My Review
I'll be honest - this book is like that guilty pleasure dessert you can't stop eating even though you know it's not exactly gourmet. The romance is deliciously addictive, and I found myself completely wrapped up in the dynamic between our heroine and her shadows. There's something so compelling about enemies-to-lovers when done right, and while this wasn't necessarily groundbreaking, it scratched that particular itch perfectly.
The pacing moves at breakneck speed, which I actually appreciated since I'm terribly impatient. However (and here's where I have to be a bit critical), I do wish there had been more depth to the world-building. As someone who loves getting lost in rich, detailed universes, I felt like I was only getting glimpses through a foggy window rather than being fully immersed.
I did notice quite a few grammatical hiccups along the way - nothing that completely threw me out of the story, but enough to make me pause occasionally. It's like trying to waltz with a partner who keeps stepping on your toes - you can still enjoy the dance, but it would be so much smoother without those little stumbles.
The ending... well, let's just say I may have thrown my kindle across my reading nook (thankfully onto my pile of cushions). Not because it was bad, mind you, but because I desperately wanted more!
Would I recommend it? If you're in the mood for a fast-paced, addictive read and don't mind some rough edges, absolutely! It's perfect for those nights when you want to escape into something entertaining without having to think too deeply. Just don't expect profound literary revelations or perfectly polished prose.
⭐⭐⭐.5/5 stars from me - it's not perfect, but it's perfectly entertaining!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go pre-order the sequel and perhaps stress-bake some lavender scones while I wait...
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Book Description
Death was supposed to be my end. Instead, it was just the beginning.
I woke up in someone else’s body, inside the Shadow Academy, a school for elite warriors. Now they think I’m someone I'm not, and until I escape, I’ll have to play along.
But things get complicated when strange powers awaken inside me, along with forgotten memories.
Then there are the four elite Shadows who hate me for some reason, but also think I’m their mate:
Knox, the lethal assassin who hears my every thought and whispers back in a voice like sin.
Malakai, the Shadow shifter who sees through my eyes—and likes what he finds.
Theon, whose shadows alone cause pain, pretends to be cold, but one hint of my fear sends him feral.
And Cyrus, the nightmare Shadow who slithers into my dreams just to play.
Between brutal classes, war camps, and deadly games against a rival academy, I’m also hunting the truth. Because this body isn’t the only thing that’s stolen.
My death was no accident. And if they think I’ll play by their rules, they’re dead wrong.
Answers or ashes. Maybe I’ll just end up burning this place down.

Rumer Hale is a paranormal and fantasy romance author that loves writing about worlds filled with magic and strong heroines and their love interests. Love will always be at the heart of her stories but adventure is a big part too. So each story will give you a different experience.
She lives in Ireland with her daughter and family. She’s both a morning and nighttime person so her favourite time to write is either early mornings or late at night when everyone is asleep.
When she’s not writing or spending time with her family, she’s getting lost in a good book or binging a series or movies.
You can connect with her on TikTok and Instagram @rumerhaleauthor.
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