Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Company #1

The Company of Shadows

Rate this book
Editorial Review


Ethan Shaw is a demon hunter, working for a mysterious organization, simply dubbed - The Company. His neighbor Cady accidentally comes between the hunter and his quarry, a demon, stalking women in San Francisco. This isn't the scaly, fire and brimstone type demon, but the seductive, stalker type that can jump into any body, feeding off of fear or sexual energy. He can tap into your psyche to become the perfect man - and he's set his sights on Cady.

Gutsy, vivacious (if a little pushy) heroine with more curiosity than sense sometimes - check. Sexy demon who can seduce with a single look - check. Secretive neighbor who pushes Cady away with one hand while pulling her into his mess with the other - check. Put together, creates a recipe for one thrilling read. I especially enjoyed Ethan's brand of polite rejection and his sometimes bewildered responses when Cady insinuates herself into his life. Her ties to the demon were an interesting twist as well, and I can't help but wonder what lies in store for them in the future.


Product Description


Cady Garrett can't help but be shaken when next door neighbor, Ethan, shows up in the nick of time to save her from a ruthless killer, spouting mumbo jumbo. Even more disturbed when the killer slits his own throat to escape Ethan after a vicious struggle. Curiously, Ethan insists on leaving before the dead killer returns, even though he can barely stand on his feet. Nursing him back to health, Cady is drawn into a world of half truths and mysteries, where shadows hide more than the seedy underbelly of San Francisco's Tenderloin district. She has become the obsession of a darker power, and no one, not even Ethan, can keep her safe from his twisted desires.

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2013

24 people are currently reading
234 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Olsen

48 books341 followers
Lisa Olsen is a writer, wife and mother of two, currently living in the Pacific Northwest. A complete TV addict, she also enjoys online RPG's, singing, reading, and cooking.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
81 (36%)
4 stars
67 (30%)
3 stars
52 (23%)
2 stars
13 (5%)
1 star
6 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Carlos Emilio Medina.
195 reviews6 followers
September 25, 2014
Despite how quickly I went through this book I find myself regretting picking it up. I approached it with 0 knowledge of the author and much less of the series; still I hoped the whole demon hunting premise would lead up to something close to Monster hunter international; or at least have that deep a plot regarding the demon hunting side of the novel; I was disappointed.
The writing is not bad in any sense and the characters aren't precisely boring it all has its entertaining part but its all cheap.
The premise is that of a man working for an organization known only as the company; their job is to hunt demons and up to here thats all just effing awesome; at one point in the story another character comes in that also belongs in the demon hunting world and you think this is starting to get exciting; but just like that he comes in , he goes out and you don't see him until the epilogue; and you re left thinking "Well maybe we can get our party started with only one hunter" and it starts to look that way with deep enough explanations and great links to the demons they are hunting; but then this girl comes into picture and the demon hunting goes to hell.
It turns romantic and the characters forget life-long statements they live by suddenly having the whole book spin around her; and unless you are a fan of teenage-ish romance I would recommend piccking up this book only when you are feeling girly and in need of a comforting story. otheriwse steer away.
Profile Image for Rachel Brune.
Author 33 books100 followers
February 2, 2014
I saw this book on a friend's list, and I thought I would give a shot, given that paranormal romance is a fun genre to spend a few hours with. At the outset, the book is well-edited (one or two minor formatting issues, i.e. at the beginning of one chapter, the first paragraph is centered instead of left-justified, but nothing that gets in the way of reading.) The plot moves along at a fast pace, and the characters are likable and not too perfect. There is believable chemistry between the two leads, and a fun cast of supporting characters. There is suspense, action, and a little humor mixed in—a perfect blend.

So why the three-stars? For two reasons, both of which are personal to me. If they are something that a reader doesn't mind, then they can be safely ignored.

First, there is a part where a minor character is described as Hispanic. This character's speech is then written out phonetically, and laid on with a heavy brush—as in every word of the dialogue was written to phonetically indicate an accent, i.e. "jou" for "you." This left me with a bad taste in my mouth. It was so heavy as to appear a caricature. I much prefer to just have the description "Speaking in a heavy accent" and leave the rest to my imagination.

Second, the antagonist starts out a little rape-y, and gradually gets rape-ier, until there is a full on rape scene. Not my cup of tea.

Again, if the two points about don't bother you, then I recommend the book. If they are something you would stumble over, I suggest passing.
Profile Image for Crystal Melloh.
82 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2015
Cady Garrett isn't your typical 19 year old woman. She is feisty, strong-willed, and hard-headed to boot. When a frightening chance encounter with a mysterious stranger has her next door neighbor trying to save her, Cady is pulled into a world she never knew existed. When Ethan Shaw saw Cady being hunted by a demon, he had no choice but to act even a witness. When the demon narrowly escapes, Cady realizes her next door neighbor is who saved her and realizes he is hurt...bad. She takes him back to his apartment and patches him up. As the demon continues to hunt, Cady is inserted, sometimes of her own doing, into a world she never knew existed and Ethan is finding it hard to keep Cady at arms length and just a neighbor in trouble.

Lisa Olsen ROCKS! This is the first book I've read by this author and it won't be the last. The book starts out simple enough....three friends in a bar looking for a hookup. When Cady and one of her friends leave, trouble finds them and Ethan swoops in. Cady only knows he is her neighbor across the hall. She has no idea what he does and the impact his job has on the world. As the story progresses, we learn about Cady's and Ethan's past. In the end, they are not as different as they first appear. The book is a page turner. The last few chapters had me up well past my bedtime to see how the story ended. The author did not disappoint. Now I can't wait to read the next book and see where the story goes.
Profile Image for Kayelle McClive.
Author 4 books3 followers
July 7, 2014
This book is a great read! There are some pretty dark concepts in this book but then, you're dealing with demons and the people who battle them on a daily basis. The story is solid and it draws you in from the beginning. The characters are well developed and, to me, very believable. There are some pretty dark things that happen and that was perfectly okay with me. I expect that when dealing with demons.
Cady is a young vibrant character with a lot of spunk and even though she makes mistakes, you know she's smart as a whip and will take whatever comes at her.
Ethan is a sexy demon hunter who would make me swoon (I see Jeremy Renner being the perfect Ethan.)
The story moves at a great pace, you know there is way more to the "Company" than they let on and you can feel the secrets building and lurking through the book.
Ethan is a hero you really want to learn more about and you feel a connection to. Cady is a heroine that I enjoy seeing, someone coming into their own and in a paranormal book, someone learning the world is NOT what they thought.
This was a top notch read!!
Can't wait to read the follow up!!!
Profile Image for Shelly Wygant.
1,328 reviews24 followers
August 6, 2014
This Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review.

What happens when your next door neighbor is a demon hunter? Well Cady is going to find out when the demon that Ethan is tracking becomes obsessed with her. As Cady and Ethan grow closer the demon does everything in his power to possess Cady.

The romance in this story played out slowly. The focus was on finding and banishing Ash the demon. I loved that Cady and Ethan didn't fall into bed right after meeting each other. It was also interesting that book focused on one demon and the hunt for him.

The characters are well developed in this story. All though we don't find out much about Ethan's past and The company it actually worked for this book. Ms. Olsen also did a great job of keeping the story flowing smoothly.

A great paranormal story that doesn't end in a cliffhanger but leaves the option of many more stories of Cady, Ethan and The Company.

Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng
Profile Image for Decadent Kane.
Author 20 books193 followers
July 13, 2015
Olsen has created a unique world of demons, at least to me as a reader. She carefully constructed a plot and deep character's I both connected to and enjoyed.

Cady, the leading lady, is a strong willed feisty woman set to see to it the demon tormenting people and obsessed with her is locked away.

Ethan, leading magic man, is shy but confident man set out by the company protecting the civilized world. He must never get attached but meeting Cady has twisted his priorities and now he and the demon have fallen for her.

What I enjoyed about this book was the way the author managed to surprise me when I thought I knew what would happen. The twists in the story were plausible and unique which made me enjoy it more.

I'm looking forward to reading more and would recommend this to anyone who enjoys paranormal romance and demons.
Profile Image for Rebecca Larsen.
413 reviews6 followers
April 10, 2014
Although their is hardly any information on the Company or on how Ethan came to be involved with them, This is a great book.

Cady is a feisty 19 year old who first meets Ethan in a bar. When Asherik attacks her as she is walking home, she ends up with a cut full of demon blood. Ethan has several stab wounds and she takes him home and bandages him up.

It is amazing to see how Lisa Olsen develops the love story between Cady and Ethan. I would have liked to learn more about Ethan's past along with Rikard, as he seems to be deeply entrenched into the full plot of this series. I am hoping that Mrs Olsen will delve deeper into both of these characters and the Company as the series continues.
Profile Image for Laura.
1,229 reviews11 followers
April 30, 2015
Very Captivating and Compelling Novel

I wasn't too sure when reading the synopsis but I found I loved reading Ms. Olsens work so I gave it a go and found it captivated me. The storyline is a very compelling one. You find you love Ethan. Even when he's being broody and moody and secretive. You also feel for Asherik. Come on now you'll understand when you read the novel. The heroine Cady is also very likeable. She's strong, witty, compassionate, and not the typical scared girl who tries to be strong. If you haven't tried this novel out give it a shot. You'll find it to be enjoyable.
Profile Image for Kyra Dunst.
Author 3 books11 followers
April 30, 2014
Ethan is a different type of demon hunter, absorbing demons into himself in order to take on their skills to fight other demons. Cady stumbles upon the demon Ash as she is out with her friends, and her defiance of the creature causes it to have an unusual fixation on her. Ethan and Cady make a cute couple, and the demon Ash made me want to root for him for a minute or two, as well. I would read more from this author.
Profile Image for Robin Toy.
259 reviews7 followers
September 28, 2015
Great start to a interesting new series

I was hooked after 3-4 chapters into the company of shadows. Ethan and Cady are great characters although she seems to young for my Ethan she best not break his heart..... Another thing to name a villain Ash is just wrong!!! Speaking of my Philemon and dark hunters worlds it's just not right!!! But not enough to get me starting on the next book now.... highly recommended!!!
Profile Image for Runningrabbit.
1,387 reviews99 followers
March 10, 2014
This was good - although I did find the heroine somewhat dozy at times. I try to excuse this by her youth, which certainly applies to some people I've met.
There's some decent action and the series has some good concepts, so I shall be going on to the next book soonish.
Profile Image for Jeanne Walz.
149 reviews17 followers
July 22, 2014
I enjoyed reading this book, however, the many immature phrases or sayings that came out of her mouth annoyed me. I suppose that should be expected from a 19 year old. Overall, I did like the story. It has a different spin on demons so I found that to be interesting.
Profile Image for Lisa.
111 reviews4 followers
February 23, 2015
Lisa Olsen sucked me into another world. The company series is so unlike the other PNR stories I have read before. Ethan is an amazing and scary demon hunter and Cady fell into his world with a crash.

This is a fast paced ever changing world, and I urge everyone to read it.
Profile Image for Jenene.
148 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2015
Great Book

I give this book a 4.5. I loved the characters especially Cady. She symbolized street smarts and courage. I'm sure there will be much more to her and Ethans story. I can't wait to read the next part!
73 reviews
September 5, 2015
Great read

The characters in this story are so likeable and real. You get caught up in the emotions, like you are right there. I can't wait to read the next book. Definitely recommend this
Profile Image for Kathy Floyd.
581 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2016
Great book!

This is my first book by Lisa Olsen, but it most definitely won't be my last. It was awesome! I loved the idea of falling for a demon hunter, and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Diana Reeve.
208 reviews
September 28, 2016
The company of shadows

It took a while for me to get into it but eventually I was sucked in...I love Cady's feisty character, she is funny and a lovely heroine. The demon Ash grew on me too even tho he was the villain. Ethan was ok but a bit confusing at times.
Profile Image for Jane.
217 reviews
June 1, 2014
Imaginative story, the characters are a bit flat, but overall an interesting take on the demon hunter genre coupled with musings on what is the nature of love.
Profile Image for Tricia Hitchcock.
5 reviews
June 11, 2014
I'm a fan of Lisa Olson, classic paranormal love story, with better paranormal storyline, looking forward to the second book.
17 reviews
January 29, 2015
loved the plot, Lisa Olsen worked her magic and wrote an amazing story filled with violence, fun, love, sex, and murder had me coming back for more every time I had a minute to spare.
57 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2015
Woooooooow

Ethan and Cady make a perfect couple. I hope you like it as much as I did. You have to downloaded.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.