ReadingDiva's Blog

**Originally Posted @ ReadingDiva's Blog**

REVIEW: The Shadows is the latest and perhaps one of the best stories in the BDB series of late. I have been looking forward to this book because I loved the shadows IAm & Trez. Both of these characters have been part of the BDB for quite some time but they have always been in the background – never really been primordial to the series but they have been able to captivate us in many ways.

In The Shadows as in every other book of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, we are able to explore the many different point of views and stories that each of these characters bring. Giving us a complex and at times discombobulated plot that flows differently for each of these characters. At times focusing on just one or two and other times bringing them all together into one major plot. Regardless of how Ward present us these characters she always manage to captivate us with their stories, their emotions and actions.

IAm & Trez are exactly what we have been seeing of them, they are protective of each other, loving and caring. Each with a very different personality but both possess admirable traits. Anyone who has read Ward’s books know that Trez has baggage that runs deep and the more time pass the more complicated and intricate his problems become, as the story develops we see a very centered character. From his love for his new mate and at times selfish ways we get to see a much more open character. Trez’s only focus and care is the well being of Selena, however as the story progresses her illness and end creeps closer and closer. All the while IAm keeps trying to resolve his brother life by attempting to find a solution to his mate’s illness without considering the consequences of his action, which marks him for a very unexpected future.

I enjoyed the brothers’ story very much, from Trez’s sense of sacrifice and redemption to IAm’s new experiences of love and sexual awakening. These two characters are amazing and their stories was just as wonderful. Of course Ward treat us with bits and pieces of other characters and their importance in the series, we get to meet new ones and follow along with the old ones. From Rhage to Lassiter we are given bits and pieces of their drama, we are also exposed to their fears and their thoughts. While perhaps their individual stories don’t make much sense, we are left with the understanding that their actions are part of a bigger and more complex story that involves not only their own life but the lives of those around them, making it at times difficult to decide which characters make the most impact.

Going back to The Shadows, their story was simple, but it didn’t lack angst or passion. Trez’s love and devotion for his mate brought tears to my eyes and of course his loss was just as sad and great. I think Ward did a great job giving us another side of these character’s story, not only did she showed us how brave and powerful they are when united but she also showed us how capable of great they are. I enjoyed every aspect of their story, from Trez’s redemption to IAm’s new found love. Their story is captivating, powerful and emotional.

Ward has proven to have what it takes to keep the series on top. I can’t wait to see what happens with Rhage & Mary how the new events presented in this book will alter their future. I can’t wait to see what happens with Paradise. I was completely driven to her character and I can’t wait to see what happens with her, I am also looking forward to the bastards next step in their quest to defeat the King. Xcor is another character that captivates me, and now that we get to see a whole new side of him I can’t help but enjoy him even more.

Overall, if I am to pick the best book of the BDB’s series thur far I would say The Shadows come #3 for me. I think their story was simple yet dramatic enough to keep the reader glued to the pages.