Dark magic, dangerous secrets, and a world teetering on the edge of chaos—Where Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell is a gripping fantasy that blends high stakes with rich storytelling. As an eagerly anticipated 2025 release, this novel delivers a spellbinding mix of intrigue, powerful characters, and an immersive atmosphere perfect for fans of gothic fantasy. But does it live up to the hype? In this spoiler-free ARC review, I’ll break down what worked, what didn’t, and whether Where Shadows Meet deserves a spot on your TBR.
Title: Where Shadows Meet
By: Patrice Caldwell
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 320
Release Date: April 1st, 2025
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:
The dark and thrillingly romantic debut vampire fantasy that questions what it truly means to sacrifice for love.
You have no idea what I’ve done for love. Just as you have no idea what you may one day do.
Once long ago, a girl named Favre sacrificed her wings for love. Thana, the young goddess she so willingly gave them up for, sacrificed that same love for power. But everything has a cost.
Favre never got over the loss of her wings. And Thana’s choices led to a life of eternal night, and later, their destruction. Favre has bided her time ever since, waiting for the chance to resurrect the girl she loves who turned her into the creature she hates.
Now, a thousand years later, Leyla, the crown princess of the malichora—an ancient race that survives on human blood —must travel to the Island of the Dead when her best friend is captured during an attack on her nation’s capital. Along with Najja, a fierce, beautiful seer, and the last person she expected to help her, Leyla forges down a dangerous path, intent on saving her friend. But nothing is as it seems. The closer she gets to her goal, the more she risks awakening an ancient evil and destroying everything she holds dear.
Set in the aftermath of a war between vampires, humans, and the gods that created them, Patrice Caldwell’s devastatingly romantic fantasy debut, Where Shadows Meet, centers the heart-wrenching pain of loss and the struggle of self-discovery to ask: do we choose our fates, or do our fates choose us?
Review:
Where Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell is a lush, atmospheric fantasy that weaves queer romance, vampire lore, and intricate world-building into a gripping tale of love and power. The story thrives on its star-crossed lovers trope, delivering high stakes and emotional depth as its protagonists navigate a world shaped by myth and betrayal. Caldwell's writing is immersive, with vivid descriptions and a well-developed matriarchal society that sets it apart from typical vampire fantasies. However, the pacing occasionally falters, making some sections feel slower than others. Still, the novel’s rich themes and compelling characters make it a standout read.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
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