Source: From Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.
Publisher: Shermon Kodi
Publication Date: March 10, 2025
Rating:
Goodreads Synopsis:
The shadows awaken as darkness falls. And these shadows have fangs.Seventeen-year-old Bexis has survived the frozen streets of Coppejj by trusting no one but herself. With her shadow magic, she’s scraped by as a freelance thief, working for local gang lords and politicians.But when a routine heist goes horribly wrong, Bexis is branded with ancient magic, making her the target of a bloodthirsty spirit.Desperate for answers, she turns to an eccentric demon hunter. Together, they uncover a deadly plot by a sinister cabal, threatening to plunge the world into eternal night. As Bexis confronts her haunted past, she faces a grim choice: Embrace the shadows within, or lose everything she holds dear.To destroy the darkness, she must first become it.
Review:
This fast-paced YA fantasy throws readers into a whirlwind of action, magic, and chaos from the very first page. Bexis, a seventeen-year-old shadow wielder / trapper, has survived the streets of Coppejj by relying only on herself—until a heist gone wrong brands her with ancient magic and makes her the target of a deadly spirit. Forced to seek out Juzu, an outlawed master-trapper with a bit of a drug problem, Bexis finds herself entangled in a dangerous political game that threatens to send the world into eternal night.
Bexis is a great FMC—independent, skeptical, and undeniably badass, yet haunted by loneliness and abandonment. Her journey is one of survival, reluctant alliances, and uncovering long-buried truths. Juzu, with his erratic wisdom and unpredictable nature, adds a layer of chaotic energy to the story, making their interactions both entertaining and intriguing. Juzu gives off "crazy magician" vibes throughout the whole book, even when they are in peril.
The pacing is relentless, packed with magic-fueled fights, daring escapes, and constant high-stakes searches for answers. More than once, I found myself thinking, "Well, that escalated quickly!" There’s rarely a moment to breathe, which keeps the tension high but can also feel a bit overwhelming at times. It was difficult to hind good stopping points to take a break/ put your book down.
Among the chaos, the addition of Mo and the Rovers brought some much-needed warmth and heart to the story. The doll scenes were particularly memorable, adding a heartwarming touch to the chaotic narrative. The presence of a prophecy ties the plot together, and while the ending leaves room for potential sequels, it wraps up a satisfying amount of the story’s threads.
This was a thrilling, action-packed read with intriguing characters, high-energy magic, and a dark, immersive world. Overall, if you love fast-moving fantasy with constant danger and mystery, this is definitely one to check out.
