Shadowland by Alyson Noel

Shadowland by Alyson Noel

Book synopsis: At the start of this breathtaking novel, Damen and Ever travel to Summerland in search of an antidote to reverse a powerful poison. But instead of the cure they seek, they find something far more sinister: the truth about their existence and the fate lying in wait of an immortal’s soul. Now, with Damen fighting to save them from the Shadowland, Ever turns to magick, hoping to break Damen’s curse. Along the way Ever encounters the mysterious Jude, finding herself drawn to him in a way that will test her love for Damen like never before.............(Goodreads)

Review

I loved the first book Evermore, so I’ve stuck it out and followed along with the series intrigued to read the fate of the doomed couple Ever and Damon. After the colossal flop of Blue Moon, with Damon getting on my nerves and Ever being a moron, I had eager expectations for Shadowland, after the first few chapters I was thinking …."Go Alyson, you got your groove back” .........that is until I hit the midpoint and read the ending.......wow once again Ever with no brains and Damon the whole wannabe Edward thing, not working for you.

That might sound harsh, because I think Alyson Noel is a fantastic writer but I feel this particular series isn’t living up to the hype. I’m finding myself drawn to the relationship of the ill-fated lovers but highly annoyed with their actions. The story starts immediately where Blue Moon ends, those crazy kids on the beach practicing energy and what not, when Ever drops the bomb and informs Damon about the last few months…….."Everything is back to normal honey…but we can’t kiss, touch or shag". So the never-ending chase will never end, and we the readers will be reading for hundred years before these two hook-up.

Ever resolves to find a cure for Damon (seeing how if they do mix DNA, he will burst into sizzling flames and die) and poor Damon gets a wave of 600 year I’ve done wrong karma conscious. The plot advances, layered with more problems, characters and would you believe it- a new potential soul mate for Ever…….BUT, nothing is resolved, not one problem is faced; no issues get dealt with, just more unresolved problems stock piled on the already existing ones. Ever and Damon’s relationship hasn't progressed at all and frankly it gets downright tiresome with all Damon’s lamenting and I’ll let you make a choice crap. Not to mention the "Ever frustration" Dear Ever, you made this mistake in Blue Moon--- Put your big girl pants on and do the right thing!!

Another surprising twist was the introduction to some darker mystical themes, ones which could make a person squeamish, especially if things of the occult are bothersome to you. On the positive side, because as much as Im frustrated, Im also hooked on the dynamcis of the story. The imagery and beautiful visuals Noel created are enjoyable, the overall message of doing good to others was a nice element added to the always materialistic Damon…..Swearing and sex are minimal with nothing graphic, but I’d still recommend it for the 16 and up bracket.

BTW….when is Dark Flame coming…..I just can’t resist the outcome (lol)

3.5/5 YA, Paranormal Romance

For your viewing enjoyment Ive added a reenactment of Ever and Roman, forever fighting it out!!!