Shadow Kin Advanced Book Review *M.J. Scott*

M.J. Scott is a debut author with Shadow Kin (a novel of the Half-Light City) from ROC. This is a dark Urban Fantasy that reminds me of Erica Hayes’ Shadowfae Chronicles. Shadow Kin isn’t as sexual with its material as Hayes’ books are, but if you like a different spin on an urban fantasy that has paranormal elements such as vampires and shadowy creatures, you’ll most likely enjoy Shadow Kin. This is a pretty solid read, although the switching back and forth of first person POV between the assassin heroine Lily and her love interest, healer Simon at sudden points did annoy. It’s commendable for M.J. to want and shake up the normal every day way of storytelling, but this POV jumping around takes away from the overall success of the book. If M.J. had kept the POV with Lily the entire time, Shadow Kin would have rated higher for me.

Lily lives on the edges of society in the Night World. Better known as a shadow, Lily is an assassin for her master, Lucius, a powerful ruler in the Night World. Lily has belonged to him since she was little. Lily was born a wraith, one who can become one with the shadows. Lucius can be merciful to his shadow, but if she fails him, he punished her with ruthless intent. Lily is also bonded to Lucius because she craves his blood, which he gives her in order to control her. If she doesn’t drink his blood after a few days, she begins to ache and thirst for it much like a drug addict would.

Lily’s must assassinate Simon DeCaine, a summage who can heal and lives above, gaining his power in the daylight while basking in the sun. As Lily breaks into Simon’s home while he’s asleep, he’s able to get the drop on her and hold her captive, wanting to know who she is and why she’s trying to kill him. He uses light to weaken her, where she can’t dissolve into the shadows to escape. Lily is vague about why she must end his life, but Simon feels Lily is a victim in all of this and wants to help her.

Even though Simon releases Lily, she still has to kill him. But then when Simon kidnaps her to keep her safe, he introduces her to another world, one where a freak like her can be accepted. All she had to do is go against Lucius who wants even more power. Simon plans on stopping him, but Lily is the key in stopping the
madman, including owning his heart as he slowly falls in love with her.

If you’re an Urban Fantasy fan, you’ll want to read Shadow Kin. M.J. Scott has created a dark, mysterious world full of mistrust and danger. Lily comes across as a warrior who has been through more than a few horrible situations, mainly from Lucius, who wants more from Lily than just being his servant. Simon is the complete opposite of Lucius. Simon is more a beta hero who uses reasoning to get people to do what he wants. He handles Lily with care because he sees her as a damaged soul.

Some issues for me as I read were the constant switching views between Simon and Lily. I really didn’t like it. Also, I found the romance between these two to be weak. Simon comes across more as Lily’s protector than her lover. Their romance seems forced and really doesn’t add anything to the story as a whole. Also, and this is a spoiler, Lily is a virgin. When I found out that, I shook my head. Really? Lucius lusts for Lily and has done everything to her from beatings to other dastardly things to keep her in his power. Why wouldn’t he use her body sexually? It didn’t make sense to me that Lily would be pure in this aspect. If you’re going to have the ultimate, evil baddie with Lucius, I feel you need to go all the way with him, regardless of how degrading and disturbing it may be. Lily comes across as too untouchable even with her emotional and physical scars.

If you’re looking for a meaningful and explosive romance, I would look elsewhere. If you want a gritty Urban Fantasy, then Shadow Kin is right up your alley. M.J. Scott is one author I’ll keep my eye on. (Available September 6th, ROC)

Final Grade: B-

A few other Shadow Kin reviews:
A Book Obsession
Blog Critics Books
What the Cat Read