I appreciated the length of this book, it was quick and concise and still got the hints that were needed. One point from me is I thought the beginning part was kind of dragging the story. Once Finn and Wren meet and we see more of how the magic works in this world, I felt fully engaged with the book. I was also more interested to know the mystery and secrecy from Elodie and Roland, but that’s mostly because it’s not fully revealed that made me more intrigued towards them. I wish we got more descriptions when they were battling Leander’s group, at some point in the fight the description will lose me for a bit. I thought the second half of this book was the best part, and I enjoyed reading multiple POVs made us glimpse more into Wren, Finn, Elodie and even Roland. It gave enough storyline without revealing all the cards. Will be reading book two because I want to know more.

It’s official! I just finished my first ARC!

A Touch of Shadows follows Wren and Finn as they navigate the world of dark magic, evil siblings, and deep secrets. The magic feels very similar to The Shepherd King series, but without the cards. Fitted with a forbidden love romance, this book meets those spicy requirements of any good romantasy!

I wanted so bad to get into this book. I just never felt connected with the characters. I think the author has a really great concept, but the whole thing just felt a bit rushed. I need MORE romance, MORE world building, break this book into 2! Or even, just make it more than 200 pages. Romantasy readers are committed to the story and ready for longer books. I will definitely read more from Jessica Thorne in the future, but I just felt unsatisfied from this one.

⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️/5

Overall, I enjoyed reading Wren’s story.

I liked the darkness versus light dilemma she faced, as well as her overall development as a character coming into her own power and agency. The flashbacks also helped put some puzzle pieces together.

I wish we had gotten a little more detail about what exactly the magic was doing to Wren when she reached for it; it was teased but never fully described on page. Everyone around her sees something but what is it? Do her eyes change color, does her skin glow, something else?? I wanted more details.

Also, while the romance was interesting, it felt forced at times because magic was so intertwined with how they met — I think they needed a little more time to develop their relationship apart from the magic so it would not feel like a compulsion.

That said, I enjoyed TOS and am looking forward to book 2!

A solid 3.5 stars!

This was a great start to a fantasy series! Wren has been hidden away in a tower in a forest far on the edges of a kingdom, raised by Elodie, a hedge witch. It gives very much Rapunzel retelling, and I throughout enjoyed that aspect! When witch hunters come for them, the two women are separated and Wren finds herself with a knight, Finn. For the first time in her life, she has to trust in herself and forge her own path, but not everything is as it seems. Wren goes on a journey to find the truth about herself, about Elodie, and about her now close knight.
The writing and world-building was perfect for someone just starting out in fantasy! I truly enjoyed the whimsical, witchy vibes and loved discovering this world almost at the same time Wren seemed to be. I do wish there was more character development, and I didn’t feel as attached to the characters as I would have liked, but the story is so fast-paced and action packed that I didn’t mind it too much! The romance felt magical, and Finn’s devotion truly was swoon-worthy. I enjoyed the multiple POVs and am excited to see where the rest of the series goes!

Thank you NetGalley, Sky Second, and Jessica Thorne for this ARC!
I loved the Rapunzel retelling aspects of this book. I also loved the witchy, woodsy, themes.
The world building was a little underwhelming throughout the actual story, but a lot is explained in the glossary. I think this makes it a perfect read for someone just getting into the fantasy genre.
I typically don’t mind the insta-love trope, but in this case I felt like it took away from the potential of Wren and Finn’s relationship and character development. I didn’t feel a whole lot between them throughout their dialogue, and hoped for more tension.
This read was a quick, exciting adventure. Thorne’s writing is phenomenal. It was twisty, witchy, and magical. I am looking forward to reading book 2!

A Touch of Shadows is a fast paced, engaging read that will lull you in with its shadow magic. I feel like this book would be a perfect gateway to those looking to get into fantasy/romantasy books for the first time. It’s a relatively short, quick read that isn’t overly heavy on the fantasy elements and world building. I actually read it in one sitting. I wasn’t a huge fan of the insta love going on, but it does work well in this story since the magic’s effect on their feelings is a point of exploration in this book. Overall, I wish there was more going on — more world building, more character development, etc.

Overall rating: 3.5⭐️