As a debut novel, "When Shadows Grow Tall" is absolutely outstanding!

Maressa Voss is highly skilled with synonyms and antonyms, without being overbearing. It's like a glassblower creating a vase, you see the shape, but the glassbower breathes life into it, clips and shapes, rolls and expands. This is the best way I can describe the writing style

I was absolutely hooked from page one, sucked in and gripped. The worldbuilding is awesome, the world and elemental magic unique and the charatsers relatable.

This. Book. Is. Incredible.

A powerhouse debut that will knock your socks off and help you put them back on again and give you a cuppa. Fantastic

Thank you to NetGalley for the free eARC. I leave this review with a huge smile voluntarily

I requested this ARC almost before I finished reading the synopsis.

It did not disappoint. It exceeded my expectations!

When you review on NetGalley, you will find both books by more established authors and books by debut authors. There’s only so much you can glean from a plot summary…you just have to take a leap of faith and hope the story is as good as it sounds.

Folks, I’ve been burned before. I’ve had to slog through some not-so-good debuts. This, however, is not one of those disappointments. It exceeded my expectations! I’m so happy when I take a chance on an unknown author and it pans out! I’m thrilled with this book.

The worldbuilding is excellent, and Maressa Voss paints pictures with words. You are transported to the Grasp, with all of its various peoples and climes. You will feel fear and exhaustion with Kylene, as she embarks on an arduous journey. You will learn about the dactyli, and travel along with Lovelace and Gunnar on a quest that has long been foretold. The magic system is intriguing and well-thought-out.

This starts with a bang. That opening scene is absolutely gut wrenching. I don’t have the words to adequately express my emotions upon reading it. Just…go get this book when it comes out on August 1st.

When Shadows Grow Tall is an amazing debut, and Voss is one to watch. I can’t wait to read her next book!

Thank you to NetGalley, Collective Ink Books, Roundfire Books and Maressa Voss for gifting me this wonderful ARC. All opinions are my own.