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January 28, 2013

Review: Shadowlands by Kate Brian


Title: Shadowlands (Shadowlands, #1)
Author: Kate Brian
Publisher: Hyperion (HBG Canada)
Publication date: January 8, 2013
Genre(s): Young Adult (Mystery)
Source: Publisher
Format: Physical ARC
Pages: 336
Rory Miller had one chance to fight back and she took it. Rory survived… and the serial killer who attacked her escaped. Now that the infamous Steven Nell is on the loose, Rory must enter the witness protection with her father and sister, Darcy, leaving their friends and family without so much as a goodbye.

Starting over in a new town with only each other is unimaginable for Rory and Darcy. They were inseparable as children, but now they can barely stand each other. As the sisters settle in to Juniper Landing, a picturesque vacation island, it seems like their new home may be just the fresh start they need. They fall in with a group of beautiful, carefree teens and spend their days surfing, partying on the beach, and hiking into endless sunsets. But just as they’re starting to feel safe again, one of their new friends goes missing. Is it a coincidence? Or is the nightmare beginning all over again?
My first reaction after finishing Shadowlands: "AAAAAAHHHH SIHDKJSJDKHAKJ DHJAHDJAHS HDSAJDAH;!!!! How can this happen to me? WHY? OH GOD WHY? WHERE IS THE SECOND BOOK? GIVE ME NOWWWW!" Yes, it was crazy. Now, let me start off by telling you how awesome this book is. Shadowlands has always been a book that was high on my TBR pile. Being a huge fan of mystery novels, I was so excited about it! The book starts off with the main protagonist, Rory, being chased in the woods. Apparently, the chaser turned out to be her school math teacher, who also turned out to be a genius serial killer. *goose bumps* Thankfully, Rory somehow manages to escape from him. After the FBI comes, and identify him as this major serial killer they are hunting for more than ten years, Rory's family is sent to Juniper Landing to go into "hiding".
For me, it's probably the first time reading a book that made me extremely creeped out. I was reading it at home, and everyone was out, and it was dark, and it TOTALLY scared me!! When Rory, her sister Darcy, and her dad drive for 7 hours to reach Juniper Landing, they are welcomed by weird stares from the locals. While reading Shadowlands, there were SO many things that confused the hell out of me. When Rory meets Lauren and Olive, she starts learning more about the "locals". We also meet Joaquin, Bea, Fisher, and the guy who always seems to be staring at Rory, Tristan. (Did I miss anyone?) Rory is usually overshadowed by her sister Darcy, but this time, the local guys and girls seem to have an interest in Rory, and not her sister. That's when conflicts between the two start developing. Now despite the mystery, it was refreshing to read about sister relationships. Anyways, Rory seems to be convinced that there's something fishy about that group. Not only them, but the island itself is a bit weird. 
I can't say much about the book without having a bit of spoilers, so I'm going to stop here. I will say that the characters were very interesting to read about. Kate Brian also did a tremendous job in the mystery of this book. There were also a bit of shockers, like how there's a bit of fantasy in this book when I thought it was completely contemporary. Anyhow, I definitely enjoyed reading Shadowlands, and just thinking about the second book makes me want to jump up and down. The cliffhanger is killing me, which rarely happens. I totally recommend this to all you readers out there, ESPECIALLY if you're a fan of mystery books! You will not be disappointed!

16 comments:

  1. I need to get this book. I have heard so many awesome reviews for it. I love a good mystery and it sounds like this is exactly the type of book for me. Great review Farah!

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  2. Oh man Farah. I'm so nervous! I'm starting this one today and creepy books freak me out (obviously, or they wouldn't be creepy), so I'm both terrified and excited to pick this book up. I'm so glad to see it got such a high rating from you though. And I promise I will not flip to the back of the book like I usually do and ruin the cliffhanger:)

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  3. OH WOW! This book has been on my TBR list for months, but your review made me excited all over again! I'm definitely in the mood for a creepy mystery! LOVE your enthusiasm!

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  4. I thought this book had an EXCELLENT twist at the end. I knew something was up, but I couldn't figure out what it was!

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  5. So glad you loved the books! I can't wait to start it since I already have it :) I've heard nothing but awesome things about this book.

    Janina @ Synchronized Reading

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  6. Dude! The ending right! AHHHHH! I still can not believe I did not see it coming. Glad you enjoyed it as much as I did.

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  7. I bought the book but I haven't read it yet. Seems like you had a great time reading the book and looks like the book has some good sibling rivalry. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Farah!

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  8. HAHAHA THAT REACTION AFTER READING THIS IS EXACTLY MY KIND OF REACTION WHEN I FINISH THE BOOK AND THERE'S FREAKING KILLER CLIFFHANGER!!!
    Okay, this sounds super creepy :/ But I LOVE mysteries so I have a feeling I'll enjoy this immensely!! I might put off reading this until the sequel comes out..I mean, after reading your reaction, I might quite literally die of impatience if I don't get the next book immediately! Great review Farah!!

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  9. I also really liked Shadowlands. It definitely scared me a bit, but I loved the mystery :) Amazing review!

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  10. I'm so glad you liked this so much! I've heard such mixed things about it, but now I definitely want to pick it up ASAP. I *love* mystery books!

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  11. I've seen some mixed review on this one so I thought I might just pass on this but you made it sound so good. I think I'll try to give this one a try. And well, I'm a major fan of anything creepy (I don't know what that says about me) Haha! Great review, Farah! :)

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  12. I am dying to make the time for Shadowlands. Thanks for your awesome review! Besides the story line (that's a given), there is just something about that cover. It is so simple, yet beautiful.

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  13. I've been craving a good mystery lately. I feel like too many of them have fallen flat for me. This one sounds brilliant! The reviews so far have been very encouraging - I will have to read this sooner rather than later, it seems. :)

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  14. I've been dying to read this book ever since I heard of it! I always enjoy a good mystery, so I have no doubt I'll like this one. This sounds awesome and I can't wait to get my hands on it! I'm so thrilled to hear that you enjoyed it! :D Fantabulous review, Farah!

    ~ Maida @ Literary Love Affair

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  15. I've heard so many mixed reviews for this book. Your review makes me want to read it after the second book comes out. LOL I don't like cliffhangers.

    It's been high on my TBR list as well. Just sounds that interesting. Great Review! :D

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  16. I remember a blogger describing how the book started, and I got chills! I can't blame you for being terrified! I want to read this book so bad now!

    Great review Farah!

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