Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Emma Noyes delivers an immersive and thrilling fantasy in “Soul of Shadow,” blending Norse mythology with modern-day mystery. With its mix of adventure, dark twists, and a unique protagonist, this YA novel is perfect for younger YA readers who don’t mind a little violence.

At the heart of the story is Charlie, a relatable and refreshingly unique protagonist still grieving the loss of her identical twin sister. She’s trying to navigate high school while being drawn into a world just beneath the surface of her own, where Norse gods and monsters meddle unseen in the lives of mortals. When classmates start disappearing, Charlie finds herself entangled in a dangerous mystery—one that forces her to confront her past and her own connection to the supernatural.

One of the book’s standout elements is its approach to Norse mythology. It is both detailed and engaging, making the world feel rich and cinematic. While some moments of info-dumping may feel overwhelming, the vivid storytelling ensures that even readers unfamiliar with Norse mythology can follow along with ease. The pacing is mostly strong, though the middle of the book slows down as the romance takes center stage.

Speaking of romance, “Soul of Shadow” leans into familiar YA tropes like fake dating and enemies-to-lovers, which younger readers will likely enjoy. Elias, the morally gray love interest, is both alluring and mysterious, leaving you eager to learn more about his motivations. I hope there is more of a focus on Elias and his past in the sequel; I found him to be the most intriguing character. Though some aspects of the romance may feel predictable or cringeworthy, the tension between Charlie and Elias keeps things interesting.

Beyond the romance, the book shines in its portrayal of friendship. Charlie’s best friends provide unwavering support, grounding her as she becomes more entangled in the supernatural. Their dynamic is fun, even if a bit stereotypical, and adds warmth to the darker elements of the story.

The book truly excels in its twists and turns, with unexpected revelations that build up to a strong finale. The ending perfectly sets up a sequel, introducing a new mystery that will leave readers eager for the next installment. And of course, no review would be complete without mentioning the vätte—a mischievous creature that steals the show as one of the most delightful parts of the book.

With its engaging characters, gripping mythology, and a cinematic world that feels both nostalgic and fresh, Soul of Shadow is a must-read for YA fantasy fans.

This is a new author to me, and I enjoyed her writing. I had heard this book compared to Vampire Diaries and that was an instant hook. This book caused me to feel nostalgic for the YA vampire books from the earlier 2000's. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

I thought that this was a great young adult read. I loved the storytelling and the worldbuilding. I especially loved Henry the Vatte!

Perfect for fans of twilight, TVD, and Norse mythology! The main characters have depth and its nice to see their relationships develop with betrayals along the way. The plot is also captivating with an nail biting mystery to solve - leaving readers hooked onto who is behind it all.

This book is like if Percy Jackson was darker, more violent, and Percy and Annabeth hate each other. Norse Gods and Monsters are meddling in the lives of mortals in modern day, unseen by the citizens of the town. And Charlie, our protagonist, is caught in the middle of it all as more and more of her classmates go missing.

I really loved this story. Noyes has created an entire world just under the fabric of our own, and I am very eager to explore more of it. And also, I would die for Henry.

This was Spellbinding and intriguing. I couldn't put it down as she searched for information. Working with the new kid in town isn't great at first, but when they start working together and learning to trust each other, things really change.

Soul of Shadow is a delicious mix of danger, romance, and mythology that had me absolutely hooked from start to finish. Charlie’s world gets turned upside down when she finds herself tangled up in the mysterious disappearance of a classmate, and I couldn’t stop reading to see how her connection with Elias Everhart would unfold. He’s the perfect blend of mysterious and frustrating, and the tension between them is just chef’s kiss. The way Noyes layers in Norse mythology adds a fresh and gripping twist, keeping the stakes high and the mysteries dark. What I loved most was how the romance didn’t just rely on chemistry, it was about two people discovering their place in a world full of secrets. It’s emotional, intense, and honestly, impossible to put down.

Soul of Shadow was exactly what my soul needed! I lovedddddd it! The storyline was fascinating and I’ve never read a book like this- I ate it up!!

This was so good! I enjoyed it immensely! The writing and characters were perfect. I loved the story and can’t wait to carry on with the series! I highly recommend this one if you are a fan of Norse Mythology and even if you are just a Marvel fan. So good! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the arc in return for an honest review!