ARC Review

A gripping high fantasy story based in a world split by two antagonistic magics. 🌞🌑

Wren is a protégé healer for her village, dabbling in the use of magic to aid recovery and health, until a traveller’s arrival and actions change everything.

I really liked the good vs evil plot of this story as well as the intrigue around Wren, her origins and powers. There were also some good plot twists and I enjoyed the period setting of the book which leads to some great sword fights and grand battles. ⚔️🛡️🐎

There were some excerpts of historical records, prophecies and ballads amongst the main story, which really added to my understanding of events in a creative and unusual way.

One key thing missing for me was a map! 🗺️

Themes/Tropes: good vs evil, fated romance?, sword and sorcery, magic, prophecy, hero’s journey, mentor, outcast?, witches

1/5 🌶 rating

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Favourite Quotes:
(possible spoilers)

We fight the Nox, now and always, with flame and sword.

‘Do you have a list?’ Of course she did. Elodie was always prepared. She made lists constantly.

We are witchkind. We will live free or die.

She was the Nox embodied in flesh, and she had come for him at last.

I apologise. I was… I was not myself.’ Wren almost laughed, despite the urgency of their situation. The understatement of the century.

‘You’re a girl,’ he said, and winced. ‘A woman, I mean. A⁠—’ ‘A witch,’ she finished for him.

‘Your heart flutters like a little bird,’ the voice murmured. ‘But you are stronger than that.’

He was hers. He knew it better than he knew his own name. Hers. Her creature. Now and forever.

‘We’re both in trouble, aren’t we?’ he murmured. Trouble. That was such a small word for it. ‘What kind of trouble?’ she asked. ‘Infinite trouble. But I wouldn’t be anywhere else, Wren.’

‘I don’t want to be a princess.’ ‘I don’t want to be a prince,’

Not so addictive and entirely forgettable...

While I wanted to like a Touch of Shadows, I was left disappointed. Wren and Finn, the protagonists of the novel were extremely two dimensional and Wren was painfully gullible. Frankly, I had no idea why they were in love by the end of the novel, there wasn't nearly enough development. While I usually bemoan unnecessarily long fantasy romance novels, at c300 pages, A Touch of Shadows felt too short especially with random chapters from Roland (another character that I didn't particularly care for) that detracted from the main story and didn't add value.

Elodie was the only character I had a vested interest in and I think the series would have been so much more interesting from her point of view. She seems to be a sharp, take no shit woman without straying into not like other girls territory and to be honest the fantasy romance genre is full of bland 18 - 23 year old heroines like Wren, so it would have been a nice change to focus on a mature, middle aged woman like Elodie but alas...

I have found a deep love for the romantasy genre over the last few years. A Touch of Shadows drew me with the gorgeous cover on its own. I didn't even read the blurb, I just knew I had to read this book!

The first book in a brand new series called The Lost Queen series introduces the reader to Wren, an apprentice to a local hedge witch, Elodie. They live a secluded life, in which Elodie, who is Wren's guardian as well, keeps her protected from the dark magic that dwells deep in the woods. Wren thinks she is just a child of a witch, but Elodie is protecting more than Wren could ever guess. Until the day she meets Finn, then everything changes.

World building, character building, pacing...its all fantastic! If you are an avid fantasy or romantasy reader, this series is going to be absolutely amazing. When the blurb compares this book to Rebecca Yarros and Sarah J. Maas, it is right to!

Told from multiple perspectives so it allows the reader to get the fuller picture from all points. This is always good for me. I feel like I'm part of the story, and the characters become easier to cheer on or hate off course.

I was so enthralled by this tale that the pages whizzed by, and before I knew it, I was finished! Crammed full of action, adventure, romance, and a little spice as well. I was swept away with these characters. I have to say I am a sucker for magic and everything that comes with this genre. Jessica Thorne ticked every box for me, and I am impatiently waiting for the next book now!

Very easy romantacy read. I liked Finn & Wren but I felt their relationship could have been more developed. The magic system was fairly straightforward and I would have enjoyed going a bit more into the lore.

A story of forbidden magic and hidden identities with a good dose of love at first sight between our main gal and her would be hunter. This was a quick and easy read. The story develops quickly and trots along at a steady pace. The characters are engaging and I found the back story very interesting. A good one for YA readers.

A Touch Of Shadow’s ( The Lost Queen Book 1 )
Tropes
Hidden Identities
Shadow Magic
Steamy Romance
Multiple POV’s

I found this book is perfect for readers that are new to fantasy/romantasy as the story is easy to follow and the world building is not to heavy. This witchy fantasy follows wren, an apprentice to a local hedge witch Elodie who is also her guardian, but also guarding Wren from the dark magic that lurks within. The same magic that lives in the dark woods. Wren and Elodie live a secluded life on the edge of those very dark woods which call out too Wren as she struggles internally with the Dark magic she has and that Elodie is trying to hide from the world. The pair only interact with outside world when the villagers need help. Wren is a likeable FMC and Thorne does a really good job of drawing you into Wrens character and the story.
Wrens life changes when she saves a dark knight named Finn who is injured in the dark woods, however Finn is tasked with hunting down the people who posses the dark magic she is hiding. Wren’s decision to save Finn with a risk of revealing her true powers sets off a chain of events that bands the two together. The romance between the two is palpable and burns with a slow intensity set against a backdrop of shadow magic, forbidden love with woven plot twists leaving you intrigued and eager for the next instalment loved this story.

thankyou Second sky publishing and Netgalley for access to the Arc

I tore through this magical, dark, gothic fantasy romance. Completely consumed! I gave myself the full immersive experience, listening to the audiobook while reading along with the ebook, and had the best time! This tale I full of magic, romance, a dark eerie world, action, and a mystery that unfolds throughout the book.

My Ratings;
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5
🌶.5 /5

I was won over with the magic and secrets that were throughout this story! There also appeared to be slight nods to Rapunzel that I found fun. The world building was immersive and Wren quickly became a favorite! I am glad Book 2 "A Kiss of Flame" is also available because I need to pick it right up! Thank you to Second Sky for an advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

Thank you to Second Sky for providing me this eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

I’m not gonna lie, reading the glossary at the beginning of the book had me a little nervous 😂 but I was hooked after the prologue. This book was filled with mystery and had me so anxious to figure out what was going on, as a good story should!

Wren and Elodie have lived peacefully in their little part of Asteroth, staying far away from those who would seek to use their magic. Until one day, when the enemy kingdom Ilanthia forces them both from their home and to the mercy of the darkness.
While Wren tries to get to Elodie, she has to fight her instinct to call to the darkness and give herself to the Nox. She almost loses that battle when she turns to the darkness to save Finnian Ward’s life, a knight from Asteroth that she is inexplicably drawn to.

The mysterious tone throughout this book kept me coming back for more, and I liked that the darkness versus light, good versus evil theme blurred a little for a while there. I found myself constantly questioning: was Elodie really in the right? Is the darkness really that bad?
I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a quick romantasy read with lots of mystery elements. I really enjoyed this one!

This certainly is a fantasy for new readers for the genre.
I did feel it was to slow paced, and the world building wasn't as strong especially as its being compared to Sarah J mass and Rebecca yarros. It would have actually said it was more can't spell treason without tea, due to its pace and other elements. Which due to the comparison I didn't go into with different expectations which isn't fair for the book.

I'm not sure if I will continue the series, as the pace, engagement wasn't right for me. But I'm sure this would be perfect or even a 5 star read for others. This just wasn't for me sadly as I did like the blurb.

I think that this is a perfect book for someone just dipping their toe into fantasy reads. This is not too deep into world building and I really enjoyed that about this story. The characters and story lines were easy to follow and there was a lot of magical aspects. There was not just one, but two romance plotlines and I hope that they are both flushed out in this series. I am a sucker for fated mates and this had all the vibes. I will continue with this series because I am interested to see what happens to all these characters!
Thank you to Second Sky, Netgalley and Jessica Thorne for an early copy.

This year I’ve really got into Fantasy/Romantasy again so I couldn’t wait to read A Touch of Shadows as it sounded amazing.

The prologue explains so much about Wren and Elodie and sets up the story perfectly but leaves you eager to find out more.

Finn I was conflicted about at first, I didn’t know what to believe about him or trust but you couldn’t deny the connection between him and Wren.

I was literally swept away by this story, I didn’t put it down until I’d read every last page. The story was so gripping, I loved learning more and more about this world.

When i learned more about Wren and Elodie’s past and what that meant for the present day I was so shocked I couldn’t believe it but it also made me feel sad for everyone involved.

The last few pages had me screaming inside, I couldn’t believe what I was reading.

The ending will have you downloading book 2 instantly just like I did.

Fans of the Romantasy/Fantasy genre this is your new obsession.

Have you ever had a book grab you and tightly hold on as you turn page by page, wanting more? Well this book did that!

A wonderful world is depicted and even more wonderful characters. We really get to understand the characters and there are so many times in the book I verbally begged them to see the right choice. I even admit that there was one scene that I did not see coming toward the end of the book and I am so happy it did not end the way I thought it would.

This was a great way to begin a series and I cannot wait to read book two!

I liked this book, the magic system was intriguing however I felt the world building and character development fell a bit short. I know this is the first in a series so I am hopeful that the next book will flush out more of the characters. Thank you to NetGalley and Jessica Thorne & her team for allowing me to read this. I am eager to see where this series goes. I do think I will purchase this book for our readers but depending on the next books will decide if we complete the series or not.

📚 Book Review

A Touch of Shadows (The Lost Queen 1)
By Jessica Thorne
Second Sky Books, 5th September 2024

This witchy, endearing, and exciting read follows Wren, apprentice to local hedge witch Elodie, who is also her guardian. Living on the outskirts of the Darkwoods, Wren knows dangerous shadow magic lurks within...the same shadows that exist inside her.
This secret is hard to bear and means her and Elodie live a secluded life when not attending to the needs of others.

When Finn, a knight, finds his life threatened, he is saved by Wren, and the pair are magnetically drawn to each other instantly. Drama ensues, emotions run high, and I was on the edge of my seat in parts.

I'd love to see further world building, and the characters' back stories expanded further in book 2: A Kiss of Flame, which I'll be picking up soon!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Second Sky and Jessica Thorne for providing an eARC via NetGalley; this is my unbiased review.

#NetGalley #ATouchOfShadows #JessicaThorne #Fantasy #FantasyFiction #Romantasy #Witchy #WitchyReads #HedgeWitch #RomanticFantasy

📚 A Touch of Shadows by Jessica Thorne📚

⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️1/2

✨Tropes✨
✨Hidden Identities
✨Shadow magic
✨Steamy romance
✨Multi POVs
✨2 different romances

✨Summary✨
Wren has been kept in a tiny village at the edge of a dark forest, cocooned in near isolation with just her mother and the few weary villagers for company. However, a series of events causes Wren to flee into the forbidden dark forest with a handsome stranger, Finn, close behind her. Once in the forest, Wren is forced to confront the fact that she may not be just a hedge witch as she previously thought. Secrets are revealed and Wren’s whole life is turned upside down.

✨Critiques✨
This was an interesting book with some unique features. I rated it 3 stars only because the story just feels a little confusing at times. It’s not a bad book, it just had so many things happening at once in a few places that it felt jumbled to me. I will still read the next book in the series because there are enough elements and character intrigue to make me want to read more.

👩🏻My Recommendation👩🏻
If you enjoy shadow magic, hidden identities and secrets, and a good old fashioned villainous prince, you’ll certainly enjoy this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing the ARC and the opportunity to review this book.

3/5
Wren has always grown up with Elodie, her protector, the light to her dark. Wren is drawn to shadow power but this same power destroyed her home kingdom Asteroth; knights have sworn to protect the kingdom by hunting shadow magic users. A noble knight Finn enters a forest near the remote border towns where Wren and Elodie live and a creature attacks him, and Wren decides to use her forbidden magic to save his life, exposing herself and endangering her life. Their connection is instant as Wrens magic flows between them. Enemy soldiers of the kingdom are hunting her and Elodie, for reasons initially unclear to her, and she must work with Finn to save each other and possibly Elodie and the kingdom.

This is a quick read, and would be perfect for a young reader interested in entry to the romantasy genre. For those that love the world building of SJM and Rebecca Yarros, the story will feel underdeveloped with greater emphasis needed on world building and character development. Usually in romantasy there is depth not just with the MMC and FMC but all the supporting characters too, but all the characters felt surface level and the reader is not emotionally invested in their journey. There are really only 5 prominent voices: Wren, Finn, Elodie, Roland, Leander.

I’m also a slow burn girlie and was not a fan of the instalove between Wren and Finn, gave me Twilight vibes

Thank you NetGalley, author Jessica Thorne, and publisher Second Sky for this ARC.
Pub Date: September 5, 2024

A Touch Of Shadows by Jessica Thorne is a good read for readers just getting into high fantasy books. Stories where they must learn a new world and new rules. It was a good introduction to those types of stories as there was good worldbuilding at the beginning of the book but it wasn't too complicated or anything too overwhelming to pick up easily.

I do think the world-building could've used a bit of work as the story went on, specifically the magic system. I felt the magic system felt a bit weak logic-wise as the characters started to use their powers more. While we did get a bit of history and some explanation regarding the magic early on in the book, it still felt a bit vague. I do hope there is a bit of expansion on that in the second and third books.

Unfortunately, I wasn't a fan of romance. The insta-love took the "instant part" to a whole new level. I think the author tried to compensate by tying their immediate connection with the magic but I don't think enough development was done with the relationship outside of that. So when the characters started to act a bit intimate I was quite confused as to how we got there.

I quite liked the idea behind Wren's mother and her history. Without giving away spoilers, the idea of her feeling restricted by her position and her eventually being "trapped" by her love is quite interesting.

Thank you to Netgalley and Second Sky Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks so much to Netgalley and the author (or the author's team) for this copy.

A touch of Shadows was the first book I had read by this author and I throughly enjoyed it. The writing style and how the world is complex without being complicated was great.
The characters, I felt could have seen more of their personalities or something ... but I also am aware this is the first book in a series, and so I am super eager to see where this story goes.

The Touch of Shadows by Jessica Thorne kicks off The Lost Queen series with an addictive mix of forbidden magic, tension-filled romance, and high-stakes adventure. Fans of fantasy romance, especially those who enjoy authors like Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout, will find themselves swept up in Wren and Finn’s captivating story of passion, power, and looming darkness.

Wren is a compelling heroine—quietly powerful and living in constant fear of being discovered for the shadow magic she possesses. Her magic is not just a hidden gift but a dangerous curse, one that destroyed her kingdom and forces her into a life of secrecy in a remote village. This duality gives her character depth; she's someone who yearns to do good, healing those around her, while knowing that exposure could mean death. Wren’s internal battle between embracing her powers and hiding them from the world makes her easy to root for, and Thorne does a great job making her feel relatable, despite her extraordinary abilities.

Then comes Finn, a noble knight whose sworn duty is to hunt down those who wield the very magic Wren harbors. Finn’s character is introduced at a moment of vulnerability, as he is attacked by dark creatures in the forest and nearly dies. Wren’s decision to save him, despite the risk of revealing her powers, sets off a series of events that tie the two together in ways neither could have predicted.

The chemistry between Wren and Finn is palpable from the moment she saves his life. Thorne’s writing captures the tension and desire between them in a way that feels both electric and dangerous. Their connection goes beyond physical attraction, as Wren’s magic pulses through them both, making you question whether their growing bond is real or simply the result of the shadows tempting them. This uncertainty adds a delicious edge to their romance—one that keeps you guessing about whether they can truly trust each other, or if the darkness will ultimately tear them apart.

As much as this is a love story, A Touch of Shadows is also packed with action and adventure. The looming threat of enemy soldiers, the dark creatures that haunt the woods, and the shadow magic itself create an atmosphere of suspense that keeps the plot moving at a brisk pace. Thorne builds the tension effectively, as the stakes grow higher with each chapter. Both Wren and Finn are caught between duty and desire, and their journey feels all the more compelling as they grapple with whether Wren’s magic, seen as dangerous by both of them, could be the key to saving the kingdom.

Thorne’s world-building is immersive without being overwhelming, focusing on the key elements that draw readers into the story: the mysterious shadow magic, the fallen kingdom of Asteroth, and the complex political tensions that drive the plot forward. These elements lay the groundwork for what promises to be an intriguing series, but it’s Wren and Finn’s evolving relationship that truly holds the spotlight.

The novel strikes a balance between steamy romance and dark fantasy, making it an ideal read for those who love the mix of heart-pounding passion and epic adventure. Wren and Finn’s bond feels organic, and the twists in their story will keep readers hooked until the final page. There’s also a great sense of mystery surrounding the shadow magic—where it came from, what it truly wants, and how it could either save or destroy everything Wren holds dear.

In A Touch of Shadows, Jessica Thorne has crafted a romance that burns with intensity, set against a backdrop of magic and intrigue that will leave readers eager for the next installment. It’s a thrilling start to a series that promises plenty of heart-stopping moments and emotional depth, perfect for anyone craving an addictive fantasy romance.