I have been waiting (not so patiently) for the debut release of THE SHADOW READER by Sandy Williams. When I finally got my hands on a copy, I did a happy dance. I immediately dove into the amazing world developed by Williams and I did not want to leave.

THE SHADOW READER follows McKenzie, a college student who has been hiding a major secret from those around her. She can see the fae and they have decided to appear in the middle of a final she has to pass to finally graduate with the degree she has worked so hard to earn. Working for the King of the fae has caused issues in her life but since they pay for everything, she tries not to complain. They could work on their timing though. When McKenzie finds herself kidnapped by the enemy rebel fae, she must think on her feet to protect those she cares about and find a way to get back to her world. Doubts start to form around everything she has believed about the fae war when the rebels reveal their motivation behind the deadly rising against the monarchy.

So many things to like about this book! First off, the world building is amazing. The story starts in the modern world of humans. We travel back and forth from the world around us to the alternate world of the fae. The contrast between worlds was described in a way that the reader could easily imagine themselves whisked away to the alternate realm. McKenzie's internal conflict is portrayed wonderfully. I love how she keeps trying to talk herself out of liking the rebels. The male characters who are fighting for our heroine's attention will draw the readers in. Neither are perfect and have done horrible things but you can not help but fall for them. The complexity of the story is refreshing and will have you contemplating which side to root for until the end. On top of all that, the action scenes will have you on the edge of your seat.

War is never black and white. Williams gives us an exciting, turbulent adventure that shows the reader that you can not choose a side until you hear the whole story. This is a home run of a debut novel. I encourage all fans of Urban Fantasy to rush out and pick up a copy of THE SHADOW READER. You will not regret it!