Friday 21 December 2012

Review: Shadows by Paula Weston

Shadows by Paula Weston
Publisher: Indigo/Orion Books
Publication date: 3rd January 2013
My rating: 5 stars


Love. Nightmares. Angels. War. A fast-paced, compelling debut novel from a fresh new voice in YA.

It's been almost a year since Gaby Winters was in the car crash that killed her twin brother, Jude. Her body has healed in the sunshine of Pandanus Beach, but her grief is raw and constant.
It doesn't help that every night in her dreams she kills demons and other hell-spawn. And then Rafa comes to town. Not only does he look exactly like the guy who's been appearing in Gaby's dreams, he claims a history with her brother that makes no sense.
Gaby is forced to accept that what she thought she knew about herself and her life is only a shadow of the truth - and that the truth is more likely to be found in the shadows of her nightmares.
Who is Rafa? Who are the Rephaim? And most importantly - who can she trust?

Shadows is what I would call a top class book with its frantic pace, vibrant characters and gripping story line it’s not your typical angel book. Gaby barely remembers anything before the accident with her twin brother Jude. After months of trying to make a new life for herself without her brother, she’s thrown another bombshell, the life she thought she believed she led is not true either, her supposed memories of her life and relationship with Jude couldn’t be more wrong. But the dreams she’s been having of scary monsters and a gorgeous guy are very true. What the hell is going on?

With Gabe’s memories being messed around with, Shadows was like a mystery novel as you didn’t know who to believe. Slowly as bits of Gabe’s life began to unravel, we find ourselves falling into this unbelieving world of hellions, demons and angels. Of worlds clashing over what’s right and how things should go down, and then there’s Rafa, the mystery guy who’s quick to want to help Gabe, he says he knows her from before but they didn’t along, so why all of a sudden does he want to help her now? Because she’s defenceless? Useless?  Who can Gabe really trust?

Weston managed to create charming characters shrouded in enigma. Poor Gabe had no clue and then was dropped everything on her in one go, but she was one heck of a mc as she took everything in her stride, if I was in the same shoes I surely would have freaked out with all the random people turning up all the time. Rafa, where do I even begin with this cheeky chappy? He had my heart pumping at a crazy speed with his charm and roguish comments. His cheeky demeanour and comments always brought a smile to my face. He was everything I like in a male character and so much more. I’m happy with how we only barely scratched the surface with his character as I’m certainly looking forward to tons more of Rafa in the next book and also delving into his history with Gabe.

Shadows doesn’t give you a clear cut path, there’s so many different answers that are uncovered, bombshells which blow the story even more wide open. I like how with this book there isn’t a straight and narrow path this book follows, anything can happen! And this makes me so excited. There is so much going on in Shadows that I didn’t want this book to come to an end. The world building and the little shocks which led me off the path had me completely captivated. I remember at one point sitting with a frown on my face, realising that I would be coming to an end of this book pretty soon.

Paula Weston is another example of a brilliant Aussie author. Her writing flair is clearly evident throughout Shadows; she’s an author who can keep you on the edge of your seat and always wanting more. She really created the perfect combination in Shadows with angels and memory loss. Where both aspects have been concerned in the past, I’ve been burned with disappointment, but Shadows is so different, it's fresh and just a delightful read, honestly I can't recommend this book enough. I have high hopes for all of Weston’s future work; I can’t wait to see what she throws at us in the next book Haze.

21 comments:

Jen (Books and Other Happy Ever Afters) said...

Jasprit, I've been looking forward to your review of this book ever since I saw it in your favorites of 2012! This story definitely sounds unique; it also contains two of some of my favorite types of books: angels and memory loss! I can't wait to meet Rafa, and of course, all of the other characters. I'm beyond stoked to read Paula's writing, since Aussie authors are the best! Now I just need to get my hands on it, even if this book isn't out in the US yet..

Fabulous review, Jasprit! :)

Anonymous said...

Wow! 5 stars! I saw this book around but I wasn't sure that I wanted to read it because it's an angel book and those have never worked for me. I'm really glad to hear that you enjoyed this book so much. It seems like it has everything I want in a good book ; great characters and a strong plot. I'm definitely going to check this one out.
Beautiful review, Jasprit! :)

Vegan YA Nerds said...

So glad to hear you enjoyed this, Jas! I loved it and think it was a fantastic debut by Paula :) I can't wait for book #2!

Atmika@I Talk Books! said...

Your review makes me really want to read this book and to think I hadn't even heard about this book. Amazing Review. :)

Michelle Fluttering Butterflies said...

I'm really looking forward to reading this book, it sounds really good!

tthepageturner said...

Yay, so glad you enjoyed this! Angels books are either hit or miss for me, and Shadows is a definite hit - it's such a different take on angels and I loved the all bombshells the author dropped too! It wasn't predictable in any way or cliche which is great. Can't wait for the sequel now!

Brilliant review!

Michelle said...

Great review! I'm glad you enjoyed it :) I really must read it soon!

Leanna Elle said...

Oooh! Five stars! I'll be looking for a new angel series to start when I finish the Unearthly series - think this might have to be it. I've heard a lot of good things! :)

Unknown said...

I love, love this book. So glad you did too, Jas. :)

Jenny said...

Ooooo I don't think I can miss out on this book Jasprit! I love that it doesn't have a typical straight and narrow path but instead has all sorts of twists and offshoots that keep you on your toes the entire time. Books with memory loss never fail to fascinate me, I have to devour each page and learn everything I can about whatever the character can't remember! Fantastic review:)

Unknown said...

Never heard of this so thanks for making it known! Sounds really good and even better with your review. Loved reading it :)

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...

I am gaining a real appreciation for Aussie authors. I haven't been disappointed yet. I am not the biggest fan of angel books, perhaps I just need the right book to win me over and this might be it with a five star rating from you, Jaspirit!

Wendy Darling said...

I'm glad you enjoyed this, Jasprit! The story was really entertaining, and I love your review.

I had more mixed reactions to this book (although I certainly enjoyed it), but I think I am the only one, hah! I think I am the lone 3.5 in a sea of 5s. I'd love to see what this author does next, though.

Henrietta @ Leisure Reads said...

Jas, I love the enthusiasm that you're sharing in your review! Rafa sounds so charming :) Definitely adding this to my read list.

Beverley said...

Wow, I'm definitely intrigued by this book now after reading your fabulous review of it! It sounds so gripping and I want nothing more than to be thrown into this world of angels and demons. The characters sounds so colourful and vibrant - characters done well are really important to me! And it's a mystery? Yay, I love books that keep you guessing!

Wonderful review as always, Jas <3

Keertana said...

Incredible review, Jasprit! I am so glad you loved this one and it certainly blew me away too. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, not to mention Rafa stole my heart, and I am SO excited for the sequel! It's one of those series where I can't predict what's going to happen next, so I definitely cannot WAIT to find out. Plus, Weston peels back the layers of her mystery to artfully, so while we know some stuff, we still don't know all, which I just LOVE! :D

Anonymous said...

*sigh* Beautiful review, Jasprit dear! :) "Weston managed to create charming characters shrouded in enigma." ~ I love this line, and I LOVE the sound of this Aussie gem. :) I'm currently in dispair though because I spent ALL my money on The Book Depo without even considering Shadows! Boo. I wonder if this book will release in the US at some point ?

Maja (The Nocturnal Library) said...

Oh, all right! I am convinced. You've all conspired against me again. :)) I'm starting this tomorrow, as soon as I finish proofreading Bronze Gods. I just love books about memory loss, if done right, and even if I don't really like angels (reading about them, lol), I'm still curious about this different approach.
Great review, Jasprit!

Shooting Stars Mag said...

Wonderful review, Jasprit! I really need to check out some more Aussie authors. People seem to love them so! I'm glad this one worked for you, and the fact that it has some mystery in it makes me quite intrigued. :)

Maji Bookshelf said...

wow..this sounds amazing!! & especially since its not the same as all the other angel books, will def keep an eye out for this one! Lovely review dear!
- Farah @ MajiBookshelf

brandileigh2003 said...

Gabe sounds great. Glad you enjoyed and will watch out for this one.
Happy reading and have a happy holidays and Merry Christmas!
Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...