Review: Shadowbound by Dianne Sylvan

Shadowbound
Author: Dianne Sylvan 
Reviewer: Gikany and Una
Rating: B+

What We’re Talking About:

Shadowbound is the fifth book in The Shadow World series.  We found this release to be primarily transitional with one heck of a shock near the end that still has us reeling.  Gikany and Una will attempt to give our review without spoiling this huge game changer.

Please note that this review contains spoilers for those who have not been following the series.  The Shadow World series builds book by book and therefore, you really need to read this series from the beginning.  You have been warned.

Gikany and Una really wished we had reread the past couple books before picking up Shadowbound.  In this series moments that seemed completely out of place and irrelevant become vital in later books.  Because of this, we struggled at times to remember past experiences in order to make sense of current plots.  We have a feeling that when this series reaches its conclusion, that if you reread the series start to finish, there will be a stronger cohesiveness to the novels, and small out of place moments will be important foreshadowing.  We find we are just as intrigued and impressed as we are frustrated at times.

Shadowbound spends a great deal of time on three major elements.  The first being the “fixing” of Deven.  It seems ennui has taken its hold of Deven – not to mention all the horrible things he has done, been through, designed, etc.  Deven is truly haunted by his past – some of which he will admit is deserved.  But the circle cannot lose him, and, therefore, Deven has to be preserved and healed.  Especially since if Deven dies, his Consort Jonathon will die as well since they are bonded.  Nico, the elf that Deven has met, is able to heal Deven to a point.  However, Nico also poses a great temptation to Deven due to an unexplainable connection they seem to have.  We enjoyed the Deven’s struggles as he endeavors to resist the temptation because of his love and devotion to Johnathon.

The second major element deals with Morningstar, the group that is determined to eradicate Persephone’s creatures, the vampires.  Morningstar has figured out a sinister way to target Primes and eliminate them.  They know that if they murder enough Primes it will destabilize the shadow world and break the Circle.  Without Circle that Persephone will be unable rise.  This group of humans has become more powerful and devious than ever before.  David and the rest of the circle seem to be playing catch up as they try to not just thwart Morningstar, but survive their machinations.

Cora’s self-discovery is to be the third major element that is developed in Shadowbound.  Cora, who seemed to be a minor character, comes into her own and reveals that she may indeed be a major character.  Gikany and Una were pleased to watch Cora grow from being a shy, brutalized woman to a strong and determined Queen.  Following her on her journey to self-discovery and empowerment was inspiring.

These three elements are all part of the transition that takes place in Shadowbound, preparing the world for what is coming in the next novel.  The circle is not complete because Olivia still lacks her Consort.  David has walked away from the Council because of unwillingness to deal with the threat of Morningstar.  The circle is still trying to get information about Morningstar and decipher the Codex, which may hold the key to turning the tide against them.  Morningstar is picking off Primes left and right.  And…the big one, the shocker, which we can’t tell you but leaves us with a heart-wrenching cliffhanger of an ending.  Gikany and Una are still overcome by this unexpected twist.

Needless to say, although we are grieving because Ms. Sylvan continues to prove no character is safe, we still want to know what happens next.  Yes, we are gluttons for punishment.  However, that being said, we are intrigued with how the cliffhanger played out.  We have a new character to ponder, plus a new development that could prove hopeful or harmful for the Circle.  So much is still left unanswered that we are compelled to await the next novel in The Shadow World series.  If you are following the series, you will not want to miss Shadowbound, but we warn you, keep the tissues handy.

Rating:  B+ Liked It A Lot

About the Book:

Spread throughout the dark corners of our world lies the Shadow World, a society of vampires who feed off the living. In Austin, Texas, one woman must quell the cravings rising within her, as the very fate of the world rests in her hands.

Ever since her Prime, David Solomon, returned from the dead, Miranda Grey has been hungry. The transformation from ordinary vampires into the ultrapowerful children of Persephone has left both Miranda and David craving the taste of death—and their appetites are growing.

Meanwhile, a formerly vague threat from a fringe group of humans has turned into a full-on war. The Order of the Morningstar has devoted itself to eradicating vampires and has begun to assassinate Primes all over the globe.

The Shadow World’s fate depends on the circle of Signets descended from those who subdued Morningstar hundreds of years ago—but if even a single one is killed, the war is almost certainly lost. Now, with the help of a strange new ally, Miranda must put aside her hunger and access long-forgotten magic to save the circle, but time is running out.

Release Date: March 25, 2014
Publisher: Ace
Series: Shadow World #5
ISBN: # 978-0425259849
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (336 pages), e-book
Book Source: Publisher

Purchase Info:
Shadowbound (Shadow World #5)

Reviews in the Series:
Shadowflame by Dianne Sylvan (Shadow World #2)
Shadow’s Fall by Dianne Sylvan (Shadow World #3)
Of Shadow Born by Dianne Sylvan (Shadow World #4)