#Blogtour Sanctuary of the Shadow by Aurora Ascher

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour Sanctuary of the Shadow by Aurora Ascher, this is book 1 in the Elemental Emergence series.

About the Author

Paranormal & fantasy romance author Aurora Ascher loves misunderstood mythical monsters, redeemable anti-heroes, and epic happily-ever-afters.

A woman of many creative pursuits, Aurora is also a professional musician and visual artist. She currently resides in Montreal with her trusty espresso machine and her endlessly patient husband, whom she sometimes doesn't see for hours until she emerges from her writing cave like a bear in springtime.

About the book

Enter the circus at your own risk… and discover the greatest show on earth in this explosive and darkly magical fantasy novel.

For humans, the circus is a place filled with wonder and amazement. For Harrow, it's a place to hide from those who slaughtered her entire clan. Disguising her abilities as part of her act has kept her true identity safe for years. Until he arrives.

A strange new attraction with no name, no memory of who – or even what – he is, let alone an explanation for his odd yet deadly powers. But beneath the layers of anger and isolation, one glimpse into his inky eyes reveals a soul that calls out to the loneliness in her own. And so, she chooses him.

Harrow is drawn to the darkness, to her insatiable need to soothe the beast who threatens their very existence. But with every secret she unlocks from his past, another from hers is revealed – luring enemies who will stop at nothing to get their final revenge on Harrow. And she's afraid she's given them the perfect weapon against her because he's not what he seems.

But maybe it's time they finally learn neither is she…

Review

I loved the idea of oddities and on-show being a feared, forbidden and yet similar entity to the human element. You fear the difference, love the sameness, The divide creates an insurmountable wall between the two fractions. The negativity they receive both cements the feeling of being other and widens the divide.

It's a fascinating work of fantasy with main characters often walking both sides of the light and darkness. That is especially evident in the beginning when Harrow senses impending doom, when Salizar appears to be both a strong leader and a man who caters for the thirsty public, and of course Raith who may or may not be darkness personified.

Looking forward to seeing where this one goes. The intricate world-building is built upon a bed of ruthless rivalry and war, which has split into rivets of separation and mistrust. Somewhere behind the ever shifting construction of the circus is a spark of hope, and danger.

I hope that this constant moving variable of past and present remains a part of the story. The way it impacts the characters, their interactions and their stories.

Buy Sanctuary of the Shadow at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publication: pub date28th March 2024 | Hardback | Bantam | £18.99 retailer. Buy at Amazon com.