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Shadowflesh #1
Shadowflesh
Torn from her home and fighting bouts of suicidal depression, seventeen year old Aileen McCormick lands in the small coastal town of Redcliff, North Carolina. Her first day of school promises to be the worst day of her life - until she falls into the arms of Addison Wake. Addison's otherworldly charm and drop-dead gorgeous face leave Aileen breathless, but only for a moment. Grim and painful secrets lurk in his dark soul.
Addison Wake isn't exactly like other boys. Far from it. He's dead and has been for 300 years, locked in an ethereal prison by a lethal enchantress named Donelle. When she hungers, she blesses Addison's tortured spirit with moments of freedom, allowing him to roam the mortal world as Shadowflesh. But that dark blessing comes at a price. He must deliver the souls of five unsuspecting humans to Donelle.
When four dead bodies pop up in Redcliff, Aileen asks herself is her love for the mysterious boy unconditional? Is the love worth the risk? And will she be the next victim?
Addison Wake isn't exactly like other boys. Far from it. He's dead and has been for 300 years, locked in an ethereal prison by a lethal enchantress named Donelle. When she hungers, she blesses Addison's tortured spirit with moments of freedom, allowing him to roam the mortal world as Shadowflesh. But that dark blessing comes at a price. He must deliver the souls of five unsuspecting humans to Donelle.
When four dead bodies pop up in Redcliff, Aileen asks herself is her love for the mysterious boy unconditional? Is the love worth the risk? And will she be the next victim?
290 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2013
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May 28, 2014
Fans of dark, teenage, paranormal romance, are going to love the voice of Aileen and the powerful and romantic presence of Addison as they journey through both the treacherous waters of danger from beyond the grave and the treacherous halls of a small town high school.
Aileen is suffering from “new girl at school” syndrome, the object of curiosity, jealousy and even lust as school begins 900 miles from where she wanted to be. Enter Addison, another new student whose very essence oozes self-confidence and quiet, yet powerful control with an air of mystery about him. Handsome, intelligent and with a practiced speech that seems to come from another era, Addison has become like a knight in shining armor for Aileen. How is Addison always there when Aileen needs him most? What is a teen boy doing living on his own? Aileen has fallen head over heels for Addison, but when they get close, his face becomes sad and he pushes her away. What secret is Addison keeping from Aileen?
Mysterious deaths are happening around town and something niggles at the back of Aileen’s mind, something about Addison. Should she tell him of her dreams of another place where they are together? The present meets the past and the lines of life and death, the soulful and the soulless are blurred in Shawn Martin’s Shadowflesh when a sweet romance may be thwarted by dark curses from the past.
Aileen’s voice, troubled and depressed, yet strong and unwavering when needed flows beautifully from Shawn Martin’s pen. He has nailed the attitude, the actions and the concerns of the age while capturing a Gothic feel for Addison, a much deeper persona, wizened and yet vulnerable at the same time. Like getting the perfect blend of the contemporary and the historical in one fabulous read. With a quirky and well-thought out cast of supporting characters that fit into each twist and turn of events that have come from his creative soul, Shawn Martin has created a well-paced, dark and eerily suspenseful tale to get lost in. His ability to build a scene and hone in on the details while giving his characters center stage to command the proceedings is as remarkable as his sense of timing and drama.
What can I say, another gem just begging to be read and highly recommended!
Series: Shadowflesh - Book 1
Publication Date: February 19, 2013
Publisher: Vinspire Publishing, LLC
Genre: YA Dark Fantasy/Romance
Print Length: 340 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Aileen is suffering from “new girl at school” syndrome, the object of curiosity, jealousy and even lust as school begins 900 miles from where she wanted to be. Enter Addison, another new student whose very essence oozes self-confidence and quiet, yet powerful control with an air of mystery about him. Handsome, intelligent and with a practiced speech that seems to come from another era, Addison has become like a knight in shining armor for Aileen. How is Addison always there when Aileen needs him most? What is a teen boy doing living on his own? Aileen has fallen head over heels for Addison, but when they get close, his face becomes sad and he pushes her away. What secret is Addison keeping from Aileen?
Mysterious deaths are happening around town and something niggles at the back of Aileen’s mind, something about Addison. Should she tell him of her dreams of another place where they are together? The present meets the past and the lines of life and death, the soulful and the soulless are blurred in Shawn Martin’s Shadowflesh when a sweet romance may be thwarted by dark curses from the past.
Aileen’s voice, troubled and depressed, yet strong and unwavering when needed flows beautifully from Shawn Martin’s pen. He has nailed the attitude, the actions and the concerns of the age while capturing a Gothic feel for Addison, a much deeper persona, wizened and yet vulnerable at the same time. Like getting the perfect blend of the contemporary and the historical in one fabulous read. With a quirky and well-thought out cast of supporting characters that fit into each twist and turn of events that have come from his creative soul, Shawn Martin has created a well-paced, dark and eerily suspenseful tale to get lost in. His ability to build a scene and hone in on the details while giving his characters center stage to command the proceedings is as remarkable as his sense of timing and drama.
What can I say, another gem just begging to be read and highly recommended!
Series: Shadowflesh - Book 1
Publication Date: February 19, 2013
Publisher: Vinspire Publishing, LLC
Genre: YA Dark Fantasy/Romance
Print Length: 340 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
February 19, 2013
Originally posted at Strange Bedfellows: PNR Reviews
http://strangebf.blogspot.com/2013/02...
Shadowflesh is the debut novel from Shawn Martin and the first of a series that I predict will be a hit with readers, especially the young adult audience. With this book, Gothic romance meets the 21st century in a tale that's soulful, sweet, and kind of spooky.
I loved this book. Sure, it helped that I kept picturing Alex Pettyfer as Addison, but I really enjoy Martin's style of writing, too. It's witty and holds just the right amount of sarcasm to be subtly funny. Best of all, it's laced with comments and tidbits that only a booknerd could appreciate. I giggled, I snickered, I high-fived the high school junior that lives in the back of my mind. It was a grand time, let me tell you.
Martin writes a a very convincing "voice" of a troubled, teenage girl. Aileen is broody, righteous, and hostile -- which some disingenuous readers may try to say is off-putting. But having been a seventeen-year old girl once upon a time, this is precisely how I was at that age, and I loved the authenticity. The book perfectly captures the angst, horror, and humor of high school. But more than that, this story reminded of what it was like to be young(er) and caught up in fresh attraction.
Cue the handsome leading male, Addison Wake. Addison is a very romantic figure -- powerful, gallant, mysterious. Who hasn't dreamed of falling for someone like that? He's a well-conceived Gothic hero that dominates every scene he's in. And yet, he doesn't overwhelm Aileen's character or her standing at the story's main protagonist. There's a natural parity between them that keeps the story balanced.
Besides Aileen and Addison, there's a colorful crew of characters that give this story breadth: an amusing little sister, a rather eccentric grandmother, and some delightful sidekicks, if you will. My personal favorite is Calvin, with his understated sexy-geek appeal. Very Joss-worthy is Calvin.
And then there's this goat . . . but you'll have to read it to find out about that.
Bringing it all together, we have vibrant characters, wit and sass, a classically romantic vibe . . . all this makes Shadowflesh a book worth reading. But what really makes this book stand out from others of its ilk is the intelligence behind the writing. The imagery is superb. Simple moments -- a lime green VW scooting past, Calvin removing his glasses, a guilt-inducing cupcake -- they come alive like high-def vignettes. Pages of story are conveyed in a single sentence. And that is the true mark of a successful story, if you ask me.
This book was received courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review.
http://strangebf.blogspot.com/2013/02...
Shadowflesh is the debut novel from Shawn Martin and the first of a series that I predict will be a hit with readers, especially the young adult audience. With this book, Gothic romance meets the 21st century in a tale that's soulful, sweet, and kind of spooky.
I loved this book. Sure, it helped that I kept picturing Alex Pettyfer as Addison, but I really enjoy Martin's style of writing, too. It's witty and holds just the right amount of sarcasm to be subtly funny. Best of all, it's laced with comments and tidbits that only a booknerd could appreciate. I giggled, I snickered, I high-fived the high school junior that lives in the back of my mind. It was a grand time, let me tell you.
Martin writes a a very convincing "voice" of a troubled, teenage girl. Aileen is broody, righteous, and hostile -- which some disingenuous readers may try to say is off-putting. But having been a seventeen-year old girl once upon a time, this is precisely how I was at that age, and I loved the authenticity. The book perfectly captures the angst, horror, and humor of high school. But more than that, this story reminded of what it was like to be young(er) and caught up in fresh attraction.
Cue the handsome leading male, Addison Wake. Addison is a very romantic figure -- powerful, gallant, mysterious. Who hasn't dreamed of falling for someone like that? He's a well-conceived Gothic hero that dominates every scene he's in. And yet, he doesn't overwhelm Aileen's character or her standing at the story's main protagonist. There's a natural parity between them that keeps the story balanced.
Besides Aileen and Addison, there's a colorful crew of characters that give this story breadth: an amusing little sister, a rather eccentric grandmother, and some delightful sidekicks, if you will. My personal favorite is Calvin, with his understated sexy-geek appeal. Very Joss-worthy is Calvin.
And then there's this goat . . . but you'll have to read it to find out about that.
Bringing it all together, we have vibrant characters, wit and sass, a classically romantic vibe . . . all this makes Shadowflesh a book worth reading. But what really makes this book stand out from others of its ilk is the intelligence behind the writing. The imagery is superb. Simple moments -- a lime green VW scooting past, Calvin removing his glasses, a guilt-inducing cupcake -- they come alive like high-def vignettes. Pages of story are conveyed in a single sentence. And that is the true mark of a successful story, if you ask me.
This book was received courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2013
Beneath the Moon and Stars review
This was an interesting read. I really liked the idea of the story. But it took quite awhile to get going. It was a little hard to connect with.
This tells the story of Aileen. Her life has taken a turn for the worst. Now she's in a new house and a new school. She doesn't have high hopes until she falls into the arms of Addison Wake.
It was hard to connect with Aileen. She had moments where I really enjoyed her and vise versa. It kinda felt like she didn't know herself completely. She seconded guessed herself. But I liked how determined she was and strong at times. I felt liked I never fully got to know Addison. At times he played a big role then he would disappear for awhile. I liked how complex his character was. I didn't like how he would say one thing then do another. He said he would stay away from Aileen and then he would do the exact opposite. I didn't get to really connect with these characters but I did enjoy their story.
So I basically knew the overall premise of the story before it ended. Things didn't really unravel until close to the end. I felt like I was playing a waiting game. There would be some fast moments. Towards the end it stayed fast. There was a fair share of action. The concept of the story really interested me. The father I read the more I enjoyed the story. Overall this was pretty good. I wished I could have connected with the characters but that's okay. I'm curious to see what the next book will bring. If your a fan of ghost stories this one is for you!
This was an interesting read. I really liked the idea of the story. But it took quite awhile to get going. It was a little hard to connect with.
This tells the story of Aileen. Her life has taken a turn for the worst. Now she's in a new house and a new school. She doesn't have high hopes until she falls into the arms of Addison Wake.
It was hard to connect with Aileen. She had moments where I really enjoyed her and vise versa. It kinda felt like she didn't know herself completely. She seconded guessed herself. But I liked how determined she was and strong at times. I felt liked I never fully got to know Addison. At times he played a big role then he would disappear for awhile. I liked how complex his character was. I didn't like how he would say one thing then do another. He said he would stay away from Aileen and then he would do the exact opposite. I didn't get to really connect with these characters but I did enjoy their story.
So I basically knew the overall premise of the story before it ended. Things didn't really unravel until close to the end. I felt like I was playing a waiting game. There would be some fast moments. Towards the end it stayed fast. There was a fair share of action. The concept of the story really interested me. The father I read the more I enjoyed the story. Overall this was pretty good. I wished I could have connected with the characters but that's okay. I'm curious to see what the next book will bring. If your a fan of ghost stories this one is for you!
August 14, 2017
What an enjoyable read. Aileen McCormick is one of the few female characters in YA books that actually likes me. She's sarcastic and funny, and doesn't take herself, or her problems, too seriously. She's a really refreshing characters, and of course, her crush (because apparently that could not change) had to be as good as her: Addison Wake. To this day, Addison holds the title of "best romantic declaration". Of course, there are other very good characters: Geoff, the football player (that is not as a cliché as one could imagine), Grams and Tullia... and of course, and unknown evil that seeme to be surrounding Redcliff, Aileen's town. A gripping story, with very enjoyable characters and some really memorable scenes.
May 16, 2013
I am a librarian at a juvenile detention facility. I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. The following is a review from a student:
"This book kind of reminded me of the Hush Hush series [by Becca Fitzpatrick]. I like the way the author writes. I am hoping to head more books by this author. Great read!"
"This book kind of reminded me of the Hush Hush series [by Becca Fitzpatrick]. I like the way the author writes. I am hoping to head more books by this author. Great read!"
July 15, 2013
"Shadowflesh" which I won from Goodreads Giveaways is a unique, well-written paranormal novel with a touch of murder and mayhem. The story revolves around three dead bodies, Donelle a soulless enchantress and forbidden love between seventeen year old Aileen McCormick and a three hundred year old phantom, Addison Wake. As the plot unfolds Aileen the newest student at Redcliff High is confronted by three bullies tormenting Bonnie Fay, Nicola and Calvin. Already dreading her first day at a new school, but hating injustice Aileen challenges Barrett, the worst of the three, only to find herself thrown into the arms of the mysterious, elusive and drop-dead gorgeous Addison Wake. Although they become instantly infatuated, Addison hides a deadly, dark secret that could jeopardize Aileen`s life so he shuns her love, pushing her into the arms of another. Only when destiny intervenes can love triumph and together they can overcome the power of his enemy. The story becomes even more enthralling as Aileen not only begins to unravel clues to the mysterious deaths,tries to stay clear of any romantic entanglements with members of the football team, but also tries to stop her young sister Tullia and her ghost-hunting friends from unleashing a deadly spirit
Into this shadowy mix of baffling mystery and intrigue add a missing defibrillator, a picture that continually moves sideways and an intricately carved four-poster bed with marble inlays of mystical creatures. Weird or what?
The story is filled with a multiplicity of personalities; Alison, insecure, depressed but strong-willed and brave when required; Addison, the passionate, charming, unselfish but dangerous artist; Geoff the self-centred, arrogant football hero and his friend Barrett, conniving and cruel. Even the minor characters are engaging; Missy, self-indulgent leader of the young Christian Crusaders, quirky Gram, affable Calvin and the Cappuccino Girls- Nicola and Bonnie Fay.
Woven into a plot line that includes tortured souls, chaos and the forbidden are elements of unconditional love, friendship, loyalty and strong family bonds. Although I found Aileen an emotional conundrum and dense about Addison`s shadowy appearances, the story is captivating and I look forward to reading the next book in Shawn Martin`s series.
Into this shadowy mix of baffling mystery and intrigue add a missing defibrillator, a picture that continually moves sideways and an intricately carved four-poster bed with marble inlays of mystical creatures. Weird or what?
The story is filled with a multiplicity of personalities; Alison, insecure, depressed but strong-willed and brave when required; Addison, the passionate, charming, unselfish but dangerous artist; Geoff the self-centred, arrogant football hero and his friend Barrett, conniving and cruel. Even the minor characters are engaging; Missy, self-indulgent leader of the young Christian Crusaders, quirky Gram, affable Calvin and the Cappuccino Girls- Nicola and Bonnie Fay.
Woven into a plot line that includes tortured souls, chaos and the forbidden are elements of unconditional love, friendship, loyalty and strong family bonds. Although I found Aileen an emotional conundrum and dense about Addison`s shadowy appearances, the story is captivating and I look forward to reading the next book in Shawn Martin`s series.
December 23, 2017
Okay, so this book... Oh, this book! Since I won this in a Giveaway given I give an honest review, I am going to be as honest as a can.
It was okay.
Did I love it? No. Did I hate it? No.
I didn't particularly care for the main character's personality. I found her to be rather irritating and kind of whiny. She was very typical of many YA characters today in that "No one will ever love me" kind of way. Unfortuately, I read a lot of books with aggrivating heroines like that. It gets old, but can be overlooked with good writing and plot.
I did enjoy Addison, though. He had that dark and mysterious, cool guy thing going on. I am a sucker for it. I won't deny it. I can't help it.
Anyway, as for the actual writing - This is where most of my problems came. Martin has a flair for diction and sentax. And while it was at times quite lovely, when he starts to string things together it reads rather awkardly. For being a teen-geared novel, I felt the sentence structure was overly complex, and I had a rather difficult time getting past that oddness of it. As you can see by the fact it took me over two years to finish the story (which I am horribly ashamed of). I would pick it up, read a little, put it down, read two or three other books, pick it up again... I simply wasn't overly invested in the story.
Plot-wise, it wasn't bad. The plot was actually fairly decent.
Personally, I feel this would have been better as a stand-alone. However, I know it is a series. I may or may not give the next book a shot. It is definitely not on the top of my to-read list, though.
Over all, this had a very Hush, Hush / Twilight feel to it.
It was okay.
Did I love it? No. Did I hate it? No.
I didn't particularly care for the main character's personality. I found her to be rather irritating and kind of whiny. She was very typical of many YA characters today in that "No one will ever love me" kind of way. Unfortuately, I read a lot of books with aggrivating heroines like that. It gets old, but can be overlooked with good writing and plot.
I did enjoy Addison, though. He had that dark and mysterious, cool guy thing going on. I am a sucker for it. I won't deny it. I can't help it.
Anyway, as for the actual writing - This is where most of my problems came. Martin has a flair for diction and sentax. And while it was at times quite lovely, when he starts to string things together it reads rather awkardly. For being a teen-geared novel, I felt the sentence structure was overly complex, and I had a rather difficult time getting past that oddness of it. As you can see by the fact it took me over two years to finish the story (which I am horribly ashamed of). I would pick it up, read a little, put it down, read two or three other books, pick it up again... I simply wasn't overly invested in the story.
Plot-wise, it wasn't bad. The plot was actually fairly decent.
Personally, I feel this would have been better as a stand-alone. However, I know it is a series. I may or may not give the next book a shot. It is definitely not on the top of my to-read list, though.
Over all, this had a very Hush, Hush / Twilight feel to it.
November 3, 2016
*I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway*
I really enjoyed this book. It was confusing at parts because you don't really know what is happening until you get farther into the story.
I still am a little confused on how Addison survived at the end. Doesn't seem possible to me but then again he isn't human.
I was never completely sure of who the killer was. I had my suspisions: Addison, Sheriff Hannaford and Kerrick. I knew one of them was involved but I wasn't completely sure who it was.
Aileen is portrayed as a teen "fighting bouts of suicidal depression" but I never really seen why she would be considered depressed. She had her moments but nothing substantial that proves it. I'm not sure maybe it's just from what I have read and seen in the past with suicidal people that makes me not believe it.
Overall, I had certain issues with the character or the plot. In the end I found it enjoyable and the concept I haven't seen in any book I have previously read.
I liked it and will probably end up reading it again.
I really enjoyed this book. It was confusing at parts because you don't really know what is happening until you get farther into the story.
I still am a little confused on how Addison survived at the end. Doesn't seem possible to me but then again he isn't human.
I was never completely sure of who the killer was. I had my suspisions: Addison, Sheriff Hannaford and Kerrick. I knew one of them was involved but I wasn't completely sure who it was.
Aileen is portrayed as a teen "fighting bouts of suicidal depression" but I never really seen why she would be considered depressed. She had her moments but nothing substantial that proves it. I'm not sure maybe it's just from what I have read and seen in the past with suicidal people that makes me not believe it.
Overall, I had certain issues with the character or the plot. In the end I found it enjoyable and the concept I haven't seen in any book I have previously read.
I liked it and will probably end up reading it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2014
The book Shadowflesh had parts I didn't like and did. First there is the characters. The clings in this book remind me of the clings from Falling Under. The popular ones were stupid, rich, always after the main boy character, and does that character have to be dead. Correction. Shadow flesh is very much like Falling Under. I'll give the characters a 2/5.
However, I did enjoy the plot. It had a nice twist to it in the end. It led you to believe one thing until it turn out to be an other.The plot deserves 4/5.
Then finally it goes to the way it was wrote. It was good, better than what I expected when I started reading the book. 3/5.
This is an honest review in exchange from a free copy I got from the author.
However, I did enjoy the plot. It had a nice twist to it in the end. It led you to believe one thing until it turn out to be an other.The plot deserves 4/5.
Then finally it goes to the way it was wrote. It was good, better than what I expected when I started reading the book. 3/5.
This is an honest review in exchange from a free copy I got from the author.
April 15, 2013
I LOVE this book! I cannot wait to read the second one! The characters are amazing! I love the house that the Grandmother has!! This book is wonderful! Donelle is so evil!! Ah! Addison was so frustrating at times, For example: when Aileen was going to go to homecoming with Geoff, and Addison said that he hated her for going with him??? What??? lol He told her to go and not to like him anymore?! Even though Addison was a bit cocky at points and a little rude, I felt SOOOO bad for his poor, tortured soul. I love this book with a passion! Shawn Martin had me biting my nails and pulling my hair to the end!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2016
Shadowflesh is a great read and I recommend it to anyone looking for an unusual paranormal romance. The story unfolds quickly, flows at an exciting continuous pace and is speckled with moments of humor that bring lightness to a possible dark story. How can two young lovers overcome an evil sorceress, a creepy creeper, and an amateur paranormal investigation team to come to a happy ending? Not to mention that one of them is an apparition who appears as a fleshy shadow and people keep dropping dead under suspicious conditions. Read Shadowflesh and be captivated into Shawn Martin's vivid and romantic story! I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it very much.
August 19, 2014
I must say that I was surprised that I liked/enjoyed this type of book. I was engrossed to the final pages. Only pet-peeve is not knowing exactly what happened to Donelle in the end. But truly I guess it does not really matter. What I loved most about this bok had to be the dancing mustangs. How I wish that they could in fact dance. That is something I would love to see haha.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2014
This review and many others can be found on my blog: literatureobsessed.blogspot.com.
August 13, 2013
Completely unique and amazingly entrancing! The author takes a man who should be dark and shows him in the brightest light possible. I can't wait for more.
October 17, 2013
3.5 stars
The story was interesting and kept me turning the pages, but the characters were a little lacking.
The story was interesting and kept me turning the pages, but the characters were a little lacking.
February 1, 2014
4/5 Estrellas!
La verdad me gustó. La lectura se hace amena y tiene diálogos muy divertidos. El autor es muy ingenioso y los personajes me gustaron. Sobre todo la abuela xD.
La verdad me gustó. La lectura se hace amena y tiene diálogos muy divertidos. El autor es muy ingenioso y los personajes me gustaron. Sobre todo la abuela xD.
May 1, 2014
it was alright. It wasn't the best thing that I've ever read, but it wasn't downright horrible either.
September 13, 2016
I loved it....and can't wait to read the next one in the series and I loved the story line wonderful
Want to read
August 8, 2014Well this sounds like my kind of book... Love the cover too-
August 23, 2014
Brilliant book has a twilight feel to it.really well written won the second book on goodreads waiting for it to arrive cant wait.recommend this book.
June 23, 2016
It has a charm that to me has caught his attention , great literary work.
November 4, 2013
i thought it was an awesome book that had a lot of twist and turns
January 2, 2014
AMAZING!!! Nothing else to add here. It's totally perfect.
December 4, 2013
This book was sort of creepy but good. :)
November 29, 2017
Another ' no'.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews