Rating: 3 stars
One of the hardest things I think an author can take on is writing a believable and engaging love triangle. If not done right, it can ruin the whole story. Surprisingly Sandy Williams has not only written an excellent love triangle that will have readers torn, but an outstanding urban fantasy with an equally amazing heroine.
The Shadow Reader is an awesome debut and one I’m so happy I decided to read.
McKenzie Lewis is known as a cartographer for the Fae. When things called fissures disappear, she can see the shadows left behind. Her official titles is a Nalkin-shom, but the rebels use traep-shom- translation Shadow-bitch.
McKenzie has been found by the rebels. Kyol, the king’s sword-master—whom McKenzie has been in love with Kyol for ten years, but since it’s forbidden for humans and fae to be together, though, Kyol may or may not have feelings for her—fails to protect her, and she is kidnapped.
Rebel leader Aren threatens and then pleads with her to listen to him because she has been lied to all this time;but, McKenzie is steadfast in her belief that the rebels are wrong and longs for Kyol to save her. However, Aren is there to build upon her doubts, not only about her unstable life, but of Kyol, who may or may not be using her all this time like the king has.
I had a blast reading The Shadow Reader. Sandy Williams has something special here. Her heroine is tough as nails, but inside hides her suffering. McKenzie is all alone and only has Kyol and one human friend for support. Williams has a plausible explanation why McKenzie is cut off from her family, and one that won't have you rolling your eyes. Also, McKenzie’s yearning for Kyol will break your heart. I give major kudos to the author for making Aren just as appealing.
McKenzie is torn between the two men, much like Carrie was from Sex in the City. Remember when Carrie was with Aidan, but still cared for Big? I wanted Carrie to be with both men because they were so perfect for her. The same happens her with McKenzie. I can’t choose who she should be with because both men are worthy partners for her.
The fighting scene are also well written and the dialogue lovely. I was never lost with the terminology or the events occurring. I wanted to cheer for McKenzie’s successes and suffer alongside her through her confusion and her defeats.
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Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Ace; Original edition (October 25, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-1937007010