A Black and Solemn Silence


Fiction - Paranormal
332 Pages
Reviewed on 01/25/2024
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

A Black and Solemn Silence is a work of fiction penned by author Danielle Thompson in the paranormal romance, adventure, and suspense subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience owing to scenes of violence and sexual violence. The author invites readers to delve into an atmospheric forest, where two shape-shifting kitsune, Kuro and Jaden, navigate a precarious existence. When a photograph threatens their secrecy, they must leave their mountain home, leading to an encounter with police secretary Caroline Lahey. As their worlds collide, Kuro faces a moral dilemma: kill Caroline for his freedom or succumb to Jaden's violent influence. The narrative weaves a slow burn with a highly engaging enemies-to-lovers romance against the backdrop of urban fantasy.

Author Danielle Thompson has crafted a well-balanced tale that combines paranormal elements with complex interpersonal dynamics that feel gripping and realistic. The protagonist's internal struggle, torn between protecting Caroline and resisting Jaden's dark allure, is well-handled to convey a lot of emotion and vulnerability, with a close narrative skill that keeps us endeared to Kuro even when we might not agree with the decisions being made. The story is well-paced to deliver some cracking action scenes with cinematic descriptions, then draw readers deeply into moments brimming with tension and emotional depth. As the first book in the Color by Numbers series, the accomplished descriptive writing and worldbuilding offer readers a fantastic introduction to a world where lies, love, and supernatural forces intertwine, promising a gripping journey ahead. Overall, A Black and Solemn Silence sets the stage for an engaging series for mature readers of paranormal romance, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to fans of compelling paranormal fantasy everywhere.

Doreen Chombu

A Black and Solemn Silence by Danielle Thompson is a modern retelling of Japanese folklore that features shapeshifting demon foxes known as Kitsune. The story revolves around Kuro and Jaden, two Kitsune who reside in the mountains of North Carolina. One day, they venture out of their home, and Kuro is accidentally captured on camera by a man who looks exactly like him. The pair decides to follow the man to stop him from sharing the pictures. Unfortunately, Kuro's images are published in the newspaper and on television before they can reach him. Making matters worse, Jaden develops a desire for souls, leading to a killing spree that terrifies Kuro. Kuro also fears the worst when he begins to bond with Caroline, a local police secretary. Although the two creatures possess distinct personalities, they must learn to navigate the modern world together and discover their destiny.

A Black and Solemn Silence is the first book in the Color by Numbers series by Danielle Thompson, and I must say, it is a very intriguing read. The author has done a great job of developing each character, delving into their backstories and motives. I felt like I was in their shoes, experiencing their emotions. The book explores themes of morality, prompting readers to question whether certain actions are worth the consequences. I particularly enjoyed the building romance between Caroline and Kuro. The forbidden love and enemies-to-lovers trope was executed perfectly, adding to their electric chemistry. Meanwhile, Jaden is an unpredictable and charming character who adds suspense and tension to the story. There are other characters with their own plotlines running in the background. Each one is interesting and fits perfectly into the main storyline. This book is memorable, and I am eagerly anticipating reading more about these characters. Great work.

Luwi Nyakansaila

A Black and Solemn Silence is a thrilling modern fantasy adventure by Danielle Thompson. The story follows Kuro, a shapeshifting demon fox known as a Kitsune, who resides in the mountains with his only friend, Jaden, who is a similar creature with darker tendencies. Kuro prefers to stay away from humans, but Jaden seeks adventure and convinces Kuro to leave their mountain haven. During their travels, they come across Kenneth, a man who looks exactly like Kuro in his human form. Unfortunately, Kenneth takes pictures of Kuro and disappears, leaving behind papers containing his personal information. To prevent Kenneth from sharing the images, Kuro and Jaden decide to go after him. In the process, Kuro meets Caroline, a woman who captures his interest, while Jaden becomes obsessed with consuming people's souls and starts committing murder. Meanwhile, the pictures taken by Kenneth begin to circulate, attracting the attention of the police.

Rarely do I come across a book that instantly grabs my attention and keeps me glued. A Black and Solemn Silence is one of the most captivating and intriguing books I have ever read. Danielle Thompson does a fantastic job of laying the foundation of the Color by Numbers book series with this book. The story is fast-paced, suspenseful, and has amazing, memorable characters. The different plotlines of Kuro, Caroline, Jaden, and Kenneth are all entertaining, allowing readers to view life from each character's perspective. The author lets you feel their emotions and listen to their thoughts, making it easy to relate to them and their struggles. The book explores themes of morality, destiny, and self-discovery. It is well-crafted, and I enjoyed everything about it, from the stunning book cover to the unique plot. Fortunately, the story is not over yet because Kuro's and Jaden’s journeys have just begun. I highly recommend this book to all modern fantasy lovers out there, and I cannot wait to read more in this series.