A Sliver of Shadow by Allison Pang

Just when her new life as a TouchStone — a mortal bound to help OtherFolk cross between Faery and human worlds — seems to be settling down, Abby Sinclair is left in charge when the Protectorate, Moira, leaves for the Faery Court. And when the Protectorate's away ... let's just say things spiral out of control when a spell on Abby backfires and the Faery Queen declares the Doors between their worlds officially closed.

The results are disastrous for both sides: OtherFolk trapped in the mortal world are beginning to fade, while Faerie is on the brink of war with the daemons of Hell. Along with her brooding elven prince Talivar and sexy incubus Brystion, Abby ventures to the CrossRoads in an attempt to override the Queen's magic. But nothing in this beautiful, dangerous realm will compare to the discoveries she's making about her past, her destiny, and what she will sacrifice for those she loves.

Abby is coping with being full-time mum to Moira's baby while Moira is dealing with the backlash of what happened in A Brush of Darkness. She's also got a full-time bodyguard in the form of Moira's brother, Taliver. When a woman claiming to be the new protectorate tries to force Abby to be her touchstone, consequences aren't just dire - they're shite! So Abby has to travel to the Faerie via the Crossroads and convince the queen to reopen the Crossroads so all the Otherfolk don't die. But Faerie is on the brink of war - a war which isn't helped when Abby shows up. And not only is the war a major downer but she has to put up with a cock-measuring contest between Taliver and Brystion as they both compete for her and try to outdo one another.

I really, really am loving this series and as much as I enjoyed Brystion in the first book, I'm glad he wasn't as prevalent in this one. Although when Abby was seriously thinking about how much she missed him and how she wanted him, I wanted to grab her and scream at her for being an idiot! Why would you want Brystion when Taliver is there being all hot and stuff? It's obvious where my heart lies, isn't it? Yup I much prefer Taliver to Brystion, 'cos Brystion was a bit of an ass.

The actual storyline was really good and had just enough action to keep you interested but not so much to make you bored by it. Plus I have a new sidekick to keep me amused after losing Giguhl (from the Sabina Kane series), Phin reminds me in so many ways of Giguhl and makes me not miss his snarkyiness as much. I think it's the tiny cute thing that's also horny as hell.


Book Depository: A Sliver of Shadow
Amazon UK: A Sliver of Shadow