An action packed adventure story perfect for middle grade kids who love anime! The world building is top notch, and there are plenty of characters with biting wit and heart. A solid foundation for this middle grade series.
***Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book early. ***

I would not recommend this book.  The main character is a 10 year old boy who has been treated as little more than an animate training dummy by his peers with known samurai pedigrees. He is selected to go to a special magical school... where he is promptly bullied and victim blamed. All of the authority figures are abusive towards the boy - putting pride over truth, physically hitting the boy, ripping his soul in half. The concept of consent is no where in evidence.  On a writing level, I was really interested by the choice to not use the boy's POV while his soul was ripped in half. I'm still sitting with that - did he become less than a person in that time and so unworthy of a POV? I'm not sure. But yeah, I wouldn't give this to a young child to read and if they selected it for themself I would want to have a lot of conversations about how traumatized the main character is and how pretty much every other character is failing him.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the chance to read this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. Being a huge Sherrilyn Kenyon fan, I was thrilled when I found this book by her son and daughter-in-law and couldn’t wait to read it. Sadly my excitement waned the longer I tried to read this. Ryuichi is an orphan who is mistreated terribly and has no friends. Then one day, he impresses Hanzo Hattori, who takes him under his wing to his school to train to become a samurai. This is where things go from bad to worse. He makes friends, he loses friends. He is admired by teachers, then they hate him. He gets thrown to Koichi, a drunk who treats him badly. Then Ryuichi finds out who his parents are and realizes he has these amazing powers. His mother was good, his father evil. He has to deal with his emerging powers and quickly choose a side.
Overall, it was an ok book but I got confused way more than I think I should have and that is why I didn’t enjoy this as much as I wanted to. I kept putting this down and it took me a very long time to read this. I feel like there should be a glossary in the beginning to help readers understand better. I think younger readers will enjoy this more and hopefully not be as confused.

Shadow Wars: The Secret War, a thrilling middle-grade fantasy adventure bursting with action, mystery, and heart.

A young baby is spirited away to the human realm to be hidden and raised to follow good but life doesn’t always turn out as planned.

Demons are running amuck and Ryuichi is about to leap into a destiny and learn of parents he thought he’d even have names for.

Come to a world of foxes and gods where the they still trained the samurai. If you’re looking for a pick me up, head over to Sherrilyn Kenyon partnered with H. Hishinuma and M. Hishinuma for this young fantasy action book.

For fans of Rick Riordan and the hunger games this book will keep you going from start to finish. Plenty of action with an underlying storyline that hits you in the Feels. I enjoyed the ride of this roller coaster. Gaining a found family can make all the difference.

Thank you NETGALLEY for allowing me to grab this ARC and the enjoyments of a new story

This was a different type of story than what I’ve read before.
The story moves quickly, with non-stop action and intense emotional beats. The artwork is striking, full of motion, drama, and expressive detail that enhances the story’s impact. Themes of identity, loyalty, and sacrifice give the fast-paced plot real heart.

It’s an engaging read for fans of Tokyo Ghoul, Bleach, or Kenyon’s Dark-Hunters. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to her universe, this volume is accessible and exciting, with just enough lore to pull you deeper.

Rating: 4.5/5
I received a eARC for my honest opinion

What an amazing middle grade fantasy book. I have read almost all of Kenyons book series and when I saw that she wrote one with her daughter in-law and son I knew that I had to read it. This book was fantastic!! You will find action, adventure, plot twists, a tiny amount of romance, mystery, paranormal creatures and a whole lot of secrets. In this book you will meet Ryuichi who doesn’t know that he is the son of a goddess that controlled the sacred gates between the human world and the demon world. With the gates unattended for years, and the humans have been having to deal with the demons coming into their world.

I liked that this book was a true mix of character driven and plot driven mixed in the right ways. I found the pace of the book to be perfect for it being an MG book, and all ages can read it and still love it. I enjoyed the fantasy, folklore that takes place in Japan. It was fun getting to learn about their mythology and getting to know the creatures. I enjoyed the found family vibe that I got throughout the book and the message that family doesn’t have to be tied by blood, you have the opportunity to choose who becomes part of your family. I loved that we got to see Ryuichi travel through life not feeling whole, he was missing part of himself. He is bullied and teased by his peers and his teachers his whole life, until one day when someone sees that he is special like them and takes a chance with him. He is then taken to a new school and is thrown into a world that he feels is strange, but he feels at home with them. I loved that you have a battle of good vs evil, you have a young man who is right now who has to pick what team he wants to be on. With any negative emotions that Ryuichi has it can lead his father to him and allow all the demons to pass through the gates, but if he stays positive and thinks of all the great things that he has come to love he will be more like his goddess mother and protect the gates.

The characters in this book are well written, they have depth, you see their development throughout the book. I loved that the characters are coming of age in this book, and you get to go on the journey with them. I loved the drunk uncle, he was all over the place, and he had a lot of emotions that he was trying to deal with on his own, but he has his own growth with that as well. can’t say more about the characters without giving more of the book away though. So instead, this book is full of magic, saving the world, learning about yourself, understanding evil vs good, choosing who you want in your family. I can’t wait for the next book

I want to thank NetGalley and Blackstone for the opportunity to review this book.

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read a new book by Sherrilyn Kenyon, whose work I've loved for years. Even though I'm not the target audience, I looked forward to reading something completely new from her and her co-authors.

I think this book would be great for tweens and teens, with a good amount of excitement, and a coming-of-age story that would keep them engaged. I struggled with names, which is to be expected, so a glossary of terms and pronunciations would be helpful.

Overall, I had difficulty sympathizing with the main character, but I did like his sake-drunk instructor a lot.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC.

In this book we follow Ryuichi , a young boy orphaned since birth. He has no idea who his parents or himself really are. We know however that he is destin for something great. We follow him, his journey and how he comes into his powers.
This was a good read based on Japanese lore. I wish I had know more about the topic before I read this book. I think it would have made a huge difference. This book seems more YA than adult fantasy. If I submit a review based on YA , I would recommend. The plot and different characters were a bit hard to follow but I think that was due to my lack of the culture. Overall I had fun reading !

I was able to read this as an eARC by NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing. Thank you both

I loved the idea of this book and the way it started out, but for a book under 300 this became an absolute chore to read. Nothing seemed to be cohesive or make sense, the plot or the characters. Kohichi is an alcoholic who cares about nothing, but then he cares about everything? Masaru is evil or a trickster or actually helping? His friends will do anything for him, but blame him for everything, but defend him? His father is the most evil man ever, but cares about his so, but runs away?

I really enjoyed the culture and I thought I was going to absolutely love this book, but it really wasn't good. 80% confusion and the description of the world itself was severely lacking.

I was hooked from the beginning!!
It was amazing and engaging.
I was instantly sucked in by the atmosphere and writing style.
The characters were all very well developed .
The writing is exceptional and I was hooked after the first sentence.

I really enjoyed Shadow Wars. Kenyon bring her usual writing flair and couples it with Japanese culture. The characters are interesting, unique and engaging. For fans of Kenyon's other works (young adult and adult), readers will find a lot of the same themes and even stylistic feel in this middle grade novel. I found that I was immediately immersed in the story, so much so that I found myself taking every free moment to read. There are some elements I wished the author would have included. Personally, seeing a little more of Ryuichi's back story would have given a little more depth to the character. While readers are given glimpse of his abuse by others, for the most part the information is told instead of shown. I would have loved to see more about the other characters and their backgrounds as well.

Regardless, the story moves quickly. There is plenty of conflict and action along the way. I believe that a lot of elements are left out to leave the story short and engaging. I do enjoy the internal monologues that take place. I think it's important for younger readers to identify pieces of themselves, including their insecurities and worries, in characters. Ryuichi is trying to find himself while knowing nothing about his family. He is insecure, worries, and fights feelings of lonliness; however, he displays inner strength, the desire to be something, and shows a good amount of self reflection.

Overall, I really liked this book and look forward to additions to the series.

I absolutely devoured *Shadow Wars*! Sherrilyn Kenyon once again proves why she’s a master of dark fantasy and paranormal romance. The characters are unforgettable, the worldbuilding is rich and immersive, and the pacing keeps you hooked from the first page to the last.

I loved how Kenyon weaves together high-stakes action with deeply emotional moments. The protagonists are flawed, fierce, and beautifully human (even when they’re not exactly human), and the chemistry between them sizzles. The plot is full of twists and turns, with just the right balance of heart-pounding battles and tender, introspective scenes.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Kenyon’s universes or diving in for the first time, *Shadow Wars* delivers everything you’d hope for — dark magic, ancient prophecies, tortured heroes, and a romance worth fighting for. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait for what’s next.

Highly recommend for anyone who loves richly imagined fantasy with a sharp edge and a heart of gold.

One of the standout features of the book is its rich integration of Japanese culture and folklore, which brings depth and authenticity to Ryuichi’s journey. The author skillfully crafts a vivid world that sparks the imagination and offers readers an engaging glimpse into intriguing Japanese traditions.

Although it’s not a book I would usually pick up for myself, I would definitely recommend it to my oldest child. Its themes of courage and destiny resonate strongly, making it an excellent choice for young readers seeking adventure and inspiration. Overall, Shadow Wars: The Secret War is a compelling story that effectively combines mythology with a coming-of-age narrative.

Unfortunately, I put this book down at 18% and didn't pick it up again. While I knew this was going to be a YA book, the writing felt more on the middle grade side which is not something I'm interested in reading at this point. Rated 3 stars for this review as there will be readers that love it for that reason, but also readers that will dislike it. It looks like it is tagged as middle grade on Goodreads, which I didn't see when I requested the book.

I have been a huge fan of Sherrilyn Kenyon for many years, and seeing the opportunity to read and review the book she wrote with her son and daughter-in-law thrilled me! It is an honor and privilege to read and review the book before it is even published!!!

The storyline and characters in Shadow Wars is amazing! Being a big fantasy reader, I expected odd-named people and places and this book does not disappoint...it is completely different than my reality and I love that! There was a bit of a learning curve, and perhaps a glossary of terms would have helped, but once I learned the vernacular, it was an easy, exciting read.

Shadow Wars follows Ryuichi, who does not know that he is the only child of a woman charged with guarding the gate between the human and demon worlds. Worse, she is long deceased and the gate has been unattended most of his life. The fight to learn who he is, learn how to control his powers, and regain control will keep you glued to your seat! Can't say more without divulging story secrets, but suffice it to say, you do not want to miss this story!

Shadow Wars: The Secret War
The Secret War Series - Book 1
By Sherrilyn Kenyon with Hinako and Madaug Hishinuma
Blackstone Publishing - May 2025
Young Adult Paranormal Fiction

Ryuichi was always an outcast. All he knew of his parents were that his father had been a warrior and they had both died when he was an infant. There were no names, but a retainer, now gone, had vouched for them. So he had been raised at the school, but not included in anything.

Then one day, a renowned samurai came and selected Ryuichi to come to his school. But this was no ordinary school. Dragons on the roof were just the beginning. Demons are at the gate searching for the son of their master.

Ryuichi is about to learn the truth of his heritage.

Shadow Wars: The Secret War is action packed from beginning to end. With Ryuichi moving from place to place constantly meeting new people, there is a large cast of characters that may be a bit overwhelming. There is a fascinating bit of magic and shadows that I found intriguing. It will be interesting to see where the crew heads for their next adventure.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

First and foremost, thank you to the publisher and the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I loved this story and it was definitely worth the read!

Surprisingly emotional, a little chaotic, and totally worth the ride.

I grabbed Shadow Wars: The Secret War on a whim (sort of, I thought it had a cool cover), not expecting much beyond your standard magical-kid-goes-to-school setup. But let me tell ya, this one had me hooked. It’s got heart. Real heart. Ryuichi isn’t just some “chosen one” trope. He’s messy. He’s scared. He’s been tossed around his whole life, and suddenly he’s supposed to save the world with powers he barely understands? No pressure at all, right?

The world is wild, with magic, monsters, and gates to other realms, and it all hits pretty fast. I didn't know much about Japanese folklore going in, but that didn’t stop me from loving every second. And let’s not forget about the lovely drunk uncle. He’s all over the place, totally unpolished, and half the time smells like sake, but somehow? He’s exactly what Ryuichi needs. The story isn't just about magic and saving the world. It's about figuring out who you are when life’s been unfair, and choosing people who lift you up, even when they’re total trainwrecks themselves. Once I finished, I caught myself reaching for the next book... only to realize it doesn’t exist yet. Brutal.

Shadow Wars: The Secret War
by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Hinako Hishinuma, Madaug Hishinuma
Tween Fantasy
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: May 27, 2025
Blackstone Publishing
Ages: 12+

Ryuichi is an orphan, and now he lives in a dojo, abused by his peers because he has no last name: his father died in battle and did not call out his name, so now it is forgotten.

But after discovering the truth, he does not know whom to trust because even his guardian, who has been hiding him from his father, has lied to him about who he really is. The gift he inherited from his mother, his father (who is alive), wants it so he can open the gates to the realm of the demons.


While the blurb of this story sounded great, the story was a huge disappointment! It did start off ok, but the writing seemed to be aimed towards preteens. Then, as it progressed, the plot and ideas were scattered around, as if the authors could not agree on subplots, the characters (descriptions, personalities), and where the story was going. (Maybe lost in translation?) And the settings, including the 'realm of the demons', all lacked descriptions!

The plot also jumped around so much that I'm not sure how long it took the events of the story to play out. While it seemed as if it should have taken a month or more, it read as if it took only a week. Worse than that, the MC, Ryuichi, is a whiner! Yeah, he was picked on, abused, but it didn't make him stronger; it made him weaker, as if he liked it. And I'm not even sure how old he is. He acts like a six-year-old. And speaking of age, the 'adults' acted like tweenagers. No maturity at all!

1 Star