Review of Shadow Angel: Book One (Shadow Angel, #1) by Julie Hall
From the moment I stumbled upon Shadow Angel: Book One, my interest was piqued. The blend of urban fantasy, angels, and demons mixed with a coming-of-age narrative led me to the works of Julie Hall, an author I hadn’t yet explored—though I have loved Leia Stone’s books. It felt like the perfect moment for a new story, and I can confidently say this one delivered an engaging ride.
Shadow Angel dives into the age-old battle between good and evil, set against the vibrant backdrop of Brooklyn. Our protagonist, Tatum Powers, is just three weeks shy of her 18th birthday and grapples with being a bridge between angels, demons, and shades. Her relatable struggles—balancing her job at Sal’s Diner, caring for her ailing gran, and navigating a sudden plunge into a supernatural world—made her character resonate with me. I appreciated that she stood up for her beliefs, embodying a fierce spirit in a chaotic environment.
The book’s pacing is medium, which suited my reading style perfectly. I enjoyed the steady build-up of tension as Tatum encounters disrupting elements in her everyday life—like demons in the subway. The story arcs beautifully through her transformation from a teenage girl to someone grappling with significant choices about the fate of her family and herself.
The central characters were captivating, each carrying their own weight and complexity. Tatum is accompanied by Gage, a shade with ties to both the dark and light, who harbors a heart despite his allegiance—definitely a character I found myself rooting for, even as the complexity of his familial ties complicated matters. The side characters, particularly Drea and Jacob, added layers to the story, showcasing the spectrum of good and evil and the gray areas in between.
What truly stood out for me was the world-building, particularly the contrasting realms of Lumen and the Netherworld. The Ascension Sanctuary felt almost like a character in itself, bringing the richness of myth and modern life together. Hall’s descriptive storytelling pulled me right in, making it easy to envision the epic settings while also feeling the weight of Tatum’s emotional turmoil.
One quote that lingered with me encapsulated the book’s essence: “People can be redeemed.” This line carried a profound weight, and the unfolding of Tatum’s journey made me reflect on the choices we all face, whether in our mundane lives or in the realms of fantasy.
If you enjoy urban fantasy infused with themes of redemption, love, and the battle between light and dark, you’ll likely find something to treasure in Shadow Angel. I rated it 3.5 but rounded up to 4, recognizing its entertaining and gripping narrative—even if it’s not a perfect fit for everyone. The cliffhanger at the end left me eager for more, as it teased a deeper exploration of Tatum’s world and her relationship with Gage.
Overall, the reading experience was satisfying and left me yearning for Book Two. Shadow Angel is an excellent pick for anyone craving a fresh take on fantasy with layered characters and moral dilemmas that echo beyond the pages. If you’ve ever wondered what dives into the depths of good and evil might look like, Tatum’s story may just captivate you too!
Discover more about Shadow Angel: Book One (Shadow Angel, #1) on GoodReads >>