In the Shadows Review Spotlight

 

This week, we're celebrating the long-anticipated release of In the Shadows by L.B. August! You are going to want to add this one to your TBR!

In the Shadows is the first book in L.B. August's the Amari series. Love a good enemies-to-lovers romance novel? Are you a fan of The Serpent and the Wings of Night, Fourth Wing, The Cruel Prince, One Dark Window, and A Court of Thorns and Roses? Then look no further because this book? Yeah, it's going to be your next read! 

In the Shadows starts off with a prologue that will draw you into the story. It's a children's story that is called the Threads of Amari. But is it more than it seems? Is this "children's story" a prophecy in disguise that hints at something more in the future to come? The clues are there dear reader. What do you think and what will you find hidden deep within these pages?

When the book shifts gears it moves forward to "10 years ago". Keep your footing, okay? You're in the past at this point in the book. We're with young(er) Theo during this time. You'll feel a smile creep across your face at the antics of youthful teasing between siblings. But things quickly shift in tone in less than a matter of a couple of pages. 

The shifting changes in this story come fast and fierce as it goes from playful banter between friends to full throttled danger bearing down on them threatening everything. That's just in the first chapter and in the first few pages! If that is what this book has just from the beginning, you can bet that the rest is going to be a wild ride of drama and chaos that is going to have you glued to the pages! 

But of course, this is just the beginning. In the Shadows is absolutely packed with drama, heartbreak, more drama, political intrigue that will leave you with your  jaw on the floor, and romance that promises to burn up the pages. 

While we have not yet had the privilege of reading any of these books - The Serpent and the Wings of Night, Fourth Wing, The Cruel Prince, One Dark Window, and A Court of Thorns and Roses, you can bet that we devoured this book, In the Shadows, like we were starving. LOL! So, we'll probably need to put those others on our lists (if they already aren't of course. LOL)

We get alternating viewpoints throughout this book between Theo and Lily. Each POV is told from the first person perspective so you get to feel like you are that particular character. The shifts between characters isn't every chapter, but it works to keep you coming back for more. 

Readers...do you hate cliffhangers? Well, let's be real, if you've read those books listed above you're more than okay with a cliffhanger...even if it makes you rage as it leaves you howling for more. LOL! Well, this book, as we're sure you've gotten the hint... is no exception. Cliffhanger? Check! LOL! Going to leave you howling for more? Double check. When is the next book coming? No. Idea. Aaaarggghhh!!! LOL! It's okay though! We'll just have to read this one in the meantime. Right? Right! 

In the Shadows is a fantastic story and we can't wait to find out what happens next. 

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, L.B. August, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book! We look forward to what comes next! 

                                                    In the Shadows (The Amari Series #1)

Expected Publication Date: February 27, 2024

Genre: Romantic Fantasy/ Enemies-to-Lovers

🔥Forced Proximity
🔥Forbidden Love
🔥Found Family
🔥Political Intrigue
🔥Elemental Magic
🔥Secret Identity
🔥Soul Mates
🔥Slow Burn

Damned by gods and threaded by fates, two mortals must embrace the darkness to find their true destinies.

Lilith Clarke is supposed to be dead: murdered by the vicious King Oren, her blood staining a field of daisies. But death would have been merciful.

After years of having no name, she is finally given a title: Queen of Umbra. But it will cost her everything. Lily is now bound to King Asher, the most powerful and brutal shadow divinus in all of Omnia. Forced to rule in secret, she slowly loses herself to the darkness. She fears it will swallow her whole.

Until he arrives, tugging an ancient thread deep within her soul.
Theodore Kincaid seeks justice in Umbra but falls captive to his sworn enemy, the ruthless King Asher. Trapped in the kingdom that killed his beloved, his fate seems sealed until a chance encounter with the secret Queen of Umbra offers him an opportunity he can’t resist.
Theo and the Queen each believe that they are in full control, but neither is prepared for what the fates have in store.

Amidst a realm on the brink of chaos, two souls collide in a heart-wrenching tale of unveiling secrets, conquering the darkness, and igniting a love that could save or destroy.

In The Shadows is the first book in a new series filled with forbidden romance, enemies-to-lovers, magical powers, fated mates, and political intrigue. It’s perfect for fans of The Serpent and the Wings of Night, Fourth Wing, The Cruel Prince, One Dark Window, and A Court of Thorns and Roses.

In The Shadows features mature content and themes that is not suitable for all audiences. Reader discretion is advised. For all content warnings, please visit L.B.’s Instagram.

GET IT ON AMAZON

About the Author

Born and raised in Ohio, where she still resides with her spouse, young child, and sweet senior dog, L.B. August’s most significant memories are Cedar Point and failing Hooked on Phonics (true story). Thrill seeking and difficulty reading followed L.B. into adulthood until, in 2022, she discovered a genre that tapped into the excitement of escapism and world building while capturing her attention and turning her into a voracious reader of fantasy. As she devoured book after book, L.B. found herself desperately wanting to read more empowered female characters within the genre, so she set off to write her own. Encouraged by her best friend, she wrote her debut novel, In The Shadows. Now she can be found hyper-fixating on new projects, downing copious amounts of black coffee, and pretending to be a corporate professional, all while crafting intricate, rich stories with captivating characters that she hopes will pass on her newfound passion for reading.

L.B. August

Tour organized by @rrbooktours