A Foothold In Two Different Worlds, And No Safety In Either… not blessed with their powers, I’ve grown up as an outcast within the human world. Humans don’t trust people like me with fae heritage, and the fae don’t bother with the ungifted. I said screw it and embraced college, determined to make my own fate.
Just when I thought I could start a prestigious internship and continue my quest to address interspecies conflict, someone murdered my twin sister, an adept illusionist and heir to our family lineage.
So, I’m going back home to say goodbye. Back to House Rowan. I take a deep breath, knowing after a short few days I’ll return to the city, free again from the melodrama of the House I was raised in.
There’s just one hitch in my plan—Quinn, a fae-touched member of the Enforcer’s Guild assigned to investigate the killing. Quinn doesn’t let the typical fae prejudices against the ungifted prevent him from staying close to me. Uncomfortably close. Besides, he needs my help to figure out what happened to my sister.
How can I refuse?
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I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I am a twin so this book reached out to me and I was excited that there were so many different kind of characters. Becka is fae-touched but she was born without gifts and this gets her exiled from her people. She is going to school and working on human and fae relations which are not the best. When she almost has her Ph.d. that is when she finds out about the death of her twin sister. Her family calls her home, but they still don’t treat her like family. Quinn the Enforcer that is investigating her twin’s death is staying close to her and he does not seem to mind that she does not have gifts. I am excited to read the rest of the series.
Becka and Quinn, Quinn and Becka… quintessential honey. Dark magic is trying to get her queen. I must say reading the first book after the second is somewhat disconcerting at first. But I simply had to do it as I got it false to start with. It’s equally amazing and annoying. Amazing because I discovered the roots of my “black holes” and disconcerting because I knew the outcome from the start. At this point I am glad I didn’t start with the third one!
This books from Candice Bundy are too captivating to not give the effort to read things twice. They are amazingly written, in the details and in the description of the feelings, even if only from one POV, are fantastic. One thing is for sure. If you like the world of fea, mixed with shifters and humans all in one, with mystery and crime and humor…this is for you. Definitely!
Enjoy your read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a great series starter filled with endearing characters and an engaging story line that will keep you reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a really cool urban fantasy.. I liked it.. It has romance and suspense, with a great cast of characters..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“Twinned Shadow” marks the start to “The Shadow Series” by Candice Bundy, an urban fantasy paranormal romance series featuring Becka Rowan, the ungifted half of a Fae twin sisters, who was exiled to the human world upon her birth, for her lacking of Fae powers. Unfortunately for Becka, human do not trust Fae, gifted and ungifted alike. After dealing with that prejudice all of the life, Becka has decided to move forward, accepting an esteemed college internship, that could help her to further approach the issue of interspecies conflict.
All her plans must be kept on hold though, as she is called back home for her murdered twin sister funeral. Reluctantly Becka goes back to House Rowan, confident that the trip will be no more than a short break for her chosen life in the human world. But of course, Fae business are never that simple, and as a member of the Enforcer’s Guild (Quinn) is called to investigate her sister’s murder (and prevent a possible attack on Becka herself), Becka joins him to resolve the case and find the killer. At least Quinn doesn’t seem to share the typical Fae prejudice against ‘ungifted Fae’.
Candice Bundy series is very well-written, fast-paced, and action-packed, with an exceptionally well-developed world, that successfully addresses each character’s personality and the rich social interactions between them. Nevertheless, the story is – as it should be – first of all, an urban fantasy story, designed to entertain, something it does in spades by mixing a ‘whodunnit’ plot with a romantic subplot into a very satisfying Fae related urban fantasy tale. Already looking forward to the next instalment in the series
Becka had been certified ungifted so according to Fae’s custom and laws, she had been deposed and banished to the human world. Independent and strong-willed Becka had made a new life for herself until her twin sister’s fate brought her back giving a new twist to her life that created a situation of suspicion, mistrust and intrigue. A dark and mysterious threat from the past was lurking in the shadows and it seemed that partnering with Enforcer Quinn was her only way to be safe and investigate what was really happening, but doubts were still present and her feelings for him were making things harder and not to mention her new betrothed. Liked the intriguing characters and the mystery around Becka. A force to reckon she was! Action, suspense, magic, intrigue, darkness, violence and romance. First book that I read from this author and liked the writing style that had me intrigued most of the time.
I read both the Preview (Shadow in the City) and “Twinned Shadows” back to back. What a unique concept: two twin Fae sisters, one destined to be the Heir of House Rowan, and one exiled to human areas. In “Shadow in the City” the two sisters meet surrepticiously through texting and then have a lunch together. Tesse is described as lavender petals in motion, the prose making me feel the magic.
But all is not well this alternative universe. Although humans, Fae, and Shifters have created a super-police force to keep the peace, it is uneasy. Humans treat the Fae like we have always treated the conquered after a war: as second-class citizens. Shifters are present but frankly, I don’t think Candice Bundy placed enough depth behind their society interactions to mention them. AI-driven cars and cell phones indicate this is a world placed about 20 years in our future….maybe.
Unlike Tess, who grew up a Princess, trained in Illusions and grace, Becka has lived a scrappy life. She is pursuing a doctorate but faces discrimination and oddly, drug-addicted (fae blood) humans on the streets. She knows to avoid the alleys and shadows.
Becka saves Tessa from one abusive situation (which was a macabre dinner-hour debate), but Tessa later is murdered. Shocked and confused, she accepts her father’s request to attend a funeral, and mistakenly thinks Quinn is her ride. LOL, I don’t want to give the rest away, but the story is half murder-investigation and half a rebellion against tradition and place. Becka is constantly being sought as a lab rat. Seriously, read the Internship interview: she needs to ask if she is the one involved in the study, or IS the subject of the study. Ewww. There is an unwashed part of society in both human and fae areas.
The romance between Quinn and Becka is hot but limited to groping and kissing (no TMI). I absolutely want to see it develop. It is also refreshing to see a policeman or detective portrayed in a positive way.
The other supporting characters have depth and motivations, too. However, I did not see enough of Aunt Lydia. I want more! I want to hear more about the shifters, too. There is so much still to develop. Although this story seems complete it is obvious that more has been written and plotted out. There are unanswered questions, especially now that Becka has to take on the roll of Heir. Oops.
I could say more, but you need to read this.
Omg I was so engrossed in this book. The writing and character development were fantastic. I want to read more of the romance as well, I hope everything pans out. Absolutely can’t wait to read the next book!
*voluntarily and honestly reviewed the ARC I received from the author*
It’s a 4.5 for me. I love that it took its time but didn’t drag, and the details were potent enough to honestly give references if I ever wanted to draw the scenes out, and I like that.
Becka was kicked out eight years ago for not having any gifts, something the fae consider dire as it’s the only thing that separates them from the humans. She’s had to survive on her own but she’s had help from another outcast, and technically the House pay for her expenses, though with the involuntarily price of taking in any magical children she may have. (She can’t go with them, obs.)
But she’s endured and adapted and has come out better for it. Becka’s finally begun to seen the fruits of her labor, and it all goes awry when her father calls her back home for her twin sister’s funeral. I thought the author did a good job at showing her grief without it overpowering the rest of the necessary things. Like… this story started off as a sad funeral for a loved one but it slowly turned into a mystery to be solved, one full of anticipation and side romance (without all the first-love spiels). And then there was that craziness that you couldn’t really tell who was against her and who was genuinely there to help her.
The way they treated her made me sick and I honestly don’t know how she didn’t lose her control, but she kept it cool most of the time. By the end of the story, you kind of get an idea of what her family is really like, and for some of them, I find them more interesting that frustrating, and I think I saw a bit of character development by the last few pages?
It ends on a twist that makes you want to read the next book I love how much I got out of this. It didn’t blow through the plot and it took its time with the people and world-building. There wasn’t an info-dump and it grew organically when the scene called for knowing about something, otherwise it made you feel like you were in suspense. It’s a definite recommend.
INTENSE, is one good way to describe this book.
INSANE..and insanely good is another way to describe it.
Awesome World building definitely fits as well.
Complex people in the story, a lot of them with so many rigid rules.
It didn’t take me long to become “Team Becka” all the way! Becka went through quite the struggle to find herself. She had so much disapproval to go through and it wasn’t over yet. But now she refuses to let others take that uniqueness, that freedom away from her. Becka had learned to be very direct after being in the human world. She despised all the drama that seemed to be a essential part of the Fae world.
Quinn, Quinn, What are you up to? Can you be trusted? One minute I thought, yes and then another moment I wasn’t so sure. He definitely keeps everyone on their toes. Especially Becka who so WANTS to fully trust him.
The action, mysteries, plots and dangers kept me on the edge of my seat. The emotions are well done here especially Becka’s grief over her twin sister’s murder. But brace yourself that’s not the only emotions flowing in this book.
Many questions are answered here but there is also a MAJOR threat revealed that had been hidden for a very long time. That adventure continues in Book 2, “Poisoned Shadow” and I’m ready to read on!
“I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
I lost sleep, and did the infamous ‘one more chapter’ lie every time. I always needed to see what was next, and couldn’t put the book down. I can’t wait to see what happens next! (5 star story, but for honesty had to drop it, half a star to a star do to errors throughout)
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bekca has been away from fae court life for years ever since she was found too have know talent but that all changes when her twin Tessa is killed now mysterious things are happening around her that have to do with magic a secret society is after now too. One man will try to protect her another will seek to destroy her and when the magic is gone will she walk away from love to take her sisters place as heir as well as her sisters betrothed as her husband. Magic,intrigue and more mystery to come with a cliffhanger at the end.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
Becka Rowan is one of the fae-touched. When she was a teenager it was discovered that she had no magical talent, she became outcast, and was shipped off to live in a human city. Beck knew she would never return to the the House of Rowan, her ancestral home, but her twin sister was murdered and she has been invited to return so she can say goodbye. Beck didn’t expect to be escorted by a fae-touched member of the Enforcer’s Guild named Quinn, or the unexpected attraction she feels toward him. She quickly realizes that her sister’s death is murder, and Quinn is there to investigate. She will also make it clear that she wants to be involved in the investigation, and that she wants to help find the person responsible for her sister’s death.
Wow! Unique, compelling and well written characters. Becka and Quinn will face a dangerous fae with and agenda. Magic, murder, mystery, and some suspense, in a fascinating world. Fantastic book, I loved it!
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC from Hidden Gems Books.
Twinned Shadow: The Shadow Series book 1 by Candice Bundy is a 5 star read.
Becka Rowan is fae touched but she posses no magic, 8 years ago she was cast out to live in the human world where she was mostly shunned for her fae heritage, her twin sister Tesse is murdered on the day of her engagement and Becka is summoned home for the funeral. Becka no longer fits in with the fae but for her twin’s memory she tries a little, but her life is about to change in many ways that Becka may not be ready for.
Quinn is a fae enforcer who works with human’s, shifter’s and the fae, when he shows up to escort Becka home he believes she can lead him to her sisters murderer but he is hiding many secrets of his own.
I really loved this story, the characters were great and the storyline flowed wonderfully I can’t wait until the next book is released.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Candice Bundy – Shadow Series Bk 1 – Twinned Shadow – Reviewed 1/13/20 – Read 1/12/20
Outcasted, Devesting Murder, Unexpected results all lead to a drastic change for Becka!
Tested and found ungifted (no powers), Becka Rowan was outcasted from the Fae community, never to see her twin sister or family again. Or so she thought! For eight years she had made her way in the human world with schooling and now a chance at an internship to help change the relationship between Fae and humans. Then, the fateful call from her father, telling her that her twin sister had been murdered. She was to return immediately to the funeral. After she takes her final leave with her sister, she’ll be able to return to the world that she has finally created for herself. The escort that they send to bring her back, hmm he is delicious looking. Quinn is fae-touched, and he is a member of the Enforcer’s Guild assigned to investigate her sister’s death. Even though she is ungifted, Quinn insists that he will let no harm come to her. Together they work to find the killer. Unexpected things start to happen to Becka that would all lead to the drastic change in her life, that she never expected nor after all this time did she want. What happens??? Is she in danger?? Will her life ever be the same again??
What did I like? It has been a while since I have ventured into the world of the Fae, shifters and the magical realm. It was refreshing and what a mystery did it turn out to be. I enjoyed the characters and the turn of events was quite unexpected.
What will you like? Wow, exciting, mystery, intrigue, deception, and new beginnings!! The characters are amazing and unique. The twists and turns are quick and certainly intriguing. The mystery begins on page one and builds all the way through. I love the descriptions and the details that Candice included. They were so descriptive, that I felt like I was right there. I could smell the forest and hear the birds in the trees. Excellent storyline and well thought out. The great thing is, this is just book one… just think of all the things that are to come!!!
@ddeegott
• File Size: 3084 KB
• Print Length: 249 Pages
• Release Date: January 13, 2020
• Genre: Supernatural Thrillers, Paranormal, Suspense, Paranormal & Urban Fantasy
I received a free ARC of this novel via Hidden Gems in exchange for a review. My opinion is my own.
I have never read anything by Ms. Bundy before this but I will be looking for more by her in the future. This is the first book in this series although there is a prequel but it isn’t something that you HAVE to read. The plot was really good. It made me feel a whole gauntlet of emotions for the heroine from sadness to frustration. The characters we well developed but I wasn’t overly fond of most of them. I felt as though the heroine needed a little more backbone. Either way it was a great read and I will definitely be reading the next story in this series. I need to know what happens next!
Great world building
The pacing is a little lax with the timeline of a week feeling like months. The food sounded delicious. I wouldn’t mind reading more, but Becka was a bit basic. For someone with pink hair and piercings I’d expect more pissed off snark. I expected Margo from Magicians and got Julia instead. Quinn was also not as complex as I would like.