Unorthodox
First of all, I must admit that the whole concept of 'Shadow Shifters' is absolutely ingenious. I've read plenty of novels revolving around the idea of some supernatural creatures being capable of invading people's dreams or just traversing human subconscious some other way, but your take on this topic has offered some very nice new vision angle to this. Moreover, this concept is actually so broad and in-depth that it actually has plenty of room for further expansion and development. I would really love to read another volume of 'Shadow Shifters' where this topic would be exposed in greater detail, perhaps with more focus on the history and background of these unique beings and maybe even some totally new Shadow Shifter figures introduced in the plot. Otherwise, kudos on a brilliant literary invention!
Another strong suit of yours is definitely your ability to potray very believable and relatable characters. To my mind, both River and Liam are the absolute stars of the show in terms of the instensity of the feelings each one of them is able to arouse with the reading audience. I must confess I've been deeply distressed for River throughout the whole novel, especially in those episodes where she was in danger or just going through much worry or suffering. At the same, I absolutely hated Liam's guts during the first 2/3 of the novel, and even in the end it was hard for me to get rid of that bitter aftertaste his persona has left me with from the beginning. The fact that I was so emotionally invested in both these characters is a testament to what great a job you did with both of them.
Alex is also a very pleasant character but in my opinion he came out a little too one-dimensional, especially compared to Liam and River. The way I see it, he's just a typical 'knight in shining armor' type of character, assigned a common task of savng the day for the novel's damsel in distress and then ending up as her love interest. Don't get me wrong, though - I don't mean to knock the significance of the role he played for the plot development. I just wish there were a few more sides to his persona other than the typical handsome, strong boyscout type. In contrast, both River and Liam appear a little more multifaceted to me as none of them is a univocally good or bad character. Each one of them is brought face to face with quite a few individual ordeals and hardships, which then shape them into better versions of their own selves. Perhaps, if there is going to be a continuation, it would make a good opportunity to tell the audience something entirely new and unexpected about Alex as well, which might make the readers look at him differently.
The narration is perfectly structured to keep the reading audience on their tenterhooks. The way you so adroitly switch from one character's POV to another is nothing short of commendable. I've tried writing plenty of my works in first-person but doing this requires a special kind of talent which I don't possess, unfortunately. You, on the other hand, appear to have excelled at this hard-to-gain skill, which is worth a lot of respect. The way how precisely you grasp the very essence of things by viewing the one and same scenes and situations from totally different perspectives is just astonishing. Also, your ability to create suspense and other dramatic effects is next-to-none. I was being on edge when reading through some of the chapters and I absolultely couldn't wait to start reading the next ones if their predecessors ended on cliffhangers. You really managed to create a very addicitive novel (in a good sense of this word), which is something not every author, no matter how gifted or productive, can always brag about.
However, as much as I'm impressed and fascinated with this work, I can't help but bring a few critical remarks as well. Namely, I would say that the first half of the novel had more thrill and intrigue reigning throuhgout its narration rather than its second half. Somehow, ever since River met Alex and revealed her secret to him, the circumstances surrounding River have started feeling a little too comfortable and too convenient. Although she still found herself in quite a few predicaments afterwards, I was no longer feeling as worried for her as I'd been in the beginning. I believe that this might also have affected my perception of Alex's character as with his appearance things just began to get a little too secure, in my opinion.
Also, I found it a little strange that ever since River turned 18 or 19, her family seemed to have completely forgotten about her. When Liam started abusing her by systematically summoning her whenever he wanted and often traumatizing and even injuring her in the process, it seemed very weird to me she somehow managed to keep all this away from her parents, especially considering how overprotective they'd been when raising her. I understand that at the age of 19 many teenagers are no longer living with their parents and everything, but still, remaining Liam's personal slave for so long without anyone from her immediate circle ever noticing it kinda put me off. I apologize if I inattentively missed some explanation for this already contained in the narration, so please enlighten me if my logic is flawed here.
Last but not least, the way how easily Liam let go of River at the end of the story felt to me like something out of his character. Of course, I understand that by that time he was already all focused on searching for his long-lost mother and settling scores with his father. However, considering how insanely obsessed with River he used to be, I thought he would give this thing at least a few more shots before completely giving up. It's great that Liam displayed some capacity for personal growth and amanged to elevate above his former cruel, abusive, egotistical setf, but I feel like this transition from one peronsality to another should have been a little slower and smoother. Then again, it's just my opinion.
Overall, my impression from reading this novel is very pleasant and I'm already quite hooked up for continuation, spin-off, prequel etc. (if there;'s going to be one). Otherwise, congratulations on creating a masterpiece and wish you every success with your writing!
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