Queen of Shadows (Shadow World, #1) in SOS: Serious Overload of Series

Aug 30, 2010 Laura Lulu rated it liked it

Shelves: human-plus, vampires, paranormal-romance, i-own

I didn't realize this was UFR instead of just UF, so I wasn't crazy about that. The book started out super dark & gritty UF, and then turned into total gooey PNR. That lost a star from me. And my least favorite kind of PNR, to boot--the fated-to-be-mated kind. I tolerate it in shifter books, cause well, they're animals. But otherwise I just think it's stupid.

I'm not a big PNR fan--I just don't feel like I get to know the characters well enough to be gaga for the romance, and in turn, I don't fee
I didn't realize this was UFR instead of just UF, so I wasn't crazy about that. The book started out super dark & gritty UF, and then turned into total gooey PNR. That lost a star from me. And my least favorite kind of PNR, to boot--the fated-to-be-mated kind. I tolerate it in shifter books, cause well, they're animals. But otherwise I just think it's stupid.

I'm not a big PNR fan--I just don't feel like I get to know the characters well enough to be gaga for the romance, and in turn, I don't feel the characters have gotten to know each other well enough, either.

Call me crazy, but I prefer my heroine & hero to be a bit antagonistic to each other in the beginning of the series. Lends to some juicy sexual tension--I guess I'm just a fan of delayed gratification. ;)

I did like the characters, I'm curious to see what the author does with them in future books. I think it's difficult for authors to write a couple that's already together--so much of this genre is about flirting, angst & tension.

One of the things I really liked about this book was the whole concept of being a victim vs. being strong, and how someone can give you a push in the right direction, but it's up to you to make that choice and get yourself there. I'm never much a fan of a heroine who needs the hero to save/protect her. It's nice when he does, but I need her to be able to do it on her own, too.

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Jun 16, 2010 Alisha rated it it was amazing

Quick Take: This book gripped from the first page and never let go. The tone is dark, yet filled with tenderness at the right moments. I am officially in love with Sylvan's tight writing style.

For all the urban fantasy I read, I find that I don't delve into the much darker stuff as often as I'd like. Indeed the lighter and more witty fare is so easily accessible; what can I say, I'm a happy-sappy-gal! But when a dark urban fantasy book gets it right, it will knock me out and is ultimately the s Quick Take: This book gripped from the first page and never let go. The tone is dark, yet filled with tenderness at the right moments. I am officially in love with Sylvan's tight writing style.

For all the urban fantasy I read, I find that I don't delve into the much darker stuff as often as I'd like. Indeed the lighter and more witty fare is so easily accessible; what can I say, I'm a happy-sappy-gal! But when a dark urban fantasy book gets it right, it will knock me out and is ultimately the stuff that stays with me the longest and deepest. This book was just that type of UF.

If you're a frequent reader of urban fantasy, you'll already have noticed that many of the genre's titles are written in the first person. This book--being in the third person and switching narrative perspective amongst a few characters (for development of certain plot points)--obviously differs from the trend but works marvelously. It really boils down to the fact that Ms. Sylvan has a wonderful way with words. I was just as engrossed with her description of an empty room as I was with a fight scene. Given that much, narrative perspective didn't matter. ^_^

I must say, the connection with the protagonist Miranda Grey was immediate. The author shows the character's suffering due to her bizarre powers being raw and uncontrolled; you can easily see the hopelessness of her situation. Things go from bad to worse and are (in a way) painful to follow but impossible to turn from. It was easy to buy into the nightmarish world Miranda finds herself in, as well as her attempts at healing and her struggles to recover.

Dianne Sylvan knows how to put your emotions through the paces! There were times when my stomach was twisted with anxiousness, and others where I felt the sweet flutteries right alongside the protagonists. And regarding the latter…the progression of romance was exquisite! This is an area in which further description on my part is probably not going to be helpful: context is everything.

Sylvan's visuals and well-placed details work such wonders in this book; I could go on indefinitely in praise of them. But I won't. (You're welcome. ^_^) I'll simply say that if you enjoy urban fantasy of the darker variety, you'll need to pick this one up. The series could literally go in any direction based on this first installment…but it's already clear that it's going to be amazing no matter what.
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Jun 30, 2012 Thenia rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed, series, vampires, paranormal, 2012

A dark, compelling story about a woman who starts out being controlled by her fears and powers that she cannot understand and with the help of her friendly neighborhood vampire leader manages to get back on her feet and learn to stand tall.

The book has everything, from really unpleasant and traumatic events, to humor, romance, friendships, awesome powers and fight scenes, betrayals and mysteries. It's got its slow moments and its intense ones and everything in between.

It was definitely a fun rid ...more

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Oct 20, 2010 Samantha rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook-own, 2010

3.5 stars- Good story, strong heroine that's not perfect, but also doesn't wade into TSTL territory which is refreshing. I'd recommend for fans of the genre. ...more

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