Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Published by: Razor Bill
Pages: 420
Format: e-Book
Rating: ★★★
Series: Bloodlines (#1) | The Golden Lily (#2) | The Indigo Spell (#3) | The Fiery Heart (#4) | The Ruby Circle (#6)
Where to Find: Goodreads | Amazon

It took a long time for this story to get going, but my my was it a roller coaster of emotions. After the cliffhanger of The Fiery Heart I really didn’t know what to expect, but I knew that Sydney was strong so she, together with Adrian, would be able to get over the situation. The dual perspective really payed off in this book, because it really helped to keep the pace moving. the last 25% however, was a totally whirlwind of adventure. I thought it was a little crazy, and kind of ridiculous, but I loved it anyway. I mean, who wouldn’t?

I was so gripped by Sydney’s side of the story, she was in a such a horrible place I wondered how the heck she was ever going to survive, but she did. Good ol’ Sydney! The evolution of Sydney’s character really is amazing, and her strength of will was truly inspiring. I said in my previous review that I wasn’t satisfied with the purely romance plot of The Fiery Heart but this really showed how romance had had a positive effect on her development. It might sound crazy, but I guess I didn’t want a girl like Sydney Sage to rely on/get distracted by a boy even if that boy happens to be Adrian Ivashkov.

Despite the majority of the reviews saying that it was last paced I found it really difficult to get through. Adrian’s chapters were particularly laborious because I was so disappointed in him. He’d relapsed into spirit’s clutches and seemed to be giving up on the search for his girlfriend. Also there was a sub plot with a Moroi Nina, and her dhampir, Olive, which gave Neil – new character from the previous book – a love interest (because everyone needs one!)

I was surprised to find a lack of Jill and Eddie, who I thought Adrian would’ve turned to in his time of need. in fact these two had been pretty absent in the last book apart from the Strigoi battle. Once again it was good to be back in Court, but I wasn’t as engaged with Adrian’s side of the story as Sydney’s. Re-education was just such a horrible place, and Sydney’s chapters just lured me in because I needed to know all of it’s secrets. Busting Sydney out was the first 75% but whoa whoa whoa the last 25% was hard to gets to grips with.

SPOILER WARNING

First of all, what the heck is going to happen with the old Queen’s voice that Adrian keeps hearing? Is this maybe a hint that Adrian’s going to go insane?

Next, and more obviously, MARRIAGE? This was such a surprise, but it was so heartwarming and beautiful after we’d just spent to long reading about Sydney in dreadful conditions. It was endearing, even though part of me would’ve wanted to see these two get married in the company of all their friends! What is going to happen in The Ruby Circle? I have to find out right away, so don’t mind me concluding this review in a rush as I tear my way through the final book in this series.

Overall, I haven’t enjoyed this half of the series as much as the initial three books, and I think I would’ve given a lower rating had the last section of the book not been as engaging as it was.