Cruelly Enchanting
This book has a fascinating premise, with prose that blends inventive, dark, fantastical elements with the hauntingly realistic intricacies of the stripper world. Fierce loyalties, authentic romance, and sharply drawn, emotionally complex characters of distinct identities and talents, the author has weaved an intriguing, enticing world that has plenty of bite underneath the glitter of genuine attraction. The Shadow Men is a fantasy with teeth and is genuinely gripping for the brilliant main character that shines from page one. The Shadow Men's fierce and beautiful El becomes a relatable character through her strong sensibilities. Despite her best efforts, she and the charming, if privileged, Dillon share a natural chemistry that eventually develops into an inseparable bond so pure, El's self-pitying all but vanishes with the dynamic portrayal of her driven character.
The writing style has a kind of fluidity to it. It reads almost like a dream: a cruelly enchanting one, that is, in reality, a nightmare. This quality allows readers to discover the mystery of El's darkly realistic night horrors and the Shadow Men's depravities right alongside her.
My only concerns are the lack of characterization for the wickedly imaginative Shadow Men leader, paired with the grammar errors alternating between comma splice mistakes, repetitive phrases, and missing punctuation.
Overall, I would highly recommend this lush, dark thriller that intricately weaves together Greek mythology, romance, dangerous nightmares, and shattered dreams. Wonderfully tense and breathtakingly touching, this world is one where the divide between the wealthy and poor is a highway line inked in pain.
Note: This is a judge's review written following the Roadmap Awards writing competition, round two.
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