Shadows

Shadows #1

by Cheree Alsop

Duskies are born in a dangerous world as servants of the lords of light and shadow, but when creatures known as the Sathen threaten all the races, a Duskie named Nexa finds herself caught in the middle of a perilous journey to save her people and unite the races as one. Facing dangerous odds, prejudice, and violence, Nexa finds strength in those around her and, ultimately, love.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy Romance

276 pages, Paperback

First published December 17, 2011

About the author

Cheree Alsop is an award-winning, best-selling author and the mother of a beautiful, talented daughter and amazing twin sons who fill every day with joy and laughter. She is married to her best friend, Michael, the light of her life and her soulmate who shares her dreams and inspires her by reading the first drafts of each book. Cheree is a fulltime author and mother, which is much more fun than work! She enjoys reading, riding her motorcycle on warm nights, and playing with her twins while planning her next book. She is also a bass player for their rock band, Alien Landslide.

Cheree and Michael live in Utah where they rock out, enjoy the outdoors, plan great adventures, and never stop dreaming.

Check out Cheree’s other books at www.chereealsop.com

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it took me a few pages to get into the story, once I did, I was hooked. Nexa is a strong and interesting character, and it was easy to live inside her head for 250+ pages. I wasn't as fond of Axon, the prince, but he kinda grew on me ^_^

I am fascinated by the world Alsop has built. There are Luminos and Nathos, people of the day and of the night, and then there are the Duskies. Where the Luminos are weak during the night and draw power and energy from the light and the sun, and the Nathos are weak during the day, and draw their energy from the dark, the Duskies are offspring of the two, and have no particular time they are at a disadvantage. The descriptions of the people are fascinating (the Luminos are grey-ish of skin and have light hair, the Nathos have pale white skin and dark hair, and the Duskies are, quite literally, swirled with the two).

Reasons it didn't get 5 stars (because yes, I enjoyed it that much):
- Axon, and his immediate fascination with Nexa - it just didn't make sense to me as I was reading it, honestly. After they get through the desert, I started to buy it, but before? Not so much.
- Why did everyone follow Nexa so easily? Believe her? Trust her? For a world with major race relations issues, it doesn't make sense.

Things I absolutely loved:
- Oh my goodness, it was fast-paced!
- Nexa is kinda brilliant
- The descriptions of the different people were so distinct!
- The bad guys - the Sathen are wonderfully evil, with basically no redeeming features, and ever-evolving ways to find and eat our good guys
- The set up is perfect for continuing books

[Penumbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this book through the Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy Fanatics R2R group for an honest review, thank you.



This story is in first person told through the eyes of Nexa.

Shadows is the story of Nexa, a half-Luminos and half-Nathos, Duskie. She is kidnapped from enslavement in the Firen Caves by Prince Axon who needs a Duskie to protect his men from the Sathen, blood thirsty killing creatures, as they travel to Lysus. So begins the adventures of Nexa and Axon. Fighting the prejudice of Luminos and Nathos, Nexa proves her worth to both species as do almost all of the Duskies.

I can’t figure out why the author calls the book ‘Shadows.’ The Duskies aren’t really shadowy type creatures, and Nexa doesn’t really associate with the Nathos the species that sleeps during the day and awakens after the sun has set. She associates more with the Luminos, the species that falls to sleep when the sun goes down and arise at daybreak. This is the species that Prince Axon belongs to. The Sathen we know nothing about because the author never tells us. They are just mentioned as vicious creatures that enjoy killing and eating, even their own kind.

The one thing I have to warn people up front about this book is that you’ll need to suspend belief on what happens in the story. I understand this is a fantasy/paranormal story, but even in fantasy/paranormal stories, there is a process where the author leads us from point A to point B with every object or topic that is introduced. Meaning, point B happens because we have point A happening before it. But that is not what’s done in this book. The following examples I can easily remember as making no logical sense: Nexa can ride a horse the first time she is on one without any trouble. The second time she rides a horse she is an expert at fighting from horseback. Nexa can also swim for long distances towing something behind her without having swum before. Next was how convenient Axon saved Nexa. She was almost killed at least four times and he always miraculously showed up to save her. Another item was that the Duskies had never fought in a war but their abilities rivaled the soldiers in battle. Another instance is that the Sathen use scent or sound to find the sleeping soldiers behind the tents. At one point Nexa mentions she heard Dathien snore at the castle. I can’t believe that no soldier is snoring as they are asleep hiding from the invading Sathen. At another point Nexa is attacked by the Sathen, a gouge is taken out of her back and she’s being torn to pieces, but she can still fight and move. This and other instances are totally unbelievable. This lack of plausible reasons for events that happen is a bit mind-boggling. It’s like the author needs something to happen in the plot so the event is created without any logical build-up to it or whether it makes any sense at all. It feels like the author didn’t even bother to take the time to think about what she was writing. So, that is what I mean about ‘suspending all belief’ in this story, because there won’t be logical explanations to why something happens, you’re not going to get it.

Something else that bothered me was about the naming of the creatures of this world. They have animals with our known animal names and names that are part of this created world. For example, this world has ‘chickens, sheep, cows and horses.’ But then the author creates creatures like ‘lamak’ and the ‘Sathen.’ Reading the mix of animals is like getting culture shock. If this was a different world, than why use animal words from our world, especially if the word ‘lamak’ is thrown in? Create a complete world that would be more exciting with original words for say, a type of fowl that lays stripped eggs, it’s not that difficult. Instead, the author doesn’t put in the effort and the writing comes across as careless.

The characters were a bit idealized. Axon seemed to be a ‘Marty Stu,’ he didn’t seem to have any flaws except falling asleep at sunset. He was always kind, thoughtful, complimentary etc. Axon was two-dimensional, as was the King and Queen. I couldn’t tell if Nexa was a woman, or a girl on the edge of being a woman. The author gave inconsistent information about her. I often got the impression that Nexa was young, but the way the author portrayed her as fighting Sathen and her other behavior made Nexa seem older. But when Nexa is injured and needs healing, no mention is ever made about her female parts, like breasts, considering her shirt is almost completely shredded. Nexa is characterized as being easily embarrassed, but she is never about her breasts if she has them, but she is embarrassed by scars and her hair. It’s a very inconsistent characterization of the MC. Also Nexa is created as a typical heroine that doesn’t believe in herself because of her life at the Caves and Axon is always reassuring her. Maybe the author wanted to portray Nexa as humble, but it struck me as insecure instead, and the more it went on in the book, the more I got annoyed with Nexa. I also found it unbelievable that the Lumini Duskies would follow her as a Commander when they don’t know her or she hasn’t had any training to command soldiers. All of a sudden Nexa is Superwoman Commander with an inferiority complex.

The romance story doesn’t really convince me of why Nexa and Axon fell in love. He saw her the first time and thought she was beautiful. But I never felt pulled into their emotions for one another. It was a formulaic romance, certain things have to take place then they fall in love and profess undying love for each other. But I never felt it.

The idea of three different species divided by the time of day was an interesting idea. It created a tension in the story especially when the Luminos and Nathos were each heading to sleep or just waking up and they would become vulnerable to attack.

The author did a good job with the action, there was always something going on so the pace didn’t slow. I think if the action wasn’t so good, I probably wouldn’t have been able to continue reading this book because the characters were so predictable and the serious lack of logical reasoning as to why an event happened was annoying.

There are formatting issues where most of the lines are nicely double spaced, but then there were paragraphs where they were single spaced so that they look smashed together. Then the sentences returned to double spacing. This is repeated throughout the whole book.

If you want a teenage romance where you don’t have to think and you can suspend all belief about events and outcomes that are normally present in fantasy/paranormal books, then you might like this book. I found the characters two dimensional, the romance predictable and the lack of simple details in events and actions annoying. The pace of the story is good, as is the idea of three separate species. I give this story 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 stars.

[Susanna Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a powerful supernatural story that tugged at this reader's heart strings. It is an inspiring story about seeing beyond the surface and look beneath a creature/person's real essence. Treat one with respect, kindness and honor and it will be pay back with rewards. This tale is about creatures all that are separated and suspicion of each other. This is a folk-lore about discrimination and judging others because they are different from one another and need to learn to live in harmony because of dangerous foes and how heroes achieve that mission. It is full of excitement, adventure as the lovely Nexa is held prisoner because she is of the race that was born from two separate cultures and doom to a life of being a slave to the higher pure class of creatures.

She is feisty and rebellious and is whipped for every infraction she breaks. She has a strong will and challenges the guards every opportunity she can. Then one day she is exploring hidden caverns sneaking around breaking out of her cell hoping not to get caught and punished severely and a charming mysterious man hears her make a noise and looks behind the wall denies seeing her; she is relieved and sneaks back to her cell. Only to be punished over and over again, it does not break her spirit.

One night strangers come and kidnapped her, she is frighten but is feisty fighting back and her life is about to embark on a transforming journey through dangerous events. To experience life changing miracles of occurrences which make her realized she is not trash to be discarded but an powerful and beautiful creature whose purpose is to shatter all stereotyped beliefs about the various cultures and bring peace to their world. This author has extracted a tender subject and created a supernatural fantasy about seeing beyond the surface of an individual and see what is inside them and accepts them for who they are.

It is full with suspense as the races of Luminos or Nathos and Duskies will have to compromise to fend their lands and families against the fierce flesh eating cannibals creatures, the Sathen seeking their next meal. The Luminos, the Duskies and others gather together to defeat their enemies and protect their families and loved ones. Also the romantic scenes would make a girl sworn over the handsome prince Axon and his gentle ways. The fights between allies and foes and blood lust would attract the male readers.

The conclusion was so powerful and scary this reader was sitting on the edge of her seat, gasping in surprise at how close the characters came to losing their lives, the scenes were so real thinking how that was close, or that must of hurt, as they planted their sharp teeth into her or his skin and other blood curling scenes.

It was emotionally surging at points, climatic at others and sad at some when they lose their comrades to the battles. The plot is set in the ancient days of the Vikings conquering the lands. The Kings their Queens and royalty blood fighting in battles to protect their loved ones and lands. Kings and Queens and royalty blood that must be saved at all costs and the stranger no one accepts until she shows her true courage and defends her people and lands and proves herself worthy of her heritage.

In the author's words; I looked up sharply and he gave a small smile. “We heard about what you did at dawn to save the ship from mutiny. Who knows how many of the other boats would have followed if you hadn’t stopped this one.” He looked at his companions again, obviously embarrassed by the rush of words.

The one to his left held up a hand and the first Nathos shut his mouth gratefully. “What my friend is trying to say is that your act of bravery saving both the Nathos and Luminos aboard this ship has done much to ease the tension between our races and that of the Duskies.”

I stared at him. “Even after the attempted mutiny?”
He nodded. “You would be surprised. We come from a society where leaders are obeyed without question."

As the Amazon book description states this reader wholly agrees with the statement; "Epic, stunning, and absolutely mesmerizing, Shadows is the unique and original story you have been waiting to read". This is definitely a book that I would read again just to savor all the details I missed.

Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...

[Jilleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received Shadows for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. I don't know why; it's a simple tale, but the main character, Nexa, was very appealing and I became closely involved with her and wanted her to succeed.

Nexa is a Duskie, one of the race of three humanoid types in her world. The Luminos are awake and powerful when the sun is up, the Nathos are awake and powerful at night, and the Duskies (hybrids of the two races) can be awake and strong at all times. Since the two races are terrified that the Duskies will overthrow them during their weak times, they have chosen to oppress and enslave them. Nexa escapes her fate when a handsome Luminos prince steals her from slavery to help protect his companions from the evil Sathens, creatures that are overtaking their world in their desire to get fresh meat.

This premise is interesting and the world building was intriguing. The author infused the tale with the feeling of suspicion and fear among the three races as they avoid each other but have to learn to work together to survive. The author does a great job with characterization and you grow to really feel for the characters throughout especially as they change and begin to see Nexa's point of view.

*Spoilers *
There were some flaws in the plot that got distracting. First, I think people were too quickly accepting of Nexa (once she was with the prince) especially when the king basically lets her raise an army and marry the prince. It was like one act caused all Duskies to be instantly accepted and all prejudices are dropped instantly. It was just too quick and caused the plot to move too quickly. This story would have been better if it were split into a series and expanded to include the more realistic trials that Nexa (and the world) would face.I can believe that the Prince and his companions would like her she did save them and show loyalty, but why would anyone else accept her? Plus the prince allowing himself to fall for a Duskie seems a little to easy, the reader should see and feel his angst as he fights it, but there was no fight. She's a Duskie? So what I'll marry her!

The next flaw is the explanation of the Sathens. Where did they come from? Why are they organizing? How smart are they? Are they another race or just animals? The reader is left with a lot of questions that could be nicely explained if the book were extended.

These were just a few of the issues, but overall I did enjoy the book and the originality. I would recommend this for young adult fantasy lovers. It's more of a mild dark fantasy, but it would definitely fall more in the traditional fantasy genre (sword and sorcery, although no sorcery was involved).

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the BEST super natural books I have ever had the pleasure of reading!! Shadows is a story about a young woman named Nexa who is a slave who isn’t even considered a “she” but an “it.” This book deals with the issue of racism & how one girl overcomes it & rises to the top! Cheree Alsop wrote the characters, plot, world, & story so beautifully that it left me utterly speechless. It literally has everything, drama, action, fighting, romance, adventure, & suspense. It kept my attention (which is a feat in & of itself) from the first page to the last.

I have to say that there are a ridiculous amount of books I have stopped reading due to the stupidity of the characters. Nexa, however, is one of the most incredible female protagonists ever written! I never once sat there going “what the hell was she thinking??!!” I cheered Nexa on from the very beginning to the very end! I thought the way she dealt with prejudice & adversity was beautiful & something all of us could learn from.

One of things I loved most about this book was no matter what you thought was going to happen, you were mostly, if not totally, wrong. I had no idea what was going to happen at any time during this book. It literally had me on pins & needles the ENTIRE time & I just didn’t think I could take the suspense any longer!!

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Please give yourself a wonderful treat & read this book… you will NOT be disappointed!!! I am now going to start another book by Cheree while I anxiously wait for the sequel to Shadows.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three classes of beings, trying to survive. Luminos are powered by the sun. They are the leaders of most things. The are only good during the day and get weaker in the dark. Nathos are moon people. They get their power from the moon and are weakened in the sun. Duskies are kind of the cast offs. They are the children of a lumino and a Natho. They have unusual patterned skin and they don't need the sun or moon. Although they had all lived in different areas and separate, the fear of the savage Sathen, force the luminous and nathos to live together to survive. Always there and always ignored are the duskies.
Nexa is a prisoner of the Firen Caves and a duskie. When she is kidnapped by Prince Axon to protect them as they slept from roaming bands of Sathen, wild humanoids that eat anything meat in their way. After protecting and defending the Royal Group, Nexa makes her first trusted friends. This was a fascinating story just because of the differences in beings. Ms. Alsop created the different classes and gave them strengths and weaknesses of their own. The relationship blossoming between Nexa and Axon is great. I really loved this story and can't wait to start the next one.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick read with engaging characters. I found the world with its three races quite interesting. And the heroine is very likable. I found the book easy to read, and the voice of the heroine intelligent and self-aware.

I did have to suspend a bit of disbelief as the heroine suddenly transforms from abused, yet willful near-slave to witty conversationalist and battle strategist. The change is not supported by any back-story or history, just her strong-willed and observant personality. And the love story is a bit pale. The reason behind the strong feelings doesn't seem enough to me - he because she is strikingly beautiful and she because he is the first person to be kind.

Finally, I struggled with the acceptance of so many who had hated and distrusted Duskies their entire lives. They may not like the changes, but they aren't actively acting against them, and I would expect stronger resistance from those who have been in a position of power.

I received this ebook free through read-2-review.

[Matthew Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story!

I was introduced to Cheree through my sister, and this title caught my eye because the description reminded me of a novel i have been working on here and there. I had to put my curiosity to rest, so I started reading and from the first page I was hooked.

I haven't read a book so quickly in a long time, spending hours not putting it down.

we follow Nexa across a desert, through secret passageways and on ships as she ventures the world that was always kept from her with a charming prince who see's her as much more than a simple Duskie.

My only real complaint is that ages of characters aren't well defined, or else easily missed, and early on in the story I wasn't sure if Nexa was a little girl or a young woman. Other than that, as well as a few simple typos here and there, it was incredibly well written.

And best of all, my story is actually much much different, so I'm still safe :P

[Angela Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Shadows on the suggestion of a friend as was very pleasantly surprised. Usually I have a hard time with new authors, but this book swept me away from page one. I loved the world of the Luminos and Nathos, and I especially loved the relationship between Nexa and Axon. Nexa is a very refreshing character, full of spunk and bravery, but also a girl with her own fears and dreams. I found myself relating to her in ways that surprised me and I'm so glad that the next books in the series are being written! This book is for anyone looking for something different, but with a heart of love, adventure, and danger that keeps you reading.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great Free nook book that I downloaded. This story starts off by explaining how a slave is treated and beaten down until they believe that they belong there. Thoughout you follow the character Nexa and Axon on their journey to unite the three races of the world and bring understanding and trust to them all. Its a journey that we all wish would come about in the current world. A world where there are nations of inequality abound. This story was just a reflection of our current throughts and feelings about how lives should count for something besides being defined by race. I will definatley be reading the other novels in this series

[Karen Shortridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this for my honest review.This book I find is one of a kind, very different the main character Nexa is a Duskie but she is kept as a prison to fight for people who don't trust her kind. Throughout the book she grows into her own person, fighting battles after battle, whether it with herself or others. The other main character Axon is a prince from a different place a Lumini but with the same views as her, he is very charming and encourages Nexa to be the person she wants to be. This has been an entertaining and engaging story, it's a story with heart that says something and that is what makes it so memorable.

[S. Teppen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nexa's story is one of a slave finding her freedom through love. She is selfless and heroic, and it's refreshing to see a female character portrayed without the girly cliches most writers fall into. She is someone I would like to meet in real life, and it is nice to read the first person POV of a character who is so well-round that she is brave, but still has the softer feminine side that defines her character. A definite must read.

[Bart Andersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really thought the Author did an amazing job of capturing the reader from start to finish. It was fun to watch as Nexa (the protagonist) in the story developed. From the very start She had a determination and a drive to change whatever situation she was confronted with and she has a furious locality to people she befriends along the way

it was an amazing adventure that takes the reader to beautiful lands and seas that they'll never forget.

I can't wait to read book 2!!!

[Kathy I Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!

This sort was told by the main character, Nexa. The trials and tribulations of her life as a Duskie. The story was about 3 different races trying to live together but not equal.
I recommend this story to anyone who most of all love a good story and a different kind of love affair. That means everyone!! There's also humor, action and suspense and mystery for those who like a mixed bag of emotions.
Read this good book and enjoy- I did!

[Jessica newell · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world of separation and mistrust, can she unite them?

Another captivating series by Cheese Alsop.
Nexa is fast becoming one of my favourite female heroines. If like me you are fed up with weak leading female characters this is the book for you. Nexa is strong, honourable, beautiful, compassionate and humble. In order to keep her Prince she must do everything in her power to not only save her Prince and the races but unite them too. Can she succeed? Read and find out!!

[Cori · Rating 5 out of 5]

GreAt book

GreAt book

I love this book. Action packed and full of surprises. Love that Nexa is a women and hero of this page turning adventure. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Amber Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this boot

Any book that evokes emotion in you as you read it, can by default be considered a good book this book not only about invoked emotion but it had a good plot and a wonderful lesson I look forward to the next in the series.

[Kym Stengler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

I was hooked from the beginning. Such wonderful heartfelt characters that can be related to today's society. I laughed and cried right along with them. Very well written.

[Frankie Ness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. A modern fairy tale complete with Kings and Queens, Princesses and Princes, castles and the damsel is not quite in distress. LOVE IT!

[Fatimah]

wow.....I WANT THIS BOOK!!

[Jim Rattenni]

can't wait to read this i bet it'll b really good

[Kira Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC BOOK!!!! I enjoyed it a lot. The characters were well done and the plot and the setting were very different and engaging. I highly recommend it!

[Karter Lynn Ngo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book really inspiring. Nexa is one inspiring and interesting character. Great book I read so far this summer.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this author. And this new series is just amazing.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has potential

FMC is a Mary Sue
Plot holes, time jumps
Misspelled words, missing words, incomplete thoughts
Predictable outcome

I think I've read this author before, but I'm not sure
Will I read more? As a freebie, sure. As a purchase? No.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful Story of Unity!

Such an amazing story of a young woman’s rise from slavery to uniting different castes and oh yeah a sweet love story thrown in!
I can’t wait to read the next book!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

PG

A wonderful world of races forced to help one another and overcome old prejudice. Unusual plants and creatures to explore and deadly monsters to slay.

[Loren Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows is the first book set in the World of Shadows by Cheree Alsop and tells the story of Nexa, a Duskie caught between the day and the night.

The Luminos rule the day and the Nathos the night. Between the two races, they are only ever weak at dusk and dawn. At those times, the Duskies, the halfbreed children of a Luminos and a Nathos, are the only ones awake. The Duskies are less, half-breeds, and almost slaves.

Or that is what Nexa is taught. Chosen by Axon as the protector of his squad of Luminos during their sleeping hours, she must do her best to keep safe the only people who have ever trusted her. Risking her life for them, they finally realized that maybe Duskies aren't so inferior after all.

Back in their city of Lumini, the people are under attack. And Nexa might be able to swing the tide of battle, if she can get the Luminos to trust her enough to arm the Duskies and change history.

Nexa is a compelling character of bravery under duress and a true leader worth following because she believes in her people more even than they do. She is passionate about the Duskies and their ability to protect her friends among the Luminos and the Nathos. And I love a good kick-butt heroine.

[Logan Good · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea behind this book was phenomenal. I loved the idea of different races that were given greater powers based on the time of the day. Beyond that, the story didn't wow me. I was caught up quickly trying to discover who Nexa was, but the story dropped off for me after that. I wished there was more depth to the characters. Many of the scenes just blew by and I stopped feeling drawn in. I'm still intrigued by the world and where these mysterious Sathen came from, but I'm not sure I would venture back for another story.

[Vaughan King · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is intriguing from a world that is unique and new. I believe it has potential to be great, but I really felt that the author's main character jumped from slave to greatness so quickly it was almost unbelievable. I felt the story leapt from one plot to the next too quickly, and that the author may be new at writing. Don't get me wrong, the story wasn't bad, and the female hero was ok, but incredibly sappy and cliche in places... I probably will pass on the next books.