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When Shadows Fall
Still haunted by the British army’s treatment of soldiers during World War I, Lieutenant Adam Bowen returns to Dublin in 1919 — and discovers a new war destroying his hometown. When his well-bred family ignores the violence between Irish revolutionaries and the British government, Adam turns his back on Britain and secretly aligns with the Irish Republican Army. Then Adam meets golden-haired, blue-eyed Tara Reilly, and finds himself drawn to her quiet beauty. Yet Tara works for the British government at Dublin Castle, a job that could expose Adam and his secret IRA activities to the police. But like Adam, Tara harbors secrets. She lost her entire family to the IRA when a vicious operative named Larry Mulligan slaughtered them. And she vows vengeance, no matter the cost. In this sweeping work of historical fiction about the Irish War of Independence, danger lurks around every corner…and deception hides behind every smile.
374 pages, Paperback
First published May 20, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 25, 2014
I received this book via GoodReads First Reads in an exchange for an honest review.
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It only took me so long to read this because I was reading two others at the same time haha.
I was really excited when I won this, love a good historical fiction and I'm a sucker for anything set in Ireland :) (According to my uncle our ancestors came from county down)
Paul Reid's writing pulls you into the story quickly:
"A sky, old and tired, hung low upon the ghostland. Almost dusk. The quietness had thickened around them, like the miasma of a swamp. If they didn't return to their lines before nightfall, they would get lost and if they got lost..."
Adam Bowen is a Lieutenant in the War and is returning home to Dublin after he's left the army. He went out with a bang, so to speak, with a last deed and decided he'd rather go home (simplifying but I don't want to spoil the story). He's haunted and angry at the British's treatment of soldiers. One incident with Timmy broke my heart and made me angry.
There was a bit in the beginning where Tara I thought was a bit too quick of telling what she did to Mulligan to James (a detective) and he was too accepting of the fact but Mr. Reid handled it nicely.
Tara was brave but foolish in the beginning.. trying to avenge her family, a noble thing that goes wrong. She escapes but Mulligan is gunning for her now.
I loved all the main characters, even the villains/pissant ones ('love to hate'), they all felt real and larger than life at times... specially loved when Michael Collins came in (I definitely will read more about him in the future).
I loved the atmosphere in this, you really feel as if your there in Ireland, with the IRA and the police and everyone.. it was richly written/detailed. Makes me want to go to Ireland and see if I can trace the characters footsteps :).
Glad I wasn't in Adam's family... his mother, yikes. Not a bad woman but intimidating to say the least. Duncan was my favorite out of the bunch.
There's a 'not really love triangle' in this book... James loves Tara but she loves Adam but Adam and Tara are both keeping things from each other. Normally this would annoy me but in these circumstances it was complicated with Tara's history and Adam's activities.
The romance between Tara and Adam was very sweet, I was smiling every time they were together. They fit really well and didn't lose their heads completely, which was nice :).
There was a 'feeling/tension' in the air, and I was wondering how it was all going to play out.. how Tara was going to react and if Adam would be caught by James.
I wanted to hit Allister repeatedly, and James too a couple times (even though he was doing his job)... Allister was just a spineless pissant, out for himself. Jealous of Adam and hellbent on being better than him though Adam couldn't care less. *shakes head* I was mentally cheering when Duncan told off Allister *smirks*
At the end though, I lost alot of respect for James for what he did in Bowen Hall.
The ending had me flying through the pages, and I breathed a sigh of relief when certain things happened.
Bloody Sunday from 1920 was mentioned... you can read more of it here if you wish:
https://www.crokepark.ie/gaa-museum/g...
The tension is high in Ireland everywhere, between the IRA and the regular police force... I wanted to hit some of the ones pulling innocent people from their homes and terrorizing them *glares* I can't even begin to imagine what it was like living in those tumultuous times or what I would do. I'll give the IRA this, they were clever and resourceful (even if I didn't approve of some of their methods, nor on the British side either).
All in all, a wonderful book.. highly recommend :)
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It only took me so long to read this because I was reading two others at the same time haha.
I was really excited when I won this, love a good historical fiction and I'm a sucker for anything set in Ireland :) (According to my uncle our ancestors came from county down)
Paul Reid's writing pulls you into the story quickly:
"A sky, old and tired, hung low upon the ghostland. Almost dusk. The quietness had thickened around them, like the miasma of a swamp. If they didn't return to their lines before nightfall, they would get lost and if they got lost..."
Adam Bowen is a Lieutenant in the War and is returning home to Dublin after he's left the army. He went out with a bang, so to speak, with a last deed and decided he'd rather go home (simplifying but I don't want to spoil the story). He's haunted and angry at the British's treatment of soldiers. One incident with Timmy broke my heart and made me angry.
There was a bit in the beginning where Tara I thought was a bit too quick of telling what she did to Mulligan to James (a detective) and he was too accepting of the fact but Mr. Reid handled it nicely.
Tara was brave but foolish in the beginning.. trying to avenge her family, a noble thing that goes wrong. She escapes but Mulligan is gunning for her now.
I loved all the main characters, even the villains/pissant ones ('love to hate'), they all felt real and larger than life at times... specially loved when Michael Collins came in (I definitely will read more about him in the future).
I loved the atmosphere in this, you really feel as if your there in Ireland, with the IRA and the police and everyone.. it was richly written/detailed. Makes me want to go to Ireland and see if I can trace the characters footsteps :).
Glad I wasn't in Adam's family... his mother, yikes. Not a bad woman but intimidating to say the least. Duncan was my favorite out of the bunch.
There's a 'not really love triangle' in this book... James loves Tara but she loves Adam but Adam and Tara are both keeping things from each other. Normally this would annoy me but in these circumstances it was complicated with Tara's history and Adam's activities.
The romance between Tara and Adam was very sweet, I was smiling every time they were together. They fit really well and didn't lose their heads completely, which was nice :).
There was a 'feeling/tension' in the air, and I was wondering how it was all going to play out.. how Tara was going to react and if Adam would be caught by James.
I wanted to hit Allister repeatedly, and James too a couple times (even though he was doing his job)... Allister was just a spineless pissant, out for himself. Jealous of Adam and hellbent on being better than him though Adam couldn't care less. *shakes head* I was mentally cheering when Duncan told off Allister *smirks*
At the end though, I lost alot of respect for James for what he did in Bowen Hall.
The ending had me flying through the pages, and I breathed a sigh of relief when certain things happened.
Bloody Sunday from 1920 was mentioned... you can read more of it here if you wish:
https://www.crokepark.ie/gaa-museum/g...
The tension is high in Ireland everywhere, between the IRA and the regular police force... I wanted to hit some of the ones pulling innocent people from their homes and terrorizing them *glares* I can't even begin to imagine what it was like living in those tumultuous times or what I would do. I'll give the IRA this, they were clever and resourceful (even if I didn't approve of some of their methods, nor on the British side either).
All in all, a wonderful book.. highly recommend :)
January 2, 2019
Lots of action
This isn’t the type of book I usually read. I must have chosen it for its historical fiction element. It is more action packed than most historical fiction that I read. In any case, I enjoyed it.
This isn’t the type of book I usually read. I must have chosen it for its historical fiction element. It is more action packed than most historical fiction that I read. In any case, I enjoyed it.
July 23, 2014
** I received this book for free in exchange for a honest review**
I honestly liked this book, but not enough to give it a straight five star review. I didn't mind picking the novel up, but I also didn't mind putting the novel down. The plot carried itself well and the author did a great job of keeping the reader informed about what was going on. However, the synopsis on the back of the book was not really what I thought was the main driving point throughout the story. If you are looking for a solid swoon-worthy romance, this isn't the book for you. Ireland's fight for independence from Britain is the main focus of this book, and the romance is kind of on the back-burner for most of it... Don't get me wrong! There were some cute, flirtatious moments between the characters Adam and Tara, but nothing that wowed me. In fact, I sort of caught myself thinking that I really didn't see how their relationship could've developed the way that it did. Adam and Tara never really grew together like most couples do. But, what the story lacks in romance it makes up for in the adventurous life of Adam Bowen and the Irish Republican Army. The fast-paced, realistic war intrigued me and I found myself not really missing the super swoony love connection between Adam and Tara.
Honestly, the only complaint I can really express is about the ending. The last two chapters are... surprising….between the second to last chapter and the final chapter, the author definitely left a WHOLE LOT out!! And not in a there-is-going-to-be-a-sequel way, but in a I'm-tired-of-writing-so-I'm-going-to -stop- and-just-end-the-book way. I was honestly dumfounded that the author did not give more detail about how the characters got to their ending. I found myself just thinking, "Ummm…WHAT?HOW?"
Overall, I think this book is an intriguing read. I encourage you to read it if you are looking for some escapism or soft stimulation. It's a good summer- beach read!
I honestly liked this book, but not enough to give it a straight five star review. I didn't mind picking the novel up, but I also didn't mind putting the novel down. The plot carried itself well and the author did a great job of keeping the reader informed about what was going on. However, the synopsis on the back of the book was not really what I thought was the main driving point throughout the story. If you are looking for a solid swoon-worthy romance, this isn't the book for you. Ireland's fight for independence from Britain is the main focus of this book, and the romance is kind of on the back-burner for most of it... Don't get me wrong! There were some cute, flirtatious moments between the characters Adam and Tara, but nothing that wowed me. In fact, I sort of caught myself thinking that I really didn't see how their relationship could've developed the way that it did. Adam and Tara never really grew together like most couples do. But, what the story lacks in romance it makes up for in the adventurous life of Adam Bowen and the Irish Republican Army. The fast-paced, realistic war intrigued me and I found myself not really missing the super swoony love connection between Adam and Tara.
Honestly, the only complaint I can really express is about the ending. The last two chapters are... surprising….between the second to last chapter and the final chapter, the author definitely left a WHOLE LOT out!! And not in a there-is-going-to-be-a-sequel way, but in a I'm-tired-of-writing-so-I'm-going-to -stop- and-just-end-the-book way. I was honestly dumfounded that the author did not give more detail about how the characters got to their ending. I found myself just thinking, "Ummm…WHAT?HOW?"
Overall, I think this book is an intriguing read. I encourage you to read it if you are looking for some escapism or soft stimulation. It's a good summer- beach read!
July 31, 2014
Reading a historical novel is much better than sitting in a classroom. We can get lost in just the facts and miss the emotions of what happened. It takes an outstanding writer to put in words a balance of both sides concerning the British and Irish in the 1920’s conflict. When Adam and Tara literally bumped into each other and the chemistry between them took off, you begin rooting that these conflicting sides will not hinder what can make for a great team. The passion that Adam has for the fight for freedom for his countrymen and the injustice that was brought to his men during WWI from the British make the tension great. Tara whose family was killed by the IRA (Irish Republic Army) who vowed to team with the British to bring those responsible to justice therein lies the contrast and how two people passionate about justice can reconcile with all the confusion around them.
What makes this a good read and hard to put down is all the contrasting situations, settings and characters. Adam who is from a wealthy family risks everything to see Ireland free. Tara who faces her fear and struggles against the odds to find a place where she belongs.
Reading a historical fiction like this, you can see how far two sides have come and not knowing the circumstances now, but possibly how far there is left to go.
I received this book as win from FirstReads but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in this review
Thank you Goodreads and Amazon Publishing for the opportunity and the free book.
What makes this a good read and hard to put down is all the contrasting situations, settings and characters. Adam who is from a wealthy family risks everything to see Ireland free. Tara who faces her fear and struggles against the odds to find a place where she belongs.
Reading a historical fiction like this, you can see how far two sides have come and not knowing the circumstances now, but possibly how far there is left to go.
I received this book as win from FirstReads but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in this review
Thank you Goodreads and Amazon Publishing for the opportunity and the free book.
July 1, 2014
This book started out great, but got sillier as I progressed through it. It would make a good forgettable action movie. I enjoyed reading about the Irish Troubles history aspect, but the characters were caricatures, and the story weak with unbelievable deus-ex-machina rescues. The male hero was the most fleshed out and tolerable, but some of the other characters were even ridiculous. The author is a good writer, and the first 3/4 of the book was a page-turner. I see some reviewers complain that the book ended abruptly, but I think that was a good thing, as it was going rapidly downhill in last few chapters.
January 13, 2015
3.5 stars. Enjoyed the historical aspects of the story, as well as the suspense, but couldn't believe the outcome of some of the events, such as the ending. Also, I could not understand how a smart and experienced assassin (Larry Mulligan) was never able to find out the address of his "target" to seek revenge, during the story. However, I thought overall it was a good read and kept my interest.
July 16, 2014
I started this book because I enjoy a good war book/historical fiction.
The first few chapters did not hook me at all. Gore usually doesn't bother me but this time it was a little much and at the same time rather boring. (Ironic). I could only read up to chapter 5 but it was like pulling teeth to get that far.
The first few chapters did not hook me at all. Gore usually doesn't bother me but this time it was a little much and at the same time rather boring. (Ironic). I could only read up to chapter 5 but it was like pulling teeth to get that far.
June 1, 2014
Enjoyed the book a lot. Ended too quickly!
June 19, 2014
Historical novel about the Irish rebellion of interest because of a trip to Ireland.
July 14, 2014
Predictable and shallow in my opinion.
October 9, 2014
I enjoyed this book. I've not read much about the Irish War for Independence and this historical thriller was quite educational. It was a very quick read.
November 17, 2014
I found this a great read for all of us who cherish our dark Irish heritage.
Read
January 2, 2015Interesting novel about the actions of the IRA following the First World War and it heir effects on the lives of Irish citizens
July 18, 2015
It was a little hard for me to get into this book because I was not familiar with the history of British government and the IRA.
But once I start a book I like to finish it.
But once I start a book I like to finish it.
May 9, 2015
Rattling good read!
Excellent writing. It kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat. I loved the historical and geographical accuracy. High l y recommended!
Excellent writing. It kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat. I loved the historical and geographical accuracy. High l y recommended!
October 21, 2015
Language a big factor in my 2 star review. Also got a little "out there" violence and killing as the focus. Maybe it was!
February 18, 2016
I liked the story and the characters. The history was was interesting and I will read more Michael Collins and the IRA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2017
Didn't like it. It started out really well but then became a caricature of Eye of the Needle with a happier ending. I'd expected more.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews