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When Shadows Fall
“Everything I hated and feared was outside that window. There was nothing between me and the night, nothing but a boy I didn’t know and shouldn’t trust.”
When the sun sets in Merak, a terrifying shadow world appears, guarded by nightmare beasts that prowl the darkness enforcing the rule of a tyrant lord.
Terrified of the night and plagued with crippling panic attacks, seventeen-year-old Ara Holstenner’s only solace from her anxiety is the bond she shares with her brave younger sister. But when Lan is taken by shadow creatures, Ara must embark on a perilous quest to rescue her, aided only by a strange boy who claims to be from her past.
But the night is not what it seems. If Ara cannot untangle the dark secrets lurking within its shadows, she will condemn her sister—and herself—to a lifetime of unimaginable torment.
When the sun sets in Merak, a terrifying shadow world appears, guarded by nightmare beasts that prowl the darkness enforcing the rule of a tyrant lord.
Terrified of the night and plagued with crippling panic attacks, seventeen-year-old Ara Holstenner’s only solace from her anxiety is the bond she shares with her brave younger sister. But when Lan is taken by shadow creatures, Ara must embark on a perilous quest to rescue her, aided only by a strange boy who claims to be from her past.
But the night is not what it seems. If Ara cannot untangle the dark secrets lurking within its shadows, she will condemn her sister—and herself—to a lifetime of unimaginable torment.
- GenresFantasy
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2023
7 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Lindy Enns
1 book15 followersLindy Enns grew up on an acreage in Saskatchewan, Canada. For the past ten years, she has divided her time between her writing projects and her work as an educational assistant. She currently lives with her cat, Kaylee, and a rapidly shrinking collection of house plants. When Shadows Fall is Lindy's debut novel and the first book in her Shadows of the Vale series.
To learn more about her books and to keep up to date on all her writing news, you can subscribe to her email list through her website, www.lindyenns.com.
To learn more about her books and to keep up to date on all her writing news, you can subscribe to her email list through her website, www.lindyenns.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 17, 2024
This review was originally posted on SFFINSIDERS.COM
Full Video Review on my BOOKTUBE CHANNEL
"When Shadows Fall," by Lindy Enns, is a novel that provides a reading experience difficult to define in simple, concise terms.
Much like the protagonist in the story she tells, I often found myself asking complicated questions and trying to formulate them as best I could.
As a reader, and in this case reviewer, it means re-examining sentences, paragraphs, whole chapters.
Uncertainty accompanied me through much of the first act, filled with references to medieval, post-apocalyptic, and perhaps even gas lamp or steampunk atmospheres.
Yet the charm of the basic idea and the well-defined characters kept me very entertained.
But let's go in order.
First a broad glance, then a few closer looks.
THE IMPLIED WORLD. THE EXPLICIT WORLD.
The world that Ara, the protagonist, experiences is not the world we see between the pages of this novel.
The uncertainty I mentioned in the introduction all stems from the aesthetic impact and some conflicts between the implied and the explicit.
The descriptions are all in all effective, but they push us in different directions.
At first I thought I was dealing with a classic fantasy, medieval inspiration. Instead, after a considerable number of pages, we are shown a world that may have been trapped in a stalemate. Social and industrial evolution is undermined by the rule of a dark lord who mercilessly controls, restricts, and judges.
Indeed, this result of both uncertainty and curiosity may have been entirely intended. This would not be the first novel I have read in which the author decided to remain cryptic, especially in the first act, to let the story and its context grow organically as the pages flow.
Yet I wonder if it was the best choice.
Let me give an example. Let's talk about bigwigs just to make sure we understand each other without a shadow of a doubt.
In Brandon Sanderson's "The Stormlight Archives", the lush visuals of traditional fantasy settings, complete with knights, princesses, and elaborate gowns, reign supreme, painting a vivid picture of a classic world. However, the author is quick to make it clear that those elements are present, yes, but reworked in a very clear way. We see the various types of clothing, understand what they imply and how they differ from the classic fantasy aesthetic we are all familiar with.
We observe the world and realize that instead of lush forests and towering mountains we are dealing with desolate (seemingly desert) plains infested with huge lobsters.
This is a deliberate and gradual process. From the usual to the original.
Robert Jordan did it in very elegant and subtle ways in his Wheel of Time, Mary E. Pearson showed us how to do it with great skill in her Remnant Chronicles. The same is true of Leigh Bardugo and her Grishaverse.
Enns here keeps it more vague. The elements and information that should guide us are few, some seeming to conflict with what was established at the beginning of the story.
But these are rarely shortcomings capable of ruining the reading experience altogether.
I wish I could have seen, and experienced, Ara's world more effectively. A more precise and detailed characterization of the whole context would have been helpful.
But if descriptions, or lack thereof, interest you little, know that there is much to love in this story.
THE ANCHOR
As I mentioned, Ara is a beautifully defined character and the anchor that tied me to this story.
At seventeen years old, Ara lives in fear. She lost her father to the curse that oppresses the village in which she lives and has been plagued by terrible panic attacks ever since.
Her relationship with her sister Lan is complex. They love each other, of course, but they often clash because of diametrically opposed dispositions.
Lan is distracted, somewhat rebellious, and wants a present (and future) that Ara cannot even imagine.
The girls' mother is a figure consumed by the need to protect her daughters and survive in a nightmarish world.
There are layers upon layers of delightful and complex personal interactions that make all these characters distinctly endearing.
The rest of the cast is well done, but never quite reaches the same level of depth.
FUEL, QUESTIONS AND DRAMA
Ara has a natural aptitude for using technology to regulate the basic activities of this world. It all revolves around using emotions as "fuel" to operate machines of all kinds: from teapots to large tools for harvesting grain.
The intricacies of how these machines work are explained well. Don't worry if they don't seem to make sense at first. Little by little the basic logic will become clearer.
The plot is well organized and proceeds fluidly, bringing into play a series of interesting questions that accumulate little by little and find answers with equal regularity.
I really appreciate how questions and answers always go hand in hand with the introduction of new characters.
The biggest mysteries in this novel, the most threatening ones, always have to do with the staging of worldbuilding, but the answers always come in a personal and intimate way. This should be the case in any good fantasy novel, in my opinion, but it often doesn't.
In this story, however, this aspect is handled well, without any contradictions and with an admirable progression.
I actually have some doubts about the effectiveness of the encounter/clash with the main villain.
The tension builds up little by little, as do the questions and the fear. But when it comes to the big moment the real collision is very fast.
It makes sense on a thematic level, it credibly resolves the conflicts that motivate the story, yes.
But I would have liked more on a dramatic level.
UNUSUAL BUT STRONG
As I said at the beginning, evaluating this novel was difficult for me.
Overall, it is an excellent read for the characters and the way the story unfolds. I really appreciated Ara's development, the way she faced the difficulties, internal and external, and the spirit that she brought out.
However, I would have appreciated a deeper story from the point of view of the lore and with a more incisive aesthetic characterization.
The uncertainty I was talking about, in any case, lightens as the reading progresses and the characters begin to take over.
So if you are looking for an unusual fantasy novel with good characters, this novel will offer you hours and hours of excellent entertainment.
Full Video Review on my BOOKTUBE CHANNEL
"When Shadows Fall," by Lindy Enns, is a novel that provides a reading experience difficult to define in simple, concise terms.
Much like the protagonist in the story she tells, I often found myself asking complicated questions and trying to formulate them as best I could.
As a reader, and in this case reviewer, it means re-examining sentences, paragraphs, whole chapters.
Uncertainty accompanied me through much of the first act, filled with references to medieval, post-apocalyptic, and perhaps even gas lamp or steampunk atmospheres.
Yet the charm of the basic idea and the well-defined characters kept me very entertained.
But let's go in order.
First a broad glance, then a few closer looks.
THE IMPLIED WORLD. THE EXPLICIT WORLD.
The world that Ara, the protagonist, experiences is not the world we see between the pages of this novel.
The uncertainty I mentioned in the introduction all stems from the aesthetic impact and some conflicts between the implied and the explicit.
The descriptions are all in all effective, but they push us in different directions.
At first I thought I was dealing with a classic fantasy, medieval inspiration. Instead, after a considerable number of pages, we are shown a world that may have been trapped in a stalemate. Social and industrial evolution is undermined by the rule of a dark lord who mercilessly controls, restricts, and judges.
Indeed, this result of both uncertainty and curiosity may have been entirely intended. This would not be the first novel I have read in which the author decided to remain cryptic, especially in the first act, to let the story and its context grow organically as the pages flow.
Yet I wonder if it was the best choice.
Let me give an example. Let's talk about bigwigs just to make sure we understand each other without a shadow of a doubt.
In Brandon Sanderson's "The Stormlight Archives", the lush visuals of traditional fantasy settings, complete with knights, princesses, and elaborate gowns, reign supreme, painting a vivid picture of a classic world. However, the author is quick to make it clear that those elements are present, yes, but reworked in a very clear way. We see the various types of clothing, understand what they imply and how they differ from the classic fantasy aesthetic we are all familiar with.
We observe the world and realize that instead of lush forests and towering mountains we are dealing with desolate (seemingly desert) plains infested with huge lobsters.
This is a deliberate and gradual process. From the usual to the original.
Robert Jordan did it in very elegant and subtle ways in his Wheel of Time, Mary E. Pearson showed us how to do it with great skill in her Remnant Chronicles. The same is true of Leigh Bardugo and her Grishaverse.
Enns here keeps it more vague. The elements and information that should guide us are few, some seeming to conflict with what was established at the beginning of the story.
But these are rarely shortcomings capable of ruining the reading experience altogether.
I wish I could have seen, and experienced, Ara's world more effectively. A more precise and detailed characterization of the whole context would have been helpful.
But if descriptions, or lack thereof, interest you little, know that there is much to love in this story.
THE ANCHOR
As I mentioned, Ara is a beautifully defined character and the anchor that tied me to this story.
At seventeen years old, Ara lives in fear. She lost her father to the curse that oppresses the village in which she lives and has been plagued by terrible panic attacks ever since.
Her relationship with her sister Lan is complex. They love each other, of course, but they often clash because of diametrically opposed dispositions.
Lan is distracted, somewhat rebellious, and wants a present (and future) that Ara cannot even imagine.
The girls' mother is a figure consumed by the need to protect her daughters and survive in a nightmarish world.
There are layers upon layers of delightful and complex personal interactions that make all these characters distinctly endearing.
The rest of the cast is well done, but never quite reaches the same level of depth.
FUEL, QUESTIONS AND DRAMA
Ara has a natural aptitude for using technology to regulate the basic activities of this world. It all revolves around using emotions as "fuel" to operate machines of all kinds: from teapots to large tools for harvesting grain.
The intricacies of how these machines work are explained well. Don't worry if they don't seem to make sense at first. Little by little the basic logic will become clearer.
The plot is well organized and proceeds fluidly, bringing into play a series of interesting questions that accumulate little by little and find answers with equal regularity.
I really appreciate how questions and answers always go hand in hand with the introduction of new characters.
The biggest mysteries in this novel, the most threatening ones, always have to do with the staging of worldbuilding, but the answers always come in a personal and intimate way. This should be the case in any good fantasy novel, in my opinion, but it often doesn't.
In this story, however, this aspect is handled well, without any contradictions and with an admirable progression.
I actually have some doubts about the effectiveness of the encounter/clash with the main villain.
The tension builds up little by little, as do the questions and the fear. But when it comes to the big moment the real collision is very fast.
It makes sense on a thematic level, it credibly resolves the conflicts that motivate the story, yes.
But I would have liked more on a dramatic level.
UNUSUAL BUT STRONG
As I said at the beginning, evaluating this novel was difficult for me.
Overall, it is an excellent read for the characters and the way the story unfolds. I really appreciated Ara's development, the way she faced the difficulties, internal and external, and the spirit that she brought out.
However, I would have appreciated a deeper story from the point of view of the lore and with a more incisive aesthetic characterization.
The uncertainty I was talking about, in any case, lightens as the reading progresses and the characters begin to take over.
So if you are looking for an unusual fantasy novel with good characters, this novel will offer you hours and hours of excellent entertainment.
August 16, 2024
I enjoyed this quite a bit, it has a lot of heavy lifting to do in terms of establishing the world due to it being the first book in a series, and overall it does a good job, providing an interesting world to view through the main characters eyes, as well as doing a solid job of establishing the world threat as well as a level of mystery as to the workings of the world.
As for the workings, they tech/magic system is really interesting, with emotion being a (magical?) driving force for the more advanced tech, with much of the knowledge being list meaning we have a basic understanding but a lot still obscured, which fits with the themes of obscurity and misdirection that run throughout.
Overall, this is a strong book one, and i am looking to the next one...
As for the workings, they tech/magic system is really interesting, with emotion being a (magical?) driving force for the more advanced tech, with much of the knowledge being list meaning we have a basic understanding but a lot still obscured, which fits with the themes of obscurity and misdirection that run throughout.
Overall, this is a strong book one, and i am looking to the next one...
January 9, 2025
Not normally my genre of choice but I did really enjoy this one. A YA novel about a girl with anxiety facing down her fears and chasing shadows away. Pretty good stuff, cool magic/tech system
December 3, 2023
5🌟
This was absolutely amazing for a debut novel!!! It was great overall, but as a debut?! Honestly so impressive. The story is enthralling, entertaining, and pulls you in. The world is easy to understand yet very well developed. The characters have layers and flaws, and are so relatable and realistic. The writing is great, the world is fantastic, and the descriptions, especially for setting, are wonderful. This creation is spectacular and definitely worth a read! I can’t wait for the next one🤞🏻.
This was absolutely amazing for a debut novel!!! It was great overall, but as a debut?! Honestly so impressive. The story is enthralling, entertaining, and pulls you in. The world is easy to understand yet very well developed. The characters have layers and flaws, and are so relatable and realistic. The writing is great, the world is fantastic, and the descriptions, especially for setting, are wonderful. This creation is spectacular and definitely worth a read! I can’t wait for the next one🤞🏻.
May 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this one, the concept was really cool and well executed. The magic technology and world building is fascinating. The world we see is eclipsed by the shadow of a greater past, and what we see now is merely built in its ruins. The history of the world makes you ask more questions about it rather than answering them, drawing you to want more answers. It has a great message about true courage, which in an age of anxiety is a balm to the soul. I am excited to read the next book in the series.
Would recommend :)
Would recommend :)
July 3, 2025
I enjoyed it!
I love Nat.
He’s my absolute favorite character and it’s killing me with the way the book ended. I won’t spoil it for anyone but I’m dying to know what happens next. Especially between him and Ara. It’s a unique read with a magic system I’ve never read before but it definitely was interesting. Easy to understand and keep up with, I really enjoyed reading this book. Look forward to the next one. :)
I love Nat.
He’s my absolute favorite character and it’s killing me with the way the book ended. I won’t spoil it for anyone but I’m dying to know what happens next. Especially between him and Ara. It’s a unique read with a magic system I’ve never read before but it definitely was interesting. Easy to understand and keep up with, I really enjoyed reading this book. Look forward to the next one. :)
January 13, 2024
I'm so thrilled this was my first read of 2024 and its a 5 star 🤩 WOW! This book offers a very unique world with a terrible and tyrannical lord, hideous monsters, a sinister shadow world that only appears once the sun goes down, technology that runs on emotions, and Ara - our unlikely hero on a journey to conquer it all.
What makes this book so special to me is that I feel so seen in the struggles of Ara's journey. She's working through feelings of fear, reliving memories of past traumatic experiences, and challenging the beliefs she's held her entire life. Her determination to rescue her sister outweighs all of these things, and she perseveres.
I couldn't put this book down, and I patiently await book 2!
What makes this book so special to me is that I feel so seen in the struggles of Ara's journey. She's working through feelings of fear, reliving memories of past traumatic experiences, and challenging the beliefs she's held her entire life. Her determination to rescue her sister outweighs all of these things, and she perseveres.
I couldn't put this book down, and I patiently await book 2!
January 1, 2024
I couldn’t put this book down! Lindy Enns has created a spectacular fantasy world that you won’t want to leave. It’s unbelievably refreshing to read an adventurous novel where the characters have doubts, fears, and imperfections that feel real. The payoffs for each protagonist were hard earned and well-deserved; not an easy feat for any author, but amazingly well-accomplished in this book. Amazing!
May 9, 2024
It was spellbinding and I didn’t want to put it down. It drew me in and I throughly enjoyed it.
July 25, 2024
Great debut
I very much enjoyed this book. Ara and Nat are interesting characters, and I loved how their story developed. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what happens next!
I very much enjoyed this book. Ara and Nat are interesting characters, and I loved how their story developed. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what happens next!
June 3, 2024
If I could I would give this a 4 1/2. It is a fantasy fiction young adult coming of age book. Once I'd realised this I was going to put it down but it is so well written with characters that are compelling. I was rooting for Ara all the way even though I sort of knew she'd make it because the cover tells us this is "book one" in the Shadows of the Vale series. I would very much like to read book two as I can see this new writer is only going to get better and better.
I am now going to lend Lindy's book to one of my writing group who is trying to write fantasy fiction as I think there are lots of lessons he can learn here
I am now going to lend Lindy's book to one of my writing group who is trying to write fantasy fiction as I think there are lots of lessons he can learn here
May 11, 2023
In the beginning I was lost with all of the different details and factors, really not understanding the point of each factor with emotionry, work cycle, shadows, anxiety, sisterhood, all of it. But as the book progressed everything made sense, I found myself more and more invested and coming up with theories. Every time I thought I was right, I was proven wrong. Every time i thought i was understanding I was given more context as to what was actually happening. One can never be too prepared for what comes next. By the end of the novel I was super invested- actually upset with the ending as I didn’t have all the answers even though it’s the most satisfactory ending i could have asked for.
May 15, 2023
Thank you Lindy for sending me an ARC of When Shadows Fall.
I absolutely loved this book! It is very well-written with an interesting story to keep you invested. Personally, I'm a huge fan of stories where characters go on a personal (development) journey; facing their fears, overcoming them and stepping into their power. This book definitely delivers on that front! Personally I would have liked a bit more world-building, but there's always book two for that :)
I know indie books can be a bit of a hit or miss, in my opinion this book is definitely a hit! It's for sure the best indie book I've read so far.
I absolutely loved this book! It is very well-written with an interesting story to keep you invested. Personally, I'm a huge fan of stories where characters go on a personal (development) journey; facing their fears, overcoming them and stepping into their power. This book definitely delivers on that front! Personally I would have liked a bit more world-building, but there's always book two for that :)
I know indie books can be a bit of a hit or miss, in my opinion this book is definitely a hit! It's for sure the best indie book I've read so far.
October 19, 2023
A tale of overcoming fear!
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear. -Franklin D. Roosevelt
Set in a unique world filled with trials and struggles this book is a fantastic read! The main character is not the typical YA heroine and I couldn’t have been happier about that. This book kept me completely involved the entire time with its twists and mystery. The story itself flowed beautifully and was just the right about of descriptive without making me feel like I needed to skim. I will definitely be looking forward to the next installment!
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear. -Franklin D. Roosevelt
Set in a unique world filled with trials and struggles this book is a fantastic read! The main character is not the typical YA heroine and I couldn’t have been happier about that. This book kept me completely involved the entire time with its twists and mystery. The story itself flowed beautifully and was just the right about of descriptive without making me feel like I needed to skim. I will definitely be looking forward to the next installment!
May 9, 2023
I enjoyed the use of emotions and belief throughout the book. I found the emotionary concept to be quite interesting. I had a bit of trouble keeping track of the various cultures and their relationships to each other, but overall this didn’t impact my ability to enjoy the book. All and all a good read.
June 2, 2023
This book is perfect, it is precisely what a story should be. The story builds providing mystery and solving little bits and pieces to keep you hooked as you read through. Whilst the end does tie itself off nicely there are still so many questions that need answering. So I will be waiting for book 2 with bated breath. I want to know what happens next.
January 7, 2025
Wonderful. The characters are each very charming, and their internal struggles are intriguing to read. It is a very immersive read! I do however wish there was a little more world building, but otherwise the world was very fun to hang around in. I loved learning about the magic system. What a fun read!
May 15, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed When Shadows Fall. I felt this book dealt with major issues in an imaginative way. The characters were easy to relate to and and the descriptions brought the story to life. There were enough twists and turns to keep me reading until the end- a hard book to put down!
November 10, 2024
It was such a good read, I need the next book or else. An intriguing use of magic and emotions and a good lesson at the heart that sometimes what your being told might not be the truth even if it seems scary.
January 28, 2024
A stunning novel from a new author! I can't wait to read what she produces next!
Here we find an agrarian landscape, with machines that run on the power of human emotions. But that's only one setting. At night, the world literally changes into a dark woodland, full of gloom and monsters. Our protagonist has chronic anxiety, yet still she goes outside to brave the darkness, and rescue her sister. Much of this can be gathered from the blurb, and I wouldn't dare give away how all these elements are paid off in the end. This is a book to be read, and an author to be watched.
In a book with such a compelling, mysterious setting, one might expect the landscape to overwhelm the plot. Not so here. The entire novel works holistically to drive the reader from one moment to the next with a mounting level of suspense, forcing us to share the protagonist's mind as we will her to go on. More than once, I wondered if an emotional moment would fail to land, or some digression would break the momentum, but it never happened. A novel like this could only be the result of hours' worth of loving labor, each phrase and plot point considered and reconsidered. The book just simply works, like a machine powered by the reader's emotions.
But the most exciting thing about "When Shadows Fall" is that this is the author's first effort! Lindy Enns is still learning, still writing! And a sequel is coming! Huzzah!
Here we find an agrarian landscape, with machines that run on the power of human emotions. But that's only one setting. At night, the world literally changes into a dark woodland, full of gloom and monsters. Our protagonist has chronic anxiety, yet still she goes outside to brave the darkness, and rescue her sister. Much of this can be gathered from the blurb, and I wouldn't dare give away how all these elements are paid off in the end. This is a book to be read, and an author to be watched.
In a book with such a compelling, mysterious setting, one might expect the landscape to overwhelm the plot. Not so here. The entire novel works holistically to drive the reader from one moment to the next with a mounting level of suspense, forcing us to share the protagonist's mind as we will her to go on. More than once, I wondered if an emotional moment would fail to land, or some digression would break the momentum, but it never happened. A novel like this could only be the result of hours' worth of loving labor, each phrase and plot point considered and reconsidered. The book just simply works, like a machine powered by the reader's emotions.
But the most exciting thing about "When Shadows Fall" is that this is the author's first effort! Lindy Enns is still learning, still writing! And a sequel is coming! Huzzah!
June 3, 2023
When I tell you this book made me cry, I truly mean it. From start to finish, the story grabbed & reeled me in, making it impossible to put down.
I really have to commend the writer for creating characters who were not only believably human, but admirable and tough in the face of adversity and tragedy.
The suspense, action, thriller, and heart-wrenching scenes made me feel like I was in the story along with the protagonists. Enns made it possible to feel exactly what the characters were feeling, which really stuck with me.
I especially liked how the writer showed you the main protagonist's growth from the beginning of the novel to the end. It felt like I grew with them as they grew and the plot progressed.
This story beautifully showcases how one can conquer their fears and truly rise above the darkness and shadows, no matter how difficult the obstacle.
All in all, I 10/10 highly recommend When Shadows Fall to readers who want to experience a beautiful story that's beautifully written.
I really have to commend the writer for creating characters who were not only believably human, but admirable and tough in the face of adversity and tragedy.
The suspense, action, thriller, and heart-wrenching scenes made me feel like I was in the story along with the protagonists. Enns made it possible to feel exactly what the characters were feeling, which really stuck with me.
I especially liked how the writer showed you the main protagonist's growth from the beginning of the novel to the end. It felt like I grew with them as they grew and the plot progressed.
This story beautifully showcases how one can conquer their fears and truly rise above the darkness and shadows, no matter how difficult the obstacle.
All in all, I 10/10 highly recommend When Shadows Fall to readers who want to experience a beautiful story that's beautifully written.
August 22, 2023
Darkness changes the world. Familiar places become unsettling, growing and reforming, harboring dangerous secrets and hungry beasts. Lindy Enns takes this phenomenon and makes it literal. You don’t go out after dark in her world. This is a fantastic book full of atmosphere, brilliant characters and a very different society, with its own customs and technology, that is utterly believable. It opens with one of the best first chapters I’ve read in a long, long time. Enns does some very heavy lifting here introducing the characters, their world, the central concept, subtle threads and themes that become vital later on, with a generous slice of adventure and genuinely unnerving scares … all wrapped up in an easy read that make it seem effortless. And then it gets even better. The first of a series, this is a completely satisfying read on its own … but with enough threads left dangling to make you desperate for the next book.
July 1, 2024
Thank you so much for the gifted copy ♥️
was a bond between us that went beyond our shared goals and the dangers we faced, something which can not be described in words."
God sake.
What a book 🤭
This plot was VERY unique and kept me hooked the whole way through, written in first person it was like reading a diary. Incredible strong start, which kept me on my toes straight away.
Imagine a book where the FMC is powerless to her demons. Her and her family were forced to work like slaves to give tribute to the greed of the Lord, and machinery completely powered by emotions?!
The Lords tyrany controlled everything, then her sister was taken, when the shadows awoke. Panic attacks are real, authentic. You couldn't ask for more in a book as you are taken on an adventure of a lifetime.
If you like maleficent and lion the witch and the wardrobe, you'll love this one. Be prepared to be fuming at the end when you are sitting around waiting for book two!
Incredible
was a bond between us that went beyond our shared goals and the dangers we faced, something which can not be described in words."
God sake.
What a book 🤭
This plot was VERY unique and kept me hooked the whole way through, written in first person it was like reading a diary. Incredible strong start, which kept me on my toes straight away.
Imagine a book where the FMC is powerless to her demons. Her and her family were forced to work like slaves to give tribute to the greed of the Lord, and machinery completely powered by emotions?!
The Lords tyrany controlled everything, then her sister was taken, when the shadows awoke. Panic attacks are real, authentic. You couldn't ask for more in a book as you are taken on an adventure of a lifetime.
If you like maleficent and lion the witch and the wardrobe, you'll love this one. Be prepared to be fuming at the end when you are sitting around waiting for book two!
Incredible
January 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! It is among my favourite novels, and I can't wait to read future books in the series! I really liked how at the end of the book you explained everything, and even small details through the book that seemed to have no meaning seemed to come together, and all of a sudden, the book grew so much more interesting. I truly love when books do that and was thrilled when yours did the same. I just thought I'd write a review, me being a writer myself, and I know how important even the smallest encouragement or criticism is. I love your writing!
May 20, 2023
An Emotional Journey: Walking the path with Ara is initially a bit confusing, but it soon clears up as more context is revealed. There is a wealth of emotional depth as you witness Ara's learning, adaptation, and growth. It's a journey of overcoming fears and confronting oneself within a world of fantasy and captivating plots. The conclusion was gripping, and I am eagerly anticipating the continuation of Ara's journey.
April 5, 2025
This book was fresh, unique and utterly engrossing! There were so many original ideas in this story which added even more layers to it and made it so interesting. The plot was fantastic and kept me turning pages! I loved this novel and the world the author has created. She has such a fantastic imagination. I highly recommend it and cannot wait for the sequel! This book is a real gem.
July 1, 2024
I picked this book up not knowing what to expect , but it sounded interesting . Well, it truly blew me away, the world building was amazing , and it’s very relatable . I true reminder to feel the fear and do it anyway, because when you do, you can conquer great things , a must read !
February 5, 2025
I think this was a very good book, it’s right up my alley since it’s fantasy. I really liked the world building and how everything thing works with it. I really enjoyed all the characters and their personalities and challenges. I can’t wait until your next book!
July 4, 2023
What a great read . Author held my attention, did a great job bringing me into her world .
The characters were likeable and I wanted to journey with them.
Well done
The characters were likeable and I wanted to journey with them.
Well done
June 5, 2023
Title: When Shadows Fall
Author: Lindy Enns
Publisher: Lindy Enns
ISBN: 9781738933709
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/173...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
“Everything I hated and feared was outside that window. There was nothing between me and the night, nothing but a boy I didn’t know and shouldn’t trust.”
When the sun sets in Merak, a terrifying shadow world appears, guarded by nightmare beasts that prowl the darkness enforcing the rule of a tyrant lord.
Terrified of the night and plagued with crippling panic attacks, seventeen-year-old Ara Holstenner’s only solace from her anxiety is the bond she shares with her brave younger sister. But when Lan is taken by shadow creatures, Ara must embark on a perilous quest to rescue her, aided only by a strange boy who claims to be from her past.
But the night is not what it seems. If Ara cannot untangle the dark secrets lurking within its shadows, she will condemn her sister—and herself—to a lifetime of unimaginable torment.
Total Score: 5/5
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Summary:
The town of Merak appears to be normal during the daytime, but looks can be deceiving. They are ruled by an over bearing Lord demanding tribute for his protection form the shadows of the night. After the sun starts to set everyone locks their doors/windows and hides inside, but even then peole like Ara’s father was taken years ago. Ara’s sister is one of the few who doesn’t seem as scared by the shadows. That is until the night she was taken. Ara is determined to try and find a way to rescue her sister and the only one she thinks night help he is a boy who himself was taken until he returned changed.
Things are not always how they appear and Ara with her friend may be the only hope for finding the truth that could save all she loves and holds dear.
This is a wonderful story about overcoming difficulties, friendship and maybe even love. Their story isn’t over yet and I for one can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Author: Lindy Enns
Publisher: Lindy Enns
ISBN: 9781738933709
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/173...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
“Everything I hated and feared was outside that window. There was nothing between me and the night, nothing but a boy I didn’t know and shouldn’t trust.”
When the sun sets in Merak, a terrifying shadow world appears, guarded by nightmare beasts that prowl the darkness enforcing the rule of a tyrant lord.
Terrified of the night and plagued with crippling panic attacks, seventeen-year-old Ara Holstenner’s only solace from her anxiety is the bond she shares with her brave younger sister. But when Lan is taken by shadow creatures, Ara must embark on a perilous quest to rescue her, aided only by a strange boy who claims to be from her past.
But the night is not what it seems. If Ara cannot untangle the dark secrets lurking within its shadows, she will condemn her sister—and herself—to a lifetime of unimaginable torment.
Total Score: 5/5
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Summary:
The town of Merak appears to be normal during the daytime, but looks can be deceiving. They are ruled by an over bearing Lord demanding tribute for his protection form the shadows of the night. After the sun starts to set everyone locks their doors/windows and hides inside, but even then peole like Ara’s father was taken years ago. Ara’s sister is one of the few who doesn’t seem as scared by the shadows. That is until the night she was taken. Ara is determined to try and find a way to rescue her sister and the only one she thinks night help he is a boy who himself was taken until he returned changed.
Things are not always how they appear and Ara with her friend may be the only hope for finding the truth that could save all she loves and holds dear.
This is a wonderful story about overcoming difficulties, friendship and maybe even love. Their story isn’t over yet and I for one can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews