Of Spies and Shadows Book Review
One last task, then she’d finally start over. Start fresh. Everything she’d dreamed of, everything she’d worked for, was about to come true.
She was about to be free.
Synopsis
For months, Tove has been running for her life, from home, and before anyone can betray her again. Fleeing meant going to a new continent, far from anyone who fears her magic as a shadow-wielder—including those who want her dead. Her only desire is a fresh start. But her chance at a new life is thwarted when she’s captured by the sultan for a dangerous task: becoming his informant during treaty negotiations. Her magic and background make her the perfect tool against visitors from her homeland, putting her in proximity to her people who’d gut her if they discovered her magic. Trapped and posing as a courtesan for the commander of the guard, Tove discovers things in her new kingdom are not what they seem: not the sultan, not the court, not the motivations for the treaty, and not the loyal commander Kaolum she’s supposed to be spying on. As dangerous attacks occur within the palace, it isn’t only Tove’s fresh start on the line, but her life, too. To survive the palace and earn her freedom, Tove will have to decide who and what she can trust: her connections within the court, the powers that put her on the run in the first place, and the passion and desire Kaolum ignites within her. Or, most importantly, whether she’s willing to trust anyone ever again.
Review
K.L. Ziggler’s debut novel, Of Spies and Shadows, is the first of her Magic and Monsters series and will have you hooked right from the beginning. Tove’s quest for a fresh start takes an unexpected turn when she’s thrown into a world of political intrigue and magic – something she wants to get far, far away from – and it’s a ride you won’t want to miss. Stuck in a foreign land, Tove is tasked with spying on the commander of the guard, Kaolum, for an important visitor from her homeland, but the more involved she gets, and the more dangerous it becomes, she has to decide what’s more important — her freedom… or doing what’s right.
The pacing of the story is just right and the author seamlessly blends elements of fantasy, romance, mystery, and danger. The dual point of view adds depth, letting us see into the minds of both Tove and Kaolum, and the tropes – forced proximity, a cinnamon roll MCC, only one bed, “who did this to you?” – add layers to the narrative and make it all the more engaging. There are some heavy themes to be aware of, namely forced captivity, gore and violence, and some mature content of a spicy nature — but Ziggler handles it all with care, delivering an amazing first story without going overboard.
The chemistry and flirting between Tove and Kaolum is perfect (don’t even get my started on chapter 19), and the suspense and tension of the precarious situation kept me invested, but there were a couple of aspects I took issue with. Tove’s loyalty felt somewhat inconsistent and could use a bit more exploration. Additionally, the revelation of the antagonist(s) seemed predictable to me, yet the narrative treated it as though it was supposed to be a plot twist; though this didn’t diminish my enjoyment while reading the book, it might impact readers who were expecting a more surprising turn of events.
Overall, the setting (did I mention this book is set in a land very reminiscent of the Middle East — somewhere beautiful that honestly doesn’t get enough representation in literature???), the mix of romance and espionage, and the magical details weaved throughout, make it an absolutely captivating and wonderful take wirth reading. I’m eagerly waiting for the next book!
Expected publication date is 20 January 2024 and it’ll be on Kindle Unlimited!
Author Profile
K.L. Ziggler, a long-time lover of all things magical and romantic, found her passion writing in the romantasy genre. In her stories, you’ll find sexy and sweet men, and strong women – whether they’re wielding a sword or the power of their minds. She is the author of the MAGIC AND MONSTERS series of standalone romantasies in a shared world.
K.L. resides in the Midwest (aka the middle of nowhere) with her cinnamon roll husband, two sweet (and wild) kids, and a goofy goldendoodle who likes to eat socks.
To stay up to date, follow K.L. on Twitter (@klziggler), Instagram (@klziggler), and Tik Tok (@kl.ziggler).
TL;DR
- Rating: 4 stars | Genre: Fantasy Romance | Pages: 344
- Book 1 of Magic and Monsters series
- Dual POV
- CWs: forced captivity, gore and violence, sexual/mature content
- Tropes: forced proximity, cinnamon roll MMC, only one bed, hurt/comfort, “who did this to you?”
- Good, even, moderate pacing
- Loved the flirting between MCs
- Chapter 19…
