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The Shadows Between Us #2
The Darkness Within Us
Chrysantha Stathos has won.
By hiding her intelligence and ambition behind the mask of a beautiful air-headed girl, she has gathered important secrets, earned her father’s constant care, and become a wealthy duchess—all by age nineteen. Now, she is only one elderly, dying duke away from having all the freedom, money, and safety she’s ever wanted.
Or so she thought.
Turns out her little sister somehow snatched the true victory away from her: Alessandra is wedding the Shadow King, the most powerful man in the world. Meanwhile, after the death of Chrysantha’s no-good, lecherous husband, a man claiming to be the duke’s estranged grandson turns up to inherit everything that should be hers.
Chrysantha is enraged. There is no way that she’s going to let some man take everything from her. Never mind that he’s extremely handsome and secretive and alluring with mysterious powers… No, Chrysantha wants Eryx Demos dead, and in the end, a Stathos girl always gets what she wants.
By hiding her intelligence and ambition behind the mask of a beautiful air-headed girl, she has gathered important secrets, earned her father’s constant care, and become a wealthy duchess—all by age nineteen. Now, she is only one elderly, dying duke away from having all the freedom, money, and safety she’s ever wanted.
Or so she thought.
Turns out her little sister somehow snatched the true victory away from her: Alessandra is wedding the Shadow King, the most powerful man in the world. Meanwhile, after the death of Chrysantha’s no-good, lecherous husband, a man claiming to be the duke’s estranged grandson turns up to inherit everything that should be hers.
Chrysantha is enraged. There is no way that she’s going to let some man take everything from her. Never mind that he’s extremely handsome and secretive and alluring with mysterious powers… No, Chrysantha wants Eryx Demos dead, and in the end, a Stathos girl always gets what she wants.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published July 9, 2024
About the author
Tricia Levenseller
20 books15.2k followersInitially from a small town in Oregon, Tricia now lives next to the Rocky Mountains with her bossy dog, Rosy. She received her degree in English Language and editing and is thrilled that she never has to read a textbook again. When she’s not writing or reading, Tricia enjoys putting together jigsaw puzzles, playing volleyball, playing OVERWATCH, and watching shows while eating extra-buttered popcorn.
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October 20, 202310/19/23 THE COVER IS HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4/23/23 We have a book description up now! I’m so close to finishing this one. It will release next year! I hope you are all excited to meet the real Chrysantha.
11/23/21 My friends, I'm sorry to say that the sales team has made changes to my publication schedule, and this book is being pushed back to 2024. The good news is you are getting another pirate book from me in 2023 instead. Be sure to check out VENGEANCE OF THE PIRATE QUEEN (shorturl.at/jrMRZ) on Goodreads. My new publishing schedule for those interested:
Summer 2022: Master of Iron
Summer 2023: Vengeance of the Pirate Queen
Summer 2024: The Darkness within Us
Summer 2025: Trilogy book 1
Winter 2026: Trilogy book 2
Summer 2026: Trilogy book 3
7/25/21 So excited this deal announcement is finally live! I have 30,000 words written on this project so far. Let me just say that I cannot wait for you all to meet the real Chrysantha.
Some FAQs:
Is this a sequel to The Shadows Between Us?
—No, it is a companion novel. Same world; different couple. It will also be a standalone.
Will Alessandra and Kallias be in the book?
—They might have a quick cameo appearance, but they are by no means the focus of the story.
So who is the focus of the book, then?
—That would be Alessandra’s older sister, Chrysantha, who we never saw in SHADOWS, just heard about through Alessandra’s POV. It’s safe to say that her opinion of her sister might be wrong…
Will this book be another dark romance?
—YAS
Why is this book coming out all the way in 2023?
—Because Master of Iron releases in 2022. You’re still getting a book a year from me as usual. Though you’ll get the books from my upcoming trilogy even faster than that!
4/23/23 We have a book description up now! I’m so close to finishing this one. It will release next year! I hope you are all excited to meet the real Chrysantha.
11/23/21 My friends, I'm sorry to say that the sales team has made changes to my publication schedule, and this book is being pushed back to 2024. The good news is you are getting another pirate book from me in 2023 instead. Be sure to check out VENGEANCE OF THE PIRATE QUEEN (shorturl.at/jrMRZ) on Goodreads. My new publishing schedule for those interested:
Summer 2022: Master of Iron
Summer 2023: Vengeance of the Pirate Queen
Summer 2024: The Darkness within Us
Summer 2025: Trilogy book 1
Winter 2026: Trilogy book 2
Summer 2026: Trilogy book 3
7/25/21 So excited this deal announcement is finally live! I have 30,000 words written on this project so far. Let me just say that I cannot wait for you all to meet the real Chrysantha.
Some FAQs:
Is this a sequel to The Shadows Between Us?
—No, it is a companion novel. Same world; different couple. It will also be a standalone.
Will Alessandra and Kallias be in the book?
—They might have a quick cameo appearance, but they are by no means the focus of the story.
So who is the focus of the book, then?
—That would be Alessandra’s older sister, Chrysantha, who we never saw in SHADOWS, just heard about through Alessandra’s POV. It’s safe to say that her opinion of her sister might be wrong…
Will this book be another dark romance?
—YAS
Why is this book coming out all the way in 2023?
—Because Master of Iron releases in 2022. You’re still getting a book a year from me as usual. Though you’ll get the books from my upcoming trilogy even faster than that!
Want to read
January 18, 2022Did I ask for this book?
- No
Am I still gonna read it?
- Hell Yesss!!
P.s: release year 2024? Really, sometimes cruelty should have a limit.
- No
Am I still gonna read it?
- Hell Yesss!!
P.s: release year 2024? Really, sometimes cruelty should have a limit.
Want to read
July 31, 2021Since this book is about Chrysantha I pray that she is not as naive and innocent as people made her out to be in the first book. I hope she has a fire of her own that she conceals well.
Unlike Taryn from The Folk of the Air, whose novella I simply refused to read, I don't yet have a strong impression of Chrys so I'm going into this with an open mind.
Unlike Taryn from The Folk of the Air, whose novella I simply refused to read, I don't yet have a strong impression of Chrys so I'm going into this with an open mind.
June 13, 2024
3.75 Stars
RTC
***Thank you to NetGalley, Tricia Levenseller, and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
RTC
***Thank you to NetGalley, Tricia Levenseller, and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
April 10, 2024
Guess who is an arc girly now?? 🤭 First arc!!
Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the arc in exchange for an honest review! I’m incredibly grateful!
3.75 Stars
“I think we are a good match.” “If you think fire and oil are a good match.” “Exactly. Together we could burn the world down if we wanted to.” “What if I don’t want to burn down the world? What if all I want is my quiet country life?” “Then I’ll burn anyone who tries to take it away from you.”
Keeping this short, sweet, to the point and fun just like this book.
In the beautiful words by Taylor Swift in ‘All Too Well 10 Minute Version’ also known as the only version to me (and by many many before and after her)… “F*ck The Patriarchy”!
TL’s fmcs are always unapologetic and real! I didn’t know how I would feel about Chrysantha in the beginning. It seems like other readers were set to not like her at all based on the brief mention of her in book one, but I held out hope and was not disappointed. She proved herself more and more, and in my opinion gives off the Slytherin cunning-feels more than her sister did. Honestly book 2 gave me more of what I was looking for in every aspect. Swoon worthy? Check. Trope Heaven? Check. Morally grey? Check. “Devilishly” handsome man with a “monster-ish” temper and smirk that makes you tingle? …check check check!
I crushed this in a day because of how consumed by it I was. There are a few downsides to this that lowered my rating, and that is because it had lulls where I would space out some. The plot lost itself at times. It became too clique and predictable every now and then. Put that all aside and you’re in for a good ol’ time still. Book one set up my expectations so if you enjoyed it, then you’ll get an even bigger kick with butterflies in the stomach from its accompanying book, “The Darkness Within Us”.
“I never hated you— well, maybe a little. Mostly I hated how easily you got under my skin.”
*Trigger Warnings*:
Death, Violence, Sexual assault, Misogyny, Sexism, Classism, Injury, Gaslighting, Poisoning, etc.
Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the arc in exchange for an honest review! I’m incredibly grateful!
3.75 Stars
“I think we are a good match.” “If you think fire and oil are a good match.” “Exactly. Together we could burn the world down if we wanted to.” “What if I don’t want to burn down the world? What if all I want is my quiet country life?” “Then I’ll burn anyone who tries to take it away from you.”
Keeping this short, sweet, to the point and fun just like this book.
In the beautiful words by Taylor Swift in ‘All Too Well 10 Minute Version’ also known as the only version to me (and by many many before and after her)… “F*ck The Patriarchy”!
TL’s fmcs are always unapologetic and real! I didn’t know how I would feel about Chrysantha in the beginning. It seems like other readers were set to not like her at all based on the brief mention of her in book one, but I held out hope and was not disappointed. She proved herself more and more, and in my opinion gives off the Slytherin cunning-feels more than her sister did. Honestly book 2 gave me more of what I was looking for in every aspect. Swoon worthy? Check. Trope Heaven? Check. Morally grey? Check. “Devilishly” handsome man with a “monster-ish” temper and smirk that makes you tingle? …check check check!
I crushed this in a day because of how consumed by it I was. There are a few downsides to this that lowered my rating, and that is because it had lulls where I would space out some. The plot lost itself at times. It became too clique and predictable every now and then. Put that all aside and you’re in for a good ol’ time still. Book one set up my expectations so if you enjoyed it, then you’ll get an even bigger kick with butterflies in the stomach from its accompanying book, “The Darkness Within Us”.
“I never hated you— well, maybe a little. Mostly I hated how easily you got under my skin.”
*Trigger Warnings*:
Death, Violence, Sexual assault, Misogyny, Sexism, Classism, Injury, Gaslighting, Poisoning, etc.
August 19, 2021
just giving it five stars because of that someone that decided to give it one star since they "haven't read it" yet lmao
June 22, 2024
Rated 4.5/5 stars
July 5, 2024
pre-read:
YYAAAAYYYY finally got an arc
can't wait 🤩
_________________________
➸ 4.5 ⭐️
loved this almost as much as The Shadows Between Us !!
As someone who absolutely adored The Shadows Between Us when it first came out, and even now after my reread more than 4 years later, I was super excited to get my hands on this sequel/spin off/companion novel.
It did not disappoint.
I was unsure at first if I'll love Chrysantha as much, because—in the words of our dear Petros—I'm loyal to her sister, but with everything we learn about her and the way she grows, I was helpless to her charms.
Chrysantha is similar to Alessandra, they're sisters after all, but she's still her own person (character?). Even though she has Alessandra's ruthless streak and she's almost as morally grey/villainous as her, Chrysantha is also very different in other ways—she loves to read, she cares about the people around her, she just wants to be left alone in peace—and it didn't feel like I was reading the same story but with a different title.
The love interest-Eryx-is as mysterious and as interesting as Kallias, I absolutely loved him. I loved the whole knife-to-throat and hidden monstrous side we get in this book. And his banter with Chrysantha is hilarious — there's so much tension from the moment they meet and it's excellent.
Where TSBU takes place in the palace and there's a lot of court intrigue and machinations, TDWU mostly takes place at Chrysantha's estate, so it gives the story very strong Beauty and the Beast vibes. I couldn't help draw the comparison and it makes a lot of sense given what type of characters Eryx and Chrysantha are. Perhaps this is the main reason why I love TSBU a little bit more — I prefer the palace setting, and I think the plot of TSBU is more entertaining and to a point I even find Alessandra and Kallias more interesting and more fun.
When it comes to the pacing they are both equally fast paced and both books are equally captivating.
The ending felt a little rushed, so much happened in that last chapter, I feel like the story could've been expanded in a few places *sighs*. The bonus epilogue in the Fairyloot edition helped though and the deleted scene was super fun but I'm so happy TL decided to include the wedding instead.
It was SO MUCH FUN coming back this world—I absolutely adore that we get to see Kallias and Alessandra's wedding and what they are up to, I also love that Chrysantha and Alessandra are able to reconnect and hopefully fix their relationship.
I really hope this is not the last we've seen of Chrysantha and Eryx and Alessandra and Kallias.
eternal gratitude to netgalley and the publisher for the arc
all quotes are from an advance copy and may differ in the final publication
YYAAAAYYYY finally got an arc
can't wait 🤩
_________________________
➸ 4.5 ⭐️
loved this almost as much as The Shadows Between Us !!
"You. You make me forget all my rules and reasons for everything. You make me want to believe it's possible not to be alone forever. You make me want to claim the whole world and gift it to you on a silver platter. You are unlike anyone I've ever known. And gods, but I love your mouth. The way it smiles. The words that come out of it. How it feels against mine. Just looking at your lips makes my mouth water."
As someone who absolutely adored The Shadows Between Us when it first came out, and even now after my reread more than 4 years later, I was super excited to get my hands on this sequel/spin off/companion novel.
It did not disappoint.
I was unsure at first if I'll love Chrysantha as much, because—in the words of our dear Petros—I'm loyal to her sister, but with everything we learn about her and the way she grows, I was helpless to her charms.
Chrysantha is similar to Alessandra, they're sisters after all, but she's still her own person (character?). Even though she has Alessandra's ruthless streak and she's almost as morally grey/villainous as her, Chrysantha is also very different in other ways—she loves to read, she cares about the people around her, she just wants to be left alone in peace—and it didn't feel like I was reading the same story but with a different title.
She smiles. "[. . .] How fortunate that both our men survived us."
"We Stathos sisters are a force to be reckoned with."
The love interest-Eryx-is as mysterious and as interesting as Kallias, I absolutely loved him. I loved the whole knife-to-throat and hidden monstrous side we get in this book. And his banter with Chrysantha is hilarious — there's so much tension from the moment they meet and it's excellent.
"At least it's not pink," he mutters.
"What did the color ever do to you?"
"It's distasteful—and you can close your mouth right now. I don't wish to hear your comment about me being just as distasteful to match."
I close my mouth, almost embarrassed that he predicted my comment perfectly.
"Remind me how long of a ride it is to the palace," he says.
"A few hours."
He massages his temples. "I don't think I'll survive it."
Where TSBU takes place in the palace and there's a lot of court intrigue and machinations, TDWU mostly takes place at Chrysantha's estate, so it gives the story very strong Beauty and the Beast vibes. I couldn't help draw the comparison and it makes a lot of sense given what type of characters Eryx and Chrysantha are. Perhaps this is the main reason why I love TSBU a little bit more — I prefer the palace setting, and I think the plot of TSBU is more entertaining and to a point I even find Alessandra and Kallias more interesting and more fun.
When it comes to the pacing they are both equally fast paced and both books are equally captivating.
The ending felt a little rushed, so much happened in that last chapter, I feel like the story could've been expanded in a few places *sighs*. The bonus epilogue in the Fairyloot edition helped though and the deleted scene was super fun but I'm so happy TL decided to include the wedding instead.
It was SO MUCH FUN coming back this world—I absolutely adore that we get to see Kallias and Alessandra's wedding and what they are up to, I also love that Chrysantha and Alessandra are able to reconnect and hopefully fix their relationship.
I really hope this is not the last we've seen of Chrysantha and Eryx and Alessandra and Kallias.
eternal gratitude to netgalley and the publisher for the arc
all quotes are from an advance copy and may differ in the final publication
March 24, 2024
Wow. I genuinely did not want this one to end!! Let me just start by saying that I absolutely loved ‘The Shadows Between Us’ and was a bit weary of a sequel... BUT, Tricia Levenseller did not let us down!!!
This book follows Chrysantha, Alessandra’s older sister, and takes place around where the first book left off. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we hated Chrysantha, but this book was able to shine a light on to what her life has been like and why she is the way she is. She is such a fierce, determined, ruthless, independent, yet surprisingly kind and lovable character (not so unlike Alessandra herself).
The enemies to lovers trope in this book gave me serious whiplash (in the best way)! I did NOT think that I could ever come to love the MMC, but by the end of the book I was eating my words! This romance was chefs kiss!
This one is a must read. Release date is 7/9/24!!!
This book follows Chrysantha, Alessandra’s older sister, and takes place around where the first book left off. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we hated Chrysantha, but this book was able to shine a light on to what her life has been like and why she is the way she is. She is such a fierce, determined, ruthless, independent, yet surprisingly kind and lovable character (not so unlike Alessandra herself).
The enemies to lovers trope in this book gave me serious whiplash (in the best way)! I did NOT think that I could ever come to love the MMC, but by the end of the book I was eating my words! This romance was chefs kiss!
This one is a must read. Release date is 7/9/24!!!
May 2, 2024
Such an exciting read! I truly LOVED the FMC! It was interesting to watch her character development throughout the story. I was also super intrigued by the new mysterious MMC. So many twists and turns. The author truly has a beautiful way with world building and making the words seem together flawlessly. I felt like I was on an entire adventure in a new world the entire time. Definitely worth reading! And that ending 🤌 All around a great read. Plus the narrator was SUPERB with storytelling and truly embodying the female main character's personality. I feel the audiobook made it even better of an experience for me!
I received this ARC in audiobook format from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully listening to this audiobook.
I received this ARC in audiobook format from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully listening to this audiobook.
Want to read
June 18, 20216/17/2021: The Darkness Within Us will be a companion novel to the author's bestselling The Shadows Between Us focusing on Alessandra's sister, and is slated for 2023.
Source: Publishers Weekly
Source: Publishers Weekly
Want to read
November 28, 2021The Shadows Between Us didn't need a sequel.
But I am so glad it's getting one!
But I am so glad it's getting one!
Want to read
July 2, 20247 more days!! 7 more days!!7 more days!!
💜💜💜 Only 5 more months to go!!! 💜💜💜
.................................
2024 is so far away 😢
I want this book now!!!
💜💜💜 Only 5 more months to go!!! 💜💜💜
.................................
2024 is so far away 😢
I want this book now!!!
September 4, 2021
Leaving a 5 star because apparently people don't know how ratings work. 🙄
Plus, I already know it will be a 5 star. Tricia is a badass. And the first book was one of the fastest I've gone through. SO GOOD. Another less than 24hr read. 😂
Plus, I already know it will be a 5 star. Tricia is a badass. And the first book was one of the fastest I've gone through. SO GOOD. Another less than 24hr read. 😂
Want to read
March 26, 2024edit 3/26: there better be an alessandra and kallias cameo. many of them. that's all i'll say. actually, i want another alessandra and kallias book
Edit: OMG A COVER. i can't believe that i wrote that previous stuff in 2022 and it's now almost 2024, time flies by fast. the cover's cute but I like the the shadows between us one better ngl
I did not know we were going to get another book in this universe but am I complaining?
No.
Not at all.
Except for the publication date. 2024?? That's so far away.
Edit: OMG A COVER. i can't believe that i wrote that previous stuff in 2022 and it's now almost 2024, time flies by fast. the cover's cute but I like the the shadows between us one better ngl
I did not know we were going to get another book in this universe but am I complaining?
No.
Not at all.
Except for the publication date. 2024?? That's so far away.
May 27, 2024
3.5 stars
I read The Shadows Between Us a couple of years ago when I first got into reading. And while I enjoyed it at the time, looking back at it, there were some elements I really disliked. The Darkness Within Us, however, is just as fun and a step up from its predecessor in terms of writing. It's got all the fun elements that The Shadows Between Us had, like an enemies-to-lovers romance, and shadow powers, but it's also more grounded. I found Eryx and Chrysantha to be much more likeable, compelling, and three dimensional than the characters in the first book. I will say, however, I had some issues with the pacing of this story. The book started a little awkwardly, and the romance felt a little crammed into the last third of the story. I wish we had more time to see the romance develop naturally. Overall though, I had a really good time with this book. It's the perfect little escapist, fantasy-romance.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I read The Shadows Between Us a couple of years ago when I first got into reading. And while I enjoyed it at the time, looking back at it, there were some elements I really disliked. The Darkness Within Us, however, is just as fun and a step up from its predecessor in terms of writing. It's got all the fun elements that The Shadows Between Us had, like an enemies-to-lovers romance, and shadow powers, but it's also more grounded. I found Eryx and Chrysantha to be much more likeable, compelling, and three dimensional than the characters in the first book. I will say, however, I had some issues with the pacing of this story. The book started a little awkwardly, and the romance felt a little crammed into the last third of the story. I wish we had more time to see the romance develop naturally. Overall though, I had a really good time with this book. It's the perfect little escapist, fantasy-romance.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Want to read
June 18, 2021De ce trebuie să fie despre Chrysantha? DE CE? DE CE?
Want to read
June 19, 2021Um...I need someone to build me a time machine ASAP.
Please and thank you,
-kasper 🖤
Please and thank you,
-kasper 🖤
May 30, 2024
I received an audio copy of this book via NetGalley (thank you Macmillan Audio). All thoughts and opinions are my own.
✅ Strong and independent MC
✅ Mysterious love interest
✅ Morally grey characters
✅ Hate to love
✅ Pace
✅ Alessandra and Kallias cameo
✅(🆗) World-building
✅(🆗) Ending felt a little rushed
✅🆗 Stakes didn't feel that high
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: misogyny, attempted sexual assault, deaths, and murders, poisoning
3.5 stars
This book was short and sweet, with an overall well-developed hate-to-love romance, a Victorian ambiance, and a strong-willed female protagonist.
After years of scheming and pretending to be a simpleton and demure woman, Chrysantha Stathos is about to finally get the freedom she dreams of. Now that her husband finally died, she will inherit the manor and the money and will be able to go on with her life as a dowager duchess, without even remarrying, or depending on a man ever again. But her carefully laid out plan falls apart when a young man arrives at the manor, claiming to be the grandson and true heir of the Duke, and taking everything away from Chrysantha.
While I am empathetic to Chysantha’s problems, the fact that she is the dowager duchess means that she can’t be kicked out of the manor, and so her main issue in the book was the fact that she didn’t have access to all the money she needed for her grand projects and that she was robbed of what she felt was hers by right. I am not saying that she was not right to feel this way, but I kept thinking to myself while reading this book, that if all she wanted was a quiet and peaceful life, she could very well just live happily ever after at the manor as the dowager, never remarry, and have a simpler life if she had less money than she usually planned. It was not her ideally planned life, but it was not that bad of a situation either.
If you are like me, you read The Shadows Between Us 4 years ago when it was released, and besides the fact that you liked Kallias and Alessandra, you might not remember much of the book. Rest assured that you can read this sequel even if you don’t remember most of the first book. You just need to know who Alessandra and the King are, because there are a few scenes with them, including their wedding!
I have to say that Chrysantha's need to compete with her sister for every single thing annoyed me at first, but it also left room for the author to make Chrysantha grow and mature in this book, and to have her realize that it was stupid and pointless, and that her sister was worth more than any silly jealousy or envy that could ever be between them. I would have loved to see more of them building their relationship back, but the hints we got to see in the last few chapters are promising a nice and happy future for the sisters.
Chrysantha is clever, cunning, calculated, and fierce. She knows what she wants, and will stop at nothing to get it. I like Chrysantha’s scheming, and how she pretended to be a simpleton so the men around her would underestimate her, allowing her to manipulate and undermine them later. That being said, at some point, she tended to put all the men in the same “bad guy” category. I understand that this is a patriarchal and misogynistic society, but not all the men around her were out to abuse women or were okay with the way women were treated and Chrusantha often just assumed the worst of every men.
Eryx is very secretive, and it’s obvious that he’s hiding things about his identity and his connection to the late duke. Still, the stakes didn’t feel that high.
The romance in this book is a true hate to love. Chrysantha hates Eryx with every fiber of her being when she is forced to live with him, especially considering that he now holds the power in the manor, despite all that Chrysantha had to sacrifice to finally be free to live her life as she intended to. Overall, I enjoyed Eryx and Chrysantha’s romance, but I do think that the ending was a little bit rushed. I wouldn’t have minded a few more chapters just to wrap it up nicely and have this final stretch of their romance be more developed. I do think that both of them complete each other perfectly though, and that they have a good chemistry. There was also some well done sexual tension, but like the final development of the romance, it was dealt with quickly and in a slightly unsatisfying manner.
The Shadows Between Us ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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✅ Strong and independent MC
✅ Mysterious love interest
✅ Morally grey characters
✅ Hate to love
✅ Pace
✅ Alessandra and Kallias cameo
✅(🆗) World-building
✅(🆗) Ending felt a little rushed
✅🆗 Stakes didn't feel that high
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: misogyny, attempted sexual assault, deaths, and murders, poisoning
3.5 stars
This book was short and sweet, with an overall well-developed hate-to-love romance, a Victorian ambiance, and a strong-willed female protagonist.
"If the gods didn’t want us killing men, then they shouldn’t have allowed them to hurt us so much."
After years of scheming and pretending to be a simpleton and demure woman, Chrysantha Stathos is about to finally get the freedom she dreams of. Now that her husband finally died, she will inherit the manor and the money and will be able to go on with her life as a dowager duchess, without even remarrying, or depending on a man ever again. But her carefully laid out plan falls apart when a young man arrives at the manor, claiming to be the grandson and true heir of the Duke, and taking everything away from Chrysantha.
While I am empathetic to Chysantha’s problems, the fact that she is the dowager duchess means that she can’t be kicked out of the manor, and so her main issue in the book was the fact that she didn’t have access to all the money she needed for her grand projects and that she was robbed of what she felt was hers by right. I am not saying that she was not right to feel this way, but I kept thinking to myself while reading this book, that if all she wanted was a quiet and peaceful life, she could very well just live happily ever after at the manor as the dowager, never remarry, and have a simpler life if she had less money than she usually planned. It was not her ideally planned life, but it was not that bad of a situation either.
If you are like me, you read The Shadows Between Us 4 years ago when it was released, and besides the fact that you liked Kallias and Alessandra, you might not remember much of the book. Rest assured that you can read this sequel even if you don’t remember most of the first book. You just need to know who Alessandra and the King are, because there are a few scenes with them, including their wedding!
"We Stathos sisters are a force to be reckoned with."
I have to say that Chrysantha's need to compete with her sister for every single thing annoyed me at first, but it also left room for the author to make Chrysantha grow and mature in this book, and to have her realize that it was stupid and pointless, and that her sister was worth more than any silly jealousy or envy that could ever be between them. I would have loved to see more of them building their relationship back, but the hints we got to see in the last few chapters are promising a nice and happy future for the sisters.
“I think we are a good match.”
“If you think fire and oil are a good match.”
“Exactly. Together we could burn the world down if we wanted to.”
Chrysantha is clever, cunning, calculated, and fierce. She knows what she wants, and will stop at nothing to get it. I like Chrysantha’s scheming, and how she pretended to be a simpleton so the men around her would underestimate her, allowing her to manipulate and undermine them later. That being said, at some point, she tended to put all the men in the same “bad guy” category. I understand that this is a patriarchal and misogynistic society, but not all the men around her were out to abuse women or were okay with the way women were treated and Chrusantha often just assumed the worst of every men.
Eryx is very secretive, and it’s obvious that he’s hiding things about his identity and his connection to the late duke. Still, the stakes didn’t feel that high.
The romance in this book is a true hate to love. Chrysantha hates Eryx with every fiber of her being when she is forced to live with him, especially considering that he now holds the power in the manor, despite all that Chrysantha had to sacrifice to finally be free to live her life as she intended to. Overall, I enjoyed Eryx and Chrysantha’s romance, but I do think that the ending was a little bit rushed. I wouldn’t have minded a few more chapters just to wrap it up nicely and have this final stretch of their romance be more developed. I do think that both of them complete each other perfectly though, and that they have a good chemistry. There was also some well done sexual tension, but like the final development of the romance, it was dealt with quickly and in a slightly unsatisfying manner.
The Shadows Between Us ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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May 19, 2024
there’s nothing I love more than villainous main characters who know what they want and are willing to do anything to get it. it was a complete delight to read about Chrysantha and her endless scheming. there couldn’t have been a better match for her than Eryx.
there is no shortage of great characters in this book, and the brief cameos of Alessandra and Kallias were very, very enjoyable (to be honest, the only thing I remember about the first book when I read it 4 years ago is that I really loved it). Nico was such an adorable addition to the story and I appreciated how him and the staff softened Chrysantha and showed another, gentler, side of her.
in terms of plot, I have to admit that I found it lacking. there’s not enough here to warrant a novel, other than provide another glimpse, although brief, into this world for the readers who loved the first book. the motivation is not strong enough, which was disappointing because the characters were fleshed out enough to carry a stronger plot. although the book is short for a fantasy, it could have been even shorter for the amount of events that take place. it’s also not a good look when the main driving force of the plot is revealed at approximately 65%.
all in all, it’s a decent story but it could have been a lot better.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
there is no shortage of great characters in this book, and the brief cameos of Alessandra and Kallias were very, very enjoyable (to be honest, the only thing I remember about the first book when I read it 4 years ago is that I really loved it). Nico was such an adorable addition to the story and I appreciated how him and the staff softened Chrysantha and showed another, gentler, side of her.
in terms of plot, I have to admit that I found it lacking. there’s not enough here to warrant a novel, other than provide another glimpse, although brief, into this world for the readers who loved the first book. the motivation is not strong enough, which was disappointing because the characters were fleshed out enough to carry a stronger plot. although the book is short for a fantasy, it could have been even shorter for the amount of events that take place. it’s also not a good look when the main driving force of the plot is revealed at approximately 65%.
all in all, it’s a decent story but it could have been a lot better.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2024
4.25⭐️
Go read this right now!! As I did not remember much from "Shadows Between Us", I walked blindly into this one and it did not disappoint. Chrysantha was completely unhinged and bat-sh*t crazy - AND I WAS SO THERE FOR IT. To be fair, sometimes it felt like she was being childish and reckless in her actions but it just proved how desperate and devoted to her cause she was. At first, Eryx was not my favourite and I was kind of hoping she would ditch him for the single father, but later on I grew fond of him! The sisterly relationship in this book was like a balm to the scars left after Alessandra's story. We definitely need more heroines like those two in romantasy!! I have to say that I didn't care much for the ending of this book and felt like it could be adjusted to fit the characters a bit more. Also, there were some slight logical gaps that caught my attention (the existence of electricity was not mentioned once in this story, but it was stated that the basement was the only room not connected to it?), but I didn't mind those much. Overall, great story, which I will absolutely recommend everyone needing a fun and light read involving drama and ballrooms!!
Go read this right now!! As I did not remember much from "Shadows Between Us", I walked blindly into this one and it did not disappoint. Chrysantha was completely unhinged and bat-sh*t crazy - AND I WAS SO THERE FOR IT. To be fair, sometimes it felt like she was being childish and reckless in her actions but it just proved how desperate and devoted to her cause she was. At first, Eryx was not my favourite and I was kind of hoping she would ditch him for the single father, but later on I grew fond of him! The sisterly relationship in this book was like a balm to the scars left after Alessandra's story. We definitely need more heroines like those two in romantasy!! I have to say that I didn't care much for the ending of this book and felt like it could be adjusted to fit the characters a bit more. Also, there were some slight logical gaps that caught my attention (the existence of electricity was not mentioned once in this story, but it was stated that the basement was the only room not connected to it?), but I didn't mind those much. Overall, great story, which I will absolutely recommend everyone needing a fun and light read involving drama and ballrooms!!
Want to read
September 11, 2021Didn't really like Chrysantha... so I'm skeptical about this one, BUT it's in the Shadows Between Us universe, is it too much to hope for a peek of Kallias 😍
June 25, 2024
thank you netgalley for the ARC!!
okay i ate this up!!
this book is for the romantasy girlies!! i had SO much fun while reading this one! it is definitely a slowwww burn on the romance aspect but the plot carries. it’s intriguing and unique but still filled with the tropes i love and funny banter.
the chemistry between the two main characters is crazy?!??
i love that this book feels new but also like a lot of the other romantasy-enemies to lovers books i’ve fallen in love with! (if i like it i’ll just get it in another color)
the first half i was like oh this is fun i’m intrigued and then the second half my heart was pumping! i was giggling and gasping and having so much fun!
the MMC in this is everything!! eryx is a grumpy man with secrets and he falls HARD! he’s so down bad for her it’s not even funny. his love declarations?! so good?! i’m in love!
more thoughts:
-i love that these true are TRUE enemies !! not just like ahahah i hate u but i really don’t. nah she wants this man DEAD at first
-i love the little book club between chrysantha and her staff. so precious. i love when they talk about the enemies to lovers trope WITHIN the book!! iconic!
-when he talks about her when he thinks she can’t hear>>>
-some men barge into her room and hit her and touch her and he kills every. single. one. of. them. for laying hands on her ✋🏽
-“you would have had everything you wanted.” “not everything”🤭🤭
-the letter. i’m sorry??
-“i love you. i fought loving you, but it was as inevitable as the sun rising every day. for you are my equal in nearly every way and my superior in all the rest” goodbye???
the ending was really rushed in my opinion, but i’m still rating it five stars for the vibes 🤠
as for spice.. this is technically a YA read but i definitely feel like it fits more into the new adult category.
there is no on page spice scenes, but there is a LOT of talk about sex & taking mistresses & quite a bit of sexual tension. the first chapter had a SA scene and while it wasn’t graphic, it was shocking to see in a YA book.
also, this book is technically the second in the series but it definitely could be read as a stand alone! i read the shadows between us (the first book) and i remember loving it but i can’t remember like anything about the story so i was basically reading this as a stand alone hahaha
alright that’s all. loved it🤠🤠
okay i ate this up!!
this book is for the romantasy girlies!! i had SO much fun while reading this one! it is definitely a slowwww burn on the romance aspect but the plot carries. it’s intriguing and unique but still filled with the tropes i love and funny banter.
the chemistry between the two main characters is crazy?!??
i love that this book feels new but also like a lot of the other romantasy-enemies to lovers books i’ve fallen in love with! (if i like it i’ll just get it in another color)
the first half i was like oh this is fun i’m intrigued and then the second half my heart was pumping! i was giggling and gasping and having so much fun!
the MMC in this is everything!! eryx is a grumpy man with secrets and he falls HARD! he’s so down bad for her it’s not even funny. his love declarations?! so good?! i’m in love!
more thoughts:
-i love that these true are TRUE enemies !! not just like ahahah i hate u but i really don’t. nah she wants this man DEAD at first
-i love the little book club between chrysantha and her staff. so precious. i love when they talk about the enemies to lovers trope WITHIN the book!! iconic!
-when he talks about her when he thinks she can’t hear>>>
-some men barge into her room and hit her and touch her and he kills every. single. one. of. them. for laying hands on her ✋🏽
-“you would have had everything you wanted.” “not everything”🤭🤭
-the letter. i’m sorry??
-“i love you. i fought loving you, but it was as inevitable as the sun rising every day. for you are my equal in nearly every way and my superior in all the rest” goodbye???
the ending was really rushed in my opinion, but i’m still rating it five stars for the vibes 🤠
as for spice.. this is technically a YA read but i definitely feel like it fits more into the new adult category.
there is no on page spice scenes, but there is a LOT of talk about sex & taking mistresses & quite a bit of sexual tension. the first chapter had a SA scene and while it wasn’t graphic, it was shocking to see in a YA book.
also, this book is technically the second in the series but it definitely could be read as a stand alone! i read the shadows between us (the first book) and i remember loving it but i can’t remember like anything about the story so i was basically reading this as a stand alone hahaha
alright that’s all. loved it🤠🤠
May 20, 2024
4,5⭐️
OH. MY. GOD. YOU ARE NOT READY FOR THIS BOOK, you are really not prepared for this book
it is absolutely delightful and entertaining, but oh my, what did happen here and where do i even start???
i really liked shadows between us, but it was a long time ago, so i lowkey forgot abt it and starting this book i had no expectations, just wanted a quick, fun book
AND HOW IT DELIVERED!!! I DEVOURED it in one day, literally, I just sat my ass down, starting reading and suddenly the sky's dark and i needed to turn the lights on
about the characters, Chrysantha was so unhinged and delulu, you thought she was dumb and docile? literally in the first chapter, the first sentence - she's proving you wrong. she's just that character, that I'm not even sure i like, but she was so delusional and actually out of her mind crazy, it was hella entertaining, like damn, use that audacity, i can't believe you're actually doing it, but go girl!!!
and Eryx??? I'm actually speechless, it turned in the direction i never would have predicted while starting this book, I thought it'll just be some ya romance, lots of balls and seducing and dancing. but it is absolutely not, I won't say anything but i was just like did I pick up the wrong file? the idea of this book in my head, when I heard about it was so wrong and I'm so glad, cus of it
I know the book is called darkness within us but I didn't expect it'll be about that kind darkness, yall are in for a huge ass surprise
I was having the time of my life with this book, tho ending was a little hmmm, but the writing style made me swim thru the pages with the speed of light and I felt like a was riding on a rollercoaster - you're sitting strapped in and can't do anything except enjoy the ride and damn i was absolutely enjoying it, definitely a new fav
Thank you Netgalley for providing digital advanced copy in exchange for honest review.
OH. MY. GOD. YOU ARE NOT READY FOR THIS BOOK, you are really not prepared for this book
it is absolutely delightful and entertaining, but oh my, what did happen here and where do i even start???
i really liked shadows between us, but it was a long time ago, so i lowkey forgot abt it and starting this book i had no expectations, just wanted a quick, fun book
AND HOW IT DELIVERED!!! I DEVOURED it in one day, literally, I just sat my ass down, starting reading and suddenly the sky's dark and i needed to turn the lights on
about the characters, Chrysantha was so unhinged and delulu, you thought she was dumb and docile? literally in the first chapter, the first sentence - she's proving you wrong. she's just that character, that I'm not even sure i like, but she was so delusional and actually out of her mind crazy, it was hella entertaining, like damn, use that audacity, i can't believe you're actually doing it, but go girl!!!
and Eryx??? I'm actually speechless, it turned in the direction i never would have predicted while starting this book, I thought it'll just be some ya romance, lots of balls and seducing and dancing. but it is absolutely not, I won't say anything but i was just like did I pick up the wrong file? the idea of this book in my head, when I heard about it was so wrong and I'm so glad, cus of it
I know the book is called darkness within us but I didn't expect it'll be about that kind darkness, yall are in for a huge ass surprise
I was having the time of my life with this book, tho ending was a little hmmm, but the writing style made me swim thru the pages with the speed of light and I felt like a was riding on a rollercoaster - you're sitting strapped in and can't do anything except enjoy the ride and damn i was absolutely enjoying it, definitely a new fav
Thank you Netgalley for providing digital advanced copy in exchange for honest review.
May 21, 2024
“The Darkness Within Us” is a ya fantasy romance written by Tricia Levenseller, companion novel to “The Shadows Between Us.”
A strong, cunning, proud and independent girl. A mysterious, cocky, sly and rude guy. A splendid country estate. A heated dispute for the inheritance. A sizzling enemies to lovers. A hilarious forced proximity. A slow burn rather slooow. A captivating, effervescent, engaging prose. A fast, brisk pace accompanied by short chapters. A dark, beguiling and funny story. Intrigues, manipulations, deceptions, lies, secrets and power plays. A nebulous world building, reduced to the bare minimum so as not to get lost. A fantasy component that, except for a couple of characters with magical powers, is limited to the setting. These are just some of the elements that constitute “The Darkness Within Us,” a novel that completely won me over! While reading, I found myself laughing, smiling and swooning repeatedly, absorbed in the vortex of the narration! Seriously, I adored “The Shadows Between Us,” but I admit that I loved “The Darkness Within Us” even more!
Chrysantha and Eryx made me swoon so much! Chrysantha, protagonist with her only first person pov, is a strong, determined, intelligent, patient and independent girl. A skilled liar, an incredible actress and an excellent manipulator, she longs for a life of freedom, riches and security. Forced into an arranged marriage, thanks to her deceptions she married an old, slimy, ill, extremely rich and heirless duke and obtained the title of duchess. Yes, she had to endure his wickedness, but now that he is dead she has finally inherited everything and achieved her goals. Or at least she thought so, until Eryx, the duke's alleged grandson, enters the picture. A man as handsome as mysterious, cocky and rude, whom Chrysantha does not trust in the slightest. Eryx claims the title of duke, the estate and the entire inheritance for himself, pushing for Chrysantha to leave. Chrysantha, on her part, has no intention of leaving and giving up everything she has obtained at great cost. And so begins an intense battle of spite, biting banter, ironic remarks, lies, subterfuges and treacherous attacks, which soon becomes incandescent. I liked Chrysantha and Eryx so much! They are two morally gray characters, portrayed in a fantastic way. I loved the development of their relationship and found myself giggling and swooning in a powerful way! There are no detailed spicy scenes, but that didn't bother me, also because their sexual tension is really tasty!
Ah I almost forgot! Alessandra and Kallias, the protagonists of “The Shadows Between Us,” make their reappearance in this book, which I appreciated a lot!
All in all, “The Darkness Within Us” is a ya fantasy romance that I absolutely loved and can't help but recommend to lovers of the genre!
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A strong, cunning, proud and independent girl. A mysterious, cocky, sly and rude guy. A splendid country estate. A heated dispute for the inheritance. A sizzling enemies to lovers. A hilarious forced proximity. A slow burn rather slooow. A captivating, effervescent, engaging prose. A fast, brisk pace accompanied by short chapters. A dark, beguiling and funny story. Intrigues, manipulations, deceptions, lies, secrets and power plays. A nebulous world building, reduced to the bare minimum so as not to get lost. A fantasy component that, except for a couple of characters with magical powers, is limited to the setting. These are just some of the elements that constitute “The Darkness Within Us,” a novel that completely won me over! While reading, I found myself laughing, smiling and swooning repeatedly, absorbed in the vortex of the narration! Seriously, I adored “The Shadows Between Us,” but I admit that I loved “The Darkness Within Us” even more!
Chrysantha and Eryx made me swoon so much! Chrysantha, protagonist with her only first person pov, is a strong, determined, intelligent, patient and independent girl. A skilled liar, an incredible actress and an excellent manipulator, she longs for a life of freedom, riches and security. Forced into an arranged marriage, thanks to her deceptions she married an old, slimy, ill, extremely rich and heirless duke and obtained the title of duchess. Yes, she had to endure his wickedness, but now that he is dead she has finally inherited everything and achieved her goals. Or at least she thought so, until Eryx, the duke's alleged grandson, enters the picture. A man as handsome as mysterious, cocky and rude, whom Chrysantha does not trust in the slightest. Eryx claims the title of duke, the estate and the entire inheritance for himself, pushing for Chrysantha to leave. Chrysantha, on her part, has no intention of leaving and giving up everything she has obtained at great cost. And so begins an intense battle of spite, biting banter, ironic remarks, lies, subterfuges and treacherous attacks, which soon becomes incandescent. I liked Chrysantha and Eryx so much! They are two morally gray characters, portrayed in a fantastic way. I loved the development of their relationship and found myself giggling and swooning in a powerful way! There are no detailed spicy scenes, but that didn't bother me, also because their sexual tension is really tasty!
Ah I almost forgot! Alessandra and Kallias, the protagonists of “The Shadows Between Us,” make their reappearance in this book, which I appreciated a lot!
All in all, “The Darkness Within Us” is a ya fantasy romance that I absolutely loved and can't help but recommend to lovers of the genre!
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2024
⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡┈┈┈┈┈┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┈┈┈┈┈┈╮
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓓𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓦𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷 𝓤𝓼 𝓑𝔂 𝓣𝓻𝓲𝓬𝓲𝓪 𝓛𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓷𝓼𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓻
╭┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄╯
এ❁꙰ 𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓔𝓭𝓲𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷এ❁꙰
╰┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄╮
⌇⌦ 𝘙𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨: 4.5 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴
⌇⌦ 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘦: 2.5/5
⌇⌦ 𝘈𝘨𝘦: +16
⌇⌦ 𝘎𝘦𝘯𝘳𝘦: 𝘏𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺
╰─────────────────────────
⇢ ˗ˏˋ 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙮𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙖 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨 𝘿𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙨 ࿐ྂ
Oh my goodness. She is so funny. I love her she is amazing. I love how she didn't care what men thought of her. She was cunning, ruthless, and everything I love in a strong Female character. I must admit I got gross out by her in the beginning. But to be honest the author has some dark/inappropriate humor. Anyways love her. And I love her confidence. I love how she fought for what she believed in.
⇢ ˗ˏˋ 𝙀𝙧𝙮𝙭 𝘿𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙨࿐ྂ
Love him. Oh my gosh. He was so funny but also not too funny. He was caring and I knew all along how amazing he is. I really can't say anything else cause spoilers. But besides that I love him so freaking much literally book husband material!
⇢ ˗ˏˋ 𝘼𝙧𝙜𝙪𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙮𝙨𝙤𝙣࿐ྂ
6 words. Love. And. Hate Relationship. Between. Them.
⇢ ˗ˏˋ 𝘼𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙙𝙧𝙖 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙆𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙨࿐ྂ
Okay, okay to be honest I didn't know that this was the same author as 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝘽𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙐𝙨. I didn't really got to read their story. I dnf it a year ago. But now that I see them in this book I think I need to give 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝘽𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙐𝙨 it a second chance.
╭┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈◯◝
⇢ ˗ˏˋ𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨࿐ྂ
┊𝘌𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴
┊𝘏𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘪𝘦 (𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺)
┊𝘏𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘐𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘺
└┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
⇢ ˗ˏˋ 𝙋𝙡𝙤𝙩࿐ྂ
Okay the plot at first was like. huh? But then I got all of these sub plots and plot twists that made me love it more. I like how the story flowed. And it gave me such like good feeling when I guessed the plot twists and it became right. Anyways this book will make you think. . And show you the politics and all. This book had such a great structure to it.
⇢ ˗ˏˋ 𝙈𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨࿐ྂ
This author's humor is so weird in a good way. Okay no judge but like some of this I got so much second hand embarrassment. But I loved it anyways. Beautifully well written. I will tell you honestly the book starts off bumpy and to say it plain and gross. But once you get the hang of the humor then you can finally really enjoy it. I recommend this book!! Also this book gave me such like 𝘽𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝘽𝙮 𝘼𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙮𝙣 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚 vibes. I don't know why but if you like Belladonna then you would like reading this book! Also if you like 𝙃𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙖𝙡𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝘽𝙮 𝙀𝙧𝙞𝙣 𝘼 𝘾𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙜.
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣 𝙐𝙨 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩
"𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩."
"𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘪𝘭 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩."
" 𝘌𝘹𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺. 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰."
⌌⊱⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⊰⊱⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⊰⊱⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⊰⊱⊶⊷⊶
"𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘦𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦?"
"𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶."
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓓𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓦𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷 𝓤𝓼 𝓑𝔂 𝓣𝓻𝓲𝓬𝓲𝓪 𝓛𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓷𝓼𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓻
╭┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄╯
এ❁꙰ 𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓔𝓭𝓲𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷এ❁꙰
╰┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄┄╮
⌇⌦ 𝘙𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨: 4.5 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴
⌇⌦ 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘦: 2.5/5
⌇⌦ 𝘈𝘨𝘦: +16
⌇⌦ 𝘎𝘦𝘯𝘳𝘦: 𝘏𝘪𝘨𝘩 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺
╰─────────────────────────
⇢ ˗ˏˋ 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙮𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙖 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨 𝘿𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙨 ࿐ྂ
Oh my goodness. She is so funny. I love her she is amazing. I love how she didn't care what men thought of her. She was cunning, ruthless, and everything I love in a strong Female character. I must admit I got gross out by her in the beginning. But to be honest the author has some dark/inappropriate humor. Anyways love her. And I love her confidence. I love how she fought for what she believed in.
⇢ ˗ˏˋ 𝙀𝙧𝙮𝙭 𝘿𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙨࿐ྂ
Love him. Oh my gosh. He was so funny but also not too funny. He was caring and I knew all along how amazing he is. I really can't say anything else cause spoilers. But besides that I love him so freaking much literally book husband material!
⇢ ˗ˏˋ 𝘼𝙧𝙜𝙪𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙮𝙨𝙤𝙣࿐ྂ
6 words. Love. And. Hate Relationship. Between. Them.
⇢ ˗ˏˋ 𝘼𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙙𝙧𝙖 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙆𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙨࿐ྂ
Okay, okay to be honest I didn't know that this was the same author as 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝘽𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙐𝙨. I didn't really got to read their story. I dnf it a year ago. But now that I see them in this book I think I need to give 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝘽𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙐𝙨 it a second chance.
╭┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈◯◝
⇢ ˗ˏˋ𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨࿐ྂ
┊𝘌𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴
┊𝘏𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘪𝘦 (𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺)
┊𝘏𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘐𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘺
└┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
⇢ ˗ˏˋ 𝙋𝙡𝙤𝙩࿐ྂ
Okay the plot at first was like. huh? But then I got all of these sub plots and plot twists that made me love it more. I like how the story flowed. And it gave me such like good feeling when I guessed the plot twists and it became right. Anyways this book will make you think. . And show you the politics and all. This book had such a great structure to it.
⇢ ˗ˏˋ 𝙈𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨࿐ྂ
This author's humor is so weird in a good way. Okay no judge but like some of this I got so much second hand embarrassment. But I loved it anyways. Beautifully well written. I will tell you honestly the book starts off bumpy and to say it plain and gross. But once you get the hang of the humor then you can finally really enjoy it. I recommend this book!! Also this book gave me such like 𝘽𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝘽𝙮 𝘼𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙮𝙣 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚 vibes. I don't know why but if you like Belladonna then you would like reading this book! Also if you like 𝙃𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙖𝙡𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝘽𝙮 𝙀𝙧𝙞𝙣 𝘼 𝘾𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙜.
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘿𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣 𝙐𝙨 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩
"𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩."
"𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘪𝘭 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩."
" 𝘌𝘹𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺. 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰."
⌌⊱⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⊰⊱⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⊰⊱⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⊶⊷⊰⊱⊶⊷⊶
"𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘦𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦?"
"𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶."
March 10, 2024
“Exactly. Together, we could burn the world down if we wanted to.”
Darkness Within Us picks up where Shadows Between Us left off, only now from Alessandra’s sister, Chrysantha’s perspective.
Chrysantha is about to have everything she’s ever wanted, money to do with as she pleases and freedom from marriage. Until an imposter arrives at her manor, claiming to be the heir of her dying husband, trying to take everything Chrysantha has worked for. Chrysantha works to prove Eryx is not the heir he claims to be, and if all else fails, she’s not opposed to resorting to murder…again.
This was such a great companion novel to The Shadows Between Us and really ties the sisters together and makes the series feel more complete.
I really enjoyed learning more about Chrysantha’s character and motivations. Since she has pretended to be a simpleton for so long it created lots of opportunity for scheming.
It was fun to see what characters from the first book are up to and expand more on the world.
I absolutely adore Levensellers descriptive writing style when crafting scenery. Like in the first book the outfits being written with such care, now it’s of the old manor being remodeled. It really makes the setting easy to visualize with more detail.
I felt like the stakes weren’t very high for Chrysantha so I wasn’t as invested as I could have been if money wasn’t the main thing on the line. There was also a strong hate for men in this book and it seemed like an easy scapegoat for Chrysantha to pin all of her problems on. But overall I still enjoyed this book.
The Shadows Between Us can be read as a Standalone novel but if you enjoyed it- I highly recommend also reading The Darkness Within Us.
Perfect for fans of The Princess Diaries 2 and Beauty and the Beast.
Thank you NetGalley and Feiwel and Friends for this ARC!
4 Stars
Darkness Within Us picks up where Shadows Between Us left off, only now from Alessandra’s sister, Chrysantha’s perspective.
Chrysantha is about to have everything she’s ever wanted, money to do with as she pleases and freedom from marriage. Until an imposter arrives at her manor, claiming to be the heir of her dying husband, trying to take everything Chrysantha has worked for. Chrysantha works to prove Eryx is not the heir he claims to be, and if all else fails, she’s not opposed to resorting to murder…again.
This was such a great companion novel to The Shadows Between Us and really ties the sisters together and makes the series feel more complete.
I really enjoyed learning more about Chrysantha’s character and motivations. Since she has pretended to be a simpleton for so long it created lots of opportunity for scheming.
It was fun to see what characters from the first book are up to and expand more on the world.
I absolutely adore Levensellers descriptive writing style when crafting scenery. Like in the first book the outfits being written with such care, now it’s of the old manor being remodeled. It really makes the setting easy to visualize with more detail.
I felt like the stakes weren’t very high for Chrysantha so I wasn’t as invested as I could have been if money wasn’t the main thing on the line. There was also a strong hate for men in this book and it seemed like an easy scapegoat for Chrysantha to pin all of her problems on. But overall I still enjoyed this book.
The Shadows Between Us can be read as a Standalone novel but if you enjoyed it- I highly recommend also reading The Darkness Within Us.
Perfect for fans of The Princess Diaries 2 and Beauty and the Beast.
Thank you NetGalley and Feiwel and Friends for this ARC!
4 Stars
January 10, 2024
I needed to get out of a slump so I chose this book because I LOVED The Shadows Between Us!
Chrysantha was a clever, dark manipulator and the best morally gray MC. The romance was EVERYTHING (closed door for the YA crowd) and so rewarding.
A perfect companion book and a stellar fantasy. Read this one!!!!
Chrysantha was a clever, dark manipulator and the best morally gray MC. The romance was EVERYTHING (closed door for the YA crowd) and so rewarding.
A perfect companion book and a stellar fantasy. Read this one!!!!
May 14, 2024
Wow , like wow
Loved this book, i have to said I enjoy this book as much as the first one and exited to get my hands on the physical on june. The audio is phenomenal and totally will recommend to listen to. If you like intrigue , enemies to lovers, schemes and so much more this is definitely for you
Loved this book, i have to said I enjoy this book as much as the first one and exited to get my hands on the physical on june. The audio is phenomenal and totally will recommend to listen to. If you like intrigue , enemies to lovers, schemes and so much more this is definitely for you
Want to read
June 30, 2022HELLO???
UMMMM SINCE WHEN IS THIS HAPPENING?!?!
I WASNT INFORMED???
I LIKED SHADOWS BETWEEN US NOT MY FAV BUTTTT IF IT WERE A NA NOVEL I WOULDVE LOVED IT 10000x more. 😭
UMMMM SINCE WHEN IS THIS HAPPENING?!?!
I WASNT INFORMED???
I LIKED SHADOWS BETWEEN US NOT MY FAV BUTTTT IF IT WERE A NA NOVEL I WOULDVE LOVED IT 10000x more. 😭
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