Realistically this story had so much potential, and overall, I think the execution, world-building, and characters were all well done.
This book is full of depth and many layers to the plot. I was a little disappointed by the last quarter of the book, mainly because I had high hopes and dreams for some of the characters, but maybe it will go in that direction in the second book. This book just fell a little flat for me and I will not continue the series.

At first with the mysterious guy for some reason I thought Twilight. But quickly changed that feeling and this book because its own thing. This had some unexpected reveals which was great. The characters were well done. I look forward to seeing how this series goes and what else we learn.

Soul of Shadow had me at the edge of my seat and I loved it. This YA Norse Mythology Romantasy is full of intrigue and excellent character building. The world she writes is so incredibly detailed and I wish I could see it! I didn’t realize when I started this that it was the first in a series and I cannot wait to read the next one.

Many thanks to @netgalley @macmillan.audio and Emma Noyes for sharing Soul of Shadow with me for my honest review.

#bookreview #arc #cozyread

⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Norse-Mythology Adventure That Struggles to Find Its Footing

Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners, and Emma Noyes for the ALC of this title.

This book opened with promise: a dive into Norse mythology, rich creatures, and an imaginative world that hinted at something dark and daring. The initial setup was captivating, and the mythological elements felt ripe with potential. However, that promise was quickly undercut by jarring tonal shifts and an overreliance on pop culture references that disrupted the immersive experience. While I usually enjoy a clever nod to Marvel or modern media, here, the frequent comparisons trivialized the darker mythological themes and ultimately pulled me out of the story.

The world-building, though present, felt too light for the weight of the narrative it was trying to carry. It skimmed the surface rather than diving deep. Still, I must give credit where it's due: the creatures were delightful, the imagery vivid, and one quirky character—with an endearing obsession with Henry Cavill—managed to steal the show and my heart.

That said, the overall tone skewed more immature than expected. While underage drinking and teen behavior can be realistic in YA, the storytelling leaned a bit too juvenile in places, creating a dissonance with the heavier themes it attempted to tackle. Inconsistencies in the narrative, pacing that wavered between rushed and sluggish, and underdeveloped thoughts left the plot feeling disjointed and unpolished.

This audiobook was quick and well-narrated, and it may well find its audience among younger YA readers. But for me, it was a case of misaligned expectations. The potential was there, the premise intriguing—but the execution left me wanting more depth, more cohesion, and ultimately, more heart.

When it comes to Norse mythology, everything I know, which isn't much, I learned from Thor/Avenger movies. My lack of knowledge is the primary reason I read this novel. I'm a fan of The Vampire Diaries, so that comp title immediately grabbed my attention. But make note - no vampires appear in this story.

Charlie is clever, curious, a good friend, and she still feels the loss of her twin sister very deeply. She's kissed a few guys in her time, but boyfriends were never in the picture. When the attractive new guy at her high school seems to only have eyes for her, she's puzzled and intrigued. Ignoring him is next to impossible, especially when he keeps popping up, and her friends are encouraging her to ask him to the homecoming dance.

Based on that, you might think you know the path this story takes. You don't - which I appreciated. Unpredictability is always welcome in my reading. I learned about Norse mythology and the fantastical creatures in that world. But I have to give a shout out to The Witcher- loving vatte, Henry. He's adorable and sweet, but don't let that fool you - he can be very formidable when required.

The pacing wasn't what I prefer, but that's just my taste. It wasn't an issue for many other reviewers. That cliffhanger twist at the end was something I didn't see coming - at all - but it's a perfect setup for the sequel.

This story isn't what I'd expected. I feel like I was mislead with the comp title, but I did enjoy learning more about Norse mythology. Recommended for fans of mythology and mystical creatures, a little high school drama, and unexpected plot twists.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Charlie Hudson isn’t your typical YA heroine who dives into danger without hesitation--she’s just trying to survive junior year while quietly grieving the loss of her twin sister. That quiet ache runs under every page, making her a character you can’t help but root for. But when classmates start vanishing and strange symbols appear in the woods, Charlie is pulled into a mystery that blends high school drama with ancient Norse mythology.

Enter Elias Everhart, the new senior with sharp edges and a tangle of secrets. He’s the kind of morally gray character who keeps you guessing--never quite fitting the hero mold, but impossible to ignore. Their chemistry gives the book its heart, while the eerie disappearances raise the stakes.

What stood out to me most is how Soul of Shadow balances the modern small-town vibe with mythological threads. Reading it felt like stepping into an episode of The Vampire Diaries or Legacies--familiar teenage friendships and banter, layered with gods, monsters, and magic hiding in plain sight. The side characters are a real highlight too, especially Lou and Abigail, whose constant bickering adds humor. And then there’s the Vatte, a quirky creature that steals every scene it’s in—I’d read a whole spinoff about it.

The mythology itself is rich without being overwhelming, and the nods to Odin and Loki tie everything back to a bigger conflict that kept me hooked. The suspense around the missing students builds tension, while the Marvel references keep things light. This isn’t a heavy, brooding fantasy--it’s fun and easy to get lost in. The cliffhanger at the end guarantees I’ll be picking up the sequel. If you love supernatural secrets, morally gray love interests, and small towns hiding big dangers, Soul of Shadow is worth the read.

Absolutely loved listening to this book i had to purchase a physical copy. It pulls you in and wont be able to put down

This story started slowly and then built. It had a different take on the Norse mythology and gods (ie Loki, Odin, Thor, etc). MC was strong and we have the broody and arrogant hero (think Damon Salvatore from Vampire Diaries). The world building and ‘monsters’ were intriguing and the storyline interesting. And now let’s talk about the ending. HOLY CLIFFHANGER! Now I will definitely tune in for the next book!

I think this book is perfect for those who love Norse mythology or any mythology in general. Also for fans of Percy Jackson.

Audio production was great and the narrator was clear. I had no issues with audio.

Thank you for allowing me to review this book! It was a great pleasure!

A fun YA entree into urban fantasy. This one would be great for introducing a teen to the genre. And I would personally absolutely consider this urban fantasy rather than paranormal. It asks the question of what Norse mythology would look like if it existed in the world today. As much teen drama as basic mythology primer, but engaging and leaves you wondering what will happen next.

Equally enjoyable in audio and the fact that most of the male speakers are teenage boys works with the narrator’s style.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I really enjoyed this one, especially in audiobook format! I thinkaudiobooks just lend really well to immersive fantasties like this. It was a little different than I expected going in, but overall a great read!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC of Soul of Shadow by Emma Noyes. All opinions are my own.

I decided to read this book because the synopsis reminded me of Twilight, and I love that whole series. I liked the idea of a mystery and a newcomer full of secrets.

Unfortunately, I decided to stop reading at the 24% mark. The writing just felt too juvenile for me. I still enjoy a lot of young adult books, but the writing didn’t keep my interest like other YA fantasies I’ve read.

At first, I was enjoying the mystery happening in the story, but once the first big reveal occurred, I found it very cringy.

I think maybe younger teens or even those who like middle grade books might enjoy this more than I did.

DNF at 28%. I kept trying to go back to it but after the fourth eyeroll, it felt best to stop. This was very uninteresting and kind of cringey. It felt like the worst parts of Twilight crammed into this book. Also, I can't stand books that plop things like Norse mythology into places like Michigan. Feels so cheap to me and was what really made me stop.

I am super excited that this is the beginning of a Norse mythology based series. I can't wait for the second book, but I obviously will as it needs to be written and published.
I love that we jump right into the story and Emma Noyes completes the world building throughout the tale. This allows the book to keep a quick pace and let the story keep moving.
Charlie went through a lot in this book and I am looking forward to the rest of the series to see what her story arc looks like.

Emily Pike Stewart did a great job narrating this story and I hope they continue to narrate the rest of the series.

I really enjoyed this book, and it was a pleasant surprise, as I wasn't really that excited to read it. This is the book pick for the September Book In a Box subscription, and I had the opportunity to listen to it through Net Galley ahead of time. I figured I would start it, become disinterested, and it would justify me skipping September. Sorry, Emma! I was very wrong! And now, not only will I NOT be skipping September, but I will definitely need to get my hands on book 2 as soon as possible, hopefully through Net Galley!

Pros:
- Nordic mythology
- Enemies to lovers
- Mystery & magic
- Cute little gnome friend <3

Cons:
- The main character annoyed me a little bit
- Moving from one plot point to another sometimes felt forced or unrealistic

I had no idea what to expect from this book, but I thought it would be your typical shadow daddy situation. Nope! This is a fun, YA book about Nordic mythology. It gives Vampire Diaries and Teen Wolf - just a handful of teenagers not knowing what they're getting themselves into! I really enjoyed the dynamic between Elias and Charlie. The romance was well paced and fun to explore, especially with the very valid enemies to lovers trope! I can't wait to see where Emma takes this in book 2, because I'm dying to know - are they going to get a HEA?

I truly have no idea what to expect from book 2, but I very much so look forward to it.

The reason I rated this 4/5 instead of 5 stars boils down to one thing, for the most part. I simply didn't feel that the progression of events, at times, between characters was realistic. There were a handful of moments in the book where I thought, "This is only happening because it's convenient for the author in progressing the story along." Now, that's likely true with most stories! But at times it didn't feel like it flowed quite correctly.

An example of this is when Charlie sneaks into the house in the woods to spy on Elias. He explains to her what he is and he seems very dangerous. He's clearly not made of the world Charlie knows, and yet still after all that he explains, and after he threatens to hurt those she loves if she doesn't help him, she still says she needs proof. This leads to her eating the fruit. I understand that for the story to progress, she needed to eat the fruit. But I think at that point, she had been given more than enough proof and incentive to go along with what he was saying. He honestly could have forced her to eat the fruit because it serves him as well for her to see Asgard. But instead, it seemed like one last thing he was doing to convince her, which was a nicety that didn't make sense given the context of the scene, and made her seem a little ... dumb? ... because, again, he just threatened to kill her friends and family and he's clearly some mythical being, and yet she's saying she won't help him unless he proves all of this is real. There were a few moments like this in the book where I just didn't feel like the dialogue or the way we got from point A to point B in order to progress the story felt believable. Sometimes, there simply wasn't enough resistance from one character or another.

Overall, though, I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait to get a special edition, and I can't wait to read book two!

This is my first novel by Emma Noyes, and I really enjoyed it. I will be adding her other books to my TBR.

I instantly like Charlie, the FMC. She is in high school and trying to figure out who she is. She has 2 friends, who are her ride or die buddies. I loved that this trio of friends supported each other and called each other out on their bologna! Charlie's older brother, Mason, reminds me of a typical older sibling, quick to pester, and quick to defend when needed.

Elias is the MMC that causes a lot of problems. He is the perfect villain for this story! I really wanted to like him until I could.

This is labeled YA due to the MC being older teens, so I would keep this as high school and above due to its content matter.

I was also fortunate enough to get the audio for this book, and it is great. The narrator, Emily Pike Stewart, is perfect for Charlie, and does a great job with the other characters also.

I really enjoyed this one! Not only was the narration fantastic, the story was well written and really exciting to follow. It gave me major TVD vibes. Very decent start to a series and a great YA.

Soul of Shadow was a buffet of rich imagery, Norse mythology, and compelling characters—including a strong female lead and a morally grey male lead. This book delivered nonstop action, forbidden love, a found family trope, and a friendship that literally spans worlds. I couldn’t put it down—anything mythology-related, I devour, and this book absolutely did not disappoint.

I loved Charlie from her very first line to her last. The romantic arc between her and Elias, which begins as a fake dating situation, was adorable and as awkward as any teenage romance should be. Elias is devastatingly handsome, and while all the girls are drawn to him, he harbors a secret that could end the world.

This book has it all: monsters, gods, a familiar, high-stakes action, betrayal, a jaw-dropping yet satisfying ending, and even a thoughtful exploration of grief. I appreciated how it portrayed the many ways grief can manifest, and how our coping mechanisms can shape the way we experience the world around us.

I had the pleasure of tandem reading and listening to the audiobook, which made my immersion in this world even more vivid. Emily Pike Stewart did an excellent job infusing emotion into each character. Her inflections were perfectly placed to match the tone and subject matter of every scene. I especially loved the way she conveyed moments of awe and wonder—it truly made me feel like I was seeing the strange colors and creatures myself. Whenever I can see a book in my mind while reading or listening, I know I’ve found a 5-star read.

I’m excited to see how this story continues in the next installment. I’m sure the world-building and character development will remain top-notch as we follow Charlie deeper into the extraordinary new world she’s discovered.

I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners, and Emma Noyes for the ALC of this amazing book!

This was such a good listen! A YA fantasy romance inspired by Norse mythology. I really enjoyed many elements of this story and this is perfect for young adult readers. I enjoyed the high school vibes that mainly follow Charlie. Her background is very intriguing and I wanted to learn more about her siblings. The sudden appearance of Elias also added some intrigue to the storyline. I honestly couldn't decide if he could be trusted. I really enjoyed learning more about Norse mythology and was really intrigued with some of the gods and other creatures that appeared in the book. The narrator, Emily Pike Stewart did a great job portraying Charlie and several of the other characters in the story. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

A very special thanks to Macmillan Audio + Netgalley for the ALC.

Summer on Lake Michigan is full of parties and friends until the shoes of a missing teen turn up hanging on a tree carved full of Norse ruins. For Charlie, it's a little too real and evokes memories of her twin who passed a couple years prior from illness. As the community is in turmoil and kids are warned to stay out of the woods, Charlie cannot help but to be drawn to the trees instead. And there she discovers Elias, the new mysterious transfer student. Charlie is also drawn to him and soon is pulled into a world where Norse mythology is real and not everything is as it seems. Can all that be known as myth really be true? Will Charlie survive this revelation and the mystery of the missing kids?

First, this was a well done audiobook. The narrator does a fantastic job capturing the tone of Charlie, Elias, and her family and friends. This really brings the novel to life and is super easy to listen to. I had no issues at 1.5x speed.

Second, this was also a good start to a new series. The premise of the Norse mythology mixed in with the mundane world is similar but different to your typical faerie reads. I've enjoyed the mystery around Elias and how the book is set up to pull you further on the adventure in book two. The tension, banter and heat between the characters will also keep you turning the pages. Definitely a perfect read to wrap up summer and take you into the new school year! 4 stars.

This is an honest review based on an Advanced Audiobook provided by Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Young Listeners and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

4.75 🌟 Soul of Shadows | 5 🌟 Audiobook

This was a beautifully written YA fantasy with rich world-building and just the right amount of mystery. Loved the description of the colors! But fair warning—it ends on a major cliffhanger, and I need the next book right now!
The story follows Charlie, whose city is shaken by a mysterious death marked with ancient Nordic symbols. Soon after, a shadowy stranger named Elias appears, also trying to unravel what's happening. As they team up, Elias slowly reveals pieces of a hidden world to Charlie, guiding her through truths she never expected.
Perfect for fans of Once Upon a Broken Heart and Only a Monster—this one blends magic, myth, and emotion in the best way.