Soul of Shadow by Emma Noyes (July 29, 2025) Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Wednesday Books for the gifted advanced listening copy of this twisty, fast-paced YA fantasy!
Ever since the death of her twin sister, Charlie Hudson has been moving through life like a shadow of her former self. But when students at her high school start disappearing – leaving behind nothing but their shoes – Charlie is drawn into a mystery far bigger than she could have imagined.
At the center of it all? Elias Everhart, the mysterious new student who seems to know more than he should. As Charlie uncovers hidden truths, she finds herself pulled into a secret world of Norse gods, ancient monsters, and powerful magic. What she once believed was fiction is now terrifyingly real, and the danger is mounting fast.
This book gave me Shadowhunters and Vampire Diaries vibes in the best way. I love a good “normal teen discovers the world is full of hidden magic” story, and Soul of Shadow delivers with high stakes, sharp banter, and a pulse-pounding plot. Beyond the action, the book explores powerful themes of grief, identity, and family. Charlie’s emotional journey, her complex relationship with Elias, and one very unexpected friendship (no spoilers, but this character stole the show!) made this such a compelling read.
The final act has full-on mythical quest energy, and I couldn’t stop listening. Fair warning: it ends on a cliffhanger – and I’m already counting down to book two!
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: Emily Pike Stewart does an incredible job bringing this story to life. Each character’s voice feels distinct and engaging, and she perfectly captures the mix of tension, humor, and wonder throughout. Highly recommend the audio! (10h 15m)
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
🎧 Audio: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
🔥 Spice: less than 🌶️
Book Smart Kate 