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The Shadow Constant
Someone is keeping watch over the machine. Should it ever have been built?
Suspense and Sci-fi readers will love this page turner from a USA Today bestselling author.
The lure of the find behind the loose hearthstone at Hazleton House was too great. The schematic excited Evan, Reenie and Ivy for different reasons but it is Kayla who actually begins building it. Her ability to focus to the exclusion of all else is just one of the effects of her Asperger's.
The scribbled initials E.W. were merely a curiosity until it's discovered they belong to Eli Whitney. But strange footprints and disturbing visitors let Evan know that the theft of his sister's prize schematic isn't just a coincidence. It becomes obvious that the generator has no apparent power source. And Eli Whitney was only the first to die because of the machine.
Soon they realize their enemies are much bigger than they had imagined and the threat the device poses could topple an empire. The secret now threatens those at Hazleton House.
Who is trying to stop them?
Booky Award for BEST Thriller & Suspense Book 2013 Booky Award for top 12 books of 2013 Beverly Hills Book Awards for New Fiction and Suspense 2014 Eric Hoffer Best Book Award 2014Silver Indie Excellence Award for Mystery/Suspense 2014
Suspense and Sci-fi readers will love this page turner from a USA Today bestselling author.
The lure of the find behind the loose hearthstone at Hazleton House was too great. The schematic excited Evan, Reenie and Ivy for different reasons but it is Kayla who actually begins building it. Her ability to focus to the exclusion of all else is just one of the effects of her Asperger's.
The scribbled initials E.W. were merely a curiosity until it's discovered they belong to Eli Whitney. But strange footprints and disturbing visitors let Evan know that the theft of his sister's prize schematic isn't just a coincidence. It becomes obvious that the generator has no apparent power source. And Eli Whitney was only the first to die because of the machine.
Soon they realize their enemies are much bigger than they had imagined and the threat the device poses could topple an empire. The secret now threatens those at Hazleton House.
Who is trying to stop them?
Booky Award for BEST Thriller & Suspense Book 2013 Booky Award for top 12 books of 2013 Beverly Hills Book Awards for New Fiction and Suspense 2014 Eric Hoffer Best Book Award 2014Silver Indie Excellence Award for Mystery/Suspense 2014
453 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2013
103 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Scudiere
65 books389 followers📖𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘆, 𝘂𝗻𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲
♟️stories you can't outguess! 𝘎𝘰 𝘢𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥, 𝘵𝘳𝘺!
🏆USA TODAY bestselling author
🎁grab a FREE BOOK at my website ReadAJS.com
𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝟥𝟢 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳!
GET YOUR FREE BOOK FROM ME HERE
https://www.readajs.com/book-series/n...
"Install a seatbelt in your favorite reading chair!" - ★★★★★
♟️stories you can't outguess! 𝘎𝘰 𝘢𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥, 𝘵𝘳𝘺!
🏆USA TODAY bestselling author
🎁grab a FREE BOOK at my website ReadAJS.com
𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝟥𝟢 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳!
GET YOUR FREE BOOK FROM ME HERE
https://www.readajs.com/book-series/n...
"Install a seatbelt in your favorite reading chair!" - ★★★★★
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 3, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Thriller
Reading Level: Adult (minor F/F situations)
Recommended for: Fans of thrillers, those who like to see a realistic representation of Asperger's
Book Available: July 16, 2013 by Griffyn Ink in Paperback
Trigger Warnings: violence, attempted murder, murder, arson, kidnapping
My Thoughts: I want to point out that I'm a huge fan of A.J. Scudiere. Not all of her books were five-star ratings for me, but all were very enjoyable. I think she has a lot of talent, and some great stories to tell. So when Griffyn Ink sent me a sample of the book and asked if I wanted to review it, I told them if A.J. Scudiere wrote it, I wanted to read it; I didn't need to look at the sample. Most of her books I was provided in exchange for a review, but once I'd read them, I went out and picked up a final copy for myself—sometimes for Kindle, and in one case, an autographed paperback.
This book has a steadily creeping and slowly building feeling of suspense that is as impressive as it is subtle. I stopped for a break and noticed my entire body was tense. To me that is a highly successful effect! Sometimes you can intellectually understand the suspense, but when it is a physical affect... that is some really decent writing.
One of the characters in the book has Asperger's, and it was interesting to me how well the author created the subcurrents that this condition can cause among different people. Reenie, Evan's girlfriend, is initially extremely intolerant of Kayla's differences, and treats her very poorly, while Ivy quickly susses out Kayla's actual abilities and provides a much-needed foil to the hostility from Reenie and the sometimes overprotective attitude of her brother Evan. I know that learning to navigate the waters with Asperger's can be very difficult for neurotypical people; even if you do your best to be very clear and transparent about things, you can be misunderstood. It's something I've been trying very hard to understand better, and I think this book will go a long way toward helping with that. There is also a subtle and very realistic F/F romance going on in the background that I quite enjoyed.
I really liked Ivy's character, and I really liked how Reenie's characters changed and grew through the course of the book. This is written in partially omniscient point-of-view, so there is some minor head-hopping going on, but it's logically done and easy to follow. I think this is Scudiere's best work yet, and am very eager to watch where she goes from here. I've been following this author since shortly after the release of her second book and am very impressed by the growth I see in her writing, and can strongly recommend any of her works if you like a great story. I've listed them below for your reference. This one I think will especially be welcomed by people living with various forms of autism, and their families. It deals with Asperger's in a realistic manner, as nearly as I can tell, and helped me to come to a better understanding of some of the challenges those with Asperger's face.
Also by A.J. Scudiere: If you are interested in this book, or have read it and like the writing, be sure to check out these other awesome books by A.J. Scudiere:
God's Eye : Read and reviewed September 15-16, 2011, review linked here where formatting allowed.
Resonance : Read and reviewed 8/20-21, 2011, review linked here where formatting allowed.
Vengeance : Read and reviewed 9/14-15/2011, review linked here where formatting allowed.
Phoenix : Read and reviewed 5/28-30/2012, review linked here where formatting allowed.
Dumb Blonde : Read and reviewed Aug. 27, 2012, review linked here where formatting allowed.
Disclosure: I received an ARC e-book copy of this book from Griffyn Ink in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Someone is keeping watch over the machine. Should it ever have been built?
The lure of the find behind the loose hearthstone at Hazleton House was too great. The schematic excited Evan, Reenie and Ivy for different reasons, but it is Kayla who actually begins building it. Her ability to focus to the exclusion of all else is just one of the effects of her Asperger's.
The scribbled initials E.W. were merely a curiosity until it's discovered they belong to Eli Whitney. But strange footprints and disturbing visitors let Evan know that the theft of his sister's prize schematic isn't just a coincidence.
It becomes obvious that the generator has no apparent power source. And Eli Whitney was only the first to die because of the machine.
Soon they realize their enemies are much bigger than they had imagined and the threat the device poses could topple an empire. The secret now threatens those at Hazleton House.
Who is trying to stop them?
February 28, 2017
Really good science-fictiony, corporate-intriguey, mystery with some romance thrown in for good measure… I guess I don’t really know how to categorize it.
This book had four main characters: Evan and his almost-fiancee, Reenie, Evan’s sister, Kayla, and the hired historical expert, Ivy. Evan and his sister invest in Reenie’s inherited plantation home in Georgia to turn it into a museum. The fun part starts when, during restoration, they discover a one hundred fifty year old enigmatic schematic for a machine that, at first blush, does not appear likely to work. This is where Kayla, an Asperger’s-enhanced genius, becomes obsessed with building the machine.
Enter corporate intrigue. “Big Oil” does not want this machine discovered, let alone built! As the story progresses, we learn of several people through history who have been killed (or at least died mysteriously) who were involved with this machine. Can Kayla build it? And if and when she does, what does it do?
Really good stuff. I enjoyed the character development, the relationships between the characters, the plot, the pacing… I especially enjoyed the insight into Asperger’s syndrome. This was a great read and I highly recommend it!
True rating 4.5 stars.
This book had four main characters: Evan and his almost-fiancee, Reenie, Evan’s sister, Kayla, and the hired historical expert, Ivy. Evan and his sister invest in Reenie’s inherited plantation home in Georgia to turn it into a museum. The fun part starts when, during restoration, they discover a one hundred fifty year old enigmatic schematic for a machine that, at first blush, does not appear likely to work. This is where Kayla, an Asperger’s-enhanced genius, becomes obsessed with building the machine.
Enter corporate intrigue. “Big Oil” does not want this machine discovered, let alone built! As the story progresses, we learn of several people through history who have been killed (or at least died mysteriously) who were involved with this machine. Can Kayla build it? And if and when she does, what does it do?
Really good stuff. I enjoyed the character development, the relationships between the characters, the plot, the pacing… I especially enjoyed the insight into Asperger’s syndrome. This was a great read and I highly recommend it!
True rating 4.5 stars.
November 16, 2015
A unique heroine, a fascinating historical mystery, and shadowy forces who want to make sure it's never solved make for a compelling read! I'm always drawn to three-dimensional characters who face real-world challenges. Kayla embodies this type of heroine. I can count a handful of books that feature characters on the autism spectrum. This story does so beautifully. As someone with a loved one on the spectrum (Aspie son), I was so pleased to see an honest portrayal - she's not a robot, she's not cold, she's not a stereotype. Kayla is a PERSON who happens to have Aspergers, and those real human qualities that real people on the spectrum do, in fact, possess, shine through.
The other characters are fleshed out nicely and the plot is full of twists and turns that maintain suspense. This story will stick with me. Highly recommend!
The other characters are fleshed out nicely and the plot is full of twists and turns that maintain suspense. This story will stick with me. Highly recommend!
May 8, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"Dogs of the canine, corporate and legal varieties."
Rather than let her inherited Georgian plantation house and buildings be pulled down, Reenie and her partner, Evan, his sister Kayla - a brilliant but socially inept woman suffering from Asperger's who is the main funder of the enterprise - and a third woman, Ivy with an art historian background, decide that together they will restore the estate and turn it into a museum. Whilst renovating, old documents and artifacts are found hidden, including a diagram of a machine. Fascinated, Kayla starts to build it. Then the sinister visitors star appearing and it becomes obvious that they are being watched.
This is a fascinating slow burn thriller with well drawn characters and a touch of gentle romance. In fact, it is a true love story, of friendship and filial responsibility, of interpersonal relationships, and of the quest for truth about family history and the recovery, and safety, of a discovered benefit for mankind.
The narrator, John Thompson, give a good, solid reading, his warm voice relating the story with steady understanding and good intonation throughout. Like the story he recounts, Mr.Thompson reads with a slow and easy, almost laconic style. He also gives seperate, though slight, voicings to all of the characters, sufficient to identify them despite the definite between male and female being minimal. It is a comfortable narration, fitting with the overall tone of the book.
An enjoyable book with a growing excitement infusing the pages as it progresses and which also gives a glimpse into the past as well as some small hope for the future. My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me a complimentary copy of The Shadow Constant, via Audiobook Boom.
"Dogs of the canine, corporate and legal varieties."
Rather than let her inherited Georgian plantation house and buildings be pulled down, Reenie and her partner, Evan, his sister Kayla - a brilliant but socially inept woman suffering from Asperger's who is the main funder of the enterprise - and a third woman, Ivy with an art historian background, decide that together they will restore the estate and turn it into a museum. Whilst renovating, old documents and artifacts are found hidden, including a diagram of a machine. Fascinated, Kayla starts to build it. Then the sinister visitors star appearing and it becomes obvious that they are being watched.
This is a fascinating slow burn thriller with well drawn characters and a touch of gentle romance. In fact, it is a true love story, of friendship and filial responsibility, of interpersonal relationships, and of the quest for truth about family history and the recovery, and safety, of a discovered benefit for mankind.
The narrator, John Thompson, give a good, solid reading, his warm voice relating the story with steady understanding and good intonation throughout. Like the story he recounts, Mr.Thompson reads with a slow and easy, almost laconic style. He also gives seperate, though slight, voicings to all of the characters, sufficient to identify them despite the definite between male and female being minimal. It is a comfortable narration, fitting with the overall tone of the book.
An enjoyable book with a growing excitement infusing the pages as it progresses and which also gives a glimpse into the past as well as some small hope for the future. My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me a complimentary copy of The Shadow Constant, via Audiobook Boom.
April 4, 2018
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel and had a bit of a mixed reaction. The story itself isn't bad, and I'm a sucker for history, mystery, thrillers, and especially a combination of any of the genres, so I was ready to fall in love. Scudiere initially does a fair job of developing the characters, but about a third of the way through, character development seems to stop and they all fall a bit flat. The author also tends to run down some political rabbit trails against the evil oil companies and high gas prices that don't add much to the story, and eventually detract a good deal from the overall storyline. I will however say that he did a good job handling a heroine with Asperger's and making the social difficulties the character faces clear while not upholding some of the typical stereotypes these individuals must deal with every day. Not an easy task!
As for the narration, Thompson did an excellent job carrying the story. His narration was well-paced with an appropriate tone. One thing to note, that's not the narrator's fault - three of the four main characters are female, yet the narrator is male. This was a bit distracting for me and ended up separating me from the story a bit as a listener, making it more difficult to immerse myself in the world being verbally assembled by the narrator. It just didn't fit.
So, as I said, it's mixed. I think if the author had a better editor, then perhaps, this may have been a home run. But more of a miss for me.
***This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.***
As for the narration, Thompson did an excellent job carrying the story. His narration was well-paced with an appropriate tone. One thing to note, that's not the narrator's fault - three of the four main characters are female, yet the narrator is male. This was a bit distracting for me and ended up separating me from the story a bit as a listener, making it more difficult to immerse myself in the world being verbally assembled by the narrator. It just didn't fit.
So, as I said, it's mixed. I think if the author had a better editor, then perhaps, this may have been a home run. But more of a miss for me.
***This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.***
April 25, 2018
My review is for the audiobook format.
An electrifying discovery that will rewrite the history books.
Four friends go about rehabbing Hazleton House, an old plantation they'll eventually run as a museum. Amidst repairs to the property, they find an old blueprint of sorts for a strange machine. When built, it becomes evident what the machine was intended to be -- a solution to the world's energy production problems. Made public, this machine would render Big Oil obsolete and end its control of the world's economy. The four friends are deemed Enemy #1 to all those who thought the existence of the machine was successfully covered up long ago. The plantation becomes a battleground where the group defends the discovery with their very lives, and work desperately to spread knowledge of the machine and instructions on how to build it.
The complex relationship between the four main characters was established early on, which created a slow start to the story. I'm glad I stuck with it, though, as it turned out to have a unique concept and was altogether rather good. I was especially drawn to Kayla's character, whose Asperger's, I felt, was portrayed with respect and used as a strength rather than a hindrance or flaw. I look forward to reading more from this author.
John Thompson gives a fantastic performance as narrator.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge. My review is unbiased and the opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.
An electrifying discovery that will rewrite the history books.
Four friends go about rehabbing Hazleton House, an old plantation they'll eventually run as a museum. Amidst repairs to the property, they find an old blueprint of sorts for a strange machine. When built, it becomes evident what the machine was intended to be -- a solution to the world's energy production problems. Made public, this machine would render Big Oil obsolete and end its control of the world's economy. The four friends are deemed Enemy #1 to all those who thought the existence of the machine was successfully covered up long ago. The plantation becomes a battleground where the group defends the discovery with their very lives, and work desperately to spread knowledge of the machine and instructions on how to build it.
The complex relationship between the four main characters was established early on, which created a slow start to the story. I'm glad I stuck with it, though, as it turned out to have a unique concept and was altogether rather good. I was especially drawn to Kayla's character, whose Asperger's, I felt, was portrayed with respect and used as a strength rather than a hindrance or flaw. I look forward to reading more from this author.
John Thompson gives a fantastic performance as narrator.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge. My review is unbiased and the opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.
January 27, 2025
The restoration of an old plantation into a museum leads to the discovery of some old family secrets. Secrets that, at first, seem like nothing more than good stories for a future museum tour. But, when plans for a machine invented by Eli Whitney are found on the property, those secrets become deadly.
I have had this book in my library for quite awhile. I'm not sure why I hadn't read it before now. The timing was perfect, however. This is the first book, for me, that has fallen into the "I couldn't put it down" category in a long time. What makes the story so compelling, is that there are things that are plausible, and could actually happen.
Not your typical thriller. An invention that could help so many becomes something that the greedy either want for themselves, or would kill to stop it from ever being built. And a brilliant engineer who is the only one who can build it because of her differences. The main character has Asperger's. Which, can be tricky for her to navigate socially, but allows her to focus on calculations, mechanics, and all the variations included like no one else can. All the characters were well-developed and had real depth. In addition, the family dynamics in the story were very realistic, and added greatly to the story. I loved it and recommend it highly!
I have had this book in my library for quite awhile. I'm not sure why I hadn't read it before now. The timing was perfect, however. This is the first book, for me, that has fallen into the "I couldn't put it down" category in a long time. What makes the story so compelling, is that there are things that are plausible, and could actually happen.
Not your typical thriller. An invention that could help so many becomes something that the greedy either want for themselves, or would kill to stop it from ever being built. And a brilliant engineer who is the only one who can build it because of her differences. The main character has Asperger's. Which, can be tricky for her to navigate socially, but allows her to focus on calculations, mechanics, and all the variations included like no one else can. All the characters were well-developed and had real depth. In addition, the family dynamics in the story were very realistic, and added greatly to the story. I loved it and recommend it highly!
May 16, 2018
I had requested and received audiobook version of this book for free from the narrator, in exchange for an unbiased review.
Science fiction, historical fiction, suspense / thriller - this book is a mix of everything. And it doesn't just mix everything just for the sake of. Every aspect of the story is built with care. It's written very well and it draws you in. The setting is so unique and the characters so intriguing. Every character is treated well, specially Kayla. Her Asperger's is turned into her strength, instead of being her handicap. The interaction between them and their fight with the opposition keeps the story in a tight grip and moving at a comfortable pace. By the time it ends, I was thoroughly entertained.
The narrator did a good job. Character voices were done well and the delivery was perfect. No audio quality issue either.
Science fiction, historical fiction, suspense / thriller - this book is a mix of everything. And it doesn't just mix everything just for the sake of. Every aspect of the story is built with care. It's written very well and it draws you in. The setting is so unique and the characters so intriguing. Every character is treated well, specially Kayla. Her Asperger's is turned into her strength, instead of being her handicap. The interaction between them and their fight with the opposition keeps the story in a tight grip and moving at a comfortable pace. By the time it ends, I was thoroughly entertained.
The narrator did a good job. Character voices were done well and the delivery was perfect. No audio quality issue either.
November 8, 2021
The story started out well, and with good characters. There was a mystery, and that was good. Lots of interesting happenings and clues, and the book didn't give too much away. Then the story got away from the author.
The further into the story I got, the more problems showed up. Kayla's behavior changes until it's not really recognizable as the same character. Then there are areas where I know something - to avoid spoilers, I won't be specific - and things completely fall apart there. Not only inconsistent with real life, but also with other parts of the book. Those really bother me - if you don't worry about them, this may not be applicable to you.
As you get to the end of the book, it seems like the author wasn't sure where they were going with the story, and the book loses its cohesiveness. Too bad, really, because there was a lot of potential.
The further into the story I got, the more problems showed up. Kayla's behavior changes until it's not really recognizable as the same character. Then there are areas where I know something - to avoid spoilers, I won't be specific - and things completely fall apart there. Not only inconsistent with real life, but also with other parts of the book. Those really bother me - if you don't worry about them, this may not be applicable to you.
As you get to the end of the book, it seems like the author wasn't sure where they were going with the story, and the book loses its cohesiveness. Too bad, really, because there was a lot of potential.
July 22, 2025
Good enough to finish, i guess but not great.
The blurb sounded right up my alley and it started off strong.
But after a while, it just seemed random. Decisions didn't seem logical or coherent with what little we knew of the characters. And everybody turned so quickly to killing it seemed like it was a zombie apocalypse.
Nobody is really likeable or dislikeable. Everybody and most everything seems a bit bland. Like hints of better characters and story ideas.
Ultimately this is just 'ok'.
The blurb sounded right up my alley and it started off strong.
But after a while, it just seemed random. Decisions didn't seem logical or coherent with what little we knew of the characters. And everybody turned so quickly to killing it seemed like it was a zombie apocalypse.
Nobody is really likeable or dislikeable. Everybody and most everything seems a bit bland. Like hints of better characters and story ideas.
Ultimately this is just 'ok'.
July 12, 2017
When I read the first few pages of this book, it didn't interest me, but as I went on reading it I was hooked. I read it every chance I could including some some midnight hours. I thought the storyline was great. The characters were well defined and believable. The ending came as a big surprise. I was sorry to see the book end.
March 16, 2020
Good scientific type mystery. An old mansion to turn it into a museum, by this four young people. Within the walls are artifacts, with blood and secrets . Blue prints what looks like a time machine Intriguing of what all they get involved in, and with the missing people. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
June 28, 2023
The Shadow Costant
I didn't care for this book. I thought it was pretty lame. There were so many errors in this book & that detracts from the enjoyment. Authors really should have their work proofread for errors & edited before publishing.
I didn't care for this book. I thought it was pretty lame. There were so many errors in this book & that detracts from the enjoyment. Authors really should have their work proofread for errors & edited before publishing.
September 15, 2018
Interesting, that's for sure. If something like that were really released, it'd cause a global depression and quite probably war(s).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2019
Excellent read
Really enjoyed this book. Kept me in suspense and loved the characters. While I normally enjoy more fantasy/sci-fi it was well worth the read.
Really enjoyed this book. Kept me in suspense and loved the characters. While I normally enjoy more fantasy/sci-fi it was well worth the read.
February 19, 2021
Wonderful book! Characters have great depth and plot is superb. Hard to put down.
Read
February 23, 2021Another super story by this author. Never disappoints! Check it out 👌🏽
Read
October 18, 2021Reading this was a mistake, not my cup of tea.
October 28, 2021
Although the book was a little muddled at the start, once I got going it was a great ride. Sometimes a bit contrived, but that doesn't mean it wasn't a very enjoyable read.
February 23, 2023
5 stars for the first 1/4, but the rest was so boring. “Big Oil” and shadowy faceless people sabotaging them. Meh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2025
Not the science fiction story I was hoping for.
Instead this reads more like a howto aspergers for dummies book.
Instead this reads more like a howto aspergers for dummies book.
July 14, 2013
This book was reviewed by Lee Ashford ("Grampy") for Readers’ Favorite.
“The Shadow Constant” by A.J. Scudiere is a fascinating story which may, in fact, be rooted in historical fact. Scudiere has created characters as varied as any like number of real people, and placed them in a situation which, although certainly not common, is as believable as any story you’ve heard or read.
By fortuitous circumstance, Charlotte “Reenie” Temple Carroll inherited Hazleton House, an antebellum plantation mansion which had belonged to her ancestors back to the 18th Century. With her boyfriend, Evan Reeves, and his sister, Kayla, they hired a historical expert to help them restore the mansion to its legitimate period condition. Dr. Ivy Lopez was a young woman who was a stickler for authenticity, as was Reenie.
Once they started tearing down walls which had been erected much later than the original mansion, they began finding interesting, and sometimes significant, artifacts hidden within those walls. Some of these were suitable for display in the museum Reenie wished to make of the house, while others seemed to almost be hidden evidence of a crime.
Of all their many discoveries, the blueprint behind a loose stone in the fireplace was by far of greatest significance to the friends and to the world at large. However, as they subsequently learned, people had previously been killed over that blueprint, and as Kayla, a brilliant engineer with Asperger’s, began to build the machine represented by the blueprints, the four became targets for considerable harassment, theft, vandalism, spying, and even kidnapping and attempted murder. Only by careful and well-executed planning were they able to remain alive long enough to complete, perfect, and market the incredible machine.
“The Shadow Constant” by A.J. Scudiere is a brilliantly conceived and written novel, intensely riveting, and thoroughly engaging. This is a must-read novel eclipsing many other “must-read” novels. Scudiere’s attention to detail presupposes personal knowledge of an authentic antebellum plantation mansion transposed to the pages of this book. If you can read only one book this year, “The Shadow Constant” would be an excellent choice for that book. It is a classic “David vs. Goliath” story situated in today’s world.
“The Shadow Constant” by A.J. Scudiere is a fascinating story which may, in fact, be rooted in historical fact. Scudiere has created characters as varied as any like number of real people, and placed them in a situation which, although certainly not common, is as believable as any story you’ve heard or read.
By fortuitous circumstance, Charlotte “Reenie” Temple Carroll inherited Hazleton House, an antebellum plantation mansion which had belonged to her ancestors back to the 18th Century. With her boyfriend, Evan Reeves, and his sister, Kayla, they hired a historical expert to help them restore the mansion to its legitimate period condition. Dr. Ivy Lopez was a young woman who was a stickler for authenticity, as was Reenie.
Once they started tearing down walls which had been erected much later than the original mansion, they began finding interesting, and sometimes significant, artifacts hidden within those walls. Some of these were suitable for display in the museum Reenie wished to make of the house, while others seemed to almost be hidden evidence of a crime.
Of all their many discoveries, the blueprint behind a loose stone in the fireplace was by far of greatest significance to the friends and to the world at large. However, as they subsequently learned, people had previously been killed over that blueprint, and as Kayla, a brilliant engineer with Asperger’s, began to build the machine represented by the blueprints, the four became targets for considerable harassment, theft, vandalism, spying, and even kidnapping and attempted murder. Only by careful and well-executed planning were they able to remain alive long enough to complete, perfect, and market the incredible machine.
“The Shadow Constant” by A.J. Scudiere is a brilliantly conceived and written novel, intensely riveting, and thoroughly engaging. This is a must-read novel eclipsing many other “must-read” novels. Scudiere’s attention to detail presupposes personal knowledge of an authentic antebellum plantation mansion transposed to the pages of this book. If you can read only one book this year, “The Shadow Constant” would be an excellent choice for that book. It is a classic “David vs. Goliath” story situated in today’s world.
May 31, 2016
Wow! An overwhelming read. I wouldn't have thought that this story would have led me down an unusual path as this, but I am glad it did, because I enjoyed every step of the way. Tensions are unleashed as they search to find the truth. THE SHADOW CONSTANT, by A. J. Scudiere is a masterpiece beautifully and skillfully written. In this gripping tale of intrigue, murder, and mayhem, Kayla, her brother Evan, Reenie, and Ivy are trying to turn an old plantation house into the Hazelton House Museum when suddenly, everything starts going wrong as they come upon some interesting artifacts that had been hidden among the walls. Some even had dried blood on them. Suddenly our story turns into a deep and awesome mystery. Why were the items put there in the first place? Could these artifacts be the results of an unhappy event? Could more unhappy events follow?
As the amazing plot begins to thicken strangers start showing up at the plantation. Then Kayla, with her special skills, comes across an even bigger artifact and begins to work on it. Then, just as suddenly, deeper trouble follows and one person goes missing. Can the mystery be solved and the missing person found before it is too late? Or will Kayla's ability cause even more trouble? Will everyone be picked off one by one?
As I kept turning the pages and savoring every word, I traveled helplessly along with the wonderful characters as they were being dragged unwillingly deeper into the core of the story. I loved the detail work that went into this exciting, nail-biting new challenge with a new twist that kept me enthralled.
August 1, 2013
I loved it.
One of the most amazing things about The Shadow Constant by A.J. Scudiere is the thoroughness of her portrayal of what it is like to live with Asperger’s Syndrome. The effects of the condition expand beyond the main character Kayla and effect everyone around her.
One of the defining characteristics of Asperger’s Syndrome is difficulty with interpersonal relationships and the reader experiences this not only with Kayla’s employment history and her inability to hold down a job, but also with her brother, brother’s girlfriend and Ivy, the woman hired by her brother to “babysit” Kayla. In the novel, Scudiere portrays two of the most common reactions to people on the spectrum. On the one hand, friends and family can be accepting and overprotective, while others can label those of us with these disorders. However, in both cases, just about everyone ends up underestimating people struggling to live with Asperger’s Syndrome, one out of love and the other from judgments and prejudices. This plays out beautifully in Scudiere’s novel and is elevated into an overall theme.
For more of my review, please visit my website at http://nrgallowaymiller24.wordpress.c...
One of the most amazing things about The Shadow Constant by A.J. Scudiere is the thoroughness of her portrayal of what it is like to live with Asperger’s Syndrome. The effects of the condition expand beyond the main character Kayla and effect everyone around her.
One of the defining characteristics of Asperger’s Syndrome is difficulty with interpersonal relationships and the reader experiences this not only with Kayla’s employment history and her inability to hold down a job, but also with her brother, brother’s girlfriend and Ivy, the woman hired by her brother to “babysit” Kayla. In the novel, Scudiere portrays two of the most common reactions to people on the spectrum. On the one hand, friends and family can be accepting and overprotective, while others can label those of us with these disorders. However, in both cases, just about everyone ends up underestimating people struggling to live with Asperger’s Syndrome, one out of love and the other from judgments and prejudices. This plays out beautifully in Scudiere’s novel and is elevated into an overall theme.
For more of my review, please visit my website at http://nrgallowaymiller24.wordpress.c...
June 11, 2016
I would give The Shadow Constant 3 1/2 stars. The story line and plot were great. The main character was unique and well developed. Once again Scudiere does a tremendous job researching for her story to get little nuances down perfectly.
My one main concern with the story had to do with introducing new characters about 2/3rds of the way through the story. When it first happened, all I could think was that they were brought into the story to provide a 'good' character to die so that none of the main characters could. Instead nobody on the 'good' side died or even seemed to run into any trouble with the law even though they took some actions that would have at least warranted being looked at by law enforcement.
To me, it felt a little weaker than the story could have been. There could have been an added dynamic of loss if one of the three lesser main characters died. Instead that seemed to have been shown by mentioning the death of characters you never met (except in how their death effected the main characters life).
Overall I did enjoy The Shadow Constant and would recommend it to all fans of Scudiere as well as all fans of thrillers. I think they will enjoy the book tremendously.
My one main concern with the story had to do with introducing new characters about 2/3rds of the way through the story. When it first happened, all I could think was that they were brought into the story to provide a 'good' character to die so that none of the main characters could. Instead nobody on the 'good' side died or even seemed to run into any trouble with the law even though they took some actions that would have at least warranted being looked at by law enforcement.
To me, it felt a little weaker than the story could have been. There could have been an added dynamic of loss if one of the three lesser main characters died. Instead that seemed to have been shown by mentioning the death of characters you never met (except in how their death effected the main characters life).
Overall I did enjoy The Shadow Constant and would recommend it to all fans of Scudiere as well as all fans of thrillers. I think they will enjoy the book tremendously.
August 22, 2015
Four people, the inheritor, a brother and sister who has Asperger's and is very bright and another woman band together to restore an antebellum plantation and open it as a historical museum. Among other things they find is the plans for a machine designed by Eli Whitney. The sister is intrigued and more so when she finds various machine parts scattered about the smithy and other out buildings. When the plans go missing from the preservation company hired to protect them and then returned with some changes, the sister manages to complete the machine. They now have a "perpetual motion generator" and no end of troubles as various entities are out to steal/suppress it and are willing to go to any lengths to do so. An interesting idea and the interactions of the four as they work to protect their investment and the machine make for interesting reading.
August 30, 2015
I found this book a very good read. you will be super surprised at what length people will go to get something. This is about 4 people that accidentally found some plans in the wall for a machine.
One of the characters in the book suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome, which is Kayla. Evan her brother tries to look out for her. he is compassionate to her disease and defends her all the time from people that react badly toward her.
I would highly recommend you reading this book. You will not be disappointed.
One of the characters in the book suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome, which is Kayla. Evan her brother tries to look out for her. he is compassionate to her disease and defends her all the time from people that react badly toward her.
I would highly recommend you reading this book. You will not be disappointed.
May 3, 2016
Eli Whitney had been for it. Now Kayla, a brilliant engineer with Aspergers has found and perfected his plans. As she, her brother Evan, his fiance, Reenie, and their resident historian, Evi try to get their old plantation house refinished into museum, they find their lives in peril to get the machine. The tension and ironic humor will keep you reading until you find out for yourself.
If you love history, suspense and eclectic personalities, you'll love this book. Hidden hidey holes, buried treasure, and weird antics galore.
If you love history, suspense and eclectic personalities, you'll love this book. Hidden hidey holes, buried treasure, and weird antics galore.
August 20, 2015
It's a great read about the intrigue and mystery surrounding the Hazleton House. A group of 20ers have to work together while one of them struggles with the effects of her Asperger's. Even though at times it was hard to relate I know what its like to have people try to hold you back and protect you at the same time because of an decease or illness. It's not my usual type of book but still a good read.
January 7, 2016
An amazing read
I have to say I have read a lot of books and I found this one is one of the best I have read. My son has aspergers and the depiction of Kayla is spot on. It is truly refreshing to read a book that shows all the qualities both good and bad that aspies have.
The story itself was a thrilling read. The characters were well developed and you can tell the care put into the technical details.
I couldn't put it down and truly look forward to reading other titles
I have to say I have read a lot of books and I found this one is one of the best I have read. My son has aspergers and the depiction of Kayla is spot on. It is truly refreshing to read a book that shows all the qualities both good and bad that aspies have.
The story itself was a thrilling read. The characters were well developed and you can tell the care put into the technical details.
I couldn't put it down and truly look forward to reading other titles
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