YA Review: THE SHADOWS BETWEEN US by Tricia Levenseller

 

The Shadows Between Us
by Tricia Levenseller

Published February 25th 2020 
by Feiwel and Friends
326 pages

Plot: Alessandra is tired of being overlooked, but she has a plan to gain power:

1) Woo the Shadow King.
2) Marry him.
3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.

No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves, and she’s going to do everything within her power to get it.

But Alessandra’s not the only one trying to kill the king. As attempts on his life are made, she finds herself trying to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen—all while struggling not to lose her heart. After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen? (Goodreads, 2022).

Review: The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller is like nothing I have ever read before.   Alessandra is a conniving, manipulating, shellfish murderer with no remorse. It took a while for me to get into this story because Alessandra is such an anti-hero and it was really hard to root for her (considering her main goal was to marry the king so she can kill him and take over his kingdom). She does anything and everything to achieve her goal of becoming queen and having power, so she is not really a likable character.  That being said, the story was interesting and her relationship with the Shadow King was a very slow burn romance.  Her character does become more likable as the story progresses, but she is an anti-hero throughout the book. Her personality and bitterness come from her father’s lack of love and attention.  Her older sister is the favorite and Alessandra hates her and her father for ignoring her.  She feels empowered when she does what she wants and doesn’t take orders from anyone.  She could care less if her actions are not “lady-like.”  

The King has a hard time trusting people, and for some reason he trusts Alessandra. She is good at getting men to fall for her.  Despite her character flaws, she never lies to the king.  I think that’s what appeals to him the most.  She is very up front and honest with anything he asks her, which is refreshing to him since he cannot trust anyone at his court until he finds the person or people responsible for his parents’ deaths.  There are some twists I didn’t see coming at the end and it wraps up nicely in the final chapter.  

Overall, this is a very unique story that was definitely an experience to read. If you like a strong-minded female MC, who slept around a lot (prior to being courted by the king), and would kill you if you got in her way then this one could be for you.  The writing was well done and keeps you interested in seeing what happens to Alessandra as her plot to kill the king unravels.

Rating: 3 Hearts!

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