Among the Shadows
(Ash Grove Chronicles, Book 3)
By Amanda De Wees
About:
Just hours after Joy and Tanner’s daughter is born, Tanner
finds himself in a world where Joy doesn’t know him and their baby doesn’t
exist. But when he thinks he has found the source of the magic that has undone
reality, a heartsore Maddie makes a wish that alters history even further. With
time now growing short for Tanner, he must try to win Joy’s trust and convince
her that they have a future together—even though their past has vanished.
As the fabric of reality begins to fray, an old enemy arises amid the chaos...
and Joy and her Ash Grove friends find themselves fighting to save the world as
they know it. This thrilling sequel to The Shadow and the Rose and Casting
Shadows will keep readers guessing as it races toward its astonishing conclusion.
Source: Goodreads
My rating: 5/5
My thoughts:
Reading the Ash Grove Series has enabled me to see Amanda De
Wees develop as a writer and it’s great to see how as each book progresses
there is so much more to offer to the reader. I believe Amanda saved most of
the magic until last. My point is that this book was completely fantastic. There
were so many twists and changes I became dizzy from the rollercoaster ride.
Among the Shadows demonstrated how one event can have a
domino effect on subsequent events and the corresponding story. For example, I completely
forgot that is was Sheila who dared Joy to pick the rose from the grave in the
first place, triggering Joy and Tanner’s relationship to begin.
Usually I can guess what will happen next with most stories
but Amanda kept me on my toes. Just as I thought Joy and Tanner’s problems had
finally resolved, one technicality would change everything.
In previous reviews of Ash Grove Chronicles I have been
quite harsh towards Tanner but I felt so sorry for him in the third book. This
was probably because he suffered the most this time, yet he kept fighting for
his family. First his wife forgets him and his past, his new-born baby is
removed from existence, then his arch-enemy, Melisande, is revived and torches
him so he goes blind and ruins his appearance. Not to mention the shape shifter
Raven takes along Tan’s appearance and pretending to be him whilst staying with
Joy and baby Rose.
I was glad of Raven’s change and to see him leave Melisande
and opt for a less evil life. I am curious to know what became of ‘Ray’s’
alternate life.
Maddie has always been my favourite character in the last
two books but her place at the top is now tied with Cavanaugh’s ghost. The
ghost was unintentionally funny and I’ve noted a couple of my preferred quotes
below.
As always I recommend the Ash Grove Chronicles to everyone, and
now I recommend even more so after reading Among the Shadows. I look forward to
reading more from Amanda’s work as I suspect she has many more surprises up her
sleeves!
Zed (:
Quotes I liked:
- That’s the nuisance about gardens” said Melisande. “There are always pests invading them.”
- “No, Melisande,” came the calm reply. “I no longer find life with you pleasurable. And after living as a human with the girl and her child, my curiosity has been piqued.” The ironic note that was usually present in everything Raven said was gone; instead he sounded almost thoughtful. “There was something rather sweet in that life that was new to me, and I want to try more of it. To see what it is about being human that elevates their little lives into something almost poignant.”
- He had removed his top hat, evidently cut of some deeply ingrained gentlemanly reflex to go hatless indoors, even when he and his hat were equally insubstantial.
- Joy had started: “We have something important to tell you.” “We’re pregnant,” Tan blurted. “And we’re in love,” Joy added. To Tanner she said under her breath, “Maybe we should have opened with that.”
- “The best precaution would have been not touching my daughter.” Tanner looked at Joy adoringly, “Not possible, sir.”
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