Curse of Shadows by AK Wilder is a captivating fantasy novel that delves into the world of magic and darkness. The story follows the journey of Sam, a young girl who discovers she has the ability to control shadows. However, this power comes with a cost - a curse that threatens to consume her. Throughout the book, AK Wilder masterfully weaves a tale of mystery and danger as Sam navigates her newfound abilities. The author's vivid descriptions bring the world to life, transporting the reader to a realm filled with mythical creatures and ancient magic. One of the key themes explored in Curse of Shadows is the struggle between light and dark.
If you enjoyed Crown of Bones, or books such as Kate Elliott’s Cold Magic, Brent Weeks’ The Black Prism , or Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone, then Curse of Shadows may also be in your reading wheelhouse.
Although there are other characters in their company, as well as allies like the powerful, but also changeable, Mar called Salila, the storylines or arcs of Ash, Marcus, and Kaylin drive the Curse narrative. The only point I remain unsure of is why Ash s guardian and mentor is so determined to suppress her phantom which may be because I ve missed a crucial detail, or because all is yet to be finally revealed in Book 3.
One of the key themes explored in Curse of Shadows is the struggle between light and dark. Sam finds herself torn between the desire to use her powers for good and the temptation to give in to the darkness. This internal conflict adds depth to her character and keeps the reader invested in her journey.
Review – Curse of Shadows by A.K. Wilder
I received this book for free from the Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Curse of Shadows by A.K. Wilder
Series: Amassia #2
Published by Entagled Teen on December 6, 2022
Genres: Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Romance
Pages: 432
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon | Audible | B&N | Kobo | Libro.fm
For fans of epic fantasy with adventure and romance, Curse of Shadows reveals a world of unique magic, breathtaking action, and unforgettable love.
Amassia teeters on the brink of the next Great Dying.
The second sun has returned as our Bone Throwers foresaw--casting the nine realms into war.
My name is Ash, and I fell in the battle for Baiseen. But I’m awake now, slowly putting the pieces back together.
My Heir has lost his throne.
My sailor is gone.
And there is an emptiness inside me I can’t explain.
Amid the chaos, someone must collect the original twelve whistle bones from all corners of the world. Marcus is named to lead the cause, but with his volatile phantom, he’ll need diplomacy as much as his sword. And we are not the only ones to seek the bones.
Yet succeed we must.
Because if we don’t, it will be death to all…
I loved this book! I have looked forward to reading this book since the moment I finished the previous book in the series, Crown of Bones. I was in a bit of a reading slump with nothing really grabbing my attention until I started reading this book and I was immediately captivated. I love this group of characters and the magic system in this world is incredibly interesting. I really enjoyed this newest adventure.
The book is told from several different points of view and I loved getting to see the perspectives of the various characters. This book picks up shortly after the events of the first book so this is a series that really should be read in order. A second sun has risen and The Great Dying is imminent. Marcus is no longer the Heri but he has been given the task of collecting twelve whistle bones from various lands. Marcus, Ash, Kaylin, Piper, and the rest of the crew have quite the task ahead of them and there are those that would do whatever they can to stop them.
This story was very exciting. I love the magic of the story and the fact that anything could happen at any given time just takes things to the next level. The characters in this story are incredibly well done. I wanted to see good things happen for Ash, Kaylin, Marcus, and the rest of the group. There were plenty of twists and turns in the story and while I was able to figure out some of them, there were others that took me completely by surprise. This was one of those books that was almost impossible to set aside once I picked it up.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this series to others. I have found it to be an incredibly entertaining and original series. While I wouldn’t say this book ended on a cliffhanger, I feel like I need to get my hands on the next book in this series just as soon as possible!
I received a digital review copy of this book from Entangled: Teen.
I enjoyed Crown of Bones, the first book in AK Wilder’s Amassia series, but I think Curse of Shadows (Amassia #2) is an even stronger story.
The novel also explores the consequences of power and the dangers of losing oneself to it. As Sam's powers grow stronger, she becomes more aware of the potential harm they can cause. AK Wilder cleverly highlights the thin line between the use of power for the greater good and the destructive nature it can unleash. Another standout aspect of Curse of Shadows is the intricate world-building. AK Wilder creates a unique and immersive world, filled with rich mythology and intricate societal structures. The author's attention to detail and imaginative storytelling create a captivating backdrop for the story. Overall, Curse of Shadows is a gripping and enchanting novel that will transport readers into a world of magic and darkness. AK Wilder's skillful storytelling and memorable characters make this book a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure..
Reviews for "Beneath the Surface: A Psychological Analysis of AK Wilder's Curse of Shadows"
1. Paul - 1 out of 5 stars
I found "Curse of Shadows" by AK Wilder to be a tedious and lackluster read. The plot was confusing and convoluted, making it difficult to follow along. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard to connect with any of them. The writing style was also subpar, with awkward phrasing and excessive descriptions that added nothing to the story. Overall, I was highly disappointed with this book.
2. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars
"Curse of Shadows" by AK Wilder fell short of my expectations. The pacing was slow and dragged on, making it a struggle to maintain interest. Additionally, I felt that the world-building was weak and underdeveloped, as I had a hard time visualizing the settings and understanding the magical elements introduced. The dialogue was often clunky and lacked authenticity, taking away from the overall reading experience. While the concept had potential, the execution left much to be desired.
3. John - 2 out of 5 stars
I was hoping for a captivating and engaging fantasy read with "Curse of Shadows" by AK Wilder, but unfortunately, it failed to deliver. The story felt disjointed and confusing, with numerous subplots that seemed unnecessary. The characters lacked depth and their motivations were unclear, making it difficult to invest in their journey. The prose was also overly flowery and filled with unnecessary metaphors, which distracted from the plot. Overall, this book fell short of my expectations and left me feeling unsatisfied.
4. Emily - 3 out of 5 stars
"Curse of Shadows" by AK Wilder had an interesting premise, but it didn't fully live up to its potential. The pacing was uneven, with slow parts that dragged on and rushed sections that left me confused. While some characters were well-developed, others felt underwhelming and lacked depth. The world-building was intriguing, but I wished for more exploration and explanation. While the book had its merits, I ultimately found it to be a mediocre read.