Shadow Runner

by K.J. Fieler

"Adventurous, clever, unique, and compelling. Shadow Runner weaves a fantastic tale that will leave you enchanted, entertained, and eager for more." -Tara C. Allred, award-winning author of The Other Side of Quiet

Born to aristocracy, Ada will marry and never want for anything, except freedom. An unearthly visitor and a series of seemingly supernatural events unexpectedly deliver her from the mundane. But no one could have predicted the darkness that comes with it. Taken in and raised by a secret society, Ada is groomed as an assassin. As she comes of age, she must become a predator, targeting members of the very nobility to which she was born... or try to escape. But if she leaves, she risks the lives of the two she loves most... her adopted sister... and her captor.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Steampunk

253 pages, ebook

First published June 1, 2023

Reviews

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger warning Child abuse.
A 19th century steampunk concept. Love the mechanical horses and dragonfly's. Took a bit for me to grasp the shadow society and understand what exactly they were doing but i got it. I admire Lady Fiona Constance and hope to see more of her. I do not have any info on if this is first in a series or a standalone, it could potentially end here but is open to more.

[Andrew Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Ada. A young girl, born into wealth. Sometimes a cold comfort. Ada is yearning for the birth of her new baby brother. But on the other hand, is quite sad. She feels her father wanted a boy all along. A true heir. While she is pacified by her relationship with her mother.

How will this pan out? That is another story. Ada is kidnapped by a shadow, whom we come to know, (and care about) as Nadine. Nadine takes Ada away from everything and everyone she knows and loves and pitches her into a stark, workhouse environment with other unfortunates of similar ilk.

Nadine is a mistress and wants Ada to be her trainee and partner. Ada must forget her relatively easy life, (not her fault!), and develop colder, clinical traits in both personality and physical development. We watch as this relationship between Ada and her kidnapper, becomes almost caring, sisterly. Not that either wants to admit it.

Ada hones her skills and becomes less tolerant of fools and more streetwise and savvy. Though, through her years in training as a maturing shadow, she harbours a strong desire to return home to her family time.

Look out for Dieb, the ratcatcher girl and Ada's protege and the 'felt but rarely seen' ruthless, looming presence of the mysterious Gilda. Elder of the shadows.

Can Ada discover the secrets of these magical pocket watches the shadows take on their missions? Can she use it to her advantage to return home?

Or will she and Nadine hatch a plan to escape to freedom on their own and away from this mysterious and hard hitting life of servitude, where another day of existence alone, is seen as a privilege.

Upshot? Read it! And join me in praying K.J Fieler has a trilogy planned!

[Alex Hugie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Runner is the thrilling first chapter of a dark new steampunk fantasy series. On one hand, we see a wealthy British family plagued with dysfunctional parenting and premature death. On the other, we meet a secret organization of teleporting criminals that recruits young children through a brutal process of kidnapping and murder. Fuse these together to get the intriguing coming-of-age story of Ada, a girl who isn't quite sure where she belongs.

Ada's story is told through a beautiful, elegant narrative that paints a 19th-century world made more interesting with mechanical horse machines, primitive helicopters, and wrist teleporters that operate on electric slug power. (No, really—they do.) The author's command of language and ability to shape genuine, emotional scenes is engaging and impressive.

But perhaps the greatest appeal of Shadow Runner is the main character herself—her heartbreaking, repeated loss of a potential brother; her abduction and grueling initiation into an underground society that places no value on her identity as a human being, only on her capability as a tool; her tenuous bonds with first family members and servants and then captors and fellow recruits. Readers will rejoice with her every small success and mourn with her every failure, feeling her desperation for a life free from fear, manipulation, and mistrust.

This book hits all the right beats of an emotional adventure through a fantastic hybrid world. 10/10 would recommend!

[Steve Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Runner by K. J. Fieler is an inspiring tale of the journey of a nine-old girl as seen through her eyes. Set in Victorian England, this is a fabulous blend of steampunk, fantasy, and the coming of age of a headstrong, born to wealth child, snatched from the comfortable life she has known, for nefarious purposes. She is forced to adapt to her new circumstances to stay alive, yet refuses to let it change who she is as a person.
The story evolves over several years as she makes unexpected allies, and even friends, amid the strictly controlled environment she is forced to be a part of. Her compassion, obstinance, and ingenuity come into play repeatedly as she schemes to be free of her captors and return to her own world.
I enjoyed reading Shadow Runner, and it was a valuable reminder of the privilege and social mores of not so long ago, that still predominate in many societies.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Runner is a page-turning story about a young girl of wealth with limited choices for her future life--she can be a wife and a mom. That's it. Heartbroken after a death in the family, she is abducted by the mysterious Shadows. With them, she is given training and opportunities, but little love and affection. Once she graduates into their ranks, what she chooses makes for a compelling read about loyalty and friendship

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Runner by K. J. Fieler is a riveting novel with twists and turns until the very end. The story follows Ada, a young aristocrat in Victorian England who longs for freedom. Her life changes dramatically when a mysterious visitor and supernatural events thrust her into the hands of a secret society. Trained as an assassin, Ada must target the very nobility she was born into. As she matures, she faces a harrowing choice: embrace her deadly role or risk the lives of her adopted sister and captor by seeking freedom. This gripping tale blends steampunk elements with a richly detailed setting, exploring themes of autonomy, loyalty, and moral complexity.

Fieler masterfully blends the elegance of Victorian England with the intrigue of a secret society. Born into aristocracy, Ada’s life seems predetermined—marriage, wealth, and societal expectations. Yet, Ada’s yearning for freedom is answered in an unexpected and darkly supernatural manner.

An enigmatic visitor sets off a series of events that rescue Ada from her mundane existence, but at a steep cost. Abducted and raised by a clandestine group, Ada is trained to become an assassin. As she matures, she faces a harrowing choice: embrace her role as a killer, targeting the very aristocracy she was born into, or risk everything to escape.

Ada’s journey is fraught with peril, as leaving the secret society could endanger the lives of her adopted sister and her captor. Fieler’s narrative is both gripping and thought-provoking, with Ada’s struggle for autonomy and her moral dilemmas at its core.

The steampunk elements and richly detailed setting enhance the story, making “Shadow Runner” a compelling read for those who enjoy dark fantasy and historical fiction. Fieler’s skillful storytelling and the intricate character development ensure that readers are captivated from beginning to end. This novel is a testament to Fieler’s ability to weave complex, enchanting tales that leave a lasting impression.

Shadow Runner is best suited for readers who enjoy fantasy novels with strong character arcs and immersive world-building. Fans of authors like Heather Frost, Julie Hall, Phil Aerix, and Keith Soares, will find much to love in this novel. It’s a great pick for young adults and adults alike, especially those who appreciate stories within the Steampunk genre.

In summary, Shadow Runner by K. J. Fieler is a richly layered and compelling steampunk-Victorian era novel that offers an engaging blend of plot, character development, and thematic depth. It is a highly recommended read for fantasy enthusiasts and promises to leave a lasting impression on its readers.

[Julie Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoilers: K.J. Fieler’s Shadow Runner novel uses shadows as a frequent motif. Characters appear and disappear into shadows. Mentors hide their true selves from students. People discover hidden secrets about Victorian London's elite. Everything and everybody is concealed by some veil of secrecy, hiding who they are, and showing their dark sides, their shadow selves.

Ada is from a wealthy upper class Victorian home who was once spoiled and coddled and now no longer is either one. Her mother died in childbirth along with her newborn baby brother. Her father, once loving and wise, has now withdrawn into himself and avoids her entirely. Besides grief, Ada is tormented by strange clouds and creatures that come in and out of the shadows at night. She is afraid especially after one of those creatures kidnaps her. It is revealed to be Nadine, a human woman, who exposes some ugly truths about the girl's father. She is part of an organization called The Shadow, a team of thieves, spies, and assassins who are capable of fighting, killing, and turning practically invisible. Finding that she no longer has a home to return to, Ada takes Nadine up on her offer to join the organization and begins a rigorous training where she learns to outfight, outwit, and outlast any opponent and to treat everyone like an enemy including those closest to her.

This book presents a fascinating look at a young girl who has to be stripped down to her barest minimum before she recognizes the hidden strength and adaptability that she needs to survive in the world. Ada starts out as an object of beauty living an ornate existence of opulence and artifice, almost a doll-child made of porcelain in a doll house. If she has questions about marriage, position, social class, her role as a woman in society, and other important issues they are all dismissed, repressed, and just flitted away.

Ada’s life is summarized as pretty to look at but don’t touch or express any feeling or deep emotional connection.That will cause the entire house to crack, flaw, and break under its fragility. Her family life stands, as did many wealthy homes in the Victorian Age, a monument to propriety, beauty, ennui, and comfortable ignorance. People who will never want for anything because they have everything.

Ada’s only sense of authenticity is when she plays chess with her father and shows profound intellect and analysis in playing the game. Besides showing her intelligence, her chess games prove useful in her Shadow career. However, at this point, it’s still confined to a game with rules in which one side wins, another loses, and there is no collateral damage. It's also one of the few moments of real bonding between Ada and her father. It is a time to out play and outsmart each other. However, Ada never realizes that she has already lost and her father had a checkmate in a game in which she didn’t even play.

The artificial existence that Ada lives in changes after the deaths of her mother and brother and her kidnapping by Nadine. For the first time, she is swept up in grief, loss, and the reality that comes with them.These emotions overwhelm her because she is so inexperienced with them. She is in torment as her once idyllic seemingly perfect world’s cracks have become more visible. She is a stranger to her father and while she still is close to some of the servants, they are dismissed by him. Ada thought that she had another family. For the servants though, it was just a job, a job that they can walk away from anytime, either by choice or by force.

Ada realizes that she is invisible in this house, a fact made clear during a bizarre multi page sequence where she actually turns invisible in the presence of the servants. She shows no reaction during it or after things return to normal and she is noticed once again. She has been pampered and petted as a pet or an ornament but is never acknowledged or seen for her true self in any way that mattered. She has been invisible and replaceable her whole life. She just didn’t realize it until now.

It is no coincidence that Ada joins The Shadows after she finds out some disturbing motives from her father. She is faced with the truth that the opulent surface that she lived in was a complete fabrication, one in which she was exalted only to be knocked down and replaced like a shiny bauble that has lost its value. Once she is shut out from that life, and she feels the despair, anger, and hatred that simmers inside, she is ready for her new life as a Shadow.

Ada’s training as a Shadow is both disturbing and mesmerizing.The Reader wants to simultaneously look away but at the same is drawn to reading what happens to her and how this experience changes her. The training is like the worst kind of bootcamp imagined and to think this is happening to children younger than thirteen, some as young as seven. The trainees are shorn of their hair, deprived of their clothes and made to wear uniforms. Some are given new names and identities. They are trained rigorously in various fighting and defense techniques and frequently challenge one another in fights to the death. They are given limited rations and are often beaten, assaulted, and verbally abused. They are brought to their lowest and most aggressive instincts and are pushed into using them for a means of survival.

The physical training of the Shadow is triggering enough, but the psychological training is also captivating and troubling. Ada and the other Trainees are not only stripped of their identities but any sense of family, friendship, or belonging. They are drilled not to trust anyone, especially not one another or their handlers. They are told things about their families that may or may not be true but certainly puts them in an air of suspicion towards those who they left behind. The trainers intentionally encourage competition and infighting among the recruits so friendship does not form within the Shadows and they see one another as enemies. This even carries over as Shadows ascend within the organization and gain recruits of their own. They then have to use those same techniques on any new trainees continuing the cycle.

The Shadow’s strongest ally in their battle against the world is the environment that surrounds them. While on assignments, they are either told to wear uniforms or period appropriate clothing to blend in and disappear within a household, sometimes impersonating servants or houseguests. At night, they also wear ghoulish disguises and masks so when they attack, they remain unidentified and can appear to be unreal like an ominous spectre or a figment from a nightmare. Then they disappear just as suddenly as they appear with no one the wiser about where they came from, where they disappeared to, their real names, or in some cases if they ever existed at all.

It is fitting that they call themselves The Shadows, because that is their most prominent weapon. They use shadows to sneak in and out of streets, alleyways, houses, and nature. They conceal themselves as they extract information and kill those whom they are assigned to. They do this to avoid emotional and mental connections with their targets and because they are not within that outside world any longer. They no longer trust it. Instead they are hidden, secret, observing a world in which they are no longer a part of except to take something from it at the behest of someone else.

Ironically as Ada remains hidden like her colleagues, her true, most honest, most authentic self emerges. Before she was living a shallow existence in a luxuriant shell. She was never honest with herself, always playing the perfect and dutiful daughter as her parents were playing the loving and proper caregivers. As a shadow, she is able to use tremendous strength and agility in fighting opponents. Her chess training allows her to strategize so she can solve problems and find solutions that result in victory. Her literacy and education helps her to visualize possibilities and research pertinent information that prove useful on assignments. As a Shadow, she is able to use skills and knowledge that would not have been possible in her previous life.

Despite all warnings. Ada’s biggest drawback is that she develops a conscience and begins to genuinely care about certain people. As her body and mind develops as a Shadow, so ironically does her heart. She becomes attached to a younger Shadow and while they engage in vicious battles and backstabbing, she withdraws from actually killing her even though she has plenty of opportunities to do so. On an assignment where she poses as a governess for an employer whom she has to steal some documents from, she bonds with the young girl that she teaches, perhaps seeing her younger self or a more assertive version in this child. She stands on the edge of a romance with the girl’s brother until Ada does something unforgivable in the name of her assignment, something that closes her connection to the outside world forever.

The strongest bond that Ada develops oddly enough is with Nadine. Despite subjecting her through physical and psychological stress that tests her endurance and ability, Ada feels a strange emotional bond with her. Call it Stockholm Syndrome. Call it codependency. Call it BDSM. But something develops between the two women that becomes mentor-student, mother-daughter, sister-sister, friend-friend (maybe lover-lover?). It is one in which the two hide much from each other but ultimately reveal the true depths of their love and loyalty. A love and loyalty that far superseded and exceeded the love that Ada and her parents, especially her father, shared.

In being rejected from the bright and beautiful but dishonest world in which she lived, Ada had to find herself in a world of honesty and authenticity, a world of tough choices and real emotions, a world of courage, stamina, thought, and sacrifice, a world of darkness and of shadows.

[Literary Titan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the captivating world of Victorian England, K.J. Fieler's debut novel, Shadow Runner, introduces readers to the steampunk realm inhabited by Ada, a young girl born into wealth yet yearns for adventure. With a fear of ending up confined to a marriage like her mother, Ada's thirst for excitement is both challenged and fulfilled when she is abducted by the Shadows, a mysterious group that tears her from her comfortable existence.

Thrown into a dark criminal realm, Ada must face incredible challenges and hurdles. It's a world entirely alien to her, yet she navigates it with a courage that keeps readers engrossed. Fieler has woven a rich narrative, blending elements of fantasy and a coming-of-age story that consistently engages the reader.

Fieler's prose is well-crafted, and the intrigue begins from the very first page. Ada's strength as a protagonist sets the tone of the novel, and as readers delve into her years within the Shadows, her unyielding adherence to her morals – even when put to the test – is both impressive and refreshing. The character development is executed to perfection; Ada's internal conflicts and confusions are artfully revealed to the reader, even as they remain concealed from the protagonist herself. This narrative device adds layers of complexity, making the unfolding dark tale even more compelling.

The writing is simple yet gripping, turning even the most intricate parts of the plot into seamless elements of the story. I feel some of the events toward the conclusion appeared somewhat rushed, but this is clearly the stage-setting for what promises to be an exciting series. Even those unfamiliar with the steampunk genre will find Shadow Runner an absolute page-turner.

What truly sets Shadow Runner apart is K.J. Fieler's skillful manipulation of language and ability to weave emotionally resonant scenes throughout the plot. This is a thrilling exploration of courage at its lowest and highest points and a story that hints at more down the road. Shadow Runner is a commendable entry into the genre, a tale rich in detail and character that promises to linger long in the reader's imagination.

[Coffee Book Couch by Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love historical adventure with a side of danger, Shadow Runner is a must-read. K.J. Fieler drops readers into a world where power is a weapon, freedom is a fantasy, and survival means making impossible choices. This isn’t just a story about a girl forced into a life she didn’t choose—it’s about resilience, strategy, and figuring out who you really are when the odds are stacked against you.

Ada: A Heroine You Can’t Ignore
Ada is the kind of protagonist who gets under your skin in the best way. She’s not some invincible, cold-blooded assassin, nor is she a helpless damsel waiting for rescue. She’s a young woman ripped from the world she knew, forced into brutal training, and expected to become a killer. But what makes her story compelling isn’t just the action—it’s the way she fights to keep hold of herself. She questions, hesitates, and struggles, which makes every victory feel earned and every setback sting that much more.

A Dark and Immersive Setting
Fieler crafts a Victorian-era world that feels both familiar and dangerous, full of elegant ballrooms hiding ruthless secrets and shadowy organizations that dictate who lives and who dies. The steampunk elements are woven in seamlessly—never overwhelming, always enhancing the story. There’s a weight to this world, a sense that every choice Ada makes could have consequences that spiral far beyond her control.

High Stakes and Sharp Tension
This book never coasts. Every chapter pushes Ada deeper into a tangled web of alliances and betrayals, and the question isn’t just whether she’ll escape—it’s whether she’ll still be herself if she does. The pacing is relentless in the best way, balancing action with introspection, so you never feel like you’re just rushing from one event to the next. Every moment counts.

Final Thoughts
Shadow Runner isn’t just another historical fantasy—it’s a sharp, gripping, and deeply layered story that keeps you invested from start to finish. If you love strong-willed heroines, intricate world-building, and narratives where survival is never guaranteed, pick this one up. It delivers.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Runner presents a captivating exploration of the complex choices one faces when torn between duty and freedom, love and betrayal, and the transformation into a relentless predator. Ada's journey unfolds in the shadowy depths of society, where secrets, lies, and a thirst for vengeance create a treacherous path towards her destiny and the pursuit of the freedom she yearns for.

Author K. J. Fieler has delivered a literary treasure that seamlessly weaves together elements of adventure, ingenious storytelling, intricate world-building, and compelling character development. The adventure presented in this book is nothing short of exceptional. The author's adept narrative craftsmanship takes readers on an exhilarating odyssey filled with surprising twists and turns that keep you perpetually on edge. This is a book that offers a rich and intellectually stimulating experience, making it a satisfying option for readers who savor sophisticated storytelling. The characters within the story transcend being mere words on the page; they evolve into living, breathing beings, each harboring intricate motivations and internal conflicts. Ada's character evokes a deep sense of empathy as she matures into a blend of strength and vulnerability, driven by her unwavering commitment to following her heart. This book truly resonated with me, and I found myself completely immersed in Ada's journey, eagerly turning each page with bated breath.

Shadow Runner is a literary enchantment that offers both entertainment and leaves you eagerly anticipating more. It's a multifaceted literary adventure that satiates on various levels. K. J. Fieler has undeniably crafted a masterpiece that will linger in the minds of its readers long after the final page is turned.

[Patti Liszkay · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her novel “Shadow Runner,” Kat Fieler weaves an engaging tale that is part historical fiction, part sci-fi fantasy, and part social commentary.
The story is set in Victorian London, where the wealthy enjoy lives of overabundant luxury and ease while the poor struggle in the most wretched misery. There exists a criminal ring known as The Shadows whose members snatch up starving, feral street children and use female trainers known as Mistresses to groom them to be street thieves, robbers and, if need be, murderers – think “Oliver Twist” in a sort of “Hunger Games” setting, as the young trainees are systematically set against each other, with the weaker ones weeded out.
But the mistresses of The Shadows have something at their disposal that Charles Dickens’s Fagan never did: a supernatural timepiece that allows those who possess it to become shadowy apparitions who can travel through walls, the better to steal and occasionally kidnap members of wealthy families for ransom.
The protagonist is Ada, a girl from a rich family who is taken by a rogue mistress who has designs for the girl that go beyond her becoming an ordinary street thief. Ada, however, while her eyes are opened to the lot of those who were not born into her life of privilege, also comes to discover her own inner resources for survival, self-reliance and choice.
“Shadow Runner” is an entertaining, thought-provoking read.

[Réal Laplaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Runner by KJ Fieler, categorized as a Gaslamp fantasy, is a very well written story. First off, the quality of the prose is excellent. The author's use of metaphorical speech helps to create a lucid experience for the reader, bridging it from reality to fantasy, back and forth, rather seamlessly. What really stands out is the character development - and on that count it deserves 5 stars.
Ada, the main character, a young, coming-of age woman, raised in an Aristocratic household, facing a dull future where women of her stance are expected to marry a reputable man and start up the baby factory, has a different ideas about her future - but breaking away from the grip of a possessive and controlling family is a problem - that is, until one day when Ada is kidnapped. When she awakens, her kidnapper, who refers to herself as a Shadow, a secret league of sorts, of assassins, informs Ada that she has just saved her from a terrible future and will now personally train her to be a Shadow. Ada resists, but it is futile and the story that unfolds follows her development, the physical rigors, the discipline, the pain, the missions she engages. This remains the anchor of this story - the telling of a how a young, rather lost woman, finds her footing in the most unusual and unexpected of professions, and the hardships and challenges to her own principles which she must contend with along the way. Shadow Runner is a good read and certainly sets the pace for the next book.

[Prisha Rohra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Runner is a mesmerizing blend of fantasy, intrigue, and emotional depth that grabs you from the first page and never let’s go. Set in a richly imagined world of aristocracy and shadowy conspiracies, this novel follows Ada, a young noblewoman whose life takes a dark and unexpected turn after an otherworldly encounter changes her destiny forever.

Ada’s transformation from a sheltered heiress to a trained assassin is both harrowing and compelling. Her internal struggle—torn between duty, identity, and love—is beautifully written, offering readers a heroine who is as vulnerable as she is formidable. Ada has to overcome tremendous obstacles and trials. She is completely unfamiliar with this world but bravely traverses it, captivating readers. Fieler has skillfully combined fantasy and a coming-of-age tale to create a compelling narrative that never lets the reader down.

Ada's strength as a heroine sets the tone for the book. Ada's internal difficulties and confusions are elegantly presented to the reader, although being kept hidden from the protagonist herself, thanks to flawless character development. The developing dark story becomes even more captivating due to the layers of intricacy this storytelling technique adds.

Shadow Runner is a powerful debut that explores what it means to choose your own path—even when every option could break your heart. Adventurous, clever, and utterly unforgettable, this is a story that lingers long after the final page.

[Troy Hollan · Rating 5 out of 5]

With gyrocopters, auto carriages, clockwork horses and steam-driven sparring dummies sharing space with Jack the Ripper’s cobblestoned streets and whale oil lit lanterns, Shadow Runner is a steampunk themed page-turner. Ada, the nine year old protagonist of K.J. Fieler’s novel is no stranger to loss and grief when she is snatched from her bed by a monster and dragged through a wall into a parallel world of whirling blue mists, bone-chilling cold, and unbreathable air. When she comes to, she finds herself held captive in a nightmare that is only just beginning. Once a precocious, pampered little girl living in an upper-class Victorian household, Ada now finds herself a penniless, enslaved orphan. To survive, she must use her wits and her fists to fight for a place in the Shadows - a secret organization waging battle against the Victorian elite. Although she has lost everything, Ada retains her humanity, and with the help of a feral child and a “monster”, she may one day even find freedom. First in a trilogy, this Young Adult novel seamlessly blends history, adventure, and fantasy, with Gothic elements and speculative fiction. Reminiscent of The Hunger Games, Stranger Things, and Coraline, Shadow Runner creates an alternate reality that is by turns lush, gritty and bone-chilling. Highly recommended for younger - and older! - readers of Gothic horror, steampunk, and fantasy.

[Menion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is a beauty. If you have junior high/high school kids (especially girls) and you want to get them into reading, this will do it. Not just for kids though, adults will love it too. i'm a 50 year old male grouch, and I loved this one!
It's the perfect mix of fantasy, thriller, and emotional story with characters that you really care about, they pull on your emotion strings. It's a good mix of highs and lows, Ada and her associates (no real friends in the world of thievery and assassination) have fist-shaking triumphs, but also experience gut-wrenching loss along the way. There are some good twists to the plot in the last third of the book, keeping the story from becoming predictable. If you are a teacher, get this on your damn bookshelves for your students, they need more material like this. It's enough to keep them off those worthless social apps. Adults: read it and remember why you loved reading the stories you did as a youngster. Forget all the adult responsibilities and depressing world headlines for a bit, and dive into the world of Ada and company. You won't regret it.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

As this is book 1 in the series there is a certain amount of world building that needs to be done, and that has been done really well. I wasn't entirely sure when this book is set, I thought it was the Victorian times, but some elements didn't fit with that, for example the mention of pink being a girls colour. However, the benefit of a fantasy novel is that it doesn't actually have to be historically accurate.

At times the writing and language felt too modern for a book set over 100 years ago, but that can make it more accessible to a modern reader so isn't necessarily a negative thing. The writing flowed well, and was nicely descriptive, without being 'showy' or overly wordy.

I really liked the plot of this story. The elements of history and fantasy worked really well together. I found myself reading it really quite quickly as I just wanted to know what happened next. Ada's ability too survive seemed slightly unlikely as a child of the aristocracy, rather than a street urchin. But then again, this is a fantasy story where anything is possible.

Overall i think this was a strong start to a series and I'm looking forward to reading more in the future.

[David Rabin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly imaginative, well-told story with captivating characters.

With the Victorian era as its backdrop and incorporating elements of steampunk, Shadow Runner tells the story of Ada, a young girl born to wealth and privilege who yearns for a more exciting life than an arranged marriage to another member of the aristocracy—and gets far more than she wished for. When her family is enveloped in tragedy, Ada is abducted and thrust into an unforgiving world ruled by Shadows, a group of trained assassins and thieves who groom children to follow in their footsteps.

Set in a world that is part reality and part fantasy, the book follows Ada’s journey through her early teenage years as she adapts to a life where only the fittest survive. Ada must draw upon a well of strength she didn’t know she had, while confronting moral dilemmas that could destroy her or those she has come to love. Beautifully written and immersive, Shadow Runner creates a world and characters I hope we’ll see again.

[Paul Jantzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Runner

Ada wished for a baby brother, mother gave her a locket and talked of grandma summoning the living now that she is dead. Now they’re all dead. Life quickly flips for Ada.

KJ Fieler uses brilliant language to capture her fantasy genre “Shadow Runner” as a historic fiction. If not done well it would be obvious. Fieler shows she knows how to mix the two. It reads well, has a nice pace and captures a wonderful narrative of a young coming-of-age girl.

Ada, is a strong female character and with the hand she’s been dealt she needs every advantage she can get. Taken, she is primed to be a thief and then an assassin. She is broken down before built back up, she needs to find the resolve to keep going in this solid gas-lamp fantasy.

Early in the story she’s describing a toy horse. “This imposter moved like a haunted pram.” A wonderful indication of what is instore for the reader.

Fieler is certainly establishing her career with this, her debut and the start of her trilogy. Worth the read.

[Kevin Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I suspect that the only other way to concoct a great adventure novel like The Shadow Runner (about a bright and curious young rich girl swept downward into a Victorian/Steampunk world of thieves and assassins) would be to lock Charles Dickens, Ursula Le Guin, and Elizabeth Moon in a room until they hashed something together upon pain of death. Since that’s not likely, it’s a good thing we have K.J. Fieler!

Ada, the daughter of an upper-class couple, is the model of an up-and-coming young lady with a good nature and a promising future…until she is kidnapped by the very “ghost” she’d tried so hard to convince herself could not possibly exist. Her bright future seems to be gone and her survival depends completely on how fast and how well she learns to fight, steal, and kill. Ada maintains character and honor in the midst of horrific misfortune…my favorite kind of hero.

I enjoyed every page of this page-turner and I’m sure most adventure readers will too.

[Gail Olmsted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Runner by Kat Fieler takes the reader on a rollercoaster journey through the posh streets of Victorian London into its’ sordid underground where a secret society resides and flourishes. Ada, a wealthy, but largely ignored girl of only 10 is kidnapped and inducted into their culture of ‘kill or be killed’ and ‘survive at all costs’ and is mentored by the manipulative Nadine. Ada learns to fight and to steal as a way to earn food and shelter, but yearns to be reunited with her family. This compelling tale will have you totally transported into the dark fantasy world of the Shadows and leave you begging for more. I received an advance copy of this book and this review represents my honest thoughts.

[Sue Tidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing tale of darkness…But also loyalty, compassion, and hope.

K.J. Fieler takes us to Victorian England where a secret society operates behind the shadows. When poor little Ada is abducted from her life of luxury into this hostile realm, she must fight for survival…BUT she does NOT lose her humanity in the process. Her heart puts her in all kind of danger, forcing her to risk everything over and over for loyalty and love. I, for one, hope that I could be as gutsy and resilient in such a horrific insane situation. While I knew nothing of steampunk fantasy when I picked up the book, the story grabbed me from the start, taking me on a magical adventure that I did not want to end. You can be sure that I will be buying the next book in the series.

[Cam Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

KJ Fieler is a master world-builder! Shadow Runner is her first in a trilogy of Victorian adventures—a stunning debut in the YA Fantasy genre!

Ada's privileged life takes an unexpected turn after she’s abducted into a hidden world of intrigue. Raised by a clandestine society, she's molded into an assassin, compelled to forsake her moral compass as she navigates a treacherous path of deception and danger. Ada must grapple with the dichotomy of her new physical identity, and her natural moral compass, all while balancing loyalty to her captor and adopted protege. Fieler weaves a fascinating narrative—one that explores the price of freedom and moral complexities.

What happens to a good person when survival requires embracing darkness? A must-read!

[DL Heim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Runner by KJ Fieler is a delicious bauble of a novel, gritty, dank and unsentimental. As a girl born into wealth, our heroine Ada is surprisingly clear-eyed about the cruel choices she faces as a young woman in the Victorian era, and yearns for an escape from her hidebound life. Yet, when her mother dies in childbirth and she is snatched from her comfortable home to be raised as an assassin by a secret society lurking in the shadows of London’s underworld, she is forced to confront the true price of freedom.

The steampunk inspired magic system adds a lovely patina of the supernatural, but what elevates this story is the moral complexity inherent in a world where every choice comes at a cost. Looking forward to the next in the series!

[Amanda Jaros · Rating 5 out of 5]

K.J. Fieler's Shadow Runner will keep you turning the pages late into the night. I appreciated the story's fantasy realm, yet Victorian-era setting and that it also grapples with current issues, like women's rights (Ada's conversations with Aldrik are spot on!). We follow the main character Ada as she is taken from her cushy childhood life and forced into a harsh world of fighting, thieving, and surviving. Fieler easily brings Ada and her captor, Nadine, to life with depth and insight, as we watch Ada come to terms with her new reality and figure out where she fits into the world. This is an engaging book and at times I wanted to know even more, about the Shadows, Nadine's past, and Ada's future. Definitely an entertaining read!

[Carola Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the first page. It's super well written. Ada's life is supposed to be all lace and privilege, but instead, she’s in a world that couldn't be further from it. The idea of an aristocratic girl being trained as an assassin? I was all in.

The author did a fantastic job balancing the dark and dangerous with moments of real emotion. Ada’s struggles feel raw—she’s not just trying to survive, she’s fighting to hold onto pieces of herself. The writing flows effortlessly, the historical setting feels authentic without ever bogging down the story, and the tension is constant.

If you love historical fiction with a strong heroine, and a very interesting plot, Shadow Runner is absolutely worth reading.

[A5hley Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aristocracy meets steampunk in this exciting debut novel now I know a lot of books get compared to each other but I’m happy to say that this is quite a unique experience for me

I really enjoyed Ada’s journey and felt like instead of whining about her situation her adoptive sister explains the cruelties of the world and with the introduction of the shadows we are thrown into a full force of adventure the pacing was medium through most of the book but then sped up towards the end which leads me to believe and certainly shows there is more to come from this story and I personally can’t wait to see what happens next

[Suzanne Groves · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book was categorized as YA (and it's perfectly fine for young adult readers, especially if they've read any of The Hunger Games books), make no mistake: this is a powerful story of an Edwardian feminist who must find a way to survive, and even thrive, in the world into which she was kidnapped and forced to serve her female mistress. As she artfully dodges plenty of dangers regularly confronting her, she's equally committed to dodging love, no matter its source. How long can she keep her heart closed while fighting for her life? You'll have to read this beautifully written, gloriously detailed story to find out.

[Fiona Cawdron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Runner is a gritty suspense-filled fantasy novel. Set in a steam-punk version of the 19th century, we find Ada—a lonely child who is kidnapped and taken into a dark and seedy world. In a fight for survival, she learns to negotiate her new life while never fully succumbing to life in the shadows. It's a story that simmers and leads to an ending that stays with you long after you've finished reading. This is a testament to the characters introduced along the way and Ada's journey of self-discovery. Excellent read.

[Esti Medrano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

2.5

I was drawn in by the description but I was let down.
The story was either rushed or felt incomplete.
The time jumps were not clear and I had to go back a few times to make sure I didn't miss anything. I do think the story has potential but it needs better execution. We need a lot more details. Also, character development was lacking. I could not connect to any character, they all fell flat, specially Ada.

It does make for an interesting read and the concept of the watch is intriguing.

[Jeff Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Runner by K. J. Fieler is a coming of age tale set in Victorian England. Pampered, intelligent nine-year old Ada is thrust into a dark fantasy world and she must adapt if she wants to survive.
I found myself loving the author’s characters, and her descriptive scenes gave me the sensations of living in Ada’s world.
Shadow Runner is an excellent blend of dark fantasy, historical fiction and supernatural thriller. Although targeted for young adults, I found it entertaining at 70.

Jeff Shaw, author of Who I Am: The Man Behind the Badge, Lieutenant Trufant and others.