Review: Shadowed by Cari Z

I really enjoyed the previous book in this series, Treasured (reviewed by me at Wave's blog here), which told of Daniel, a man with minor magical ability, who gets seduced by a doppelgänger, Rhys, as a means to robbing the museum where Daniel works. In the process the men form a connection and the book leaves us with a glimpse into a possible HFN for these guys. This book picks up almost straight after the end of the last book. Rhys has arranged to take Daniel to Venice over the Christmas holiday period. Daniel is happy just to spend time with Rhys and hopes to find out more about him. Things don't quite work out for the pair when it turns out that Rhys is being hunted by the government.

One of my favourite things about this series so far has been the character of Daniel. He's completely overwhelmed by Rhys' attention to him, and as such is happy to go wherever Rhys wants without asking too many questions. That was also a little bit of a frustration because Rhys isn't too forthcoming about his past or his own feelings for Daniel and I worried that Daniel was setting himself up for heartache. When they are together Daniel rides an emotional high which is completely endearing, especially when he gladly gleans what he can of Rhys' feelings. Most of these insights happen during the sex scenes where Rhys lets go some of the control he has. I also liked how Daniel is slowly gaining more self-confidence. He's still quite down on himself most of the time, feeling bewildered over what Rhys sees in him and taking on a very passive role in the relationship. As the story progresses, Daniel's actions and abilities means he gets to save the day, giving him a boost, whilst still holding true to his essentially meek nature.

Another thing that appealed to me in the story was the Venetian setting which is vividly described. I liked how the paranormal world-building is included alongside the real life setting of Venice and how the city becomes both a help and a hindrance to Daniel in the story.  We also find out more about the gang of thieves who work with Rhys, and I liked the mix of personalities found amongst them.

Finally we get some much needed answers to some of the questions surrounding Rhys.  I was a little disappointed that these answers came from outside sources but was pleased to know more of Rhys' past.  I also thought that Daniel's worries about falling in love with a crook were dealt with mainly well. It's typical of Daniel that instead of facing up to the problem he chooses to shove it under the carpet, but I hope that at some point he has to make some sort of a stand one way or the other.  Hopefully, this will happen in another book as there's certainly scope for another story since, once again, this book ends on a tentative HFN.

Those readers who liked Treasured are going to like this book too.  It gives us an opportunity to delve deeper into the relationship with Daniel and Rhys as well as seeing some of Rhys' background.  There's a good mix of emotion and action in the story coupled with some interesting paranormal ideas.  Overall, I would recommend Shadowed with a grade of 'Very Good', and I'm really looking forward to more from these great characters.

Buy this book HERE.