I am a light romance person. I like love stories that do not take themselves too seriously. However, I recognized the author's name from one of my favorite chat groups. I wanted to get to know her better through reading one of her works. The aforementioned group is for dark romance writers. I think they tolerate me as a necessary evil: the potential consumer of their works. And as for me, I like to hear them talk. I did not think I would actually enjoy She Walks in Shadow. I was in for a surprise.

Dar de Bruin is a young woman watching the procession of the Soltek, when an old woman attempts to kidnap her. Dar is very different in coloring than the golden people in the procession. Judibras, one of the Soltek's younger sons, rescues her from the old woman. Arpao, the oldest son, orders his younger brother back to the procession and subsequently marries Dar. Even though she is determined to be a good wife, she longs for Judibras. Her husband's fascination with her coloring does not lead him to her bedroom. Judibras, despite having obeyed his brother at the procession, now actively tries to seduce Dar. The resolution to this triangle is not what one expects.

The story unfolds as a dream does: pacing slowly and then skipping ahead. Dar's future, as well as with whom that future lies, is shrouded until the end. I felt that Vremont almost mesmerized me to continue reading this story where so much is shrouded in mystery, and so much is omitted. My history of reading choices would indicate there is every reason for me to dislike this novella. And yet I liked it. I can recommend She Walks in Shadow for every person who, like me, thinks they read for the sake of the story rather than the beauty of the words.

Reviewed by Catherine
© February 2005