An incredibly fun read! The premise sounded so good, and I couldn't wait to devour it! Characters were very likable, and the world was so unique. Loved it! And the slow burn? *chefs kiss*.
Can't wait to read the next installment!

Thank you to the publisher for giving me an ARC of this story in return for an honest review!!

The sun has not been seen in 50 years, and with perpetual night, the land is failing and food is running out. The land covered is mist is said to house the answer to bringing the sun back, but it is filled with beasts and monsters, and the mist itself will play with your mind, turning you against your family and self. No one leaves the mist alive, and that’s why it is mandated that one person from every household join the Knights in an attempt to find the keys to unlocking the sun again.
After Kiara’s accident 10 years ago, she has been the pariah of her little town, but her brother (and best friend) has always stuck by her. She would do anything to save him, so when he is about to be chosen to enter the Knights, she shows she’s the better fighter. The commander, and Hand of Death hand picks her, the first woman to join in 100 years, to combat the most and bring back the sun. But when she inexplicably is drawn to the commander and learns his scars are not much different from her own, can she stay on the course to save the sun, thus saving the people she loves?

I REALLY wanted to love this book, I thought the premise was super cool and different. I loved the main character and thought she was pretty bad ass, but the writing and plot was like a really bad fever dream. Nothing was explained in a way that made sense, the history, the way the Knights worked, Kiara’s backstory, none of it was ever given in anything other than the most vague descriptions. I know Kiara’s scars and story was supposed to be this mystery to keep you guessing the entire book but when you’re only finding out 375 pages into a 420 page book it makes it very hard to stay interested and not frustrated. The connection and draw between Kiara and Jude is, again, poorly defined and there is no lead up or slowly becoming more aware of each other… it’s like BAM they can’t stay away… but oh well can’t do this… but come here… no go away. It was frustrating, to say the least. I liked Kiara as an individual character, although her selflessness also got annoying… and then I really liked Jude as a character but together they were just not working. The magic was pretty cool, and the last 50 pages or so were the best in the whole book, which made me rate it slightly higher than I was going to originally. I wish the whole book had more of that writing style throughout the entire thing. Unfortunately this book was just not for me and I’m probably not going to continue with this series. 2.25/5 stars.

I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley for my honest review! Thank you Netgalley!

OKAY! This book took me by surprise! The premise seemed really interesting but I read this during a time when I had read several books that were slightly disappointing. BUT this surprised me! This is very well done and I'm so connected to the characters! I can't wait to see where this goes!

To Kill a Shadow by Katherine Quinn Review (Spoilers)

Rating: 4.5 stars

“Tell me a secret, then. One you can part with.”

This was my first book of Katherine Quinn and I was not disappointed. She had me sitting on the edge of my seat and made me feel for her characters in this book. Had me smiling like a fool at parts, shocked faces, and had me on the edge of my seat.

Kiara is the strong FMC and protects the people she cares about and I loved her so much. Jude is the commander and the Hand Of Death, but has a soft spot for Kiara. I loved seeing them go back and forth banter wise or trying to keep it professional with each other. The other relationships she had throughout the book were equally amazing. Her relationship with her brother I can definitely relate on cause I would do anything for mine same as her. I overall loved a lot about this book from characters, plot, and the events we see.

Thank you @netgalley and @entangledteens for sending me this ARC.

3.5⭐️

it is also a delightful YA read. I started it at 10pm, and finished it at 3am, that's how hooked I was! We follow along the journey with two POVs, Jude and Kiara, a commander and a knight (the only female knight!!!) who are tasked with saving their kingdom by traveling to the darkest depths of the lands, in the hopes they can break a curse that keeps their world in darkness. Along the journey, we meet some delightful characters, are introduced to a complex and intense world whilst we follow along Kiras training to become the only female Knight.

Although the concept was great, a cursed world in darkness, the kingdoms knight's are tasked with finding the cure. Mira is the kingdoms only female Knight who goes all "I volunteer as tribute" type thing to be selected instead of her brother.

I feel the relationships came a bit too easy, the age of the commander vs his history doesn't make too much sense too me and it annoyed me that aside from her grandma (seen in flash backs) there are no females in the book.

I will still recommend this book to others as the plot and characters are great, with an unexpected ending.

To Kill a Shadow is the first novel in the Mistlands series by Katherine Quinn. [Thank you @entangled for my early copy!] I also recommend you listen to this on audiobook. The narration is great and it really brought the characters alive.

Jude is the Hand of Death for their king and leader of the Knights. Kiara holds special powers (and scars) that she’s hidden from everyone around her for years.

The two clash and banter throughout much of the novel and fits the YA genre well.

As they go on a “no one will come back alive” journey into the mist, the two are tested as knights, and learn more about each other than they ever thought possible.

This sounds like a fun series, so I will definitely read the second book when it is available!

If you enjoy fantasy, banter, YA (this is approachable if you aren’t big on world building!) then you may enjoy this one!

To Kill a Shadow starts off really strong and promising. We have Kiara who ends up taking her brother's place to go into the deadly shadows.

Jude is the Kings assassin and he becomes intrigued by Kiara and feels more alive.

The relationship between Jude and Kiara started well with their pent up frustrations and the tension between them. But as the book progresses it feels more like insta love and not much substance between the two.

This book is told in the povs between Jude and Kiara. At first their voices were different, but towards the middle, they both sound similar. I started to forget whose point of view I was on since they both didn't have those distinct characteristics.

The plot moves quickly and I was intrigued by Jude's past, why Kiara keeps her hands covered, and about the shadows.

All in all, this was still enjoyable, but I did struggle a bit with the romance and I would have liked to see the characters flushed out more. I'll be picking up the sequel and would love to see more of this world.

I was super entertained by this book! The world was interesting and unique, the characters were bold and lovable, the plot was mysterious and gripping.

I adore both of the main characters. Kiara is brash, bold, witty and powerful. Strong female character that I love. Jude is a grumpy loner with a tortured past. Once he warms up to Ki, his funny and smoking side gets out. I enjoyed the tension between them, and I feel like that alone lifts this more to the New Adult category.

I feel like I got swept away by the story and wasn’t bothered by the minor inconsistencies at all. I recognise some of the aspects others have criticised, but none of them got in the way of me enjoying the book.

I am a fan of fated mates and insta-love, so the near instant connection between the main characters didn’t bother me at all. In fact, it made me curious whether there was a deeper bond between them pulling them together. Not to mention the forced proximity and forbidden love tropes.

The worldbuilding could have been more immersive, but I got into the unique world quite effortlessly. I’m intrigued by the history and gods, hope we get even more clarity in the next book.

The plot was quite fast and eventful. There was a lot of action and grief. Also friendship. The pacing was mostly good, but at points large periods of time were just condensed into few sentences. And there were a lot of “nameless” side characters like the other recruits whose number or names were never mentioned. But as they were unfortunate irrelevant to the plot, that didn’t bother that much, just made the whole seem hollow at points.

I binged my way through this story and enjoyed it immensely. This felt like a high stakes fantasy but was super easy to get into and read. Will definitely read the next book!

This one was fun! The romantasy genre has taken the reading community by storm and I am for certain ine of the ones jumping on the bandwagon.
Give me some fantasy, romance, magic, action, any day!

This was a fun one! If you like One Dark Window, you would like this one as well. I loved the mystery of the misty woods, the perpetually night, and the monsters that roam the forests. The MC was quite likable, she is very headstrong, loves quite a lot, and is a definite hero. I LIKED that it wasn't exactly enemies to lovers more like wary of each other to lovers. I also thought the whole "secrets" thing was well done in this one. They both respected each other's secrets until they were ready to share. There were several scenes where I realized I was holding my breath because of how intense they were! And I don't know if this is a trope but there is a hot springs scene. :P
I will definitely be picking up book 2!

I really enjoyed the first 85%. I didn’t hate the main female character which is rare for me. The plot was interesting, and the side characters added something. The banter was delightful. For some reason I thought it was a stand alone. Even so, the ending felt rushed and like a lot was thrown in. I might have ignored the rushed ending more if there wasn’t another book. I am still looking forward to reading the sequel.

Nothing new here but a good and entertaining addition to the genre.
I will be reading the next installment for sure.

Katherine Quinn is the next big thing. I'M TELLING YOU.
THE BANTER, THE FEELINGS, THE PLOT .Is a good first book in a series and I will forever thank the house publishing for this Arc.
Fell in love with the catcher but stay for the world.

I enjoyed this read very much. With a unique world and fascinating circumstances, the story of To Kill a Shadow drew me in quickly. The characters kept me around, especially the deliciously slow-burn romance I thoroughly enjoyed.

Wow! What a fantastic new world. I went in completely blind into this book and was blown away. So many fantasy books lately have been so simple and similar. Yes this has the “special one” vibes but in a less in your face way I felt. I loved the characters struggles with finding connections and friendships and love and how realistic peoples bullying can alter your view of yourself.
Kira gets thrown into a world she doesn’t expect to ever deal with when she protects her brother in front of the Hand of Death on the day young boys in her village are being sent to war against the darkness and monsters flooding their lands. She finds herself the only girl in their ranks and one of the only to catch the attention of the fierce commander with secrets of his own. Banter with new friends, tears for some characters we were getting to know and some slow burn romantic tension. Kira and Jude’s story was exciting and shocking especially at the end. Need book 2!

To Kill a Shadow by Katherine Quinn is a fantasy horror about a kingdom set in darkness. We follow our commander Jude Maddox. He has a tragic backstory, a lethal knight, and he doesn’t know anything about love until he meets Kiara Frey. Kiara is an outcast in her town and is not afraid to fight. They have a connection that can’t be ignored. After a short training Jude and his group of requites have to venture into the mist in order to help the kingdom. While they are in the mist they discover secrets.

We get a duel POV Kiara and Jude in first person. We see a lot of character development throughout the book from both of them as they open up to one another. They have great chemistry and at the beginning of the book I thought it gave off Mulan vibes.

I love the world building in this book. The author does an amazing job setting up this world and painting a clear picture in the reader's head. The world is without sun and it adds to the eerie feeling of this story.

Once I was about half way through I couldn’t put it down. There is a lot going on and you will feel happy, sad, and angry. The betrayals are insane at the end! The book ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next.

Oh my god! This book had it all!

A Strong Fmc who’s a total boss!

A slow burn romance: “Love is not the absence of self, but rather the absence of fear. For only the brave drop their armor and walk onto a battlefield with their hearts exposed.” So much yes!!!

An extremely addictive story that doesn’t shy away from some of the darker aspects with a boat load of action and adventure, and a whole cast of incredible characters.

One of my top faves!

YA
fantasy
Romance
Suspense
Action

This is my first book by Katherine Quinn. It took me a few chapters to settle into the story but I enjoyed the journey once I got into it.

A girl chosen to join the army… this reminded me of Mulan which is a favourite of mine.
Kiara is chosen to join the army because of her fire. She’s like a wild horse that can’t be tamed. Her place should’ve been her brothers and she has to prove she belongs in a male dominated world.

Jude is a feared leader. He’s strong and obedient. When finding new recruits he’s drawn to Kiara- the first girl to join the army. She isn’t afraid to defend herself and Jude finds himself protective of her too. She can stand on her own two feet which only makes Jude more curious.

These two have a connection bigger than most. It’s mesmerising and more than it appears to be.

It took me a bit of time to settle into this book (10%). I think it was because of the world building and language. At the beginning of each chapter we are told of a legend and throughout the book we are uncovering what it means to the characters. I’m glad I perceived because the chemistry between the characters came to life right off the page once I got past the first few chapters. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more.

Giving a neutral rating of three stars as this story didn't grab or hold my attention like I hoped. It felt like the plot jumped all over the place. Just a meh read for me.

I flew through the first 30% but after that I had a hard time staying invested so it took me quite some time to finish this. The premise was interesting but I found the overall story lacking. Part of the problem is that I didn't ever care enough about Kiara or Jude to really root for them and I would have liked if there was a little more world-building.
The ending was good though and has me curious as to where things will go from here!