Guest Review: A Sliver of Shadow by Allison Pang

A Sliver of Shadow 
(Abby Sinclair #2)
by Allison Pang 
Paperback, 368 pages
Published February 28th 2012 by Pocket Books
ISBN 1439198349
Courtesy of author & Bewitching Book Tours

Just when her new life as a TouchStone — a mortal bound to help OtherFolk cross between Faery and human worlds — seems to be settling down, Abby Sinclair is left in charge when the Protectorate, Moira, leaves for the Faery Court. And when the Protectorate’s away…let’s just say things spiral out of control when a spell on Abby backfires and the Faery Queen declares the Doors between their worlds officially closed. 
The results are disastrous for both sides: OtherFolk trapped in the mortal world are beginning to fade, while Faerie is on the brink of war with the daemons of Hell. Along with her brooding elven prince Talivar and sexy incubus Brystion, Abby ventures to the CrossRoads in an attempt to override the Queen’s magic. But nothing in this beautiful, dangerous realm will compare to the discoveries she’s making about her past, her destiny, and what she will sacrifice for those she loves.

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Jolene’s Thoughts:


It has been six months since we last saw Abby and once again, Moira has taken off, gone to Faery Court to testify against Maurice.  This has left Abby and her live in bodyguard and Faery Prince, Talivar, in the role of nanny to Moira's half-Fae/half-angel son Benjamin.  Brystion had decided to take himself out of Abby's life, thinking she needed more than he could give and Abby is left navigating through the dreaming with the help of Sonja at Brystion's request.  Once again, Abby is running things on her own, taking care of Benjamin, trying to keep Phineas out of her underwear drawer, navigating her dreaming, somehow taking on the role of Dear Abby to the OtherFolk and enjoying the view of Talivar's rear end.  Just when things seem calm, chaos erupts as Moira's replacement for Protectorate walks in and tries to TouchStone Abby.  A spell is unleashed, forcing the Queen to close the Crossroads and Abby finds herself in the center of the mess as she sets out to help her friends.  Along the way, Abby confronts her past, deals with the death of her mom, finds family she didn't know she had, makes more mistakes and maybe finds herself in a new romance along the way.

I loved this book!!  I was a little upset at first when I realized Brystion wasn't a huge part in the first half of this book, then in walks Talivar with his own painful past and I was so sold on these two.  Abby and Talivar have more common ground and though their spark isn't as explosive as it was with Abby and Brystion, it was more of a slow burn as they really got to know each-other. 

All the characters from the last book make an appearance, though some of them don't have as much page time as they did in A Brush Of Darkness, they still have an impact on the story.  We also got a great new cast of characters as we are introduced to the land of Faery in it's deathly beauty.  I was really intrigued with this part of the book as we learn about all of their politics and different fractions.  We also discover who Abby's father is and how much a part of this world she now is.  Not only is she now part of it, but highly coveted.  There are so many good things to point out about this book and I'm really struggling with trying not to give too many spoilers :) Please be patient as I tip toe around here

There is a love triangle when Brystion steps back onto the page and though part of me was relieved to see him again, another part of me wants Abby to move on with Talivar.  I giggled a little when there was mention of a threesome, though it was Abby's wild imagination, It left me wondering if Allison Pang would let those naughty thoughts come to light at some point.  Who wouldn't love a Brystion and Talivar sandwich?  Back to the review- :)  I feel like there is so much more to know about Talivar and his past and I know Abby is not over Brystion, so for now, I've enjoyed the back and forth these two men or Fae and Daemon, have going on, the sizing each-other up and competing for Abby's affections.  We also get more of a look at the daemons as there is a war brewing.  I'm especially interested in seeing more of Nobu and his connection to Melanie.  I feel like there is a great story there that is waiting to be told, whether we get more of them in this series or it will branch out to their own book.  Whatever the case, I want to be a long for the ride!

Abby has again made mistakes in this book.  Part of the reason I love her character so much, regardless of the paranormal aspect, is she's easy to sympathize with because you can easily see pieces of yourself in her.  Overall this was an amazing read and we are left with a cliffhanger that has me counting down the days till the release of the 3rd book.  Hurry up October! :)

Rating: 5 Wine Glasses