The Shadows by J. R. Ward
Black Dagger Brotherhood Book 13
Published March 31, 2015 by NAL
4.5 Bleeding and Fragile Fangs
"Some sacrifices come at just too great a cost, what would you be willing to give up to ensure the happiness of a loved one?"
Synopsis -
Two brothers bound by more than blood fight to change a brutal destiny in the heart-wrenching new novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood by #1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward.
Trez “Latimer” doesn’t really exist. And not just because the identity was created so that a Shadow could function in the underbelly of the human world. Sold by his parents to the Queen of the S’Hsibe as a child, Trez escaped the Territory and has been a pimp and an enforcer in Caldwell, NY for years- all the while on the run from a destiny of sexual servitude. He’s never had anyone he could totally rely on... except for his brother, iAm.
iAm’s sole goal has always been to keep his brother from self-destructing- and he knows he’s failed. It’s not until the Chosen Serena enters Trez’s life that the male begins to turn things around... but by then it’s too late. The pledge to mate the Queen’s daughter comes due and there is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and no negotiating.
Trapped between his heart and a fate he never volunteered for, Trez must decide whether to endanger himself and others- or forever leave behind the female he’s in love with. But then an unimaginable tragedy strikes and changes everything. Staring out over an emotional abyss, Trez must find a reason to go on or risk losing himself and his soul forever. And iAm, in the name of brotherly love, is faced with making the ultimate sacrifice... (Goodreads)
Review -
It takes a very brave and confident writer to not give the reader the happy ending they believe a character deserves. What some people fail to keep in mind is the simple face that, not all stories can end with a happily ever after for everyone involved, especially when staying true to the storyline. Let's face it, in real life sometimes no one gets one at all. So when going to pick up this read, be sure to pick up a box of Kleenex right along with it.
Upon learning more about the brothers, iAM and Trez, readers discovered there was much more to their past than anyone would have thought. The twins being on the run from their past for more than century. A fate that Trez saw as worst than death, to the point where he sullied himself to the point of no redemption. Something in which he thought, even hoped, would save him from being turned into a breeding machine for the future Queen of the Shadows. What Trez hadn't foreseen was falling in love with someone, and end up being ashamed of all of those very deeds. What's even more tragic is when he does own up to his feelings, and finds out she reciprocates his feelings, he also learns they have a very limited time with one another. The time they had left was lived up to its fullest.
The Shadows, while maybe not the most action packed, was truly one of the most emotionally packed of the series. Jam packed with love, lost, loyalty, drama, intrigue and gives readers a chance to catch up on whichever couple was their favorite, because all are involved in this one in some way, shape or form. As with any loss, it effects all involved.
The Shadows, while maybe not the most action packed, was truly one of the most emotionally packed of the series. Jam packed with love, lost, loyalty, drama, intrigue and gives readers a chance to catch up on whichever couple was their favorite, because all are involved in this one in some way, shape or form. As with any loss, it effects all involved.