The Shadows We Make is the first, compelling entry in the Shadow Journey Series by Jo Allen Ash, a YA fantasy with an irresistible spell for fans of Hunger Games and fantasy tales with finely drawn settings and complex characters. Sixteen-year-old Grace Irese has been practically under lock and key. She is a desert warrior — strong-willed, highly skilled, and defiant. Duncan Oaks is a young member of the Grif-Drif, an association of men who would take any job if the payment was right. They are tricksters, deceivers, and opportunists. Grace and Duncan both find themselves in a secluded, somewhat off-the-grid juvenile facility. But they must save Grace's sister and to do so, they need to escape the sinister facility. But the world beyond the facility walls is filled is unforgiving and filled with danger and unfriendly creatures. What follows is an adventure in which friendship deepens and challenges nurture the bravery of the young characters.

The first thing that catches the readers' attention as they open this book is the engrossing manner in which the first-person narrative voice is executed, giving the story an intimate feel and strongly connecting readers to the characters. The characters are complex and multidimensional and none of them are lost in the action, each writing to a point that beautifully fits the arc. The worldbuilding is vividly and intricately written, a treasure to explore. The story features elements that entice fans of YA fantasy — propulsive action, growing tension, dangers lurking in dark corners, magic, and above all, the power of friendship. This complex, yet accessible opening into the series will keep readers turning the pages, thanks to the exquisite writing and the author's extraordinary storytelling skills. The Shadows We Make kept me awake throughout the night.