Through the Shadows Book Review

In Through the Shadows, as we see San Francisco rise from the ashes, an age-old battle looms between corruption and the promise of new beginnings.

About Through the Shadows

The devastating earthquake is just two years past, but the city of San Francisco is still trying to recover. Destruction of this magnitude is not so easy to overcome—and neither are the past regrets shadowing Elizabeth King’s hopeful future.

Hoping to right her wrongs, Elizabeth dedicates herself to helping girls rescued from slavery in Chinatown brothels, even if it means putting her own life at risk to sneak through the gloomy alleys and rooftops where dangers lurk.

Putting her life on the line for a worthy cause is admirable. But opening her heart is even more terrifying. So when Elizabeth meets attorney, Charles McKinley—a man who dreams of reforming San Francisco’s crooked politics—Elizabeth begins to doubt: Can she maintain her pretense and hide her past? Or will her secret jeopardize both their futures?

My Thoughts

After having read Karen’s other two novels, Beyond the Ashes and Out of the Ruins, I could not wait to get started on Through the Shadows. In this novel, we meet two new characters who are tied to our familiar favourites from the previous two novels (I LOVE this the most – you get to see how their lives evolve while being introduced to two new characters you fall in love with).

The novel takes place two years after the devastating earthquake that destroys most of San Francisco. Many of the citizens have lost everything and are trying to just stay a float, this is true for Elizabeth. Her father’s investments were lost both in the earthquake and the fire that followed. It is this combined with her love of making a difference, that sees her travel to San Francisco. She wants to put her past behind her, join her siblings and make a difference in the lives of young girls who are sold into slavery. She meets up with Charles, a young man who wants to make a positive difference in politics and the lives of the people he meets.

Charles is a character of strong convictions. He senses something is not quite right at his Uncle’s firm and works hard to uncover the details. What he finds is unbelievable and heart breaking. What he does with this knowledge, is mind blowing.

Through the Shadows is an amazing tale of forgiveness, healing and love against all odds. Our characters fight against the social constraints of society towards women, men and even foreigners, corruption that goes unpunished and the societal norm. It leaves you with hope and understanding. A fantastic read from start to finish, that leaves you craving just a little bit more!

You can find more reviews on the Litfuse blog tour page. You can purchase a copy of the book here.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Karen Barnett is the author of Beyond the Ashes, Out of the Ruins, and Mistaken. Named the 2013 Writer of Promise by Oregon Christian Writers, Karen lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband and two kids. When she’s not writing novels, she loves speaking at women’s events, libraries, and book clubs.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.