Shadow Blues : Review

Shadow Blues (The Darkling Chronicles)

by Tricia Zoeller

Blurb

*This is the first short story in The Darkling Chronicles series*

At the age of four, Patrick Benjamin Solomon becomes Anka Rehmling’s human charge. By eight, he can SEE her. At thirteen, he breaks her heart, and by eighteen, she finds herself fighting for his life.

As a darkling shadowcaster, Anka casts shadows in the human world, harnessing some of the earth’s UV light to bring back to Montenai—a world full of darklings, nymphs, satyrs, phantoms, and dragon lords. Her job is crucial to preserving the vitality and balance in her town of Shadowland. However, Anka has trouble following the strict rules set by the Shadowland Council, a ruling body comprised of three dragon lords.

The lords’ decree states all shadowcasters will abide by the rules or face the penalty of harsh punishment, banishment, or death. Torn between her world and his, Anka must choose to defy the Council or turn her back on love.

My Review

Anka is a darkling shadowcaster and is up to her to cast shadows in the human world. She has to follow the rules and help keep the balance in the Shadowland. When she was four she is assigned to Patrick Benjamin Solomon. She isn't to show herself to him but when he is eight he sees her. Something he shouldn't do. She has broken one rule but they let it slide and she is aloud to become his imaginary friend. When he turns thirteen he breaks her heart and she is punished. At the age of eighteen his life is in danger and Anka will have to pick whether she should keep to the rules or break them for love. 

This is a short story but a good one. You learn about what all Anka can do and the rules she must follow. It is a fascinating world full of all kinds of paranormal beings all with their own powers. Even at a young age Anka knows the rules and knows she can't break them. She will do anything to stay close to Patrick. He is her closest friend growing up but as they grow older she sees something more in him. He has her heart. When he is in danger Anka will stop at nothing to help him even when she knows it may mean her death. The council is watching her and while she hasn't been around him in a while she still loves him. I love the world the author created and the characters. The only down side to this is it is a short story you want more of.

4 out of 5 Bats~Pam