Audiobook Review: Soul of Shadow by Emma Noyes (Narrated by Emily Pike Stewart)

Magic, mythology, and a morally grey heartthrob—Shadow Soul is YA fantasy fun.

Synopsis

A thrilling Norse mythology inspired contemporary romantasy sure to excite fans of The Vampire Diaries and Atlas Six.

Charlie Hudson just wants to get through junior year. Since the death of her twin sister two years earlier, she’s drifted through life, going through the motions at school and parties and even at home. The spark that once burned so brightly within her has all but flickered out.

Until her classmate goes missing in the forest, leaving nothing behind but a pair of shoes and strange symbols carved into a tree.

Drawn to the disappearances by forces she can’t explain, she finds herself investigating the mysterious, alluring newcomer in town, Elias Everhart. With piercing eyes and sharp wit, he dances around her questions, only intriguing her further. Elias has a secret. More than one.

But what Charlie doesn’t know is that those secrets will lead her to a place she never imagined: a world hiding in plain sight, made of magic, gods, and monsters – and a first love fated to fall apart.

In Emma Noyes’s Soul of Shadow, truths and temptations lurk in the darkness, and for Charlie, the only thing more dangerous than facing her past, is the boy with the power to change her future.

Audiobook Review

Narrator: Emily Pike Stewart — perfect choice, flawless delivery

Rating: 4 stars

If you can still your brain and suspend disbelief, Soul of Shadow is a YA fantasy that will absolutely sweep you up in its magic, mythology, and heart.

 The Plot in a Nutshell

Two years ago, Charlie lost her twin sister Sophie to illness. Once daring and full of life, she’s now quiet, withdrawn, and still haunted by grief.

But when teens start disappearing in her small Michigan town—and Norse symbols appear carved into the trees—Charlie’s world tilts on its axis.

Enter Elija, the mysterious new boy at school who seems far too interested in both the disappearances and Charlie herself. She’s certain he’s hiding something dark… but what she uncovers is beyond anything she could imagine.

Soon, Charlie and Elija are racing against time to stop an ancient danger and save everyone they love.

 What I Loved

– The Vette – a cute, mischievous little garden gnome who never shows his eyes and binge-watches The Witcher. I adored him.
– Charlie’s friends – Lou and Abigail’s banter, loyalty, and chaos brought humor and warmth to the story.
–Norse mythology – I loved diving into Asgard lore and meeting mythical creatures woven so cleverly into the plot.
– Charlie & Elija’s tension – deliciously complicated. Elija is a true morally grey character who made me hope for redemption… and then crush that hope spectacularly.
– The finale – everything kicks into high gear, secrets explode, and the stakes skyrocket.

 What Didn’t Quite Work

Some plot points stretched logic a bit, but I was too entertained to care much.
Be warned—it ends on a semi-cliffhanger!

 Final Thoughts

Soul of Shadow is an engaging YA fantasy full of Norse lore, family secrets, magic, and moral complexity. It’s got that fun, cinematic feel—equal parts mystery, mythology, and heart. If you love “enemies-to-(maybe)-lovers” tension and atmospheric fantasy worlds, this one’s for you.

Thanks for reading.

Sophie