Shadows

We all know about that typical fallen angel story, but one is seldom told in way that tugs at your heart and gets your adrenaline going like Paula Weston's Shadows (The Rephaim #1).  Weston does an amazing job world building the many levels of angels, demons, mortals and everyone in between!  Shadows is a story of discovery that will leave you breathless and wanting more.

Summary courtesy of Goodreads:

It’s almost a year since Gaby Winters was in the car crash that killed her twin brother, Jude. Her body has healed in the sunshine of Pandanus Beach, but her grief is raw and constant. It doesn’t help that every night in her dreams she kills demons and other hell-spawn. 

And then Rafa comes to town. Not only does he look exactly like the guy who’s been appearing in Gaby’s dreams—he claims a history with her brother that makes no sense. Gaby is forced to accept that what she thought she knew about herself and her life is only a shadow of the truth—and that the truth is more likely to be found in the shadows of her nightmares. 

Who is Rafa? Who are the Rephaim? And most importantly, who can she trust?

Who can she trust is right!  Poor Gaby!  My heart goes out to her and seriously, this novel kept my breath held waiting for Gaby to come into her own power and strength.  The characters sprinkled throughout were increasingly vivid and Weston did a brilliant job hiding enough of the details to keep the reader intrigued and revealed elements at precisely the right moments.

The pace of Shadows worked and as I have said earlier, it really is Weston's world building that I felt was the best done element.  The various locations are just so beautifully written that I can see and feel the various settings.  When you dive into the world that Weston builds you can taste the sawdust in the cage in one moment and the next you're tasting the salty air of Pandanus Beach.  

One thing, however cannot be overlooked....this book has some intense and building FEELS ahead!  The way Weston writes the relationships between the characters and building sexual tensions are really quite masterful!  Can I just say that Rafa makes me SWOON in a major way and when you include the added tension of Daniel...Oh MY!  Some of the scenes I could seriously read a time or two again...

Overall, I'd say that if you're looking for a quick read or another series to get into Shadows is your go to!  It has action, romance, paranormal and a mystery to work your way into!  Weston creates and amazing story that I, for one, cannot wait to continue on with Haze!