This cliffhanger is going to leave you counting the days until the next installment of this exciting trilogy is released!
About the Book
Sarah Matthews is nearing the end of another eventless summer in the small town of Bethany, Oklahoma. Disheartened over the reality that yet another unexciting season is coming to an end, she wishes for an unforgettable adventure to break up the monotony of life. But when mysterious circumstances transport Sarah and her sister, Lily, back in time, she gets more excitement than she bargained for. The girls find themselves trapped in the twelfth century in a place shrouded with mystery and deception. Assassination plots, kidnappings, and tumultuous adventures force Sarah to rely on the Shadow, a masked hero who comes to her aid numerous times.
In order to uncover a conspiracy and save those closest to her, Sarah requests help from the Shadow and also from Will, the handsome and intriguing blacksmith she befriends. Sarah is strangely drawn to the excitement that seems to follow the town hero and begins to look forward to their secret encounters. She also finds herself caught in a romance with Will, despite the fact that their equally fiery personalities have a tendency to clash. But Will’s past is filled with secrets and pain, and Sarah finds it difficult to break through the walls he has built around him. She knows that in order to make things right with the kingdom and also with Will she will need more time in the forgotten land. But when her life is put on the line, Sarah realizes that she will be permanently stranded in the past if she remains for too long and she vows to find a way back home for her and Lily… or die trying.
“Super fun mix of contemporary and historical fiction! Unique plot and characters that draw you in. I had a hard time putting this book down. Great clean read for teens and adults!” – Surrat, Amazon Reviewer
My Thoughts
So, the author has already said this is going to be a trilogy, but they don’t always leave you with a cliffhanger. That alone needs a content warning for some people. Just kidding. Maybe. Anyway, the action is pretty heavy right from the start and keeps going. It has elements of Narnia (including the religious overtones – though they’re a little more obvious in this one) and the Wizard of Oz. In fact, they even make a cute Kansas reference, and there’s a storm involved in the time travel.
I really enjoyed the world the author built here. The hero has a very Robin Hood vibe, except he’s not stealing from the rich. He’s just rescuing people and righting injustices. While it’s subtle, he social commentary is still there and pretty clear. Corruption, accusations of witchcraft, a masked vigilante, time travel, and more make this adventure exciting from start to finish. And the cliffhanger means we’ll all be waiting (im)patiently for the next one to come out. Let’s all hope the author is a fast writer!
The author was great at developing relationships. This is a Christian, Young Adult (though since the main character is 18 it’s on that line of YA/NA) novel, so he relationships are very clean, and this one has violence, but it is limited. There is at least one love triangle, possible a double one? It’s a great YA time travel romance, and a good intro to the genre.
I’m so grateful to the author and Love Book Tours for including me on this book tour.
Who’s It For?
This is a fantasy, sci-fi adventure with religious overtones. It is mostly clean, but has elements of fear, and has children, young adults, and even adults in danger, fighting, and imprisoned. Consider the maturity of any readers and any triggers they might have before allowing them to read this material.
Content Warnings: Fear, Child Harm/Endangerment, Kidnapping, Parent Death, Fire, Imprisonment, Witchcraft Accusations, Strong Religious Overtones/Components
About the Author
Ashley Townsend has been spinning tales since she discovered that her wild imagination and love of storytelling could make a career. Reading and writing are her way of experiencing grand adventures from home.
Her Rising Shadows trilogy became a way for others to join in her fantastical escapades. She is a native to bookstores, coffee shops, the beach, and San Diego, CA. She also has an unexplainable aversion to clowns and describes outlines as a “proverbial noose.”
Amazon US: https://a.co/d/irYbxLv
Amazon UK: https://amzn.eu/d/dyRbYLS
Bookshop US: https://bookshop.org/a/25511/9781939156785
Bookshop UK: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/rising-shadows-ashley-townsend/1474318?ean=9781939156785
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30651491-rising-shadows
Author’s Website: https://linktr.ee/townsendtales
As a Bookshop.org (US) Affiliate, I may earn on qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org purchases support local, independent bookshops. My chosen affiliate bookshop is Tubby & Coo’s Traveling Bookshop, a local, queer-owned bookshop in New Orleans.
Published by Amorina Carlton. Award-winning American author, Amorina Carlton, is currently working on her first novel. You can find more about her published work and works in progress on the home page. She also serves as the PR/Marketing Lead for Ravens and Roses Publishing, and reviews books, mostly by other indie authors, here and on Bookstagram.