The Shadows ~ Review

Ali here ~

Title: The Shadows
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #13
Author: J.R. Ward
Release Date: Mar 31, 2015
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Blurb: Trez “Latimer” doesn’t really exist. And not just because the identity was created so that a Shadow could function in the underbelly of the human world. Sold by his parents to the Queen of the S’Hsibe as a child, Trez escaped the Territory and has been a pimp and an enforcer in Caldwell, NY for years- all the while on the run from a destiny of sexual servitude. He’s never had anyone he could totally rely on… except for his brother, iAm.

iAm’s sole goal has always been to keep his brother from self-destructing- and he knows he’s failed. It’s not until the Chosen Serena enters Trez’s life that the male begins to turn things around… but by then it’s too late. The pledge to mate the Queen’s daughter comes due and there is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and no negotiating.

Trapped between his heart and a fate he never volunteered for, Trez must decide whether to endanger himself and others- or forever leave behind the female he’s in love with. But then an unimaginable tragedy strikes and changes everything. Staring out over an emotional abyss, Trez must find a reason to go on or risk losing himself and his soul forever. And iAm, in the name of brotherly love, is faced with making the ultimate sacrifice…

Amazon | Goodreads

*****What I Loved About This Book*****

• I like the introduction of Paradise and Peyton and all of the different aspects and issues being addressed with Paradise.
• Humorous as always.
• Ward has made me fall for the enemy, and on more than one occasion!
• I enjoyed getting more Rhage and Mary.
• I liked the Jeff Gordon reference! Spoke to my inner racer!
• Selena and Trez! Swoon, sigh, and boo hoo!!
• I love Selena’s wild streak, her excitement for life, and how she helps Luchas!
• J.R. has the ability to induce intense dread!
• Lassiter as always is hilarious. I love his lack of tact!

***What I Didn’t Like***

• This is a repeat, but Assail’s drug addiction and his lack of desire to protect the vampires.
• Xcor!!! Oh you infuriated me!!! I’m ashamed of you!!
• I didn’t feel as much emotion as I felt was called for in a particular scene.

With the exception of the last item, my dislikes were zero reflection on the writing. They were just things that had me wanting to scream at these characters! Obviously, that’s good writing.

Have you read The Shadows or any of J.R. Ward’s other books? What did you think? Have a recommendation for me?

Happy Reading,

Ali