Where Shadows Meet: A Tantalizing Concept That Falls Short
I’ve always been drawn to books that promise expansive worlds and intriguing dynamics—especially when they feature complex characters just grappling with their existence. So when I saw Where Shadows Meet by author and literary agent, Tamsyn Caldwell, pop up on my NetGalley feed, my interest was instantly piqued. The melding of gods, vampires, and sapphic relationships had my excitement dialed up to eleven. However, my hopes met a rather disheartening reality as I dove into Caldwell’s vision.
A Promising Start, Unraveled by Excessive Info-Dumps
The novel opens with a sprawling family tree of gods and information about subclasses of vampires—a bold move that sets the stage but quickly veers into an overwhelming barrage of worldbuilding. While I genuinely appreciate an author’s effort to construct a rich cosmos, I found myself lost in an information overload. The excitement of meeting this fantastical world dissipated almost immediately as I struggled to retain critical details, leading to a reading experience that felt more like a chore than an adventure.
As I forced myself to continue, I hoped the characters would help balance this lackluster start. Unfortunately, I found myself grappling with underdeveloped protagonists. Favre, the antagonist, had potential but ultimately fell victim to cliché villain tropes, leaving me sifting through repetitive motives and inner monologues. Najja and Leyla were equally forgettable companions on this journey; even Leyla’s entrance in chapter five felt too late for me to genuinely invest in her character.
Struggles with Pacing and Emotional Resonance
The pacing of Where Shadows Meet further added to my disillusion. It felt like a prolonged dalliance that only led to disappointment—the much-anticipated romance hit its peak at page 250, followed by a contrived breakup just fifteen pages later. Caldwell repeatedly tells us about the characters’ trauma and struggles, yet I found myself unable to summon any empathy for their plight. Instead of eliciting the emotional investment it aimed for, the narrative left me indifferent.
Though I recognize Caldwell’s ambition and dedication to creating a queernormative space filled with sapphic representation, I couldn’t shake my disappointment at how the execution faltered. The duality of the world laid before us was intriguing, but it felt marred by complexities that never fully translated onto the page.
Should You Give This Book a Chance?
Despite the shortcomings, Where Shadows Meet may find its audience among dedicated fantasy enthusiasts and those curious about queer portrayals in vampire lore. Caldwell’s motivation and passion for her craft shine through, even if the final product feels undercooked. For readers who relish immersive world-building—even at the expense of pacing—this book could offer some worth.
As I closed the last page, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own writing journey, where inspiration often collides with the challenges of crafting a compelling narrative. While I hoped this would be a beautiful exploration of identity and fantasy, I ended up longing for a story that could have lured me into its shadows—but for now, I guess its light just wasn’t bright enough.
If you’re after rich world-building filled with sapphic tales, you might still take a shot at this title. Just be prepared for the journey to be less than what you hoped for.
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