queenofthenuts's reviews
571 reviews

This book was a wonderful historical fiction, written as the characters were found in the heart of the author. Those characters found a way into my heart, and I was along on their journey until they were no more. The story really delves into the female struggle and violence against women in a dictatorship, which one could say we may be seeing at this present time or to come. There are a lot of areas written in this book that make you wander about the strength of men and the strength of women and what a person would go through to survive. The author did a wonderful job of catching what she felt was the spirit of these characters based on a historical event that occurred. 

This book was so good!

You think you know where a story will lead you, but this dual perspective story kept me on the edge of my seat. It was a great 1 day read that had a lot of moving pieces. 

I love female rage and loved the scales tipping in their favor.  Revenge isn't the right word. Justice is.

I hope this is the last book cuz that shit dragged.

It was a deeply moving book, if you took the time to feel it. There were so many reflective moments that I had in this book. That made me stop and cheer up and think about life. And where we are today. There was not a single character. I could not relate to or did not come to love during the sharing of their stories. I  i fully believe this author will become an auto buy author for me.

Reread:
Previously April 2024 as an eARC from NetGalley, the publisher, and author in exchange for my personal opinion. 

"La Sombra" presents readers with a hauntingly atmospheric tale of family secrets and supernatural intrigue set against the backdrop of a Spanish castle shrouded in mystery. While the novel boasts an evocative setting and an intriguing premise, it falls short of reaching its full potential.

The protagonist, Estela, grapples with the aftermath of a devastating attack that leaves her orphaned and plagued by survivor's guilt. Her journey to uncover the truth behind her parents' deaths takes her to the enigmatic la Sombra, where dark secrets lurk beneath the surface. The author skillfully builds tension through vivid descriptions and a sense of foreboding, drawing readers into a world filled with secrets and shadows.

However, despite the atmospheric setting, the pacing of the novel often feels uneven, with moments of slow buildup interspersed with bursts of action. Certain plot twists and revelations may come across as predictable, diminishing the impact of the mystery at the heart of the story. Additionally, some characters and plot threads feel underdeveloped, leaving readers wanting more depth and complexity.

The romance between Estela and Sebastián, while adding an intriguing dynamic to the narrative, feels somewhat clichéd and lacks genuine emotional depth. Their relationship evolves in a predictable manner, failing to fully captivate the reader or elevate the story beyond familiar tropes.

Overall, "La Sombra" is a decent read that will appeal to fans of gothic mysteries and supernatural thrillers. While it may not break new ground in terms of storytelling, it offers an engaging escape into a world where secrets lurk in the shadows and reality is as elusive as the castle's namesake.

And...... who was it in the last page?!

I SLOGGED through this book.  I read it so that I could get a feel for reading demon copperhead. This... was.... torture. ESPECIALLY at 1038 pages