Settle in and prepare yourself for a wonderful entry to the Bronze Rebellion Series. Gold Shadow, by L.C. Perry , introduces us to an alternate, dystopian world in which an elite ruling monarchy presides over the various continents and the ‘lesser communities’ outside their grand palaces. This is a world in which slavery is commonplace, with the majority of slaves toiling underground and unseen in deplorable conditions while under the thumbs of merciless guards and officers. It is from these two disparate worlds that author L.C. Perry gives us two very different main characters: Ebony (the slave) and Irene (the princess).

If I had to choose a favorite character it would be, far and away, Ebony. But I’m certain that was by the author’s design. Princess Irene (Ivory in my mind, given her stark contrast to Ebony) is a spoiled little girl on the cusp of womanhood, with no idea of what the world outside her palace is like. Her parents have kept the ugly truth hidden from her and it is for this reason that I can forgive Irene her callousness and her insensitivity. She really has no clue. The way she bows to her parents’ demands and manipulations was actually a warped mirror of Ebony’s life as a slave and one that was deftly utilized. Ebony, although downtrodden her entire life, is the strong one and, when fate gives her a chance to escape her life as a slave and join the Rebellion, we really see her shine. Ebony is a broken young woman, but with each break she seems to have healed stronger. Her torture and torment were visceral and not for the faint of heart.

While Gold Shadow, by nature of being the first book in a series, has a lot of exposition and world building to accomplish, L.C. Perry doesn’t waste too much time on explanations. She lets it develop and unfold organically as the story progresses. There are, at times, a plethora of characters to keep track of, but Ms. Perry does a remarkable job of instilling unique personalities and features to them all, making our job as readers that much easier. The dialogue is crisp and true to life. Although I’ve said it already in this review, it is the stark contrast between the lives of the slave Ebony and the princess Irene where L.C. Perry’s writing truly shines. Each character supports and contrasts the other, even though their paths don’t intersect until quite late in the story. I’m excited for the next installment and can’t wait to see where the journey takes us.

Gold Shadow: Bronze Rebellion Book 1 by L.C. Perry revolves around the evils of a slavery system. “You are no one. No one at all. And for that reason, you exist only to serve those in power. Never for yourself.” These are the words that remained ingrained inside Ebony’s head. The slaves were always targeted and rejected and she wondered if it was a curse of a lifetime. Between the bruised knuckles and splintered feet, sleep was the only luxury and the only safe haven the slaves had. The slaves were always made to work in bad conditions. As the story progresses, Ebony escapes - along with a few other slaves - with the help of rebels.They realize the outside world is entirely different from theirs. That is the beginning of a rebellion to put an end to slavery.

Running parallel to this is the story of Princess Irene, which has been knitted in beautifully. The plot is intriguing, complex, and has many layers to it, thereby making it a compelling read. Though the story revolves around Ebony, Princess Irene’s character is also well portrayed and memorable. Ebony’s character is cold, but she will grow on readers as the story moves forward. Though the subject handled is sensitive, the book has its moments of laughter, anger, intrigue, drama, thrills, and action in the right doses. The author also manages to depict pain and sadness through the characters and their situations. The book ends on a positive note and has an open ending which will make readers eagerly anticipate Book 2. It is a great book to read and own.