Magic, Midlife, and Mayhem—A Review of Throwing Shade

I don't remember who recommended this book to me, but it sat on my Kindle for quite some time. I'm glad I read it because it was hilarious. While I was doing chores, I used the assistive reader function on my Kindle app to listen to the story. It took some getting used to but it worked great.

What I Loved

Throwing Shade by Deborah Wilde is a delightful blend of humor, magic, and midlife rediscovery. The protagonist, Miriam Feldman, a forty-something single mom, brings a refreshing and relatable perspective to the urban fantasy genre. Wilde’s knack for witty banter shines through in Miriam’s interactions, especially with her semi-partner, Laurent, the emotionally distant shifter. The comedy is clever, with plenty of moments that will make you laugh out loud, maintaining a light and engaging tone.

One of the book’s standout elements is its world-building. Wilde’s universe intertwines magic and Hebrew mythology, creating a captivating and unique touch. The magic system is unique and intriguing, diverging from typical urban fantasy. Miriam’s journey of self-discovery in her 40s, as she embraces her magical powers, is empowering and resonates deeply.

The book also balances action and exposition well, maintaining a fast pace without overwhelming the reader. The tension and suspense, particularly with the will-they-won’t-they dynamic between Miriam and the wolf shifter, add an extra layer of intrigue. For those who enjoy a blend of humor, badassery, and supernatural thrills, Throwing Shade delivers on all fronts.

What Didn’t Resonate With Me

Despite its many strengths, Throwing Shade has a few shortcomings. The plot, while fast-paced, can become convoluted at times, making it difficult to keep track of all the twists and turns. It’s a bit overwhelming and takes away from the fun.

Character development also fell a bit flat for me. While Miriam is a likable protagonist, her actions sometimes come across as naïve, which feels inconsistent with her age and life experience. Her habit of rushing into situations, despite warnings, feels more appropriate for a younger, less experienced character, and this lack of maturity was frustrating at times. Additionally, the side characters, although interesting, lacked depth and left me wanting more from them.

Miriam’s sass, a central part of her character, occasionally crosses the line into arrogance, which made it harder for me to fully connect with her. These character traits diminished Wilde’s desired relatability and depth, in my opinion.

Themes and Tropes

Throwing Shade explores several themes that add depth to its story. Middle age brings challenges of aging and self-discovery for Miriam. Her journey involves embracing magic and redefining her identity beyond societal roles.

In addition, the story focuses on the themes of female empowerment and friendship. Miriam’s bond with her closest friend and the way she engages with other female characters underscores the value of sisterhood and the power of support. The bonds depicted in the story serve as sources of strength for Miriam, helping her on her journey.

The magic and supernatural elements are integral to the story, with Wilde crafting a world filled with mystical creatures and ancient lore. The magic awakening trope is used effectively, with Miriam discovering her latent abilities and learning to harness them.

The book also employs the fish out of water trope as Miriam, a librarian with no prior knowledge of the supernatural, is thrust into a world she barely understands. This leads to humorous situations and moments of character growth as she adapts to her new circumstances.

The will-they-won’t-they dynamic between Miriam and the wolf shifter adds romantic tension, while the found family trope is explored through the diverse group of allies Miriam gathers around her, including a vampire, a golem, and the shape-shifting wolf. These factors contribute to a diverse network of connections and relationships that elevate the story.

Final thoughts

Overall, Throwing Shade is an engaging and fast-paced urban fantasy novel. Deborah Wilde’s blend of humor, action, and magic, coupled with a relatable protagonist, makes it a worthwhile read, particularly for fans of urban fantasy and women’s fiction. Despite the complex plot and underdeveloped characters, the novel excels in its world-building, wit, and thematic depth, setting it apart from others.

This is a slow burn, so while there’s plenty of tension, don’t expect overt romance in this installment—it feels like a setup for future developments in the series. If you’re looking for a fresh take on paranormal mystery with a strong, sassy lead, Throwing Shade is worth adding to your reading list.