Editorial and ARC Reviews
ANNALISE READS
Amy L. van Rijthoven creates a spell that lasts from the first page of Shadows and Black in the Light. This masterfully written book takes readers on a disturbing and intensely emotional journey through mental illness, bereavement, and the elusive realities that both unite and divide families.
I was intrigued by the cover and book description and grateful to receive a review copy from the author. And now, I’m happy to tell you about this book (spoiler free) and why I loved it. As a content warning: there is heavy subject matter, so read responsibly. But I do believe it’s a truly beautiful book that really gave me some fresh perspective on my own life and how I move through the world.
Millie, a young lady who stands at the rocky nexus of hope and tragedy, is at the center of the narrative. After her mother’s mental health deteriorated and her father passed away tragically, Millie finds herself trapped in a world that feels anything but normal. Van Rijthoven, however, deftly turns what could otherwise be a simple coming-of-age story into something far more powerful and mysterious.
The plot transforms from an intimate family drama to a speculative adventure that tests the edges of reality and the invisible as Millie starts to investigate into her father’s mysterious background.
We are pulled farther into a complex universe where the distinction between the supernatural and the known starts to haze with each secret Millie discovers. The book has an unearthly feeling to it that makes the reader and the protagonist reevaluate what is real and what lies beyond the surface of daily existence.
Van Rijthoven’s skill at striking a balance between the emotional weight of her characters and creative, genre-bending narrative is what makes this book so captivating. Millie’s speech is honest and unvarnished; she never sugarcoats her suffering or bewilderment. She does, however, have a strength: an unquenchable desire to comprehend the past to make sense of the present. One of the most fulfilling parts of the novel is seeing her change; her journey is as psychological as it is external.
The tale skillfully incorporates the speculative components. They represent Millie’s shattered emotional landscape and her slow metamorphosis; they are more than just decorative accents.
Characters in the supporting cast are similarly well-portrayed. Every person Millie meets, whether they are an ally or a barrier, contributes to the rich fabric of the book.
The formatting is well done, the dialogue flows naturally, and the characters feel real and relatable. The story, though sometimes tragic, and full of twists and turns, will suck you in.
You won’t find simple solutions in Shadows and Black in the Light. Rather, it encourages introspection and rewards careful consideration. The book is about facing both actual and symbolic darkness and having the courage to enter the light, even when it is obscured by layers of shadow.
Fans of speculative fiction who appreciate stories that combine psychological research with a dash of the fantastical and who embrace emotional depth will love this one!
Final Thoughts:
The compelling story of Shadows and Black in the Light stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. You think, feel, and – most importantly – have a somewhat different perspective on the world after reading this kind of story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A moving, genre-defying book that pushes the boundaries of the heart and reality.
JM NORTHERN MEDIA
Shadows And Black In The Light By Amy van Rijthoven
It’s an alt-romance, a coming of age story, a mystery wrapped in a thriller. It’s the
story of two misfits in search of themselves and the secrets contained in a mystery box.
The two come together and find each other and the box.
Fans of deep psychological analysis will enjoy this story, filled with moody breakfasts,
unsure footsteps forward, and heaping helpings of ennui, as the characters ruminate
and exchange in ways reminiscent of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot. This isn’t
quite to that deep level, but if you enjoy that sort of back and forth cloaked in meaning,
then this is the book for you.
The story concept is strong, but could be tighter and less wordy. The dialogue often
descends into an Alphonse and Gaston back and forth exchange, when internal
thoughts or description in the prose could have tightened things and moved the story
along at a faster pace.
The novel focuses on Millie, a teen whose mother was institutionalized and father killed
in an accident. She’s left in the charge of a smarmy stepmother, and Millie’s attempts to
break free of that rut constitute the early part of the book.
Later, she meets Andy, an older man with a checkered past and ties to her father. They
gradually grow on each other, eventually teaming up to uncover the mystery behind the
box.
A rule of fiction usually states that long exchanges of dialogue where the characters are
speaking at each other rather than moving the plot along loses the reader. Small talk is
fine in some settings in this novel, but particularly in the first half of the book, needlessly
drags out the time before we arrive at the story’s meat.
Still, the book fits well within the tropes and conventions of introspective coming of age
novels, and fans of the genre will find much to like in the novel’s 2012 Australian
summer landscape.
It’s a promising launch for a writer finding her voice, and she should have a fine career
ahead.
Chasing Shadows. Review by Dylan Insch for Readers’ Favorite. Review Rating- 5 Stars
In Chasing Shadows Back In The Light by Amy L van Rijthoven, we follow Vivian and a young man named Andy as their paths cross. Vivian is consumed by the need to find her missing sister, Rose, who vanished outside a liquor store back in 2005, and her search leads her straight to the bizarre anomalies at Boulder Mountain. At the same time, Andy is just a struggling teenager dealing with a very difficult home life before getting pulled into underground delivery runs for a wealthy man named Marco. Once Vivian starts chasing clues regarding a space-time rift called the Void, Marco sets Andy to watch over her because of the unexplainable blackouts she keeps having. Their paths cross in unexpected ways through the bizarre occurrences of this mountain landscape where physical laws break down. Will Vivian unravel the profound puzzles surrounding her sister before these competing dimensions tear their world apart?
Chasing Shadows Back In The Light by Amy L van Rijthoven is a mind-bending paranormal mystery that alters how a reader perceives the progression of time. The writing style really strengthens the sense of dread by treating the landscape like an unpredictable antagonist. The book pulls you right into the story because the author treats the non-linear timeline as a fluid maze where past and present events collide. The notion behind the Void offers a fascinating exploration of human grief, depicting how far a person will go to correct a past tragedy when the universe itself begins to warp. The deep tension between the characters carries the high-concept physics beautifully, making the complex ideas about alternate realities fascinating to follow. Each chapter adds another layer to the overarching mystery, keeping the suspense high while building a really eerie atmosphere around the mountain. If you’re a fan of stories that challenge your perception of time, you’ll love diving into this world.
Shadows and Black in the Light Review by Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite. Review Rating- 5 Stars
Shadows and Black in the Light by Amy L. van Rijthoven is a coming-of-age story set in the summer of 2012. The story follows Millie just before her eighteenth birthday, when her troubled past begins to resurface. With her father dead in mysterious circumstances and her mother institutionalized, Millie lives under the cold supervision of a distant stepmother. Just days before her eighteenth birthday, she meets Andy, a troubled drifter, and together they embark on a search for the truth. As they look for answers, a mysterious box emerges, revealing mysterious clues that pull them deeper into a web of secrets and a reality far different from what it seems. Both Millie and Andy struggle with personal demons, leading them to questions to which they might never find the answers.
Author Amy L. van Rijthoven created a perfect coming-of-age story with hints of psychological thriller and family drama. I loved how the reader experiences Millie's search for the truth and Andy's confrontation with his past. The narrative is beautifully structured to create an atmosphere of intrigue and suspense, making them want to read on and find out what happens next. The story begins with Millie and her emotional journey. However, it is all amplified when Andy’s character is introduced. I loved how their relationship started as a slow burn and turned into a partnership that helped them both in the end. The fast-paced and wonderfully written narrative ensures that the reader stays hooked on the story. I enjoyed the character development, their individual stories, and the impact they had on other characters. Shadows and Black in the Light is truly a wonderful book!
Shadows and Black in the Light Review by Jamie Michele for Readers’ Favorite. Review Rating- 5 Stars
Shadows and Black in the Light by Amy L. van Rijthoven follows Millie, an eighteen-year-old discovering a fraught family legacy after her father Marco’s suspicious death. Living with her stepmother, Vivian, Millie suspects Vivian’s involvement and fears losing her inheritance. Millie seeks independence while working through secrets surrounding her father’s illicit dealings. She forms a tentative alliance with Andy, who is connected to Marco’s past, and a dangerous criminal network led by Enrico. Together, Millie and Andy try to find evidence of what's behind Marco’s demise and the dangerous forces still at play. At the same time, Millie must reconcile the reality of her mother's institutionalization and mental illness. As threats mount, Millie must decide whom to trust and balance her desire for autonomy, while Andy maneuvers to extricate himself from the criminal world.
I honestly did not know what I was in for going into Shadows and Black in the Light by Amy L. van Rijthoven, partly because the description, while intriguing, is a little vague, and also because I'm not a fan of two different narrators both in the first person. But almost immediately, I was roped in, and from that moment on, I could not put this book down! Millie has been dealt a pretty crappy hand with a father dead from a supposed scaffolding accident, a volatile (to the point of abusive) stepmother, and an absent mother she has not seen in years. Sophia's mental health issues are sympathetically portrayed, as are those around her, despite different perspectives on how they should be treated. Better still, Millie is afforded agency by the author, and she frequently asserts it. Andy is another story entirely, and it took me a long time to warm to him, even with moments of true tenderness toward another beyond Millie. The mystery is great, as are some well-placed twists, and overall, this is a wonderful work of literary fiction.
Shadows and Black in the Light Review by Asher Syed for Readers’ Favorite. Review Rating- 5 Stars
Shadows and Black in the Light by Amy Van Rijthoven follows Millie, and the unsettling memories from her past that begin to resurface as she approaches her eighteenth birthday. Following her father's unexplained death and her mother's prolonged institutionalization, she is raised by a distant stepmother and becomes determined to uncover the truth behind the events that fractured her family. Millie meets Andy, a drifter with a criminal history, and their lives become closely connected as they investigate the circumstances surrounding their shared sense of loss. A mysterious box containing cryptic clues draws them deeper into a network of hidden truths. As Millie navigates grief and confusion, Andy is forced to confront his own abandonment, and their search leads them toward a final, tragic revelation that challenges their understanding of what is real.
Amy Van Rijthoven’s Shadows and Black in the Light skillfully explores Millie’s emotional interiority with authenticity and vulnerability. Millie’s grief, suspicion, and hope create a believable character whose inner conflicts are portrayed with literary subtlety, allowing readers to engage with the long-term effects of familial trauma and emotional neglect. The alternating points of view between Millie and Andy introduce contrasting tones; her impulsive and emotional voice balances his gritty, mature perspective, offering insight into their fractured relationship and building suspense through moments like Millie’s cryptic note. The settings, shifting from highways to secluded falls, reflect Millie’s changing emotional landscape, symbolizing transitions and renewal. This approach grounds the story in both psychological depth and atmospheric detail, making the read thoughtful and engaging throughout.
Shadows and Black in the Light Review by Keana Sackett-Moomey for Readers’ Favorite. Review Rating- 5 Stars
In Shadows and Black in the Light, Amy van Rijthoven draws us into the intriguing lives of Millie and Andy, the protagonists. Their journeys are formed through a profound sense of loss, a strong desire to possess something out of their reach, and a past that troubles them relentlessly. Millie's and Andy's intertwined tales unfold in rural Australia. Millie is struggling to process her father's sudden death and the painful emptiness triggered by her detached stepmother. Andy is a former associate of Millie's father, who is tormented by his unlawful past and hopes to redeem himself one day. Their journeys merge during their mutual search for answers. This search guides them to a series of well-concealed secrets. What unfolds is an evocative tale of damaged family relationships and the power of healing.
Amy van Rijthoven's Shadows and Black in the Light is a heartfelt tale of redemption, family ties, and self-discovery. What gripped me the most was the author’s ability to present emotional vulnerability through the characters without disrupting the narrative flow. The writing is engaging and crisp, occasionally even tender, but at other times raw, creating experiences that feel sincere. Millie’s character development is well-written, while Andy's committed presence and tough persona add nuance to the story. While the pacing vacillates between calm and dramatic, it does so with intent, leaving enough space for readers to reflect without affecting the impact of the plot. In the end, this beautiful speculative novel isn’t just a well-crafted piece of literary fiction; it is also a thought-provoking tale that lingers long after the story has ended!
Shadows and Black in the Light Review by Alija Turkovic for Readers’ Favorite. Review Rating- 5 Stars
Amy L van Rijthoven's Shadows and Black in the Light unfolds during a teen girl's summer full of profound change. It follows the emotional journey of Millie, who grapples with the hidden secrets of her family life just as she draws nearer to celebrating her 18th birthday. After years of living with an aloof stepmother, coupled with unresolved thoughts surrounding her father’s unusual passing and her mother's mental health, Millie is pulled into a series of discoveries sparked by the appearance of a strange box. Her story becomes entangled with Andy's, a loner with unresolved issues of his own. Together, Millie's and Andy's quests for answers lead them down a path filled with uncertainty and deep-rooted trauma, blurring the line between memory and reality in unnerving but poignant ways.
Amy L van Rijthoven has an exceptional skill in drawing out the emotional complexities behind each chapter. She carefully interlaces elements of realism into the book's core. The narrative flows naturally, centered by dialogue that is grounded and protagonists who develop authentically over time. Millie’s inner challenges are conveyed with empathy, while Andy’s rugged character provides both tenderness and tension in the storyline. Shadows and Black in the Light doesn't offer easy, quick-fix solutions. Rather, it openly explores deep themes of human vulnerability, trauma, and family dysfunction. I applaud the way the author doesn't exaggerate the dramatic elements in the book. Instead, she lets the characters' genuine emotions and experiences convey meaning. Overall, this novel is both intimate and immersive. Readers captivated by narratives on identity and grief will enjoy reading this story.
LITERARY TITAN-SLIVER STAR AWARD
Amy van Rijthoven’s Shadows and Black in the Light is a haunting and poetic journey through the lives of two deeply scarred individuals—Millie and Andy—whose stories intertwine across themes of grief, betrayal, longing, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of rural Australia, the novel moves between the perspectives of Millie, a teenager on the brink of adulthood grappling with the mysterious death of her father and the emotional absence of her mother, and Andy, a former associate of her father caught between his criminal past and an aching desire to start over. As their lives begin to overlap, the novel paints an intricate portrait of broken families, buried secrets, and the fragile, persistent hope for healing.
What I liked most was the visceral, emotional quality of the writing. Van Rijthoven doesn’t shy away from the messiness of human relationships. Her prose is vivid, lyrical, sometimes raw, evoking smells, textures, and fleeting moments with clarity. Millie’s voice is especially poignant. She’s young but not naive, strong yet vulnerable. I often found myself pausing to absorb the depth of her thoughts, quiet reflections that feel both personal and relatable. Andy’s chapters, on the other hand, are grittier and rough-edged, but they balance Millie’s internal monologue with action and a grim look at life on the other side of the law. The dual narrative worked beautifully for me—it was like watching two storms edge closer together until they finally collide.
While the emotional weight carried the story far, there were moments when the pacing felt uneven—certain scenes lingered, while others that seemed pivotal moved quickly. But even when the plot wandered, the emotional heartbeat never faltered. The mystery, the slow-burn relationships, the tension—it kept me hooked. And by the final chapters, I felt I had truly gone on a journey with these characters. Their growth felt earned.
Shadows and Black in the Light is a heartfelt and emotionally rich novel that is perfect for readers who enjoy stories of self-discovery, slow-burning suspense, and complex family drama. If you’re the kind of person who likes to sit with a story long after it ends, who appreciates prose that breathes, and who isn’t afraid of confronting the shadows we all carry, this book is for you.