The Shadow Reader (A Shadow Reader Novel) [Mass Market Paperback]

Sandy Williams (Author)

Book Description

Release date: October 25, 2011 | Series: A Shadow Reader Novel (Book 1)

A Houston college student, McKenzie Lewis can track fae by reading the shadows they leave behind. For years she has been working for the fae King, tracking rebels who would claim the Realm. Her job isn't her only secret. She's in love with Kyol, the King's sword-master-but human and fae relationships are forbidden. When McKenzie is captured by Aren, the fierce rebel leader, she learns that not everything is as she thought. And McKenzie must decide who to trust and where she stands in the face of a cataclysmic civil war.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Featuring a gutsy heroine and plenty of fay lore, this urban fantasy debut should appeal to fans of Seanan McGuire's October Daye novels." ---Library Journal

--This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

About the Author

Sandy Williams writes urban fantasy novels and is the author of the Shadow Reader series. She graduated from Texas A&M University with degrees in political science and history, and has worked as a librarian. Sandy blogs about writing and publishing at the Magic & Mayhem Writer's blog. She currently lives in Texas. Amy Rubinate has narrated audiobooks for many major audiobook publishers. She has received AudioFile's Earphones Award, and her narration for The Lily Pond was a Booklist Top 10 Historical Fiction on Audio 2012 selection. She has a degree in oral interpretation of literature and has won state and national awards for poetry reading. A voice actor and singer for over a decade, Amy has narrated many interactive children's books and provided character voices for toys and video games. Her one-woman cabaret shows have been performed in New York and San Francisco.

--This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Ace; Original edition (October 25, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1937007014
• ISBN-13: 978-1937007010
• Product Dimensions: 4.1 x 0.9 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (101 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #635,435 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Sandy Williams has lived and breathed books all her life. When she was a teen, she was always the first to finish her class assignments so that she could read as much as possible before the bell rang. Her grades didn't suffer (much), and she was able to enroll in Texas A&M University. She didn't sneak in novels there, but every other line of her college lecture notes are filled with snippets of stories. After she graduated, she decided to turn those snippets into books.

The Shadow Reader is her first novel, an urban fantasy published by Ace Books in 2011. The sequel, The Shattered Dark is forthcoming in November 2012, and a third untitled book set in the same world will be out in the fall of 2013. She looks forward to writing more urban fantasies and hopes to publish science fiction romance as well.

When Sandy isn't writing, she's taking care of her twin boys, who also debuted in 2011. They keep her busy, but she's occasionally able to sneak in time to read books by her favorite authors, and she still enjoys playing EuroGames like Dominion, 7 Wonders, and Agricola.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 50 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Epic and riveting - Fae as they should be written October 31, 2011

By Mithrendiel

Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

There's something special about the Shadow Reader that sets it apart from other books in the urban fantasy genre. At first I couldn't put my finger on what this ephemeral bit of awesomeness was, but upon consideration it occurs to me that this book is an epic. Where most urban fantasy novels go for the supernatural mystery angle, this novel is high, epic fantasy set on a stage of the modern world, overlaid with the more fantastic world of the fey.

The story pulls you in from the start. Within a few pages of chapter one, you are racing across campus with McKenzie, fleeing fae rebels intent on kidnapping her for her unique ability. She's a shadow reader of unusual strength, someone that sees through fae glamor, and can track them by studying the portals they use to transport between locations and worlds. As we follow the story we discover that the fae are at war. A rebel force of fey has risen up and seek to supplant the current king with one of their own. McKenzie is human, but she has served in the fae king's war for years, tracking rebel leaders. Her unique skills have made her a valuable prize, and a dangerous enemy. She is kidnapped by the rebels during the first part of the story. Their intent? To either convert her to their cause or kill her.

The story sweeps us into the war. We travel between the camps of the rebels and the king, learn their truths, and begin to unravel their lies. We experience betrayals, victories, and losses, and through it all we doubt and wonder which side is the right one and who it is McKenzie should trust. This is a story about war, and ends with an epic series of cathartic events that promise to leave readers satisfied (it left me yelling "I LOVE THIS BOOK!" while my poor husband was trying to watch football).... While I'm sure this book will be part of a series, everything wraps up so tidily it almost feels like a standalone novel. No cliffhangers here, I promise.

As others have said, McKenzie herself is very human protagonist. She has no amazing martial skills. Don't let the sword wielding heroine on the cover fool you, McKenzie is lucky if she hits something running straight at her with a dagger. She's not weak though, her strength just lies in other areas. She's loyal to a fault, determined, stubborn, and incredibly kind hearted. She grieves for every dead enemy left behind in the war. Sometimes she came across as a tiny bit weak, but it was refreshing to see such a normal girl, completely lacking in bad ass fighting skills staring as a urban fantasy heroine.

The romance elements of the book include two very yummie fae. Kyol, the fae kings swordmaster, and McKenzie's long time love. He is honorable, duty bound, and protective of McKenzie. They have a very tragic star crossed lovers thing going on. I loved Kyol and felt his story was one of the most moving in the book. Then there's the rebel leader, Aren. He's flippant, roguish, and dark. More your bad boy type. His intentions are (intentionally and sometimes frustratingly) difficult to ferret out. There's definitely a love triangle here, but it's not handled in the usual way, where the character vacillates back and forth, playing both men to the point where you want to smack her. Each man has their time in the story, and the McKenzie makes her decision by the end of the story. Whether or not this decision is truly final, remains to be seen in future books. I like both men enough I'm hoping for some more romantic tension.

Shadow Reader really has it all - an amazing world, a plot that is both suspenseful and epic, great characters, and a romance that will make you swoon no matter which man you choose to root for. If you are someone that loved the epic fantasy feel of Moning's Fever series, you'll probably enjoy this one. It's a completely different kind of book (different fae, different plot, VERY different characters), but the high fantasy theme will feel familiar. Either way, I highly recommend this novel. Read more ›

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The fae mythology wasn't overly complex, but it was unique and perfectly suited to this world. October 25, 2011

By Abigail VINE™ VOICE

Format:Mass Market Paperback

There is something shocking about McKenzie Lewis, the protagonist in THE SHADOW READER by Sandy Williams. She's not a super woman/warrior goddess/magical titan capable of destroying the universe with a wink. Nope, unlike many urban fantasy heroines these days, McKenzie is pretty normal. She does have one ability that sets her apart from the rest of us; she's a shadow reader, someone who can watch a fae `fissure' (instantly teleport from one location to another) and know exactly where they will reappear. A highly coveted skill when there is a fae civil war going on, which is why McKenzie finds herself being sought after by both sides.

Where do I start with all the things I loved about THE SHADOW READER? The fae mythology wasn't overly complex, but it was unique and perfectly suited to this world. I especially loved the idea of chaos lusters, tiny, visible lightning bolts that dance over the skin under certain circumstances like when fae touch humans. And speaking of touching, the tug-of-war going on with McKenzie's heart was nothing compared to what I felt. How do you choose between the honorable warrior Kyol loyal to the fae king and the determined rebel leader Aren?

Another highlight for me was the constant cloud of doubt I was kept in. I was thrown back and forth suspecting first Kyol then Aren and back again so many times that I got dizzy. Just like McKenzie, I never knew who to fully trust, who to love, or who to align with. And just when I'd think I `d finally figured it out, something would happen and raise the questions all over again. The action was relentless and the
emotions kept so sky high that I couldn't decide until the very end.

THE SHADOW READER is a fantastically fun urban fantasy! One of the best debuts of the year.... Wonderfully integrated mythology that flowed naturally in the story without needing lengthy explanations, a to die for love triangle, and a relatable non-super woman protagonist who relies on her brain and bravery to fight for what she wants. This is a book that checked off all my urban fantasy wish list boxes and I can't wait to read the sequel.

Sexual Content:
Kissing. References to rape Read more ›

26 of 31 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars How to rate this? November 11, 2011

By GypsyReader

Format:Mass Market Paperback

As a first effort it is extremely polished. The characters were consistent and the story arch was well managed. I think technically it was an excellent book. 4.5 stars to the editors. And I liked that it was pretty much self contained as well... no cliff hangers and no unraveled major threads.

However, when I finished the book I was satisfied but didn't want to stay with the characters or read more... didn't give them a second thought really beyond needing to write this review. And while I would read the author again I would not read another book with this particular main character. She's a decent paranormal romance heroine of the 'needs rescuing' variety but she would be an annoying urban fantasy character. She just didn't have enough depth, self respect, skill... to be a repeat book character in an urban fantasy series. And there really wasn't room to grow.

As for the rest of the characters in the book, except for the 'husband' of a character who is actually in love with someone else, they were ultimately flat and I didn't care to know them better. I read it last night and already they are fading into ether.

For four and five stars I usually need to really enjoy the characters more, get to know them and become more invested in them. Also the story only had one surprise. The rest was predictable.

So I'm going to give it 3 stars with the caveat that if I could I would give it 3.5 stars for author potential and I look forward to further author efforts.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Debut October 25, 2011

By A Book Obsession.. TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Mass Market Paperback

McKenzie has a secret, she can see the fae and track their paths. The rest of humanity thinks she is crazy, as she talks to invisible people that others cannot see. For ten years she's worked for the king, by locating the rebels, but she's had just about enough. All she wants is a little normalcy to be able to finish her degree. Her love for Kyol is the only thing that has been holding her back, even if the king has forbidden relations between fae and humans. Then everything changes when she is captured by the rebel Aren. He slowly opens her eyes to what her blinders wouldn't let her see before. As she slides down a very slippery slope, McKenzie will have a tough path ahead of her once she chooses which side to trust. There won't be any going back after this.

By all rights I shouldn't have been able to stand McKenzie as her behavior for most of the book seemed incredibly immature, but somehow I found myself really liking her in the end. She's terribly naive, and stubborn as a mule, but also extremely loyal, if not blindly so. Even her being torn in a love triangle didn't make me want to run for the hills like that type of romance usually does. Perhaps that is because it was less about angst, and more about growth and letting go of childish illusions to make the best choice she can for herself. There were a lot of reasons for her initial immaturity, but as her eyes were slowly opened, we got to see glimpses at her iron strength that really shines in the end. I found myself wanting to cheer for her as she learned to make those hard decisions, and I can't wait to see where the path leads her next.

There were a few things that kept me from giving The Shadow Reader a perfect rating.... While the world behind the book was very intriging, I couldn't help feeling like a fish out of water as I tried to figure things out. A lot of books go overboard with info dumps as things are being set up, but in this case, a little more information would have really gone a long way. I'm still not entirely sure what some of the terms mean, and I wish there had of been a glossary at the end for reference. Also, another thing that frustrated me was the multiple names each character had. It just made the story a little harder to follow, and kept me from being completely sucked in. However, I do think future books will be much better in that aspect now that I have a little better handle of things.

While the ending of The Shadow Reader wasn't a cliffhanger, things were left more than open enough for plenty more, making for my favortite type of ending. I love that sense of satisfaction coupled with the promise for the future, and this book definitely hit that nail on the head. All in all The Shadow Reader was a very fun debut novel that gave me a solid block of entertainment. The world and characters are quite compelling, making for a very enjoyable read. Fans of urban fantasy won't want to miss this great new addition to the genre. Read more ›