The characters are compelling and well-developed. FMC undergoes significant growth, facing internal struggles and moral dilemmas that add depth to their journey. Supporting characters, such as [notable side character’s name] and [antagonist’s name], bring additional layers of complexity, with motivations and arcs that keep the reader invested.

This book was sort of anticlimactic to me and the plot fell flat at some points when I thought it would have picked up. I did enjoy the gist of it though. And for YA it wasn’t too juvenile.

i’d like to say a quick, huge thank you for being sent this arc! the blurb really intrigued me and the cover pulled me in.

unfortunately, this story overall felt very okay for me. i like the concept with it being vampire diaries meets norse mythology but i wish there was more showing instead of telling and everything being thrown at you all at once.

i did enjoy all of the side characters as well as the mcs! even though i felt it had a slow start it did pick up and the ending had me intrigued. i haven’t seen vampire diaries myself but i can say this has a sort of twilight feel to it which i enjoyed.

thank you again for the arc!

Despite what felt was a rocky beginning, this book was nearly perfect! In a way it felt like coming home. In vein of 90s/2010s urban fantasy series like The Vampire Diaries, The Trylle Series, The Mortal Instruments etc. Also perfect for fans of Marvel and THAT scene in Bratz: Fashion Pixies IYKYK.

In ‘Soul of Shadow’ we having high schooler Charlie Hudson as she gets dragged into the world of norse mythology and along with that our “love interest” Elias Everhart.

Now to really start this review, like I said this books gives all those early days urban fantasy vibes that is so nostalgic but works in all the ways it should. The travel into the world is perfect for seasoned and new readers of the genre, easily making this what could be the next big thing.

Where my problem lies with this book is our “love interest” Elias Everhart. Now I know the author was inspired by Damon Salvatore and Delena as a ship, but I hope Emma Noyes is aware that her book is still YA and that having a love interest that does such an unspeakable thing near the end of the book proving how evil he is, and how this will effect younger readers who start to learn what they what out of life from books. I really hope Emma will be introducing a new love interest in book two. If this was an adult fantasy or even just a high fantasy I would probably be willing to look past this a bit but i’m just trying to look out for the younger readers.

i was very excited when the publisher reached out to me with a link invite to read this e-arc!

this was a solid 4.5/5 for me.

i absolutely adored the hidden-in-plain-sight paranormal world in the vein of The Vampire Diaries and Supernatural but for a teenage audience. as a teenager between the years 2000’s and 2010’s this book made me very nostalgic!


the pacing was strong, and the mystery had me hooked, but the plot shift midway was a little abrupt. i will say the prose leaned a little heavier on the telling vs showing aspect for me personally, but it was still a very good read!

p.s, vatte owns my heart.

Missing teens and Norse signs burned into trees is the perfect spooky setting for a YA fantasy. Charlie Hudson lost her twin last year and has become more inward looking. She doesn't expect to be drawn to a mysterious, suspicious, and very handsome newcomer Elias Everhart. Elias opens her eyes to the world of Norse gods and nightmare creatures that steal happiness. Charlies discovers not only shocking secrets about the town that she lives, but also about her own family.

Complete with twists, a compelling villain romance, and fascinating world-building within modern teen life, this book is perfect for fans of Alexandra Braken's Lore series.

Soul of Shadow is book one of a trilogy that follows out FMC, Charlie, as she looks for clues following the disappearance of a few of her classmates. She teams up with Elias, a mysterious new student.

4.5 stars. I couldn’t put this down. I absolutely loved it. I thought it was well written and well paced. I loved the hidden in plain sight paranormal world. I found the Norse mythology so interesting. I really liked Charlie and found her to be a well developed character. I thought the grief she was going through was portrayed very well. The only reason this isn’t 5 stars is because the plot abruptly switches focus from the missing students to something else. The mystery does get solved though and the ending was fantastic. I can’t wait for the sequel.

**5 Stars - A Spellbinding, Late-Night Adventure!**

Soul of Shadow by Emma Noyes is a gripping, Norse mythology-inspired fantasy that has completely captivated me! I couldn’t put it down—this book had me staying up way past my bedtime, and I don’t regret a single minute of it. Emma Noyes has done it again, weaving a world that is both rich in magic and deeply emotional. I’m still reeling from that plot twist!

As a fan of Noyes' *Sunken City* trilogy, I knew I was in for something special. And boy, was I right! The character development, particularly of Charlie, our fierce and grieving protagonist, had me rooting for her every step of the way. The way Emma explores grief and loss through Charlie’s journey is raw and relatable, and yet the story also packs a punch with magic, gods, and monsters, creating a perfect blend of emotional depth and high-stakes fantasy.

The world-building is top-notch! The Norse mythology elements are seamlessly woven into the story, and even though I’m no expert in mythology, Noyes makes everything so accessible and thrilling. And don’t get me started on the characters—Elias and Charlie's dynamic had me hooked from the very first page, with tension and chemistry that kept me guessing. The plot is full of twists, and the pacing was just right for a first book in what promises to be an unforgettable series.

I’m so grateful to Emma Noyes, NetGalley, and Wednesday Books for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my review. *Soul of Shadow* is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy, romance, and epic world-building. I cannot wait for the next book in this series, and I’ll be thinking about this one long after I’ve finished. Highly recommend!

It was a norse mythology fantasy adventure that i couldn't put down. This sucked me in. It was such a whimsical feeling with all the different creatures. The mystery of the missing kids had me curious, but as soon as Elias popped up, i was more curious about him. Who doesn't like a shadow guy, crushing on a shadow person....I'm here with you. And he calls her darling, swooning. When things started to get revealed, i was at the edge of my seat, and the ending left me shocked and needing more.

This book was awesome! I really love the mythology! And OMG the gnome is so freaking cute!! I want a gnomie guy like him! I really can't wait to see how Charlie develops! I really love the world and all of the attention to detail surrounding mythology. Book number two can't get here fast enough!

It feels like it would have been at home with other YA fantasy series popular in the 2000s and early 2010s. I would have read this as a teen. The aspect of a world hiding within the modern world isn’t new, but the Norse Mythology elements kept it fresh. There was more telling than showing as the plot progressed which made it hard at times to stay in the flow of the story. It’s an overall well written book with likable characters (I adored Vatte), strong dynamics, and interesting ideas. It’s written with teens in mind as the core characters are in their junior/senior year. Their actions and responses felt appropriate for that age demographic. I would probably read book two just to see how the cliffhanger is resolved. Teen fans of Vampire Diaries or Supernatural would definitely like this.

First off - this cover is something else!! Seriously!! Stunning!

Now on to the review. This book has the vibe of Vampire Diaries with the teen high school setting; teenage angst, drama, ect. The FMC is dealing with the death of her twin (grief can be a hard thing). Add to this the norse mythology, a morally grey MMC and the dark immortal world and you have a book that is a fun read. This is very much YA so if that is not your thing don't bother. These are teenagers, acting and thinking like teens and reacting to situations the way teens would (maybe, maybe not). I think with that in mind you enter this read simply to enjoy it the same way you do Vampire Diaries.

Soul of Shadow is an absolute masterpiece that swept me off my feet! From the moment I started reading, I was completely immersed in the world Noyes created—rich with dark magic, mystery, and a deep sense of longing that I couldn’t shake.

The protagonist’s journey was captivating, and I loved watching them grow and evolve with every page. The emotional depth and the bond between the characters were so beautifully written, and the story had just the right balance of suspense, danger, and heart. The world-building was lush and vivid, making every scene feel so real that I was lost in it.

What really stood out to me was how Noyes weaves emotion and tension into every moment. The stakes were high, and I found myself holding my breath during key moments, unsure of where things would go next.

If you’re looking for a novel that blends dark fantasy with rich emotional depth, Soul of Shadow is a must-read. It’s a journey that stays with you long after you turn the last page.

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I loved everything about this book.Noyes's writing is vivid; I felt like I was watching a movie. I highly recommend this book .

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I think with how many books are out there nowadays we have turned most of our morally gray MMC's into more of a morally pale grey or in some case even morally clear if you will. Elias? That's a true morally gray character. Charlie was one of the most realistic and incredible and awe inspiring FMC's I've read in a long time and this is not even touching on the world building. Phenomenal, an entirely new take of a world I have never seen before nor considered but absolutely jaw droppingly vivid. I need the second book, which I'm sure has not even been written yet like a plant needs CO2. I refuse to spoil this but if you love Norse mythology, mystery and a MMC who owns the title morally grey, pick this up! Immediately!!

Soul of Shadow by Emma Noyes is a captivating read that draws you in from the very first page. The storytelling is immersive, with richly developed characters, a gripping plot, and unexpected twists that keep you hooked. Noyes has a beautiful way of blending emotion and mystery, creating a story that resonates long after you finish. A truly enjoyable experience from start to finish!

*Soul of Shadow* takes readers on a gripping journey steeped in Norse mythology, captivating plot twists, and a character-driven narrative that keeps you hooked until the final page. The novel follows a complex protagonist, who we first meet as a grieving twin who has lost her other half due to an unexpected illness.

One of the standout features of this book is the intricate weaving of Norse mythology. The author skillfully incorporates ancient gods, mythical creatures, and long-forgotten lore into the story, which adds an immersive layer to the world-building.

The plot itself is full of twists and turns, each one more unexpected than the last. Just when you think you've figured out where the story is going, the author pulls the rug out from under you, leaving you eager to see what will happen next. These surprises don't feel forced, though; they emerge organically from the narrative, keeping the tension high and the stakes even higher.

The main character’s arc is another highlight. Watching her evolve from a depressed and grieving young lady who is a shell of herself without her win into someone capable of facing extraordinary challenges (and literal Norse gods) is quite a journey. The internal struggles she faces, coupled with their growth over the course of the novel, make for an emotionally resonant experience. It’s rare to come across a character whose journey feels as raw and real as the one portrayed here.

The dynamics between the main characters—especially the slow-burning relationship between the leading female and male protagonist—add a layer of emotional depth to the story. Their developing connection is handled with care, and the slow-burn romance is the perfect complement to the high-stakes action. It’s a refreshingly grounded element in a plot that could easily have been dominated by larger-than-life battles and cosmic forces.

In conclusion, *Soul of Shadow* is a masterful blend of mythology, mystery, and character-driven storytelling. Its clever twists, richly developed mythology, and complex character arcs make it a standout in the genre. Fans of Norse mythology, intricate plots, and slow-burn romance will find plenty to love here.

I would have loved this as a teen. The author said she wanted to create her own version of mystic falls and I can definitely see the inspiration. It also reminded me of shadow hunters and other early 2000s YA fantasy with the secret world hiding within ours. I definitely had to lean in to the cheesiness but I was entertained the whole time and would read the next one.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley for the arc. I can't wait for this book to be published. It was really enjoyable and the world building was excellent. This is a must read.

As far as YA novels go, I really enjoyed this one. Soul of Shadows was a mix of mystery and magical realism mixed in with Norse mythology. I really liked Charlie's and Elias' characters and the twist at the end. I would read the second novel from this series and would recommend it to my high school students, especially those who enjoy fantasy/mythology retellings in a contemporary setting.