Read of the Week: ‘Shades of Doon’ by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon

Shades of Doon by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon

It’s crazy to think that two years ago I was blabbering about Morlocks and just last year that I turned The National into the official sound guys of Doon. Book series always go by so much faster than I ever actually want them to. Is this only me? I really hope not. I sound like a parent with empty nest syndrome. There are some series, though, short-lived as they may be, that stick with you through and through, despite time and age and life itself; Doon is a perfect example of one of these series.

With each installment, I find that these ladies only ever outdo themselves countless times. After reading Destined for Doon and deciding that above all else, regardless of anything these women throw at me, it would be my favorite in the Doon series till the end of time, I had Shades of Doon sent my way and now I’m convinced that every book will undoubtedly overshadow the last and there’s no point in labeling a favorite because all will always be timeless in my fragile little bookworm heart.

I’ll let you guys in on a secret, too — I was in a total book slump, quite possibly the worst one of my life. I’ve moved back and forth between two cities in the last year or so and between accustoming myself to two different worlds, friendships with new geographical distance, getting back into the funk of school and balancing work, it’s been hard. I haven’t wanted to read, or to write, or to do anything remotely close to anything that I have a passion for because I’ve been so emotionally lost and confused, but this book fixed all that. Isn’t that just the best feeling? Being down in the dump and saying, “Hell, I guess I’ll read this but there’s no guarantee I’ll like doing it.” and having it change your entire reading outlook? Is there a word for this? Reverse book-slump? It’s a horrible one, but I’ve got nothing. If you’ve got a better idea, sound off in the comments because the world needs a label for this grand ol’ thing that makes life so much better.

I’m so glad that Shades of Doon ended up being this book for me, because it was written by two of my friends and because all of Doon‘s stories always leave me with these beautiful messages and new found hope. I guess what I’m trying to say is if reading is giving you a hard time right now, take a step back and pick up a slab, anyways. You never know when you’ll find the one that changes things for you.

Corp and Langdon take the Dooniverse to new heights here, with unexpected villains and otherworldly obstacles, while still making time for all those adorably steamy romance all us fans love so much. Or maybe that’s just me? Either way, there’s something for everyone here, per usual. There was some pretty kick-butt action this time around, though I will admit it doesn’t consume the story and more than anything we’re dealing with a lot more magic than we are swords and crossbows. I promise you, though, this isn’t a bad thing, and you’re going to enjoy it just as much as I’m leading you to believe, trust me, just trust me.

It’s never a bad time for a Wednesday Addams GIF and if you don’t agree you’re probably reading the wrong article and I’m sorry. In all honesty, I always find a way to incorporate some form of media for my Doon reviews and I felt it was appropriate this time around to include something, because, you know, traditions. Sorry.

Just like all the unusual sorts of action we’re being gifted in Shades, romance is present in new and subtle ways now that the girls have finally both been able to snag their princes, but don’t get all excited just yet, there’s plenty of problems our favorite leading ladies need to get through before you can call anything a Happily Ever After. That’s right, cue the freak outs; not everything is rainbows and butterflies, so prepare yourself. What were you expecting? Or really, what was I expecting? In my ideal world, I think Doon would just be a chronicle of the Scooby gang going grocery shopping. See? Boring for you, fun for me. Okay, so maybe that sounds a little boring.

The real fun here lies beyond all the fighting and kissing and the mystery, and I want to talk about it but not sure if it’s taboo yet so I will warn everyone on here to stop their eyes now if they don’t want to know a single detail about the book BUT will suggest you keep on reading if you don’t mind a little hint. I’ll allow you the jump between Amy Poehler and what follows to decide for yourself.

The real world.

That’s right. Present times, like modern-day Chicago? Alloway? Yeah, aha, that’s right. I won’t give away much, but I’d read through so many Goodreads pre-reviews to know that everyone was initially predicting that someway, somehow, the real world would come back into play. Also, it’s sort of hinted at on the flap but I watch Game of Thrones, so I know how this world feels about any sort of spoilers.

The best part about Shades of Doon is getting to see the girls exposed to reality all over again and overall experiencing this story in a new light and a whole new location. It was both parts innovative and faithful to what Doon is all about, and I can’t wait for all of you to read it soon!

Anyone who’s worried this won’t live up to expectations can put those doubts to rest.

Shades of Doon stuns with spectacular romance, action-filled fun, and all the magic that lies beyond the bridge.

Rating: 10/10