Goodie, goodie, goodie!
This was an extremely enjoyable read, I tell you!

Hunger Games meets Divergent meets an ember in the ashes meets shatter me…And it maybe (if I want to be a bit critical) does have a bit too much recognisable elements of those typical and well known ya stories from time to time (which is why I’d stick to a 4 star rating instead of higher) and seeing that because of this fact, the story-line isn’t necessarily always original... Despite that… The author managed to also gave her own swing to it in this new dystopian/scifi setting and I was just utterly hooked & immersed from beginning till end. I immediately ordered the 2nd book, so that I can continue reading very soon #excited

It definitely falls in the darker ya section from time to time, and I loved that a lot. No beating around the bush, but a sometimes detailed portraying people in their worst and best moments. A writing job truly well done if you ask me. The characters are phenomenally written down, there was a constant ‘edge’ of excitement present for me thanks to the fast pace, action and the perfect amount of romance that was just enough to have me on the edge of me seat, constantly craving more - over EVERYTHING really.

So yeah, if you like the vibe in books like the Hunger games, an Ember in the Ashes or Shatter Me for example… Then Shadow Fall is definitely a book you need to pick up and read asap. I’m so excited to see how the story continues.

It took me a while to get into this one. The first couple of chapters were nothing like the rest of the book. I ended up taking several months to get through the first chapters as the writing and the action was just so weird. The main character starts off in a sort of prison and she's forced to do a lot of weird things in order to stay alive and a lot of the stuff she does or we find out that others had to do was just so unrealistic and over-the-top that I found myself rolling my eyes while reading.

Fortunately, after we get out of that section, the book seems to find its purpose, and the writing feels much clearer and easier to read. The book ends up zooming by as the main character is forced to compete in a trial to save the life of her and her remaining family.

If you can make it past the first couple of chapters, the remainder of the book flies by and is actually pretty interesting. The sequel is out right now, and I would be interested in continuing this series, but not sure that this will make the top of the list.

I am not typically a fan of dystopian novels but the cover and the synopsis were so alluring that I had to request this book and give it go! Boy am I ever happy I got approved- from page one the author creates such a vivid world that you are sucked in and can almost feel as though you are living on the pages of the book along side the characters. I could not put this book down and am now considering giving dystopian books another try!

Shadow Fall is a dark and violent dystopia that explores the worst humanity has to give when faced with extreme circumstances and the fear of extinction.

Plot: After being caught stealing food, Maia Graystone was thrown into the Pit, an underground prison where only the most vicious and murderous survive. With her father dead and abandoned by her mother, her years are spent in the dark with no hope of every leaving it. When Nicolais, an enigmatic benefactor, gives her the opportunity to fight in the Shadow Fall Trials and save her young brother from the end of the world, Maia takes it, even if it means become someone else, Lady Everly March, and kill the ruthless Emperor, who has condemned Earth to death.

I must confess that I did have a few issues with the beginning:

Confusing. I don’t know if it is because English isn’t my first language, but I found the beginning was confusing. I felt something was missing. I wish there was some more description or another introduction to Maia and the world she lives in. The novel starts with Maia being hunted in the tunnels (long before you know that she is in the Pit and what it is) and it is not easy to understand what is going on.

Slow paced. I found the story slow paced at the beginning. The first half of the book was very difficult to read because it was very slow. When Maia finally reaches the Island and is faced with the Court – where she sees the mother that abandoned her - it was when the story finally picked up for me (so if you think about giving up, I promise you that the ending is much better than the beginning).

Shadow Fall does have a few elements that remind me of The Hunger Games (not complaining since it’s my favourite dystopia), but the plot is still original and entertaining. I wish there had been more than one trial because I loved how unique (and dangerous and mysterious) the labyrinth Grey created was.

But in the end, I quite enjoyed Maia’s journey. There were even some surprising twists in the end. I can’t wait to know what happens next. Luckily, Shadow Rise has already been published and I don’t have to wait to plunge into this world again.

Characters: There was a lot of evil in the inhabitants of this shattered world – especially in the Golds who lived in the court. Even the Emperor promoted brutally and mayhem.

“And the giants fall one by one, to fill the cup of Rot and Ruin. A city laid waste by the feats of man, never to rise again.”

I wanted to hug Maia. After so many years in the Pit, surrounded by its violence and darkness, she is traumatized. Returning to the outside world isn’t an easy task for her – especially when she is faced with a decrepit world. After being reconstructed, Maia is confronted with the girl she used to be and with whom she became, Everly March, a cold and ruthless Gold fallen from grace. She struggles to comprehend who she wants to be, cowardly Maia or cold-blooded Everly.

I wish there wasn't a love triangle in the making because I hate a heroine with a flickering heart. But, at least, Maia realizes that her conflicted feelings may not be as real as she may think – she was genetically perfected to match Caspian and was manipulated during her reconstruction to care about Riser.

Worldbuilding: I’m a Greek mythology geek, so I loved how much influence Greek mythology had on this dystopia – from Maia’s name to Pandora, the asteroid that is just a few days away from crashing against the Earth (all the calamities provoked by its approach reminded me so much of Pandora’s tale and how she set evil lose in the world). Even the castes seemed to be influenced by Greek mythology (Golden Age, Silver Age, Bronze Age). The science-fiction aspects were also very interesting.

This wasn't a bad read at all. In fact, it was a story I quite enjoyed and am looking forward to getting into the second.
Set far in the future, Grey has painted a world fraught with all the fear, paranoia, and destitute people one would expect from an unequal class system. However, what really prevented me from giving it another star is the lack of explanation. Several times throughout the book I was left somewhat confused by the terminology and events that the story eventually revolved around, like the Trials, simply because it wasn't given enough or any exposition. It's one thing to tell vs show, but it's another to not tell at all. The story as a whole could have greatly benefited from an extra line here and there to just briefly clear up what something was.
Sadly, the characters didn't feel like anything unique or special, falling prey to several of the tried and true tropes. The Chosen One being a seemingly ordinary and plain girl who must save the world all on her own. The love triangle between Maia and the two brothers who don't know their brothers but of course they're both royalty. The girl lashing out at everyone and feeling the need to do everything on her own and not trust anyone. Again, with the characters, their images could have benefited from a line or two explaining what's up. Cage, Flame, Brogue—a lot of their character wasn't well explained and I had to read deep between the lines at times to figure out where they stood. Nicolai was the biggest disappointment because he started off as such a fantastic character but barely came in, and I'm still not sure what he is to the rebel cause. Either way, I do hope he features more in the second book. Same with her mother.
A saving grace for the characters was the notion of reconstruction that Grey utilizes. As barbaric and immoral it might be, it was a really neat part of the story. Taking the memories and appearance of one person and converting another person into them to become a ruthless person was believable for this world and very cool. I quite liked learning along with Maia exactly what Lady Everly was capable of. While I did tire a little bit of the "Who am I? Who will I choose to be?" it was a necessary evil for character progression. I also enjoyed the draw of astrology from Maia.
I noticed in other reviews that readers drew parallels between Shadow Fall and The Hunger Games. I kept an eye out for it, and unfortunately towards the end it really did come out. There were a few scenes where all one needed to do was substitute Maia for Katniss and the Emperor for President Snow, and voila! a carbon copy in a different setting discussing something else. However, the Trials themselves put me in mind of my favourite Harry Potter novel, The Goblet Fire, with the maze of horrors reminding me of the final task in the book.
3.5/5

Set in a dystopian future Shadow Fall follows Maia a teenage girl imprisoned in a series of dark dank underground tunnels. In the worst conditions possibly imaginable where she must fight every second to survive… until she is freed. But by who? And what do they want her to do?
I made a risky choice and read some of the reviews before starting this book. I found some reviews complaining that it was like many other dystiopians. A couple of reviews were comparing it to The Hunger Games and The Red Queen, well sign me up because they are two of my absolute favourite series’ and dystopia is my jam!
After reading I would agree, with contestants competing in trails to the death (in order to win a place on the spaceship Hyperion, thus surviving the total destruction of earth and an asteroid collision is imminent) and the population organised in colours based on their rankings and status. But personally, for me this is in no way a bad thing.
But to explain the whole plot would take up vast amounts of man hours, man hours I simply do not have. I would say that this was the major downside to the plot; it was so complex. It was although every idea the author had ever had was rammed into this book and honestly, I found it very confusing at times. In order to pack everything into the plot it was incredibly fast paced, so much so that I just wanted Maia to have some quite time, even if it was just a chapter to chill. That aside I did really enjoy the book and flew through it, as I mentioned earlier, I am so mot done with the dystopian theme.
There was a great cast of characters. Each one brought something different to the storyline, although with such a vast amount of secondary characters and the fast paced story I wound myself only caring about a select few (although thinking about it now its highly likely that this was Audrey Greys intention).
After a somewhat confusing and frantic journey the book finishes in a great place. There was a brilliant dialogue between two key characters at the end meaning I have a much clearer idea of what is happening and a much better understanding going into the second book – Shadow Rise. With not too much of a cliff-hanger to make me have book rage but enough suspense to make me carry on with the series.
It was a great dystopian and I cant wait to continue the series.

Unfortunately it didn't grab me and keep my attention, so I had to DNF it for now. I hope to try again in the future. I liked the concept but the writing just didn't deliver at the moment.

Honestly couldn't make it through more than 10% of this, so I don't think I can give more than 1 star.

This is a great and entertaining story. Yes it has some similar elements you could find in other well known dystopian ya stories but the author incorporated them in a fashion that they didn’t take over her story, her own ides but boosted them up.
I enjoyed the story and world building is interesting if not the most descriptive. Maia is a really great and complex character, easily relatable.
It’s a great first book, well balanced and leaves just enough questions at the end so you want to keep reading.

4.5 stars.

Wow! I actually really loved this book!

I'm definitely a sucker for a pretty cover and this one is just gorgeous. I love it (and the story) so much I've ordered a copy of Shadow Fall, and pre-ordered a copy of the sequel Shadow Rise so I can admire them on my shelf.

Maia was an interesting character. She was flawed enough that she was relatable and likeable.

The world building was amazing. I felt totally immersed in the details, but not bogged down. I'm hoping in the sequel we will get a little more backstory of the 'Everlasting War', and what the world was like before.

The romance was slow burn, and there was a mild love triangle. But Maia wasn't one of those annoying characters who just worries about a boy the entire time, which was quite refreshing.

The pacing was just right, it was fast enough to keep me engaged, but there was enough time spent on the details.

This book is a must read for any fans of YA Dystopia.

Ok can we talk about this cover for a second? I have to say I have read so many books and its always the main publishers that always get the kick butt covers. But OMG Blaze you ladies did a fab job with this!!! It fits the book and catches the eye and man I want a poster!! SELL POSTERS!!!!


Ok on to the review. This one is defiantly for the fans of the Hunger Games and I loved the similarities it had with that one. I die hard loved this book so much and I can't wait for book two. This one starts off a little slow and a little lacking in the descriptive but that was ok. The author did an amazing job with the characters and I just couldn't put this down. I really love how this book focused on the connections we create from the time that we are born. That not everything has to be centered around a romance. That was a nice new take for a young adult read.

DNF @ 33%

I just can't do it. I love elaborate novels. Especially fantasy ones but you have to be able to write them in a way that keeps your reader engaged and aware. If too much happens and too many info dumps are supposed to 'explain things' then readers get frustrated, bored or detached.

In addition to there being too much all at once there is also not a single moment in this book that felt unique or it's own. A death match. Giant impact about to hit the earth. Girl whose a nobody but is 'chosen'. Looking to save a sibling. Caste society separated by colours. Etc, etc, etc.

It's like Audrey Grey couldn't decide what elements of which books she liked best so she used ALL OF THEM. And in the end it's a jumbled mess of nothing.

I'm super disappointed as this book sounded really cool. And taking what's been done and putting a new spin on it is what stories are all about. Sadly there is no new spin here, just a mish-mash of everything into one.

‘Shadow Fall’ is a captivating, imaginative and expertly written YA dystopian novel. Author Audrey Grey blends just the right amount of emotional grit and environmental upheaval with the intrigue of court life, a rebel faction, and two feuding princes.

Readers follow teenager Maia Graystone as she journeys from the darkest, most hopeless place within the asteroid-threatened planet and vies for a spot among the Gold Court on their space station.

Along the way, she struggles with her memories and emotions, and with the very concept of who to place her trust in. Conflicting and suppressed memories of her inventor Father and the hidden messages he left for her further compound her trust issues. Once aboard the space station, her interactions with the Gold Prince, her former betrothed and perfect DNA match have Maia questioning, yet again, where her allegiances lay and whom she should trust. Simultaneously, the more she learns about the Bastard Prince helping her in the Trials, the more internally conflicted she feels.

Perfect for fans of Rachel E. Carter’s ‘Black Mage’ series!

The sequel to ‘Shadow Fall’ - ‘Shadow Rise’ - is expected out in November 2017.

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

I was very captivated by the cover of this book and a great cover always grabs my attention however that was the only thing I liked about this book I didn't even get half way through because I got tired of reading it I like the story plot line but I hated the dry and terrible writing style. Even at the beginning of the book I felt like over descriptions of everything took up most of the chapters which just made me more frustrated. If written in a much different style I think this book could be great very big disappointment for me.

Shadow Fall has a lot of elements which fans of YA will find reminiscent of other fond reads like a heroic main character making sacrifices for a sibling (Hunger Games?), a hierarchy of power based on colours (Red Rising?) and the opportunity to fight, or die trying, to gain some sort of freedom or protection from incoming peril (An asteroid in this case so this is something new!). And that's just the thing, this book does unquestionably have a lot of similarities between other popular books, but maybe that's because they work and readers like these elements, even if we grow tired of them if we read too many. If you're willing to look past this, the additional ideas this author seamlessly weaves in are really clever and make for a fun read.

Maia is a nice character. She is observant, largely speaks her mind and is ferociously protective of her brother which often makes for quite a brutal book; definitely something to sink your teeth into. An asteroid is coming for Earth and she has been offered the opportunity to fight for a place on the space station where she and her brother might be safe. A risk she's definitely willing to take. The story quickly unfolds as she is thrown into the thick of it, and the eventual ending is really strong! I was gripping the pages so hard, desperate to see what was going to happen!

I did find the plot a little bit jumpy, especially at the beginning. The story doesn't always flow from one moment to the next, so sometimes it can be a little confusing but after you grasp the rules of the world and what's going to happen it becomes much smoother. I also would have liked Maia to have asked more questions or put up more of a fight at the beginning, because at first she was a weaker character which I find less exciting (Although, because of this her character development was more interesting!).

So it's a mixed bag for me. The writing style and world building were very strong, I just struggled with the slightly jumpy plot and found it hard to look past some of the similarities from other books I'd really loved.

Even though this had base similarities to Hunger Games, I still loved the book! I will be rereading it for sure and It will be going in my collection of keepers

Shadow Fall by Audrey Grey is the YA page turner you have been looking for! You will experience danger, betrayal, emotion, and murder! If you enjoyed The Hunger Games, The Host, and The 100 you will not want to miss this one!

The Plot: Betrayed by her mother, and forced to witness her father's execution, Maia Graystone was left with the responsibility of caring for her brother Max. Caught stealing food to feed him, she is thrown in to "The Pit", forced to fight and survive with the other prisoners, not knowing that she was safer there than in the open where The Emperor desperately searched for her and Max. When she is finally found, she learns that the Emperor will stop at nothing to rip her apart for "the key" that her father hid inside her years ago. After an unexpected rescue, and reunion with a dangerous character from "The Pit" Maia discovers that the only way she will learn the true nature of "the key", her father's forbidden invention, and perhaps a way to save her world from destruction from the imminent asteroid collision, is to join forces with "Pit Boy" and join The Trials at the Emperor's Gold Court. Will she make it through the trials, save the world, and stop herself from falling in love with "Pit Boy" after she finds out the truth?

Shadow Fall is a must read if you love Sci-Fi books. I found it to be fast paced and intriguing. There was such an extensive level of detail given to the world and social class building. I really enjoyed the fact that it felt like the author was heavily influenced by titles mentioned above. Audrey Grey included the best concepts from those popular books and used them to shape Maia's story.

Maia was such a well developed character. She had depth and emotion, and showed an amazing transformation throughout the story. She was brave and delicate at once. She was determined to embrace the changes she went through to complete the trials, and yet, she tried so hard to hold on to her true self. She was fierce and strong like Clarke from the 100, and still soft and caring like Melanie in The Host. And, deep down, I felt that she paired well with Riser, "Pit Boy".

Riser, or as Maia liked to call him "Pit Boy", was such an interesting character! He was quite dangerous and terrifying, but you knew that there was raw emotion hiding deep inside. His transformation in the story is most incredible, and the details we learn about him add such complexity to his person. You want to root for him and Maia to be together, and are still left somewhat uncertain if he is going to betray her.

Don't miss out on this amazing Sci-Fi book! Book 2, Shadow Rise, is set to come out this November, and I am dying to get my hands on it! I rate Shadow Fall 5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this free review copy in exchange for my honest review.