A suspenseful fantasy wrought with dark deceptions, assassins, witches and witch-hunters, shadowy evil entities, mounting desires, secrets, and the threat of war.

. Political Fantasy Romance
. Slow Burn
. Shadow Magic
. Hidden Identity
. Forced Proximity
. Dark & Light

Wren was no ordinary girl, she had hair that seemed to flow as if it had a life of its own. She could feel the song of the darkwood singing to her, like the darkness calling. Elodie, the only mother she had ever know, who posed as the town healer, had programmed into her from a very young age to hide what she was, what she could do, and to never venture into the darkwood. But she didn't know why, she didn't know a lot of things, as her mother withheld their past from her.

"... the past... the past was dangerous. Secrets needed to be kept." (pg 63)

A stranger came to town, Finn, a hard stoic soldier. Enchanted by Wren, he became her unlikely defender. But he, too, had secrets. They were forced into an alliance as they fled from dark and dangerous pursuers.

Catapulted into the middle of a policital intrigue and a stalking darkness and burning light, the secrets of the past came down upon them. Secrets, magic, and an enticing attraction that could forever change their lives or cause their deaths and destruction.

There was a lot of inner conflict for Wren, she struggled, even when presented with little to no choice. Lessons were hard learned and hard met, but despite whatever she faced she did it with admirable determination and did what she thought was the right thing to do. Loved that for her. Hoping to see how her relationship with Finn develops and how their lives unfold through the next 2 books in the series.

4.33 (~4)🌟

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for this ARC! Please enjoy this spoiler-free review of A Touch of Shadows.

I enjoyed this, but as far as first books go, I feel this is a series in which the second and third books will really be the ones to shine.

Let's start with what I enjoyed! My favorite character was for sure Elodie. I like the charm of seeing the unfolding and reform of history through the eyes of someone who knows largely nothing about it. I love an unreliable narrator and Wren is about as unreliable as it gets! I believe it is a great beginner fantasy, the glossary is very easy to follow. I tend to skim them and I could follow along just fine. The formatting of parts/scenes broken up by poems and additions of the world's lore and history was nice to see.

For my criticisms, they're mostly preference based and, I'm sure, will be solved in later books. The trend of incomplete sentences or sentences repeated for emphasis is just a pet peeve of mine, but it's rather prevalent. It took me a while to get into the book, about 80%, and get invested in the characters and their interests. The pacing was good, but I just didn't know these people well enough to care until the grand fight.

I'm really interested to learn more of Elodie and what becomes of Wren. I like Finn, but I want to know more about him than just his insta-lust with Wren. I really want to see how Elodie and Roland reconcile and I'm excited to pick up the next book in this series.

Um... Okay, I know it's an ARC, but the sentence structure and dialogue is a bit of a mess. I feel like that's the most polite way I can put that. There are so many mistakes that I really could not get past the first couple of chapters. The world and premise seem really interesting, but the execution needed so much work...

Jessica Thorne chose an eye-catching cover for her novel A Touch of Shadows. The cover and the title lured me into reading. This is a quick fantasy read with a limited number of characters. The world-building is constrained, and I look forward to seeing it evolve as the series continues. Elodie, a hedgewitch, hides away a magical child, Wren. Elodie constantly tells Wren, "Reach for the light," in hopes, to keep Wren from falling prey to evil. Wren easily accesses dark powers, while she struggles to use the light. This narrative becomes a motif: light versus darkness. Thorne layers this motif with two forbidden love stories. First, Wren falls for Finnian Ward. The reader must discern if dark magic compels them to one another, or Wren and Finn are honestly attracted to each other. Second, Elodie hides her secret love story with Roland. The story ends with a cliff-hanger.

Thank you #JessicaThorne, #Forever(GrandCentralPublishing), and #NetGalley for my ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

I liked this book overall.

This book kind of reads like it’s meant for a younger audience. While the fantasy here is very much present, the world isn’t overwhelmingly built. The romance is pretty straight foward; I would call it instant love. But it’s not… annoying especially for anyone starting to read fantasy/ romantasy. Finn especially is a charming character. really enjoy a noble knight who’s tempted into darkness by love. It’s inoffensive. The prose is good. I was interested. I feel like I would recommend this to my younger sister.

But… it’s a pretty surface-level book in a lot of ways. It read as a bit YA to me. That’s not an insult; I could actually see recommending this as a bridge book for YA readers who want to try something a bit more adult. Maybe on the older side since there is sex in the book but it's not overly scandalous.

This isn't a complicated immerse worldbuilding plot twisting book. Again definitely an easy read to read in between reading slumps and recommended to younger reader or even older readers who don't want to over think and just enjoy a story while starting out on fantasy.

Thanks to NetGalley and Jessica Thorne for providing me with this ARC.

However I will reread this again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🫑

“A Touch of Shadows” -Jessica Thorne

Elodie, witchkind, healer, lives in the dark wood with Wren, always reaching for the light.

Wren, All she knows is Elodie, an affair with Pol and not to reach for the shadows but they call to her like a beacon of dark light

Finn, touch Wren and die.

It took about 40% for me to really get into this story. There was a lot of Elodie going you can’t do this, don’t do this with no communication. When the story finally started heating up I was entranced.

There is definitely a need to know more because the author only gave you little pieces and there is so much more to figure out about whom and what Wren truly is. I will be reading book 2!

Out now! Sorry for posting late but finished in the midst of traveling and it’s been crazy!

#BookDragon #BookReviewer #Bookstagram #Books #ARC #ARCReader #ARCReviewer #Fantasy #TouchHimAndDie #ATouchOfShadows #ReadForeverPub #NetGalley

I absolutely devoured this! I love the story, the angst and broken heartedness from some of the characters. The urge to do what's right but not be sure how to or what the right thing is. Wren and Finn (lol I didn't even realize they rhymed until now) were both a little broken trying to strive for right. I also love how it ends with so much mystery left for more in the series. I'll be sure to follow this author for all the upcoming news.

3.5 on StoryGraph

I really liked the world that is built in “A Touch of Shadows”. There’s such a fantastic, magical world that’s been fleshed out here. The deities and magic system are interesting, unique, and scary!

I did wish for more from the characters. Finn and Wren’s romance felt so rushed and even though that’s mentioned in the book, it just felt like something was missing. Maybe that’s a purposeful choice, but I missed something to tie the characters together.

Elodie’s story was the most fascinating to me. I want to see more from her and learn more about her past and motivations! She was my favorite part of the book by far.

Lots of potential in the world overall, and I’d be interested in seeing how the characters and relationships develop in the next book.

Fate is such a finicky beast.

And yet that’s all I could think about this entire book. Fate that Elodie would protect Wren… Fate that Wren would meet and fall in love with Finn… Fate that Elodie and Wren would return home where they “belong”.

I can’t wait to read the next one to find out what happens. I have so many unanswered questions.

Thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.

ahh i ended up not being able to finish this by release date, but if possible i will prioritize this as soon as i can, it seems right up my alley! 💫

This was a quick and easy fantasy read. The cover and description definitely had me interested right away. The magic system was unique but I felt like it could be confusing at times. Perhaps it is meant to be for now until we get the other books! The world building was a little lackluster for me and I felt like there were things that needed further fleshing out.

I did enjoy the story. There’s a lot of potential for character growth with Wren, the FMC. The relationship between Elodie and Wren has a lot of mystery still surrounding it and I’m looking forward to seeing how things play out in the next book.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing), NetGalley, and Jessica Thorne for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for the eArc. This book was a quick read and a great option for someone looking to see if fantasy is for them. The development and details of the story drew you in quickly but I felt like the first book could have been longer, more time to explain the background of things without giving too much detail and more development of the love interest. BUT overall really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to see what happens next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Publishing) for the ARC.

A Touch of Shadows by Jessica Thorne has a a great plot premise, and an interesting magic system I wanted to learn more about. Ultimately the story fell a bit short for me.
The worldbuilding is very light, and I found the FMC to be very weak.
I am hopeful that the remainder of books in the series can fulfill what was missing in book 1.

Thank you, NetGalley, for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC.
The cover instantly grabbed my attention. I love reading fairytale retellings, and this one gave me a Repunzal vibe.
Meet our main character, Wren— a recluse who lives in isolation by a hedgewitch in a tower. Her mundane life takes a turn when Finnian Ward arrives in town. Their attraction is instantaneous, and from here, the adventure begins.
The magic, dark words—everything strengthens the plot.
Note: it sends with a cliffhanger!

#ATouchofShadows #NetGalley

A Touch of Shadows is book one in The Lost Queen series by Jessica Thorne.
This book is fantastically crafted with a very compelling storyline and captivating characters.
A wonderful Romantasy story and I can’t wait for the second title!

Rating-
4/5 stars

Genre-
Romantasy

Age Rating For It-
16 or 17+ because there is definitely some violence in the book with some fighting, killing and burning of villages and people. On the romance level there is definitely some spice, (only one spice scene though) but it’s nothing too explicit or detailed which is why the age rating isn’t higher and if you want to it’s pretty easy to skip too.

Tropes-
Insta lust (pretty much)
Lost queen
Unknown heritage
Mystical powers
Evil force of power

Quotes-

“Let it try, she thought fiercely. Let it try to take her child away.”

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

“It was all past. It was all gone. There was only her. His dark queen. A goddess of shadows thought long-lost. And he was hers.
Just as it was always meant to be.”

“He knew her. He worshiped her. He had been a fool to think he would ever escape.”

“There was something about him, something like an addiction just waiting for her to fall prey to.”
“We are Witchkind. We will live free or die.”

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

“He was the wild animal, the hunter, and the forest itself. He was death waiting in the darkness. He was a firestorm.”

“Show him. Show him how wrong he is. They have grown arrogant, these kings, without my hand at their throat. Make him bow and beg.”

“No, my love. This isn’t you, little bird. Please, stop. Don’t give in to the shadows. Let go of it, Wren. Just let go. Help is coming.”

“The things you do to me, Wren…”

“‘Even if I am a monster’….’You could never be a monster,’ she told him and smiled as she pushed herself up on her elbows so she could press her lips to his. ‘You’re mine. I want you. All of you.’”

“She was everything. That was all he needed to know. She was darkness and light, Hope and fear, pleasure and longing so deep it was the twin of pain. He was lost in her, and he couldn’t bring himself to fight that, let alone care.”

“‘Tomorrow we leave for Pelias,’ she whispered, unable to hid her fear. ‘And everything is going to change, isn’t it?’
‘Yes,’ he said at last. ‘I’m afraid it is. But I’ll be there with you. I promise.’”

Thoughts/Would I Recommend This?-
I honestly loved this book and devoured this book in almost one sitting. The past few books I’ve read have honestly been not great, and I have been really wanting to read a good book again, and when I started this one I knew I would like it. I was a bit worried about the insta lust aspect of the whole thing because I hadn’t read many books with that trope, but I liked this one a lot and I thought it made sense in the whole plot of the book. All in all, l I definitely recommend this book to read, and I personally loved it and think others will too!

I’ll be honest, the cover immediately got my attention and the blurb had me applying for this ARC so quickly.

To start, I found this to start off slowly. I have read lots of fantasy and know the world building takes some time but I felt like it took a very long time with not a lot of detail. The plot is a fast paced and seems to move places quickly which was a bit confusing for me. It was very love at first sight with not a lot of growth & I am definitely w slow burn kinda gal. The characters didn’t greatly get my attention. I did appreciate the glossary at the start of the book, I always enjoy those when reading a fantasy. I found myself skimming at the end, unfortunately this wasn’t a top book for me.

This book is great for someone new to fantasy and understanding the different levels that make up a world.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to view this as an ARC.

I overall enjoyed A Touch of Shadows; it was a very easy and quick read.

However, some of the aspects of the book wasn't complete, like the world building and the magic system. In addition, the romance was insta-love, but then not explored for most of the book.

I do enjoy the multiple POVS, though.

Thank you NetGalley for the early access of this book!

This story had good potential but the relationship between Wren and Finn didn't feel real which made liking the characters all the harder. Some of the repetitive monologuing could have been swapped for better character development of the main characters. The premise of this story was intriguing though and the magic of dark and light kept me reading.

Thank you Forever for providing this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley.

A Touch of Shadows grabbed my attention right from the start. As soon as I read the description, and it felt like a retelling of Rapunzel, I was hooked. However, I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical—I’ve never been a big fan of retellings. But I should’ve had more faith! Jessica Thorne takes this classic story and makes it uniquely her own in a way that’s fresh, engaging, and full of intrigue.

The book follows Wren, a young woman raised in isolation by a hedgewitch in a tower on the edge of the mysterious Darkwoods. Her life seems quiet and peaceful, until Finnian Ward arrives in town. He rescues her during an encounter, only for Wren to return the favor and rescue him later that day. This marks the beginning of a much bigger adventure for Wren, one where her previously quiet life is turned upside down.

One of the aspects I really enjoyed was how the story explores Wren’s internal struggle between light and dark. She’s always been told to keep the darker parts of herself under control, but once she’s thrust into this new and dangerous world, she must confront that inner darkness in a way she never has before. Watching her grapple with this, especially as she uncovers secrets about her past, was incredibly engaging.

The magic system in this book was another standout. I love how well the author did with blending the light and dark aspects of magic in a way that feels both rich and integral to the plot. The way Wren’s powers evolve throughout the story adds layers to her character, making her journey all the more compelling.

Warning, this book ends on a cliffhanger, leaving me desperate to know what happens next. That ending makes me eager to pick up the next book in the series—I need to know what’s coming for Wren! Overall, this was a captivating read that expertly mixes magic, mystery, and personal growth. If you’re a fan of dark fantasy or fairy tale retellings that feel both nostalgic and new.