Book Review: The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

Book Summary – Spoiler free

Set in a lavish, kingdom-driven world laced with political intrigue and courtly drama, The Shadows Between Us follows Alessandra, a fiercely ambitious young woman who has one goal: to woo the Shadow King, marry him, and then kill him to take his kingdom for herself. But the Shadow King—shrouded in mystery and literal darkness—isn’t as easy to manipulate as she expected.

As Alessandra navigates the royal court, she must outwit nobles, dodge assassins, and play a deadly game of power—all while pretending to fall in love. But what happens when the pretending becomes real?

The story is primarily set in the Shadow King’s palace, which is full of secrets and elegance, adding to the atmospheric, tension-filled backdrop of the book.

Analysis and Opinion

This book was pure fun from start to finish. I loved Alessandra as a character—she’s unapologetically ambitious, clever, and delightfully cunning. It’s not every day you read a YA fantasy where the heroine isn’t trying to be “good.” She wants power, she has a plan, and she’s not interested in being saved.

The writing is smooth and accessible, and the pacing kept me hooked. It’s a relatively quick read, but it doesn’t skimp on worldbuilding or character development. The romantic tension between Alessandra and the Shadow King was sizzling, and I appreciated how the power dynamic was handled—neither character felt overpowered or diminished.

I would’ve liked a bit more depth to the side characters and the world’s political system. Some parts felt slightly rushed or too convenient, but it didn’t detract much from the overall enjoyment.

Themes of empowerment, ambition, identity, and love weave throughout the story, and there were several standout moments where Alessandra’s confidence and bold choices made me want to cheer out loud.

One of the most entertaining and intriguing dynamics in The Shadows Between Us is the relationship between Alessandra and her sister. Their banter through letters reveals a unique tension and contrast in how they were raised and viewed by their family and society. While Alessandra is fiercely independent and driven by ambition, her sister offers a more grounded, sometimes critical, perspective.

Their witty and sharp banter through these letters adds both humor and depth to the story. The playful exchanges are filled with teasing, and yet there’s a clear undercurrent of rivalry and unresolved tension between them. Their contrasting views on duty, love, and power create a fascinating dynamic, making their relationship one of the most interesting aspects of the novel. It’s clear that they’ve been shaped by their circumstances in different ways, which adds layers to their interactions and kept me engaged.

Although The Shadows Between Us is a relatively short book, Tricia Levenseller manages to pack so much depth and richness into the narrative. It’s impressive how she takes a story that could easily feel rushed or underdeveloped in its brevity and instead creates a well-rounded, immersive world with complex characters and themes.

Levenseller’s ability to balance action, character growth, and romantic tension in such a compact story is a testament to her skill as a writer. The plot moves quickly, but the world and characters feel well-established—no small feat in a novel of this length.

For those interested in diving deeper into this world, there is also a companion novel, The Darkness Within Us, told from Chrysantha’s perspective. This companion offers additional layers to the world and characters, but The Shadows Between Us stands strong as a complete, fulfilling story on its own. It’s a rare achievement to see a book so short yet so rich in its storytelling, and this is one of its standout strengths.

Final Thoughts

The Shadows Between Us is perfect for readers who love:

• YA fantasy with a romantic twist
• Morally gray female leads
• Court intrigue and slow-burn romance
• Villainous main characters who own it
• Strong, layered sisterly relationships
• Short yet deeply immersive stories

I’d recommend it for readers 16+ due to some mature themes (though nothing explicit). It’s especially great for fans of Serpent & Dove, To Kill a Kingdom, or The Cruel Prince series.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely—especially if you want something bold, quick-paced, and deliciously dark.