Reviewed by Angie on
It did take me a few chapters to warm up to The Shadow Prince. Luckily, it's long though, so there was plenty of good stuff to come! I was a bit confused in the beginning with all of this talk of Oracles, Underlords, Lessers, Champions, and Boons. What does it all mean?! I made some assumptions, which wound up bring correct. But the hows and whys of everything were super interesting! They just come kind of late, but I didn't see any way for all of this information to be revealed earlier without feeling forced. As it is, it is an info-dump as Haden explains everything to Daphne. But it was an interesting info-dump! I loved how the author interpreted the myths and created her world around it. Everything just fits.
Haden is sooo awkward! He wasn't meant to be a Champion, so he has no training. In fact, his father disowned him, because of reasons. So everyone is shocked that the all-knowing Oracle would choose him for the most important Boon seeking mission ever instead of his golden boy brother. Of course, I can't tell you why it's so important, but I can say it involves a war! And creepy things! And destruction! And a twist! But back to Haden. He really has no clue how to be human, so his cousin Dax who was a previous Champion directs him to YouTube. I'm sure you can guess why that's a bad idea.
Other than Haden's mission to get Daphne back to the Underrealm, The Shadow Prince has this kind of missing persons mystery going on. Daphen's friend Tobin's sister has been missing for six years, and he's desperate to find her, not believing she's dead. He's done his research and has managed to figure out that Haden's "family" must be involved somehow. I did figure out part of the twist, but it took me awhile. People are not who they seem! In fact, the entire town where Haden is sent to retrieve Daphne is really off, as is the small town she grew up in. I can't wait to learn more about both of these places!
I really enjoyed The Shadow Prince. At times, it does read like a typical YA Paranormal Romance, but it doesn't end up being one! It actually gets pretty exciting once Daphne learns of her heritage and destiny, and then Haden is conflicted over emotions and duty, and it's kind of a mess. But Daphne isn't some wilting flower and isn't willing to just go along with the plan, and she knows how to punch! And there's a super awesome tiny kitty who you don't want to piss off.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 29 April, 2015: Finished reading
- 29 April, 2015: Reviewed