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Shade
Bobby Sullivan has died, but that’s just the beginning of his quest to find his place in the cosmos. War is brewing between those who want continuity and those who seek to turn the world of the afterlife on its head. Armies gather as Bobby seeks to find his way and understand the new abilities he possesses as a spirit. As Bobby grows in power, he and his new companions find themselves on a journey across the world of the dead in a race to save themselves and the city of Elysium from the forces that want to make it a battlefield for their ideals.
263 pages, Paperback
Published January 3, 2024
2 people want to read
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December 23, 2025
Shade by Michael Wayne offers a thoughtful and engaging take on afterlife fantasy, anchored by a classic hero’s-journey structure and a well-imagined secondary world. From the opening chapters, the novel makes it clear that death is not an ending for Bobby Sullivan, but the beginning of a much larger reckoning one that places him at the center of a growing ideological war in the realm of the dead.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its worldbuilding. Wayne presents the afterlife as a fully realized place with its own rules, power structures, and tensions, revealing these elements organically through action and dialogue rather than exposition. This keeps the pacing steady while allowing readers to absorb the scope of the setting naturally.
The story’s focus on Bobby’s personal journey works well. As he discovers his abilities and struggles to understand his role in this unfamiliar world, the stakes feel both intimate and epic. Supporting characters are used efficiently, with a tight core cast that allows emotional connections to develop without overcrowding the narrative. Dialogue is distinct and grounded, giving each character a recognizable voice.
While the magic system occasionally relies on convenient interventions that reduce suspense, the overall plot remains compelling. The largest drawback is technical rather than conceptual: noticeable editing issues repetition, awkward phrasing, and point-of-view slips can pull the reader out of an otherwise immersive story.
Even so, Shade delivers a satisfying conclusion while clearly setting the stage for future installments. With its strong premise, solid character work, and imaginative vision of the afterlife, this novel will appeal to fantasy readers who enjoy reflective journeys, moral conflict, and expansive worlds especially those willing to look past some rough edges for a strong story beneath.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its worldbuilding. Wayne presents the afterlife as a fully realized place with its own rules, power structures, and tensions, revealing these elements organically through action and dialogue rather than exposition. This keeps the pacing steady while allowing readers to absorb the scope of the setting naturally.
The story’s focus on Bobby’s personal journey works well. As he discovers his abilities and struggles to understand his role in this unfamiliar world, the stakes feel both intimate and epic. Supporting characters are used efficiently, with a tight core cast that allows emotional connections to develop without overcrowding the narrative. Dialogue is distinct and grounded, giving each character a recognizable voice.
While the magic system occasionally relies on convenient interventions that reduce suspense, the overall plot remains compelling. The largest drawback is technical rather than conceptual: noticeable editing issues repetition, awkward phrasing, and point-of-view slips can pull the reader out of an otherwise immersive story.
Even so, Shade delivers a satisfying conclusion while clearly setting the stage for future installments. With its strong premise, solid character work, and imaginative vision of the afterlife, this novel will appeal to fantasy readers who enjoy reflective journeys, moral conflict, and expansive worlds especially those willing to look past some rough edges for a strong story beneath.
Displaying 1 of 1 review