Book Review: Wind and Shadow by Tori L. Ridgewood

I was a little hesitant to add another paranormal, vampire vs. witch, romance novel to my reading list—but, the cover art for Wind & Shadow by Tori L. Ridgewood, caught my eye. What was my review of Wind & Shadow, Book One of The Talbot Trilogy?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for use in my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Wind & Shadow by Tori L. Ridgewood

Rayvin Woods, photographer and natural witch. She just wanted to start her life again after a series of misadventures. She did not count on rekindling a lost love when she came home to Talbot...or battling a malevolent vampire and his coven for her life.

Grant Michaels, police officer. He thought Rayvin was a murderer. He will do whatever it takes to protect the community he loves from danger...but will he learn to trust his heart, and the word of a witch, before it is too late?

Malcolm de Sade, cunning vampire, imprisoned underground for a year by Charlotte Fanning and Pike Mahonen ("Mist and Midnight", Midnight Thirsts). His accidental release unleashes his hunger and ambition on a small, sleepy town.

Wind & Shadow offers unexpected plot twists and turns. I really like Ridgewood’s writing style. Her pages are descriptive—without excessively long passages or too much dialogue. I found myself completely caught up in this book—and surprised by a few of the unexpected plot twists and turns. Rather than reading a same-old-same-old vampire-witch-human love triangle, I found myself pleasantly surprised with the author’s ability to create a page turner.

Wind & Shadow ends in a cliffhanger—so expect to read the series for resolutions! I won’t giveaway any of the details—but, I was disappointed at the end of the book. I was disappointed partly because there were so many characters and pieces of the plot left hanging until book two—and partly because the book’s conflicts weren’t turning out as I had hoped. I will say; although I wasn’t given the ending that I desired, Ridgeway’s writing has me hooked enough to add the next book from her trilogy to my reading list. I need to know what happens to Rayvin, Grant, and even to de Sade….I may not like the outcomes—but, I need to know!

Would I recommend Wind & Shadow by Tori L. Ridgewood? I really like the book and the author’s writing style. I wished for different outcomes—which may still come in future books. I will recommend this book for those who enjoy paranormal, vampire/witch stories. This book does have a strong sexual element—it certainly isn’t a tween read. If you prefer stand-alone books—this one may not be for you because it certainly ends abruptly. I am fairly sure that you will want to know what happens in the next book too!

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About the Author



Tori L. Ridgewood is a collector and teller of stories; a dedicated wife, mother, and high-school teacher; and is a practicing Wiccan. She enjoys reading, needlecraft, and overthinking movies.

Connect with the Author:
Twitter: @torilridgewood
Facebook:  Tori L. Ridgewood
Blog: torildridgewood.wordpress.com