The Shadow Within ‍

by Serra Rose

Two brothers. Two realms. One inescapable fate.
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In 14th Century England, two brothers reunite after years of being separated by war. Thomas and Graeme are haunted, in more ways than one: Thomas is plagued by memories of the atrocities he committed on the battlefield, while Graeme suffers from disturbing nightmares he does not understand.
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When a sinister killer known as ‘The Shadow of Death’ begins to stalk the nearby town of Kempschester, Thomas is conscripted to the Enforcers. But while Thomas is setting out to hunt down this malevolent force, Graeme is discovering his own mysterious connection to this alluring murderer.

As Graeme is drawn into a new realm of darkness and Thomas learns that the killer may be closer to home than he thinks, the brothers find themselves on a collision course with not just each other but an entirely new world – and this world has hungers of its own . . .

Prepare to witness the origin of The Grim Reaper.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal

402 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2023

About the author

Serra is an author of dark historical fantasy and paranormal romance books with stories that draw you in from page one. Within  these worlds that she created, you will find unbreakable family bonds, darker aspects to humanity, shadow realms as well as passion, lust, strong FMC's and men who would risk anything for the women they love. 


Serra's journey to becoming an author started from a young age, when her first creative writing attempt —a poem titled ‘The Mighty Oak Tree,’ —was published in her primary school newsletter. An avid reader with a vivid imagination, her Mum always encouraged her to keep writing. She proceeded to write poetry and short stories before discovering a deeper passion for novel writing and screenplays.

In 2021, she adapted a screenplay she'd been working on, into her debut novel 'The Shadow Within,’ which was published in November 2023.​

Serra is a Melbourne-based author from New Zealand. As a reader and a writer, she's drawn into the dark fantasy and paranormal romance genres. Like many authors, she balances her writing alongside a day job in which she works in the  communications part of a marketing and digital team; by night, she's a weaver of words, creator of worlds bringing forth stories that hold readers captive.

Published works:
The Horsemen Chronicles: The Shadow Within & Death's Shadow.

The Bloodsong Series: Bloodsong & Consumed.
Heart of the Wolf (part of the Bloodsong world.


Coming Soon
Lovestruck and Eternity are spinoffs in The Bloodsong world, due to be released in 2025 and 2026.
Bloodking is book 3 of The Bloodsong Series.

The Whispers of War, and The Echoes of War, Books 3 and 4 of the Horseman Chronicles, is currently on hold.

Reviews

[Audrey Finchum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book in 24 hours!!! I cried, yelled, and loved every minute of it. This paranormal, dark fantasy has all the medieval action to keep you guessing. I loved the inward struggles of the Blake twins.

[Jessica Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good read. It was heartbreaking and mysterious and just incredibly written. I can’t wait for book 2!

[Emilie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the worst book I read this year. The plot could be interesting but the execution is not it for me.

[AshleysReadingRoom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Content Warnings: Gore, Torture, Loss of a Child(ren), PTSD, Alcoholism, Birth Trauma, Religious Themes (this is 14th century England after all), mentions of war

"Dreamless sleep is not as pleasant as it sounds. It won't stop what's chasing you."

The Shadow Within by Serra Rose is book one in The Horsemen Chronicles. I originally beta read this book and I finally read it in it's completed form with all the changes. There was a time during my beta read where I read a chapter and had to step away for a few days just to get over how sad it was. Definitely cried again in the reread. I definitely got attached to the wrong character.

This is a multiple pov story following Thomas, Graeme, and The Shadow. Thomas has just returned from war and is suffering from a lot of trauma and horrifying memories from what he did on that battlefield. It will leave you wondering for quite awhile what happened out there, that he thinks is so dark he can't speak on it and just turns to drink to help him forget and sleep. Graeme doesn't dream, well until now. Now he has nightmares, disturbing ones that he doesn't understand and he too is keeping it to himself. Graeme we are told has always had a bit of darkness in him and he finds himself drawn to it. When Thomas has no choice but to join the Enforcers to help catch the person who has been taking lives in horrifying ways, it causes a greater rift between the two brothers.

If you were to ask me what brother is my favorite I would say Graeme. However, I definitely loved Thomas first as a beta reader.

My most disliked character: Samson. Man is always showing up during [redacted] Definite abuse of power.

There's another character that could have been disliked: Patrick, but honestly second read through he was just like gum on the bottom of your shoe. He's there, but like mostly just for show, no real threat. Same for the Thomas and Graeme's father. Samson deserves his spot as the most disliked.

You won't find a whole lot of world-building in this book so it makes it a lighter intro fantasy book. It's set in 14th century England, so a lot of the surroundings are pretty self explanatory. This is also in third person narrative, which is my least favorite POV to read, but Serra's writing style it was so well done, the book just flowed as a read.

[Twanette Bester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for gifting me an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Shadow Within is in essence the origin story of the Grim Reaper, but hidden within the pages we find a beautiful tale of fear, love, loss and secrets.

In 14th Century England we meet our two brothers, Thomas and Graeme. Thomas has just returned from the war known as The Hundred Years War, between England and France. Thomas struggles to fight the nightmares of what he endured on the battlefield, while trying to fit back into life with his small family. No sooner has Thomas returned, when he is agian recruited to help find the mysterious Shadow of Death that has been stalking the towns and relieving people of their lives. Graeme worries over Thomas' descent into drink, similar to their father, whilst trying to keep the family fed. Meanwhile the plague known as the Black Death is creaping closer to home.

Serra's writing in this book is captivating, and I can hardly believe that this is a debut novel. The story reads so well and everything flows together seamlessly. The worldbuilding is thorough and vivid, and I could clearly picture everything in detail. The revelations in TSW blew my mind . The twists, the turns and even the time jumps were just chefs kiss.

One thing that I thought lacked a bit were the emotions surrounding loss at certain points in the book. People mourn differently, but just kind of skimming over these emotions felt a bit weird to me personally.

‼️TSW contains potential triggers, including, but not limited to: gore, loss of spouse, infant loss, child loss, alcoholism and mentions of war.

[Aussie · Rating 5 out of 5]

- I love seeing maps in books
- I have devoured this book with in 24 hours as it was sooo addicted and soo good
- it had me guessing on alot of things
- I can't wait till I read book 2
- I love how their was multiple pov story... especially with Thomas Graeme and The Shadow..
- Thomas have just returned from war and he has lot of trauma and some horrifying memories from when he was on the battlefield
-- it has left me wondering on what the hell happen out there
- he turns to drink to help him forget what happen out there as he won't speak about it
- now he is facing some disturbing nightmares and he is keeping it to himself as well as he doesn't understand

- it was truly beautiful story

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shadow Within is a unique and engrossing tale of the origin of the Grim Reaper that doesn’t hold back on the darkness.

The author does a great job reimagining how the Grim Realer becomes who he is. His story is sad and disturbing but you keep hoping things will work out for him, and that he will be able to overcome the darkness within him.

Highly recommend this book to those who like their fairy tales dark. This book will get under your skin and make you sympathize with the villain, until you don’t.

I am totally looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessica Doody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure to beta read this book and the emotional roller coaster it took me on was wild. I loved the connection the brothers had and can’t wait for more

[Natascha Limpt · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this grim fantasy story, two brothers struggle with dark powers, which will eventually lead to the birth of the Grim Reaper. It is set during the Hundred Years' War, in the fifteenth century.

One of the twins already has a darkness within him since birth; for the other, it is fueled on the battlefield. The story begins the moment Thomas returns to England. There is a temporary cease-fire, but it is clear that the war is not letting Thomas go. He has suffered trauma, is burdened by guilt and must rebuild his relationship with those he left behind.

The traces left by the war are an important part of the story. The pain and fears are described in a believable way, making it easy to sympathize with Thomas. The darkness that lives inside his twin brother is an interesting aspect that piqued my interest.

As Thomas loses his brother more and more to the darkness, the question is how far he will let things get. His moral values clash with the love he feels for his brother, leading them both down a dark path. Occasionally, some of the thoughts and reflections are a little repetitive, which slows the story down a bit.

In this story, the main characters are the "bad guys." Still, you hope that there is a way out for them and continue to feel sympathy for them - despite all the horrific things they do. I always admire authors who can do this successfully.

The characters are well developed, as are the underlying relationships. The Shadow Within is a strong debut; written in an enjoyable writing style and in a way that brings the past to life. A must-read for fans of historical fantasy with a dark undertone.

[A.A. Mize · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up for me. On the good notes, I enjoyed the connection between the main character and his brother. I like the struggle that comes for Graeme. A fast read, this would be a great start for people who want to get into fantasy without having to fear being overwhelmed by intense world building. Easy to follow, we're thrown in quickly to chapters where these is always something happening. The way the shadow sees his victims, the fear of a murderer, and dealing with the threat of plague offers many arcs and dilemmas to work through.

Now, for my negatives, I have to begin with a disclaimer. I understand that years of beta reading has made me notice things that didn't bother me before. I won't go into detail because I don't want to spoil anything, but I had issues with inconsistencies or miscommunications pulling me out of the story. For example, the map doesn't give a good idea of how far apart the locations are. I thought they would be many hours between places but that didn't seem to be the case which left me confused at times. Another would be characters saying one thing but doing another an vice-versa.

The issues weren't exactly story killing or anything like that, many might not even notice. I'm just a picky reader these days.

[Jessica Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

One - When I finished this book I wanted to find Patrick and Samson and punch them in the face. I can't think of another book where I just wanted to knock out characters.



Two - This is the 5th book I have read this year (2024) and have been searching for a 5 star read, this is it! And it is a recently published book AND a debut novel by a new author! I mean win - win - win

I could not put this book down, the main characters Thomas and Graeme were very likeable and the story line was a great origin to the Grim Reaper. Every time I thought I figured something out - new information would come in like a wrecking ball and I was back at swaure one with trying to determine who the Reaper truely was. I love how the chapters are short and although over 400 pages, I considered this a quick read. I have also found myself really liking stories that have multiple POVs and each chapter is told in that character's POV. This book had me going through all the emotions - excitement, proud, understanding, crying, mad, holding out for a happy ending, etc. Can't wait for the next one to come out.

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a nearby town is plagued by death and villagers speak of a mysterious shadow doing the killing, twin brothers with an unusual connection seek to find answers and protect their family and one another.

The Shadow Within is a dark and immersive tale detailing the origin story of The Grim Reaper. Author Serra Rose uses a combination of fast-paced writing and rich world-building that make this novel hard to put down! I could picture this story so vividly while reading. It was as if I was watching a movie screen in my mind. If you're looking for something that is action-packed, will keep you guessing and is unbelievably creative and well-written - this is it! I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish.




*Things to note for potential readers: There is no spice/verryyyy minimal romance in this book. I thought the book was brilliant, but if you're a strict romantasy fan, it may not be for you.

Potential triggers include some gore, alcoholism, death of children (not described in great detail, but mentioned), mentions of war, and brief battle scenes.

This story is told from a single POV, third-person narrative.

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twins born in Darkness

Thomas and Graeme came into the world with the death of their mother. Their father hated them for it but their uncle kept them safe.

These brothers had a stronger connection than anyone ever knew. They shared emotions and each others pain. They were tethered together but there was also a darkness. Thomas promised Grim that he would never let him get lost to it.

Thomas kept that promise when he went to war and Graeme was safe at home. However, Thomas became someone else while in the battle field. He never realized just what was happening.

However, when Thomas leaves the war he is summoned to become an Enforcer because there is a murderer on the loose. Follow as he finds out more about the deaths. The more he learns the more worried he becomes.

Is fate already determined? Can the brothers survive what has come?

Come on in and watch the birth of the Horseman known as Death.

This book was very well written and even made me cry with the characters. I was not exactly sure what I was getting into but I loved it.

It appears it will be time to discover War next.

[J.M. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply couldn't put it down. The writing style is beautiful, with a perfect balance between description, action and dialogue and the narrative voice is gripping. From start to finish, I wanted to know what was about to happen next and I devoured the first chapters of the book the moment I opened it. The rest, I devoured over the span of a few hours in a single day. I kept turning page after page after page.

It is a fantasy that draws you in entirely until you forget that the towns and villages making up this world do not exist in real life. Alongside plenty of action, darkness and fantastical elements, the emotional turbulence in this novel is so agonizingly human and raw that is inevitable that you should identify with the characters.

The premise of the story was what got me interested and it did not fail to deliver.

Rose has created the beginning of what promises to be a most compelling series, and I cannot wait for more. This is going to be a book I proudly display on my shelves. I think the fantasy world can expect great things from this author.

[Jasmine Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

We follow the story of Thomas and Graeme. Twins who are handed very different paths by fate.

Thomas is plagued by dreams and memories from his tone at war in France only to be pulled into the dark work of being an Enforcer once he finally returns home.

Graeme on the other hand has never dreamed, a darkness building within him that has no outlet or escape, until suddenly, he begins to dream.

And a shadow that is sweeping through their town leaving fear and torment in its wake.

The book deals very well with soldier ptsd from both the character dealing with it but also the effect it has on their family and loved ones.

The connection between the twins and their connection to the Shadow is very well done, giving you just enough to guess at what is going on, but keeps enough hidden that you remain intrigued throughout the book.

This is a beautiful peace of work and I can't wait to see what comes next from this wonderful author.

Are you ready to learn the origin of the Grim Reaper?

3.5 stars (rounded to 4)

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shadow Within by Serra Rose is book one in The Horsemen Chronicles Series. This is the first book I’m reading by this author and oh my gosh was this a great read! I was a fan from the opening chapters and it held my attention all the way to the end. When I read the blurb of this book I couldn’t wait to get my hands/eyes on it especially with it being a Grim Reaper Origin story. I devoured this book in one sitting, I didn’t leave my couch. I was addicted to the plot and it really kept me guessing. The story was fast paced and the worldbuilding was incredible. It was described so well you could clearly picture everything as you were reading. Serra Rose really did a fantastic job with the action and creativity. I will mention that there’s no spice in this book but don’t let that Dissuade you from reading it! The fantasy aspect was so on point. This author is definitely being added to my watch list. Amazing!

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Celine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the idea for this book, though I wasn't entirely sure what the idea was exactly until the very end when we find out why everything happened the way it did.

It took me embarrassingly long to finish this book because I kept setting it down for something new, but it was an enjoyable time.

I was not expecting the twist, it's a slight twist about 80% of the way through, but it led to a shift in the novel for me. Nothing was the way I thought it would be. But this led to how the novel ended and that's when I realized what the full idea for the novel actually was.

I was harrowed by the twist until I realized it was not at all the way I thought it was. I was expecting something different than what I got, but I definitely prefer what this book gave me as opposed to what I thought it would give me in terms of plot.

I fell in love with the characters, if not the world. I felt what they felt and I hated what they were put through, it was an enjoyable ride for sure.

[Papercuts1 · Rating 2 out of 5]

1 1/2 stars, rounded up, because the idea behind the story wasn’t bad, but the execution was. Choppy writing, a confusing lack of transitions, changes of heart that happened too quickly and weren’t feasible, without proper explanation.

The story of twin brothers with a near-telepathic link who are connected to a string of murders committed by a dark, preternatural figure felt like an enticing premise. If only it had made more sense, both in terms of logic and emotions. In the end, it became very obvious where the story was heading, and the showdown was at least partially compelling, but the writing itself - I’m sorry, Serra Rose, but this was so choppy and roughly hewn, I often had trouble following the story, and except for the tragic trajectory the book took, “The Shadow Within” never reached me on an emotional level.

I kinda liked Graeme, and I know what the author wanted to do (even if it didn’t work for me), so, for that, 1 1/2 stars.

[Britain Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great, quick, and easy read that tells us the origin story of the Grim Reaper. I like that the expectation is set from the beginning with what this is, a Gritty, dark, historical fantasy.
Set after the hundred year war, we follow the story of two twin brothers through, mainly, the eyes of Thomas, who has just returned from serving the English Crown. The depictions of grief and loss were beautiful in this story, and it had good pacing. There were a few moments I was a little lost when suddenly a character was doing something (like following to the main town), and it was never mentioned beforehand.
It felt a little heavy handed at first with the nickname Grim, but I was pleasantly surprised and very satisfied with the wrap up at the end. Very excited to read the next one.

[Kay Cobbold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness - so that is where the Grim Reaper came from! Serra Rose has created a classic. If you wish to read this book (and you should) check out the triggers before starting BUT I devoured it in its entirety and came out the other end unscathed! This is a dark (very dark) fantasy set in medieval times and it held me enthralled. The tragedy of the Blake twins and their inward struggles pulled at my heartstrings and Serra Rose, skilfully, drew me through the darkness to a surprise ending. I want more and can’t wait to read Book 2.

[Gracie Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC. I’m not a fantasy reader but something about the cover caught my eye and then I read the blurb and saw the videos and I just had to read it. It has the Games of Throne/Witcher vibes and I loved it.

The world building was amazing. The characters were spectacular and the plot kept me guessing. I loved everything about it. I’m so looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Alexia Muelle-Rushbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel. The story is dark and twisty - and definitely leaves you eager for book two.

Twin brothers have been separated by war, but both their past and future begin to catch up with them when the war pauses and Thomas returns home.

Meanwhile, a number of people around town are murdered, sparking a hunt to find the killer, but neither the town nor Thomas are ready for what lies ahead.

An easy 5 stars from me.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

From chapter 1 the characters pull you in you are trying to work out what they are about what’s going on. I was making notes while reading it trying to work out what was happening with the main characters in the book I was pulled along with them feeling for them wanting to p^nch some minor characters. When I thought I had it worked out I was hit with a totally different outcome and I loved it.
Bring on book 2 I’m ready for it.

[Kussy Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaking loved this book. So easy to read. It was powerful and the characters are dynamic and perfectly flawed. The writer excels at prose and action and the world-building was spot on. The ending-- omg the ending!! I really don't want to spoil it. I laughed AND cried reading this.

It is dark and might be traumatic to read for some, but I loved it.

[Aurora Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has the perfect mix of dark fantasy and paranormal. It’ll have your emotions all over the place let me tell you I ate this book up. It was so good and it is beautifully written. I love the way the writing style makes the plot well delivered. It’s very well delivered because let me say it’ll have you all over the place emotionally.

[Nicole Johns · Rating 4 out of 5]

The shadow within is a Grim Reaper story about two twin brothers Thomas and Graham. Thomas has just returned home from the war and reunited with his pregnant wife, son and his twin brother Graham. Their dad is not nice and his brother has dark thoughts. This book has twists and turns I did not see coming, some very sad moments. Find out how Grim Reaper came about ❤️❤️❤️

[Phyllica W · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true fantasy story to its core.
Serra Rose packed one hell of a story into this fabulous debut novel. A dark medieval fantasy story with plenty of twists and turns along the way. The Grim Reaper is one of my absolute favorites, so I loved this refreshing new take on its origin story. I was surely sad when it was over, but I look forward to reading more of The Horsemen Chronicles.

[Stephanie Pineda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST READ!!! I went in blind and just started reading and let me tell you! I was hooked!!! I usually read fantasy romance but this was AMAZING!

I was sent an arc copy of this story and I’m so grateful to have been able to read this story!!! Medieval with supernatural elements! You can’t miss with that!!

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has it all: a morbid and brutal world, carefully curated characters, and a highly intriguing plot. Every turn in development was gut-wrenching because of the consistent theme of total helplessness from the environment and unexplainable elements. The concept and execution were so divinely dark, unique, and refreshing. Very interested to see the next installment of this series. 5 stars.

[Tracey Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will be one of those ones that live rent-free in my head for a long time.
I devoured this book-I could not put it down.
It was so well written and told the story in a way that had highs, lows and everything in between and more.
I absolutely loved it and cannot wait for the next part in this story. I finished it needing more!