Reasons to read Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep

Spoiler Alert: character names, themes, and plot discussed. 

Summary

Man of Shadow and Mist is the second book in the Of Monsters and Men series by Michelle Griep. I would describe this book as a gothic, christian, romance novel. Set in England in 1890, this story follows the fictional Sir James Morgan, an outsider and rumored vampire; and the librarian Rosa Edwards, and their journey from loneliness to love. 

About the Author

Michelle Griep is a Christy Award winning author and blogger. She has written books such as Once Upon a Dickens Christmas, Lost In Darkness, and The Bow Street Runners.

Review

“There is something about a new book. The crisp pages. The scent of fresh ink. Or perhaps best of all is the promise of an adventure to a world beyond your own.”

― Michelle Griep, Man of Shadow and Mist

First of all, I have to admit I was a little skeptical about this book because romance novels aren’t really my genre, plus it’s a Christian romance novel and I didn’t want it to be corny.

But it came highly recommended by a friend, so I was willing to give it a try. And I’m glad I did.

There’s an otherworldly feel to this book. Very much an escapist feeling. Transported back to a time of horse pulled carriages, tobacco smoke, and smog.

I would describe Man of Shadow and Mist as vampire meets Beauty and the Beast.

The 2 main characters are Sir James Morgan and Rosa Edwards. 

Sir James Morgan is a social outcast. He owns a manor on the hill separate from the townspeople. Whenever he is seen in town he is always covered up and protected from the sun. There are rumors around town that he is a vampire, and it seems like everyone believes this or at least is cautious around him. 

Rosa Edwards works at the local library with her father. She is very educated, opinionated and outspoken, which is making it hard for her mother to find an appropriate suitor for her to marry.

1 theme of Man of Shadow and Mist:

Humanity

“God brings people into our lives to walk beside us through our troubles, yet we are the ones who must open the door and let them in.”

― Michelle Griep, Man of Shadow and Mist

Sir James Morgan is used to living a life of solitude. His father is dead and his mother is alive but stricken with a sickness that is making her go mad. He is obsessed with finding the cure to this sickness. 

He has complete tunnel vision and the only thing that matters to him is finding the cure before his mother dies. The only people that he is used to being around are his house servants, who he treats with the utmost dignity.

In fact, even though the townspeople think of him as inhumane he treats everyone he comes in contact with in a humane manner. 

Nevertheless, it is easier for Sir James to be alone than to deal with the hurt and pain of lies and betrayal.

He struggles with seeing how he fits into society and even if he wants to fit into this society that does not accept him. 

Rosa Edwards is the only person that sees Sir James Morgan for who he really is. But Sir James has a hard time letting go and falling in love.    

Why read?

3 reasons to read Man of Shadow and Mist:

1. Escapism- This is the perfect book to get lost in. There’s no exquisite world building, but it will take you to another place and time. 
2. Christian Romance- It’s very rare that you find a romance novel that is both intimate and encouraging in the faith. This book has both.   
3. Beauty and the Beast adjacent- This book gives all the dark, mystery vibes similar to Beauty and the Beast. 

“Man is not meant to find hope in anything of this world, but rather to lose hope in all things worldly.”

― Michelle Griep, Man of Shadow and Mist