Shadow Play: A Dark Fantasy Novel (The Fae Games) (Volume 1) by Jill Ramsower falls into the dual genres of fantasy and urban fiction. This book would appeal most to a diverse audience of mature young adults and adults who enjoy reading about mystical creatures and who do not mind explicit language and a love scene. Rebecca Peterson’s life is forever changed by her decision to leave her job and travel to Ireland. In Ireland, Rebecca learns that humans are being preyed upon by a race known as the fae, but without their knowledge. Rebecca's search for answers leads her to meeting Lochlan and Ronan, who each have their own plans. Will Rebecca learn what she needs in order to survive or will she find herself lost amidst the secrets that surround her?

Move over Sam and Dean Winchester and make room for Rebecca Peterson in Shadow Play: A Dark Fantasy Novel by Jill Ramsower! This book offered a different take on the concept of the fae, which I personally found both interesting and enjoyable as it was unique from any other supernatural book I have read. I found Rebecca Peterson to be a compelling character who fostered a desire in me to discover what would happen to her. I loved the fact that I learned about the fae alongside Rebecca as it made the world the author created within the pages of this book feel realistic. Overall, I found myself enjoying this story so much that I finished it in just one day and I find myself excited to see where volume two will take me!

Shadow Play: A Dark Fantasy Novel is the first book in The Fae Games by Jill Ramsower, a book that drew me in right away with its beautiful prose and storytelling craft. Rebecca Peterson moves to Belfast, Ireland in pursuit of a better life, leaving behind a dreary job, but moving away doesn’t stop her from having the nightmares that have terrified her for so long now. Nefarious faeries are unleashed on earth to target humans that have no idea of what danger they are in. But only Becca can see them and she is determined to stop them from hurting her kind. So, when she meets Lochlan and Ronan, she learns she is not the only one with special skills. But can these strangers help her understand her destiny?

A riveting urban fantasy with strong suspense; fast-paced, and featuring well-imagined and skillfully developed characters. At first, Becca appears to be someone who doesn’t fit into the world, and there is a noticeable uneasiness that follows her as she goes about her work. The reader notices that there is something abnormal about her as well, but how that is revealed is where Jill Ramsower demonstrates a singular gift for character. I love characters that evolve through the narrative and Becca is one such character — dynamic and real.

I love stories with a powerful premise on which the conflict hinges. The premise in Shadow Play: A Dark Fantasy Novel is that a young woman has a unique gift of seeing what others can’t see, and this disturbs her. So, how can she tell people around her that she sees a danger that they can’t see? How can they believe her and how can she help them if they are not aware of the danger? The plot is well done and the characters are compelling. The setting comes out vividly through the narrative, allowing readers clear images of streets, places, and the general atmosphere in which the story takes place. Shadow Play is dark, somewhat disturbing, but utterly enjoyable.