Review: Phantom Shadows (Immortal Guardians #3) by Dianne Duvall

Flora Reviews… Phantom Shadows (Immortal Guardians #3) by Dianne Duvall

So what’s Phantom Shadows about?

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Phantom Shadows is a paranormal romance tale that I think could sit happily on an urban fantasy shelf due to some of the content. Set in our modern human world and featuring a new twist on the vampire genre.

What’s the difference between Immortals and vampires?

Immortals and vampires are both infected with the same virus, which lends them dramatically increased strength, speed, healing capabilities and enhanced senses. Vampires are humans who have been infected, whereas immortals are gifted ones who have been infected. Gifted ones are men and women who were born with extremely advanced DNA that lends them special gifts, such as healing, telepathy, precognition and the like. Vampires rapidly descend into madness when the virus damages their brains but Immortals don’t; their advanced DNA protects them from that aspect of the virus.

So, what did I like about Phantom Shadows?

I have become a definite fan of Ms Duvall’s writing style and find her books very easy to read. She writes intelligent, engaging stories with a collection of well written characters within an imaginative world that mixes fantasy and reality. Creating a world that I can believe in. The pace of her stories is usually fast and full of action but without being disorienting. I like that she combines a couple of plot lines to run alongside the main romantic story arc.

Phantom Shadows did not let me down.

My regular followers will know that I enjoy books where the characters are not black or white, good or evil but a multifaceted mix of positive and negative traits. I like to see them grow through embracing or overcoming their challenges. (Oh, boy is that the perfect description of Bastien). The characters within these pages have been written with personalities that we can see in the real world around us. It adds that extra level of believability to this fantasy tale. Even though most of them are mythical, paranormal beings

I definitely enjoy a story more if the lead female character is intelligent, resilient and has a good sense of humour that’s similar to my own. Melanie was brilliant, what an inspiring woman! I liked the way that all of the characters in this story were written. Even the villains of the tale. None of them were flat 2-dimensional creations, they all felt very real. Oh, and like most Brits I do love a bit of banter. This story has plenty of it! I found myself COL (Chuckling Out Loud) throughout. Bastien certainly knows how to push people’s buttons and Sheldon is a hoot!

I think I may have reached for the tissues a tad more often while reading this story. However, fear not, lovely reader, it’s not all tear inducing. I also loved the fact that the mystery and thriller aspect of this story kept me guessing. The fighting and action kept me on the edge of my seat while the banter kept me giggling. The blossoming romance made me warm and fuzzy and the passion set my tummy a-tingling. *oooh*

So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?

Nope. Even though some of the more violent scene sent my emotions spinning, there is nothing about this book that I didn’t absolutely love!!

I’m unsure whether Phantom Shadows can really be read as a standalone story.

The romance aspect of the tale between Bastien and Melanie is concluded by the end of this book in Ms Duvall’s signature HEA style. We meet characters from the previous books and there are references to past adventures. Ms Duvall tries to ensure her new readers aren’t lost. Pertinent information is weaved beautiful into this story without slowing the pace. However, I would like to point out that as with most series, you may miss the nuances of experiencing past relationships, plot lines and characters when jumping in cold or reading books out of order. Plus, as with most series, there are background story arcs that are concluded within this book and some that will continue into the next one.

So, basically what I’m saying is…

I didn’t want to stop reading Phantom Shadows!

It ticked all the boxes for me. Intelligent writing style that’s easy to read. Main characters with depth of personality that I can like (or love to hate) and believe in. Depth of character in the supporting cast. Believable background story and setting. Balanced mix of relationship and romance scenes to fighting, action and sex scenes.

I would recommend Phantom Shadows to adult readers who enjoy strong alpha heroes and independent capable heroines. Those who want tense often traumatic and brutal confrontations plus hot lust and romance in their plots.

So, has my review of PHANTOM SHADOWS (IMMORTAL GUARDIANS #3) encouraged you to find out more? Click on any of the links below to check out the book yourself. Keep reading to find out more about the series and the author herself.

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Thanks for taking the time to read my review. I hope you decide to add Phantom Shadows to your wish list.

Dianne Duvall is one of the amazing authors on my favourites’ page. I’m sure you’ll see more of her on my blog in the months and years to come. Have you read any of her books? Drop me a comment below.

Bye for now,

Flora x