If you’re looking for a literary epiphany you won’t find it in this book, but you will still find a very solid first entry into a fantasy series with great world building and atmosphere.

To Kill a Shadow is the first book in (from what I can find) author Katherine Quinn’s Mistlands series, which reminds me of such series as Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer and a touch of Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. The blurb makes this book seem a lot darker than it actually is with all of its horror references, since the allusions to both The Mist and The Evil Dead are both mostly glancing askance instead of embracing the horror wholly.

I found this book a touch confusing at first because I thought it might be an age-gap romantasy and I just missed the memo, but it’s not. (Though that would’ve been a cool surprise had it not taken the book entirely out of the YA genre). I did love our two MCs, Jude and Kiara. They have a natural chemistry on page, with terrific dialogue that snaps and crackles with emotion. While their relationship evolves rather fast compared to other romantasy series of the same genre, I didn’t mind it because I’m not a lover of slow-burn. This series makes a huge point of Kiara being a woman who knows her own mind and that both she and Jude know how fleeting life can be in their world, so maybe it’s not too hard to imagine when someone reaches a hand out you take it.

The plot? Well, it’s rather transparent. That’s the thin point here. The plot is rather derivative of several other YA romantasy series and is very predictable (at least it is to me). The saving grace to this book is the comfort feel of a solid fantasy read, the characters, the dialogue, and the world building.

A good first entry into a new series, so I recommend reading this if you’re looking to get into a new series.

I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. This review was written without compensation. Thank you.

File Under: Book Series/Dark Fantasy/Fantasy Series/LGBTQ Fiction/Supernatural Fantasy/YA Fantasy/YA Romantasy

Thank you so much to Net Galley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of “To Kill a Shadow” by Katherine Quinn in exchange for an honest review. All of the following opinions are formulated on my own. Any quotes in this review should be cross-referenced with the final copy for any possible edits.

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (rounded up)

Favorite quote(s):

My review: To Kill a Shadow was such a fun read and the ending definitely had me gasping! I can't wait for the next one. I really loved the side characters and you bet this one will look so good on my shelf.


<b> Notable Themes, Elements, and Tropes: </b>
- Romantic Fantasy
- Slow Burn
- He Falls First
- Loveable Side Character
- Strong Female Lead
- Forced Proximity
- Forbidden Romance
- Hidden Identities

Such an amazing fantasy YA novel! Sometimes it’s hard for me to get into YA, and this was clearly an exception. The writing was amazing, and even though the slow burn was slowwwwww it still felt perfectly laid out.

There’s a bit of world building in the beginning, but that’s pretty typical of any fantasy book and it wasn’t boring or hard to get through.

Overall, I enjoyed this book!

To Kill a Shadow is the start of a new series by Katherine Quinn. You might already know Quinn from her Azantian trilogy and now she is bringing the Mistlands series. The cover really spoke to me, making me curious about the story. What will To Kill a Shadow bring?

From the start it is clear that Kiara is a strong female main character. She knows how to take care of herself and wants to protect those she loves. Jude is also a strong minded character, making them good opposites. Therefore this book has a opposites attract trope, as well as love at first sight, he falls first, enemies-to-lovers and only one bed. Even though this does seem like lots of romance tropes, this book isn't about the romance.

This story is well paced and has a lot of tension. Adventure and mystery is everywhere in this book. In addition also friendship and romance is present. Katherine Quinn has a nice writing style, making me want to continue reading. Lots of things in this book are very similar to other fantasy or dystopian books, like The Luminaries and Divergent or The Hunger Games. Therefore I didn't feel like this plot is a unique one, however the storyline itself is unique. I enjoyed reading To Kill a Shadow and am curious about what else there is to come in this Mistlands series. I would love to give this book a 4 star rating.

4.5 stars rounded to 5

To Kill a Shadow is a dark fantasy that seemingly has it all — romance, dry humor, action, mystery, deadly creatures, unique mythology and epic battles.

The story unfolds from the alternating points of view of Jude and Kiara. Commander and recruit. Both have traumatic pasts and the scars to show it. Both are hiding secrets. And they both dream of a life where the sun shines. In them, author Katherine Quinn has created two compelling protagonists that can easily stand on their own but work better when together.

Quinn brings Jude and Kiara to life in a complex world that is expertly crafted. Her clever use of the mist as almost a third character allows information to be obscured and revealed when the timing is just right. It becomes the undercurrent that connects everything together.

At just under 450 pages, To Kill a Shadow is not short, but Quinn’s strong pacing keeps the action moving forward. And there are plenty of plot twists to keep you guessing. It’s a compelling fantasy that’s a good choice for older young adults (ages 14 and up).

Sensitivity note:
To Kill a Shadow is a romance, and Quinn definitely uses physical and emotional tension to amp that up. However, it’s fairly chaste on the physical side, and doesn’t really go beyond kissing. On the other hand, the violence may be too much for some. The story also includes murder, blood, fictional hallucinogens, suicide, descriptions of past parental violence toward a child, and descriptions of past torture.

**Warning this review may contain spoilers**

Thank you Netgalley, Entangled Publishing and Katherine Quinn for this eARC!

Spice Level: 1
Tropes: Found Family, Star-Crossed Lovers


Wow. Just wow. If I could give this 10,000 stars I would. I was skeptical to start this book because it is classified as horror, but to my surprise, To Kill a Shadow has become one of my top reads for 2023. More suspense than horror, To Kill a Shadow focuses on Kiara and Jude form a dual POV narration. Not only do we get the joy of reading from both of their perspectives, we also get to watch as their stories unfold on their time, not on someone else’s. This seemingly pair of star-crossed lovers will leave you on the edge of your seat, gasping at every twist and turn.

The writing on this one is fantastic, everytime you think you have the pieces fitting together, there is another twist, another mystery and another turn just waiting on the next page. The writing is well paced, and the characters are endearing without being soppy. It is really difficult to find a book that pulls elements of mythology without appropriating it, however, Katherine Quinn has been able to do so while still creating her own elements within the world. Set in a world cast into Night with no daylight in sight, our main characters fight to not only save the world, but save themselves. Quinn has been able to tactfully give us a romance tale, without crating the damsel needs saving narrative. Additionally, Quinn is able to tell a story that contains all elements of life, including LGBTQ and POC characters, in a way that does not make them “token” the way we often see in fantasy.

Overall the plot was well developed, with the elements of the world thoroughly thought out, revealing bits and pieces as you go. Now, onto the characters. I felt as if I was there. Like actually there. Kiara, the strong, brave independent outcast who is fiercely protective of those she loves and Jude, the brooding outcast commander who judges his every action as though he is the true villain. Then you have Patrick, sigh, (you will have to read about him), Jake and Nic, who swifty become the friends Kiara so longs for. You get to see each character shine through in their own way as the story goes, and each one contributes a bit of themselves in their own way to the story. It has been a long time since I have connected with characters in such a way, and it was so nice to be able to do so.

Overall, if you are in doubt, read this. I do not say it often, but I would give my soul to be able to experience this book again for the first time. I am so ready for the second book, I cannot wait to see what the series brings!

“And then Jude—Jude Maddox, Commander of the Knights-was gone, leaving me speechless for the first time in my life.”

“Fate might have brought me here, but from now on, I would be the one to choose my destiny.”

I’m a fan of this fantasy series!! A brand new fantasy world, with a brand new complicated curse and mist (inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia? Hope so) and a brand new enemies to lovers story between a spitfire young woman who’s stronger than anyone thinks, hiding a secret under her gloved hands, and a brooding commander of the guards who decides to recruit her instead of her brother for a life threatening mission. Kiara’s story was wonderful!!! It caught me deep from the very first pages and I couldn’t stop reading for a second! I felt enthralled by the plot, the magic, the mystery, the characters and the very complicated, impossible but oh so addicting romance between two people who have been through so much and will have to live with and love each other’s scars!! I really really loved it!! And the tension between them … so good!!!! And the cliffhanger at the end … SUPERIOR!!! Can’t wait to read the next one !!!

"You wear your scars well," I said, echoing the words she'd once told me. "If anything, they draw me to you."
Her head gradually rose,”

"Good," I said, suddenly feeling breathless.
"I like you ruined for me."

3 stars
TW: death depicted with detail, violence, gore

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC to review. All thoughts are my own

For full transparency, I'm going to start this review with I don't think I'm the right reader for this type of book. I don't enjoy heavily depicted gore and death, or needlessly dark fantasy, and I think I was too optimistic and eager to try another read from this author that I didn't think enough before applying. For that reason, I have given a higher rating than my personal one.

I couldn’t get into the story. Everything was too much and too fast that I had to keep pushing myself to finish the book. It was dark and depressing. These are things that affected me personally, the book itself was great if that’s the tone you are searching for. The only sense of relief from the brutal plot was the attempt at romance. I didn’t find the instant love believable. It felt like forced chemistry to me. The dynamic is Commander-Recruit so there is a small power play.

The world building itself took a really long time to make sense. The lore could’ve been explored so much more than it was. Near the end all these characters were introduced. Word of advice, read the letters at the beginning of every chapter. They come into play later.

I can see how fans of fantasy romance might pick up this read and enjoy it for the romance that overtakes the storyline, but frankly, I wish there had been none, or it was a subplot, as a lot was happening in here that needed attention to thrive.

Sadly, I think Quinn is a writer with great talent but isn't one for me as this is the second of the three books I've read by her that has taken a really dark turn and I've struggled to read. I won't be continuing with this series.

En bref, j'ai énormément aimé le contexte mis en place par l'autrice, la vie de nos deux héros, Jude et Kiara et leurs différents combats. Elle s'engage à la place de son frère malade, va se lier d'amitié avec d'autres soldats et se rapprocher petit à petit de Jude qui n'est autre que leur commandant. J'ai aimé l'alchimie que l'on ressent entre eux dès le départ et la façon dont l'autrice fait avancer à la fois la romance et son monde, on va vivre de nombreux combats et de nombreux morts et j'ai été prise par les rebondissements et autres révélations. Le final est intense et j'ai hâte de les retrouver pour la suite !!

#ToKillAShadow:⁣
⁣
Thank you @entangledteen [partner] for my gifted copy.⁣
⁣
There’s really no words to describe how much I loved this book. We gently pushed Divine Rivals and Bonesmith to the side as my the contender for favorite book of the year. ⁣
⁣
Kiara was amazing. She has this inner strength that I could not fathom. Just the only girl dominating the Knights of the Eternal Star. Jude, THE Hand of Death, just yes. His character was everything I wanted him to be. He played his beastly role perfectly and was a touch her and die guy that we all adore. ⁣
⁣
Honestly, the twist threw me so hard. Call me General Mattias once more, because I screamed a, “what?!” at the reveal. That was such a cruel twist that left my jaw on the floor. ⁣
⁣
The amount of annotations and quotes I have in this book is more than I think I’ve ever had. I could (and probably will) make a reel just out of quotes. The fact that Chapter One and Chapter FiftyTwo started the same way, absolute masterpiece. ⁣
⁣
I’ll leave you with one of my favorites:⁣
⁣
““Don’t resort to the dark when you could hold the very sun in your hands.”⁣
⁣
Out 11/28, say hello to my top contender for 2023. ⁣
⁣
QOTD: what are some of your contender for your favorite of 2023?

This was a great introduction to the Mistlands Series! This book captured my attention from the very beginning as Quinn created a beautifully unique and dark world that will captivate its readers. A book of about Gods & Myths where our MCs go on a mythical quest with secrets, a forbidden romance, and a found family. I liked the pace in which the world building was done - it wouldn't overwhelm a reader with an information dump. It was done perfectly and in tandem with introducing the characters in the book, as well as the unraveling of the plot. There is a lot of mystery, suspense and action with lots of twists and revelations that will emotionally stir you.

Although this is a YA Romance, you could feel the slow burn, tension, and angst oozing from the palpable connection between Kiara and Jude. Personally, I'm not a big fan of anything remotely close to being insta-love, it didn't bother me here too much as it leaned more towards instant attraction. I was focus and invested on our MCs and the their journeys; their traumatic childhood was heartbreaking and I loved how that bonded them. Jude was broody and grumpy battling his own darkness and pain (I love a tortured hero) while Kiara was headstrong, fierce, feisty, confident and a badass. There are a lot of likeable secondary characters that will grasp your attention.

THE ENDING! Wow, I needed book 2, yesterday!

This is a fantasy that will tend to lean on the dark side that will give you spectacular character development, heartbreaking stories and plot twists, with lots of mystery and adventure. Highly recommended!

I adore Ki and Jude and the last few chapters of the book are quite devastating in the setup for the next book in the series. Some of the plot points I guessed, but others were surprising, so I was constantly drawn back into the story. If you enjoy fantasy stories with gods and monsters, evil politicians, prophesies and of course, a tinge of romance, this is a great book to add to your list.

This YA fantasy/horror blew me away. I could not put this one down, and everything from the plot to Jude and Kiara to the unknowns awaiting them around every corner kept me turning the pages - all the way to an ending I did not see coming.

Sometimes, you can just tell from the very first chapter that the book will keep you captivated from beginning to end, and Quinn's writing pulled me in from page one and kept me hanging on through every twist and turn. There were so many elements to this story that kept me guessing. There was suspense, action, romantic tension; I repeatedly forgot that I was reading YA.

I fell in love with a lot in this book. I loved Kiara and Jude; she's brave and feisty, and he's the merciless and ruthless shadow that we should all fear. But just like every other antihero, Jude captured my heart and admiration without much trouble and, just like Kiara, I was willing to easily overlook all of his perceived flaws.

Surrounded by a dark forest and unimaginable enemies, Kiara, Jude, and their friends had a journey unlike any I've read in YA. As a reader, I didn't know what to expect at the start of their adventure, but everything that happened blew me away. From lore being unraveled, secrets being revealed, and allies becoming enemies, To Kill a Shadow packed a punch and left me reeling by the end.

Well written, with fantastic plot devices and character development, this book grabbed a hold of me and left me eager for more Jude and Kiara.

To Kill A Shadow
Katherine Quinn

⭐5⭐

“Besides, no one could kill a shadow.”

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

To Kill A Shadow is a fantasy romance novel that follows Kiara, a girl who has trained to fight for years after a terrible accident that left her cursed and scarred. An outcast in her village, her only friend is her brother, Liam. However, Liam is set to be drafted by the king to fight as a knight for the kingdom; regardless of his inability to do so in both physical capacity and demeanor. Kiara will do anything to protect her brother, and in an unexpected turn of events, she is selected to take his place in training for knighthood.

Jude is the captain of the king’s knights and his favored assassin. He is convinced that he is all dark and his soul is tainted because of the work that he does. Not only that, but his scars, both emotional and physical, remind him that he is always to be feared. But Kiara looks at him with wonder, as if his scars only draw her to him more. To Jude, she is everything light and good; she makes him believe that he still has something to live and hope for. He is also drawn to her by some invisible and unknown force, and he fears that this can only end in ruin.

When Jude and Kiara, along with a group of recruits and knights, are sent on a quest into the deadly mist in order to search for a means to return the sun, which after the goddess Raina disappearance 50 years ago, has not returned. A trip into the mist is practically a death sentence, as so many do not return. Within the mist, people change and go missing, and wicked things are lurking in the trees. When the quest takes many unexpected and dangerous turns, as Kiara and Jude grow closer, they are forced to address the dark secrets of their pasts. Many secrets are hidden in the mist, some that are finally emerging into the light. Will they be able to solve the mystery of the missing sun and cast the kingdom out of shadow? Or will they be forced to remain only in darkness for all of time?

I LOVED this book. The last few chapters were painful, and I’m going to need the sequel ASAP. What a great start to a new series!


Quotes:

“Hope is a dangerous thing to possess.”

“Fate might have brought me here, but from now on, I would be able to choose my destiny.”

“Kiara, although hard headed and stubborn, reminded me of all that was light and good.”

“Nothing of beauty and substance should be kept by one person alone.”

“‘You are what I imagine the sun to be like,’ I whispered so softly I wasn’t sure she could hear the admission. ‘Fiery. Beautiful. Damning.’”

“I was never crafted to sit and wait. To huddle in fear and wrap my arms about myself as others fought the monsters that thrived in the dark. I wouldn’t have been able to stop myself if I tried.”

“I think that you’ve always claimed you were hard to love, but really, you just saw the best in everyone else and the worst in yourself.”

“I coveted a love so profound, so realm-shattering, that my home became their arms and the music in my ears belonged to the beating of their hearts.”

“For some reason, jude called to all of my shadows; the parts of my soul I’d shown him without me even realizing it. And I wanted more. More time to see what else I could feel.”

“Courage is unlocking the door to your cage and taking flight. True bravery is burning the cage to the ground. - Asidian proverb”

“Uncle Micah had often told me that things were never as they appeared. That sometimes even the most beautiful things could be poisonous. I suppose that applied to people as well.”

“The heart is the wickedest of beasts, for it can never be tamed. - Asidian proverb”

“My goddess of war was so very docile in her sleep.”

“We were different in so many ways, but when we connected, truly connected, everything that separated us was just one more thing to find beauty in.”

“Only monsters could defeat monsters.”
“You are the only light I will vow to protect.”

“Loyalty was a greater commodity than brute force or skill.”

“It was greater than divinity, than magic. What I felt for her was infinite.”

“Love is not the absence of self, but rather, the absence of fear. For only the brave drop their armor and walk onto a battlefield with their hearts exposed.”

“I was both the night and a forgotten light. The vast universe of black and the endless possibility of the day.”

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

“All things must come to an end–even if it’s just a walk through the woods.”

“Besides, no one could kill a shadow.”

I just finished the thrilling world of “To Kill a Shadow,” and the ride was nothing short of exciting!
Meet Jude, our jaded knight turned reluctant assassin, and buckle up for a wild ride. The plot kicks off with a bang as he’s forced into a perilous role, and things get even more interesting when he stumbles upon an extraordinary recruit. A girl breaking the mold and becoming the first female Knight? Say no more.

Jude and his newfound companion make for a duo that’s not only fun but also incredibly well-rounded. Their chemistry is slow-burning and innocent. The romance unfolds sweetly, and you can’t help but root for their relationship as it blossoms amidst the chaos.

The story is a rollercoaster of surprises and adventures. From the edge-of-your-seat moments to heartwarming relationship, every page is a new thrill. While the ending may not have flowed seamlessly, the promise of a series continuation has me eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this journey.

This is a stellar start to a promising series. The characters, the romance, and the unexpected twists all contribute to a tale that grabs you from the beginning and refuses to let go. Despite a slightly rocky end, I’m on board for the long haul. Can’t wait to see where this story takes us next!

Thank you to Entangled Publishing for the copy!

✨”Isn't this what you always wanted? I thought bitterly. To be anywhere from Cila, to be someone who wasn't tainted by something that happened a decade ago? But when wishes turn into reality, they never leave you feeling how you pictured.”✨

Right away, I was brought into the fictional world and all of its chaos. I thoroughly enjoyed the storytelling and beautifully descriptive writing. I would recommend to those looking for a new, (semi)dark fantasy.
Some tropes/aspects:
🖤Familial mysteries
🖤Strong, fighting heroine
🖤MMC falls first
🖤Forbidden Love
🖤Slow burn, YA content
🖤Some violence/fighting sequences
🖤Aspects of mythical/god-like characters

‘To Kill A Shadow’ is the first in a series. The book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but does set up an exciting continuation! I absolutely look forward to reading what comes next for the characters.

Thank you to Netgalley, Entangled Publishing, and Katherine Quinn for the opportunity to read and review an advance ebook copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

KATHERINE. QUINN. NEVER. MISSES!

First and foremost, I ADORE Katherine Quinn. I’ve had the privilege of ARCing for all of her books, and even beta reading for one. This was her first foray into YA fantasy, and WOW did she slay it!

This is a truly epic and completely absorbing story. We have a tortured commander, a fiery MC, monsters hidden in dark places, vengeful gods and goddesses. A world that is gradually dying as a result of the magical “mist” surrounding civilization that came about in the wake of the sun goddess leaving her people behind in the dark.

Kiara is an easy MC to love. She’s impulsive and brave, but also so deeply caring. She is unwaveringly dedicated to the people she has claimed as her own. She also has a shrouded past and secrets to hide, just like our commander Jude Maddox does. The captain/mentor-mentee forbidden romance is always one of my favorites, and these two have chemistry jumping off the page from the get go.

There was also so much in this story that took my by surprise. Massive betrayals, devastating losses, hidden histories that impact the world at large on such a huge scale. The action is plentiful but not so much to be so fast moving that it loses depth or time spent getting to know our characters and their motivations. I really read this book in just over two days, and I genuinely couldn’t put it down. The last hundred pages especially had me tearing through the pages with my heart in my throat.

I could go on forever, but I will end with this: do not sleep on miss Katherine Quinn. If you’re in the market for a thrilling YA fantasy romance (that feels to be more on the upper YA side for SURE), with a bi-sexual MC, tension and high stakes, betrayal and surprising reveals, look no further!

Thank you endlessly to Katherine Quinn, Entangled Teen and NetGalley for the eArc of this title. I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel!

I really try to connect with this book. But I'm at 60% and I just can't.

I love Kiera, she's fearless, has so many great qualities and good values. I would follow her everywhere.

But the World-Building is hard to follow. There are a lot of gods, of elements in the story that I can't seem to follow. I'm not sure that a Younger Adolescent would love it.

The interactions will all the characters seems forces and aren't naturals. It's almost weird. They don't know each other at all and they become more so fast. And I'm not talking just about Jude but with her fellow knights too.

I won't post about it anywhere. I think this book will find his people but it wasn't me.

Thank you Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC!

I have to admit, this one took a few chapters to get into and only because there is a lot of world building and character building right at the start! But once the romance kicks in and Kiara finds her way in the Knights, SO GOOD!

I also loved that the Mist is literally its own country/area at the moment and it’s all unknown for the most part. It keeps all the characters and yourself as the reader on your toes the whole time!

There’s gore, killing, and some really good description of the beasts/animals, so just be prepared for that! But I think it helps with the depiction of the story in your head!

Not much romance, which for a YA I appreciated it! Just enough that you can understand the feelings between Kiara and Jude.

And let’s talk about the ending, WHAT?! I have so many questions.. but I won’t spoil them here. I need to talk to some asap about it! 🙈😂

Katherine Quinn writes a beautiful YA novel that matches and is on par (if not better) than some of the recent fantasy! If you loved Omen of Ice and ACOTAR, you’ll love this!

I can’t wait for the second book!

I'm obsessed with this book! When I read the premise, I thought it would be an interesting fantasy coming of age story, but it turned out to be so much more!
The plot seems like your usual fantasy plot: travelling somewhere dangerous to find magical artifacts that can destroy the darkness, but as time progresses, you start to realize there's a lot more behind it: many hints can be found in the chapter headers, which include fragments of letters sent by side characters before the story begins!
Kiara and Jude are the main characters, and both of them possess powers they couldn't imagine! I was expecting the reveal of who Kiara actually was, but not Jude's! Their relationship progresses in a very natural way, and I can't wait to see them again in the sequel!
There's some insane plot twists in this book, especially concerning the character's true identities and the lore. I honeslty couldn't stop reading after page 200!
The ending was so exciting. I'm very curious to see how Jude will take down King Cirian and how Violet and Jake will make it back home. I really want to see the gang reunite again!

TW:death, murder, mentions of torture and scars.