This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite
Gilded Shadows by Stephanie J. Cress is the first in her Elements of Discord series. The Old Dominion is a town of humans and Folks. The Folks have four different groups; Sunfolk, Stonefolk, Skyfolk, and Earthfolk. Each has its unique strengths given by the gods, but their weaknesses are “curses” that could be life-threatening. Mixing any of these people results in a child believed to be sterile, therefore called mules. Dela, a Mixed woman, has documented cases of Mixed women who have become pregnant. This makes her a target for those who wish to keep this information hidden. Gilwin was hired to assassinate Dela, but he finds he cannot because she is innocent of the crime they accuse her of committing. Sarret leads his father’s business and household the day after he comes of age. Dela, Gilwin, and Sarret have ties that slowly draw them together. The Mixed people are the answer to their futures; will they have the resolve to see it through?
Stephanie J. Cress throws a paradox in her writing that twists the plot into an unforeseen ending. Gilded Shadows features distinct races of people that are opposites in every sense, yet their weaknesses give them a balance in humanity. Through an intricate weaving of characters, dangerous assassins, and mysterious puppeteers pulling the strings of events, Cress constructs an engaging storyline. This complex fantasy spins a web of Mixed race characters that rise up for their freedom. A revolution is inevitable, and the leaders are well-developed characters that face hazardous perils around every corner. Overall, I cried at the end, leaving me eager for the next book. This novel mesmerized me and I can’t wait to see in which direction the author takes the next one.
