author requested to remove the book from kindle for them to rewrite it, also already archived, something strange happened here :D

author requested to remove the book from kindle for them to rewrite it. I did as requested but would like the book to be removed from my feedback ratio

I ended up stopping at 40%. I think the concept is good in theory, but I felt like I was picking up in a middle of a series. The relationships are all very confusing. I don't understand if Theo is related to Cera or if they were together at some point (or both?). I'm not 100% sure whether or not Midnight and Sephir are one person or two different people. Right before I stopped Aurelia popped up too along with all the other references to people in Zack's past (or I think from his past). I thought Zack and Cera were supposed to be the main characters and it was a slow burn enemies to lovers, but at best these two seem moderately indifferent to each other (even if they are maybe ideological enemies?).

I wanted to love this book based on the description, but I'm absolutely struggling to gain interest in the plot.

From the first few chapters I found myself constantly rereading paragraphs to understand what is actually happening and why, in addition to the feeling that there isn't much world building or character development/ description.

I very rarely DNF a book and honestly I hate doing so, but I just can't get into the story, if there is one coming.
I got as far as 20% and I'm just as confused as if I was in the first 10%.

This book and plot could definitely work if there were better and more detailed main character introductions and world building from the start.
I feel like I started the book a quarter way into it and I'm jumping from scene to scene.

I'm officially DNF'ing this one @22%, the premise itself is interesting but what I read from the book doesn't live up to it. Furthermore, the plot is too confusing, the characters don't feel solid enough, and the prose itself has a lot of issues. There seems to be a lot happening all at once but I was bored out of my mind and never felt compelled to pick up the book.
Honestly, up to the point I got to this book reads like a first draft with pretty cool ideas but in dire need of A LOT of work.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

"Shadowclad" ticks off all the boxes for a thrilling read: slow-burn romance? Check. Enemies-to-lovers trope? Check. This fast-paced fantasy/sci-fi novel had me hooked from the get-go, keeping me on the edge of my seat until the very end.

While I found myself entertained by the story, I couldn't help but wish there was a bit more world-building and character development. Nevertheless, the concept of the book had me captivated, and I'm eagerly anticipating delving deeper into the series.
I'm excited to see where Maxie Jove takes us next.

3.5 Stars

Shadowclad is an adventurous take on an assassins guild and the justice they seek. Plus with a sprinkle of romance and the complexity of each relationship, the book will capture all readers!

It’s a fast paced fantasy story and keeps you on your toes with one event after the next, you can’t be bored reading this one!

The dual POVs is a treat and helps fill in the mystery between the two main characters, an assassin and a soldier, of what they aren’t saying out loud amid their own separate plans brewing in their heads.

While it’s fast paced and the timeline of events is flying by with each chapter, it’s hard to follow everything that’s happening at once. Some of the chapters lack world building and it suddenly skips to another plot leaving your imagination to fill in the blanks of how you got there and how it all went down.

Overall, it’s an enjoyable read and an exciting addition into the world of Sci-Fi/fantasy!

Slow burn romance, enemies-to-lovers.


This novel was an average action-packed romantic fantasy. A most wanted assassin, a killer. A murderer. A soldier comes to call.

Magic is dwindling in the new, very corrupted kingdom. A rising Syndicate sworn to the one true born ruler. The New Kingdom is suffering a tyrannical monarch.

Cera is the ruthless leader of the assassins. Her dearest friend and comrade were slaughtered, triggering her desire for no more lost shadows. Risking her own people is no longer worth their lives. The Reaper, concerned for those under her command.

Zack is newly recruited and handsome and dashing, and constantly on Cera's every nerve.
Zack is a soldier undercover, thrust under the wing of the most conniving assassin there is alive--all while planning to betray her trust.

But Cera is the Reaper. The Reaper makes no apologies, no exceptions. When feelings get muddled and his heart is swayed by the beautiful killer, their allegiances begin to shift.

The plot was certainly interesting. However, there was no unique bit of the world. I have read this story again and again in far lovelier verse. 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars!

This didn't live up to the potential that I so desperately wanted from this book, especially with assassins involved! It's confusing, disjointed, and I ultimately lost interest not that far into the book. The characters are shallow. They lack development and depth which made it difficult to invest in the story. I didn't sense any chemistry at all between the two main characters which added to the dificulty of getting through it. If they had a sprinkle more of chemistry or something to hold on to then it would have made it a little better.

“Shadowclad,” by Maxie Jove

Cera, a leader of assassins, doesn’t want another shadows death upon her head despite killing being her job. After losing the closest person to her on assignment she is hesitant to take on another shadow. Zack, the new recruit, has hidden agendas and secrets. Forced to work together they both need to decide if they can trust the other.

I really liked this book. I loved the whole assassin’s guild and shadow aspect of the book. The undercover situations with tropes like faking dating/marriage was fun to read about. I loved both the main characters and their motivations and all. I would say it felt medium paced to me, there was a bunch of action and also a bunch of internal thoughts. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. 4 out of 5 stars.

-Assassins
-Faking Dating/Marriage
-Magic

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

Shadowclad is an interesting story of magic, war, romance and death. Overall, the book was just ok, isn’t a bad story- the concept is really good, but it’s written from 2 different perspectives and I almost wish it was one. Somehow with the multiple perspectives being represented, it leaves holes in the plot and causes confusion for the majority of the book. There are lots of details and world building since this is the first book of the series and I do feel like the amount adds to the confusion of the different perspectives.
I am interested in reading the second book, but I can’t say that it is top on my list of MUST reads.

Anytime I see any story with assassins, I'm immediately thinking of Assassin's Blade and this story did not disappoint.

Maxie Jove takes you immediately into the story and an onslaught on events that make this book a fun and fast-paced read that makes you not want to put it down.

The main characters, Cera the assassin and her new "Shadow" Zack, have tension and you are just waiting to see when the thread that connects them finally snaps. The two find an unexpected bond in their shared experiences from their pasts and together they partner on different missions that helps show the reader what exactly is going on in their kingdom. As the two work together, they get to know each other more and shed their initial impressions of the other and start forming a bond.

The worldbuilding is well done and the magic system is very easy to understand. You can tell that there is an overarching plot that is being built and leaves the reader wanting more. The story is well written and I cannot wait to read the next installment. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

This book plunges you headfirst into a whirlwind of events, making it one of the most fast-paced reads I've encountered.

Initially, the dynamic between Cera, the assassin, and Zack, her newfound "Shadow," seems fraught with tension. However, as the narrative unfolds, their shared experiences as survivors of a toppled regime foster an unexpected bond. Together, they embark on a series of missions that shed light on the turbulent state of their kingdom, gradually erasing their preconceived notions and fostering mutual respect for each other.

I like the system of magic, which manifests in diverse forms across the land. The mystery of what lies beyond the enigmatic Gray Veil, guarded by formidable wards that run on said magic, adds an intriguing layer to the story. It's evident that a larger, overarching plot is in motion, hinting at a promising series. Plus, Isaac, another Shadow, steals the show. Can't wait for the next installment!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC and these are my thoughts.

*Shadowclad* by Maxie Jove is a confusing and disjointed read that leaves readers feeling lost and frustrated. The story follows Cera, the leader of assassins, and Zach, who is supposedly a spy but ends up as Cera's "shadow," in a plot filled with inconsistencies and missing information.

The narrative of *Shadowclad* is haphazard and convoluted, with too many details that fail to connect cohesively. The characters lack depth and development, making it difficult for readers to invest in their journey or care about their fates. The relationship between Cera and Zach feels forced and lacks genuine chemistry, further detracting from the overall reading experience.

The book is riddled with glaring plot holes and missing storyline pieces, leaving readers bewildered and questioning the logic of the world-building. It feels as though there should have been a prequel to better establish the foundation of the story, as the events in *Shadowclad* lack context and coherence.

Overall, *Shadowclad* fails to deliver a compelling and engaging narrative, leaving readers feeling disoriented and dissatisfied. The lack of clarity, unresolved plot points, and underdeveloped characters make this book a frustrating and disappointing read that falls short of expectations.

This is a book that struggles to find its footing and deliver a coherent and impactful story. Readers looking for a well-crafted and immersive reading experience may find themselves floundering in a sea of confusion and unfulfilled promises within the pages of this book.

Shadowclad gives Assassin’s blade / Assassin creed vibes mixed with will they wont they.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read as it gave every thing I wanted from an Assassin book. Wish we got more on the magic that is in the book but I loved the FMC she was the right amount of kickass and softness to set her apart from others.

If you like dual POV, kick ass but caring FMC, MMC with secrets, one bed, will they wont they and forced proximity then this book is for you.

Cera has been through a lot in life and faced many challenges but she keeps her cards close to her chest. As Reaper of secret organisation the Syndicate, everyday is a mission to stay alive! Enter our MMC Zack who also has a lot of secrets, all he wants is to get on Cera and the Syndicates good side to help New Kingdom. Shadowclad is an action packed epic fantasy romance with rebels, assassins and magic!

‘𝐼𝓃𝒸𝒶𝓈𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒹𝒾𝒹𝓃’𝓉 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇 𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒻𝒾𝓇𝓈𝓉 𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒, 𝐼 𝓌𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝓉𝓌𝒾𝒸𝑒 𝒾𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝒶𝓃 𝑜𝓅𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃… 𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓈𝓃’𝓉. 𝐼𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊’

There are so many characters I absolutely adored and really enjoyed reading about, I love how they all just start to blossom and share their personalities not only with the other characters but us readers as well! There’s a lot that goes on in the book and to be completely honest I did get lost in it a bit, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing as the best stories do just suck you in and make you forget about everything else except for the journey you’re embarking on with the characters. I loved the magical elements with the crystals, runes and elemental magic that leaves a lot to be uncovered in books to come! I also love the contrast between Cera and Zack and how different they are and yet they are both equally as loveable! There’s a lot of world building and political elements too which really helps you immerse yourself in their world.

This book is great for fans of Throne of Glass, Serpent of Wings and Night, and Powerless.
It has some great tropes including magic, found family, one bed, ‘who did this to you’, dual POV, and slow burn.

Thank you NetGalley and Sky Blanket Entertainment for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Review to be posted on Instagram, Threads, and StoryGraph
@charlscozybookcorner
Published on 7th April 2024