I dnf’d around 30%. I think this book has good bones and the potential for a great series, but from the beginning it lacked world building, and it was difficult for me to really accept the world the characters we’re experiencing.

"The path to self-discovery isn't easy or linear. Understanding oneself is a journey, not a race, where you continuously learn and unlearn things."

The cover and description of this book immediately drew me in! Shadow Legacy is an interesting adventure featuring a strong and compassionate FMC who is finding her way in a part of her world that she had never known existed. I loved Rowan as a character and saw her growth throughout the story. I think this is a good debut for the author. Her strong moral compass and love for those closest to her really shone throughout the book, making her a very well-developed character.

All of that being said, I did struggle at times to understand the relationships between the two main characters because the progression seemed disjointed at times. There was a lot of telling instead of showing, which I think was part of that issue for me. I wanted more from Casimir, and the events of the story felt robotic or predictable at times.

All in all, I enjoyed this book! I wish that it was a little longer to allow for more character and plot development that could have really sucked me in.

**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the advanced reader copy of this book! All opinions are my own:

Rowan is an orphan who has been forced to work at the orphanage after her time spent there to “repay her debt” for the “privilege” of being housed and fed as a child. Soon after we start our story, she is saved by a vampire named Casimir. All she has known of vampires has been from old folktales and she is skeptical to leave with him but decides to go and try to figure things out from there.

This. Was. FUN.

The action kicks off fairly early in this book, which I love. The beginning chapters set the scene well but avoids being a slow read at any point, which I think is something a lot of books struggle to do. Mitchell was able to set the scene excitingly.

Occasionally, the dialogue felt a little cliche here and there but that was rare and the story and characters more than made up for it. This is just personal taste though I suppose.

Overall, this book was engaging on every page and the ending was absolutely perfect. I hope this book eventually ends up in the same conversation as all the other massively read and loved fantasy novels out once it releases.

Shadow Legacy is so so good! I couldn't put this book down for a bit because It's so beautiful the storyline. I totally recommend everyone to read this book.

4/5⭐️ this was all around a great read. This story follows Rowan and Casimir on a journey to uncover secrets about Rowan’s past and her identity. Rowan the FMC was such a badass and Casimir, MMC, is my new favorite vampire. The banter between them was perfect. The world building was so descriptive, yet easy to follow. The magic system was unique and described accurately. I was so entertained, I did not want to put this book down! Can’t wait to read more books from Colleen Mitchell in the future! Highly recommend checking this book out on February 18, 2025!!

ARC:
I want to disclose that I did not finish this book, reading up to 45%. Initially, I was drawn to the stunning cover, and the description sounded promising. The premise – a girl escaping her miserable circumstances and running off with the vampire Casimir – seemed right up my alley.
I genuinely enjoyed parts of the storyline, particularly the uniqueness of Rowans power and the ‘type’ of vampires, and her perseverance. The word choice was elegant, creating a vivid imagery as seen in descriptions like, “her feet whispering over the worn wooden floorboards.”
However, I felt the book was too short, which is not something I say often, as most books tend to be the opposite. Certain scenes lacked context and could have benefited from more detailed descriptions. For example, in one scene they were riding through the forest and the next scene the characters were making breakfast after, presumably, staying somewhere overnight – but where and how? Was it in a tent, a cave, or maybe a tavern?
Furthermore, I struggled to connect with the characters and understand their relationship. A lot of characterisation and relationship-building felt told rather than shown or happened off-page, making it difficult to root for Rowen and Casimir.
While this was not a good fit for me – largely due to personal preferences – I can see how others may find this a fun, captivating read.
I appreciate the chance to read this ARC and hope it resonates more with others.

Rating: It was okay.

This had all the ingredients to be a really good book (FMC with a past shrouded in secrecy, vampires, witches, magic, romance, a perilous quest), the prose just didn't live up to the potential of the overall plot. The writing is a bit juvenile and the flow a bit jarring, making it difficult to stay interested. The dialogue as well was a bit flat and weird at times. Romance wise, I believe the intent is a slow burn, but it does come off a bit insta love. Additionally. although the FMC is 21, her character feels child like, which made it awkward for me.

Overall an interesting story + plot, however execution made it a bit of a challenge to get through.

Vampires, a badass FMC and a world of fantasy and action.

This book definitely got better as you read on, I was dubious at around the 15% mark and I very nearly had to DNF, but gosh I’m glad I didn’t!

I’ll start with what I loved; the FMC was instantly likeable with fierce protective traits and an immense power that makes her formidable. The MMC is a vampire shadow daddy who has a ruthless dark side but also a kind and compassionate side that makes him extremely attractive. The side characters were also well fleshed out (erm Marcus? Swoon) and the storyline was strong towards the end with a great ending and final battle. The actions scenes and the world building was the stand out in this book (especially improving as the book went on) and by the end the scenes were action packed and satisfying. The spicy scenes be spicy but also heartwarming and not rushed.

Now onto the drawbacks; I found the first 15% of the book strange with the story progressing seemingly out of nowhere and the characters not really building their relationships. The dialogue towards the beginning was fairly cringy (I’m talking high school arguments) and the first few chapters didn’t flow well. I got to chapter 4 and thought that I’d gone back in time or that the chapters were out of order? I’ve read other reviews that stated they DNF and I can understand, but I’m glad I persisted as the book got considerably better!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

A fantasy romance book with various magical creatures such as vampires and witches.

Rowan the main female lead was dropped on the steps of an orphanage at a very young age. Although being told she was abandoned and unwanted, her sparse memories beg to differ. All she has left of her family is a small scroll parchment with a symbol on it.

Fast forward to present day Rowan is a young adult still working off her debts at the orphanage and helping to protect the young children from the eyes and wrath of corrupt men. She ends up fleeing for her life for a crime she didn’t commit, yet would have been well within her rights too. She teams up with a vampire who offers her his help and they uncover the truth about her family and her past whilst on the run.

The plot had potential but unfortunately the book just overall didn’t work for me. I found the dialogue to have an immature feel and it was just giving teenage vibes for me. It felt like the author was trying to Chanel snippets from TOG and it just wasn’t working out.

Thank you to the publishers for letting me give this one a shot..

Publish date; Feb 18th 2025

Shadow Legacy is a world that we dreamed about as children… one with vampires, magic, witches, and love. Rowan is a strong female lead. Even when you think she feels completely defeated, she keeps going. Casimir, the ever so protective vampire that stands by her side. Cora, a woman of strength and patience. Marcus, the effortless flirt. The spice is this story was low, but the slow burn and feelings of passion took on a whole new meaning of getting your heart rate and hopes up. The author’s words so very descriptive that you felt right there through the entire story. There was a bit of betrayal in this story, and apart of me wished that character was punished… just because I didn’t like that magical being.. sorry.. not sorry! Shadow Legacy will be available on February 18th, 2025. Book Blurb:
A Mysterious Past. A Forbidden Love. A Shadow Legacy.

Rowan escapes certain death, as punishment for a crime she didn’t commit, with the help of Casimir—a vampire knight seeking redemption. As they embark on a perilous journey to uncover her mysterious past, they must navigate the harsh northern terrain and the electrifying passion building between them.

During an attack by rogue assailants, Rowan uncovers her shocking power to control vampires against their will, threatening the hierarchy of both the supernatural and human worlds. When the chilling truth about Rowan’s family’s dark history comes to light and a master vampire targets her in his ruthless plot to overthrow the kingdom, Rowan and Casimir’s forbidden love is put to the ultimate test.

With danger closing in, they face insurmountable odds as they battle not only for survival but for the very essence of who they are. Will Rowan sacrifice everything to save a corrupt kingdom that never gave a damn about her or become the catalyst to tear it apart piece by bloody piece?

DNF'd at 13%

The beginning of the book is attention capturing. But the character dynamics are just way to fast pased and confusing to me.