Nightshade-by-Brooke-RadleyNightshade by Brooke Radley takes place in the kingdom of Darten.

Eleanor has just graduated from the Academy for Mages and is looking to make her way in the world when she accepts a mission from the high council. Her mission: infiltrate the Nightshade Brotherhood of Thieves and gather intel on where a new drug called Tangleweed is coming from.

Magic is more or less frowned upon in the Brotherhood since all mages are aligned with the king, so Eleanor must keep her powers a secret.

Too bad Eleanor is caught almost immediately using her magic by the beautiful and mysterious Cassandra. Instead of kicking Eleanor out, Cassandra takes her under her wing as an apprentice. This could be the break Eleanor is looking for to gather the information she needs, but as time goes on, reality sets in, her heart takes over, and things are not quite what they seem to be.

The Characters

Eleanor is a water mage. She graduated top of her class and is ready to step out from underneath the shadow of her uncle, who is one of the most famous mages in the kingdom. She is brave, smart, and resilient. I really liked her as a character. She stuck for her convictions and never faltered from her decisions. I like me a girl who doesn’t flip flop.

Cassandra is a thief in the Nightshade Brotherhood. The story is told from Eleanor’s perspective, so what Eleanor sees and perceives is what you see of Cassandra. She is strong, confident and beautiful, as well as patient and passionate. Honestly, she could seduce me anyday.

The Writing Style

The book is written in first person perspective, solely from Eleanor’s point of view. Books written in first person from one character’s point of view tend to be some of my favorites and this one is no exception. A romance where a character goes undercover and then falls in love could be written either horribly wrong or really well. This book falls in with the latter. The plot moves swiftly and smoothly, there was never a dull moment.

The Pros

The characters were strong and the story captivating.

The Cons

I don’t have anything to complain about with this book. I knew from the first few sentences that I was going to love it.
brooklyn-fave

The Conclusion

When I finished this book I blinked twice, looked up, and had to ask what day it was. I completely lost myself in the story, I read it in a day. I really should have slowed myself down but I couldn’t help it. I did the Tara. I’m pretty sure my mom said something to me at some point but I have no idea what.

I recommend this book to all readers because it’s an amazing and well written adventure.

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Excerpt from Nightshade by Brooke Radley

“How will you explain his disappearance?”

Eleanor shook her head and shrugged . “I don’t know.”

“I have an idea, but you won’t like it.”

“Oh?”

“That man that came in here— he was a healer, right?”

“Yes,” Eleanor said slowly, not sure what Cassandra was trying to say.

“A good one? Better than you?”

“The best.” Cassandra bit her lip as she contemplated the information. She muttered something as she began to flex her hands and shake out her feet, like she was preparing for a fight. Eleanor stepped closer, but Cassandra shook her head. “Stay there.” She hesitated, then said, “I’m sorry for this.”

“For what?”

Cassandra lunged at her.

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Bits and Bobs

  • ISBN number: 9781911153016
  • Publisher: Ninestar Press

Note: I received a free review copy of Nightshade by Brooke Radley for review. No money was exchanged for this review. I will always review books as honestly as possible and on occasion I refuse to review books.