I really enjoyed the world on this one! It felt like a combination of paranormal/urban fantasy and the more biblical demons/angels urban fantasy. It launches us into a complex world that we only see parts of through the perspective of the mc, who isn’t particularly focused on the world. Her focus is rescuing her dad which means that the world and all the details have been woven in on a ‘ari needs to know’ basis which keeps the pace rapid throughout the different worlds.
It was a fun read and I will definitely read more of this author!

3.5 stars.
YA isn’t my #1 genre, but with the paranormal/modern magic aspect, I was very intrigued and wanted to give it a try! I think middle and high school me would have LOVED this book, but adult me still enjoyed it. I would absolutely be interested in reading the next book in the series, as it left us at a point where so many things can be explored going forward.

Liked:
• The wide variety of characters! There are witches, ghosts, different kinds of demons, and angels.
• The friends that the FMC makes along the way are so unique and have their own lovable personalities and quirks.
• Loads of humor and good banter between characters. I giggled A LOT during my read.
• The representation of anxiety in teens (younger me would have appreciated this a lot).
• The fact that the author wrote this book based off her own hometown and she even includes folklore from other areas in the world (i.e. The Black Church in Brasov, Romania).
• LOTS of descriptive writing! Although sometimes it was a little too much description and ended up having a clunky feel to it.
• There were a few plot twists that I definitely didn’t see coming and lord knows I love a good “omg, no way” moment.
• How the story challenges the way you traditionally think of good vs evil / demons vs angels.

Disliked:
• I had to pull myself out of the story and Google the definition of quite a few words and it almost felt like they didn’t flow with the overall writing. Although.. since this is YA, it could push kids to broaden their vocabulary so I really shouldn’t complain.
• Even with how descriptive the writing was, sometimes I was very confused on who was doing what and what exactly was happening. Maybe this has to do with world-building and how quickly events were taking place??

Favorite quotes:
• “The stars incline us, they do not bind us.”
• “The moon doesn't fear the dark; she speaks the language of stars.”
• “‘He unleashed against them his hot anger, his wrath, indignation and hostility-a band of destroying angels! Psalm 78:49’ — People forget angels are merciless soldiers."

Editing errors:
• Pg.48 “The knife rested against (the) his thigh—”
• Pg.100 “Ari blushed all over again.(e)”

* ARC read through NetGalley, but this is a completely unbiased and honest review. Thank you to the incredible new author and the NetGalley site for this opportunity.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a copy of this book from the NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review. All opinions are my own.

In this book, we follow Ari, who struggles with anxiety-induced hallucinations, on a mission to save her dad with the help of a ghost named Sam. This is the first book in the Darklands Series.

I liked this book, but it didn’t grab my attention as much as I wanted. Sometimes, it struggled to keep my attention, making it difficult to get through. I also don’t love pop culture references within books, and for a book that is considered YA, some of the references seemed too old for the target audience.

I did like the angels and demons aspect of the paranormal world. I also really liked the urban fantasy setting. I loved Sam and his banter with Ari; his personality was so fun. I also loved Ceph. He was just a fun character and not what I had expected from an angel.

🌹Paranormal
🌹Winter After Life
🌹Demon Summoning
🌹Ghosts
🌹Angel in a Cardigan
🌹Cute banter


Review is posted on Instagram and Goodreads. The Review was uploaded on February 6, 2025.

🌹❄️

It was a nice book, dark and cozy in the same time. Good-written and easy to read. Each page was so full of fun or wise quotes, I wanted ro highlight everything everywhere.

Love that each chapter had a number and it's unique name. I missed some of them while being too involved in the plot, but the ones I've noticed were both interesting and spoiler-free.

The plot falls over us too sudden from the start of the book, most of the events feel rushed, although it makes sense since we get the main character's feelings about all the things overwhelming her out of the sudden. It workes perfectly for the immersion. There were several interesting twists, I thought I knew exectly what was what, but was so surprised how it all turned out to be.

Atmospheric town and the other dimension we visit at times allow to fully immerse into the story. It has original worldbuilding, introducing many beings and their kinds, as well as unique magic and a version of heaven and hell's order. I with there was more atmosphere of events and magic - I'm more of a fan of witchy/demon powers being dark and creepy, but I guess here is a more appropriate for the younger audience version.

The characters are distinguishable and fun. The story gives enough for us to see and feel the motives of the fmc, although she can annoy the littlest bit at times - most of the time everything around her lays out as the she needs (even when she faces some troubles). She quite easily succeeds in what she decides to do. I guess I wanted things to be a bit more complicated. Her friends though are a lovely combination of characters. Adorable Sam, unearthy Ceph (gave the vibes of Castiel from Supernatural), brave Charlie, and not so brave, but still sunshiny Mai. I'd love to have more than one pow, but that might've steal the lightness of the book and it wouldn't be so easy to read.

I absolutely recommend this book, but to the younger audience.

- - -
Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me with this free eARC in exchange for my honest review!

My first 5 star read this year!!! I had so much fun reading this book! It felt like a cross between Percy Jackson & Supernatural that kept me on my toes every second. The character development was chefs kiss and I WISH I had the next book already because I NEED to know what’s going to happen!!

**”Welcome to the Darklands”***

I hope everyone has a much fun reading as I did - will be recommending to everyone I know!!!

It was a quick-paced ride and quite an enjoyable read. I enjoyed reading Ari's story and her adventure with her found family especially Sam and Ceph. Love the little romantic undertone too! Jealous ghost best friend is so cute haha. It was lighter than I expected, given the title and description. I enjoyed reading this book :))

Ashley Laster's Shades and Shadow is an entertaining, action-packed novel with amazing world-building and an engaging plot.


Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

“Don’t get lost.” Ari gave a laugh. “Mom, please. In this town?”
Ari was lost.

While it took me a few days to actually read this it wasn't because of the book. That was due to work. If anything the fact it took me longer only made things worse because once I got into it I didn't like putting the book down. The plot and the characters are well developed and the story keeps you guessing where its headed. Usually I can work out that part pretty quicky. Reading books and watching shows and movies will do that to you. But not here. And that was my favorite part of the book. I couldn't predict it. And all that made me love it more.

This was a wonderful, well written adventure! I felt like I was there with the characters, experiencing everything alongside them.
Absolutely cannot wait for the next one!

This urban fantasy novel will captivate readers with its thrilling paranormal adventures and exploration of complex moralities. The story delves into the blurred lines between good and evil, offering a nuanced perspective on redemption and the potential for change within even the most unlikely characters. Fans of morally gray protagonists and intricate magical systems will be drawn to this book's exploration of modern magic and its consequences.

The narrative unfolds through a suspenseful rescue mission that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. As the protagonists navigate a world where the supernatural and the mundane collide, they must confront their own beliefs and make difficult choices that will have far-reaching implications. The fast-paced plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, ensuring that readers will remain engaged until the very end.

With its richly imagined world, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, this book is a must-read for fans of urban fantasy and paranormal fiction. It is a story that will linger in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned, prompting reflection on the nature of good and evil, the power of redemption, and the enduring allure of magic in the modern world.