***** (5stars)
This book was, in a word: stunning. It was nothing like I thought it'd be in the best possible way. It fulfilled all my expectations and beyond and will definitely be one of the top books of this year. It's an unbelievably swoon-worthy romance with a deep and empowering undertone weaved beautifully throughout!!! What more could you want?!
I loved the perfect balance of eye-opening rawness and cutsie- romance within this book. It gripped me so powerfully throughout, anxiously waiting for the inevitable to happen and for the proverbial poo to hit the fan. It was dramatic and I loved every single aspect about it- there's not one single flaw I can point out for this story.
Below, I'll put the book links, synopsis and author info so that you can check out the book for yourself! Enjoy!
SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD
This book jumped straight into the action- and, man, was I grateful for that. It instantly gripped me and had me hypothesizing about what Eve's background was. I liked how we learned what her background was as we read along because, for me, it kept the intrigue going and kept me hooked.
The characters, for one, were great in this book.
Lets start with Eve: she has to be one of the strongest characters I've ever read about. You can't help but instantly sympathise with her and care about how she's doing. I worried about her as if she were my own family and, when she overcame things, I was proud!
I loved Ann so much- considering she was more of a side character. She was so lovely and kick-ass at the same time. I'd totally be up for an entire book following Ann.
West was another of the great characters and is the definition, in my opinion, of the word 'swoon-worthy'. He immediately captured my heart with his easy-going smile and light-hearted attitude. I love that he has his own storyline as well- what with his family and what happened with his mum. I really feel like this mutual pain in their pasts allows them to connect on a stronger level. He was incredibly patient and kind with Eve and it simply makes me wonder why guys like this don't exist in real life.
Seriously. I'm asking.
West and Eve's growing relationship is adorable- it's not insta-lovey but lovely, slow-burning and sweet. It's the beautiful story of two people who have need each other and have found one another.
Mixed with Eve's terrifying background, the story has a beautiful blend of romance and poignant, eye-opening realism.
I also found this story to be extremely empowering. It encourages anyone to follow your aspirations and to not let anyone stop you from doing what you want. It was also incredibly inspiring to see Eve gradually break through her demons, grow as an individual and figure out what she wants to do with her life.
Throughout the entire book, there's a nervousness and anxiety at the back of your mind, waiting for the inevitable. It's makes the book so damn gripping! It definitely gives it the thrill aspect. My heart was in my throat when West had to split up from Eve- you could just see what was coming! When Eve decided to go back in order to save Bluma I was terrified.
It made me feel physically sick and I was curled in a ball murmuring 'no, no, no' repeatedly. It felt as if I was Eve and Gideon was coming after me- I was terrified. But it's amazing when an author can make you feel that depth of emotion- the terror like a punch in the gut.
I hated how Eve and West left things but I don't blame West for being mad- Rape charges? Seriously, Gideon?!?
This type of situation is one of my biggest fears so the severity of it really resonated with me. It was crazy to read in the perspective of someone going through that.
The whole ending section was dramatic, tense and had me on the edge of my seat. It was horrifying to even see glimpses of what he does to her.
The camera plan was genius and it was such a relief to see Eve safe once more. A small thing that I loved was how Eve changed her name- I thought it fit perfectly.
The story finished beautifully, in my opinion. What with their song and West...it was such a satisfying ending and felt so completed. In that last sentence, the last puzzle piece fell into place and it was lovely to see the full picture of the story (if you'll excuse the lousy metaphor).
Thank you for reading! Feel free to comment your thoughts down below. Stay amazing!
Chloe
BOOK DETAILS
Shadow of a Girl- Shannon Greenland
Publication Date: September 19, 2016
Genre: Teens and YA, Mystery and Thriller
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Synopsis:
Use cash and keep moving.
After I ran away from home, these were the two rules that dictated my life. Scoring a job as a roadie fit perfectly for what I needed. Travelling, cash, and a life out of the spotlight. But when my path collides with West, the lead singer of Bus Stop, I can't seem to stay out of his spotlight- especially since we'll be touring together for an entire year.
West is determined to break down my walls. He won't give up. And little by little they come crumbling. But if he knew what lurked behind them, he wouldn't be so eager to get rid of them.
The more time we spend together, the more lines of our friendship become blurred. He makes me dream of thing I never thought possible. But while our friendship has been evolving into romance, my secrets have been closing in. And just when I've decided to reveal my past to West, I'm confronted by it. The cost of freedom could ruin the life of the guy I love...
AUTHOR INFO
Shannon Greenland is the award winning author of the teen spy series, The Specialists, and the YA romance, The Summer My Life Began. She also writes thrillers under S. E. Green. Shannon grew up in Tennessee where she dreaded all things reading and writing until she was twenty-five. After that she was hooked! When she's not writing, she works as an adjunct math professor and lives on the coast in Florida with her very grouchy dog. Find her online everywhere @segreenauthor. Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Instagram | Goodreads | Newsletter
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