Review: A Hunt of Shadows (A Trial of Sorcerers #2) by Elise Kova

A Hunt of Shadows

(A Trial of Sorcerers #2)

by Elise Kova 

March 1, 2022

Goodreads Summary:

The second book in A Trial of Sorcerers is filled with forbidden magic, shadowy intrigue, heart-pounding action, and slow-burn romance.

Eira is now a champion of the Solaris Empire. She’s off to a land she’s only dreamed about. But a nightmare awaits her.

Her sworn enemy has escaped. His allies are powerful and deadly. And Eira finds herself tangled in the dangerous web of the undercity of Risen where the mysterious Court of Shadows and lethal Pillars battle for the fate of the kingdom.

But vengeance has a price. When Eira is captured by her enemies, it’s not only her life, but the lives of her friends, and the man she loves most, at stake. The woman she was won’t be enough to turn the tides churning against her from long before she was born. She’ll have to become something more. She’ll have to love deeper and fight fiercer than ever before.

The only way to kill a legendary champion, will be to become one herself.

Experience Eira’s adventure in the A Trial of Sorcerers series by USA Today bestselling author Elise Kova today, for readers who enjoy young adult, epic fantasy, filled with sorcery, deep friendships, forbidden romance, and tales of faraway lands.

Review

If you've been following my reviews, you know how much I enjoy an Elise Kova novel. A Hunt of Shadows, the newest addition to her A Trial of Sorcerers series is no different. My excitement level steadily grew as I read. The story packed quite a punch.

Elise writes the most unforgettable worlds. The Air Awakens universe is expanding beautifully. I was delighted to be learning more about Meru and the other kingdoms. Even more so when familiar faces were involved! Having read the Vortex Chronicles books I was able to make several connections alluded to in A Hunt of Shadows. It raised the stakes that much higher.

Eira didn't make the smartest decisions but I appreciate how consistent she was. Not shying away from danger, she sought to wreak vengeance on her brother's killer. The constantly tense atmosphere Eira found herself in had even me on guard. Secrets followed her wherever she went. In her time in the Court of Shadows and with the Pillars, Eira becomes a different person. One that is surer of herself and more mindful of others. I'm carefully rooting for her.

I'm sad that I wasn't a bigger fan of the forbidden romance in A Hunt of Shadows. There just wasn't enough interactions between Eira and Cullen for me to believe how deeply in love they were. It was nice to see how far the two former enemies have come but most of the time I found them to be too sappy. However, I am extremely curious where their relationship is going given the revelation (Cullen is engaged) at the end of this book.

A Hunt of Shadows set up quite a few things. I'm eager to see how Eira will perform in the Tournament of Five Kingdoms. I have been ready for this competition since hearing about it in book one. So bring on A Tournament of Crowns!

*I received an advance review copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the ARC I received.