Shadows and Black in the Light – Book Review

by Amy L van Rijthoven

Amy L. van Rijthoven creates a spell that lasts from the first page of Shadows and Black in the Light. This masterfully written book takes readers on a disturbing and intensely emotional journey through mental illness, bereavement, and the elusive realities that both unite and divide families.

I was intrigued by the cover and book description and grateful to receive a review copy from the author. And now, I’m happy to tell you about this book (spoiler free) and why I loved it. As a content warning: there is heavy subject matter, so read responsibly. But I do believe it’s a truly beautiful book that really gave me some fresh perspective on my own life and how I move through the world.

Millie, a young lady who stands at the rocky nexus of hope and tragedy, is at the center of the narrative. After her mother’s mental health deteriorated and her father passed away tragically, Millie finds herself trapped in a world that feels anything but normal. Van Rijthoven, however, deftly turns what could otherwise be a simple coming-of-age story into something far more powerful and mysterious.

The plot transforms from an intimate family drama to a speculative adventure that tests the edges of reality and the invisible as Millie starts to investigate into her father’s mysterious background.

We are pulled farther into a complex universe where the distinction between the supernatural and the known starts to haze with each secret Millie discovers. The book has an unearthly feeling to it that makes the reader and the protagonist reevaluate what is real and what lies beyond the surface of daily existence.

Van Rijthoven’s skill at striking a balance between the emotional weight of her characters and creative, genre-bending narrative is what makes this book so captivating. Millie’s speech is honest and unvarnished; she never sugarcoats her suffering or bewilderment. She does, however, have a strength: an unquenchable desire to comprehend the past to make sense of the present. One of the most fulfilling parts of the novel is seeing her change; her journey is as psychological as it is external.

The tale skillfully incorporates the speculative components. They represent Millie’s shattered emotional landscape and her slow metamorphosis; they are more than just decorative accents.

Characters in the supporting cast are similarly well-portrayed. Every person Millie meets, whether they are an ally or a barrier, contributes to the rich fabric of the book.

The formatting is well done, the dialogue flows naturally, and the characters feel real and relatable. The story, though sometimes tragic, and full of twists and turns, will suck you in.

You won’t find simple solutions in Shadows and Black in the Light. Rather, it encourages introspection and rewards careful consideration. The book is about facing both actual and symbolic darkness and having the courage to enter the light, even when it is obscured by layers of shadow.

Fans of speculative fiction who appreciate stories that combine psychological research with a dash of the fantastical and who embrace emotional depth will love this one!

Final Thoughts:
The compelling story of Shadows and Black in the Light stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. You think, feel, and – most importantly – have a somewhat different perspective on the world after reading this kind of story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A moving, genre-defying book that pushes the boundaries of the heart and reality.