Review for Shadowlands (Shadowlands #1) by Kate Brian
Shadowlands (Shadowlands #1) by Kate Brian
Published January 8th 2013 by Hyperion
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Rory Miller had one chance to fight back and she took it. Rory survived… and the serial killer who attacked her escaped. Now that the infamous Steven Nell is on the loose, Rory must enter the witness protection with her father and sister, Darcy, leaving their friends and family without so much as a goodbye. Starting over in a new town with only each other is unimaginable for Rory and Darcy. They were inseparable as children, but now they can barely stand each other. As the sisters settle in to Juniper Landing, a picturesque vacation island, it seems like their new home may be just the fresh start they need. They fall in with a group of beautiful, carefree teens and spend their days surfing, partying on the beach, and hiking into endless sunsets. But just as they’re starting to feel safe again, one of their new friends goes missing. Is it a coincidence? Or is the nightmare beginning all over again?
I have to admit one thing, the cover is what originally drew to me this book. I mean look at it. But it was a lot more than I was expecting, and I am happy that read it. The synopsis give a eerie account of what this is about and it boy it starts with Rory’s attack scene, makes you want to dive right in and find out what is going on. How does she escape? What does it mean? I finished this in one day, because I simply didn’t want to put it down. How we meet is both chilling and completely engrossing and had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Rory’s nightmare attack, is done by Mr. Nell who is one of her teachers, and boy he is one sick man. Now that Rory has escaped his attack, she has to deal with the aftermath and affect on her family as well. Moving and trying to start over is never easy. Mr. Nell wasn’t caught, so now there is a whole new nightmare to deal with. Rory seem to be a down to earth girl, not the popular, outgoing girl. She really has no idea how pretty she is and is just the sweetest young girl. Rory is complete opposite is her sister Darcy who the beautiful popular girl at school. Their Father has been a bit off since the death of their Mother, and who could really blame him, but he makes a great turn around. With all that is happening the family dynamics was was thing that I enjoyed. Family coming together. The setting and world building was phenomenal. I knew there something off about the island and the people living on it, but I just couldn’t put my finger on it. I know that the island is a tourist place, but the events that took place were creepy, and with Nell’s short accounts, it was frightening, especially to see how deranged this man really was. All of this led up to an ending that blew my mind, it wasn’t what I was expecting at all. Brian did an amazing job at keeping me guessing and since this is going to be a a series, I am intrigued to find out where the shocking ending leads us. Shadowlands is an amazing thriller with a mystery that will give you chills and wanting more. It is a must read and I will be anxiously waiting to find out when the next books will be released. 
It sounds intriguing, but a whole series? Maintaining the tension will be a challenge.
I thought this one going to be a stand alone, once I was done reading it I found out it would be part of a series. I wonder how will play out too.
So glad to read your positive review of this-I have it on hold at the library and I can’t wait for it come in. I’ll have to make sure to read this with the lights on so I’m not too scared.
Oh man, I’ve been on the fence about this one. It’s encouraging to see that you liked it.
I really enjoyed this one! great review
I admit I also LOVE LOVE the cover! So gorgeous! Kind of too gorgeous for a murder mystery type of story! The crazy guy is her teacher?! Creepy! I like when the book dives into the mind of the psycho. Gives it that extra chill. I’m glad the ending was a shocker! I love being surprised.
I am excited to know there there will be more of this and it is a series now.
I’ve had this book on my watch-list, but I think I’m going to add it to my TBR after reading this review! I love it when I love a book as much as the cover!