Thanks so much to Katherine Quinn and Entangled Publishing, LLC | Entangled: Teen for the eARC of this book. it was such a great easy and quick read for me. I loved reading about Judes story. I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy! Can't wait to read other books by Katherine.

Katharine Quinn’s To Kill a Shadow pulls you into a dark and mesmerizing world filled with mystery, danger, and a slow-burn romance that leaves you breathless. The protagonist, Kiara Frey, is an absolute force to be reckoned with. From the moment she is introduced, you can feel the weight of her past, though it remains hidden in shadows for much of the story. As we unravel the layers of her character, we discover her resilience and strength in the face of darkness. I loved how her fierce determination mirrored the brutality of the world she lives in.

The story’s atmospheric world-building was incredible, painting a vivid picture of a kingdom teetering on the edge of collapse, where the only way to survive is to face the terrifying unknown. The dangers lurking in the shadows were palpable, and as the secrets of the misted shadows slowly unfurled, I found myself on the edge of my seat.

To Kill a Shadow is a perfect blend of fantasy, horror, and romance, with high stakes and powerful characters. Kiara’s strength and Jude’s brooding intensity create a dynamic that’s impossible to look away from. If you love slow-burn romance, angsty tension, and a story where survival is not guaranteed, this is a must-read!

To Kill a Shadow is a young adult fantasy book with a dark twist that I liked more than I expected.

The story takes place in a world that has not seen the light of day for 50 years, since a curse fell on the earth after the death of the goddess of the Sun, which led them to live in perpetual night since then. After this, the creatures of the shadows do not stop attacking towns and the mist increasingly hides dangers, dangers that the main characters of this story, Kiara and Jude, must face if they want to end the curse once and for all.

Kiara is a girl who has lived much of her life avoided by the people of her town, after suffering an attack in the forest when she was just a child that changed her whole life, since then she only trusts her brother and tries to be strong for both of them, until he is called by the king's knights to enlist. At that moment, Kiara will show the strength and fierceness that she carries within, something that attracts Jude, commander of the knights, who agrees to take her in exchange for her brother.

Jude has never known freedom. Since he was a child, he has been tied to a man he called father who has used and mistreated him as he wanted, and then the king took him to the palace and enlisted him in the knights, using him as an assassin. He is the only one who has traveled to the Mist and has returned alive to tell the tale, and is sent back there to find three key pieces that will break the curse.

What Kiara and Jude don't know is that they will find something more than dangers and monsters during the mission. They will know love, freedom by being together and many secrets that have been pulling the strings of their lives without them knowing.

The story is engaging from beginning to end and I read it quite quickly, thanks to the fact that the chapters are short and that the points of view of Kiara and Jude alternate. It mixes fantasy with mythology, since the gods have a very important role in the book, not to mention the romance that arises between Kiara and Jude. Another point in its favor is the entire central plot, linked to folklore, which has kept me in suspense at more than one moment and at the end has left me speechless. As for the characters, Kiara is a strong and brave girl, who will bond with several of her comrades and consider them as her own family, so she will do anything to protect them, even so she has moments of fragility, due to everything she has suffered as a child, but she will not let herself be defeated by it. Jude will see in Kiara a light that will take him out of the darkness in which he has always lived, breaking the barriers he has put around his heart. And my favorite is undoubtedly Jack, who despite being a secondary character, has touched my heart for his good humor, his charisma and his camaraderie.

If I have to give a negative point to the story, it is Jude's indecision regarding Kiara. He spends half the book wanting to have something with her and then not. Again yes and again no. That indecision has made me a little unhappy, but otherwise it is a story that I highly recommend. I am looking forward to December to be able to read the second and final part, and see what the future holds for Kiara, Jude and what other secrets the people around them are hiding.

This was one of the let me try something out of my normal books.
Unfortunately, it was not a winner for me.
Kiara was the kind of main character that I would have liked to smack some sense into. She had an ego that just did not make her all that likeable and drive me batty at times. She could have done with a lot more character development and must go through some rough patches or put real effort into something. When things are too easy-going for a character it just isn’t something I’m all that much a fan of.
As you go through the book, there were many parts where more details would have been a key point to get me back into the book. The backdrop of the Gods and curse could have had more history to it to really build you into what’s going on. Same for the characters and other sections of the book. If there was a little more oomph, I would have been way more interested in the book than I was.
Overall, it wasn’t a horrible book, just one that needed that fine tuning to get my full attention. I will give the next book a chance. Who knows, I’ve been greatly surprised at times when the second book was the best yet.

I’m so glad I finally had the opportunity to read “To Kill A Shadow.” My only lament is that I didn't read it sooner! I stayed up all night reading and finishing this book! I love fantasy so much; this story couldn’t have come at a better time for me. From the characters to the plot, world-building, twists, moral lessons, and rich lore – I’m obsessed. I cannot wait for the next book!! I need to know what happens next! If you're seeking an exceptional fantasy read, this book is a must for you!

I went into To Kill a Shadow blind; it was an adventure! Kiara is a fantastic main character, and she’s not messing around; she puts all the men in their place. She is heroic and a leader in her own way. Jude Maddox, the Hand of Death, is another fascinating character. Kiara and Jude's connection was palpable in this closed-door young adult romance. The only thing I wish was better was the overall world-building. This story felt like it took place in a generic fantasy world. I would have loved some more personalization to set it apart. That said, I still want to read book two to find out how the story ends!

Thanks to Entangled Publishing for sending me this ARC!

I absolutely loved the dystopian romantasy vibes of this story! The romance, action and mystery were all balanced perfectly.
The plot twist at the end...HELLO!? Never saw that coming! The world building was done so well and feels so large that it seems we could easily get a prequel, a sequel and maybe a novella or two.
Two things held this back from being a 5 star for me. First, I feel like the YA tag on it held it back a little. The romance could have been a touch spicier (like half a pepper spicier) and some more horror in the middle of the book to pick things up a bit would have been great!
And the second thing, every time it was "...she hissed" or "...he growled". She isn't a snake...he isn't a wolf, why did the author keep using those words? Hiss or hissed was used 44 times and growl or growled was used 40 times. I dunno know but that really irked me after a while.

Jude Maddox is nothing more than a broken man leading men who will die or break. He’s the Hand of Death, delivering death to the enemies of the king. He is Cold, detached, haunted… until he sees her

The other knights of the realm fear the mists and the beasts that haunt it. But not her, not Kiara Frey. She and the commander ignite each other, and when recruits and knights must enter the land of mists, she follows him.

There, evil will prey on their minds, and feast on their flesh. So give in… become the darkness.

I absolutely fell in love with this book. The characters are well rounded, they grow, and they develop. The plot and storyline are gripping, grabbing and sinking claws into your very soul. I’d never heard of this book, but when the opportunity to read it came up, I grabbed it. It truly is a delight! As a word of caution, there are scenes of death, and there is danger. There is an aspect of fantasy horror, so readers please be aware of this.

Very interesting start to the series, really enjoyed the dark, gloomy, grim vibes of the setting.

Kiara was a fun FMC to cheer on, excited to see what happens next!

I just finished reading “To Kill a Shadow” and I absolutely loved it! The story is incredibly gripping, with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters are so well-developed and relatable, making it easy to get lost in their world. Katherine Quinn’s writing style is both engaging and evocative, painting vivid pictures with her words. This book has made me a new fan of hers, and I can’t wait to read more of her work. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a thrilling and immersive read!

I am so late on reviewing this wonderful book, but I am here to say that I adored this so so much! This is my first book by Katherine Quiin and I truly can't wait for the sequel. Jude and Kiara are such great main characters - I loved learning both of their stories throughout the book and could feel the tension coming off the page! Those two had me at the end of my seat for the entire book - I went in blind and had no idea what to expect. There is nothing like getting that kind of hooked unexpectedly! I did like that the worldbuilding was easy to follow and I absolutely can't wait to see more in book 2. This easily became a favorite and I am glad we are getting closer to the sequel!

I loved this book! Everyone has some darkness in them, and I love how in this one, the characters controlled the darkness within them, until they chose to embrace it. The romance is slow burn and full of the most delicious tension and sarcasm. I can’t wait for the next book!

This book was so fun. I was sucked in right away and I could not put this book down. This story was fast paced and it was a fun adventure.

How to get me to like a book…. Put a girl in a male dominant space and have her kick all the … (edit to PG) … booty. I just love a girl who can be confident and heroic in her own right. Give her a knife and her wits and watch how far she can climb.
The world building isn’t quite there for me but with such a pool of dynamic characters, I almost didn’t care. I’ll definitely continue to book two and I’m just crossing all my fingers that the high stakes drama remains.
Thank you to Entangled Teen for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

I was really looking forward to this book, but unfortunately it wasn't for me. I just wasn't interested in the plot or the characters, I lost interest very early on. Unfortunately due to that, I wouldn't recommend it to other readers at this time.

My Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled: Teen for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Wow, this book blew me away! The beautiful cover caught my eye, but it was the intriguing plot that kept me hooked. From the get-go, I was pulled into the story, totally invested in the characters' lives and dying to know what would happen next. Seriously, I just couldn't put it down.

The main girl, Kiara, was a total boss. Right from the start, I was rooting for her, excited to see how she would tackle all the obstacles thrown her way. She's a real powerhouse. Then there's Jude, who's a bit of a mystery but in the best possible way. His past is just as interesting as I hoped it would be. Kiara and Jude together? They're one powerhouse couple.

The story had all the action, adventure, and lovey-dovey stuff I could ask for, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure. The suspense had me on the edge of my seat, nervously chewing my nails and worrying about what was going to happen next. The unique backdrop just made it all the more captivating.

I can't recommend this book enough. It's got everything - suspense, action, love, and amazing characters. I'm super excited for the next book in the series.

Katherine Quinn is an instant buy for me. Guaranteed every time to leave me speechless and wanting more. I 100% was NOT expecting the plot twist in this story. It is set up in the perfect way to make you THINK it’s going a certain way and then WAM! Nope you were wrong and Quinn is sitting there laughing at us, it’s fine. Quinn writes amazingly bada** fmc’s while still allowing for character growth throughout the series. Kiara is such a defender and protector of those around her who are in need of it. That being said, she still recognizes she has a lot to learn. Lastly, Quinn loves to kill people off so y’all try not to get too attached…

I was drawn to this book by the cover, which is exquisite. In a world with no sun, Kiara Frey is a lonely girl who spends her days training to swordfight with her uncle Micah and hanging around with her only friend, her brother Liam. When the army comes to recruit in her village, she is chosen over her brother by the mysterious Commander Maddox, the other POV in this dual-POV novel. They are drawn to each other from the start but it isn't until much later that we see how deep their connection goes. Found family, (weak) enemies to lovers. I would have enjoyed more background on the fantasy elements of the story, a lot of time was wasted on some of the background characters who didn't really ever become multidimensional. Not a stand alone, the ending is a cliffhanger.

I have a soft spot for dark fantasies, and one look at this cover had me taking advantage of the NetGalley widget sent by the publisher.

This is literally a dark land that hasn’t seen sunshine for years because of a curse, and the kingdom is on the verge of collapse. In an effort to save the kingdom, the king has sent numerous teams of knights into the misted shadows filled with nightmares, but it’s a death mission. Only Commander Jude Maddox, the Hand of Death, has survived. He’s now seeking new recruits for another mission. Fiery Kiara is defending her brother when she catches the attention of Jude. Females aren’t generally considered knight material, but because of her exceptional fighting skills Kiara is immediately chosen.

Jude’s tragic backstory broke my heart. If anyone deserves a happy ending, it’s this guy. Shunned in her village for a past event beyond her control, friends are lacking in Kiara’s life. She finally finds a supportive group in the knights, and their humorous banter added moments of levity to this dark story. Jake easily wins the award for best supporting character in my opinion.

If it’s not obvious from the description, insta-love is a prominent part of the plot. I grew a little weary of broody Jude’s this is happening/we can’t possibly back and forth regarding his and Kiara’s relationship. But again, I made allowances because he needs something good in his life. Just be prepared when it comes to the romance aspect.

The ending wasn’t what I’d hoped, but it came with surprises and an intriguing setup for the next book. Filled with plenty of action, shocking betrayals, and riveting world-building, I’d recommend this to fans of dark fantasy, feisty female main characters, and found family.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

To Kill a Shadow by Katherine Quinn was one of those books that I wanted to read, but the idea of doing so gave me pause. The word “horror” in the synopsis had me rethinking the book. Yet it still called to me. I am so glad I got over my fear. From the moment I started reading, I was engrossed and couldn't put the book down. In fact, I've re-read parts of it several times because it's so good.

50 years ago, the Realm of Asidia was cursed into darkness. For almost as long, the families of Asidia have been asked to sacrifice one of their children to The Calling. A day when the Knights of the Eternal Star go through the Realm collecting the chosen to train and eventually venture into the cursed lands of the Mist to try and end the curse of darkness. The families believe this to be a privilege and many have their children training since birth. On this day, Liam Frey is to leave his family in Cila and join the Brotherhood of the Knights which is a guaranteed death sentence due to his asthma. After a spur-of-the-moment action brings attention to her, 18-year-old Kiara Frey is ordered to take her brother’s place. A decision that’s unheard of as The Calling has only ever been for boys.

While in training, Kiara excels and shows great promise. In her, Jude Maddox, Commander of the Knights sees a better version of himself. They have an attraction that blooms into a friendship. And friendship isn’t really something either is used to having. Soon, King Cirian orders Maddox to gather a small group and return to the Mist, the same place Maddox lost all of his men to the year before. Maddox knows the recruits aren’t ready and that this is a mission they won’t return from but he has no choice.

To Kill a Shadow was a truly amazing read. I loved the characters of Kiara and Jude. In fact, my heart broke for Jude, while I was awed by Kiara’s fierce tenacity. The story is made up of several tropes (found family, grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and forbidden romance). It is also full of mystery, intrigue, suspense and betrayal. This was a wild ride that will leave you speechless. To Kill a Shadow is definitely a violent story and there are content/trigger warnings on Entangled’s website that you should be aware of. I know people always say that they can’t wait for the next book to come out. But I seriously will be on pins and needles waiting.

~ Favorite Quotes ~

“You can’t save everyone.”

“A good man is often the one who has known the most evil.”

“Hope is a powerful thing to have.”

“Some strengths do not lie in the physical.”

“Control is an illusion, something to make us feel grounded and in charge of our destinies.”

“Sometimes we have to give away pieces of ourselves to others we love, even if it hurts at the time.”

“Love is nothing if not sacrifice.”

“Books…They don’t lie or betray you.”

“History always has a way of repeating itself, no matter how hard we try to rewrite the story.”

“Knowledge had a way of altering one’s world.”

“No one can break me.”

“Love was acceptance.”

**Received a copy from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. Also personally purchased a hardcover copy.**