The Shade Between Shadows, by EC Hibbs

"I didn't think myself truly silent. I possessed a voice, as sure as any other. It was simply not the same as any other I had met."

A few years ago, I discovered an author called EC Hibbs. She wrote wonderful, magical fantasy, but published her work herself because for some reason, no mainstream publisher had picked up her titles.

She’s now been writing for over a decade. Her books have anniversary editions, heaps of followers (including brilliant cosplayers!) and her words have touched readers around the world.

‘The Shade Between Shadows’ is the first part of her latest series, and it’s easily my favourite (so far). Every one of her book is original, but this one is also very deeply personal in a way that I think will resonate with a whole new flock of readers.

Protagonist Beatrice is a below-stairs maid in a Great Britain where magical creatures coexist with humans. Known as ‘greys’, they are essentially a lower caste, with indentured servants such as Beatrice treated according to the kindness of their owner. Yes, there’s issues of discrimination and slavery here, but the world-building is so natural that it’s clear which side we’ll be on.

With an apparently unique form of magic, Beatrice sees people’s ‘essence’, their spirit-soul (somewhat akin to Philip Pullman’s daemons), all of which are birds. Oh - and she’s mute. She can’t tell anyone.

I went into this book mostly blind, which is why I haven’t included a blurb or synopsis here. I learned about the world through Beatrice’s eyes; even though she cannot speak, she is quick and clever because she has to be. Life is brutal in this Victorian land, and I found myself wondering how alternate-Dickens would write about it, because he would surely grab onto the injustices of this society like a hawk.

One thing you should know heading into any of Ms Hibbs’ books is that you will feel for the characters. She puts them in peril pretty quickly, with terrible villains, petty judgments and painful scenarios, so the reader is soon cheering for the embattled heroes to win through. The odds are stacked against those telling the story - especially here because Beatrice literally has no voice. She has a notebook, and while we see her beautiful sketches throughout the story, what can she do to make herself heard? I had no idea what would happen next, because neither does she!

In addition, the manner of writing here is striking because I suspect at many points, Beatrice closely reflects the author. Her understanding of the world has been limited by her situation, but it’s clear she’s no fool. In a manner of speaking, she feels sounds, hears colours, tastes textures and is affected deeply by the stimulus around her. In contemporary terms, should we describe them as a spectrum? If you know, you know - and I am certain that readers who are any flavour of neuro-spicy will understand her journey even more deeply.

What was I? I wasn’t even sure I knew anymore. I’d thought the game difficult before, but now, the board might as well be shrouded in mist. The only certain thing was the secret — that damned, elusive, shadowy secret. That must remain my compass, my anchor, in the wake of the storm rumbling on the horizon.

And as for me, what I was came second to who I was. The girl with the evening star on her forehead, who held a pen instead of a sword, and a shield made of silence. She might not be strong, but she was steadfast. Somehow, that needed to be enough.

Gorgeous writing, a gripping adventure with deeply memorable characters full of bravery, wit and magic. Please do pick up this book - and once you’ve enjoyed it, take a look through the author’s back catalogue. Her voice absolutely deserves to be heard.