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Surrounded by Shadows

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When twelve-year-old Danielle is orphaned, she's uprooted from her familiar American life and sent to live with her mother’s estranged family in Ireland. It’s not long before she understands why her parents never spoke of the O’Teiges. Living with them is a nightmare. Abuse and neglect shadow every corner of her new existence, and her hope fades quickly.

But amidst the darkness, Danielle finds solace in the most unexpected the neighboring estate owned by the handsome and enigmatic Derek O’Reilly. Derek is kind, charming, and immediately takes Danielle under his wing. He becomes her only confidant and protector, the first person to care about her in a long time.

However, Derek has a secret, one that ties their destinies together in a way neither could have imagined. As their bond deepens, Derek begins to realize the truth about Danielle's identity—she is the reincarnation of someone he has known through many past lives, each ending in tragedy and death. Shocked by this revelation, he decides to send her back to America, hoping to break the cycle of violence and loss that has plagued them for centuries.

But distance can’t sever a connection that has stood the test of time. As Danielle struggles to build a new life in America, she feels an unexplainable pull back to Ireland, back to Derek. In a tale woven through the ages, Danielle and Derek must find a way to break the curse that binds them before it's too late.

Journey with Danielle as she discovers the power of love, the depths of destiny, and the secrets of a bond that transcends lifetimes. Can they rewrite their history, or will the darkness claim them once again?

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2024

1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read

About the author

Mariah McClain

4 books2 followers

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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Profile Image for Bekki's  Books.
550 reviews9 followers
August 3, 2024
Love triangle

This small town love triangle snared me from the first chapter and left me wanting more. A fantasy with romance, spice, abuse, mystery, magic, and more.
Profile Image for Kammi Manchester.
132 reviews5 followers
July 26, 2024
American FMC planted in Ireland sets the scene for this first book in what promises to be an amazing series! I instantly felt launched into the mythical mixed with real world of Ireland, and felt drawn into the characters of this little quaint Irish town. Having been to Ireland, I found the descriptions so authentic, and often found myself entrenched in the Irish ways and culture. I loved the story, the characters, and slow burn on both the relationship between the main characters and the hints of fantasy and mythical realms. I am highly excited for book two!
PS(to the author): PLEASE GO TO IRELAND! You will never regret a second of it, one of the best places I’ve been!!
Profile Image for Chaotic Bookworm.
509 reviews
August 9, 2024
Surrounded by shadows is book 1 of the Silver Owl Series, a small town, love triangle fantasy romance following the story of Danielle, after being uprooted from her American life at 12 she is sent to live with her mother’s estranged family in Ireland. Though living with them is a nightmare she finds solace with Derek from the neighbouring estate. Though Derek has a secret and after a realisation he sends Danielle back to America, as Danielle struggles to rebuild a life in America, she cannot ignore the unexplainable pull back to Ireland.

Surrounded by shadows was a really enjoyable read, it has mystery, magic and so much more beautifully blended with the mystical elements of Ireland which together has created a great start to this fantasy. Mariah has done a fantastic job with the characters and plot, it is a slow burn but the story in its self kept me wanting to read more. I recommend to those slow burn fantasy lovers out there.

This book was a great start to the series I am seriously excited to read book 2.
663 reviews7 followers
September 20, 2024
This is a very wonderful read. Loved the story line. The characters are well developed. It took me a couple days to read. I literally didn't want to stop reading until I finished. That's how good this book is. Realistically I had to stop from time to time. Enjoyed all the love triangles and the mystery, magic and so much more. This is my first book by Mariah and I am anxiously waiting for book 2. She is a wonderful author that I highly recommend. And I will definitely be reading more of her books. Enjoy everyone.
Profile Image for Unleishd_reads.
237 reviews4 followers
November 30, 2024
Surrounded by Shadows is a beautifully written, hauntingly emotional story that blends mystery, romance, and a touch of the supernatural. Danielle’s journey Ireland to discovering the deep, tragic connection she shares with Derek is captivating. The slow-burn romance between them is tender and filled with emotional depth, as they navigate the dark history tying their lives together across lifetimes. The atmosphere in Ireland is richly described, adding a layer of intrigue to the story, and the plot’s twist keeps things fresh and unpredictable.
Can’t wait to read Book 2!
275 reviews3 followers
July 13, 2024
DJ lives with her abusive grandfather and cousin. Her only friendis a boy from school nicknamed Paidraig who even takes a beating for her at school. Her fated mate Derrik the helps her out and sends her to the states to live out her life. In her 20s she moves back to Ireland because her grandfather left her his estate. Here she battles her demons and reconnects with old friends. And might have a chance with true love.
Profile Image for Teija Hemphill.
78 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2024
This small town live triangle was definitely a good read I can't wait for the second book to come out.
Profile Image for A.D. Rider.
Author 1 book4 followers
September 12, 2024
I love past lives stories!

I'm a big fan of reincarnation, past lives, and the idea of trying again and again to get things right—and these themes are at the heart of this romance. It’s not just the love story that’s at stake, but also Danielle and Garret’s past and future selves. Their conflict isn’t just about feelings; they’re also up against a cast of characters who seem determined to keep them apart.

I really enjoyed this book, especially the small moments that bring the characters to life and highlight their tensions—like when one character is jealous over who gets to read Danielle’s novels first, or the snide remarks between past and future lovers. There’s a sweet mix of romance, angst, jealousy, and plenty of secrets swirling around.

If you love supernatural, slow-burn romances with a vibrant ensemble of characters, I definitely recommend Surrounded by Shadows.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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