The cover is beautiful. Let's just throw that out there now. I was immediately drawn in because of this cover. I think the cover gives away the general atmosphere of the novel without giving away the actual plot, so here goes. Enne Salta comes to the "City of Sin"/New Raynes to find her missing mother. Along the way, she discovers her mother's secrets as well as some of her own (that she didn't know she had), a street gang led by Levi Glaisyer, and a city that will eat her alive if she doesn't become emotionally, mentally, and physically stronger?
First off, I knew right off the bat what Enne Salta's major secret was. It was woefully obvious and I couldn't help but wish that Amanda Foody hadn't done that with the novel. I was really expecting a shocking twist to it but there wasn't one. I didn't feel it made the book worse, but it did rate it as a cliché, and I have to take points away for that. However, Levi's story was a bit vague, and made me want more of him than of Enne. I hope the secret book goes into Levi's past a little more, specifically the relationship between him and Lourdes, and how he came to the city.
Second off, I enjoyed the idea of New Raynes, and the comparison to Las Vegas. That made the whole city and atmosphere more relatable and easier to understand. The book felt very "Casino" (with Robert De Niro) as there were street gangs, and crime families. I didn't feel safe as I read, so I knew I was drawn into that world automatically. It also made it difficult to put down, because I needed to know how Enne handle the various scenarios.
Last but certainly not least, I liked the different "talents" that each person had, and how each coped with those talents. I also didn't mind the made up cuss words as this was also a made up world. Everyone who basically lost their minds over that one aspect should probably get their priorities straightened out when they review a book. That definitely should not be a deal breaker.
Overall I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars, and really hope the second book has more backstory for our main characters. I also hope the Shadow Game gets a little more highlight than just simple fear. If you like mafia stories mixed with magic then this is definitely a novel for you.
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