For centuries, Phoebe Whelan’s family of witches and mages has guarded the Book of Sindal, a tome filled with spells so evil it could destroy the world. After their parents’ death six years ago, it’s up to Phoebe and her older and younger sisters—Rowan and Celeste—to guard the book with their magic and their supernaturally fortified land. But Celeste’s expression magic is wild and untamed, and … without their mother’s calming influence, Celeste is slowly going mad.
When the book—and Celeste—go missing, the Valarian Small Council believes Celeste stole the deadly book of spells. When they assign Captain Brandon Cassidy, the head of the Magical Protective Force and Phoebe’s former high school crush, to look for book, and things get a whole lot more complicated
Soon it becomes apparent a dark force has taken the book, which will only open with the blood of all three Whelans. The Dark Set has the strongest sister, now it needs the blood of the other two. Brandon’s mission quickly changes to include her protection, but Phoebe’s goal has remained the same—find the book and her sister, prove Celeste’s innocence, and let nothing get in her way, including her reawakened feelings for the man at her side.
more
I loved this book. Not sure who to trust, who is on the Sisters’ side and who is on the Dark side. I was in suspense in trying to find out what their powers could really do. It had me hanging on my seat. These three sisters you just don’t know what will happen, what their fate will be. The last few chapters really have you on edge so make sure you time it right to not be interrupted.
I like how it doesn’t leave you with a big cliff hanger to wait to read the next one. It was very enjoyable and suspenseful.
What a great start to a new series from these two authors! I loved the adventure they take us on. Love Phoebe and her sisters…all spunky in their own ways. We were given just a glimpse into their magical world. Romance, adventure, magic, evil adversaries, mystery, hunky guy….what could go wrong? I got swept up in the story immediately and couldn’t believe it was over. The good news is…more installments are coming! I can’t wait to dig more into Celeste and Rowan. What an awesome and strong family! Give it a go…you will love it!
I’m like legit stoked for this new series. Took me long enough to read it because I kept going back and rereading it WHILE I was reading it!! I can’t say enough amazing things about this book! I loved how much history you’ve both put into this story. I love the badass women that are the Whelan Sisters. I love how the different magical talents especially Phoebe’s ancestral magic were explained. The way the magic runs through family lines. This is going to be yet another series that has so much potential beyond a trilogy. I mean, evil never takes a break am I right?! I truly hope this series gets the attention it rightly deserves because I for one definitely want so much more!!!
Loving book 1 and can’t wait for more!!
Descended from Shadows is the first book in a brand new series with witches and magic, action and adventure, an amazing sisterly bond, and a complicated relationship with a familiar guy from the main character’s past. I was immediately drawn in to the story and the sisters’ world and didn’t want the book to end. There’s a lot of depth to the story line and there were some twists and turns I didn’t see coming and I loved every second of it. Even the little details, like the types of magic these sisters have are so fantastic that I can’t find one negative thing about the book. You seriously do not want to miss out on this book or this series. Even though this was written by two authors, it flows seamlessly together and you can’t tell what one author wrote or the other. I am absolutely thrilled that this is going to be a series and I cannot wait for the next two books.
So excited for a new series! This is definitely a page turner! There were twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, which makes a book even better! I love to keep trying to guess what’s going to happen! I was instantly a fan of Phoebe and the sister bond she shares with Rowan and Celeste. I love how determined Phoebe is and she is such a strong character. I wasn’t sure about Brandon, but I think he’s a keeper! The book is written so well that I did not realize until after I had read through it that the book was co-authored! I can’t wait to read more from Rowan and Celeste!
My first read from this author is a winner! It had magic and suspense and romance and family and love and so many moving parts that I could never be bored. Phoebe and her sisters have been tasked to protect the Book of Sindal, a book of the darkest of spells. It’s a task that has been handed down through generations in her family. If the book were to fall into the wrong hands, the Salem Witch Trials would look like a cake walk. When the book is taken, a blast from the past, her high school crush, steps in to investigate. Can Phoebe deal with the rising evil, her blossoming feelings for Brandon and her hopes for a future with him, all while trying to protect her sisters? Read the book to find out!
Do you like feisty witches who battle their urges while not knowing who to trust?
How do you feel about sexy mages who battle between love and duty?
Swank created a world of witches and mages and druids and a secret society of magical wonder. Evil was barely touched upon and yet I feel that the groundwork was paved throughout this story. I got a happy for now ending but it was obvious that there was so much more to come. Evil is rising and the Whelan sisters with hottie Brandon have their work cut out for them. I’m excited to see how it all turns out!
Such a fantastic story!! You really dig deep into the whole magical world and I absolutely love it. Phoebe is one of three sisters charged with keeping the Book of Sin safe. But when her sister and the book are taken she has to rely on Brandon (I don’t trust him) to get both back. Tons of action. Plus throw in the sexy element and you cannot go wrong!
Oh my gosh! Descended from Shadows is an amazing book. It’s the first book of the Book of Sindal Series. This book has a little bit of everything…so you’ll love it.
Phoebe is an amazing character. She’s strong willed and independent and won’t take anything from anyone. This book had lots of twists and turns and you don’t know what to expect.
I’m so glad this is the first book in the series. I can’t wait to read the next one.
********3.5 Stars******
Overall I felt this was a good first book in a series. It did a great job of setting up the world and storyline that will drive the next two books in this series. I will say that it did take me a bit to actually get into the story (about 100 pages) but once I did this book was fast paced and full of action. I think my biggest issue with the book is that it was asked to do too much as the first book. It had to world build, set the conflict and start/complete Bran and Phebs relationship. The authors did a great job at the worldbuilding and setting the conflict that Bran/Phebs story felt rushed and a bit underdeveloped.
What I did like:
1. The authors did a really good job of building this world and setting up a great conflict that will carry through through the rest of the series. I loved the magical system that was created and found all the characters intriguing. I loved how every character in this story had a purpose and didn’t feel like anyone was filler.
2. I loved the sisters. Pheboe, Rowan, and Celeste were my favorite characters in this book. I loved how complex their relationship is. In fact, I wanted more of all three sisters trying to work through their issues. They have the world riding on their shoulders and wish all three were more integrated into this book.
3. The action was superb. I often felt stressed wondering on Bran and Phebs would get out of one situation or another and couldn’t turn the page fast enough
4. I did like Bran and Phebs together. They did have really great chemistry and worked well as a team. I loved their backstory and do hope we get to see them in the other two books
What I didn’t like:
1. I felt the book was too compartmentalized. As will be a series of standalone with a common storyline, I almost wish it was more integrated series and that characters/storylines would develop over the three books
2. I felt that Bran and Phebs story was a bit stunted. I loved them so much I wanted their relationship to be more organic. I felt that it was a bit rushed and we failed to really get in-depth with both of these characters.
3. I wanted more time with the sisters. I felt they are the strongest aspect of this series/story and wish we got saw more of them throughout this book and hope this will change with the other two books.
Overall this is still an enjoyable read with a great storyline and characters. While it wasn’t perfect, I was still entertained and excited to see how this series develops.
What do you get when two amazing authors come together and write a series of books?
An epic start to what I’m sure will be a new favorite series!
This first book in the series is a fast pace, witchy romance mystery. I enjoyed the adventure more then I thought I would. Even with this story being about witches, it was still super relatable with family drama, love life drama, and a huge self worth lesson.
It isn’t easy being one of three sisters guarding a book that could change the world as we know it, but for the Whelan sisters that is all they have know for the last few years of their lives. The stress is wearing on them and then suddenly their world is turned upside down when the youngest sister disappears one night.
What happened and who to trust becomes the biggest mystery the remaining sisters have to solve.
What a fantastic start to this new series! It is an intriguing, action packed story, with a little romance thrown in, that will keep you turning the pages. You are immediately immersed in a magical world of witches, mages and all the facets of that world you would expect and more. I loved how vivid the story seemed to me due to the extremely detailed storytelling. I loved the bond of the three sisters and their fierce love and loyalty to each other. Although it is written by 2 authors, it flows seamlessly. While this book doesn’t end in a cliffhanger, it will continue in the next book which I will impatiently wait for.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
I absolutely love this book. We have three sisters who come from a long line of witches who have protected an extremely powerful magical book for their entire lives. Each sister has their own unique gifts that helps them carry out this task. Of course things don’t work out well or stay simple for them. Enter an old high school crush who is even hotter than before, an evil group that may or may not just be a rumor, family drama and of course secrets…
This book is jam packed with mystery, magic and action that will keep you turning the pages. I really enjoyed the different takes on magic too.
Wow! Yet another page turner by Swank! I started reading this while nursing a book hangover from another absolutely fabulous Swank book. Major kudos to both Denise and Alessandra for a fabulous first book in a gripping new series. I admit I was unsure about it because paranormal/urban fantasy isn’t my usual genre but holy cow it was good!
I quickly felt immersed in the lives of Phoebe, Rowan and Celeste and the mystery surrounding them and the Book of Sindal. I love how different each of the sisters are from one another. Excellent character development and whoa! So. Much. Action!! And, can we talk Brandon for a minute? Phoebe’s high school crush comes back… he’s hot but do I fully trust him? Hmmm
The book was really hard to put down… I highly recommend this series to anyone that enjoys mysterious paranormal books and witches. For those on the fence about the genre, give it a try!! I think that you will love it!
What an amazing book!!! I loved every page of Descended From Shadows. Phoebe is a strong and powerful witch. The three sisters love and bond is wonderful and so is the story of Phoebe’s journey to find her sister and the Book of Sindal. Brandon is definitely book boyfriend worthy too. Phoebe and Brandon together is full of chemistry. I was so caught up in Phoebe’s story and world that I could not put it down. I definitely will be doing another read through to enjoy it all again!! I can’t wait until the next 2 books are available.
Wow! Talk about a really good book! A page turner you’re not able to put it down without a fight.
Great start to a completely new series! What a fantastic one! D.G. Swank and Alessandra Thomas done amazing job co-writing this series! It’s completely different from what I’ve read before not that I could claim I’ve read everything in this genre, no, but it’s new from Denise. Love the new magical world Denise and Alessandra built for us, new magical powers and their sources. I absolutely adore all those new strong characters – three sisters Phoebe, Rowan and Celeste, three witches and a mage Brandon (he is hot).
Great storyline, action packed with twists and revelations, beautifully written you can’t tell it’s not written by one author which is amazing!
This book and this new series is an absolute must read!!! Can’t wait to see what happens next! Thank you ladies!
4.5 stars! I’ve never read anything by Alessandra Thomas, but DGS is one of my absolute faves, so I was really excited to try the new series. Witches, action, and romance? Sign me up! It took me a couple chapters to really get into the characters, but once I was drawn in I couldn’t put the book down! The world building is great and learning about the Book of Sindal was super interesting. Tons of fast-paced, page-turning action and a great amount of mystery and steam. I loved meeting Phoebe, Rowan, and Celeste and enjoyed the sister relationship between them. Although I’m not sure if I trust Brandon, he definitely made me swoon. Definitely looking forward to book 2!
I received an ARC for this book for my honest review.
I am besides myself at how well written this book is. The idea of a book about witches was never a big thing for me, but after reading this, I want more… so much more!! This book is definitely a page turner, making you wish the book could go on forever. I absolutely love Phoebe, Celeste, and Rowan and I can’t forget Brandon (sigh). The sister witches are amazing and strong characters, who don’t let anyone get in their way and tell them how to act. Their relationship with each other is like no other. Phoebe has to learn to go with her gut and figure out who to trust. She knows that deep down family comes first along with her job, as protector of the Book of Sindal.
Denise and Alessandra do an amazing job co-writing this book. The story-line is flawless and flows as if it was one author writing the entire book. Thank you both for an amazing start to a great series. I am so excited to see how this series continues.
Talk about ‘Simply Awestruck’…
Descended from Shadows is a truly magical story in every sense of the word.
Phoebe, Rowan and Celeste, sisters, witches and protectors of the book of Sindall the darkest magical book known to the magical world…
The book is stolen, Celeste is kidnapped what will Phoebe and Rowan do???
In saunters Brandon Cassidy, Magoe, devastatingly handsome and Phoebe’s high school crush!!! talk about awkward… but wait there’s more but nope… No spoilers.
I seriously fell for this magical world, the descriptive writing brought it all to life in my mind as I read which made the book even better and the characters, are just fantastic I simply can’t wait for more.
Descended from Shadows is a MUST Read for any lover of magical, fantasy books.
I think it is really cool Phoebe can draw her magic off of her dead ancestors. That Magic seems to come in handy more then you think. I got so upset with how alone the girls are. I would have thought that with the council wanting them to protect the book that they would at least call and check on it. Instead they send the special force to spy on them. Also, Their mom had friends but when she died they could have checked on them. I also think that out of all those dead ancestors someone should have been about to help Celeste to begin with. I am glad Phoebe found Brandon. At first I didn’t like him at all. He proved himself as the book went on. I am glad he will be around for awhile.
We went through a lot of stuff in a short amount of time. There was times where I thought Phoebe would have been better off left home. For protection. That she was going to crumble under finding out about the evil Dark Set. As they travel through the mystery of finding her sister and the book. We learn new things that take us by surprise but I think it helped make Phoebe stronger.
So much going on in this book. There is a lot of story going on in the first few chapters. It gave me a slow start. I think it was just trying to get everything in. Once the story got going it really takes you on a road trip. We learn that no matter what Celeste has her family behind her. Even when it seems she has failed them. I am looking forward to learning about Celeste. I think her story is going to be interesting. Learning how her Magic works and what is going on inside her head. I received this ARC for a honest review.
OMG
This book has everything a reader could ask for in a story.
Magic, mystery, an ancient battle between good and evil, and a steamy romance years in the making. Add in fast paced, hold your breath action scenes, and you have a book you CAN NOT put down!
DG Swank is the master of writing strong-willed, relatable heroines! Phoebe Whelan is no exception. Entrusted with a great responsibility the Whelan sisters have dedicated their lives to protecting the Book of Sindal and when one of the sisters goes missing, along with the book, everything changes.
Even in the face of self-doubt, Phoebe finds the courage to face her fears and finds a strength she didn’t know she possessed. I can’t wait for Rowan’s story in the next installment of this trilogy.