The Shadows is the thirteenth book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by popular American author, J.R.Ward. Shadow Trez Latimer’s birth saw him declared the Anointed One, meaning a life imprisoned as mate to the s’Hisbe Princess, heir to the throne. His escape from the Shadow Territory could only see him avoiding his fate temporarily: even his promiscuous lifestyle, an attempt to contaminate his body’s purity, would not reprieve him. That same lifestyle ensured that when he met the Chosen, Selena, despite their mutual attraction, he knew he could never be worthy. But a sudden life-threatening disease forces the issue: Trez and Selena are thrown together.

His twin brother, iAm, in an attempt to help his brother out, risks travelling to the Territory to seek vital knowledge. While there, he is stunned to find that he wants to give up his lifelong celibacy for a serving girl, a maichen. Meanwhile, Chosen Layla is still meeting secretly with the sworn enemy of the King and the Brotherhood, Xcor. But Xcor’s distraction with Layla sees murmurings of mutiny in his Band of Bastards. And Assail has to reconsider his choice of business partner.

In this instalment, the reader learns more about the Shadows and the Chosen; an arm is accidentally broken, a beheading takes place, the Brotherhood’s clinic staff are kept extremely busy, an ultrasound reveals a surprise, Fritz proves he can really drive and Fallen Angel Lassiter finally shows he can be more than decorative. An ultimatum containing a declaration of war, a romantic visit to an amusement park, a large engagement ring, a funeral pyre, and a Brother with panic attacks all feature. Fans of this addictive series will not be disappointed. 4.5 stars