Review: Shadow Bloodlines

Title: Shadow Bloodlines

Author: Andrea R. Cooper

Genres: YA Fantasy, Paranormal

Publication Date: April 30, 2016

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I didn’t know I was a shifter until the hunters found me… 

When eighteen-year-old Beth receives a mysterious text from her deadbeat father not to go to school, why should she listen to him now? But when strangers show up in one of her classes hunting her and wanting her dead, she must uncover the truth about why and what exactly she is. 

Amar has been entombed in stone for centuries. He longs for freedom and only the blood of a shifter will set him free. After centuries frozen as a gargoyle, he doubts there are many of his kind left. Yet, Beth rescues him and more than his responsibility to protect her fills him. He must choose between duty and love. 

Before the race of hunters capture her, Beth and Amar must find her shifter dad in order to save all their lives.

First things first, I just absolutely love the cover! I’d have to say, it’s actually one of the things that caught my attention to read Shadow Bloodlines. Not to mention that the idea of shifters and gargoyles was really interesting.

Indeed, I was not disappointed. I found myself starting Shadow Bloodlines while I was in the middle of a studying break for an exam the following day, which was a truly bad idea. This one is truly a page turner, and I finished it in just one sitting (ohmy!)

I love the concept of shifters, with all the foxes, chameleons, raccoons, etc. It was unique and intriguing, especially as we tried to figure out what Beth’s totem is. Even as I finished reading, it just left me wanting for more, and I was even more interested on what’s going to happen next.

Additionally, I love how selfless Beth is, knowing that she is willing to sacrifice herself just to be able to save her friends. But, I found it hard to connect with her: it just seems that her thoughts are filled on how much she wants to kiss Amar, the gargoyle she saved, even despite the harm that she is currently in. I didn’t like how the romance between the two of them was an insta-love, and it left little development to grow.

There were also times when she was immature, especially when she would just walk out while conversing with her father, which left much questions unanswered. Although, I love how Amar and Jacqueline, her best friend, would keep her in line and make her see what’s wrong and what’s right.

But all in all, I would love to see even more of the development of the characters, and the romance between Amar and Beth. Not to mention, I’m definitely excited to know more about what’s going to happen next!

      

Andrea writes romantic suspense, fantasy, paranormal, and historical romance. Her favorite childhood memories involve creating vibrant characters for her and her friends, then acting out their adventures. From fantasy and dragons, to vampires, to times and places of history, and the thrill of a couple falling in love. Divorced and disillusioned by love, and believing all the stories and love songs exaggerated, she put aside her hope and creativity aside. Many years passed before characters, both familiar and newly conceived, returned but this time teasing a new passion, writing. Gradually, her real life hero brought love and magic back into her life. During the time when her and her characters were getting reacquainted, the love her life showed her that true love never gives up and rekindles no matter how many times circumstances or others try to extinguish it. Today, she is happily married with two sons and a daughter.

Andrea believes in the power of change and delighting in each moment. But most fervently, she believes in the magic of love and imagination again.