Within the Shadows

Shadow World #1

by Julieanne Lynch

Living on the razors edge, Giselle Burgman's life is torn apart by her cheating boyfriend. Little does she realise that he is the least of her worries when her long term friend Alex introduces her to his family and a new, darker world. A world of lies, deceit and corruption. Thrown from one problem straight into another, the razors edge gets thinner and sharper, testing Giselle's sanity and vitality. Not even she can hide when living within the shadows.

Genres: Vampires, Paranormal, Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Amazon

205 pages, ebook

First published March 16, 2011

About the author

Julieanne Lynch is an author of YA and Adult genre books, specialising in horror, fantasy and contemporary women's fiction.
Julieanne was born in Northern Ireland, but spent much of her early life in London, United Kingdom, until her family relocated back to NI.
Julieanne lives in Northern Ireland with her family, where she is a full-time author. She studied English Literature and Creative Writing at The Open University.
Julieanne is represented by Italia Gandolfo and Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management and has several projects optioned for film.

Reviews

[Nicole Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julieanne's vamps can endure the light...and they don't sparkle.

Giselle's boyfriend Marc cheats on her one week before prom with the school's bicycle Evie (you know...everyone's had a ride...). Alex has been Giselle's best friend for 6 years. Helping to orchestrate Giselle's revenge he takes her to his home and gives her the choice of being his bride and incubator or death. What's a girl to do? So she travels to his native Armenia where she is introduced to his father, Leonide and his step-mother Atarah.

Still suffering from her heartache over Marc she is married to Alex to conceive the child his people are waiting for. She is to be a part of a prophecy to bear the child of light that will rule and dominate the vamps. Or will she?

Never being in love with Alex she becomes aware of his duplicity and is saved by Alex's cousin Antoine. He returns her home in Minnesota and she comes to find out her mother has leukemia. Right after that whopper Leonide shows up at her door. He threatens her family if she doesn't go to him to make the baby. And then all sorts of poo hits the fan...

This book is a consistent roller coaster and I catch myself wishing the poor girl would catch a break. The ending just leaves you hanging, and if you want to find out what is coming at her next you will have to just wait in suspense. I give this read 3 stars...or whatever we finally decide upon, LOL.

[Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick review:

Cover: Kind of creepy?
Rating: NC-17
Thumbs Up: 3
Overall: Confused by how I should take the story
Characters: Good
Plot: Very anti-romantic notions about vampires.
Page Turner: Sure
Series Cont.? Probably
Recommend: Maybe
Book Boyfriend: Marc

SUMMARY (60 words or less)

I’m not sure what to think about this one. In the end, I had to view the story as an anti-Twilight or parody on vampires to get through. There were a lot of disturbing moments in this story. At some point I almost didn’t finish. I figured the message was Don’t think that being with a Vampire is all rosy?

For a full review and pic, see my blog post at:

http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...

[Amber I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book totally blew me away. After the first chapter I was hooked. There are just so many twists and turns and you really will not see most of these things coming. And you will never know who you really can trust. In the Shadows will have you hooked and dying for more!

Giselle's life gets out of whack right away and every time you think she has a handle on her new situation something crazier then before comes out! You start trusting people with her and then BAM! guess what? They are the bad guys. She was just an average girl once upon a time but now shes thrown into the mix with vampires and nothing is ever what it seems.


This was just an intense read. I am serious there is just so much happening. Its not over done either. She is just stuck in these impossible situations. And the person you least suspects ends up stealing her heart.

I just loved it! I can not wait to read more of this series!! Its a must read for anyone!

[Stacey (sassysreadingnook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so lucky to be given the chance to review In The Shadows the book sounded amazing and I just LOVE the cover! Let me just say once I started I wasn't disappointed..

Wow! I was just blown away by this story. Julieanne Lynch knows how to captivate her audience, the storyline is beautifully written. The characters are so easy to connect with. There's just never a dull moment, so many twists and turns. I was there along for a truly thrilling adventure. I was glued to my kindle cause I just couldn't stop reading. This book is one that you can read over and over and still feel the thrill.

Can't wait to find out what happens next, the ending leaves you begging for more!! :)

Definitely worth 5/5 I'd recommend anyone (that's over say 15yrs) to give this beauty a read, you'll be completely drawn in. Julieanne has done an amazing job and I look forward to reading more of her work.

[Five Star Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

"My place is unknown to me, but the desire to feed is my basic instinct"

REVIEW- This new and stunning novel, In the Shadows by Julieanne Lynch is truly a work of art. This masterpiece not only tells the story of a girl fighting against dark creatures for the ones she loves and her own basic freedom but introduces us to new breeds of vampires in which will truly blow you away!

When I first recieved this novel I had a huge tbr pile and was not sure if I would have time for it but when I read the opening paragraph I put everything on hold and could honestly not stop reading. In the Shadows starts off by telling us the life of an ordinary girl Giselle...she has everything a girl could want: a gorgeous boyfriend (Marc) an even more gorgeous best friend (Alex) and is loved by all those around her...The only thing Giselle does not have is the popularity that she envies in her rival Evie...however Giselle soon realises that the problems she had with the school slut was nothing compared to the problems she was about to face...

This novel really is one hell of a rollercoaster that goes through so many twists and turns that not only leaves you totally amazed but also leaves you begging on your knees for more. So if like me you enjoy a really dark, mysterious and shock filled book then believe me..this book is the book for you!!

Here, I would usually tell you my favourite scene in a novel but for this novel it is impossible because I truly loved it all...the way Julieanne just took an ordinary character and totally rearranged her life was completely mezmerizing...throughout this whole novel I couldn't help but pray that Giselles life wouldn't always be the nightmare it had turned out to be but as I did bad things kept happening and I found myself completely taken back by how drastic these bad things were...

Overall, In the Shadows was an astonishing novel by a truly gifted author, that not only gave me goosbumps I had never experienced before but inspired me to cherish those around me because you never know when your life could all fall apart... ♥

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julieanne's book "In the Shadows" is the first book in the Shadow's trilogy, and what a way to start off a series. This book had me sucked in right from page one. I haven't read Urban Fantasy before and was glad I once again went out of my comfort zone again. I have been doing that a lot lately, and haven't been dissapointed yet. It's allowed me to read new Author's and fantastic books like this one.


Its an easy read but pay attention so you don't miss all the twists and turns that are thrown at you. I really like the characters in this book, they all fit together nicely to make up a great story. Giselle, a once normal girl has been forced into a life she didn't want, but I love her strength and determination for getting through it the best she can. I can't really say too much as to not give away the story, but I can tell you, you're going to love this book as much as I did.


I've read a lot of Vampire books, this one puts an original spin on it, it's action packed, suspense, thrilling and romance. I can't wait for the second book in the series to see what happens next with Giselle. This is a absolutely MUST READ book. I hope you all have as much fun reading it as I did, Enjoy!!!!!

[Wanda Hartzenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am going to do something I hate doing; I am going to mention another book in relation to this one. Do you know Twilight? Did you like it? Did you hate it? If you hated it, you will probably love this. If you loved it, again you will love this.
If you do not know Twilight, then I .... Well then I rest my case!
This book is nothing like Twilight, it has Vampires and it has good and evil. But these Vampires are not nice, they do not sparkle and they do not play games.
I felt horrible for the main character; she was forced into a life she would never have wished for. I have to so, at stages I felt overwhelmed by the amount of strife she had to cope with.
It is not suitable for YA, it has explicit scenes and this should be taken into account. This is one facet that I am sure will attract a new readership base.
I loved the fact that these vampires are evil. That they use, abuse and have agenda’s as dark as midnight. I felt so bad for the main character though, that I will have to give this book a 4 * review. Her life was a torture and I can only hope her future will be better. All this said, go get this book. It is well worth the read.
WaAr
I love the cover

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giselle starts out as a normal 18 year old senior, in love with her boyfriend of four years. Her best friend Alex is always there for her, has been since they were 12. Her life was exactly what she expected and wanted, until Prom night.

She and her boyfriend were virgins, Prom night the secret comes out that her boyfriend cheated. Trying to escape, Alex gives her little choice but to come with him and he will take care of her. Little did she know that meant becoming a blood and soul sucking vampire.

The plan has been in the works for many many years to get Alex close to Giselle. She had been chosen as his mate, to have his child that will bring about a new kind of vampire.

She goes from a normal virgin to a vampire with three lovers in a very short time. The story does mention incest but it is not the American term of incest. Alex's father decides he should be the father of the new breed of vampire.

It is a really intriguing and exciting story. There are many sides to the story; love, politics, sex, intrigue, spirituality (well vampire spirituality) and betrayal.

The story line is set up nicely for the next in the series. I will gladly read the next one.

[Khelsey Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giselle Bergman used to have everything she wanted in her life, a loving boyfriend and the perfect best friend. But when the man she loves betrays her, her world gets turned upside down. She finds out a deep dark secret about her best friend Alex, and he started to terrify her.
She is brought into a new world when she is transformed into a new breed of vampire, and forced into a new life with someone she doesn’t love. It’s hard for Giselle to trust anyone because everyone has hidden motives towards her.

My thoughts-

I loved this story, it kept me hanging on until the very end and when it ended I knew I needed more. It’s really hard for me to find a book that I love and this one has it all for me. It has action, love, betrayal, heartache, but Giselle grows into a smart woman. There were times where I wanted to smack her upside the head, but that means the author did her job right.
I can’t wait to read the second and third book in this series. I will warn you to have plenty of time to read because you won’t want to stop. Julieanne Lynch thank you for creating this amazing world and I can’t wait to see what is next for Giselle.

[Linda Parkinson-Hardman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Within the Shadows a book of conundrums and it’s not your usual vampire novel. On the one hand you are starting with a naïve schoolgirl who has failed to see something lurking in the shadow’s of her best friend’s personality; on the other hand she is a feisty woman who is not afraid of taking responsibility for her own life, even if that does mean she does some pretty strange things. The book is full of unexpected twists in the plot that leave you wondering where on earth you might be taken next; this is an advantage as it keeps you hooked while waiting to see the next development take place. I’d say it’s the perfect book for the female YA market and would make a great gift to give a niece or daughter at Christmas.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fangtastic (pardon the pun). Once I started reading it I couldn't leave it alone.I have read all the other Vampire ones like House of Night, The Vampire Acadamy, The Vampire Diaries, The Sookie Stackhouse Mysteries and of course the Twilight lot and this stands up to the others. In fact it is very much more adult not for under 15's I would say (I am a mother of 4), the sex scenes are quite something and are racy. I love this book and look forward to reading more from this new author Julieanne Lynch. Can't wait..... Go Team Giselle!!!!!!

[Deea (Andreea) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Make that 3.5 stars :)

I missed reading a new YA vampire series, so I was thrilled when I got the chance to read In the Shadows! It was a good book, with an interesting and refreshing take on the vampire lore. Her vamps are dark, creepy, unpredictable, yet intriguing and they have a fascinating history. For that reason alone, this is a book not to be missed!

So "In the Shadows" is about Giselle, a 18 years old girl and her journey into a supernatural world she didn't even know existed, a world full of scary, powerful, creatures who drag her into their dark world without giving her any choice or chance to escape.

Giselle had a normal teenage life. She was a high school senior, had a loving boyfriend, caring friends and big plans for her future, away from her little town and her distant parents. And suddenly, in just one night, she loses everything. Her boyfriend cheats on her, her best friend proves to be someone - something else, and she gets thrust into a dark, terrifying world full of evil creatures. And that’s not even the worst part – the real problem is that she becomes one of them – well, more or less – and she gets torn in different directions, because she is supposed to fulfill a prophecy and change destinies and not everyone is happy about that. But she wants none of that, anyway, but suddenly she becomes the main target of all the nightmarish creatures who have big, hidden expectations from her, or who just want to finish her off, this time for good.

Agh, there are so many things going on in this book, I don’t even know what to say about the plot, since I don’t want to give away anything major! Suffice it to say that Giselle goes through a lot of painful changes and unfortunately there are not many people on her side to help her. Every time she can finally begin to trust someone and hope they' ll help her get through all the madness, they show their other face and their hidden reasons. She can’t trust any one. She can’t go back home to her family. She can’t hide. All she can do is to try her best to stay alive and to move forward. If only she knew what that 'forward' meant!

I really liked the cast of characters. They’re all mysterious and intriguing. Some of them are likeable and even charming, but some of them are downright frightening and/or annoying. Either way, they are an important part of the story and their unpredictability kept me on the edge of the seat the whole time. However, I had a bit of a hard time connecting with the main character. I don’t blame her for being scared, hurt, confused, brokenhearted, especially after everything she's going through, but being depressed and whiny doesn't seem to help her situation either. I don’t know, I just wanted her to stand up for herself a bit more. She had it in her to be strong and face the enemy and not let herself being played by all the mean people surrounding her, and maybe she tried to do that eventually, but she also cried and complained a lot. So even if somehow her behavior makes sense, that doesn’t mean I have to like it. Anyway, that’s just me, don’t let my personal perception of the main character hold you for picking up the book! ;)

All in all, this is rich, captivating story that I recommend to all YA Urban Fantasy fans, especially if you like vamps and want something totally new and intriguing in your story! There's also a lot of action, twist and turns to keep you invested throughout all the book. A lot of things happen very fast and you never know what to expect. Of course, the romance is not missing, and that's a part of the story I'm especially interested in, because things ended up pretty badly and shocking in this first installment of the trilogy and I kind of have a book crush on one of the characters who really surprised me there at the end!:)) I can't wait for the next book!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://bugreviews.wordpress.com/2011/...



In the shadows you will find lust and passion, battles for power, blood, death, and fear. For in the shadows you are carried away to a future that is unknown, it is here that your destiny awaits and you are no longer who you thought you were. You have a thirst.



Giselle is a normal girl; by normal I mean she has a teens attitude, a steady boyfriend, an awesome best friend who would do ANYTHING for her, and a typical school life. Her family isn’t perfect (who is?) but she loves them and her future is looking bright. Graduation is nearing and the world is round, everything is where it should be…right?

Certainly some things you don’t see coming.

Some things are NOT what they seem. How can she be so wrong about someone she loves?

How could she possibly be prepared for the darkness?



I awoke to the light of the moon shining bright into my eyes. Voices hushed and I could hear the anticipation in their whispered voices.

“She is seeking us out. This is truly a night for the Goddess,” one of them gleefully remarked.





Thrust into a life of blood lust and unforseen challenges. Giselle has to awaken the darkness within to survive. The first steps are scary and overwhelming. The thirst is undeniable and laced with seduction. The challenges keep coming forth as her fight for survival threatens to become a war and she doesn’t know who to trust. Enduring heart break and loss, betrayal and fear she undergoes a metamorphosis into an underworld she doesn’t feel part of or understand. However she is no longer her former self. She can never be the same again or return to the way things were. She is something else. She is the future.



Take a bite out of this delicious forbidden fruit and you will be left wanting more. Make no mistake, In The Shadows is a powerful story of vampire prophesy that, like Giselle, will take you by surprise render you incapable of resistance and seduce you with it’s offerings. Julieanne Lynch has skilfully created characters who you can love and hate at the same time, she can make you enjoy the company of the terrifying and fearful of the beautiful. She will make you gasp, she will make you laugh and then she will make you shudder. Be prepared to use all of your senses, reading never smelled so good, tantalised the taste buds or toyed with your pulse like it does in the shadows. Let her weave her spell on you. But be warned. In The Shadows is very hard to put down followed by bitter disappointment as you realise there are no more pages to
turn until the next book comes out.



This is a forbidden fruit you will want to sink your teeth into. Just be careful it doesn’t bite you back as there is no turning back.



A Bug in a Book review by Angela Hall.

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay theres a lot going on and some of this stuff i will intentionally leave out Lynch did an amazing job with this book so i dont have to break it down that much.. got me..

Giselle Bergman is happy shes dating the "it" guy Marc.. Her best friend Alex is HANDSOME and wonderful.. Things change when someone leaves a dvd in Giselles locker.. The dvd contains video of Marc and Evie a girl Giselle greatly dislikes.. Things kinda go down hill from there for Giselle i mean the girl cant catch a break not ONCE in the rest of this novel.. at least in my opinion.. The prom arrives and after Giselle and Marc are named prom queen and king ( i stick to my earlier statement of not catching a break) she outs Marc and Evie in front of the who class :D THEN she finds out Alex is a vampire! And he needs/wants to change Giselle but only with her permission and before she knows it shes given it..

SO this is where things get messy and if your looking at this saying "girl things are already mess" to you i say read on!! But again i wont fully explain this and wont tell you the finer details these are things your must experience for yourself.. i never knew how much i enjoyed outrage! Giselle is no longer alive yet she isnt the undead.. She drinks blood yet doesnt have fangs her "food" must be cut.. And she has the ability to suck the soul out of someone.. She "marries' Alex shortly after Alex because on of the guys you hear about on Snapped that their wives kill in a murderous rage after years of abuse.. anyways i was severely disappointed with him WHY COULDNT HE STAYED WONDERFUL! okay really i know why douche bag Alex makes for a better story.. Thankfully Giselle isnt delusional and hoping that she can change him.. However she cant seem to fight their physical attraction.. and pretty willingly gives him her whispering eye ( yep i LOVE role models.. mmm Paul Rudd) for reasons i dont unerstand Alex and Giselle are trying to procreate.. i mean i understand why thats fully explained but why she would willingly have a child with him is beyond me..

Giselle stumbles across some vital info and FINALLY kicks rocks with some help she goes back home.. did i mention after the prom and Alex changing her Alex took her to Albania? i didnt well there it is.. So she learns things and really regrets leaving home but they wont let her go that easy she gets pulled in again and this time by ALexs dad he convinces her to procreate with him and she falls in LOVE with him.. CRAZINESS!

Im leaving the ending a complete surprise but let me say i could not be happier with the messiness of Giselles life it.was.awesome!

[Patricia (Patricia's Particularity)]

Giselle is in love with the hottest boy at her school who also happens to be her boyfriend. She also has an amazing best friend in Alex. Not much is wrong in Giselle's world. Then one day she receives a DVD in locker, showing her boyfriend cheating on her. Giselle looks to Alex for support who gives her that and much much more at prom. Giselle learns that there is much more to Alex, who is not a human but a Prince of a Vampire race. Giselle also learns that Alex has had plans for her for some time now, literally serving as the savior to his race and a new bloodline. While Alex has always been gentle and loving with Giselle, she quickly learns he has a completely different side to him...

" 'Giselle, I have chosen you to be by my side. It is you who will redeem my bloodline. But you must come willingly. I cannot force you, but if you decide against me then I will have to destroy you.' "

With danger waiting outside, and inside her new life, Giselle learns how to live her new life with many expectations smothering her.

There are many things to like about this novel, while at the same time there are a few things that hold this novel back a bit (but not too much!). Giselle's change to becoming a 'half-vampire' was too reminiscent of Bella's change in "Twilight". I also would have liked to get more emotions and thoughts from Giselle when Alex does not give her a choice in becoming 'reborn'. All that being said, Julieanne's writing style is beautiful and flows with great ease. While the length is on the short side, I have read plenty of novels to know that if the writing is horrible, no matter how short a novel may be it can seem too long. Julieanne's novel is perfect in this - it is not too long but not too short, with a wonderful premise, hot scenes (and I do mean hot!!), and seamless writing. I for one cannot wait for the sequel!

[Jonel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting introduction to the series. Lynch did an amazing job of setting up all of the background elements, including the theological and supernatural aspects, which will carry her series forward. She does so while creating a very compelling and captivating story for her audiences.

All of the descriptions in this novel give it a dark overtone. It suits the storyline perfectly. The descriptions are also very clear and memorable. I appreciate the fact that the author stays true to herself and her storyline throughout the novel. The consistency throughout adds greatly to the smooth flow of the action. Not only were the descriptions and story well developed, but they combined to produce a very interesting and intriguingly complex whole.

The characters in this novel are quite unique. Each and every one offers something different to the storyline, without taking away from who they are as a person. I enjoyed how Lynch began to develop her characters in this novel while leaving us a great deal to discover in future novels. Even with this, you get to know all of the main characters very well and don’t have to guess or imagine what they would do in a certain situation. My sole issue with the characters was the fact that every once in a while their dialogue became a little stilted. They’d stop talking like real people, then all of a sudden would speak normally again.

As a whole, this story was quite well written and very well thought out. It follows a logical progression from point A to point C (cliff-hanger) via point B, leaving you perfectly set up for the sequel.

Please note that I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Gladys Gonzales Atwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** Gladys #XOXOtheNerdGirl #NerdGirlOfficial ***

Let me just say that I typically do not read other reviews, or discuss books with the authors before I write or release reviews BUT in this instance I had already read one of my fellow Nerds reviews who didn’t like the book AND had a discussion with her as well. Actually, quite often we have debated and had arguments regarding the vampire mythology, compulsion, the concept of fantasy, the element of make believe and feminism. They are good debates, often very entertaining.

Anyway, the reviews before me had it all wrong. Giselle was NOT your average teenage girl. She was not your typical high school student. Maybe in the beginning but after she went to her “savior” Alex, life shifted to black and the book pace went zoooooooommmmmm and picked up. The momentum just kept going and I along with it. I feel like Giselle tried to be stronger and keep up with her surroundings but what could she do she was in the midst of something she didn’t understand. A Vampire Need. A Vampire Prophecy if you will. No spoilers. YOU MUST READ!

I loved it. It was exciting, new and, refreshing. You have to be a vampire lover to appreciate all aspects of Julieanne’s novel. Her characters are alive and didn’t lack dimension or personality. There wasn’t a question about her well developed characters and her writing was eloquent. I truly look forward to reading book two soon.

Julieanne, I sincerely tip my Nerd Girl hat to you! Vampire Lovers Salute You!

☆ This review was done in conjunction with www.NerdGirlOfficial.com, please visit our fanpage for more information www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG

[Melanie's · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review*

This is the first book I have read by Julieanne Lynch who was a new to me author but it definitely won't be the last. In fact my plan is to track down ALL of her writings and devour them in a short a time as possible.

I read a LOT of vampire based fiction. A LOT! As many people know it is generally my go to genre and I thought I had a rough idea of what this one would be like ... but I was wrong.

The cover and description may lead you to think this may be similar to several series already out there (The Vampire Academy series immediately springs to mind - which would not be a bad thing as I love those books too) but this is NOTHING like anything else out there.

Although the main protagonist is a teenage girl who gets mixed up in a vampire world I would almost describe this as an "ant-series". Take everything you think about teenage girls falling in love with vampires and throw it out the window.

This series is dark, and twisted, but beautiful. The vampires don't want their humanity back! They have power and they use it! Their morals are more than questionable and their goal is what is best FOR THEM!

If you want to take a read through the darker shades of vampire lore than this is the book for you.... but don't expect it to be all pretty. Vampires are monsters at heart despite what modern media would love to have you believe.

5 out of 5 stars for me!! V""V


***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***

[Christoph Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Within the Shadows" by J.A. Lynch is an action packed Vampire story about 18 year old Giselle who discovers just before her prom that her boyfriend of four years, Marc, slept with another girl. With help from her best friend Alexander she exposes him on prom night only to find that Alexander is a Vampire and intends to turn her.
She follows Alexander into his world of shadows where she learns that she is a new breed of mortal Vampires and is destined to marry Alexander to help him and his kind to bring peace to their quarrelsome existence. But not everything is as it seems and her loyalties and feelings keep turning as the story develops further.
Although the themes of the book are not innovative I must say that it has entertained me much more than I thought it would. The story is well written, fast paced and unpredictable enough to have kept my interest up throughout. I was surprised that there were so many erotic scenes after the story began so innocently in a high school setting but it fitted the plot well. The characters and the dialogue were believable and realistic within the genre and I am happy to give this book a 5 star rating for it does everything you would expect from a good vampire story and it does it well.

[Carly Odonoghue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Within The Shadows written by Julieanne Lynch is a story of love and betrayal and I loved every single second of it, its so rare for me to slow down when reading, normally I sped up to see how it book will end but with this book I had to slow down as I didn't want to finish it but at the same time I read it all in less than two days because I needed to know what happens. I won’t recap the story as I feel people tend to write a lot of the story in a review and I feel that it spoils it for other readers.
Julieanne Lynch is an extremely talented author who grabs your attention from the first page. Her writing is descriptive and her characters are so well developed you feel an instant connection to them. I was especially intrigued by Alex and his relationship with Giselle. The book was also very detailed so it was easy to visualize characters, places etc.
Its refreshing to read a vampire/paranormal book that is different and it stands out from the rest.There are so many twists and turns you can not put the book down! I am so excited to know that this is the first book in a trilogy and to know how it will all turn out.
Julieanne is an author to watch and this is definitely a story to watch out for and I cant wait to read other work by this great author.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a hungry wild animal, I devoured this book within a few days - generally over lunch breaks at work, and curled up with my cat. And I was not disappointed with what was inside the gorgeous cover.

The tale follows Giselle as her teenage existence starts to fall apart when boyfriend Marc makes a mistake. Running from the anger and pain, Giselle ends up down the proverbial rabbit hole, and finds herself in a world of beautiful and deadly muthological creatures. Commonly known to the world at large as vampires. And from that point onwards, Giselle's world is upside down.

A refreshing and unexpected take on the vampire novel, it is well written, fast paced, action packed and heart wrenching! Love, loss, life - three key things that play the essential part of Giselle's world. She is to a certain degree a typical young woman, but all that is sure to change. Ms Lynch kept me hooked throughout and she certainly knows how to throw a curve ball or two!

Other characters that support Giselle's world are well crafted and clever, well human elements that shine through. Perfect for YA and NA readers!

I have already bought the second book, and I cannot wait to start it!

[Sharon Obelenus Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a action packed paranormal read. Once you start reading, you will become addicted. Giselle is a all american girl. Unsure of herself, her looks, but dating the football star for years and has THE best friend ever. After another tiff with her boyfriend, she finds a envelope in her locker. A note and a disk get the better of her. Little does she know that once she hits play her life is about to change. A sex tape of her boyfriend and the girl she hates the most. If only that was going to be her biggest problem.

Her best friend wants revenge! Once decided, Giselle is to play nice until the prom. Then they will reveal to everyone what was on the tape. Seeing everyones reaction is too much for Giselle, she runs out of the dance. But soon she learns a harder betrayal. Her best friend is a vampire and wants her for himself. Not knowing who to trust, she is thrust into a world shes only seen in books and movies. Unfortunately, shes about to learn the betrayals have only started!!

[A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julieanne Lynch’s book “In The Shadows” is a must read for anyone who loves urban fantasy. Her writing style is fun and easy to get into character with and you instantly become one with the main character, Giselle. Julieanne writes so eloquently you can feel and picture everything Giselle is going through, with no question as to what role every character in the book plays. Giselle is a young woman, we all can relate to in many situations. Julieanne, paints a bigger picture in the plight of the teenage girl, it is not all just about vampires and the supernatural. She addresses much more and commands your attention with her words to which I happily clung to and sad when they ended. I cannot wait for book two and the many adventures yet to come for Giselle. I recommend this book to everyone!

[Miranda Hofmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Within the Shadows by Julieanne Lynch
*This book was provided to me by the publisher for an honest review. I am new to this author and starting out I had my doubts. Lately it seems like there is not a shortage of vampire novels, most paint the vampires as attractive and lovable creatures that teenage girls can easily fall in love with. The beginning of the book I thought I knew what was going to happen. I was wrong. The book took unexpected twists and turns that you will just have to read to find out!
Overall the book was good and fast paced, a quick and great read that will leave you wanting more, good thing it’s a series!
*This book was done with sincerity by #MirasBooks

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will write a whole review in the morning but here are my thoughts. what a refreshing storyline. It drove me crazy I wanted to like a character then wanted to hate the same character....

ok my review...
I loved this. It was like opening a window after winter and letting spring in. This isn't your sappy teen vampire sparkely romance.
I liked how you thought one way about a character to be blindsided by their behavior. Not all things that lurk in The Shadows are bad but some are much much worse.

[Kim culbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book as a gift for an honest review. ~waAr~

I started reading this book right before i went to bed thinking i would knock out a chapter or 2 and pick it back up today since i had to get up at 6 amand it was already midnight. once i started i couldnt stop!!! it sucked me in and left me trappen inside Giselles world. i really enjoyed this book!

i can not wait to read more about them!

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because it was set in Armenia for my world challenge. It kept me reading because I was trying to figure out what was happening but the characters were all over the place and the plot was a little hard to follow. We started out in Minnesota, ended up in Armenia, then ended up on an island and back to Minnesota and back to Armenia. She was with Marc, then Alex, then Marc, then Leonid, then Alex, then Antoine. Geez, lots going on in 200 pages.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG it was epic I loved it there were twists and turns to always keep you guessing. I won't tell you what the book is about but I can promise you that this book will be an emotional roller coaster for anyone who wants to read it. I loved this book and would enjoy reading it over and over. Thank you Julieanne for writing such an incredible book. It really teaches us that life can be treacherous and even your closest friend can turn on you.

[booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

**REVIEW COPY RECEIVED FOR HONEST REVIEW**
OMFG this is the first vampire book i've ever read and what a baptism of fire it was !!!
So much action, so many twists and turns, you think you know what's going to happen next when out of nowhere Julieanne throws something COMPLETELY unexpected at you !! Loved how strong Giselle as a character seems even though she's going through so much that she knows little about and wants even less to do with. Absolutely brilliantly written !! LOVED IT !!

[Jenny Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

~WaAr~
10*s. I received a copy of Within the Shadows directly from the author in return for an honest review.
Wow. This was an amazing story with a twist that was so unexpected and I loved it. I loved the characters and the story was well written. A MUST read Ya story that will hook you from beginning to end. Thank you, Julieanne for the chance to read and review this fabulous story.