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The Shadow Road
A tale of survival as dragon-like monsters invade and two unlikely heroes must save humanity from annihilation.
When the monsters came, the power went out. Towns and cities became darkened ruins, and terrified survivors fled west, trailed by the blitz, dragon-like creatures screeching down from the sky enshrouded in lightning, delivering death.
The old world is ending, but not all hope is lost.
Left behind is a timid dreamer, Thomas, and a brash and outspoken daredevil, Cassie. When their paths unexpectedly cross, they must outwit both monsters and humans alike on an epic journey across a dangerous ravaged landscape if they hope to do the impossible: Reignite hope. Defeat the blitz. Save humanity.
When the monsters came, the power went out. Towns and cities became darkened ruins, and terrified survivors fled west, trailed by the blitz, dragon-like creatures screeching down from the sky enshrouded in lightning, delivering death.
The old world is ending, but not all hope is lost.
Left behind is a timid dreamer, Thomas, and a brash and outspoken daredevil, Cassie. When their paths unexpectedly cross, they must outwit both monsters and humans alike on an epic journey across a dangerous ravaged landscape if they hope to do the impossible: Reignite hope. Defeat the blitz. Save humanity.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published October 15, 2024
21 people are currently reading
7525 people want to read
About the author
K.D. Kirchmeier
3 books26 followersK. D. Kirchmeier is a Saskatchewan-based author who writes strange and fantastical stories about ordinary people who get caught up in extraordinary circumstances. He also writes under the name Kurt Kirchmeier, and is the author of middle grade horror novel THE ABSENCE OF SPARROWS.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 13, 2024
I've never read a post-apocalyptic story as hopeful as this.
THE SHADOW ROAD casts a world riddled with peril. There are electric dragons responsible for ending society as we know it; gangs of finger-snatching ruffians; bones and death and strangeness tucked into every pocket of a bruised-up country. But Kirchmeier's writing sings a beautiful, awe-inspiring sense of magic through the darkness, turning moments of fear into moments of wonder. Thomas and Cassie were such excellent, endearing protagonists (shoutout to Bones and Dani, too!) and I loved seeing the narrative unfold through their eyes.
Basically, THE SHADOW ROAD has everything: action, intrigue, monsters, survival, even whispers of a sweet romance. There's wide appeal here, and I think Kirchmeier has nailed an oft-neglected tone that fits somewhere between upper-MG and lower-YA. It had more of a fantasy aspect than I was expecting going in, but you know what? I love being wrong sometimes.
Thank you to the author and Bloomsbury for the ARC!
THE SHADOW ROAD casts a world riddled with peril. There are electric dragons responsible for ending society as we know it; gangs of finger-snatching ruffians; bones and death and strangeness tucked into every pocket of a bruised-up country. But Kirchmeier's writing sings a beautiful, awe-inspiring sense of magic through the darkness, turning moments of fear into moments of wonder. Thomas and Cassie were such excellent, endearing protagonists (shoutout to Bones and Dani, too!) and I loved seeing the narrative unfold through their eyes.
Basically, THE SHADOW ROAD has everything: action, intrigue, monsters, survival, even whispers of a sweet romance. There's wide appeal here, and I think Kirchmeier has nailed an oft-neglected tone that fits somewhere between upper-MG and lower-YA. It had more of a fantasy aspect than I was expecting going in, but you know what? I love being wrong sometimes.
Thank you to the author and Bloomsbury for the ARC!
September 20, 2025
3.5/5
This book will captivate you if you love dystopians and mythological beings.
TLDR;
Characters: ★★★★☆
Flawed but relatable. Both are relatable and have lost a lot but haven't given up hope.
Atmosphere: ★★★★★
Contemporary dystopia. Survival at any cost. A bit gritty and dark, but full of hope and light.
Plot, Pacing, Premise: ★★★☆☆
The plot got bogged down with monsters the premise never mentioned. The stakes aren't high enough but the pacing is fast.
Tone: ★★★★★
It's hopeful overall, but dark when it needs to be.
Intrigue: ★★★★★
Teens saving humanity from dragon-like monsters? Irresistible!
Versus (Strengths/Weaknesses): ★★★☆☆
Strong characters, character arcs, pacing, and overall writing but too much deus ex machina/plot armour. The romance seemed unnecessary and forced.
Audience:
Teens and anyone looking for a good dystopian with fantastical monsters.
Themes: ★★★★★
Hope, loss, family, and survival. The characters are two sides of the same coin.
Ending: ★★★☆☆
Satisfying and clean, there's a chance it could have been a standalone, but it's not, so there's a lot questions left over that I found disappointing.
"Character
Cassie (Cassiopeia) is 16 and athletic. Rachel, 23, is her sister and is more interested in a post-apocalyptic romance than much else. Thomas is 16 and bookish.
Cassie's mom died and her dad is currently MIA from a scouting mission for the military. Thomas's dad drank himself to death and his mom died of cancer the year before.
Dani (Danica) is older, it's not specified, and drives an eighteen wheeler, hauling "hope" across the country. She is smart, funny, and an optimistic person.
Dani and Rachel don't really change in any significant way, but Cassie and Thomas do. They complement each other in their strengths and weaknesses and make a good team.
Atmosphere
A modern dystopian United States, pretty classic. You know what to expect and Kirchmeier delivers on it.
Plot, Pacing, and Premise
The plot unfolds between the two POVs of Cassie and Thomas and their respective groups. They do merge for a little bit but not for long. I liked that as most books keep them together once it's merged and so this was a nice twist. I wish the stakes felt more intense though, there is a bit too much plot armour on these groups. Like Stephen King reminds us: Kill your darlings.
Pacing is steady and solid, there's action right from the start. Kirchmeier doesn't waste time setting things up, we're simply thrown into the thick of it and I loved it.
Premise is pretty simple: two teens are fighting to save the world from monsters. It's tried and true and it works. However, the blurb never mentions the other monsters which seems to be the whole plot arc of personal redemption for Thomas. It was interesting at first, but then got to be too much and it became messy.
Cassie's goal is to find her father while Thomas has joined Dani in her quest to spread hope across the country before finding safety on the coast. I enjoyed how they had very different goals but it still meshed perfectly together for the overall plot.
Tone
It's gritty but hopeful. There's some dark parts but the overall tone is hopeful. Humanity just never gives up.
Intrigue
The monsters are interesting, they're called blitz and are described as dragon-like electrical monsters. Right away we get to see them in action in the first chapter.
Two teens fighting for survival and to save humanity against incredible monsters? Say less!
Versus (Strengths & Weaknesses)
This book has strong characters, pacing, and overall good writing. I liked the villains, I liked the monsters, I liked Cassie, Thomas, and Dani. It's a fun ride and you want to see what happens on each of their journeys. I really like how dark Kirchmeier went with the Crossbolts. I wasn't expecting that at all, so I loved any scene they popped up in.
Some of the weaknesses were the romance between Cassie and Thomas, it was underdeveloped so it felt forced and it not satisfying at all. There wasn't enough tension and they're barely together for anything to actually form. It felt almost like an instant-love just because they survived something together. I also didn't like that Cassie was short for Cassiopeia as there is only one true Cassiopeia in my heart and she's in The 5th Wave. It's honestly okay to just be a Cassie or Cassandra or something. Maybe it was a nod to the genre, but it made me cringe.
There seemed to be an incredible amount of deus ex machina. The tension and stakes became heavily diluted with all of the saving the main characters at every single turn. It was rare to see them get themselves out of a pickle, they always got saved. I thought it was straightforward, humanity vs the blitz, but it's not. The blurb didn't mention the addition of these beings at all and I ended up not liking them.
This is probably going to be subjective, but there's not enough death. I enjoyed this when I was younger, but now I want stakes to be high and I want to feel worried for my heroes. I didn't feel that in this book.
Audience
This is going to appeal to teens and anyone who likes dystopian settings. You have monsters, flawed characters, and a noble goal. It's palpable for everyone.
Theme
Hope is obviously a big theme here. "[The world] might be doomed anyway, I figured, by better to go out trying to make things better."
Cassie has a hope that she'll find her dad and that she'll be as useful to the group as her dad is to the military. Thomas has hope that he'll find safety, but also to spread hope with Dani. The world is in a bad place currently, but there's still good people out there.
Survival is in any dystopian book. There are people who want to survive, some don't care about what it costs them. Survival of the fittest, survival of the group, it's there.
Family and remembering are two themes that Cassie and Thomas share. Cassie's memories of her father help guide her during times of trouble. Thomas's memories of his father are painful and hinder him. Cassie has her sister, although she's not well prepared and Thomas has his found family in Dani. Family is family at the end of the day and each character deals with it differently.
Ending
The ending was satisfying and clean. There is no cliffhanger ending but there are still a lot of questions left, making it seems like there should be a second book.
This is slightly disappointing because the blitz and other creatures seem at odds and I got lost with all the mixing of mythology.
This book will captivate you if you love dystopians and mythological beings.
TLDR;
Characters: ★★★★☆
Flawed but relatable. Both are relatable and have lost a lot but haven't given up hope.
Atmosphere: ★★★★★
Contemporary dystopia. Survival at any cost. A bit gritty and dark, but full of hope and light.
Plot, Pacing, Premise: ★★★☆☆
The plot got bogged down with monsters the premise never mentioned. The stakes aren't high enough but the pacing is fast.
Tone: ★★★★★
It's hopeful overall, but dark when it needs to be.
Intrigue: ★★★★★
Teens saving humanity from dragon-like monsters? Irresistible!
Versus (Strengths/Weaknesses): ★★★☆☆
Strong characters, character arcs, pacing, and overall writing but too much deus ex machina/plot armour. The romance seemed unnecessary and forced.
Audience:
Teens and anyone looking for a good dystopian with fantastical monsters.
Themes: ★★★★★
Hope, loss, family, and survival. The characters are two sides of the same coin.
Ending: ★★★☆☆
Satisfying and clean, there's a chance it could have been a standalone, but it's not, so there's a lot questions left over that I found disappointing.
"Character
Cassie (Cassiopeia) is 16 and athletic. Rachel, 23, is her sister and is more interested in a post-apocalyptic romance than much else. Thomas is 16 and bookish.
Cassie's mom died and her dad is currently MIA from a scouting mission for the military. Thomas's dad drank himself to death and his mom died of cancer the year before.
Dani (Danica) is older, it's not specified, and drives an eighteen wheeler, hauling "hope" across the country. She is smart, funny, and an optimistic person.
Dani and Rachel don't really change in any significant way, but Cassie and Thomas do. They complement each other in their strengths and weaknesses and make a good team.
Atmosphere
A modern dystopian United States, pretty classic. You know what to expect and Kirchmeier delivers on it.
Plot, Pacing, and Premise
The plot unfolds between the two POVs of Cassie and Thomas and their respective groups. They do merge for a little bit but not for long. I liked that as most books keep them together once it's merged and so this was a nice twist. I wish the stakes felt more intense though, there is a bit too much plot armour on these groups. Like Stephen King reminds us: Kill your darlings.
Pacing is steady and solid, there's action right from the start. Kirchmeier doesn't waste time setting things up, we're simply thrown into the thick of it and I loved it.
Premise is pretty simple: two teens are fighting to save the world from monsters. It's tried and true and it works. However, the blurb never mentions the other monsters which seems to be the whole plot arc of personal redemption for Thomas. It was interesting at first, but then got to be too much and it became messy.
Cassie's goal is to find her father while Thomas has joined Dani in her quest to spread hope across the country before finding safety on the coast. I enjoyed how they had very different goals but it still meshed perfectly together for the overall plot.
Tone
It's gritty but hopeful. There's some dark parts but the overall tone is hopeful. Humanity just never gives up.
Intrigue
The monsters are interesting, they're called blitz and are described as dragon-like electrical monsters. Right away we get to see them in action in the first chapter.
Two teens fighting for survival and to save humanity against incredible monsters? Say less!
Versus (Strengths & Weaknesses)
This book has strong characters, pacing, and overall good writing. I liked the villains, I liked the monsters, I liked Cassie, Thomas, and Dani. It's a fun ride and you want to see what happens on each of their journeys. I really like how dark Kirchmeier went with the Crossbolts. I wasn't expecting that at all, so I loved any scene they popped up in.
Some of the weaknesses were the romance between Cassie and Thomas, it was underdeveloped so it felt forced and it not satisfying at all. There wasn't enough tension and they're barely together for anything to actually form. It felt almost like an instant-love just because they survived something together. I also didn't like that Cassie was short for Cassiopeia as there is only one true Cassiopeia in my heart and she's in The 5th Wave. It's honestly okay to just be a Cassie or Cassandra or something. Maybe it was a nod to the genre, but it made me cringe.
There seemed to be an incredible amount of deus ex machina. The tension and stakes became heavily diluted with all of the saving the main characters at every single turn. It was rare to see them get themselves out of a pickle, they always got saved. I thought it was straightforward, humanity vs the blitz, but it's not. The blurb didn't mention the addition of these beings at all and I ended up not liking them.
This is probably going to be subjective, but there's not enough death. I enjoyed this when I was younger, but now I want stakes to be high and I want to feel worried for my heroes. I didn't feel that in this book.
Audience
This is going to appeal to teens and anyone who likes dystopian settings. You have monsters, flawed characters, and a noble goal. It's palpable for everyone.
Theme
Hope is obviously a big theme here. "[The world] might be doomed anyway, I figured, by better to go out trying to make things better."
Cassie has a hope that she'll find her dad and that she'll be as useful to the group as her dad is to the military. Thomas has hope that he'll find safety, but also to spread hope with Dani. The world is in a bad place currently, but there's still good people out there.
Survival is in any dystopian book. There are people who want to survive, some don't care about what it costs them. Survival of the fittest, survival of the group, it's there.
Family and remembering are two themes that Cassie and Thomas share. Cassie's memories of her father help guide her during times of trouble. Thomas's memories of his father are painful and hinder him. Cassie has her sister, although she's not well prepared and Thomas has his found family in Dani. Family is family at the end of the day and each character deals with it differently.
Ending
The ending was satisfying and clean. There is no cliffhanger ending but there are still a lot of questions left, making it seems like there should be a second book.
This is slightly disappointing because the blitz and other creatures seem at odds and I got lost with all the mixing of mythology.
January 4, 2025
3.5 stars. The third act and ending happened quite fast and I was bummed I didn’t get to relish in the ending longer. Other than that, awesome storyline and really cool to be in a mythological type book again.
February 11, 2025
three and half stars, rounded up, just barely....It's a perfectly fine magical creature devastation story that I didn't mind reading at all, but it never entirely hooked me.
April 20, 2025
I don't consider this to be a horror book, more of a paranormal thriller with mythological elements. The characters are on another level, the pace and writing is engaging—it's just perfect.
July 24, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Bloomsbury for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
"The Shadow Road" by K.D. Kirchmeier is a unique entry in the post-apocalyptic genre, distinguished by its hopeful tone amidst a world beset by peril. This book is just so full of hope, especially at the end, that made me really enjoy this book, even more so than the standard post-apocalyptic book that tend to be more depressing. “The Shadow Road” introduces a landscape torn apart by electric dragons, known as the blitz, which have plunged society into darkness and chaos. Towns and cities lie in ruins, and survivors must navigate a country filled with danger, from roving gangs to the omnipresent threat of death. Yet, amid this devastation, Kirchmeier creates sense of magic and wonder that transforms fear into moments of awe. This is a book that I would highly recommend to younger YA readers, maybe even MG readers, and I also recommend this book for any fans of both post-apocalyptic fiction as well as fantasy fiction (there is a lot of unique mythology introduced in the book).
The protagonists, Thomas and Cassie, are particularly compelling. Thomas, a timid dreamer, and Cassie, a daring and outspoken character, form an unlikely but endearing duo. Their journey across a ravaged landscape is fraught with danger, but their determination to reignite hope and defeat the blitz is inspiring. You are given the perspectives of Thomas and Cassie as they independently travel and discover more about the blitz (electric dragons) and what exactly is going on in their changed world. The two of them don’t actually meet until around 41% of the way through, and I thought that was really unique with how the two became interconnected and also diverged throughout the book. The side characters are also unique and well-developed. There is a bit of romance in this book, but the main focus is on the plot.
Kirchmeier's writing strikes a perfect balance between action, intrigue, and survival. The tone resonates somewhere between upper middle grade and lower young adult, offering a blend of fantasy and post-apocalyptic elements that captivate readers. The book's unexpected fantasy aspect is a pleasant surprise, enhancing its charm. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the blitz; I don’t think I have ever read a fantasy book revolving around electric dragons before, but they were so unique and terrifying. They worked perfectly by being introduced in the modern world. There are also other mythological creatures introduced throughout the book, and I enjoyed learning more about them, especially as I wasn’t expecting so much of a fantasy element in the book. The plot is fast-paced, and there is strong world-building that I absolutely loved.
Overall, "The Shadow Road" promises high-stakes adventure and unforgettable characters. The story's emphasis on hope and resilience, even in the face of overwhelming odds, makes it a standout in its genre. Kirchmeier has crafted a thrilling tale of survival that is both heart-pounding and heartwarming, leaving readers with a lasting impression of courage and the enduring power of hope. I can’t wait to read more from Kierchneier. This is one of my favorite books that I’ve read in 2024!
"The Shadow Road" by K.D. Kirchmeier is a unique entry in the post-apocalyptic genre, distinguished by its hopeful tone amidst a world beset by peril. This book is just so full of hope, especially at the end, that made me really enjoy this book, even more so than the standard post-apocalyptic book that tend to be more depressing. “The Shadow Road” introduces a landscape torn apart by electric dragons, known as the blitz, which have plunged society into darkness and chaos. Towns and cities lie in ruins, and survivors must navigate a country filled with danger, from roving gangs to the omnipresent threat of death. Yet, amid this devastation, Kirchmeier creates sense of magic and wonder that transforms fear into moments of awe. This is a book that I would highly recommend to younger YA readers, maybe even MG readers, and I also recommend this book for any fans of both post-apocalyptic fiction as well as fantasy fiction (there is a lot of unique mythology introduced in the book).
The protagonists, Thomas and Cassie, are particularly compelling. Thomas, a timid dreamer, and Cassie, a daring and outspoken character, form an unlikely but endearing duo. Their journey across a ravaged landscape is fraught with danger, but their determination to reignite hope and defeat the blitz is inspiring. You are given the perspectives of Thomas and Cassie as they independently travel and discover more about the blitz (electric dragons) and what exactly is going on in their changed world. The two of them don’t actually meet until around 41% of the way through, and I thought that was really unique with how the two became interconnected and also diverged throughout the book. The side characters are also unique and well-developed. There is a bit of romance in this book, but the main focus is on the plot.
Kirchmeier's writing strikes a perfect balance between action, intrigue, and survival. The tone resonates somewhere between upper middle grade and lower young adult, offering a blend of fantasy and post-apocalyptic elements that captivate readers. The book's unexpected fantasy aspect is a pleasant surprise, enhancing its charm. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the blitz; I don’t think I have ever read a fantasy book revolving around electric dragons before, but they were so unique and terrifying. They worked perfectly by being introduced in the modern world. There are also other mythological creatures introduced throughout the book, and I enjoyed learning more about them, especially as I wasn’t expecting so much of a fantasy element in the book. The plot is fast-paced, and there is strong world-building that I absolutely loved.
Overall, "The Shadow Road" promises high-stakes adventure and unforgettable characters. The story's emphasis on hope and resilience, even in the face of overwhelming odds, makes it a standout in its genre. Kirchmeier has crafted a thrilling tale of survival that is both heart-pounding and heartwarming, leaving readers with a lasting impression of courage and the enduring power of hope. I can’t wait to read more from Kierchneier. This is one of my favorite books that I’ve read in 2024!
November 11, 2024
Well, I have some mixed feelings again about a book! Look, there really is a lot to like about The Shadow Road, and I think some of the problems I had with it are definitely "me problems" and may not bother you at all! So let us see what I liked, what I didn't, and what you may have no issues with!
The Good: I love me an apocalypse novel! While I didn't fully understand this one (see below), I still appreciated the harrowing survival aspect. I also really enjoyed the characters, and how desperately they were trying to eke out an existence in this terrible place. The atmosphere was also very, very on point!
The Less Good: This is the part where it might be a personal preference, and that is that it was just too... fantastical an apocalypse for me. Is that a thing? And maybe I would not have minded so much, but there was no real explanation for the world. Like, was it always fantastical, and just this particular thing went bad? And then there were mentions of other magical/fantastical beings/spells/etc. and I think that is just not so much for me. Also, it felt a little draggy at times, especially in the middle.
Bottom Line: Atmospheric end of world fare with great characters, just a touch too unexplained-fantasy for my tastes.
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
The Good: I love me an apocalypse novel! While I didn't fully understand this one (see below), I still appreciated the harrowing survival aspect. I also really enjoyed the characters, and how desperately they were trying to eke out an existence in this terrible place. The atmosphere was also very, very on point!
The Less Good: This is the part where it might be a personal preference, and that is that it was just too... fantastical an apocalypse for me. Is that a thing? And maybe I would not have minded so much, but there was no real explanation for the world. Like, was it always fantastical, and just this particular thing went bad? And then there were mentions of other magical/fantastical beings/spells/etc. and I think that is just not so much for me. Also, it felt a little draggy at times, especially in the middle.
Bottom Line: Atmospheric end of world fare with great characters, just a touch too unexplained-fantasy for my tastes.
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
August 29, 2025
In this #dystopian novel the story shifts between Thomas and Cassie’s points of view as they both try to survive the monsters, blitz (dragon-like creatures) and other less savoury survivors. Both Thomas and Cassie have two things in common, they seem to be able to sense danger before it creeps up on them. They also know that the world they are currently living in isn’t the way things have to be and are willing to risk it all to find the truth.
I enjoyed the dual points of view in this novel because both Thomas and Cassie were very likeable characters who you wanted to root for. I found the twists and turns of the book kept me turning the page wondering what was going to happen and who I could trust. I wanted to know how Thomas and Cassie would get out of some of the more dangerous situations they found themselves in and I wanted to know how everything was going to connect with each other.
@kurtkirchmeier thank you for gifting my middle school a copy of The Shadow Road, I know they are going to eat this up! I can’t wait to read book 2!
Who will like it?
✅ Fans of dystopian, post-apocalyptic worlds
✅ Fans of fantasy stories
✅ Fans of mythological creatures
I enjoyed the dual points of view in this novel because both Thomas and Cassie were very likeable characters who you wanted to root for. I found the twists and turns of the book kept me turning the page wondering what was going to happen and who I could trust. I wanted to know how Thomas and Cassie would get out of some of the more dangerous situations they found themselves in and I wanted to know how everything was going to connect with each other.
@kurtkirchmeier thank you for gifting my middle school a copy of The Shadow Road, I know they are going to eat this up! I can’t wait to read book 2!
Who will like it?
✅ Fans of dystopian, post-apocalyptic worlds
✅ Fans of fantasy stories
✅ Fans of mythological creatures
May 15, 2025
I really enjoyed the two main characters and a few others as well. I also liked the story. I know some people will like this, but I was not really a fan of how short the chapters were or the fact that every single one ended on a cliffhanger (it does make you want to keep reading!). Though there is some character development, I would say this is definitely plot-driven. As you can tell from my 4-stars, I did quite like it, but I wouldn't have minded if some elements were developed more thoroughly.
The author's note/acknowledgements made it sound like this is a standalone, and the story does wrap up somewhat, but I wouldn't mind some further adventures!
I think I came across this on a "horror" book list and I notice that some people mark it as such, but I wouldn't really consider it so. Yes, there are some scary elements, violence, and gore, but I don't think it really fits into that genre...which I can't handle much horror, so that was fine with me!
The author's note/acknowledgements made it sound like this is a standalone, and the story does wrap up somewhat, but I wouldn't mind some further adventures!
I think I came across this on a "horror" book list and I notice that some people mark it as such, but I wouldn't really consider it so. Yes, there are some scary elements, violence, and gore, but I don't think it really fits into that genre...which I can't handle much horror, so that was fine with me!
October 12, 2025
This book is a post-apocalyptic novel interwoven with mythological creatures, making it a refreshing and fantastic read.
With lightning dragons that appeared out of nowhere and decimated our electricity dependent society, the story is narrated by two teens who paths cross as they travel looking for a safe haven and a way forward in this seemingly hopeless world. They're aided by not only adults of the normal variety, but also supernatural creatures of myth that have been reappearing in the world.
It was a fairly quick book to get through, but it never felt rushed in its pacing, and the central characters felt decently lifelike (some of the secondary characters were fully fleshed out, but as they're secondary, it didn't detract from the story).
I enjoyed reading it a lot, and I strongly recommend checking it out for the unique setting.
I couldn't quite figure out why it's called "The Shadow Road", though.
With lightning dragons that appeared out of nowhere and decimated our electricity dependent society, the story is narrated by two teens who paths cross as they travel looking for a safe haven and a way forward in this seemingly hopeless world. They're aided by not only adults of the normal variety, but also supernatural creatures of myth that have been reappearing in the world.
It was a fairly quick book to get through, but it never felt rushed in its pacing, and the central characters felt decently lifelike (some of the secondary characters were fully fleshed out, but as they're secondary, it didn't detract from the story).
I enjoyed reading it a lot, and I strongly recommend checking it out for the unique setting.
I couldn't quite figure out why it's called "The Shadow Road", though.
November 18, 2024
Loved this book from start to finish!A compelling novel in a dystopian landscape ravaged by dragons known as blitz’s,but remarkably a story of hope and the will to survive and create a better world!Following our two protagonists Thomas and Cassie,a thoughtful boy and adventurous girl who as a duo with the help of friends who make great supporting players on our heroes journey are on a mission to save their or maybe our world in a old world dying but a new one coming to life,one with blitz’s,leshys,tommyknockers,Tuatha De’ Danann and more beings of magic and lore come to life in this riveting book of what happens when people are brave enough to fight for a better tomorrow in the midst of a world gone mad with both creatures and humans of ill will but also those willing to rebuild with community of family both blood and found.A must read for young adults and adults young of heart!
August 2, 2024
It's the near future and these dragon-like creatures have appeared, stealing the power and terrorizing the people. Many people are heading west, believing there's hope there, but some just aren't sure. Meanwhile, there's Thomas and Cassie. Thomas's dad just died and he's all alone. Now he's traveling with a new friend, spreading hope, but his destiny is pulling him closer to Cassie. Cassie is with a small group that includes her sister and an uncle-like figure named Bones. Cassie is able to sense danger and between her and Thomas, they may just be able to bring a solution to all their problems. This new young adult post apocalyptic novel is more hopeful than you would expect, but absolutely as entertaining as you would want.
October 11, 2024
Overall, this book wasn’t bad. There was a lot of action and two likable main characters with distinctive enough voices that the dual POVs didn’t get confusing. The plot moved along and kept the reader engaged. However, I found the entire premise of the world to be confusing. The world started identical to ours but then these electrical dragons showed up as well as a number of other fantastical beings. There’s a lot of fated events happening (but nothing to do with any kind of religion). It just doesn’t make a ton of sense. As a younger reader, I think I would have just accepted it and moved on with the next blitz attack, but now as an adult I want my worlds to actually be built and make sense.
Note: I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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November 10, 2024DNF... I don't know how to describe the problem I had with this book. The characters were clearly mapped out, but they lacked personalities, it was like the story and backstories weren't happening to them. It wasn't just a lack of emotion. It was the physical stuff, too. A character should not go into a burning trailer and calmly collect his belongings. I shouldn't be wondering just how "on fire" this trailer is (quite badly, it turned out)--I should feel the sting of smoke against the character's eyes, feel the rising panic in his chest, understand why he gropes out at random and grabs whatever he can... but it wasn't like that. It was calm and matter-of-fact, and not as a character trait (both characters' narration felt this way) but a lack of engagement from the text.
November 26, 2024
Five Stars for THE SHADOW ROAD by Kurt Kirchmeier. When dirty dishes are left sitting on the counter, and dirty laundry waits ignored in the hamper because you NEED to keep reading, you know it’s a really good book. THE SHADOW ROAD is just such a book. For me, it was a perfect blend of page-turning, scary, and joyful positivity that completely captured my imagination. I won’t give the story away here and spoil the experience, but...
I can tell you that THE SHADOW ROAD is a contemporary dystopian fantasy adventure told by two sixteen-year-old narrators, one boy, and one girl, and that this long-past-teen-years reader adored it!
I can tell you that THE SHADOW ROAD is a contemporary dystopian fantasy adventure told by two sixteen-year-old narrators, one boy, and one girl, and that this long-past-teen-years reader adored it!
May 30, 2025
I loved this book! I’ve read lots of apocalyptic books over the years, but this story is original and exciting, chock-a-block with mythological creatures, scary creatures, and characters you come to love. The main characters - Cassie and Thomas - are likeable and intelligent, while still being a teen in a world they never asked for. The supporting characters are also well developed and you come to care about them, as well. The pacing is excellent and had me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next! Cannot wait to read Kurt’s next book!
January 26, 2025
A wonderful reminder that even in the darkest times, there’s hope.
Kirchmeier has accomplished something in The Shadow Road that is difficult to do, but so very eloquent when done well. He’s spun a tale that will snatch you up in its electric grasp no matter how young or old a reader you happen to be. The cast, monsters, and magic encountered in these pages all braids together into a unique story of loss, survival and hope against a formidable enemy. Loved it to bits!
Kirchmeier has accomplished something in The Shadow Road that is difficult to do, but so very eloquent when done well. He’s spun a tale that will snatch you up in its electric grasp no matter how young or old a reader you happen to be. The cast, monsters, and magic encountered in these pages all braids together into a unique story of loss, survival and hope against a formidable enemy. Loved it to bits!
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February 7, 2025Graded By: Mandy C.
Cover Story: There Be Dragons
BFF Charms: Big Sister x2
Swoonworthy Scale: 4
Talky Talk: Teenage Wasteland
Bonus Factors: Dragons, Decent Humans
Anti-Bonus Factor: Awful Adults
Relationship Status: The Future is Bright
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: There Be Dragons
BFF Charms: Big Sister x2
Swoonworthy Scale: 4
Talky Talk: Teenage Wasteland
Bonus Factors: Dragons, Decent Humans
Anti-Bonus Factor: Awful Adults
Relationship Status: The Future is Bright
Read the full book report here.
August 28, 2025
I had a hard time getting into this at first, but then it got me. Yes, this has the dystopian tropes of a world destroyed and survivors scavenging among the ruins, but it also has mysterious mythical creatures both bad (the dragon-like "blitz" that emit EMP electronics-destroying bombs and eat humans) and good (e.g., minotaurs and majestic white stags) as 2 teens on mostly separate journeys try to survive, learn the new world rules, and maybe even turn the tide in the battle for survival.
December 3, 2024
I really loved this book! The only thing that bothered me, or makes me think is is more MS and less of a HS book is the way the main character had a book of mythology that propelled him to heroic status and no one else had ever even heard of a centaur. Also, problems were too easily resolved. I do think kids who like Percy Jackson or The Novice will like this one.
December 26, 2024
Holy moly, what a ride! I loved the complex world-building and the seamless incorporation of myths from around the world. The characters, however, are what make THE SHADOW ROAD a page-turner of a tale. I am really, REALLY hoping there will be a second round of adventures for Cassie and Thomas. Highly recommended.
February 20, 2025
I'm not sure quite how to review this one. This book has some interesting ideas, but it was a bit too nice for a post-apocalyptic story? It doesn't ever really feel like the main characters are in danger. Also, there's not quite enough explanation for what actually happened.
It feels like the beginning of a series. If it is, I'd most likely read the next one.
It feels like the beginning of a series. If it is, I'd most likely read the next one.
February 4, 2025
Pretty mid tbh. Felt very Rick Yancy rip, another YA apocalyptic with a Cassiopeia main? Too much like the 5th wave and definitely not as defined imo… could’ve been stretched into a series with defined characters.
February 20, 2025
I really liked this one- the sense of hope it gives is a refresher from the regular dystopian novels you read.
I did received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway back in the fall, but hadn't gotten around to reading it til now.
I did received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway back in the fall, but hadn't gotten around to reading it til now.
March 9, 2025
A lot of cool ideas. Sometimes weak in how the main characters react to those events (the seeing, the dragonriding, way too fast romance, the circumstances of people vs. people,...). All in all a 3.5 and leaning to 4 for this setting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this book , definitely wasn't what I was expecting, it's not without it's flaws like Cass being. A bit slower pacing than Thomas initially or how quickly the last chapter ended but overall it was good I need the next book like yesterday .
November 25, 2024
An interesting take on the apocalypse - loved the characters! A great YA read.
December 8, 2024
I was all in at first, but the book went off the rails. I’m so happy I read this before actually purchasing; I’ll pass on this one.
January 18, 2025
Magic abounds in this post-apocalyptic tale of an otherworldly invasion.
February 24, 2025
Highly recommend this intriguing, dystopian action-packed adventure! Finished it days ago and still thinking about it. Can't wait for book 2!
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