Shadows of Valor

Shadows of Valor #1

by Patricia Hamill

Four years ago, Edwin's father was slain by Verackan raiders, intent on plundering the Orescan heartland to supplement their own waning resources.

Now seventeen and intent on vengeance, Edwin runs away from home to join the Orescan Army. Soon, he finds himself a Probationary Recruit, not in the Army, but in the Special Air Corps. Through a combination of natural and technologically enhanced gifts, this elite and secretive organization battles the Verackans from the shadows.

As Edwin explores the full potential of his gift, a new objective begins to take hold? ending the Verackan threat for all time.

Genres: Fantasy

206 pages, Paperback

First published October 14, 2012

About the author

I write, enjoy crochet/knitting, practice karate, and love reading and writing, especially anything fantasy or fiction. I read too much!

Reviews

[Nicolas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty quick read, as Hamill's writing moves very fast. I enjoyed the overall story, although the beginning didn't articulate the conflict between Orescan vs. Verackan in a relate-able way. I suppose it makes sense, as the main character is basically a boy, and you wouldn't expect a deep understanding of the cultural events that would make such a war happen. I'd have preferred to learn more about the causes of the war, the political structures that govern peoples lives, as part of the worldbuilding.

Hamill creates vivid and engaging scenes and locales, but I can't help thinking that it would be a much richer work if she'd spent more time with her people. The story, especially at the beginning, felt a bit black and white, and by the time she had added some more nuanced elements to the ways people live in that world, it felt a bit rushed.

Her characterizations are very crisp and targeted. Edwin, our hero, is very well fleshed out and likable. His companions are entertaining, although I could have done without a romance angle. There were spots it seemed like that subplot was intruding on the "actual" story. I would have loved to have spent more time with the rest of his fellow recruits or operatives, to have more of a sense of camaraderie, rather than focusing on the romantic subplot.

All of that is nitpicks. It's reasonably well edited, well written, and generally engaging. I'll happily read more with these characters, come book 2.

Note: The author provided my copy in exchange for this honest, non-reciprocal review.

[K.A. Krisko · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in a single sitting. It was interesting enough to hold me and it’s not a full-length novel, I’d put it more in the novella category. But is has the potential to be expanded into a much longer, and more detailed, work.

It was nice to get right into the action from the beginning- extraneous stuff was done away with. I didn’t mind not knowing the background of the war right off the bat; war is usually pretty standard stuff with typical reasons. It was more important to get to know Edwin first. I also appreciated that his leaving was not without consequences. His brother saw things a little differently. This was a humanizing touch.

As the book progressed, it began to suffer some from the get-to-the-action technique, though. I would have liked a little more info about co-recruits and other people at the facility. Throwing a few more developed characters in there probably would have helped with the predictability of a few characters’ actions (I identified the ‘Judas’ character right away, for example). The book’s short enough, this could have been added. Strangely, there was a really detailed description of the apartment Edwin moved into, which probably wasn’t necessary.

I found the enemies to be somewhat stereotypically evil and sinister, torturing their captives immediately. There was also what I’d call ‘skill creep’ - five months ago, all Edwin could do was visualize diagrams in his head, now he’s spinning swords around with his mind and defeating multiple enemies. Although there’s some good stuff about his training, he seems to have progressed amazingly fast.

Throughout the book, there were some issues with punctuation - missing quote marks were fairly frequent, and also incorrect quotation closures (periods instead of commas and vice-versa, with capitalization following commas.) There were enough of these that I’ll make mention of them, although not quote them.

In the end, I feel like something was missing - like a few chapters! I would have liked more description of the landscape and how and why the two factions are at war - for most of the book I assumed it would be an off-world offensive, and didn’t realize the enemy was just across the water. I would have liked to know something about how a routine training mission went so bad. I would have liked to understand how Edwin’s abilities got so developed. I would like to know what happened to Peggy and what her background was. What or who was the thing flying in the central part of the facility? There’s a strange interlude at the end about a girl. Who is she? What’s she doing here? It seemed incongruous to me, but perhaps it’s a foreshadowing of what’s to come in future books.

I feel that rather than a sequel, this book should be beefed up to form a more complete picture of what’s going on - then let the adventures commence! I did like the general flow and writing, I’d have no problem reading more along these lines and with the same characters.

[Marise Ghorayeb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so engrossed in this book that I finished it in a single day. Patricia Hamill has many talents as an author, not the least of which is world building. As much as I love science fiction, I do sometimes find it hard to get grasp of far of places or distant futures. However, in “Shadows of Valor,” the futuristic setting is grounded with familiar, modern day details so that the world really comes alive. As much as there are suits that can be mentally manipulated to produce an invisibility cloak, there are also motels, crop dusters, and electric motorcycles.

The other thing that I commend Ms. Hamill for is her ability to create unique and relatable characters. Her protagonist, Edwin, and his commanding officer, Peggy, held my heart throughout the story and I really enjoyed seeing their different perspectives on the same situation. However, what impressed me the most was the fact that even minor characters were brought to life. For example, Doctor Brinkman was only present in a couple scenes to perform medical exams; but shortly after she was introduced, we saw her reaction to being thanked for her work and this small reaction told me a lot about who she was and why she did what she did. From that moment forward, she was a real presence in the room whenever she appeared and not just a devise to move the plot along.

These details, in combination with a unique plot, short, easy chapters, and a good dose of intrigue all make “Shadows of Valor” a real page turner and a book that I very much enjoyed. However, there were a couple minor flaws. The first was that I felt the author described a couple settings, specifically Edwin’s two apartments, just a bit too much and I was tempted to skim across those parts. The second is that the writing itself could use just a touch of tightening up. I’ve trained myself to notice unnecessary adverbs for the sake of my own writing and unfortunately a side-effect is that I also notice them in other authors’ works. I also wished that the author would spend less time describing the silence in Chapter One (which was my least favorite chapter in the book) and more time describing Edwin’s and Joe’s facial expressions, mannerisms and general emotions. With that said, these were all very minor flaws and after the first chapter I quickly forgot to notice adverbs as I was so engrossed in the plot and invested in the characters. I also think it helps that the writing itself improved significantly after the first chapter. Overall this was an exciting and fun read and I highly recommend it to young and adult audiences alike.

I am grateful to Ms. Hamill for providing me with a free copy of "Shadows of Valor" in exchange for my honest review.

[Michael Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this not knowing what to expect. Military novels typically aren't my thing. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The military aspect of the novel is in the background as the action, friendship, adventure, and maybe a little romance take the forefront.

The novel follows young Edwin as he runs away from home to join the military, intent on getting revenge against the enemy who murdered his father and burned his home down. After he arrives, he discovers he has special powers which will help in the war, and he develops a close working relationship with his mentor.

I found the story to be engrossing and I couldn't put it down...I finished it one day. The characters were interesting and enjoyable...especially the main two. The background of the world at war, and the technology were very intriguing...and even more so was the innate abilities and powers that Edwin discovered and brought out.

I can't really find anything bad to say about this novel, except that it ended so soon when I wanted more. I am looking forward to the next book and this one is going into my favorites. I only rate books to be 5 stars when I enjoyed it immensely, it entertained me, I couldn't put it down, and I want to read it again one day.

NOTE: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

See my reviews at http://www.michaelscifan.us

[Elisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shadows of Valor is a quick read that has some wonderful elements to it. I particularly enjoyed Edwin’s journey as he discovered the extent of his abilities. The author did a great job describing his abilities and it was easy to visualize how he was using them. The last 60 pages of the book were the most exciting and got me excited for the next book. I really liked the relationship between Peggy and Edwin. I thought it was realistic in nature and it was refreshing to read a book with no romance. I am interested to see where their friendship stands in the next book.
There were a few things that hindered my ability to really delve into Edwin’s world. The first was that the conflict between the Orescans and the Verackans was never really explained. Some background on how the war started at the beginning of the novel would have help set up Edwin’s time with the Orescan Army. The other was that I found myself wanting more details in descriptions of people in the beginning of the novel. It would have made it easier to visualize them. Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I can see myself reading the sequel.
*I receive this book from the author in return for my honest review.

[Reymart Dinglasa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hash-tag…Good!

This book is good and 3 stars are enough for an honest review for a given copy from the Author.

Warning!!!
This Review must be read after Reading...

Shadows of Valor



Edwin is a likable teen, his personality of being just so powerful at his age is quite astonishing, and his persistency of doing what he likes in order to assert vengeance mirrors the age that, for me, doesn’t hum his entirety. For me, okay? However; I can understand the growth in him since what happened to his father four years ago, and normally it designs a morbid promise inside a person, and plans can go on forever.
Well, it’s about Edwin, of course, who seeks to win his part in the Air Corps to punish the Verackans, slowly as to grant his revenge…

And as I read my way into it, I got a list of Pros and Cons that would surely some would argue about…but let’s see.

The narrative is so clear that the Local Color is very perceivable. The building of every picturesque are stunning: a very vivid setting for some specific scenes. But there are some points in it that you seems to ask questions of how exactly that place looks like, which means, I need some distinct comparison of something that people already know. It makes the book ”very good”, in that sense that the setting is well described.

The subplots concerning the attraction between them? A little bit of romance, honestly, I don’t even get it. I can’t feel such sympathy between Peggy and Edwin all throughout the story. Why, because I can’t connect with the other one. I think there is that missing link between them, since Edwin is well illustrated as a seventeen years old teen beouf kind of guy and with all the history needed for the character, Peggy has nothing. There is nothing I can’t connect with her, her age, her reason to join the Air Corps, her history. (If this is essential, though considered a subplot, to the story and if there could be attraction between them that could be necessary in order for us to feel sympathy between them.) Because for me, that this subplot is flat. But the professional relationship between is them is nicely constructed, and that is the only reasonable feeling I can come up all throughout the book.

The pace of the story is sooooooo fast I can’t spot what could have happened between those times that he’s in the Headquarters. For me, the style of the writing is like a television cut-to-this-part scenes but this is not it, this is a book we need to feel for what it is worth.
I do understand that Miss Patricia intends to fast pace it to make much of the action pace, of which we shouldn’t feel bored or something. But the thing is I didn’t feel the progress and the efforts and all the hard trials of Edwin as he went on the training. It’s just got in there and oh, yes, he did it. That missed me a bit.

And his ability…

WOW, WOW, and WOW. This is where the story gets me so much that I can’t put my KINDLE down. Why? As I said about the narrative of Miss Patricia, her way of doing it is astounding. The ability inside Edwin is well executed through words and one can really experience it. She won the price of doing such. *laughing in relief
I feel him in such intensity, of how he executes his ability and sure is, Shout out to Miss Patricia: Please do write another one so we can see more of Edwin, one will expect more of him. That’s why he is likable to me.

The Last Thing Is The Chapter Titles…

This is where the scenes come predictable. The title is so easily fleshed in and so simple. For example: Chapter 32-Betrayal makes less of the main point. Sorry, but how it is for me. The Titles are not that catchy and well round up; I would prefer a simple yet complex title for example: Chapter 40-Eagle’s Eye, or close enough Chapter 32-Footsteps, so as not to make predictions as fast as to lose the thrill in the book.

And…

The dialogues. I love the professionalism in the dialogues but there are some points away from that that dialogues are cliché especially when Peggy and Edwin are alone, maybe because it makes them both awkward, but then again, less feeling between them.

One more thing, the green liquid inside Peggy? Where is the explanations for it? The whole thing? Or do we have to wait for the next book to know about it? And Tully is really dead?

The New Character

Honestly, here’s my point. I don’t have much of compassion towards Peggy, except maybe her professional feelings towards Edwin.
And there comes the female character with her complete premise on the next book, inclusive with herself and her age and her personality that will mirror the next book.

I don’t hate Peggy, but she’s just missing something for me.

---
Moreover; the book really deserves a higher rating because of the Author’s grammatical construction. It is good that you’ll root for another book in the series (hoping it will be a series). Forget everything and just read, you’ll lose inside it if you will.

[Enrico Antiporda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadows of Valor is the story of Edwin, a seventeen-year-old boy gifted with strong psychic powers of which he isn't aware in the beginning. A few years after his father is killed by Verackan troops, Edwin enlists in the Orescan army motivated by revenge. As he enlists in the military fort, a sergeant tells him to follow an orange line, while the rest of the recruits are told to follow the blue line. This gives readers a clue that Edwin is someone special and raises the story trajectory.

In his psychic training, he meets his love interest and mentor, Lieutenant Peggy Bryce, herself a gifted psychic charged with drawing out and honing Edwin's significant and far superior extrasensory power, something he will use in the later chapters of the book.
In my opinion, this is a book with two halves.
The first part is spent on exploring Edwin's power, developing his relationship with Peggy, and describing the locale in great detail. The second part gets more interesting as Edwin's developing power is put to use during a mission. The descriptions of his "wizardly" skills are excellent. The novel somewhat turns into a cloak and dagger spy story as he tries to free Peggy from her captors, another plus.

This is a good and easy read, the narrative flowing in a linear fashion allowing the reader to focus on the story. Though sadly lacking in the four sensory details of smell, touch, hearing, and taste, the narrative is nonetheless visually stimulating. The author scattered some intrigue along the way such as the orange line, the green-jacketed Verackan spy, the mysterious night craft hovering in the sky or Commander Talbot's accusation that Edwin was a fake, etc., to pull the reader into the narrative.

There are problems, however, but are easily fixable. There is a lack of back story of what prompted Edwin to enlist in the special air command. There was a vague reference about revenge and a father's death, but it only made the narrative confusing. If the reader does not know the stakes, then the novel's call to adventure is diminished. This is addressed later through a flashback, but alas, it is too late. Why put the gripping story about the father's death in the middle when it would have worked better as a prologue or chapter one, thus solving the back story issue? There were also pages upon pages of needless descriptions of the base, the exterior and interior of the main headquarters, Edwin's living quarters, even super detailed clinical description of the rooms and furniture. I found myself skipping over these pages as they serve no purpose to the story. To me, every sentence should have a purpose in advancing the character or plot, or flavoring the setting so that it acts as a character on its own right and advances the intrigue/suspense. Except for Edwin and Peggy, the book is sparse on deep characters. Often I feel it is not a military base at war but a deserted one (there is no bustle, i.e. military jeeps patrolling the grounds, troop platoons in training, there was no military transport unloading supplies, no bristle of weaponry, nothing). Why describe a room in unnecessary excruciating detail and not flavor the story with a war-ready military base to raise the feeling of suspense? Lastly, the narrative is dialogue heavy, so that the reader misses the five sensory details. It is okay in movies where the scene is compensated by visuals and audio. A book does not have that luxury. A long dialogue kills the sensory details.

Over all, this is a good book despite its flaws. There was enough intrigue that children will keep turning the pages. The story is a good one and the second half of the story is fast-paced with action, drama, and spy-like stealth and rescue. I would say 3.5 to 4 stars for Shadows of Valor, a worthwhile download in my opinion.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was totally surprised by this book. Having signed up to 'Read and Review' as part of the 'David Estes Fans and Young Adult Book Lovers Unite!' Group, I thought the 'blurb' on the book sounded interesting. In no way was I expecting the exceptional quality revealed to me. The characters come to life as the reader follows the growth of Edwin and the development of his new 'gift'. Each chapter offers a new and exciting detail of Edwin, the people with which he interacts and the challenges he faces. As Edwin learns more about the Special Army Corps, which he has 'run away' to join, he progresses further along his own path of personal self-discovery. This growth in Edwin's character causes him to re-evaluate certain goals in his life. A change in direction later in the story seems to set the scene for a sequel to the first book, which I thought was totally appropriate. The omission of the circumstances surrounding the slaying of Edwin's father and the war between the Verackan and Orescan people seems irrelevant in this book; although I hope later books will reveal some details of both. This was a book I could not read quickly enough. I will definitely read any sequel(s) and will not be satisfied until all is revealed (regarding Edwin and the full potential of his gift).

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

*****3.5 Actual rating******
I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. I read the Summary and I thought it sounded different and exciting and some parts were, but I found myself a little board at times. I thought this was a new and different idea but I would have liked a little more info on the back round of this world and the war being fought between the two groups.
At first I thought that the story would be told entirely from Edwin's point of view, but I was pleasantly surprised to also get Peggy's point of view as well in small doses giving a few answers since she had a lot more info on SAC. I understood Edwin's need for revenge but I could not seem to become invested beyond that with him or any of the other characters, they seemed nice enough but I just could not get attached.
I found it picked up at the end and I liked how his actions sort of brought up new questions for Edwin about the war and his haste for revenge in an uncertain world. Overall this was a fast red and I felt this had so much potential and I could see the next one having a bit more excitement now that the foundation has been laid.

[Fhey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is new for me I am venturing from angels-vampires series to Sci-fi/Military. As I am one of the lucky readers to receive this for R&R let us see how it will make my imagination work.

The author was very detailed in describing the surroundings I guess because it's futuristic. Good because I can visualize it in my mind. The characters..hmm i was looking into a more specific description of Edwin.
The story is smooth. You'll have no idea on what will happen next..makes you curious more and more.

For the succeeding chapters the story became fast phased, from being a probationary recruit now Edwin's gifts were challenged by the situation on their first mission with his Lt. Peggy Bryce. This is where the intense actions were. With the Author's great description of what was happening describing in full details of what Edwin was doing and how it blends with the story is really great.I will definitely wait for the next book.

The e-book version was given to me for free for an honest book review and opinion.

[Tywyll · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this book. I liked the setting, the characters, but I especially loved Edwin's ability. It fascinated me to no end. The author described it very well, allowing the reader to visualize it easily. I do wish there was a bit more physical description, world building, and more back story as to why there was a war, but considering how one of the last chapters reads, I'm sure future books will expand on that. Though for most of the book things aren't very suspenseful for a city being at war, it's understandable since Edwin was in training. The last third of the novel makes up for it, showing this series' potential.
My only real complaint is the cover. Many people might pass this by based on looks alone. This book deserves a great, eye-catching doorway to Edwin's world. If the author would consider investing in one, I believe more people would be drawn to this intriguing story.
I eagerly look forward to Edwin's future missions and where his gift takes him.

[M.K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a quick-paced, well written sci-fi, here’s a good one. Shadows of Valor by Patricia Hamill is an unpretentious, no nonsense novella-style book centering around just a few characters, one with unique abilities. We are not traipsing through the galaxy here; the story is concise and takes place on what appears to be an earth-like planet. Reminiscent of 60’s era sci-fi pulp fiction, and I say that with great affection, Ms Hamill’s narration is effectively minimalistic, the action unfolds quickly and is highly entertaining. While the reader may not get completely immersed in this world, specifically, a war between two nation states, there is surely more to the story underlying this one episode. I am hoping for the larger context someday…

[Thapelo Sebolai · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was quite excited to read this book as I have a sort of innate love of military/ sci-fi novels and I found that although the book was quite short, it still managed to capture my attention.

It about the journey of a young military-bound Edwin who has a special ability, one that separates him from the rest of the "normal" pack...

The only negative criticism that I can give is that there should perhaps have been a little more attention to detail regarding his training etc. as I found those parts to be the most interesting.

Above all else,I do believe that it was a thoroughly good book and I enjoyed it.

[Tami Egonu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a well-paced story in general about Edwin, a gifted 17 year old who runs away from his family to join the Special Air Corps. The author’s own experience in the US Navy means the writing is confident and more believable. Edwin’s mentor is Peggy who is almost continually at his side, though refreshingly no romance blooms. Edwin’s special gift elevates him up a secret rank in this rather zippy ride. It’s a quick read and will appeal to teenagers and adults alike in what I’m assuming to be the first book in a series that will let Edwin’s character grow.

[ObsidianCub · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this though the writing is a little young. The only gripe really is that the ending came out of no where and I was a bit stunned by the suddenness and the change of direction. Will be reading the next when it comes out.

[Patricia Hamill]

No Kindle? I've expanded the entire trilogy to additional formats and booksellers. :-)

[Noura Navali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this at work because I finished my tasks earlier than scheduled. I guess working on your breaks allow you to get some free time for reading, haha...
I was reading another series and growing bored of it. This quick read allowed me to come back to reading continuously. It's hard to go back to the habit of reading a whole novel in one day or two days, or maybe even read for long hours. 🙃
I hope my next read will be as fun as this one.

[Sarah-Jayne Briggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

(I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review).

(This review may contain spoilers).

I felt that this book was a particularly easy, quick read with two main characters who were fairly interesting and likable. However, I'm afraid I can't quite give this book four stars.

Apart from a few exceptions, I did feel that a lot of the characters weren't really explored as much as they could have been. Almost all of the recruits working alongside Edwin weren't detailed enough - I struggled even to relate to Turner and Tully. By the end of the book, I didn't know them well enough to be worried about them, or to see one of the situations coming (though I wasn't actually surprised by one of the events).

I did like Edwin's character. He was well-written and I felt that he had to face realistic consequences for leaving home, which made him much more interesting as a character. I have to say, though, I didn't quite find how skilled he became so quickly very believable. Whether or not he had enhancements, it still didn't really enable my suspension of disbelief.

I did feel that the book really pulled my attention in during the mission scene at the end. It was a good way of showing off how Edwin had gained in skill, as well as how he handled himself in dangerous situations. However (and I noticed this a few times), the story did suddenly skip to the mission, without any explanation as to how Edwin and the others were picked and why. For a lot of the book, I felt that long periods of time were skipped over, which left me feeling I was missing a lot of the character development that could have gone on.

I did like the friendship between Peggy and Edwin, but I was a bit disappointed that there seemed to be a romance blossoming. However, I was pleased to see that there wasn't any insta!love going on. I would have liked to see more than just that short scene towards the end of the book to give me more of a background to the bad guys - and I was a bit disappointed about how easy Edwin found it to make the choice he did.

I do have the second book on my Kindle and I will be reading it - not next, but after the following book I've got lined up.