Shadow Fall - Book Review

Synopsis: Custo Santovari accepted pain, blood, even death, to save his best friend. But a man with all his sins just isn't cut out to be an angel. One moment he's fleeing Heaven; the next, he's waking up stark naked in Manhattan. In the middle of a war. Called there by a woman who's desperately afraid of the dark. The Shadowlands gathers around Annabella as she performs, filled with fantastic images of another world, bringing both a golden hero and a nightmare lover. The Wolf pursues her relentlessly, twisting her desires even as she gives herself to the man she loves. Because each of us has a wild side, and Annabella is about to unleash the beast.


This is the second book in the Shadow series (see my review of Shadow Bound here) with the same basic premise of fighting the wraith war. I like the Custo character - he's everything an alpha male should be - dark, hot and sexy. Annabella is fragile yet strong and the ballet that she dances is described beautifully. Both of them make for a hot, sexy read. Although I enjoyed reading this book, I will admit that the plot is somewhat convoluted.  There is talk of Annabella needing to "master her magic" yet no one seems to know what the magic is that allows her into the Shadowlands, nor is there any plan on how she will accomplish the mastery. She has worked for 17 years to become the lead ballet dancer, yet she is willing to give it up without a struggle. This just doesn't track. The reasons for keeping Custo and Annabella apart in the first half of the book also seem a bit contrived. He thinks he is such a bad person that he couldn't possibly be with her. She runs hot and cold on whether she wants him to touch her. And then there's the "bad guy"- which in this case is a creature from the Shadowlands who is hunting Annabella. It's never fully explained if he is a shapeshifter or just possesses peoples bodies or both. Nor do we know how Annabellas magic will benefit him. And the way Custo disposes of the Wolf seems a bit too convenient.

The beautiful, moving prose that was part of the first book is gone in this one, but the writing itself is strong. The characters are fully developed and make you want to care about their problems. If you can read this without asking why the characters do what they do, it's a good book.

Shadow Bound - Book Review

Shadow Bound by Erin Kellison
Summary: Adam Thorne has devoted the last 6 years of his life to researching and tracking beings called wraiths, possessed humans who feed on human souls, and who have taken control of his brother Jacob. He finds Talia O'Brien, the half-fae daughter of Death himself and the key to destroying the wraiths. Her ability to move within the Shadow world has kept her alive, but now the wraiths want her for themselves. As they are pursued, allies become enemies and safety comes at too high a cost. Despite the danger around every corner, Adam and Talia cannot resist the growing attraction between them. For this unique woman, Adam will sacrifice everything he has, including himself.

This book surprised me and that's hard to do. I'm a big fan of paranormal romance and consequently, I've read a lot of them. After awhile, they tend to blend together, with similar themes, similar character types and similar conflicts. Shadow Bound surprised me by different from any of the books I've read lately. Although the author uses a familiar creature, the fairy, she does so in a way that separates her from the likes of Laurell K. Hamilton's Meredith Gentry. (note to Erin: Thank you for not once using the the term "Seelie.") Other paranormal romance writers should take note, Erin is the future voice of this genre.
 
I was blown away by the evocative prose in the prologue and initial chapters. It reads like poetry - not something I expect to find in a romance novel. I just wish there were more of this type of writing throughout the rest of the novel.   
 
In typical romance style, the story is told from alternating viewpoints of the two main characters. This doesn't bother me because I like seeing the story from both sides, but if you are used to another genre, this could throw you.  I found the story intriguing and the pacing fairly well done. It does lag a bit in the middle, but I can forgive that when the story still keeps my interest.
 
I highly recommend reading Shadow Bound. The follow up, Shadow Fall, was released a few days ago. I haven't read it, but I will. Erin Kellison has a unique voice and I eagerly await her upcoming books.