Friday, January 19, 2024

Book Review ~ SANCTUARY OF THE SHADOW by Aurora Ascher

Sanctuary of the Shadow (Elemental Emergence, #1)
by: Aurora Ascher
Series: Elemental Emergence
Genre: New Adult Fantasy Romance
Release Date: January 9, 2024
Publisher: Entangled Publishing ~ Red Tower Books

Some follow their destiny.
Others fall for it.

For humans, Salizar’s is a place of mystery and wonder. For Harrow, it’s a place to hide from those who slaughtered her entire clan. A haven where she can disguise both her abilities and who she really is.

Until he arrives.

He has no recollection of who—or even what—he is. He only knows that he’s a monster, with wings and powerful abilities never seen before. But beneath the layers of rage and isolation, one glimpse into those inky black eyes reveals a soul that calls out to the loneliness in Harrow.

And so she chooses him.

She is drawn to the mystery of him, her unquenchable need for his kiss. And as powerful enemies align and conspire against them, Harrow knows their only hope is escape.

Now, with every secret she unlocks from his past, a shadow from her own whispers free—luring enemies who will stop at nothing to get their final revenge on Harrow. And she’s given them the perfect weapon…because her winged beast is not what he seems.

But maybe it’s time they finally learn—neither is she.

Lions and tigers and bears. Oh my! Okay. So there aren't any lions, tigers, or bears. But my oh my. There is definitely some heat in Aurora Ascher’s Sanctuary of the Shadow. Okay. A lot of heat.

Aurora is a new to me author, and I had no idea what to expect. I was surprised by so much with this story. At the top of the list was how much I loved it.

Sanctuary of the Shadow is a New Adult Fantasy Romance and the first book in the Elemental Emergence series from Entangled Publishing Red Tower Books. This is a forbidden romance, featuring Harrow, the only remaining Seer, and Raith, an incorporeal who’s stuck in his corporeal form and has no memory of who or what he is or his past. The two have this unexplainable connection that draws them to each other. However, their past, immortal queens, and those who do their bidding stand in the way of Harrow and Raith being together. They must decide just who and what to believe while fighting against those who try to control them. The secondary characters of Malaikah, Salizar, Ouro, Darya, Furie, and The Oracle add humor and intrigue to the story.

As I mentioned, Sanctuary of the Shadow surprised me. From my love of the characters to the unexpected passion between Harrow and Raith, to the connections among the characters, to the ending I just couldn’t ask for more. I will be, hopefully, patiently waiting for the next book in the series.

~ Favorite Quote ~

“A promise given is a promise kept.”

**Received a copy from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. Also personally purchased a hardcover copy.**

Rating: 5

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Aurora Ascher loves misunderstood monsters, redeemable anti-heroes, and epic happily-ever-afters. A woman of many creative pursuits, Aurora is also a professional musician and visual artist. She currently resides in Montreal with her trusty espresso machine and her endlessly patient husband, whom she sometimes doesn’t see for hours until she emerges from her writing cave like a bear in springtime.

Places to find Aurora Ascher:

3 comments:

  1. Nice review. I picked this up for my bookshelf and have it on my TBR. Sounds like something I'd enjoy.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. I don't think I had it for pre-order originally. I wasn't totally sure I wanted to spend the money, though the cover and end pages looked beautiful. Yes, I buy books based off the covers. I was part of Entangled's Read-Along and I read it while I was sick with the flu and no energy. I fell in love with the story within the first chapter. After you read it, we HAVE to talk.

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    2. I totally bought this for the cover and end pages look. Beautiful, but I'm curious on the story and plan to read it this year. Hopefully! I have a lot of books I've bought and haven't read yet. ^_^ Looking forward to discussing the book once I read it.

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