Daughter of Shades
by Sylvia Mercedes
Book 1 of the Venatrix Chronicles series
Rating: 4/5
Wow. This book takes you on a whirlwind ride of adventure and it’s nonstop. The author’s creativity and imagination truly came out in the world-building of this story, and it’s only just beginning.
There’s so much mystery surrounding the first few chapters that it was a bit confusing but as more of the world-building occurs, you start to understand what’s happening (or so you think?)
Ayleth is a shade huntress apprentice who was raised and trained as someone who could control her shade in order to banish other shades, evil spirits. She is very good at her job but she fears something is wrong with her memories. Her mentor tells her she is not quite ready to go off on her own, but Ayleth decides to take matters into her own hands. A dangerous job has opened up and Ayleth sets off to prove that she is worthy of the post. She is not the only one up for the spot though and finds herself in a competition with Terryn, who also seems to be very good at what he does. As the couple venture beyond the Great Barrier to uncover the mystery, they find Ayleth may not be what she seems.
Having never read anything from Sylvia Mercedes before, I was most attracted to the cover of this book before anything else. Who doesn’t love an exciting book cover? However, once I started reading this book, I became consumed by this different, yet riveting world that she’d created. It was difficult to put the book down and even when finished, I craved more. I guess I will have to impatiently wait for the next book. The characters are fun and mysterious and I want to find out more about them and their histories. I love a good mystery filled with secrets and adventure and romance.
Highly recommend this new book in this new series! You won’t want to miss it.
My thanks to the author for an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
