June 10, 2024sarahylockwood

Longshadow by Olivia Atwater

Rate: 4/5

Medium: Audiobook

Overview (No Spoiler):

Longshadow is the third installment of the Regency Faerie Tales but more closely aligns with Half a Soul as it follows closely the story of Elias and Dora Wilder, along with their adopted daughter Abigail. Abigail will be familiar as the young girl who helped Dora in Half a Soul. 

Longshadow revolves around Abigail as she finds her way into her magic and womanhood. A new tragic mystery grips high society as a series of well-off girls unexpectedly pass away. Abigail decides to help her dad, the famous Lord Sorcier, with his investigation despite his adamant reservations. Abigail quickly comes across the curious and mysterious character of Mercy Midnight who is following the same trail, though for completely different missing beings, the sluaghs. These magical creatures have a dreadful reputation but in reality help shepard the recently deceased souls to the next stage. How the tragic deaths of the young women and these missing sluaghs are connected consumes much of this book. The final culprit is introduced incredibly late which is frustrating from the reader’s perspective. That said, the utter chaos following the reveal is action packed and suspenseful, keeping the reader on the edge of their seats.

As is quintessential Atwater, her characters are vivid, colorful, and one of my favorite aspects of her novels. Even the terrible and self-absorbed Lucy Pinckney draws forth a variety of emotions from the reader throughout her journey. The supporting cast as a whole is detailed and full of personality and really bring this regency tale to life.


Overall, Longshadow is a new devastating mystery that is filled with familiar characters who are challenged to keep growing with every dangerous situation they stumble into.

Additional Insight (Spoilers Abound):

  • What did Hugh decide?
  • Ugh. Lucy is seriously the worst.
  • It was so nice to see Effie and Jubilee again.
  • The ending with Abigail being close to dying is so nerve wrecking. I thought Atwater might be pulling a Martin on us with an unexpected death.
  • Mercy Midnight being Lord Longshadow is not what I’d expected. I started to piece it together but it’s as a fun twist. 

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