This book was pretty good, and itched my high school vampire itch well.
I enjoyed the writing style and found it was very easy to read, I read it quite quickly as it was easy to get into and easy to get hooked.
I liked the similarities to Mystic Falls and it definitely gave off Vampire Diaries vibes which was nice.
I liked our grey MMC and Charlie’s unique and relatable perspective throughout. I hope Elias and his past is explored more in the sequel. Some parts of the storyline were a bit predictable but still enjoyable.

After seeing mention of the Vampire diaries, I was so excited to start this book. The story starts off well and I enjoyed the dynamic between the characters. I was interested to see the story develop with the two main characters Charlie and Elias. But I have to say I wasn’t really seeing the Vampire Diaries inspiration. This felt more like Twilight when Bella is researching what she thinks Edward is. I don’t want to say too much as to avoid spoilers but the events that happen at the end of the book confused me a little. I felt like too much was left unanswered.

I really wanted to love this but I just don’t think it was for me sadly.

Thank you to @netgalley @michaeljbooks for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Review pasted from my GoodReads review. Thank you so much for a great read.


Wow, where to start with this book! Spoiler free review as I don't want to give anything away.

Full disclosure, I didn't realise it was YA until I was a good couple of chapters in and YA isn't really my preferred type of book. Once I'd reconciled with that fact, I fully immersed myself into it and GOD DAMN I'm glad I did. I couldn't put it down by the end.

I was fully expecting predictability but I was thrown off course several times by the conclusion and to be honest, wasn't expecting - or ready for - the cliff hanger (which isn't a terrible one but defo keeps you wanting to read more).

The main character(s) being teens, you'd expect a huge amount of naivety and immaturity but I found the FMC likeable and she didn't want me to tear my hair out. The MMC is also not what I was expecting in terms of his story (not saying anymore here as its key to the story as a whole and I want to give away NOTHING).

Considering it's set in "modern times", the Norse mythology themes required a decent amount of world building and I think it was done really well. The explanations were enough to trigger the imagination but didn't dominate the whole book, leaving room for a decent plot and a mild romance. The romantic element (it being a YA) was done tastefully. It gave you enough to sate any thirst for the romance, but it wasn't forced down your throat. The author has clearly done her research on the Norse element and that does show on some of the explanations but I'd rather have a decent amount of information than not enough.

Some of the interactions/events did have my eyes rolling a little bit - but remember its a book geared towards a younger crowd and I'm teetering on the edge of 40 :')

I think the writing was well balanced and easy to read/follow. Its a decent YA read and I will be waiting for the next one. Because it's a series I 100% want to continue on with.

I do thorough recommend this book if Norse mythology is your bag, you like a YA read with a PG romance and a book that will lure you into thinking you know what is going to happen but gives you twists at every turn.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC and to Emma Noyes for this wonderful story. I look forward to the next installment.

P.s. I need my own vätte NOW!

This book was ok.

This is a nice quick read with Viking Lore.

The characters are loveable and the story progresses nicely.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Clearly inspired from the supernatural shows in the early 2000s, Noyes gets everything right in this novel. From the, I’m not like other girls MC, a local murder mystery and a handsome new mysterious student with literal scorching skin. This book was finished in two sittings - and it only took that long because I had real life responsibilities.. It’s got cute side companions, Chappel Roan references and of course, a school ball. In the midst of the usual teen angst, we have supernatural beings, norse Gods and a strange calling to the forest. Now, no book is perfect. I did think the main character at times in the start kept going on how she was so different to the other girls - but, I am a decade older than her! I’m sure I was very much like that at her age. If you’re looking for a book with feel good characters, a nostalgic trip to all those supernatural tv shows we watched in our teens - then this is your book. It’s got enough mystery going on to keep you hooked, characters you become invested in. Not to mention, there’s a lovely little twist at the end which has me anxiously waiting for the second one. Well done Emma Noyes, this book made me feel young again - which I didn’t think I ever could.

I rated this book a 4 stars… if you enjoy paranormal and romance then this is the book for you… it follows Charlie she is investigating her class friends disappearance… she is intrigued by the disappearances that are happening and she would like to know more until she is lead to a hidden world.. this is a romantasy style story and it has plenty of twists in it..

“Soul of Shadow” is the perfect story for younger YA readers who love Romantic Fantasy and Norse Mythology.

The story centres around Charlie - a high school student who is trying to navigate her way through junior year whilst grieving the loss of her twin sister. I found Charlie to be such a likeable character, she was unquestionably loyal to those around her and her determination really shone throughout the entire story.

I found the pacing good, it picked up toward the middle of the book and definitely kept me wanting more, I did not see the plot twists coming at all which was refreshing and I love the direction the story is going now! The storyline felt extremely unique.

The strong friendship dynamic was really well written, her friends were so supportive of each other and the subtle teasing between them throughout the book portrayed high school relationships perfectly.

I loved the Norse Mythology that was woven throughout the story as well. The author has managed to give us a detailed backstory with just the right amount of world building whilst also having a lot of action thrown in.

Overall this was such an interesting read and I already can’t wait for the next instalment!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review - all opinions are my own.