara's friends on university didn't seem as interesting and they don't play as much of a role later on.

The world building in this book was quite interesting. Necromancers usually don't have as big of a role and I thought it was interesting how they ruled the world basically. They don't have a big or direct role in this story though and I found myself wanting to know more about them and how it all worked, but hopefully that is addressed in future books or Isela's series. I really liked how the author handled the world building and the way it's woven throughout the book. There are pieces you get and throughout the book the world comes more and more alive. The big magical battle toward the end was great and I liked learning more about the world and the paranormal creatures in this world.

To summarize: This was an awesome paranormal romance book. It caught my attention from the start and I enjoyed the whole book till the end. The story is interesting, although the creepy book parts can be a bit dark at times in contrast of the more upbeat tone of the rest of the book. I liked both main characters and felt like we got a good feel for their personality and it was awesome to see them slowly fall for each other. I liked them together and I thought the struggles they deal with felt realistically done. They struggle to reveal their secrets to the other, but it progressed in a way that made sense. Tobias' family makes for some great side characters and I am looking forward to his brother's and his sister their stories. The world building is really well done, from the interesting concept of a world where Necromancers rule to the setting in Prague to the way the world building is woven throughout the story and you get to know more about it as the story progresses. All in all I had a great time reading this one, I already have bought Death's Dancer by this author as well and I am excited for future books in this series. If you enjoy a good urban fantasy or paranormal romance book I would definitely recommend this one.

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot until the last couple of chapters. I enjoyed the romance between the 2 leads, Barbara and Tobias and I loved the way that academia was portrayed realistically as opposed to being shown through rose colored glasses. There was a lot of interoffice politics and sexism and off page sexual assault that was referenced by the FMC. I will say, some of the magical stuff lost me at the end and I do think there's a giant unanswered question - when Barbara resumes her position at the library and gets a PhD advisor to work under, she breaks up with Tobias because it's against university policy to date a professor and towards the end, he alludes to her being able to stay at the university and still be together and then cut to the epilogue which is several years later and Barbara is now gotten her PhD so I don't know how they managed to accomplish this without breaking the rules. Overall though, I did like it and I liked all the side characters and Tobias' family and definitely want to pick up the next book in the series about the "jerk" brother.

[E.G. Manetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creative urban fantasy set in 1990s Prague in a time when the word is run by a handful of necromancers and being magical (werewolf) like the male MC or using magic (witch) like the female MC is outlawed. Set in the byzantine world of academia, the narrative is richly detailed and compelling, the large mystery/suspense plot driving the story and pulling along the slow-burn romance. It starts a little slow but picks up momentum after the first few chapters.

*I spent some time in Prague in the 90s, the details are excellent and accurate.

[Darcy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was another book that I heard people talk up quite a bit, so I thought why not give it a try. Initially I was intriuged, wanted to know why no one in Tobias's family talked about what was going to happen to him, why it had to be a secret. Then boom, we were in the present and he wasn't all that pleasant. It was in the present I had a hard time connecting to the characters and was quite bored. After reading the same couple of pages for 15 minutes I decided that this one just wasn't for me.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Binding Shadows by Jasmine Silvera is the first of her Tooth & Spell trilogy, a prequel to the Grace Bloods series. We met Isela’s brothers and their ladies in Death’s Dancer, now we get to find out how they met.

Tobias, the middle brother, is a reluctant werewolf. After studying abroad for years, he returns home to Prague to oversee a research project at the university. The only one that can find his requests in the massive archives is librarian Barbara, who uses her Grace to locate rare books. They find each other fascinating, but there is trouble brewing in the university and the research project. Evil must be defeated before they can find their Happily Ever After.

This book had me sitting in the car reading, because I couldn’t wait to get inside to see what happened next. Family, both blood and found, is a strong theme. And I just want to say that Mama Beryl is a Bad Ass Woman, who will do anything to protect what is hers. We saw some of that is Dancer’s Flame, we see more here. Also, I want a Hot Nerd!

Go get this book. And her others if you haven’t read them yet. Binding Shadows gets 4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

[Salpy KS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe more like 3.5, but let’s round up. The beginning was a bit rough. The worldbuilding is absent and you’re just guessing at what’s happening. It also takes these two a bit to get together. And then it’s a bit instalove? Or fated mates? It’s not clear but within like a week or two, we are apparently very much in love. The latter half of the book was solid though. I’ll probably keep going with this author.

[Jewlsbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thrilled to discover a spin-off…maybe more of a prequel series… to the Grace Bloods series! This book covers the deets between Isela’s brother, Tobias and his wife, Barbara. Magic, shifters, and witches kept me turning pages late in the night. I would definitely recommend reading the GB books before diving in to this set though. The world building will make a lot more sense!

[Cait · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was extremely charming!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time that I've ever been mentioned in a book's acknowledgments page that was not written by my spouse... and I almost wish I hadn't been because I loved it SO MUCH and it was so my catnip and now I'm afraid folks will be skeptical of my glowing recommendation! But you really should believe me: if you like excellent beta heroes and fascinating worldbuilding and cool settings and magic and and a brilliant Black academic librarian getting to wear gorgeous dresses and own a cool antique bookshop while ALSO being a nerdy genre fiction reader AND being adored by a hot, starchy virgin werewolf professor with a badass mom? This could be your catnip too. Seriously, a total delight.

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this—grumpy, cinnamon bun hero, and a smart librarian heroine. Their romance was adorable. The mystery kept me engaged. The world was interesting (if a little vague). And the side characters made me laugh. On finishing, I immediately went to try and buy the sequel, which isn't out yet. Why does the universe punish me like this? WHY?

My only criticism is that the book could have done with another pass from a copy editor. There are the occasional double words and thought/though kind of mishaps. But it was not enough to make me not love this. Since I couldn't get Gruff Older Brother's book (because that's who it better be about) I went ahead and bought the first in the Grace Bloods series instead.

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series: Tooth & Spell #1
Rating: 5 stars - I loved it!

I have had this book on my TBR for a while now and I want to kick myself for waiting so long to read it. I stayed up till 2 am reading this book because I didn’t want to put it down. This was an absolutely fascinating world filled with fascinating characters. I do still have questions about what is going on in this world. This is apparently a prequel series to the Grace Blood trilogy and so I assume those questions are probably answered in that series, which I will definitely be reading after this.

This is a heavily regulated world that is divided into eight territories, each ruled by a different necromancer. The humans fear anything supernatural and those who do have abilities have to hide them. Barbara and Tobias both have supernatural abilities that they have kept secret. Barbara has a talent, which she calls “grace”, for finding lost books but her abilities start to grow and expand, as you will see in this book. I found her abilities fascinating and really loved how she utilized them during her job. Tobias is from a family of werewolves but he doesn’t accept his wolf side and struggles with what he is. Tobias was a sweet man who never recovered from finding out he was a wolf, but Barbara helps with that.

“She may not wear a crown, but he would make her his queen if she let him.”

This book starts a little slow but I was still hooked from the very beginning. Barbara and Tobias’s relationship is a wonderful slow burning that was so sweet and passionate. I especially loved how Tobias fell hard for Barbara. Also, I liked how Silvera handled the power imbalance between Tobias and Barbara since she was acting as his research assistant and had been harassed by another professor. Their relationship was just a wonderful pairing of two people finding love and acceptance in each other's arms.

The book of spells ended up being a very fascinating enemy. I enjoyed seeing Barbara and Tobias work together with his family to stop this evil. I also just really love the Vogal family and can’t wait to see the other brothers fall in love. Overall, this was such a surprisingly wonderful romance and I can’t wait to see what will happen next in the series.

Trigger warnings: death of parents referenced; on page death of a friend; sexual harassment from a supervising professor (not the hero)

You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.

[Kitt Masters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely in love with this book! I haven't read the previous series (the characters are related but not the stars of this one), and I don't think you need to in order to enjoy this book.

I fell in love with Tobias and Barbara from the first two chapters. Professor Tobias Vogel has this tough, spikey outer shell and when the book opens everyone he works with is terrified of him, but of course he's a complete softy on the inside (my favorite!). His backstory made me ache for him... I wanted to cuddle him like a giant woof-dog (and this is just by the end of the first chapter!). And Barbara is one of those people who comes across as reserved and unassuming, but she's a wicked clever badass on the inside. Tobias and Barbara have instant chemistry, but more importantly, they connect on a deeper level when Tobias recognizes that Barbara is an outsider who don't fit in--just like him.

The world where this story takes place is like our own, but with magic flavor. Necromancers, zombies, witches, and werewolves all feel fresh and unique in this world, and I LOVED the way the plot unfolded where the dangers of a mysterious book Barbara and Tobias find are balanced with their developing romance in a way that had me hooked page after page.

The thing I appreciate the most about Binding Shadows is how broadly appealing it is, even if paranormal romances aren't normally your thing. It's angsty but in a sweet way with a wry humor that keeps the tone from being too dark, it's paranormal elements drive the story but don't fall victim to overused paranormal tropes, and both Tobias and Barbara are relatable and 100% people you root for.

I strongly recommend Binding Shadows if you're looking for something fun with an interesting twist on paranormal tropes ... and some excellent chemistry & heat between the two leads!

[g · Rating 3 out of 5]

She's a witch, he's a shifter. Both hide their powers because they live at a time when the Necromancers rule and anything magical becomes an object of interest to the Necromancer, never to be seen again.

Her power of being able to detect valuable books, artifacts, etc is very interesting. I really thought that they would be using it to solve a great mystery. Turns out she can do a lot more, and no, this book is not about solving a case but more about a dead witch trying to resurrect herself.

I feel like there's a lot more that could have been explored in this world. The story was okay but it could definitely have been a lot better. I also couldn't fully immerse myself in the character because of the third person POV.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect example of an absolutely wonderful book that might not be picked up by a lot of romance readers because of the cover art. It's such a shame because this story is tender and romantic and magical in the best way. There are so many things to love - a beautiful setting in Prague, pseudo-dark academia vibes, a cinnamon roll of a male lead, a strong and brilliant female lead, and spicy sex. Readers of Chloe Liese and Talia Hibbert will adore the tenderness and authentic emotions of these characters. SFF romance stans will fully appreciate the unique perspective of the story. I hope more people pick this one up because you won't be disappointed.

[Kat Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating world building with lovable characters cast in a world of intrigue. This story has many wonderful parts, from an engrossing magic system to a romantic tone that fits the author's talent for rich attention to dreamy details. A unique paranormal romance that's at turns witty, intellectual, and atmospheric. Will definitely read more by this author.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me longer than PNR normally does, but I think that's because of how the story was paced. That's not a criticism exactly, more a reflection of how unfocused I am lately. Really enjoyed the character development and world building.

CW: workplace sexual harassment, references to racism directed at the heroine, sex (m/f), mild violence

[Rebecca Chastain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never read a fantasy book set in Prague before, and I loved all the unfamiliar (to me) lore and deities. I'm looking forward to reading more by Silvera!

[E.L. Roux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasmine has done it again! Binding Shadows is a captivating novel filled with political intrigue, magic, ghosts, love, death, and humor all woven together in Jasmine's amazing writing style.

In this book, you go back before Gregor meets his knife welding Ana and Isela meets her powerful necromancer Azrael. She plops you dead center at the point where the Vogal's are getting settled into the dangerous necromancer's territory, where both the wolves and witches are virtually alone and extremely vulnerable.

Tobias and Barbara are two distinctly different people, meeting at a point in their life where change is inevitable. They were a joy to read and travel along with as they moved through the ups and downs thrown at them. How each one meets that challenge is uniquly intregaining and all the more powerful when they are able to work together. But nothing is ever easy and life, especially for the Vogal's, and all the studying in the world can't save you from your past.

This is a definite reading recommendation, and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!

[Renee · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

The romance was alright, but I could not for the life of me understand the world and how the magic system worked.

[Jessen Reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read from Jasmine Silvera and I had no idea that this book was connected to her Grace Bloods series. Despite feeling like I was missing a few elements of world-building as far as the Godswar and necromancers go, I was riveted from the start!

Barbara is struggling to complete her PhD amid many roadblocks and academic political bs when she’s assigned to assist the new professor in his research. Tobias hates the animal within and has done his best to suppress his Wolf, but Barbara seems to be affecting his control. He isn’t the only one keeping a part of himself a secret. Barbara also disguises her “gift” for locating hard to find texts as hard work and dedication in the library archive department. But a sinister force is lurking nearby and forces both Tobias and Barbara to tap into their secret abilities. This world was so compelling and I loved the dynamic between the socially awkward Tobias and the confident Barbara.

[Stacie · Rating 2 out of 5]

First, apologies to the author for taking so long to read and review this book. She was gracious enough to give me an ARC and I forgot I had it until someone mentioned the book recently.

While I enjoyed the book's characters, the world-building left me confused. I never really understood how the Necromancer came in to play and I hated that there were zero consequences for the misogynistic actions of the faculty at Barbara's school towards her. I felt like there were a lot of loose threads that never got tied up so I finished the book with a lot of confusion and a basic lack of understanding about the world the book was set in.

I think Jasmine Silvera is a great author and I think this book could have been great if some of the details were fleshed out just a bit more but as it stands, I'm afraid it was not my favorite story.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I’ve spent my whole life pretending to be untouchable. Not letting anything get to me. To spend the next year and a half acting like you don’t mean anything? Hiding and sneaking around, hoping people don’t see us… I won’t stand on the other side of the room from you at department events like a stranger. Not anymore. Tobias, I love you.” – Barbara Svobodova

It is always nice to see a supernatural romance that can balance being hot and wholesome, and I'm very glad I stumbled upon this particular little gem.

Ms. Silvera's first book in the Tooth & Spell series is connected to some of her other stories, but that doesn't take away from the enjoyment of reading this one, and it certainly didn't make me feel like I had lost so much info and lore because I didn't read those first. The worldbuilding is excellent and helps bring you inside the universe and the way it works immediately. The characters are interesting, every single one of them, and you can't help but feel invested in their happiness - or downfall, depending where they stood in the story's spectrum.

Barbara as a witch fledgling was a delight to read, with all her insecurities and her unfortunate past, and all that judgement and prejudice she had to experience daily. Tobias - sweet, socially awkward Tobias - is a rare species and must be protected at all costs! And of course the whole Vogel family blew my mind with the camaraderie and the antics and the realism of the familial bonds. (by the way, Mark is my favorite, he's exactly my type of gruff jerk)

Even the pace matched the moods of the characters and the unraveling events of the story. Fast and stressful at times, but toning it down to a slowly shimmering mystery when needed, with delicious undertones of a budding romance between two people who were each other's helping hand and equal.

The only thing that had me a bit irked was the part where Lukas Vogel would talk with his family. I understand the whole "speaks only German" thing, and I'm all for it. But a translation next to the phrases or somewhere in the book would have made those scenes flow better - I had to make do with Google translate, and that set me back in terms of pace and being immersed a bit since I had to pause reading.

This book was a beautiful and dark tale of magic and love, yet it delved into issues like racism, being insecure, social awkwardness, and family loyalty. It showed us something that is usually happening in the academic and business life of every woman - how we're all judged for our gender, mistreated, preyed upon, and then blamed for any male coworker who has an issue with us possibly being better, or turning his advances down.



I know, I know, how dare we womenfolk commit such atrocities?!

So, it's also a good read with strong messages and a spirit of encouragement, without belittling the female gender, and without making us look like raging, illogical beasts. And it was done in a subtle, albeit emotional, way, for which I'm very grateful.

I'm looking forward to reading more about the Vogel family and discovering the dangerous, fascinating world they live in!

“I love you, Barbara. I never stopped. I never will.” – Tobias Vogel

***I was given an ARC (I sincerely can't remember the source, but this book was in my ARC file) in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***

Read this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

CW: work place sexual harassment, loss of parents, sibling aggression

Binding Shadows is the first in a new series from Jasmine Silvera. I have read very little paranormal romance and after this, that will change! I loved it! I have stayed away from paranormal only because I don't enjoy the massive world building in SFF. Here, there is enough world building to set the scene but it's not SFF, and that's perfect for me.

Silvera takes us to Prague, which is a fabulous city to base this story. The weight of history is palpable in Prague and I feel like Silvera captures this essence. In fact, the weight of history is fundamental to the story, how the gods' war has resulted, who is in hiding, who is in control. It is a perfect combination.

Barbara has magic that she calls her grace. She doesn't really understand it but knows she has to keep it hidden. Working as a research librarian and with old books, allows her the best place, she believe, to hide. Tobias is a shifter, who has fought against the wolf that he is and the realities of his family. However, he comes home to Prague as a professor and lives at his family compound. It is at the university that he and Barbara meet. There are sparks and attraction, and it's a nice slow burn to when they finally act on this attraction.

At the university there is a whole host of side characters. We have a little subplot that adds to the tough situation Barbara is in. We have the drama of academics competing for the spotlight, but maybe there are ulterior motives for some of them? There is definitely some evil at work here. And we have Barbara's coworkers who are her friends. It's a rich environment, full of both real world problems and magic world problems.

Each character has to come to terms with their own abilities, and how to divulge them to the other. How do you trust someone when trust may cost you your life? Will the other person understand, abandon you or stay, or expose you to others? It's a constant push-pull and I think Silvera handles it well.

Family is also explored here. Barbara's family is both in the past and still impacting her today. Her mother's choices set a path for her, but so did her father's choices. And where is her father? Will we learn more in future books? Her found family is perfectly wrought, too, the protection that we all hope we have from those who love us. Tobias has his brothers to both learn from and who have his back in all things. And maybe like all children who grow up and finally see their parents as individuals, Tobias also has to learn something of his mother and father. Again, Silvera does a great job exploring this, deftly handled throughout.

The ultimate battle is vivid. The emotions are real and I was glad to see all of the characters participating. It gave the whole story much more cohesiveness to have family by your side in the ultimate battle, than have it just be Barbara and Tobias.

This is a romance, so we do have a HEA. Sexy times are on the page. They fit within the narrative, well timed and placed, well written, plenty hot & sexy.

I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. Paranormal romance fans should check this out for sure. I think contemporary romance fans who have not read paranormal romance, should also look for this one.

I read an ARC that I won in a contest, and have purchased a keeper copy for myself. All opinions are my own.