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Araneae Nation #2.5
A Cast of Shadows
"The strongest net is no match for destiny. "
An "Araneae Nation" Story
Daraja has grown up watching her brothers journey down the river on the traditional Deinopidae rite of passage. Each returned with riches from their travels, and lovers with whom to share their lives.
Now she has reached the age where she would strike out on her own to seek her fortune-if she were male. Instead, she is expected to sit patiently, weave her nets and wait for the river to bring a husband to her.
Patience, however, has never been her strong suit.
Brynmor haunts the forest surrounding the city of Cathis, his disembodied spirit inextricably bound to the wild canis roaming his lands. Until the day he stumbles across a brazen trespasser in his woods.
Compelled to step in when the canis suspect her of poaching one of their own, Brynmor fears he has lost a piece of his ragged soul to the feisty, adventure-seeking female. And when the canis confront the real poachers, he is forced to choose which life to sacrifice. Hers...or his own.
Warning: This book contains one heroine with a knack for weaving nets and one hero who relishes getting caught. Expect singing, some howling, ghostly shenanigans, and the start of a love that transcends death.
An "Araneae Nation" Story
Daraja has grown up watching her brothers journey down the river on the traditional Deinopidae rite of passage. Each returned with riches from their travels, and lovers with whom to share their lives.
Now she has reached the age where she would strike out on her own to seek her fortune-if she were male. Instead, she is expected to sit patiently, weave her nets and wait for the river to bring a husband to her.
Patience, however, has never been her strong suit.
Brynmor haunts the forest surrounding the city of Cathis, his disembodied spirit inextricably bound to the wild canis roaming his lands. Until the day he stumbles across a brazen trespasser in his woods.
Compelled to step in when the canis suspect her of poaching one of their own, Brynmor fears he has lost a piece of his ragged soul to the feisty, adventure-seeking female. And when the canis confront the real poachers, he is forced to choose which life to sacrifice. Hers...or his own.
Warning: This book contains one heroine with a knack for weaving nets and one hero who relishes getting caught. Expect singing, some howling, ghostly shenanigans, and the start of a love that transcends death.
97 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2013
44 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
Hailey Edwards
105 books2,859 followersHailey Edwards writes about questionable applications of otherwise perfectly good magic, the transformative power of love, the family you choose for yourself, and blowing stuff up. Not necessarily all at once. That could get messy.
Hailey isn't on Goodreads.
Please email her via her website:
https://haileyedwards.net/contact-form/
Hailey isn't on Goodreads.
Please email her via her website:
https://haileyedwards.net/contact-form/
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 15, 2017
I don't really know how I feel about this one, while I really like the H from the previous book, I do not think I will ever be satisfied with any ending should he have his own book, given his background. This is a bit like the prologue book, which I still haven't decided if I want to crack yet.
Story itself really lasts for a few days. While it is pretty straight forward in a sense, it also is anything but. In here we see a dual pov that will help us understand the H and his relationship with his host more. I like that they have a strong bond and like seeing how the pack works. While I do admire the H's devotion to his clan, it makes it very hard to feel the romance with all his deep ties to both the clan and the pack. And to be honest, with this struggle, our H seems totally different from the one we see in the previous book, or we are seeing a much softer and in a sense more struggling side of him. I don't know, it just seems he is not as fun or confident here and even by the end of the book, I didn't feel he really is free from the past and happy with our h.
Our h is an interesting character. She is self sufficient and she knows what she wants and is not shy to go for it. But given the length of this novella, I cannot really feel a deeper attachment to her especially with so much going on in the plot.
The whole concept and how it suddenly ends is a bit odd to me. I just feel this is settling on both sides, for a hfn, instead of this being something that is meant to be. While I am glad they are together, I just do not think it will last long if that is how it ends.
I also didn't find their sexy times all that sexy to be honest, I guess it is just the length not working for me, as I didn't really have time to absorb what had happened and didn't ok things as quickly as our protagonists did. It just seems a bit odd all around.
It still is a beautifully written story, with an intriguing plot, some action, and it kept me engaged to finish this quickly. I just felt a bit ambivalent afterwards, as I just didn't feel connected to the romance of this pair yet I still enjoy this story quite a bit.
Honestly though, when I was reading it, I did wish things could turn out differently, yet I know I would still not like it if it did as I also know I am not one to adept to changes well, especially when a character in a book altered dramatically. This one for me is more of a darn if I did, darn if I didn't read, and this totally has nothing to do with the book, just me not being able to cope with this concept well.
Story itself really lasts for a few days. While it is pretty straight forward in a sense, it also is anything but. In here we see a dual pov that will help us understand the H and his relationship with his host more. I like that they have a strong bond and like seeing how the pack works. While I do admire the H's devotion to his clan, it makes it very hard to feel the romance with all his deep ties to both the clan and the pack. And to be honest, with this struggle, our H seems totally different from the one we see in the previous book, or we are seeing a much softer and in a sense more struggling side of him. I don't know, it just seems he is not as fun or confident here and even by the end of the book, I didn't feel he really is free from the past and happy with our h.
Our h is an interesting character. She is self sufficient and she knows what she wants and is not shy to go for it. But given the length of this novella, I cannot really feel a deeper attachment to her especially with so much going on in the plot.
The whole concept and how it suddenly ends is a bit odd to me. I just feel this is settling on both sides, for a hfn, instead of this being something that is meant to be. While I am glad they are together, I just do not think it will last long if that is how it ends.
I also didn't find their sexy times all that sexy to be honest, I guess it is just the length not working for me, as I didn't really have time to absorb what had happened and didn't ok things as quickly as our protagonists did. It just seems a bit odd all around.
It still is a beautifully written story, with an intriguing plot, some action, and it kept me engaged to finish this quickly. I just felt a bit ambivalent afterwards, as I just didn't feel connected to the romance of this pair yet I still enjoy this story quite a bit.
Honestly though, when I was reading it, I did wish things could turn out differently, yet I know I would still not like it if it did as I also know I am not one to adept to changes well, especially when a character in a book altered dramatically. This one for me is more of a darn if I did, darn if I didn't read, and this totally has nothing to do with the book, just me not being able to cope with this concept well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2018
Brynmor's story gets its wrap up here. He's living among the canis, still tied to the alpha canis, Errol and now able to take corporeal form for the most part. Daraja is traveling along the river, seeking her fortune and destiny when she comes across Brynmor. When poachers begin hunting members of the canis pack, initially Daraja is blamed, but she's soon helping Brynmor and Errol track down the hunters and protect the pack. Brynmor is drawn to Daraja and wants more than ever to be able to live, because of her, but no matter how much they want one another, Brynmor is still dead.
And that's kinda how this ends too. This was a good little vignette from the series and it's nice to see Brynmor moving beyond his past, but it's really hard for him to look toward a future given his currently deceased status. I mean, for all that he takes corporeal form, he's still just a spirit. And unfortunately, this story ends with a whole lot more questions than it has answers. What is Errol's life expectancy? What if something happens to him and Brynmor can no longer take corporeal form? What if Errol dies and then Daraja is left alone - that whole promise of them going to the spirtlands together is kinda shot. I'm assuming that Brynmore isn't aging...so Brynmor is immortal and Daraja isn't. No kids? No wedding? I'm guessing not since Brynmor is not alive. I wanted to believe these two could have a happy ending, but I was left with a lot of doubts about it.
And that's kinda how this ends too. This was a good little vignette from the series and it's nice to see Brynmor moving beyond his past, but it's really hard for him to look toward a future given his currently deceased status. I mean, for all that he takes corporeal form, he's still just a spirit. And unfortunately, this story ends with a whole lot more questions than it has answers. What is Errol's life expectancy? What if something happens to him and Brynmor can no longer take corporeal form? What if Errol dies and then Daraja is left alone - that whole promise of them going to the spirtlands together is kinda shot. I'm assuming that Brynmore isn't aging...so Brynmor is immortal and Daraja isn't. No kids? No wedding? I'm guessing not since Brynmor is not alive. I wanted to believe these two could have a happy ending, but I was left with a lot of doubts about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2013
A solid 3 ½ stars, were Goodreads allowing.
Edwards' ever-elegant writing style shows a flexing of growth and skill in this—the first novella addition to the Araneae Nation series. The dual POV alternates seamlessly between the hero and heroine, bringing an intuitive balance to the story.
As heroines go, Daraja begins as more of a self-interested neutral party—off to seek her fortune and prove herself to her family. While she's a sassy and capable huntress, said skills unfortunately do not translate to fighting. As a counterpart, Brynmor is a most unusual quazi-hero in that he's...well...dead. We were first introduced to him in the previous book, A Feast of Souls, when he'd essentially taken possession of the leader of a wolf pack. The symbiotic/spiritual link between man and beast has evidently progressed, allowing Brynmor to periodically take human form once again (though there's a consistent point made that he has no pulse and is not actually alive.)
My favorite part about this story was the cultural depth of Dajara's people and their fishing-based livelihood. Her thought processes were littered with net and river-based metaphors that felt both natural and authenticating—adding further depth and breath to Edward's already enthralling world.
The greatest drawback, in this reader's opinion, lies in the brevity of the story. But to be fair, I often take issue with novellas feeling as though they rush the emotional and romantic development far too much for my taste. To me, the romantic angle of Brynmor and Daraja's relationship was a bit difficult to connect to...as I couldn't see them actually having much of a future. Maybe it just crossed a fantasy line I didn't know I had—I'm not sure.
At any rate, I'm still very much looking forward to the next full-length book in the Araneae series.
Edwards' ever-elegant writing style shows a flexing of growth and skill in this—the first novella addition to the Araneae Nation series. The dual POV alternates seamlessly between the hero and heroine, bringing an intuitive balance to the story.
As heroines go, Daraja begins as more of a self-interested neutral party—off to seek her fortune and prove herself to her family. While she's a sassy and capable huntress, said skills unfortunately do not translate to fighting. As a counterpart, Brynmor is a most unusual quazi-hero in that he's...well...dead. We were first introduced to him in the previous book, A Feast of Souls, when he'd essentially taken possession of the leader of a wolf pack. The symbiotic/spiritual link between man and beast has evidently progressed, allowing Brynmor to periodically take human form once again (though there's a consistent point made that he has no pulse and is not actually alive.)
My favorite part about this story was the cultural depth of Dajara's people and their fishing-based livelihood. Her thought processes were littered with net and river-based metaphors that felt both natural and authenticating—adding further depth and breath to Edward's already enthralling world.
The greatest drawback, in this reader's opinion, lies in the brevity of the story. But to be fair, I often take issue with novellas feeling as though they rush the emotional and romantic development far too much for my taste. To me, the romantic angle of Brynmor and Daraja's relationship was a bit difficult to connect to...as I couldn't see them actually having much of a future. Maybe it just crossed a fantasy line I didn't know I had—I'm not sure.
At any rate, I'm still very much looking forward to the next full-length book in the Araneae series.
November 12, 2015
Brynmor was my favorite character from A Feast of Souls, so I was happy to see that he got his own book. A spirit, the relationship between Brynmor and Daraja is not usual, but I thought they made an excellent pair. The story is only loosely tied to the overall arc of the novels, but we get some insight into the Deinopidae lifestyle which was neat.
August 22, 2017
Confession: I read book 1 ages ago and I didn't have book 2 on hand when I decided to jump back into this series, so I skipped ahead and...I think I'm going to go back and get caught up before moving forward. Not because this book was confusing or anything, but because I REALLY like this world and want to get the most out of it.
Sooooo...Brynmor has some issues with being, you know, alive. Which is fine, once all's said and done, because his bond with the canis alpha allows him to take corporeal form. Something I'm sure Daraja appreciated. Eventually.
But before they got to appreciating, Brynmor had to convince the pack not to hunt her down, fight off some dirty poachers, and explain the whole dead thing to her.
Like I said, I'm really digging this world and all the layers that are being uncovered. I'm going to go back and reread book 1 and get caught up on book 2 before moving on. Because yessssss. Venom and hearts and all manner of craziness. I'M IN!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Sooooo...Brynmor has some issues with being, you know, alive. Which is fine, once all's said and done, because his bond with the canis alpha allows him to take corporeal form. Something I'm sure Daraja appreciated. Eventually.
But before they got to appreciating, Brynmor had to convince the pack not to hunt her down, fight off some dirty poachers, and explain the whole dead thing to her.
Like I said, I'm really digging this world and all the layers that are being uncovered. I'm going to go back and reread book 1 and get caught up on book 2 before moving on. Because yessssss. Venom and hearts and all manner of craziness. I'M IN!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
December 28, 2024
Not for me.
I'm glad this one was not full length. Nor that it was necessary for the overall series.
Ghost sexy time isn't my thing, I guess. The whole thing just skeeved me out.
Brynmor's story outside of all that was really good, though.
And maybe this would've worked better if there was a history between them. But instead, this was just really sad. Darajah came across as giving up on life rather than embracing it. She ultimately settled for something less than she deserved. Brynmor didn't redeem himself. He incriminated himself further by interfering with the living in such a horrific way - condemning her to a half life.
I feel like this was maybe supposed to read like a legend of old. But it failed to hit that mark. It just read like a cheesy romance that hit on the ick factor.
I'm glad this one was not full length. Nor that it was necessary for the overall series.
Ghost sexy time isn't my thing, I guess. The whole thing just skeeved me out.
Brynmor's story outside of all that was really good, though.
And maybe this would've worked better if there was a history between them. But instead, this was just really sad. Darajah came across as giving up on life rather than embracing it. She ultimately settled for something less than she deserved. Brynmor didn't redeem himself. He incriminated himself further by interfering with the living in such a horrific way - condemning her to a half life.
I feel like this was maybe supposed to read like a legend of old. But it failed to hit that mark. It just read like a cheesy romance that hit on the ick factor.
May 8, 2024
This series is becoming one of my favourites I absolutely love all the different clans and all these characters. This was a novella of Brnymor and Daraja story, she is from a clan we are yet to explore more of, it features the Canis which are just one of the creatures we are learning more about. I see them as wolf like creatures. Looking forward to more.
October 20, 2017
Was a bit weak. A little too romance novel-ish for my taste.
September 4, 2018
I’ve little teasing story. I wish there was more to the end.
June 14, 2019
Sweet quick read
While not an immediate part of the Araneae plot line this novella is a quick and easy read about decisions, hunting, and love.
While not an immediate part of the Araneae plot line this novella is a quick and easy read about decisions, hunting, and love.
July 29, 2019
A conflicted H that has trouble letting go of the past. I was very invested in the story but that was to be expected. I’ve always been indifferent to the H.
November 11, 2024
I adore this series. I originally picked up the first book, A Hint of Frost back in 2013 when it was free on Amazon. At the time the books were being published by Samhain which had put out a number of winners and had started to become my go to for must buy books. It had a cool cover, the blurb sounded interesting and it was free - it was an all round winner.
And then I read it. And I was very impressed. It was brilliant. The world building in incredible, the romance is adorable and the action is intense. There's an over-arcing mystery throughout the entire series which is riveting and comes to a fantastic conclusion. Each book focuses on a different couple but builds upon the mystery with characters and places slotting altogether.
My favourite book of the series would have to be A Feast of Souls - because I LOVE Vaughn! - but all the books are amazing. Hailey Edwards is a very talented writer who knows how to deliver great fantasy.
A Cast of Shadows
The second novella in the series follows Brynmor! Vaughn's father who is kinda dead but also kinda alive due to a pact he made with the local Canis pack leader (Errol) to give himself a physical form. I loved Brynmor in A Feast of Souls. He was a prick but he did really love Isolde and for all she had a soulmate - he does have a point - she broke her vows, regardless of being in love with another. Anyway Brynmor is still near Cathis (the Mimetidae clan home) but remains outside the gates, staying with Errol and his pack. Unfortunately poachers have been hunting the pack and when one of their wolves is found dead at a campsite the pack intends to kill the woman camping there.
The woman in question is Daraja, a Deinopidae clan female. Daraja is the youngest, only daughter, of nine children and is determined to follow in her brother's footsteps. In the Deinopidae clan they believe in the importance of the river and as a rite of passage the men follow the river searching for riches and brides while the females stay home and wait for the river to send them a male to wed. Daraja is a strong sassy female who is determined to challenge gender norms and go follow the river on her own to find her own husband and riches. I really liked Daraja, she was cheeky and honest and blunt.
Who was to say I would desire the male who flowed to me? I would rather catch my own.
Edwards, Hailey. Araneae Nation: The Complete Collection . Kindle Edition.
The romance between Daraja and Brynmor was sweet. Both were upfront and blunt about their desires and their wishes and I liked there was no real failure to communicate. (Seems like there's been a lot of that in books I read lately). There isn't too much about the Yellow Plague plot in this one, it's more a peripheral idea. But it was a nice little interlude and provides some closure for Brynmor which was nice. 4 stars.
And then I read it. And I was very impressed. It was brilliant. The world building in incredible, the romance is adorable and the action is intense. There's an over-arcing mystery throughout the entire series which is riveting and comes to a fantastic conclusion. Each book focuses on a different couple but builds upon the mystery with characters and places slotting altogether.
My favourite book of the series would have to be A Feast of Souls - because I LOVE Vaughn! - but all the books are amazing. Hailey Edwards is a very talented writer who knows how to deliver great fantasy.
A Cast of Shadows
The second novella in the series follows Brynmor! Vaughn's father who is kinda dead but also kinda alive due to a pact he made with the local Canis pack leader (Errol) to give himself a physical form. I loved Brynmor in A Feast of Souls. He was a prick but he did really love Isolde and for all she had a soulmate - he does have a point - she broke her vows, regardless of being in love with another. Anyway Brynmor is still near Cathis (the Mimetidae clan home) but remains outside the gates, staying with Errol and his pack. Unfortunately poachers have been hunting the pack and when one of their wolves is found dead at a campsite the pack intends to kill the woman camping there.
The woman in question is Daraja, a Deinopidae clan female. Daraja is the youngest, only daughter, of nine children and is determined to follow in her brother's footsteps. In the Deinopidae clan they believe in the importance of the river and as a rite of passage the men follow the river searching for riches and brides while the females stay home and wait for the river to send them a male to wed. Daraja is a strong sassy female who is determined to challenge gender norms and go follow the river on her own to find her own husband and riches. I really liked Daraja, she was cheeky and honest and blunt.
Who was to say I would desire the male who flowed to me? I would rather catch my own.
Edwards, Hailey. Araneae Nation: The Complete Collection . Kindle Edition.
The romance between Daraja and Brynmor was sweet. Both were upfront and blunt about their desires and their wishes and I liked there was no real failure to communicate. (Seems like there's been a lot of that in books I read lately). There isn't too much about the Yellow Plague plot in this one, it's more a peripheral idea. But it was a nice little interlude and provides some closure for Brynmor which was nice. 4 stars.
February 21, 2013
Readers of the Araneae Nation series won't want to miss this action-packed novella, set after A Feast of Souls, the second title in the series. Brynmor, former leader of Cathis and father to Vaughn, is runing with the canis. He lives with them. They are now his family. We also are lucky enough to meet Daraja, an independent woman looking for what is clearly going to define who she is, upon return to her village.
Every story has a conflict. That's what makes us, as readers, invested in the plot. I struggled a little with figuring out the main conflict in A Cast of Shadows. Once I decided to step back and read this little 100-ish page novella for the entertainment value, and for furthering my knowledge of the Araneae, all was good. There's enough conflict in this novella that I'm hoping some will bleed into the next novel.
Daraja was on a journey that many of her clanswomen before her had taken down the river. She was looking for one of those defining moments. The clarity of what her future would be. I'm not going to mince words here. I really don't like the fact that women are expected to be married or contributing to the family in order to be valued. However, Ms. Edwards has established in her other novels that women ARE valued, and they don't necessarily need to be connected to a man. This is probably a tribal thing, and doesn't color my love for this series. If you're jumping in at this novella, however, keep in mind that this is **really** isolated.
Brynmor seems to be searching for some sort of defining moment for himself as well. Even though we have no idea how long he's been soul-bound (I think that crosses to a different series...) to Errol, a canis that leads the pack in the woods outside Cathis, Brynmor seems to be searching, and not completely satisfied with his 'life' as it currently stands. Enter Daraja. Without spoiling the story, let me just say that Brynmor starts off as the creepy stalker dude, but winds up the epic hero.
I think that anyone that's a fan of Hailey Edwards' Araneae Nation series will enjoy this explanation of what happened to Vaughn's father, Brynmor. It really does a fabulous job with filling-in that blank, without having a completely disconnected side plot in a longer novel. I'm glad Brynmor's story has been told, and I'm excited for the release of A Time of Dying, the third novel in this series, in July 2013!
Every story has a conflict. That's what makes us, as readers, invested in the plot. I struggled a little with figuring out the main conflict in A Cast of Shadows. Once I decided to step back and read this little 100-ish page novella for the entertainment value, and for furthering my knowledge of the Araneae, all was good. There's enough conflict in this novella that I'm hoping some will bleed into the next novel.
Daraja was on a journey that many of her clanswomen before her had taken down the river. She was looking for one of those defining moments. The clarity of what her future would be. I'm not going to mince words here. I really don't like the fact that women are expected to be married or contributing to the family in order to be valued. However, Ms. Edwards has established in her other novels that women ARE valued, and they don't necessarily need to be connected to a man. This is probably a tribal thing, and doesn't color my love for this series. If you're jumping in at this novella, however, keep in mind that this is **really** isolated.
Brynmor seems to be searching for some sort of defining moment for himself as well. Even though we have no idea how long he's been soul-bound (I think that crosses to a different series...) to Errol, a canis that leads the pack in the woods outside Cathis, Brynmor seems to be searching, and not completely satisfied with his 'life' as it currently stands. Enter Daraja. Without spoiling the story, let me just say that Brynmor starts off as the creepy stalker dude, but winds up the epic hero.
I think that anyone that's a fan of Hailey Edwards' Araneae Nation series will enjoy this explanation of what happened to Vaughn's father, Brynmor. It really does a fabulous job with filling-in that blank, without having a completely disconnected side plot in a longer novel. I'm glad Brynmor's story has been told, and I'm excited for the release of A Time of Dying, the third novel in this series, in July 2013!
February 12, 2013
3.5 stars
For the men of the Deinopidae clan, it's a rite of passage to follow the river and return with wealth and a mate. Daraja wants to same experience as her brothers so she sets out to find a mate of her own. Once the Paladin of a mercenary clan, Brynmor fell in battle to come back and have his spirit bound to the alpha of a canis pack. Brynmor thought he was content with his new existence outside the walls of his former home but when he crosses paths with Daraja, he begins to want things he may no longer be allowed to have.
I had a strong dislike for Brynmor when this series first started. How could I not after what he did to Isolde, the mate he claimed to love. But there are two sides to every story and after learning Brynmor's and seeing that he didn't make excuses for his actions, I've disembarked the Brynmor hate train. He's a passionate yet stern leader that cares for those he's been charged with protecting. Whether they walk on 2 legs or run in the wild on 4.
Daraja breaks her people's tradition when she decides to set out and find her own mate rather than wait for the river to bring one to her. I loved that about her as well as the changes she makes throughout the book. She goes from wanting to find a husband and riches she can take back home to wanting more of an adventure and perhaps someone to be at her side along the way. I can't really say I was convinced that person was Brynmor the entire time. There's an age difference that shows in the way they hold themselves and in Daraja's inexperience in a few things. Also, I can't really stand ghost/human relationships. Not that it's the case exactly, I don't want to give away too much, but there were a couple moments were it came too close for my taste.
Someone is hunting the canis and Daraja is persuaded to help Brynmor and the alpha he's bound to, Errol, catch who is responsible. Errol has a surprising amount of depth for being a wolf and if he was human, he'd make one heck of a hero.
Any time I can come back to the Araneae Nation is a treat. There's a lot packed into 100ish pages and though I wasn't won over by them as a couple, Daraja and Brynmor make each scene count. They're memorable characters and I'm not sure how they'd be able to come back but I hope to see them both again.
- Stephanie
For the men of the Deinopidae clan, it's a rite of passage to follow the river and return with wealth and a mate. Daraja wants to same experience as her brothers so she sets out to find a mate of her own. Once the Paladin of a mercenary clan, Brynmor fell in battle to come back and have his spirit bound to the alpha of a canis pack. Brynmor thought he was content with his new existence outside the walls of his former home but when he crosses paths with Daraja, he begins to want things he may no longer be allowed to have.
I had a strong dislike for Brynmor when this series first started. How could I not after what he did to Isolde, the mate he claimed to love. But there are two sides to every story and after learning Brynmor's and seeing that he didn't make excuses for his actions, I've disembarked the Brynmor hate train. He's a passionate yet stern leader that cares for those he's been charged with protecting. Whether they walk on 2 legs or run in the wild on 4.
Daraja breaks her people's tradition when she decides to set out and find her own mate rather than wait for the river to bring one to her. I loved that about her as well as the changes she makes throughout the book. She goes from wanting to find a husband and riches she can take back home to wanting more of an adventure and perhaps someone to be at her side along the way. I can't really say I was convinced that person was Brynmor the entire time. There's an age difference that shows in the way they hold themselves and in Daraja's inexperience in a few things. Also, I can't really stand ghost/human relationships. Not that it's the case exactly, I don't want to give away too much, but there were a couple moments were it came too close for my taste.
Someone is hunting the canis and Daraja is persuaded to help Brynmor and the alpha he's bound to, Errol, catch who is responsible. Errol has a surprising amount of depth for being a wolf and if he was human, he'd make one heck of a hero.
Any time I can come back to the Araneae Nation is a treat. There's a lot packed into 100ish pages and though I wasn't won over by them as a couple, Daraja and Brynmor make each scene count. They're memorable characters and I'm not sure how they'd be able to come back but I hope to see them both again.
- Stephanie
August 13, 2019
I am really happy there was a novella spin to show what Brynmor is up to now. I wish there was a full length version
February 17, 2013
I am definitely a fan of this series, but I have to say I was surprised when I realized who the hero of this story would be. We first met Brynmor in A Feast of Souls, and to call him an unlikely hero would be an understatement. He bought his wife. He killed her lover and ate his heart. He gave her child away. Oh, and he's dead. (Did I mention he's dead?) And sharing the body of a wolf with the animal's permission. Kind of hard to envision a happily ever after there.
Daraja is on a quest in the woods to seek her future when Brynmor's pack mistakenly believes she has killed one of their own. Brynmor is taken with her and wants to help her prove her innocence to the animals who want her dead. He presents himself as a normal man tasked with caring for the wolves, and an attraction begins building between them. But it's only a matter of time before the truth of his situation comes out.
I won't get into more detail because I don't want to give the story away. I will say that there were parts of the book that I enjoyed. I really like this world, though we only see it in a limited context in this novella. It's interesting to see Brynmor evolve and finally let go of all the hurt and leftover angst from his previous life. And there is a surprising amount of sexual tension going on for a dead guy who sometimes shares a body with a big dog.
I did have a little bit of trouble with how easily Brynmor was able to take human form. It didn't seem to gel with my understanding of how the whole body sharing thing worked. And if he's using the animal's energy, it seemed like an awfully big drain for a long term arrangement. I also felt like Daraja accepted the whole ghost thing rather easily. I know the people in these stories are quite spiritual, but still...
Overall, it wasn't quite the hit for me that the two full length novels were, mostly because of the nature of Brynmor's existence. But it was still an enjoyable read.
Rating: B-
*ARC provided by author for review
Daraja is on a quest in the woods to seek her future when Brynmor's pack mistakenly believes she has killed one of their own. Brynmor is taken with her and wants to help her prove her innocence to the animals who want her dead. He presents himself as a normal man tasked with caring for the wolves, and an attraction begins building between them. But it's only a matter of time before the truth of his situation comes out.
I won't get into more detail because I don't want to give the story away. I will say that there were parts of the book that I enjoyed. I really like this world, though we only see it in a limited context in this novella. It's interesting to see Brynmor evolve and finally let go of all the hurt and leftover angst from his previous life. And there is a surprising amount of sexual tension going on for a dead guy who sometimes shares a body with a big dog.
I did have a little bit of trouble with how easily Brynmor was able to take human form. It didn't seem to gel with my understanding of how the whole body sharing thing worked. And if he's using the animal's energy, it seemed like an awfully big drain for a long term arrangement. I also felt like Daraja accepted the whole ghost thing rather easily. I know the people in these stories are quite spiritual, but still...
Overall, it wasn't quite the hit for me that the two full length novels were, mostly because of the nature of Brynmor's existence. But it was still an enjoyable read.
Rating: B-
*ARC provided by author for review
December 6, 2014
In this fantasy, Daraja won't sit and wait for a man to follow the river to her clan and marry her. She wants to do her own walking... danger lurks in the forest however, and a pack of wild canids is prepared to hunt.
Daraja is from a clan who can weave silk from spinnerets in their fingers, and Brynmer is an insubstantial spirit tied to the body and mind of an alpha canid. The fisher girl is noticed but only when a canid is found dead and with its head and paws removed, does the pack regard her as a danger. Brynmer used to live in the nearest city, which is now teeming with plague victims. Daraja spots two men taking trophies from another dead animal, and realises that the items are sold as charms to ward off the plague.
Daraja doesn't understand at first that Brynmer is using strength from his partner to appear in living form to her. He had a sad past life, and the brave young woman reminds him of what it was like to talk to people rather than animals. Gradually he shares his story and she starts to wonder if she has walked far enough and found her match - but when she saves a pup's life and then has to choose between the hunters and the canids, a ghost is all she has for support.
I enjoyed A CAST OF SHADOWS which is part of a series by Hailey Edwards called 'Araneae Nation', and I liked the descriptions of the canids and the forest. However I would have liked to see a contrast, a glimpse of the city or a travelling barge of entertainers perhaps. Daraja is an independent young woman and has no intention of settling down without seeing a little of the world, so many readers will identify with this character.
Daraja is from a clan who can weave silk from spinnerets in their fingers, and Brynmer is an insubstantial spirit tied to the body and mind of an alpha canid. The fisher girl is noticed but only when a canid is found dead and with its head and paws removed, does the pack regard her as a danger. Brynmer used to live in the nearest city, which is now teeming with plague victims. Daraja spots two men taking trophies from another dead animal, and realises that the items are sold as charms to ward off the plague.
Daraja doesn't understand at first that Brynmer is using strength from his partner to appear in living form to her. He had a sad past life, and the brave young woman reminds him of what it was like to talk to people rather than animals. Gradually he shares his story and she starts to wonder if she has walked far enough and found her match - but when she saves a pup's life and then has to choose between the hunters and the canids, a ghost is all she has for support.
I enjoyed A CAST OF SHADOWS which is part of a series by Hailey Edwards called 'Araneae Nation', and I liked the descriptions of the canids and the forest. However I would have liked to see a contrast, a glimpse of the city or a travelling barge of entertainers perhaps. Daraja is an independent young woman and has no intention of settling down without seeing a little of the world, so many readers will identify with this character.
February 7, 2018
~ Advanced Readers Copy - Release Date: February 28th, 2013
A Cast of Shadows was amazing!
I really enjoyed the deeper look into Brynmor's character, as I think a lot of readers will, especially as they finish A Feast of Souls. Brynmor's story was very interesting, one reason being that it has so much to do with the past of several important present characters.
I think Brynmor just might have replaced Vaughn as my favorite character of the series. ;)
Brynmor was fascinating in the previous Araneae Nation installment and his own story definitely lived up. I was curious as to how the author would work it out, considering Brynmor was sort of, well, a spirit. But I was so happy to see him get his happily-ever-after!
The romance between Brynmor and Daraja was steamy and page turning. Daraja was a perfect match for Brynmor and she certainly kept him on his toes! They fit together seamlessly. Daraja's journey of self discovery as she was falling in love with Brynmor was so wonderful to read.
I've been reading and reviewing this series since the first book and it just keeps getting better and better! I cannot wait to read more!
~ This review was originally posted on runawaypen.com
A Cast of Shadows was amazing!
I really enjoyed the deeper look into Brynmor's character, as I think a lot of readers will, especially as they finish A Feast of Souls. Brynmor's story was very interesting, one reason being that it has so much to do with the past of several important present characters.
I think Brynmor just might have replaced Vaughn as my favorite character of the series. ;)
Brynmor was fascinating in the previous Araneae Nation installment and his own story definitely lived up. I was curious as to how the author would work it out, considering Brynmor was sort of, well, a spirit. But I was so happy to see him get his happily-ever-after!
The romance between Brynmor and Daraja was steamy and page turning. Daraja was a perfect match for Brynmor and she certainly kept him on his toes! They fit together seamlessly. Daraja's journey of self discovery as she was falling in love with Brynmor was so wonderful to read.
I've been reading and reviewing this series since the first book and it just keeps getting better and better! I cannot wait to read more!
~ This review was originally posted on runawaypen.com
February 5, 2013
Daraja is a Deinopidaeon on a traditional journey to find her one true love. Shade Brynmor comes across Daraja fishing with a net. From then on Daraja is on his mind and he feels very protective of her.
A fun, quick read. A Cast of Shadows is a novella - telling the story of Daraja & Brynmor. Brynmor was featured in the last book. If you wanted more of the character you won't want to miss this story. After everything Brynmor has been through, I'm glad he finally found some love and happiness. I loved the story, and have been really enjoying the series. If you haven't check the series out yet, I highly recommend you give it a try.
If your not familiar with Brynmor I would suggest reading A Feast for Souls, but it's not required to be able to enjoy this novella.
A fun, quick read. A Cast of Shadows is a novella - telling the story of Daraja & Brynmor. Brynmor was featured in the last book. If you wanted more of the character you won't want to miss this story. After everything Brynmor has been through, I'm glad he finally found some love and happiness. I loved the story, and have been really enjoying the series. If you haven't check the series out yet, I highly recommend you give it a try.
If your not familiar with Brynmor I would suggest reading A Feast for Souls, but it's not required to be able to enjoy this novella.
April 20, 2013
When I first read the blurb of this book I didn't realise that haunting was a literal phrase not metaphorical.
My only problem for this is that well, Brynmor is dead. We've all seen stories where the hero or heroine are dead, but this one didn't work a hundred percent for me.
Mainly because it is only a HFN. Daraja is still alive and Brynmor is still dead at the end of the novella. I can't see how it could possibly end well. I would prefer it if Brynmor had been left alone, as I was satisfied by the conclusion to his story at the end of A Feast of Souls, and now I'm not.
My only problem for this is that well, Brynmor is dead. We've all seen stories where the hero or heroine are dead, but this one didn't work a hundred percent for me.
Mainly because it is only a HFN. Daraja is still alive and Brynmor is still dead at the end of the novella. I can't see how it could possibly end well. I would prefer it if Brynmor had been left alone, as I was satisfied by the conclusion to his story at the end of A Feast of Souls, and now I'm not.
March 13, 2016
Book 2.5 of Araneae Nation, preceded by a A Feast of Souls and followed by A Time Of Dying. Story of Brynmor, Vaughn's father and the ex-paladin of Cathis. Brynmor is dead, but his spirit lingers for some reason. We first met Brynmor in A Feast of Souls after we realize he is sharing a body with a canis (wolf alpha) Erol. In this story Brynmor meets Daraja who is a hunter of the Deinopidae clan. I never enjoy a story where the main character is a spirit..... and this was no exception. I can never get my head around how the characters get together. I liked both Brynmore and Daraja but the circumstances were still strange.
February 16, 2013
Short but very complex installment in this world. I don't think the villains were the only individuals who will decide to take that particular chance and break the rules. I did really like how a certain creature has started to play more of a role and I loved the puppy :).
I am looking forward to the next one.
I am looking forward to the next one.
June 7, 2013
A sweet albeit hard-to-swallow story that brings home a little HEA for Brynmor, a vital part to prior installments in the Araneae Nation series. Wish this book had been as fleshed out as the first two novels were. It could have been a full-length novel in it's own right.
April 5, 2017
Very unique and suspenseful. Couldn't put it down!
March 5, 2013
I liked this story, but I wish there had been more. It's like we got a glimpse of these two characters, just a taste and then it ended.
February 12, 2013
Love a good book with worldbuilding? It doesn't matter what Hailey writes, her worlds weave around the reader and pulls them in. You can't go wrong picking up a book from Hailey!
September 21, 2016
Yay! Happy that Brynmor finally got his happy ending!!
August 26, 2019
Araneae Nation #2.5
Brynmor, the ghost who is Vaughn's father, finds his happily ever after…
Read:
August 25, 2019 – Kindle Edition
Brynmor, the ghost who is Vaughn's father, finds his happily ever after…
Read:
August 25, 2019 – Kindle Edition
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