What do you think?
Rate this book
The League of Elder #8
The Shadow Tech Goddess
Beware the woman who does not exist, yet is everywhere.
Paymaster Stenstrom and his Countess-in-Waiting, Lady Gwendolyn of Prentiss, are paid a bounty of riches to perform a simple task, and then everything changes. The weight of the Universe comes down upon them. Paymaster Stenstrom learns he is in the gaze of the destroyer of universes, the Shadow tech Goddess, and also that he is in a race with sinister forces hoping to curry her favor and bring about the end of all things. It is a race he and Gwendolyn must win. They will investigate ancient places hidden in plain sight and travel to long lost worlds unseen in ages. They will feel fear such as they have never known and walk in a Garden of Horrors where all is revealed and Stenstrom comes to know the truth of his place in the universe. The Shadow tech Goddess silently watches the doings from her throne in the Hall of Mirrors, seeing all, collecting information, and her verdict might finally be cast one way or the other.
Paymaster Stenstrom and his Countess-in-Waiting, Lady Gwendolyn of Prentiss, are paid a bounty of riches to perform a simple task, and then everything changes. The weight of the Universe comes down upon them. Paymaster Stenstrom learns he is in the gaze of the destroyer of universes, the Shadow tech Goddess, and also that he is in a race with sinister forces hoping to curry her favor and bring about the end of all things. It is a race he and Gwendolyn must win. They will investigate ancient places hidden in plain sight and travel to long lost worlds unseen in ages. They will feel fear such as they have never known and walk in a Garden of Horrors where all is revealed and Stenstrom comes to know the truth of his place in the universe. The Shadow tech Goddess silently watches the doings from her throne in the Hall of Mirrors, seeing all, collecting information, and her verdict might finally be cast one way or the other.
348 pages, Paperback
First published July 21, 2014
6 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Ren Garcia
25 books145 followersRen Garcia, the author of the League of Elder Series, graduated from the Ohio State University with a degree in literature. He enjoys playing volleyball and ice hockey and lives in Columbus, Ohio, with his wife and their four dogs. You can check out Ren’s website at http://theleagueofelder.com/, or his blog at http://thetempleoftheexplodinghead.wo... .
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 23, 2018
Apparently you are supposed to read this book and THEN the others that I have already read. Yet, I think I would have to disagree. I enjoyed the ending to this book more knowing what I knew about the other two books in this Shadow Tech Goddess saga. I think I would have felt different if I had read this one and then the others. I don't think it would be a bad thing, but reading them out of order suited my reading tastes.
For the most part, you can read these Shadow Tech Goddess books in any order and you don't have to be super familiar with the League of Elder. These books are a fascinating take on alternate universes and time lines. Imagine creating a world and then creating it differently to make a whole new story line. These intricately woven tales about Lord Belmont and who or what he is in relation to the the universe keeps you reading.
I really liked finding out what happened to Morgan-Jeterix. I rather like her.
I do not like that HBS lady. I want to punch her. LOL.
Hopefully there are more of these books. I mean I've had the first turn, the 3rd turn, and the 6th turn. Shouldn't there be 5 more turns? You must turn it 8 times...
For the most part, you can read these Shadow Tech Goddess books in any order and you don't have to be super familiar with the League of Elder. These books are a fascinating take on alternate universes and time lines. Imagine creating a world and then creating it differently to make a whole new story line. These intricately woven tales about Lord Belmont and who or what he is in relation to the the universe keeps you reading.
I really liked finding out what happened to Morgan-Jeterix. I rather like her.
I do not like that HBS lady. I want to punch her. LOL.
Hopefully there are more of these books. I mean I've had the first turn, the 3rd turn, and the 6th turn. Shouldn't there be 5 more turns? You must turn it 8 times...
November 26, 2015
I came to this book backward, having read the second book, Stenibelle, first. While this didn’t affect my enjoyment of either in any way, it would have made better sense to read them in the correct sequence.
In this new series from League of Elder author Ren Garcia, we again meet Paymaster Stenstrom, Lord of Belmont-South Tyrol, as well as his companions Taara, A-Ram, Alesta and Gwen, Lady of Prentiss. Having followed their adventures avidly through The Sands of the Solar Empire and Against the Druries, I was excited to see what Mr Garcia had in store for me. I wasn’t disappointed.
Tasked to find the coordinates of a long lost planet, Stenstrom and the crew of the old League Warbird, Seeker, soon realize they are in a race against the ominous and seemingly omnipresent Professor Hannah-Ben Shurlamp. Add to this the mysterious figure of the Shadow tech Goddess – an entity who could as equally be a savior or a destroyer – and you have a swashbuckling, steampunk, romantic fantasy adventure ride second to none. Stenstrom’s ingenuity and loyalties will be tested to their limits, as will his friends’. Their success and very survival depend upon their integrity, and upon Bel’s ability to figure out exactly what’s going on. Not easy when you learn you are replicated throughout all the known Universes!
As always, Mr Garcia throws his all into his novels, sweeping his readers along with him. I love this series and always look forward to new offerings. I can highly recommend his novels to lovers of fantasy, steampunk, and fantastical adventures.
In this new series from League of Elder author Ren Garcia, we again meet Paymaster Stenstrom, Lord of Belmont-South Tyrol, as well as his companions Taara, A-Ram, Alesta and Gwen, Lady of Prentiss. Having followed their adventures avidly through The Sands of the Solar Empire and Against the Druries, I was excited to see what Mr Garcia had in store for me. I wasn’t disappointed.
Tasked to find the coordinates of a long lost planet, Stenstrom and the crew of the old League Warbird, Seeker, soon realize they are in a race against the ominous and seemingly omnipresent Professor Hannah-Ben Shurlamp. Add to this the mysterious figure of the Shadow tech Goddess – an entity who could as equally be a savior or a destroyer – and you have a swashbuckling, steampunk, romantic fantasy adventure ride second to none. Stenstrom’s ingenuity and loyalties will be tested to their limits, as will his friends’. Their success and very survival depend upon their integrity, and upon Bel’s ability to figure out exactly what’s going on. Not easy when you learn you are replicated throughout all the known Universes!
As always, Mr Garcia throws his all into his novels, sweeping his readers along with him. I love this series and always look forward to new offerings. I can highly recommend his novels to lovers of fantasy, steampunk, and fantastical adventures.
January 31, 2015
I received this book as part of Goodreads Giveaways and First Reads.
I'm a little embarrassed with how long it took me to get through this book. I wasn't really feeling it, but at the same time I didn't want to stop reading it. Part of me was hooked, and because the plot was interesting, yet simple enough to follow, I made myself keep reading it. It did start to fall apart at the end, and it became difficult to trace what was happening, but even so, I enjoyed the book enough to get through it.
Although this is eighth book set in this world (I couldn't tell if it was the eighth in the series or just eight out of an anthology), I felt that Garcia introduced the characters well enough that I could still follow them. I didn't fully understand all the interactions and relationships, and some of the terminology I didn't get, but I could figure most of it out on my own.
I liked the illustrations. Nothing else to add, I just thought they were cool.
But dammit, we never got to meet the multi-eyed monster thing on the back cover. I wanted to see that!
I'm a little embarrassed with how long it took me to get through this book. I wasn't really feeling it, but at the same time I didn't want to stop reading it. Part of me was hooked, and because the plot was interesting, yet simple enough to follow, I made myself keep reading it. It did start to fall apart at the end, and it became difficult to trace what was happening, but even so, I enjoyed the book enough to get through it.
Although this is eighth book set in this world (I couldn't tell if it was the eighth in the series or just eight out of an anthology), I felt that Garcia introduced the characters well enough that I could still follow them. I didn't fully understand all the interactions and relationships, and some of the terminology I didn't get, but I could figure most of it out on my own.
I liked the illustrations. Nothing else to add, I just thought they were cool.
But dammit, we never got to meet the multi-eyed monster thing on the back cover. I wanted to see that!
September 10, 2020
If you love stories packed with action and mystery, then you'll love the next book in the League of Elder, The Shadow Tech Goddess. This book definitely has the feel of a swashbuckler. The action scenes are fast-paced and nail-biting, but it is the mysteries within this little gem that keeps the pages turning. Some questions are answered and some are left hanging with the hope of answers to come in the books which follow. The characters are very well developed and I have found an increasing love for Paymaster Stenstrom.
Check it out. It is well worth the read.
Check it out. It is well worth the read.
January 1, 2017
"A lithe figure in black appeared, crouching in the grass. “Oh, who’s this now?” the man cried, panting from his exertion. Before he could say another word the figure attacked and raked its claws across his chest. For the second time, the man fell dead, this time in a pile of horrific cubes of sundered flesh. The figure turned to Stenstrom and seized him by the shirt with bloody hands, then pulled him around a stone. It was Kat; her green eyes fixed on him. She spoke close in a growl. “Second time I save you, HRN. Second time! How lucky for you I’m here.” She formed an StT in her hand and threw it into the pile. The man’s remains burst into red and green flames."
In a world with new weapons, new planets, new characters and new dangers, Garcia captivates his readers with the story of Paymaster Stenstrom and the quest for the Shadow Tech Goddess. This new world introduces several alternate realities, filled with different romances and interesting personalities. It is an exciting world, one filled with adventure.
Stenstrom a.k.a. Bel and Gwendolyn of Prentiss are lovers who travel together on the same ship. When Bel receives a mysterious visitor, stating that she is from a place outside of time…one that virtually is untouchable by the sisters, Bel is intrigued. This female visitor provides him with a mechanism that looks like a dull rock and tells him that the fate of his life and everyone who he travels with will be forever altered. The simple instructions that she provides to him is more confusing than ever and then she leaves just as quickly. After rescuing a Lady of Caroline called Melazarr, he finds more information about what this particular rock is…they call it an Anatameter. This small rock, designed specifically for him, is supposed to be the final concealment to alternate worlds in which others seek to bring back the Shadow Tech Goddess for mass destruction. Can Bel and his beloved Gwen get the task done that has been brought upon them? Or will others find them and stop them first?
This adventure is enticing and enigmatic. Garcia has developed an amazing new world, filled with superb character development, well-written scenes and overly exceeding expectations. The content is truly amazing by the sheer originality and descriptiveness. At first, the pace may seem a bit slow, but it does pick up speed once the characters become familiarized. There are little to no errors, making it an easy read. If you are a reader of fantasy and science fiction, this may be perfect for you. It is strongly advised that since this is classified as dark fantasy, it is not recommended for children or teens due to content.
A paperback copy of this book was purchased by Turning Another Page from the author. We provide a five-star rating for The Shadow Tech Goddess by Ren Garcia.
In a world with new weapons, new planets, new characters and new dangers, Garcia captivates his readers with the story of Paymaster Stenstrom and the quest for the Shadow Tech Goddess. This new world introduces several alternate realities, filled with different romances and interesting personalities. It is an exciting world, one filled with adventure.
Stenstrom a.k.a. Bel and Gwendolyn of Prentiss are lovers who travel together on the same ship. When Bel receives a mysterious visitor, stating that she is from a place outside of time…one that virtually is untouchable by the sisters, Bel is intrigued. This female visitor provides him with a mechanism that looks like a dull rock and tells him that the fate of his life and everyone who he travels with will be forever altered. The simple instructions that she provides to him is more confusing than ever and then she leaves just as quickly. After rescuing a Lady of Caroline called Melazarr, he finds more information about what this particular rock is…they call it an Anatameter. This small rock, designed specifically for him, is supposed to be the final concealment to alternate worlds in which others seek to bring back the Shadow Tech Goddess for mass destruction. Can Bel and his beloved Gwen get the task done that has been brought upon them? Or will others find them and stop them first?
This adventure is enticing and enigmatic. Garcia has developed an amazing new world, filled with superb character development, well-written scenes and overly exceeding expectations. The content is truly amazing by the sheer originality and descriptiveness. At first, the pace may seem a bit slow, but it does pick up speed once the characters become familiarized. There are little to no errors, making it an easy read. If you are a reader of fantasy and science fiction, this may be perfect for you. It is strongly advised that since this is classified as dark fantasy, it is not recommended for children or teens due to content.
A paperback copy of this book was purchased by Turning Another Page from the author. We provide a five-star rating for The Shadow Tech Goddess by Ren Garcia.
June 8, 2015
Well, I will give the author this - the concept is definitely original and enticing - but the text itself went everywhere and yet, no where for me.
This is equal parts Science Fiction in Space with Military characteristics using magic and revolutionary (seemingly) style clothing and titles. And, having eight books in the series going on nine, the author is doing something right. Just not for me.
Character jumps that remind me of the 1980's style Sci-Fi, with the token whore, and a captain with an effeminate name, and no clear course for the story-line. Also, because I am starting at book eight, I may be missing some of the back-story for these characters, but I did not feel that it was going to be interesting from what pieces I had seen.
I thank Mr Garcia for the chance to read this in a Goodreads First Read situation, and I feel bad writing such a horrible review, but I cannot force myself through this, no matter how many times I tried.
This is equal parts Science Fiction in Space with Military characteristics using magic and revolutionary (seemingly) style clothing and titles. And, having eight books in the series going on nine, the author is doing something right. Just not for me.
Character jumps that remind me of the 1980's style Sci-Fi, with the token whore, and a captain with an effeminate name, and no clear course for the story-line. Also, because I am starting at book eight, I may be missing some of the back-story for these characters, but I did not feel that it was going to be interesting from what pieces I had seen.
I thank Mr Garcia for the chance to read this in a Goodreads First Read situation, and I feel bad writing such a horrible review, but I cannot force myself through this, no matter how many times I tried.
December 21, 2016
Once again, another amazing book by Ren Garcia. I think that I enjoy it so much more because I have already read several of his book. Reading all the books adds so much more depth to the fantasy world and the characters.
I thought this book had a great pace and it kept my attention the whole time. I simply loved the plot idea and the very ending was perfect! So many twists, turns, and surprises. There were so many moments in this book that I thought were very sweet and a great development of relationships between several characters. Wow, fantastic characters in this book! The more I read about this world and these characters, the more I can't get enough.
For anyone who has read a book or two of Ren Garcia and aren't sure if it's worth reading more, I honestly believe the reading gets better and better the deeper you go into his world. There is still the violence and references to sex; but if the reader doesn't mind it, I think this is a wonderful fantasy.
I thought this book had a great pace and it kept my attention the whole time. I simply loved the plot idea and the very ending was perfect! So many twists, turns, and surprises. There were so many moments in this book that I thought were very sweet and a great development of relationships between several characters. Wow, fantastic characters in this book! The more I read about this world and these characters, the more I can't get enough.
For anyone who has read a book or two of Ren Garcia and aren't sure if it's worth reading more, I honestly believe the reading gets better and better the deeper you go into his world. There is still the violence and references to sex; but if the reader doesn't mind it, I think this is a wonderful fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews