Shadows of Kiev


Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
211 Pages
Reviewed on 11/01/2022
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Ronél Steyn for Readers' Favorite

Shadows of Kiev by Eliza Tilton is a marvelous combination of dark fantasy and romance, set in the 9th century, after the fall of the Rus when Vikings were trying to arrange trade between the settlements. Folkvarr, a 17-year-old Viking, accompanies his father to a Slav settlement after rumors of the undead reach them. Here he meets Agna, a Slavic girl whose parents were murdered by Vikings. There is distrust and animosity on both sides from generations of hatred. Yet fate has different plans for these two. Will they be able to overcome the invisible barriers placed between them and find true love? Can they survive and conquer the threat of the undead in a land steeped in mystery and magic?

Eliza Tilton tantalizes the senses with this remarkable story. Much research was performed to bring these characters and the land to life. Each chapter is alternately written from the perspective of Folkvarr or Agna. In this manner, we form a stronger bond with them and empathize with them. We feel what they feel. The fight scenes were described in vivid detail, and I was in the middle of it all. Every clang of metal on metal, every swing of an axe, I was there. I thoroughly enjoyed the lore associated with the Slavic culture and the art of creating interesting new monsters. I also appreciated the fact that Viking, Christian, and Leshii could work together despite their differences. Shadows of Kiev is a must-read for lovers of dark fantasy.