The Shadows Between Us

Gr 9 Up–Lady Alessandra Stathos aims to woo the Shadow King, marry him, and then kill him to take the kingdom for herself. Alessandra is no stranger to murder—in the opening of the book she admits to killing her first love after he rejects her—and shows no remorse for what she has done. She has all the details thought out regarding how she can gain the king’s attention, make him fall in love with her, and carry out her plan. However, she does not anticipate enjoying the king’s company, helping protect him from assassination attempts, or having to work around the shadows and rules that surround him. Alessandra is hardly likable—she is cunning and deceitful, and she loves to toy with others—yet readers will root for her. The ending ties up a bit too quickly and predictably, but this is a satisfying and engaging tale.