I really enjoyed of silver and shadow and was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it, at first I didn’t think it was going to be a book for me but as I kept reading I got sucked into the story.
Thank you to the publisher and author for allowing me to read and review and give my honest thoughts.
I truly enjoyed it and will be looking out for more books from this author.

“Of Silver and Shadow” is about Ren, who is a self-taught silver wielder that nearly escaped death as a child before she went into hiding in the Kingdom of Eris, where magic is outlawed and being outed could be the death of her. While attempting to survive by succumbing to thievery, card games, and dangerous pit fighting to pay an overdue debt, along the way she encounters a Rebel, King’s Children, and Prince that pulls her towards a rebellion she wants no part of in which case forever alternating the course of her life forever.

And…. Holy. Shit.

Now that’s what I call a near-perfect debut YA novel and if you haven’t checked out my rating, this is a must-read for 2020! It had all the elements I was looking for: badass heroine, characters that actually had depth and growth, fantasy, magic, fighting, and mild dosage of romance that wasn’t so instant.

It was an addictive page turner that I nearly finished in one sitting. In addition,“Of Silver and Shadow” showcased fantastic character development, decent worldbuilding along with surprising tropes I wasn’t expecting, and let’s not forget the author's phenomenal writing style that made it easier to immerse myself on Ren’s journey in joining the Rebellion. Needless to say just about everything about this novel was superb and I would highly recommend everyone to add this to your TBR.

Although Of Silver and Shadow was slow at first, even when it was I couldn’t put it down. Instead of the usual one or two povs you get 4! I was not huge fan of the main romance (I liked Kellen/Ren more) and I would have loved a Holland point of view, I enjoyed every second of reading this book.

3.5 stars. Thank you to the author, publishers and Netgalley for an e-ARC.
I like the concept of the magic in this book, but I would’ve liked to read more about the world itself. I did like the relationship between Lesa and Adley, but was not a fan of Darek and Ren. I did like the chemistry between the prince and Ren, maybe the future books could be more fruitful for them.

The story moved at a fast pace, there were some twists I didn’t see coming. Overall, I enjoyed the book. Except for the romance, it was a good one. I will most likely pick up the next instalment.

I received an eARC of this title from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book delivers on its premise and so much more. This is the take on forbidden magic that I’ve been waiting for , when so many others have felt overplayed or underwhelming. I really enjoyed all the perspectives in this book, and the cast of characters is vibrant and interesting. Just when I thought the ending might be a little predictable and lack lustre, the author upped the ante with realistic stakes and a twist. I will absolutely purchase a finished copy of this book and I’m already eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

I posted my review on Goodreads 1/8/2020.

Of Silver and Shadow is a great multi-point of view fantasy book. The book is told from four different character perspectives from four completely different areas and "jobs" in the fantasy world. Sometimes this can get confusing, but Gruenke did a great job of layering the characters and stories so they both align and are easy to follow.

I loved this book! It is a great fantasy about a reluctant hero with powers that could help save a city. Ren was a main character that you hated but grew to love, with a slow burn romance with the other lead. I would highly recommend this to anyone who reads fantasy! Gruenke's world-building and character building are phenomenal and the story is captivating and something you can't put down when once you begin reading.

<b>Thank you so much Netgalley and North Star Editions/Flux for sharing this book in exchange for an honest review.</b>
<b>Publication Date: May 26, 2020</b>

Okay, so we can we all just give a moment to <b>LOOK AT THAT COVER!!!😍</b>
I admit that when I was looking for books, this cover stood out so much, that I just had to read the synopsis. Yes, I know, don't judge a book by its cover, but c'mon. You can't look at that and not fall in love with that GORGEOUS cover.💖
< img src="https://media1.tenor.com/images/dd10eb337856d14a8640828f99dd7a2f/tenor.gif?itemid=12479111" width="300" height="250" alt="description"/ >
<b>Of Silver and Shadow</b> (it even had a great title) was my first request to Netgalley to be accepted, so you can imagine how happy I was to read this.😁
For a story with multiple perspectives, the author did a really good job!

You have 18 year old pit fighter and silver wielder, Ren, who wants nothing to do with rebel leader, Darek, and his plans to overthrow the King.
And then Adley, one of the King's Children (fierce warriors) and Kellen, who is like my favourite character.😍
Ren only decides to work with Darek and this rebel group because they promised a huge amount of money.🤑
But is money really worth all the danger....................🤔

Well, I won't go in any details , but I'll say that Ren was super cool and an awesome fighter, both physically and mentally.
I didn't like Darek or Adley in the beginning of the book, nor do I like them now. Though I am starting to like Adley, but not Darek. Just something about him annoys me.....

<b>KELLEN WAS THE BEST!!!</b>
He was so sweet and kind, nothing like his father and brother. Kellen was hilarious and I can't really say anything without spoiling, but trust me. You're going to love him.😍

I'm just so annoyed of that ending. That cliffhanger....WHY??!!😭
Now I have to wait until who knows when to get the next book. Especially since it hasn't even come yet.

But believe me, if you love strong and funny protagonists, silver wielding magic, and <b>THE COVER💖</b> (DON'T forget the cover), then you've got to pre-order this right now or buy this on May 26.
I know the waiting will be torturous, but hey, at least you haven't read it now and now have to wait until next year most likely for the next book.😭😂

This review will go live on my blog in late March/April

3.5 stars

This is actually a pretty hard review to write, because this is one of those books that was fun but that didn't leave me with any real opinions or thoughts (except the ending). It's not shout-from-the-rooftops amazing, nor is it rant-at-everyone terrible.

It's entertaining enough, though not original nor does it stand out in any particular way from the hundreds of YA books out there. As my family would put it, "it was a decent waste of an afternoon".

However, the story telling is solid and pulls you along. The pacing is pretty constant, without any sections that feel like their dragging or don't progress the overall plot. I didn't spot any plot holes and the only illogical/stupid choice was at the very end (see spoilers below for my thoughts on tthat!). The writing is smooth and confident.

There are four POVs - Ren, the rebellion leader Darek, the younger Prince Kellen, and King's Child Adley - and they're balanced well. They each have emotional journeys and enough page time to feel worthwhile without subtracting from Ren as the main character. Their stories all interweave constantly, impacting one another and the main plot, so they don't feel like random characters who then suddenly get flung together at the end. That's my pet peeve with multi-POVs, so I was really glad that this didn't happen.

I liked the idea of the shadow magic. There's not much that can be said without major spoilers, but it was the highlight of the magic system. The silver is pretty cool, though not really explained. What are its limits? How could Silvers be hunted to near extinction if Ren seems to have no end to her magic? The Shadow aspect, however, has interesting ramifications for the world, and the plot.

Note to those who are squeamish, this book doesn't hold back on descriptions of torture, but it's not full on gore for gore's sake. There is certainly more that could have been shown, but also there could easily have been less.

The author has said this is a standalone with the potential for more books - and that potential is clear. I'd read them.

***SPOILER ALERT: below are my thoughts on the ending***

The ending. It was all going so well until literally a handful of percent from the end, when Darek decides that, now he's disposed of the King and disinherited the two prince, he should put Ren on the throne.

Yup - the only-in-it-for money thief and brawler. At no point does Ren try to disabuse anyone of this notion.

And yet somehow Darek thinks she'd make a good enough queen to hold the country together until he can put in a democracy. He doesn't make any bargains or have any hold over her to ensure she doesn't set herself up as a tyrant or run the country into the ground through gross negligence. There is no plan, and she has no qualifications. He then says the idea was her parents when she was a child, as if that makes it any more sensible.

She's angry at him for springing this on her, and then simply agrees? It felt so out of character for both of them.

I would like to thank Jennifer Gruenke & Flux for my copy of the ARC. Due to this kind gesture, I have decided to leave a review.

WOW WOW WOW WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW! What in the hell bells was that?!

In a kingdom where magic has been purged, only the Royals have the pleasure of using silver. But a normal girl, generations down the line can wield her own silver? Hunted down, thought to be murdered by the king's children... what's a girl to do?! Lay low? Become nothing? Or swindle card games and hit fighting pits. But what if that's all about the change for a bit of gold? Would you risk your life for so much gold you could make a Kardashian jealous? Maybe you would come along for the ride.

I tried to get into this book a couple of times but I couldn't seem to sit still and actually fully invest properly. I recently broke my foot (new years eve yeeey) so I have no choice but to stay in my room. I switched everything off and picked up my kindle and started to read. Before I knew it I was hooked! I could not put the book down. I was giggling, I was in shock, I was routing! This is one of these books the sneak up on you and leaves an imprint where you want more.

The plot was good, it really flowed. Sometimes I get bored with these types of books because they try to pile too much information or make it complicated but Gruenke really made it work, and all in one book. I will say though I have A LOT OF UNANSWERED QUESTIONS!! Will this be a stand-alone?! I bloody hope not because I need more answers. What happens with a certain young prince? What happens with the older one? I CAN'T HAVE THIS I NEED MORE!

I absolutely adored Ren! She was hilarious, strong, determined. She was also damaged, guarded, insufferable but by gods, you route for her every step of the way. You see her grow, flourish, become the person she is meant to be and it's fricking awesome!

The characters were amazing, from Ren to Darek, to Adley and Lesa, Holland, Heath, King Mattheus Lyandor! Ohh how I love a baddie, Ethen Delano... Markus our love who reminded me of a puppy. Then, of course, our lovely Kellen... how could I ever forget him! This can't be all that I am left with?! I need another Kellen hit, where you at?!

I really think this will be a huge hit for people who are into books written by SJ Mass, Cassandra Clare, Kelley Armstrong. It's a real page-turner and I actually loved how it didn't include any fae or weird creatures because that is getting done aaaaalooootttt right now so it was nice to see something fresh.

Its certainly gets four stars from me! It was a pleasure to read and review! Thank you :-).

https://mandyizzym.tumblr.com

"And you said there wasn't much to know about you." She was such a little liar.

4.5 Star Rating

A transformative journey of survival and politics, a band of unlikely but lovable heroes, a world brimming with the echoes of magic lost and whispers of revolution rising. Fantasy lovers, rejoice! Jennifer Gruenke delivers a captivating tale where the blood spills red, the morality runs grey, and the magic always has a silver lining.

Of Silver and Shadow is a knockout of a read and a standout for the 2020 lineup. It does the unthinkable from the get go - it takes a fairly recognizable YA trope, a girl with magic powers gets involved with a rebel cause to overtake a throne to a country that ostracizes and persecutes magic users and along the way is entangled with the plot of a prince who just wants to do his own thing (a la, Onyx and Ivory, Ruined, etc) but here's the kicker - the execution is done REALLY WELL. This story is GROUNDED. It has roots in a world that is wholly immersive and unique enough to stand apart from the rest. Let's face it, if a story is fun to read and enjoyable, who cares if it's a tad tropey?

Ren is a petty thief and a pit fighter, living in the poverty with an attitude that's just as abrasive as her right hook. She is also a secret silver-wielder, capable of manipulating silver at will with the flick of her wrist. The only problem is that she isn't supposed to be alive - the king in years past had all silver wielders killed except themselves to keep the power of magic monopolized by royalty. His radical regime is enforced by the Kings Children, elite warriors enslaved to root out magic users and heretics alike. When Ren is approached by two brothers looking to overthrow the tyrant king, Ren must figure out what she values most and what she's willing to sacrifice to attain it. Along the way, there are alliances tested, unexpected friendships, secrets unearthed from long ago, and a sloooooowwwwww burn hate-to-love romance that will make you wonder if this is really for young adults.....

There is a darkness coiled up in the tone of this book that I simply adored. The author did not pull any punches when it came to depicting the brutality of this world and the torturous depravity of its king. I appreciated the grit and the honesty of the setting and the tense atmosphere it created. There are no apologies for the characters maiming or murdering. There is no path to redemption or introspection. Ren does what she has to in order to survive and that's it. And when we switch gears to the other of the 4 main point of views (which sounds intimidating but transitioned seamlessly), we find that the solidarity of resolve to survive in an unfairly oppressive world is what drives these characters forward towards. Towards what end, whether it be good or evil or somewhere in-between, who's to say what the right answer is. All I know is I was intrigued the whole way through. And the last 10% of the book probably had some of the most well-articulated, enjoyable, believable action sequences I've ever read.

Overall, great read. Can't wait for the next installment!

When I was halfway through this book, I described it to a friend as "Star Wars, but medieval" and after finishing it, I still think that's a pretty good way to sum it up. It's not Star Wars, but it has some shades of it, and I found that rather delightful.

The plot is straightforward: Ren secretly controls magic ("silver", a vaguely defined sort of thing, but it's kind of like the Force) in a country where all silver-wielders have been eradicated a generation earlier by a zealous, paranoid king, who fears being overthrown. (Ironic.) Ren, an orphan, is only concerned about surviving (reckless, aggressive, and undisciplined, some might say), but unfortunately for her, a group of Rebels has cottoned onto her special abilities. They bribe her into helping them overthrow the evil emperor king, and that's where the story kicks off ...

Running parallel with this are multiple other stories of varying weight. There's Adley, one of the King's Children, and her forbidden romance with Lesa, a fellow King's Child. Their relationship isn't forbidden due to them both being girls, but rather because King's Children are forced to swear loyalty only to the king. Romance is seen as an act of treason and punishable by death. The King's Children are a group of the king's personal army, specially trained in acts of torture. It's a group made up of children who are brutally stolen/sold into it. Adley and Lesa, like all the King's Children, suffered deep abuse and brainwashing their whole lives. But despite this, they know deep down that they've been trained to be terrible people, and you get to see Adley struggle with this internal conflict. She desperately wants a life of freedom, but cannot escape her harsh reality.

Then there's Kellen, the younger prince, who is the kinda tropey "noble with a heart of gold/heavy is the crown" sort of deal. I personally found it difficult to connect to him compared to Ren and Adley, because although his life isn't perfect, and his father is emotionally abusive, he is still a thousand times more privileged than Ren or Adley. The book certainly points out that rich and powerful people can have problems too -- Darek and Markus, rebellion leaders, lost their mother, but still enjoyed all the benefits of upper class life -- but that it isn't a 1:1 comparison to what Ren, Adley, and Lesa have suffered through.

Ren is the "main" character in this ensemble book. Her parents were murdered by the king when she was a child, and she is deeply distrustful of everyone and everything. The only exception is her best friend, Freya. Ren comes across as very selfish for the first 1/3 of this story, but it makes sense, considering her history and deep survivor's guilt. Deep down, Ren does care, but she is so afraid to let anyone else in. Throughout the story, she slowly begins to let down her walls.

The three relationships in this story are Ren/Darek, Adley/Lesa, and Kellen/Holland. There was a point where I suspected that a love triangle might develop between Ren, Darek, and Kellen, but thankfully I was mistaken. The greatest amount of page-time is given to Ren/Darek, but it's understandable as Adley/Lesa and Kellen/Holland got together prior to the start of the book. To be honest, all of the relationships felt a bit generic, though I felt like Ren/Darek was the most so. You could see their setup coming from the first chapter. It wasn't insta-love, but still. I wasn't very impressed. I would have loved to see more from Lesa and Holland's POVs, but they drew the short end of the stick.

The writing is solid. Nothing that'll blow you away, but capable and solid. There's so much alluded to in this world, I would have really loved to dug in deeper. If only this book were as long and detailed as say, The Priory of the Orange Tree, that would have been fantastic. I don't dislike it for what it is, but there's so much potential!

By the end, the story is pretty much wrapped up. I would be satisfied if things were just left here, but you can see there is definitely room left for at least a sequel.

Of Silver and Shadow is the debut novel from author Jennifer Gruenke. It falls within the Sci-Fi/Fantasy teen and YA genre with romance. I found the first half of this book pretty boring but I guess it was necessary to set the cast of characters. Our main character Ren is a silver wielder, the only known of her kind left in the Kingdom of Eris except for the King’s family. She joins Danek and his group of rebels (unwillingly at first) to overthrow the throne due to his brutal reign and her need for gold. By the second half of the book, things really picked up. I enjoyed the hate-to-love romance between Danek and Ren. There was also a forbidden romance between two Kings Childrens, Adley and Lesa. I will be looking forward to the next book, since I am sure this will be a series.

Of Silver and Shadow by Jennifer Gruenke is a really well written YA fantasy that has everything I look for in a page-turner. Told in multiple voices; it follows Ren, a strong and kick-ass female lead, who is both snarky and tough, yet has a softer side that she rarely let’s show. Darek, leader of the rebellion to overthrow the King, Kellen, the youngest prince of Erdis who has serious concerns about his royal family, and Adley, a member of the King’s Children – one of the lost, stolen kids who was “raised by sword point in the castle armory. By sixteen, they could hit any target from impossible distances and kill a man in no less than a hundred different ways. They were brutal, deadly, and loyal to no one but the crown.” Adley is seeking freedom from the crown that enslaved her but at what price? The characters, as I’ve outlined, are remarkable and so well-developed they leap off the page. I’ve formed an emotional attachment to them all which means there MUST be a sequel! Must..Be..A..Sequel..!

The world-building in OF SILVER AND SHADOW is unique and detailed, the Kingdom of Erdis and surrounding villages is both parts down trodden and wealthy with those in the latter category being held in place by the despotic king and his political agenda. The magic of silver wielding is unique, the story leading up to Ren being the last wielder outside the Lyandor’s, and the main characters combined stories make this a compelling read. Highly recommended for any fan of YA fantasy.

Thank you to NetGalley, North Star Editions – Flux, and Jennifer Gruenke for providing me with Of Silver and Shadow in exchange for my honest review.

I will be posting my review closer to publication date on Wednesday, April 15. I will post on all my linked sites including Goodreads, Bookstagram, Twitter, and my blog. I will also post my review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo on publication date.

Thank you so much Netgalley for this ARC! I adored this book and ate it up. First of Ren is one of the most likeable characters, I felt so drawn to her right away. She holds this magical gift with silver yet is so relatable. As if Ren isn't great enough, enter Derek who is charming, witty, and didn't I mention a total babe?!? I could read page after page of their sarcastic and sharp tounged dialogue forever. I love the build to these two revealing there feelings and can totally envision those butterflies in their bellies. Great work by a new author, who will now be on my auto buy list!

Thanks to NetGalley I was able to grab an ARC of this book. I’ve been in a huge reading slump and have tried to start multiple books. Nothing seemed to help, but this one got me through! I really enjoyed this book, but I’m a huge fan of YA fantasy. I loved Ren and can’t wait to see what happens next.

First and foremost I want to thank Netgallery and the author, Jennifer Gruenke, for gifting me the opportunity to read the ARC of this amazing novel! This story is so interesting and it is very hard to put down when you get into the plot line! The character's and the story are extremely well developed and graphic, I could have sworn I saw EXACTLY what the author was picturing when she wrote the story!

This is such a refreshing and new YA fantasy story filled with love, witty comments, and MAGIC! This is such a different story than anything else I've read before, and so OF COURSE I loved it so much! In my opinion it was too short, because I could have read a couple hundred more pages of this story with these characters! Also, can we talk about how bad ass and amazing Ren is?! I just fell in love with her completely, and she has moved to one of my favorite female characters of all time!

I have never read a book by Jennifer Gruenke before, or ever heard of her, but this book makes me what to read more of what she has conjured up! I am absolutely going to be promoting this book to everyone that will listen, because I definitely think this is a MUST READ!!

I was totally surprised when Netgalley approved this ARC for me, because I’m quite new as a blogger &reviewer and this book is earth-shattering. So a huge thank you for this amazing book !

The story follows Ren Collins, a loner who reluctantly joins a rebellion against King Erdis. Ren isn’t joining because she cares for the people or justice, she’s only helping because she’s being paid quite a sum of money. Being part of the rebellion is dangerous as the King and his sons show no mercy towards their people or the rebellion. (duh )
So what is so special about Ren that the rebellion wants her on her side ? Oh, I don’t know maybe she’s a freaking silver wielder.!! Not only that, she is also one of the last one’s in the empire ! That makes her a great target honestly.

We follow the perspectives of four different characters: Ren, the silver wielder who doesn’t give a fly about anything, Darek, the leader of the rebellion who’s strangely attractive ; Adley, a member of the lethal King’s Children that actually has a heart; and Kellen, the youngest prince who is not cruel and who sneaks out at night to enjoy his life

Ren and Darek as individuals were sexy and interesting, but put them together and BAM ! You get sassy, sarcastic dialogues and a whole lot of chemistry that is just off the charts.
The build-up for their love story was fantastic and had me turning page after page. When we finally get to the chapter where Darek and Ren openly talk about their feelings leading to a steamy,-much awaited,-kiss I held my breath and then felt how my heart stopped beating.

I can’t believe that this is a debut author that wrote this book. The writing was great, the world building perfectly done, sucking you in. It was easy to read, the pace was just right, no unnecessary fillers throughout the book and the ending was explosive. Even though some events were predictable and if you read a lot of NA/YA fantasy books you will find the story unoriginal, but I assure you that the writing, the world-building and especially the characters will keep you hooked.
I honestly can’t recommend this book enough and I’m so excited for everyone to read it !

This book was a lot of fun! It was exciting from the very beginning all the way to the very end. It was a little dark and felt like it was maybe for older YA audiences which is why I think I enjoyed it so much. It felt different then some of the other books I've ready that centered around a rebellion.

I also really enjoyed all of the characters POVs. I normally dont like multiple POVs however it worked really well for this book.

The ending made it seem like it could definitely stand on it's own but I felt like there was possibly room for a sequel...I would love to see more of this world and these characters in the future. I cant wait to read more from this author!

My Rating is 4.5 / 5 Stars

In Erdis, being a magic wielder means one of two things – you are royalty or you are dead. The king and his sons are the only people who are allowed to have silver magic, but somehow, Ren slipped through their fingers and is running around the streets of Erdis, wielding magic right under their noses.

Ren is a badass MC with an iconic outfit to rule the underworld of Erdis. The fact that she is a great pit fighter and a brilliant thief meant I loved her from page one. She is stubborn and runs away from her feelings faster than I do (which is truly a feat). Her character is easy to love and hard to forget.

We have some LGBT+ representation in a few characters, but the main one we follow is Adley, one of the Kings Children (not his biological children but kids who were taken from home at a young age to become the hard and bitter puppets of the tyrannical king). Adley loves reading, chocolate and one of her fellow King’s Children (which is forbidden on pain of death). Her character is complex and interesting to follow as she battles an inner struggle between what is right and what is easy.

From the first moment we met Prince Kellen I loved him. He is surrounded by horrible people which means he searches for an escape out in the world where princes should not wonder. He is a fantastic character and just the perfect balance of broody and flirty for me to adore him.

The plot is exciting and although I saw one or two twists coming, there were still surprises throughout to keep me on the edge of my seat. She builds tension well, (between characters *wink* as well as in the plot). THAT PLOT TWIST THOUGH. Although we knew a secret was being kept I did not expect it. I adore this story, and although the story of rebellion against a tyrant is old, this world and characters made the trope seem new and unique.

This novel has some lovely descriptions and subtle world-building. A fantastic setting is created for a character and plot centered story.

This is currently a stand-alone but I would be ecstatic if Gruenke decided to write more stories of this world. This is her debut novel and I thought it was a good one. As a stand-alone, it was rounded off nicely but I could definitely read more about these brilliant characters.

Happy Reading !

Gizelle ✨

This book was an adventure that reminded me of my old D&D group. We dabbled at one point with a computer game called Neverwinter nights...that is what this reminded me of. Loosely, though, I should say. I greatly enjoyed this book start to finish. I even stayed up until3 am to finish it the same day I started. My only complaint about the story line is it ended to soon. But, I guess that means there will be a next book? Please...

I think I have solid 4.8 star rating for this book.

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to review this eARC. Thank you Jennifer Gruenke for a wonderful tale of adventure.