Can you repair a betrayal before it even happens? Should you even try?
Half Sick of Shadows is a reimagined, magical story of the Lady of Shalott, also known as Elaine of Astolat.
As a child, Elaine is plagued by visions which her mother – not wanting her to face the hardships of being an oracle in a world with distain for magic – forces Elaine to hide.
With destiny on her side, Elaine is befriended by Morgana. The pair sets out for Avalon and Elaine becomes the fifth member in the group that is Morgana, Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot.
As young love blossoms between Elaine and Lancelot as well as Arthur and Guinevere, Elaine must try to keep what she knows of the quintet’s futures to herself. What heartbreaks, tragedies, and misfortunes lie in wait for them?
Throughout the story it is emphasized that even the slightest decisions can change the future.
The story flips between the present, Elaine’s memories, and Elaine’s visions of what is to come. I did not find it confusing to follow and felt like the visions helped keep the story moving because I wanted to know what would come to pass.
Beyond that, Half Sick of Shadows is a story of friendship, family ties, loyalty and honor, and finding the balance between commitments and independence.
Laura Sebastian began this story as a teenager, and I’m glad she didn’t give up on it. I was not as familiar with Elaine as I was the other characters – perhaps they are easier to romanticize – so I was prompted to do some Googling and read more about her. I won’t spoil anything for you!
I received this book early because it was my June Book of the Month selection (post not sponsored). Half Sick of Shadows is set for release in summer 2021. Learn more about Laura Sebastian and her other projects – including the Ash Princess Series – at her website.
Happy reading!
This sounds really interesting! Awesome review!