Shadow Games: A Space Opera Adventure

Shades of Starlight #3

by B.L. Dean

A grav-ball star plays a dangerous game—and not the one in the arena… As galactic star Finley “The Flash” McGrath travels with her grav-ball team, she also does unofficial espionage work to help the hacker who exposed a galactic revolution. The perfect cover? Her popular video diary, where she reports on the colonies. But after an attempt is made on her life, the Cobalt Republic moves to protect her. Cobalt soldier Micah Townsend would rather face angry mobs than guard his former childhood best friend. Things didn’t end well between him and Finley when he enlisted and she left home. But now he’s stuck with her, and she’s determined to continue the reports that risk her life. With unrest increasing and talk of revolution spreading, Finley unearths evidence that the revolution is planning something big, while Micah tries to figure out who wants her dead. The old friends must put aside the past and work together to investigate two plots, and along the way they just might prevent a war. The next adventure in the space opera series, for fans of Firefly and Star Wars .

Genres: Space Opera, Science Fiction

388 pages, Paperback

Published May 8, 2023

About the author

B.L. Dean grew up on a diet of Star Trek, Star Wars, and stargazing, so when she started writing books, it was no surprise that many of them were set in space. When she’s not writing, she can be found traveling, drinking tea, and watching science fiction shows. Though she lives in Texas with her husband, she remains a Southern California girl at heart.

Reviews

[Jenelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun ride through space! I love how each of these books introduces me to all-new characters in the same galaxy struggling for similar things in a setting gearing up for war.

I enjoyed Finley "The Flash" McGrath and the way she is torn between wanting to focus on grav ball (the sport for which she is a professional athlete) and wanting to help people.

I also loved Micah Townsend, and the way his backstory unfolded.

The romantic aspects were sweet, if sometimes a little bit more front and center than I prefer.

The ending was super action-packed, and I am intrigued to see what happens next in this galaxy!

[Jason Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exciting and gripping entry into the Shades of Starlight series. The threads that were laid down in books 1&2 are starting to come together. I can't wait for book 4!

[Gr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow Games, Book 3 in the Shades of Starlight series by B. L. Dean was excellent. I found this audiobook at my library. Interesting and likable characters, set against the backdrop of the overarching worldbuilding established in the previous books. Book 3 did give off a bit more YA feel to it due to the age of the main characters.

The books in the series are loosely linked by common threads with some shared character interaction between books, but the books stand on their own. Shadow Games centers around Finley “The Flash” McGrath and a Cobalt soldier named Micah Townsend, who grew up together. The story follows Finley and her grav-ball team as they tour through worlds on their way to a World Championship. Fun, political intrigue, espionage, with lots of action. The entire series is appropriate for younger readers.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting!

This third book in the series was the best one yet! I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book, not able to put it down until it was over. The only bad thing about it is having to wait for the next book to be released. I enjoyed this story of intrigue across multiple worlds. Highly recommend this book!