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Why Seven Deadly Shadows Is the YA Fantasy I Needed

Seven Deadly Shadows by Courtney Alameda & Valynne E. Maetani

A Plot Twist Press Review


1. Quick Info

  • Genre: YA Fantasy / Urban Fantasy

  • Pages: 416

  • Vibe: Demons, shadows, shrines, and girl-power grit

  • Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

2. A Spoiler free Short Summary

Ever feel like saving the world is easier than surviving high school? Kira does and honestly, she might be right.
When demons begin stirring in the shadows and the fate of the entire world hangs in the balance, this shrine maiden is suddenly thrown into a supernatural war she definitely didn’t ask for. Seven death spirits, one ancient prophecy, and zero room for failure.

No pressure, right?


3. First Impressions (Hooked or Nope?)

Hooked. Immediately. I was obsessed, to say I was struggling to put this book down would be an understatement and don't even get me started on the atmosphere. To summarise it Chef’s kiss.
The Japanese folklore sprinkled into a modern setting gives it this eerie-yet-magical vibe that pulled me right in. And the opening chapters? Full of tension, emotion, and a protagonist you just want to root for.

Also… the cover? A vibe! (Then again I'm a sucker for a pretty/intriguing cover)


4. Character Chaos

  • Kira: My girl. A fighter. A true "I did not sign up for this but I'm about to make waves" queen. if i could use one word to describe her it would have to be Girl Boss.

  • Shiro: The mysterious kitsune with charm levels set to maximum. (love a morally ambiguous character). I personally had a love hate relationship with Shiro, there was definitely moments he made me want to go into to book world and throw a book at his head ... in a good way. If I could use any word to describe him it would be tease.

  • The Shinigami Squad: Seven deadly spirits with very different vibes, loyalties, and levels of sass.

The characters feel layered and human, well, except the ones who are literally not human. They’re still great, though.


5. Plot Twists & Turns

This book has actual twists, not the “I guessed that 4 chapters ago” ones. It genuinely keep me on my toes and wanting more.
The pacing swings between quiet, eerie shrine moments and fast, demon-slaying chaos.
Some reveals truly had me rereading certain paragraphs being like: “EXCUSE ME? RUN THAT BACK.” 

And the final showdown? A whole moment.


6. Themes & Brain Snacks


I Felt the themes throughout the book really help to add to the allure and intrigue of the book. Some of the themes included were:

  • Courage vs. fear

  • Loyalty

  • Identity + finding your place

  • Sacrifice

  • The power of choosing your own destiny

There was also a beautiful thread of grief, honour, and generational expectations woven throughout.


7. Writing Vibes

The prose is sharp, atmospheric, and just a little dramatic (in the best way).
Dialogue feels modern, but the lore feels ancient. Which i honestly felt was a really cool combo.
The world building is vivid without being overwhelming, and the supernatural elements are chef’s kiss well done.


8. Favourite Quotes / LOL Moments

  • "Fear doesn't grip me immediately – it creeps into my soul like ice overtaking a pond, starting from the outside and working its way into the deepest, darkest parts of me."
  • " I am the heiress to a legacy I wish I'd never discovered"


9. Who Should Read This (aka “Plothead Approved”)

Perfect for fans of:

  • Shadow of the Fox

  • Demon slaying fantasy

  • Japanese mythology

  • Fierce, determined heroines

  • Anyone who loves a blend of eerie atmosphere + action

Best read when: you want something moody, myth-filled, and full of heart.

10. Final Thoughts (The TL;DR)

Seven Deadly Shadows delivers a striking mix of mythology, emotion, and badassery. Kira’s journey is heartfelt, the world is rich, and the stakes are sky high from start to finish. If you love supernatural danger, folklore, and heroines who refuse to back down, then this one definitely deserves a solid spot on your TBR.


Stay twisty, stay curious, and keep turning those pages! 

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