The Shadow Commencement

by Steven Cortinas

This book no longer available for sale.

1969. A boarding school for Assassins...and the one student that's had enough of being a killer. Born into a terrorist organization known as The Order of Annex, Erin Escalante is one of twenty students (codenamed "Shadows") having just made her first kill at ten-years-old. From here, the ante is upped for each Shadow, who now find themselves involved in political assassinations, the Cold War, the Vietnam War, and new lessons in torture, death, and chaos. Having always been isolated because of her exceptional physical gifts and insubordination, Erin's distaste for murder is separating her from the other Shadows, along with a set of ruthless instructors who are growing tired of her rising sense of morality.

286 pages, Paperback

First published January 21, 2014

Reviews

[George]

5/23/18 - Recommended while I was listening to the Steal the Stars podcast.

[Anna N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4

I won a copy of this book for an honest review. This will never effect how I like or rate a book.

I really didn't know what to expect going into this book. It's certainly not the kind of book that I read a lot. Saying that I also have no idea if there are any other books like this one out there so I wouldn't really even know what to compare it to. All I knew was it sounded interesting and that's always enough for me to try anything when choosing a book, getting it for free was just a bonus so I dived right in:

This book had an excellent prologue. It really sucked me in and got me invested. In fact the book managed to keep me invested for the first handful of chapters after that as well. Then I'm not gonna lie I started to feel a bit bored, the writing was feeling a bit repetitive in the things that were happening (granted there's still a bit of that repetitiveness throughout the book as well as far as dialogue)and I was starting to wonder if the book would even get three stars at the rate it was going. Which is always a sad thought especially after a promising start. The book thankfully showed me though that there was much more to it than that. That moment came when the characters got sent to Vietnam. Suddenly I had trouble even putting the book down, I was fully invested again and the book never paused after in delivering what I needed from it to stay focused and interested. By the end of it I was just wanting the next book. Wanting to know what would happen next. After everything I can say I was certainly surprised by this book. I had no idea what I might be getting myself into at the beginning and even starting to worry a bit at one point but the book didn't let me down and instead showed me that it had plenty more to give then I ever would of expected. For me it gets four stars. For the aforementioned part where I had grown bored and for the fact that it was hard for me to remember who certain people were with the amount of names going on, mainly with the assassins. Overall though it was certainly a surprise and I look forward to a sequel if one comes out. Also if the author ever decides to do a bit of fan service I'd also really be interested in seeing a prequel to the book since that would surely be interesting. Either way I hope more people get to read this book and that the author keeps in the swing of things and gets more of his writings published. Keep up the good work.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the interest of full disclosure: I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway.

"Baby? This creepy girl is scaring me."

Above appears my favorite quote of the entire book. Poor Erin, to have to deal not only with unscrupulous characters and organizations from all sides of global affairs, but also to have asinine insults hurled at her person as well....no wonder, the girl has an attitude.

Seriously, though, halfway through reading this book, I had contemplated putting it aside--perhaps not to forsake it entirely, but I felt I needed a breather from the unrelenting, horrifying violence, in view of the fact the work had children as the protagonists. I am glad, however, for not having followed my initial instinct, as the reward for uninterruptedly reading the book to its conclusion was a most satisfying one. It wasn't an easy nor comfortable read; I do not assume it was intended to be. The subject matter is serious, and as such, merits respect. After a crucial turning point in the story, Erin can no longer dismiss the implications of her actions and starts to embrace accountability, no matter the consequences to herself or her surroundings, as paradox as this statement may sound. And that is when the story comes into its own.

I recommend reading this book, investing some time and thought in it; I think you'll find it well worth the effort. I look forward to a future installment, in any case. Having the characters fleshed out further, now that I care about them, would be fantastic.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, this book was a bit different from what I normally read but it was well worth getting into. It reads like a very violent, action packed and at times grotesques action movie. The way it reads is from genetically enhanced super assassin 10 year olds perspectives called shadows. At times, the dialogue the children would use made me laugh because it was just so childish even though their intellect of far more superior than an adults. Especially out of the smartass mouth of the main protagonist Erin. Which is a good thing. For the most part of the story I had hits but didn't quite get where the whole storyline was going for a while. It jumped around a lot but still was a pretty easy to understand read. The characters for the most part, were very sadistic freaks of nature and some villains I liked more than others. Crow and Rachael being a few. The other shadows I liked their progression through the story, at least the main ones. Mainly when *spoiler* the O.A. gives restricted freedom over the compound to the shadows for several months as an experiment. You get to see the savage nature and loyalties of each shadow. I very much liked the over stubborn, never budge, screw you, I hate you, fuck you attitude of Erin. She knows what is right and how to make her voice be known. She will kick your ass but also be kind. All in all, if you don't mind blood and guts and love non-stop action. I suggest to give The Shadow Commencement a try.

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who have seen a common action movie, multiply the death and blood in said movie by 15 and you'll have The Shadow Commencement. The characters in this book are cruel and unforgiving yet only 10 years old. From the first page, I was intrigued by the premise of the novel and I had to find out more. The main character, Erin, is a sassy, smart-mouthed Shadow who is just now realizing how unkind the world really is. She discovers herself, her friends, and the world around her by the last page and she takes you on the journey with her. For those who like plot twists, blood, and action, join me and many others in reading The Shadow Commencement.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

i received this book for free through Goodreads first reads.
I have to say that this book took me back a few years and reminded me of the beautiful Jessica Alba in the tv series Dark Angel.
I just couldn't imagine a 10 year old doing all those things, i hoped to see her grow up to be at least 16 through the book. but i guess when you are at her insubordination level, you can't wait to be older to blow everything up.
Anyway i loved it!!!

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. The main character, Erin, is a 10 year old girl in a boarding school for child assassins. Set in 1969-1970, the child assassins are sent on their first assignments to kill. Erin soon realizes the Order of Assassins is not what it seems and makes her own plan to escape and fight for justice. This may have been the most violent book I ever read - even more so than Battle Royale. Not for those who have a weak stomach.

[Marjorie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually wouldn't pick a book like this for myself. The main character Erin, is a preteen killer who is trained by the Order of Annex.She hops around the globe on various missions. She's relentless; literally never giving up on what she believes in.
I think that this book is geared to teens and college aged people. Although it isn't for me it was interesting.

[Isela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read.