Danielle ➮ judgeitbythecover's Reviews > The Shadow Wand

Am I still reading The Black Witch Chronicles? Because I could swear this book in no way seems connected to the previous two books and I say this because I really wish it was the case. This series which I have loved with all my heart since the first book has, for the first time, disappointed me tremendously.

Let’s start with Elloren. For the first two books, which are each 600+ reads, I supported Elloren. I was here for her in learning how to have faith in herself, develop a backbone, navigate her way through her feelings regarding romance, racism, so on and so forth. With all the time that has passed, you’d think by the third book we’d see a bit more development in her character. Elloren is just as weak minded as previous reads. She has not grown much if at all. She is always shocked, apologetic, or feeling sorry for herself but can never seem to find a way to better herself or her situation. How do you end the second book with her being stalwart in saving the world but then beginning of third book comes and we're back at square one with her uselessness?

We see the relationship develop between Yvan and Elloren with the first two reads and it was a fantastical journey. Although Lukas is an interesting character, him and Elloren never developed an actual relationship and not one where she’d completely shove off Yvan so she could shag Lukas. Honestly, they both declared their undying love for each other one book, then the next, she takes the word of a messenger sent by Vogel about Yvan’s ‘death’ and wastes no time taking another man to bed. Elloren and Lukas were not authentic. Elloren and Lukas did not have enough time to develop. The feelings they declared they had for each other are laughable at best. Quite honestly, I feel sick for Yvan. Elloren wasn’t angry enough. If she loved him as much as the first two books led me to believe, she would have travelled there herself just to make sure. She would have found a way to verify that information.

I will not be purchasing the next book as soon as it is available. I will make sure to read reviews before I purchase it. I bought this one the same day it came out and finished it the next day, thanks to skimming a better half of the book due to it being way too long with nothing happening. The multiple POVs made the experience worse. If you’re a fan of a good, well written story that is consistent with previous events, whether you like Lukas or Yvan, this is not for you.