CRYSTAL IRIS

In Shadows’ romantic fantasy novel, an art historian with a complex past is thrust into a surreal adventure.

Iris, a Harvard University art historian, receives an unusual gift from her estranged father on her 30th birthday: a mysterious prism on a chain that once belonged to her late mother. She soon finds out that this necklace emits a mesmerizing violet light under certain conditions and pulls her into a strange world where reality and the supernatural blur. Her mundane life begins unraveling as she encounters cryptic visions, discovers otherworldly connections, and learns unsettling truths about her mother’s legacy. The plot masterfully blends elements of romance, fantasy, and suspense, driving the narrative with Iris’ growing need to uncover the secrets behind the gift. She also grapples with her strained relationship with her fiance and the haunting allure of a mysterious man in her visions. Shadows vividly depicts Iris’ internal and external struggles and excels at creating vivid, atmospheric settings—from Harvard’s hallowed halls to the other world’s eerie, snowy landscape (“My eyes dart around, frantically searching for a way out. Through the windows, I see mountains. It’s snowing here too”)—and builds a main character who’s both relatable and fiercely determined. The story’s pace is slow and deliberate, balancing introspection with thrilling revelations, and moments of light humor and clever dialogue provide levity amid darker elements. Iris’ internal conflict and evolving identity anchor the tale, making her journey as poignant as it is fantastical. This richly developed tale promises deeper revelations and emotional stakes in future installments.

A spellbinding start to a romantasy series in which mystery, magic, and self-discovery intertwine.