Into the Shadows

Shadowlands, Book 1

By: Linda Kaye

Narrated by: Abbey Turner

Her life is bound to the throne. His is bound to a dragon.

Enemies from the start, fate has woven together the lives of Lady Snowlark and the Drameara, leading them on an unwilling journey that challenges their most basic beliefs.

Lady Snowlark has one purpose in life: to do her duty and serve the throne. But when she is taken captive by one of the dreaded warriors who are stirring war across the country, survival becomes the ultimate goal in a high-stakes game that can have only one winner: Snowlark or the Drameara.

Into the Shadows is an extraordinary tale of courage and determination that will carry listeners along on a journey that is as captivating as it is unexpected.

©2021 Linda K. Hopkins (P)2024 Linda K. Hopkins

interesting dichotomy

Lark is an almost-Princess who will marry the prince in 2 weeks. He is a selfish philandering lout who won't do a favor for her without strings attached. So Lark and her brother Pip ride out to find the herb she needs to help their mother's disabling headaches. It's not far, just a couple of hours ride. Just as they find the herb, they are attacked by a dragon-like creature. The Civil War has come to them.. Lark offers herself as a prisoner in exchange for Pip's freedom. When she awakens, she finds herself guarded by man, who states he will kill her when the circumstances are right. As they travel across the country to his dragon master, she starts to see a different view of the rebellion. The dichotomy of her view of the world versus the reality is a compelling theme throughout the book. Well told and well narrated.

Enemies to lovers without the lovers

The author seemed to have forgotten to add the romance to their fantasy romance thriller. Which would be fine if they didn’t cash into the idea that their characters were in love at the end to lynchpin the plot change.

The main female character never seemed to warm up to her male lead nor come to understand him. Maybe it’s just because she is as dumb as a rock, but it was frustrating to listen to her ask questions that were rather painfully obvious.

Her stupidity did not help the “racism” sub plot, which rubbed me wrong whenever it was mentioned. The races were stereotypes of their stereotypes. One group was the instinctual relaxed nature group, and the other group was the snooty knowledgeable tech group. These weren’t false stigmas, but actually a part of history and culture. Which was an odd take. And the bad stigmas were also true. That one group actually steals. And the other group actually pillages. Makes me think that the author just hated all her creation.

Though I might think the author hates their creation, I know that they hate sex. Because every mention of people having and wanting sex (and there is a lot) is met with disdain, questionable consent, lots of slut shaming, and definite rapey vibes. If the FL was ace, it would have been fine to have such a dismissive view of sex, but in the end, she falls for the ML in a confusing “still don’t trust you” relationship.

Overall the story felt like a first draft, and could have highly benefited from a harsh editor. Small tweaks, large cuts, and some rearranging could have pulled out the themes that the author was going for.

FROM THE DARK

THE STORY IS A GOOD FUN ADVENTURE! I CANNOT WAIT TO LISTEN TO MORE!
THE NARRATOR DID A WONDERFUL JOB.!

Full of adventure

I loved Into the Shadows from start to finish. The plot is full of twists and turns and there is never a dull moment. The end (a cliff hanger) definitely leaves you wanting more. I recommend this book to those who enjoy fantasy drama. I hope the second book comes out soon!