Thrilling action, complex, well-developed characters and several twists and turns combined to make Jennifer Gruenke’s debut novel, Of Silver and Shadow, a book I read in less than 24 hours and makes me hope for a sequel.
Ren Kolins is a silver wielder, which is pretty dangerous in a place where magic silver-wielders are killed just for existing. Ren, an orphan, is thieving and fighting just to survive, until a rich rebel uncovers her secret and convinces her to join his revolution. What unfolds is a story rich with intrigue, told from multiple perspectives in a way that fills in the blanks, but never reveals the true ending.
The way Gruenke describes not only the city but the characters and their lives is engaging, and humorous at times, but also shows the darker side of the world these characters live in. The imagery and figurative language used throughout the story is elaborative without being distracting or excessive:
“She fanned out her winning cards, and the man’s smile waned, his arrogance falling away like an unclasped cloak slipping from his shoulders.”
This novel would be a great read for anyone who enjoys YA fantasy with a strong, well developed, female lead.Warning: there are scenes of torture that I didn’t find too extreme, but others may find they are too clear.
Thanks to NetGalley and North Star Editions for the ARC in return for this honest review.
Tria-saurus 