This book was amazing! The whole magic system was so unique and complicated but also explained in ways that still made sense. 😆 I was impressed by how intricate the whole story was. And the underground world took the fantasy to the next level. It was so imaginative and descriptive (but not so much that I got bogged down), and I was immersed in the scenery while reading. The chemistry between Dorothy and Ashley was so good. I loved it when he came to her for help with his wounds, but the end of this book destroyed me. I was sobbing for them. I just have to know what happens next for everyone!

Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.

Speechless...
That's how I was when I finished reading this book.
Completely addictive, intriguing, heartbreaking, thrilling, unexpected, are a few words to describe this masterpiece!
I love books so clever that you can't keep track of them, and then BAM! They slap you in the face.
It is both tragic and thrilling at the same time.
As the story progressed I made my assumptions, and just when I thought I got it right, everything flips 180°.
Each character contributes to the story, their points of view help to get more into the development and intrigues.

My reactions to reading this book:
⚜️ From the beginning it grabbed me.
⚜️ Oooh how exciting!
⚜️ Falling in love
⚜️ Squeal of joy
⚜️ Anguish
⚜️ I knew it!
⚜️ Melting me
⚜️ Wait, what?!
⚜️ Crying
⚜️ Please don't!
⚜️ Noooooooooo

I really can't stop thinking about this story and pray that the second book comes very soon!!!!

Dorothy St. James can't control her magic, and that's even more dangerous, since magic is forbidden.
Locked up at home with her father, she experiments and researches magic, but when her father disappears, kidnapped by The Rook, the terror of London, her life is turned upside down.
Now desperate to find her father, she tries to find the identity of the masked hero who could help her. The problem is that she encounters a mysterious, charming man with the face of a demi-god, who changes her plans, plays with her mind and makes her heart race.
Ashley Gardner is quite a mystery, he could be hero or villain, depending on who says so.
When he meets a beautiful and innocent young woman who hinders his plans, he decides to play with her, surprised by her intelligence and courage. But despite his growing longing, he has many secrets that prevent him from a future with her.
In this story full of mysteries and unknowns one thing is certain....
People are not who they say they are.

You will find:
🔮Fantasy Victorian era
🔮Mysterious magic
🔮Seven POV
🔮Secret identities
🔮Suspense and action
🔮Riddles and clues
🔮Enola Holmes vibes
🔮Inevitable attraction
🔮Ending that will make you...

I absolutely recommend reading this book! And I thank the author very much for the advanced copy 💙
All opinions are my own.

For reviews with book aesthetics and more content follow me on Instagram: @sina.venus.booklover

When can I get my hands on book 2??

This was such a delight to read. It took me a minute to get my bearings in a new fantasy world, but once I dived in, I got invested quickly.

I was so sure that I knew what would happen in the book, and I for sure had the wool pulled over my eyes — which was so fun. I love being surprised when reading!

I feel like this was a great set up and I just know that Dorothy and Ashley’s interactions in book two are actually going to kill me with how good they are. Jessica Scarlett writes tension like no other and I am excited to see her branch out into a new genre.

Anyway… any updates come through on book 2 while I was writing that review? It’s fine. I’m not desperate or anything…

This book. Okay, let me just tell you- this quickly became one of my top reads of 2025 so far. It is THAT good.

If you like:

🫆Mystery
🧐Intrigue
🪄Magic
🎟️Carnivals
🔎Enola Holmes
‼️High stakes
❤️No-spice romance
🗣️Clever banter
📚Bookstores
❤️‍🔥Rivals-to-lovers
🚞& crazy train rides

Then you need to read this book.

With vibes like Stephanie Garber’s Caraval series, you can’t be sure what the truth is, or whether you have it all wrong from the beginning. Who really knows where the clues will lead you?

Dorothy St. James stays locked up at home most of the time, hardly ever venturing outdoors. She is afraid of being arrested because she can’t control her magic. But when her father disappears, assumedly taken by the Rook (a kidnapper who has been randomly snatching people from around London, who then show up later completely insane), Dorothy must face her fears and work to uncover the truth about who the Rook is, and how to get her father back- before it’s too late.

That’s when she meets Ashley Gardner. A man who casts illusions, a charmer, and someone who seems to know a lot more than he lets on. Someone whom she quickly finds herself at odds with, but also strangely attracted to at the same time. When she intercepts and decodes a secret message meant for him, Dorothy uses the note to blackmail Ashley into helping her try to find out who the Rook is, and he reluctantly agrees.

But his kind of “help” isn’t exactly what she had in mind, and she soon finds herself in a whole lot of danger running around on the streets of London, trying to solve the impossible clues he is giving her. Because he has his own reasons for keeping her away, and letting her get too close is not part of his plans.

Everything is a game, and if she doesn’t figure out the rules quickly enough, she might not be able to locate her father in time to save him.

•••

I was completely engrossed in this story and the ending came way too soon for me. I am already eagerly anticipating book two and while waiting on it, I will do my best to convince everyone to read this amazing book. It will definitely be a book I read again.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Such a thrilling read! Awesome mix of genres with Victorian, magic, mild suspense/mystery and a beautiful drop swoon. Definitely recommend if you want something fresh and new!

🚪- This book is closed door

THIS BOOK: 10/10,NO EDITS🤩😍🙌🏼

‘Destiny was pulling all the right strings, and how I loved it when she did that.
It felt like a puzzle masterminded only for me—a trail of clues no one else could follow.’

Town of Shadows by Jessica Scarlett is hands down an IT book of the summer!

If you’re even slightly into fantasy, this one needs to shoot straight to the top of your TBR. If you loved Caraval, this has all the dazzling vibes—mystery, magic, riddles, and swoon-worthy romance—but somehow even better. (No shade to Caraval… this just hit me harder.)

I gasped, I held my breath, I scrambled to figure out the next puzzle right along with Dorothy—and that ending?? 🤯 Absolutely perfect. And yes, I already need book 2 yesterday.

This is the most perfect suspenseful, swoony, magical thrill ride through Victorian London and it’s available now—clear your schedule for this one.

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

Content/trigger notes: mild violence/peril/suspense, death of loved ones, blackmail, one small encounter with an assault, romance is kisses-only.

I am 100% obsessed with this book! I absolutely loved it! It's hard to say because I love the Wycliffe series so much but this might just be my favorite novel by Jessica Scarlett! Sometimes I have trouble recommending books to people, even when I love it, but I had no problem telling people about this book. It blew me away in every possible way!

I loved the historical background in Victorian Era England and the way the fantasy aspects were intertwined in the story. I was obsessed with the setting alone, before I even started reading this! The characters were written so well! They each have distinct voices and personalities and I immediately loved getting to know Ashley, Miles, Dorothy, and Emme. I seriously cannot get enough of them all and their interactions with each other! Absolute perfection! I also loved the clues and the places it took Dorothy. I just loved the mystery element to this book. It was written so well! Not going to lie, that ending was amazing. I CANNOT wait for book 2! Obsessed is the only word in my vocabulary when it comes to this book. I would definitely recommend this if you're looking for a good read!

CW: A little bit of violence and innuendo

Wow! 🤯 This book was amazing! But you are pre warned it has an epic cliffhanger that will leave you not quite sure what to do with yourself until book 2 comes out! You will most definitely want to read this one with a friend so you can chat their ear off with all your theories and if you are like me you will want to instantly read it again to see all the sneaky little things Jessica Scarlett wove through this masterpiece! But I will not let myself! Too many books not enough time and all that, but instead I’m just going to sit here and stew about it! Then I will reread it before book 2 comes out which I am hoping is soon! 😅
This book is set in Victorian England with steampunk vibes and a super interesting magic system that I feel like we are still learning so much about. Its multiple POV which I enjoyed getting to see inside so many heads on this one and it really drives the story along. It’s full of mystery and puzzles and twist and turns and the middle of the book was definitely giving off some Caraval vibes and it was intense! And don’t even get me started on that kiss! 🔥The author definitely knows how to build tension and I’m here for it!
Content wise this is a kisses only book with some violence and one part that is a little shocking but also genius and I loved the Author’s note about it in the acknowledgments at the end so don’t miss that! Do you typically read the acknowledgments? It’s always a must for me, I love any behind the scenes info I can get especially if I loved a book!
All in all this was an easy 5 stars for me and my first book by this author although I have had some of her regency books on my TBR for a while and now they are moving up the list and I hope to get to them soon. I would definitely recommend this one- now someone recommend a great book for me to read next because I can’t stop thinking about this one!

4.5 ⭐ s!

wowowowowowow! What a fun book! Once you think you've got things figured out--you don't! Hahaha!

I love the Victorian time period scene, but with magic (but magic is illegal). The characters steal your heart and you become obsessed with them sooooo quick!

This book leaves you wanting more... so looking forward to more!

Town of Shadows by Jessica Scarlett 4.5 stars!

This thrilling read immediately throws you into the dark streets of London; filled with twists, secrets, and serious risks.
Each character has a story and a motive that keeps you interested and invested. I loved the clever banter between Dorothy and Ashley, the exciting moments of danger, and the loyalty between Ashley and Miles.
I have never read a magic system that was so interesting and creatively written! Blending science and magic in a unique way, with beautiful descriptions and well-thought-out construction and execution added to the complexity of the story!
This is one of those books that you can re-read and appreciate the complexities and the clever way that the story was woven, as well as reliving the swoony moments. (Hello chapter 16!)
Throughout the book, the author amazingly navigates the banter, longing, and tension between Dorothy and Ashley; all while keeping it clean, tasteful, and at just the right level. It definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The plot was very creative, telling a compelling story of searching for what is real amid the blurred lines of magic, desire and the pursuit of justice. In a world where the dark shadows of your demons just might be your greatest downfall, who you trust just might be even more deadly.
The twist at the end felt like a free fall into cold water. A shock that wakes you up, gasping for air, waiting for the epic conclusion of this story to fill your lungs with air again.
I recommend this book to everyone who loves multi-faceted characters that you are rooting for and exciting storytelling filled with tension, deception and adventure.

My favorite quotes from the book:
“For anyone who’s always wished they had a little magic inside them. You do.”
“Maybe the right path was always the dangerous one for a reason. Because it was the only one worth taking.”

ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“It was said in every parlor room around London that if you stared at the shadows long enough, you might see him move. The phantom haunting the night itself”

Wow, wow, wow!! I still am lacking the appropriate words to give this book the justice it deserves…

You know the books that you finish the last page and you’re unwell, but for all good reasons??? Yeah this was one for me!! Oh my goodness!! I don’t know if I will be well again until we get book 2….I need more 😆🫠🔥💙

“𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙛𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚? 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙢?
𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘮.”

This is an incredibly written fantasy story set in Victorian London, with mystery, magic, tension, sizzling banter, and romance weaved throughout! The multiple POVs were so well done and paced the book perfectly!! Nothing ever felt daunting or overwhelming for me to read like other fantasy stories can get. Everything was plotted, planned, and executed flawlessly!!

“That look in his eye, I couldn’t put my finger on it. The only phrase that came to mind was burning caution, and yet I didn’t even know what that meant. Or how it made sense. Or why it was there. And then he’d turned it around on me, daring me to leap before checking to see if I had wings.”

From the first page to the very last Jessica has written a masterpiece! And now we wait for book 2….👀

Thank you so much Jessica and #NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced #gifted copy!!

I got this as an arc on Netgalley and it has since come out. This was pretty solid! I liked the mystery and that the plot just keeps on twisting. Definitely picking up book 2.

Content: mild language, some violence (not gory), magic, kissing only

Genre/tropes: historical fantasy romance, multiple POV, puzzles/mystery, hidden identity

My thoughts: This book was so much fun! The ending leaves many things unknown and begs more questions than it answers, as this is book 1 in the series. I have my theories (which are mostly unfounded, just my initial hunch from the start of the book 😂) and am interested to see where she takes this story and world!

I am intrigued by the magic in this book and how it works, and I love the experiments that Dorothy conducts with her father for a mix of science and magic within this world. I have many questions about it—which might be answered in a reread (or maybe won’t be revealed until later, if at all).

The pacing on this one is quick, as Dorothy sets about solving a series of puzzles/clues in order to discover the identity of the Samaritan (and all the better if she discovers who the Rook is too).

Moments I loved (in no particular order 😅)
✨Staying up all night decoding a clue
✨Ashley’s magic not working the same way on Dorothy
✨The ballet
✨Drinking contest on the train
✨Retrieval of a bracelet in the Necropolis
✨Dorothy solving puzzle after puzzle
✨Miles and Emme 😍
✨Stitching up a knife wound

I am truly not sure, what to think about this book. On one hand, I found it a little slow and a tad too telling, on the other, the last 100 pages went by very quickly leaving me wanting more.

Town of Shadows follows Dorothy and is set in Victorian London - with a twist. Namely that some noble lines are slanted with magic, which has been outlawed. In the midst of this, a notorious criminal known as 'the Rook' has started kidnapping people. One of the victims is Dorothy's father. To find him, she must tackle a puzzle to discover the identity of 'the Samaritan', an unknown person, who has helped save the victims of the Rook.

Only finding the man is not easy, and to do so, Dorothy enlists Ashley Gardner - a man with whom, you'll never truly know. Thus ensues chases across London to find Dorothy's father.

I loved the idea of this story, and I think the world is fun, but I have to admit the worldbuilding was a little messy. Some chapters I swalloed whole, others felt like they dragged by. All in all, I guess you can say this a pretty solid 3.25 star read for me. I was entertained throughout the book and I loved the twists throughout, as such I will likely read the next installment, even if there was things about this book, that also nagged me.

📚 Plot Snapshot
In a Victorian London where magic means a death sentence, Dorothy St. James must wield her forbidden power to save her kidnapped father. Teaming up with enigmatic illusionist Ashley Gardner, she steps into a deadly world of clues, betrayal, and secret identities. As danger and attraction swirl, Dorothy will discover the greatest trick is trusting her own heart.

🖋️ Writing Style Vibe
Jessica Scarlett delivers lush, atmospheric prose that breathes life into foggy streets and hidden magical underworlds. Snappy and immersive, her writing balances sharp wit with emotional resonance, keeping the pages turning long into the night.

❤️ My Highlights
✨🔍 Mystery & Mastery – The unfolding identities of the Rook and the masked Samaritan kept me guessing until the very end, just when I thought I had it figured out.
✨Dorothy’s Transformation – From timid alchemist to fierce heroine, Dorothy’s growth—driven by devotion to her father—was beautifully compelling.
✨Ashley’s Duality – Charming illusionist by day, secret-keeper by night—he had me both loving and wary of him. His complexity added delicious tension.
✨A Shared Circle of Depth – Secondary POVs like Emmeline’s adventurous cousin and loyal Miles enriched the plot; each felt like a spark ready to ignite in future installments.
✨Cinematic Setting – Haunted carnivals, moonlit rooftops, and smoky ballrooms created a world that begs for adaptation—think Netflix prestige series meets magical steampunk.
✨Well-Rounded Cast – Even minor characters, from street urchins to aristocratic patrons, felt vibrant and purposeful in a world burdened by danger and secrets.

🤔 What Fell Flat
A few action scenes edged toward predictability for seasoned fantasy readers.
Some romantic tension lingered longer than I’d have liked, stretching the slow burn into the final pages.

💭 My Thoughts
I’m usually wary of “romantasy,” but Town of Shadows changed my mind entirely. I devoured it in one sitting—not just because of the magic and suspense, but because Scarlett blends mystery, emotion, and atmosphere so well. Dorothy and Ash’s chemistry sparked without rushing into steam (kisses only!), and the worldbuilding felt fresh yet grounded. The ending left me breathless and hungry for the next chapter in this enchanting series. This deserves to be discovered far and wide 🌌✨

⭐ Final Rating: 5 Stars — Keep & Reread-Worthy

💕 The Swoon Scale
💍 Sparks: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
💬 Dialogue & Banter: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
🦋 Emotional Depth: ★★★★★ (5/5)
📖 Re-Readability: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

🔍 Advisory & Content Guide (via Goodreads & early reviews)
🌶️ Spice: None — closed-door romance
💬 Language: None
💞 Romance: Kisses only
⚠️ Content Warnings: Grief, violence, kidnapping, torture, magical peril, deception, seduction, minor mentions of substance use

🎯 Perfect For
✨Lovers of mysterious Victorian London with magical twists
✨Readers craving intelligent female heroes and heart-awakening slow burns
✨Fans of elegant historical settings navigated through underworld intrigue

Wow! What a fantastic start tom a new series! Town of Shadows was filled with endearing characters, mysterious plot twists, a morally grey MMC, and a delicious amount of yearning. It was a clean read in both language and content, which I thoroughly appreciated, and ended in a fantastic cliffhanger of sorts! Jessica Scarlett did a wonderful job of creating a truly unique magic system. The premise felt fresh and new and left me as a reader clamoring for more. I can’t wait to get my hands on the second book once it’s released!!

.

I received a complimentary arc from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are purely my own.

I enjoyed this book and hope to read other by this author. Good storytelling and world building, well plotted characters
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I seriously loved this book. From the start, it pulled me in with its creepy small-town vibes and that slow build of suspense I couldn’t get enough of. Dorothy was smart, determined, and easy to root for. I really felt her emotions as she tried to make sense of everything happening around her.

The mystery had me hooked the whole way through, and I loved how the tension just kept building. And then there’s Ashley, he was so intriguing. I absolutely loved the slow burn between him and Dorothy. Their connection felt natural and earned, and it added just the right touch of romance without taking over the story.

The writing was easy to get lost in, the pacing was spot on, and the overall mood was perfectly eerie. If you like small towns with secrets, a strong female lead, and a story that keeps you guessing, Town of Shadows needs to be on your list.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

"For anyone who's always wished they had a little magic inside them.
You do."

WOW! This lovely Victorian novel was full of secrets, twists, grit, revenge, mystery, and magic. As with any new novel, it takes a minute to get into the world building, but once you’re in, you are hooked. It is exciting, captivating and will suck you in. If you like Caraval, Inheritance Games, or Dread Penny Society....just jump right into this book.

“Maybe the right path was always the dangerous one for a reason. Because it was the only one worth taking.”

The story has multiple points of view, which enriched the story for me. I loved Dorothy and her science brain, courage and determination. Emme was quirky, funny and lovable. Ashley and Miles are truly best friends and opposites. Ashley is smooth, smart, motivated and tricky. Miles is quiet, strong, shy and supportive. I could not stand her Uncle and I’m not giving anything away…but I have so many ideas about other characters.

"Ignorance is bliss."
"I don't want bliss," I whispered back. "I want to be awake...With you."

I was caught up in every backstory, possible future story and all the connections. You will be invested in their lives and the story…you will also rack your brain trying to solve all the riddles. There is friendship, romance, deceit and so much mystery. There is danger, ballets, circus, tension and deceptive twists.

“And I knew I shouldn’t want it. All of it. I shouldn’t crave his darkness, his secrets – his games.”

Spoiler…it’s a cliffhanger!! Wow, just wow! Go read it and you’ll understand.

🩵Thank you so much @thescarlettwriter for the arc of your amazing new book

I have been eagerly awaiting Jessica Scarlet’s next novel and it did not disappoint.

A magic-filled Victorian London. Dorothy is desperately trying to control her magic and avoid being arrested, but when the Rook kidnaps her father, she must find mysterious masked hero against all odds.

Enter Ashley Gardner, caught in a lie and requiring something Dorothy possesses, they strike a deal. Three clues about the hero and he gets what he needs.

This story kept me on my toes. It felt like Caraval meets Victorian England. HERE FOR THAT. The romance was swoony and I loved finding out more and more about the characters. Be warned, this is only book one and I will be (not so) patiently waiting for the next one.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5
Steam: kissing