GOOD LORD. Honestly I thought that I would like this book, but no, I FUCKING LOVE IT. I don't really read that much retellings, (except for ACOTAR) but I swear on my life, this book is hands down amazing. Actually, before I stumbled upon The Shadow Queen, I was kind of hesitant to start it because of the mix reviews it had; others were saying that the story was very similar to like 80% of the YA novels out there so for me I guess it was kind of predictable but man I was wrong. BIG TIME. 
 First of all, I thought the writing was on point. I tried to read other fantasy books because I wanted to dive into a whole new concept in the fantasy genre but none of them really reached my "standards", like some were nice books but the writing could've been better. This one on the other hand, surpassed my expectations, I really loved the writing and the storyline of the characters. Everything about it was really unique, so each chapter was surprising in a good way and it made me not put the book down. I also liked how the book was just paced really well at the same time. In the beginning it was kind of 50-50 but I'm pretty sure that's normal when starting a new book, along the way it definitely got better and man did I love the characters. Because again the writing made the character development really good so I understood each character and their importance to the story. 
 KOL. When I read the first chapter about him, I knew that he was going to be an interesting one and he won't be like those other male characters in a book. In terms of romance, this book balanced it out really well and that's what I loved about it because the relationship between Kol and Lorelai was just right. He's like a complete american version of Will Herondale when it comes to being witty. (Yes guys, read The Infernal Devices) so I guess that's why I loved him because despite the problems occurring in the story, Kol remained to be his original character all throughout. I love him. DEARLY. He's already on my book boyfriend list. And he has a romantic charm. So. BAE. I think this is one of the main reasons why I couldn't stop reading because their relationship with one another was on point. 
 Like I said, the story is unique in a way that made me fall in love with the characters themselves. With Lorelai, she's already, I suppose, one of my favourite female protagonists out there. Yes she has those heroic qualities that we always see in a main character but I find her different (of course in a good way again) and personally I just really like her. Because I know some female protagonists out there that sometimes gives off this vibe like "I'm the main character, I'll do everything and I'll sacrifice myself because I'm the hero blah blah", in here she wasn't like that at all. I loved how she still used her common sense and not let her pride as future queen get in the way. That explains why I loved the development between her and the other characters (mainly Kol) because she was using her brain all throughout and not let any emotion cloud her judgement. 
 THIS IS BECOMING A LONG REVIEW LOL. Obviously I had a lot to say but anyways, loved the ending, everything worked out really well. Also, I find it pretty cool that Kol and Lorelai have their own sense of communication, through thoughts. Like no one else can hear or understand, it's just the two of them. HOW CUTE IS THAT. UGH. So there you go guys, if you read this one and you didn't like it, then sucks for you but if you read it and DID like it then high five to you!!! But if you're reading this review and haven't read it yet, I suggest you pick up your copy now and dive into it. Because hands down, 5 stars to C.J Redwine!