✨4.25 Rating

I loved this book! The Norse mythology woven throughout was new to me as I haven’t read any books that touch on it. If the plot continues where I think it might, this series will have a TRUE enemies to lovers.

I can honestly say I did not see that twist coming and now I need more. The last half of the book really sucks you in hard!!

I also would literally die for the Vatte 😭 It was one of my most unexpected favorite parts of the book!

I will definitely be continuing this series and can’t wait for the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley, St.Martin’s Press, and Wednesday Books for the advanced digital copy.

"Hearts will shatter in this thrilling romantasy for fans of The Vampire Diaries and Heartless Hunter where love, magic, gods, and monsters collide. In Emma Noyes's Soul of Shadow, truths and temptations lurk in the darkness, and for Charlie, the only thing more dangerous than facing her past, is the boy made of shadow with the power to change her future."

More fictional characters to love, yay! Nordic mythology, twists, and all the feels, this book is a must read!

Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review!

This book was surprisingly really good! It had great world building, lots of action, and a good slow burn Romantasy. I am so glad Netgally gave me an arc of this. I can’t wait for the second one.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for the free review copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own.

This book drew me in right from the start with its mysterious, eerie feel and detailed descriptions. It ends up diving into a lot of Norse mythology, which I was only somewhat familiar with before. I enjoyed the magical beings and hidden world that were revealed. Elias, the new boy, was an intriguing character with a magnetic pull, especially when it came to him and Charlie. He was one of those characters who you wanted to love and hate at the same time. The story took some unexpected turns a few times. Sometimes I started to piece things together a bit before they were revealed, but other times I didn’t see it coming at all. I enjoy it when things are unpredictable. The book ends without feeling completely finished, or at least with a feeling that there are mysteries that we can dive deeper into. It definitely left me wanting to continue with the series – I look forward to continuing when the next book becomes available.

⭐️: 4
🌶️: 0.5

Thank you to NetGalley, St Martin’s Press and Emma Noyes for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I opened this book. I just knew I was in need of some paranormal mystery with a hint of romance. And boy, did this book deliver.

I’ve always had a fascination with Norse mythology but finding a book that intertwines it in a creative way is hard to find. I loved how the author used concepts somewhat familiar to us and turned them completely on their ear. I don’t know how “accurate” her descriptions or characterizations are but it made for a compelling story.

The FMC Charlie continues to bury her grief over the loss of her identical twin sister. By building up those walls, she doesn’t let anything out much less anyone in. Until a particularly delicious shadow shows up in the form of the MMC, Elias.

I liked that Elias was bloodthirsty. I liked that he wasn’t trying to get a redemption arc and he was kind of an all around bastard. I get so tired of when the villain is somehow immediately cowed within 4 chapters and his “evil” really isn’t that bad.

I have so many theories I want to talk to someone with when it comes to this book. The second one is slated for March of next year and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.

Pretty fast read that held my attention and had me thinking about it when I took a little break to watch a football match. Definitely recommend!

I did not see this going the way I thought this would go and I'm feeling flustered and flummoxed 😂 Yes, this required the big vocabulary.

I don’t know how much to say without giving away the entire plot or the whole ending, which these kids were trying to solve, like a Scooby Doo a mystery, but that is only part of the story. The other part was this ever changing and ever evolving relationship between Elias and Charlie. And again, both aspects left me perplexed.

There was a huge dichotomy where these kids, and yes I'm calling them kids, either felt like they were in middle school and stumbling into their emotions for the first time, or they were fast forwarding into college with their manners and actions that suddenly didn't feel quite age appropriate, especially when minutes before it felt like I was reading about a twelve year old. To be clear, the ages of all the characters were between sixteen and eighteen years old, but the author labeled this book under young adult and I certainly wish she would put the characters there, i.e. middle school age,  instead of pressing the sixteen and eighteen year old age and adding in moments with drinking and tried to tackle relationships that didn't quite hit the mark.

As for the parts that I did enjoy:

I loved learning about different Norse creatures, especially ones that I've not heard of before. Mythology from most any culture has been around for centuries and centuries and I'm constantly fascinated by how the tales are woven into modern day stories. My favorite creature by far was the vatte. He's a gnome-like creature who attaches to Charlie, but has other interesting qualities that come to light as the book goes along.  While I really wanted to dislike Elias, he's actually the character who kept pulling me back in because of his cold and hot nature. It was weird, because that type of behavior normally turns me off, but there was something mysterious about him that screamed, there is more to this kid than what he's portraying and I knew if I stopped reading I would never find out.

As for everything and everybody else in the book; Charlie's friends for the most part were a background noise that just seemed extra and quite frankly annoying. For a girl who lost her sister a few years ago everyone around Charlie doesn't seem to pick up on her dark moods and it felt a bit sad. It wasn't shocking that the new boy in town picked her out quite so easily, but I also realize there wouldn't be a story if Charlie wasn't the way she was, so there's that. Like I said above, I was left feeling torn between liking the mythology of the book and less liking the juvenile aspects of it as well. Luckily, there was a lot of mythology and the push and pull of Elias that kept me reading.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance review copy and all opinions are my own.

Soul of Shadow by Emma Noyes

Described as perfect for fans of the Vampire Diaries, this is a fun and spooky YA adventure.

I really liked the uniqueness of this one and was hooked really quickly. Teens have started disappearing in Charlie’s small town, right around the same time as a new mysterious guy moved to town.

This one has elements of Nordic mythology, it has mystery, romance and a couple excellent twists! It’s definitely YA, so a couple of things made me roll my eyes, but it was still very fun and I did find it very entertaining and well planned out.

Thanks to @wednesdaybooks for both the ebook and audiobook! This one is out July 29th and I believe it will be out with sprayed edges!

#readya #reading #bookish #bookreview #booknotes #mybooks #wednesdaybooks #canadianbookstagrammer #books #fantasyya

A mysterious boy shows up in town about the time kids are going missing and enrolls in their high school instantly making friends. Charlie feels drawn to the mystery and as she investigates she realizes Elias’ arrival in town is not a coincidence. He opens her eyes to a whole other world and finds that the missing kids are the tip of the iceberg of danger for her family and friends and goes on a crusade to save them all. This would make a great movie!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

It instantly got exciting! I get Twilight and Shadowhunters vibes and I'm loving it! I really don't have anything negative to say except that I'm not a fan of the storytelling in the third person but it's definitely just my personal preference.
I also saw some people aren't liking the mentioning of drug abuse in this book that's advertised as YA, but frankly speaking, a teenager who hasn't talked, read, or even tried alcohol/smoking/relationship is a rare occasion. We've all been unruly teenagers doing stuff we shouldn't be doing and I think it's okay to mention it in the books.
But back to my review - I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of actual romance in the book as it seemed to be more adventures/mystery/fantasy in the beginning. Development of MMC and FMC's relationship feels very raw and real, exactly how it happens in those exciting high school years. The sprinkles of jokes and sarcasm are so typical of teenagers and I was giggling almost the entire time reading it!
And the way the plot just started developing from chapter 1, omg! I'm loving it so much! Getting the bigger picture half way through the book and Charlie's sister appearing alive and well is just amazing.
Plot twist are insane and I'm all for it! MMC gives Fourth wing and ACOTAR morally gray "villain" vibes and it's addictive!
I must add that the writing style is pretty good for a new author, I definitely didn't hate it, it seems to have a flow which is great, and I'm sure it'll get even better in the next book, but the story does get a bit flat at some points. However, it didn't hurt the fast pace of the plot.
I didn't expect to enjoy YA romantasy so much, but here I am... Probably will be begging to get an ARC of the next book!!!

Soul of Shadow by Emma Noyes? Yeah… I didn’t see it coming, but it ate. I had no idea what to expect going in, but this story exceeded every single expectation I didn’t even realize I had.

The worldbuilding?? STUNNING.
The characters?? Layered, loveable, and had me in a chokehold.
The mythology-inspired story?? Chef’s kiss.
And the creatures, the magic, the JOURNEY? Whew. I was fully locked in.

It gave classic fantasy adventure with a fresh, immersive vibe. I legit couldn’t put it down. If you love rich worlds, mythological vibes done right, and stories that pull you in from the jump — add this to your TBR immediately. Wonderful YA fantasy read!

**3.5 STARS**

Content Warning: violence

+ There are missing kids in town and Charlie is curious about them when a new boy comes to town, Elias, and he starts getting close to her brother. When he explains he’s a creature from Norse mythology and he opens her eyes to it all around them, Charlie’s world is changed.

+ I did like the Norse mythology in this urban fantasy book. I thought Elias was an interesting character, a very mischievous. And I felt like the world building was dark and at the end filled witha lot of action. He’s a dark character but kind of easy to also fall in love with, which is what is happening with Charlie. But clearly he is not one to trust.

+ Charlie and her friends are going through high school and focusing on things like the homecoming dance when Elias shows up and throws Charlie’s life in disarray. But I like her friendship group and her issues with her older brother. I think this story would appeal to teen readers rather than adult YA readers.

~ When I first read this I kind of did not get how Charlie and her siblings being in the circus as kids tied into the missing kids at school and then Norse mythology. So I had to push through with the story and I am glad I stuck with it but I do think there was too much to follow in the beginning. Once Elias comes into the picture and the Norse mythology information comes through then it makes more sense.

~ The pacing is a bit uneven because it will slow down when Charlie is doing all this research on google about norse mythology. There is a lot to learn.

~ Like I said above, this would appeal more to younger readers so if you are not into young adult, this might not be for you.

Final Thoughts:

After kind of a confusing start to the book, I got settled in and the Norse mythology tying into the contemporary world really fascinated me. I think Elias is a great character because he’s an attractive and charming guy, but for sure he’s a character you couldn’t trust. I liked all the action at the end of the book and wonder what will happen next. I do think it will appeal to younger YA readers and yes the pacing was slow at some parts but overall I thought this was an entertaining read.

I can see this book being very popular with a younger crowd who are into vampire books and romance. It has a slight dark academia spooky feel that I feel would be good for the fall. I’ll definitely keep watch for more works from this author.

3.75 stars I think?
This wasn’t bad by any means, it just left a lot to be desired. I think this set out to do a lot with not enough pages to accomplish it all. And it didn’t even need to, it would’ve worked fine with a few of the ambitious concepts removed. I enjoyed the urban fantasy vibes and it definitely delivered on what I expected from a YA supernatural fantasy. I will say I think I shot myself in the foot expecting The Vampire Diaries since it’s comped to this book, and it didn’t really make sense to expect that from this book which leans more into Norse mythology and creatures than anything else. Also the publisher said this is perfect for fans of Twilight, Buffy, and The Vampire Diaries, so I was really confused by the fact that there are no vampires in this book. Do with that what you will if you don’t want to be bamboozled by the marketing like I was. I really liked the MMC Elias, but we didn’t see enough of him considering he carried the book for me. I will probably be continuing the series to find out what happens next if I still care by the time it releases.

DNF at 25%, at no fault of the book.

As I get older, I'm realizing that many YA stories don't hold my attention the way they used to, which makes me incredibly sad. The premise of Norse Mythology combined with a murder mystery was definitely appealing, but high-school aged main characters just fall short for me now. I was really hoping I could soldier through, but I've stopped forcing myself to read something I'm just not into. I still feel like this book will definitely be a 5 star read for a lot of people.

Soul of Shadow by Emma Noyes pulled me in right away with its dark, magical atmosphere and a main character I couldn’t help but root for. What I liked most was the emotional depth of the story. The main character isn’t just fighting external battles but is also struggling with fear, grief, and trust. That made the stakes feel personal and kept me connected the whole time. Emma Noyes does a great job balancing action with quieter moments that really let the characters breathe and grow. The world-building was vivid and easy to follow, and the magic system felt like it belonged in this world. I also loved the complicated relationships in the story, especially the ones where loyalty and betrayal constantly crossed paths. If I had one small critique, it’s that a few plot twists were a bit predictable, but honestly, it didn’t bother me much because I was so invested in the characters and their journey.

I think this will be the perfect new paranormal teen hit! Soul of Shadow is a perfect entry into a lower aged YA story; introducing some darker themes and romance to a younger teen audience.

I can note that it wasn’t quite for me personally - but that is just an age thing. But a few years down the line, I can see my daughter enjoying it as she enters that book era.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books and NetGalley for an advanced electronic copy in exchange for an honest review.

Soul of Shadow by Emma Noyes blends supernatural suspense with teen romance, set against a backdrop of Norse mythology and small-town mystery. The story follows Charlie, a girl still mourning the loss of her twin sister, whose world shifts when the enigmatic Elias arrives. The atmosphere is thick with tension as disappearances unfold and secrets lurk beneath the surface.

I appreciated the unique mythological elements woven throughout, which gave the story an intriguing cultural dimension. Charlie’s perspective provides a grounded emotional core, especially as she navigates grief and budding feelings amid growing dangers. Elias is complex, sometimes unsettling, which added to the suspense but also made parts of their relationship feel complicated. The narrative pace is generally engaging with short chapters that kept me turning pages, though at times the plot felt a bit layered. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy paranormal YA with a blend of romance and mystery.

Life has been difficult for Charlotte “Charlie” Hudson ever since the untimely death of her twin sister two years earlier. Instead of the gregarious person she was before, Charlie has become withdrawn and quiet, a shadow of her past self. When a mysterious and attractive boy named Elias transfers to Charlie’s school, however, Charlie’s life begins to shift yet again. People are going missing in Charlie’s small community, and even as Elias gradually becomes a larger presence in Charlie’s life, it seems that Elias may be involved in the disappearances, himself. Slowly, Charlie begins to peel away the layers surrounding Elias, discovering a world that is more magical and sinister than she ever expected. This intriguing young adult novel blends horror, romance, grief, and magic into a tale that is unique yet disjointed at times. Recounted in the third person from Charlie’s perspective, the narrative provides sufficient information about Charlie’s life while leaving readers guessing about both Elias and the dangerous events taking place in Charlie’s community. The incorporation of Norse mythology, teen romance, and familial grief is intriguing, though the novel's delivery is not as clear as it could be due to the complexity of the plot. Brief chapters and a compelling premise help support the forward momentum of the story, however, and readers will be curious to discover whether or not the danger in Silver Shores will ever be overcome. Discussion of underage drinking, teen relationships, and both real and supernatural peril make this book best suited to mature audiences. This is a unique addition to library collections for young adult readers.

Before I begin this review, I wanted to say that I admire Emma Noyes and her passion for writing. I’ve enjoyed reading her work and I have followed her journey since the beginning. When she announced that she was writing a book inspired after the Vampire Diaries, I couldn’t resist requesting an ARC. It was a show I found way after my teen years but I couldn’t resist the draw to. Yes, it had high school drama, but it also had vampires; murderous, snap your neck in a fit of rage kinds of vampires, not the agoraphobic twinkling in the sun type. Not only that, but the absolute best love triangle I’d ever seen play out. I don’t think I’ve ever loved a male main character as much as Damon Salvatore. He’s the perfect blend of villain but with a pliable soft heart for the heroine, Elena.

That’s why I suppose I’m let down. Hoping that anything would compare to an absolute favorite of mine was silly on my part. Elias Everhart is the irredeemable morally black MMC of this story. While I do see how Noyes tried to fashion him after Damon, he was only ever a pale imitation, a shadow of the greatness of the original. Elias tried to be witty, arrogant, and sarcastic, but it never achieved the effortlessly cocky, insouciant, devil may care persona that Damon epitomized.

This is a spoilery bit so tread with caution. Damon was admittedly completely unhinged at the beginning of The Vampire Diaries. He often instigated evil acts and never cared who he hurt as a byproduct of those actions. After Damon came to know Elena and began to have feelings for her, however, he never would have abandoned her to be killed or call danger down upon her on a whim or fit of rage. Elias, after seemingly developing a romantic attachment to Charlie, completely allows her to be put in mortal danger because she hurt his feelings. This was a huge disconnect for me as Elena was always Damon’s soft spot. I get that there are differences between these stories but I want a male main character that would burn the world for the heroine, not burn her with it. I know there will be growth and development as this series continues but that was a deal breaker for me. Charlie, the protagonist, even found herself still attracted to Elias after he did this to her, and I was so frustrated with her for this. She needs some self respect. Kick that man the curb, girlfriend!

Elias being a Nightmare just didn’t coexist well with the lore of this world either. We are introduced or should I say reintroduced to Odin, Thor, Loki as well as a whole host of other Nordic themed creatures and places so one would think that Elias being a nightmare should fit better within this viking framed box. Nothing about a Nightmare screams Nordic to me. Even the powers that Elias possesses seem to be mostly random. The ones that make sense are the feeding off of fear, attacking with semi corporeal shadows, but the quick speed? Walking through walls? Possession? I’m not sure how these work within the framework of being a Nightmare. They seemed random as far as powers go. What a delight it would have been if Elias instead had been somehow revealed to be the god Loki, as he is the god of mischief and trickery. I think it would have been more appropriate thematically and more intriguing.

When it came to relationship aspect, the connection between Elias and Charlie had glimmers of electricity here and there which kept the pages turning but I just didn’t completely buy it.

Charlie herself was a fine character. She was passionate, brave, cunning, and cared deeply for her friends and family.

The world itself is also so much like the Vampire Diaries down to the best friends, the small town, and the supernatural vibes. Noyes definitely captured this feeling well.

Unfortunately even with that strength, I just couldn’t get invested. Part of the problem likely lies with myself because I am so far removed from my teen years.

Considering that this is a book geared towards young adults, there was also quite a bit of underage alcohol consumption promoted by the teens within the story with the parents turning a blind eye to the activity. This is on par with the Vampire Diaries show but I always felt it wasn’t suited for the age of the characters nor the young viewers watching it. I like to give a heads up for parents who are considering this kind of content.

There was no spice in the book and I commend Noyes for making that decision as spice should be relegated to adult books and YA should be kept YA.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for allowing me an ARC and the ability to provide feedback as well as an honest review.

Overall I really enjoyed this. I found myself intrigued and wanting to know more throughout. The folklore was so different than anything I’ve read lately, which was refreshing.

Things I liked: I liked that this started out as a mystery and then delved into more of a fantasy/romance. The Norse mythology added nicely to the story. I genuinely enjoyed the characters.

Things I didn’t like: I’m not sure that the male main character can redeem himself after his behavior in this book. He genuinely tried to kill Charlie and her friends several times with no remorse. I guess we shall see in book 2