Cinderella with a Twist
5 Stars
A dramatic read that tugs at your heartstrings, “Shadow of Love” follows the grand tradition of Cinderella with James McMaster as a dark and mysterious Prince, Emily Beggins as a very independent Cinderella with Sophie and Marlene as the stepsister and stepmother, respectively.
Put like that, the book sounds simple; but it is not. A complicated plot of familial love, revenge and the proverbial skeletons in the closet, “Shadow of Love” pulls you in the drama and you develop a love-hate feeling with the characters. Sometimes you want to just take them into your arms; sometimes you just want to take them by their shoulders and shake them so that you can put some sense into them.
All the major characters, including the minor ones have been fleshed out nicely and thus though you might love them or hate them but you will never be indifferent to them!
***SPOILER ALERT***
With the untimely death of her father, Emily at 15 found Marlene and Sophie, her stepmother and stepsister as the only family she had left. Though they were not outright mean, the bond between Marlene and Sophie is so tight that Emily has always been the third wheel and/or the “unnecessary” daughter.
But, when James McMaster came into the picture and got engaged to Sophie, Emily’s attraction to the mysterious Englisman made it very hard for her to stay in the background. And for the first time in her life, she was willing to defy Sophie and Marlene for her own happiness.
From England to Egypt and back, “Shadow of Love” also gives the readers a tour of Alexandra and gives a glimpse of how the previleged Egyptians live. The little bit of Egyptian history thrown is like the strawberry on top of a delicious ice cream.
Rated M for Mature due to adult situations
