Sanctuary of the Shadow
"Sanctuary of the Shadow" promised an intriguing journey into a world of mystery and wonder, but unfortunately it fell short of my expectations. Ascher presents readers with a captivating premise—a sanctuary for those seeking refuge from their past—but struggles to deliver a compelling narrative.
Set in a realm of feuding queens and magical creatures, the story follows Harrow, a young woman hiding from her tragic past, and a winged man who can't remember his. Despite the allure of the circus setting (mentioned but not a main focus) and the potential for rich world-building, the plot feels thin and lacks sufficient development. Events unfold rapidly, leaving little room for exploration or depth, and resolutions often feel abrupt and conveniently explained away with magic.
While the narrator of the audiobook delivers a solid performance, bringing life to the characters and their struggles, it's not enough to salvage the story. The repeated use of magical explanations and the lack of substantial plot progression undermine the overall impact of the narrative.
What I liked:
Interesting premise
Malika
Audiobook narration
While the concept holds promise, the execution falls short, resulting in a disappointing reading experience.
