Shadowdance by Kristen Callihan
Series: Darkest London #4
Published by Forever
Published on: December 17, 2013
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Steampunk
Pages: 464
Format: ARC
Source: Gifted
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Once a heart is lost in shadow...
Life has been anything but kind to Mary Chase. But the Society for the Suppression of Supernaturals has given her purpose. Now she's been tasked with catching a vicious murderer dubbed the Bishop of Charing Cross. But someone is already on the case—and the last thing he relishes is a partner.
Only someone who lives in darkness can find it.
Jack Talent has been alone with his demons for many years. He never expected to have the willful Mary Chase assist him on the Bishop case. Their age-old rivalry reaches new heights—even as their desire for one another reaches a fever pitch. Though he aches to bring her close, Jack's dark secrets are a chasm between them. With dangerous enemies closing in, Jack must find the strength to face the past...or risk losing Mary forever.
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There are currently four installments in Kristen Callihan’s Darkest London series and every single one of them has been a 5-star read in my opinion, including Shadowdance. The last three books have fallen more on the historical side of paranormal romance but this newest one is packed full of steampunk-y goodness which only made me love it more. The story is captivating in that I-can’t-put-it-down kind of way and even though there aren’t any love scenes until the very end, the torturous build-up and flirting are almost just as satisfying. If you’re trying to find an author who consistently delivers first-class novels that are truly unique, you can’t go wrong with Kristen Callihan.
In Shadowdance, readers get to learn more about the mysterious GIM (Ghost in the Machine) and let me tell you, they are as freaky as they are fascinating. It’s rare for me to come across a breed of supernatural that I haven’t read about yet so Callihan deserves some mad props! In this book the author gives us a brief history lesson, introduces their relatives the shadow crawlers and further elaborates on what we learned about their kind in Moonglow. But the surprises don’t stop there! If you’ve been following this series, then you’ve probably already pegged Jack Talent as being a shifter and he is. Well, kind of. There are some new revelations on that front as well and they will most likely give you whiplash. I’m telling you… this book is one OMG moment after another!
I loved reading about Mary and Jack; they are both sharp tongued, no BS kind of people and when you partner them together you get the most delicious kind of friction. They’ve both been fueling their strong dislike for each other for the past four years and make an unlikely team but as their pasts come to light so do a few shocking similarities. I enjoyed discovering their respective tortured histories almost as much as I liked their snarky on-the-job exchanges. Hot tempers turn to even hotter flirtations which ultimately result in two of the sexiest non-coitus scenes that I have ever read. No one write descriptive detail quite like Callihan; who would have thought that a first kiss could be better than the big O?
This book’s plot takes readers on a wild chase through the dangerous streets of London; the SOS investigation takes so many unexpected turns that you’ll be hard-pressed to figure anything out until the author wants you to. Many of this series’ lovable characters also make cameo appearances which is always a nice little bonus for fans and a few hints are dropped as to who will be the next paranormal couple featured in this series. I usually try to include at least one negative critique in my reviews but in this case, honestly, there are none. I read this novel in one sitting and I’m half-tempted to do it all over again!
Kristen Callihan is 4-for-4 with her Darkest London series; Shadowdance is a 5-star read across the board!
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
OOoh awesome review!!! I should be getting a copy from the publisher…at least that was what I was told awhile ago, so hoping that still pans out! I was slow to grow to this series but it was Moonglow that totally sold me on it! And I read Winterblaze last week and loved that too! So I am eager for this one and can only hope that the publishers send me the copy asap!
Again, great review!
Thanks Jessica! I love this series because of it’s unique mix of historical and paranormal elements. Plus, I adore Callihan’s writing! I hope you get your copy soon.
Alright!! Now I know which book is going to make our 13 hr drive much easier.
Is that time of the year when head north for Christmas, and I always make a special list for the trip, and this sounds just perfect.
Thanks Carmel.
OMG 13 hours!? You poor thing. Everyone is coming to us this year which makes life so much easier. The audiobook comes out tomorrow so you’re in luck!
The first two books in this series were both 5 star reads for me. I still need to read Winterblaze and I’m looking forward to this one as well 🙂 Great review!
Callihan is definitely on a roll with this series with 5-star read after 5-star read. I’m in love!
Skimmed because I haven’t read this yet. I need to catch up on my steampunk reads ASAP. I just read the novella & totally loved it. I do love how KCallihan writes her romantic tensions, it doesn’t fail to get me squeeing like a crazy fangirl. And I’m not a fangirl.
If you loved the novella you’re gonna adore the full length books! 🙂
Okay, alright, I can take the hint. It’s time to actually start this series. I just picked up the prequel novella and book 1. 🙂 Great review Carmel!
This whole series has been 5-stars for me. Love it!
I only skimmed your review because I’m still reading but I truly love this series! The mix of historical romance and the paranormal really works, steampunk has become one of my favorite genres and Ms. Callihan always delivers!
I always have a hard time putting these books into just one genre because you’re right, Callihan adds a little bit of everything in her novels which is, of course, one of the reasons why I keep coming back for more.