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Shadow Man: Short Story Compilation
Fictional Chronicles of Warrior ResilienceThis compelling compilation of fictional short stories explores the journey through trauma and resilience, spanning from childhood to the wisdom of the sixth decade. Each carefully crafted narrative illuminates how seemingly unbearable moments—the kind that fracture lives and shatter spirits—can instead forge an unexpected inner warrior.
These intimate, unflinching fictional accounts reveal the transformative power of trauma. From the early memories at age two, when a character first senses divine presence, through decades of invented challenges that would defeat many, these stories map the territory where human fragility meets unyielding strength.
The collection explores how faith serves as both anchor and compass through life's darkest storms. God's presence, first recognized in a character's early childhood and remaining steadfast into their sixties, threads through each narrative as the constant companion that makes survival not just possible but meaningful.
Readers will witness how each fictional traumatic experience, while leaving its mark on the characters, also carves out greater capacity for resilience, compassion, and wisdom. These are not simply survival stories—they are fictional testament to how adversity, when met with unwavering faith, can transform ordinary lives into extraordinary journeys of spiritual warrior-hood.
Written with emotional authenticity and imaginative insight, this fictional compilation speaks to anyone who has faced their own battles and seeks to understand how brokenness can become the foundation for profound strength. It stands as a creative exploration of the reality that our deepest wounds often reveal our greatest power, especially when we don't face them alone.
These intimate, unflinching fictional accounts reveal the transformative power of trauma. From the early memories at age two, when a character first senses divine presence, through decades of invented challenges that would defeat many, these stories map the territory where human fragility meets unyielding strength.
The collection explores how faith serves as both anchor and compass through life's darkest storms. God's presence, first recognized in a character's early childhood and remaining steadfast into their sixties, threads through each narrative as the constant companion that makes survival not just possible but meaningful.
Readers will witness how each fictional traumatic experience, while leaving its mark on the characters, also carves out greater capacity for resilience, compassion, and wisdom. These are not simply survival stories—they are fictional testament to how adversity, when met with unwavering faith, can transform ordinary lives into extraordinary journeys of spiritual warrior-hood.
Written with emotional authenticity and imaginative insight, this fictional compilation speaks to anyone who has faced their own battles and seeks to understand how brokenness can become the foundation for profound strength. It stands as a creative exploration of the reality that our deepest wounds often reveal our greatest power, especially when we don't face them alone.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2025
1 person want to read
About the author
Vicki M. Taylor
13 books37 followersAward winning author, Vicki M. Taylor writes dramatic fiction with strong, unforgettable women characters while she manages Bipolar Disorder.
Vicki M. Taylor attacks the hard issues and brings them to the forefront with a deftness that outshines most other authors. Her ability to sink her teeth into these headline issues and pull the reader into the story makes her one of the best authors of this new century.
No issue is too controversial for Vicki. Murder, teenage suicide, domestic violence and more, you'll find Vicki M. Taylor's stories not only give you the harsh realities of the character's life but she wraps you up in their private emotional lives as well - daring you to not care, not feel, not read.
Active with various author and writing organizations like FWA and more, Vicki's the past President and a founding member of the Florida Writers Association.
Vicki's novel, Not Without Anna won 2nd place in the FWA 2003 Royal Palm Awards Adult Fiction, Unpublished division. Her unpublished novel, Out for Justice won 1st place in the 2007 Golden Acorn Excellence in Writing contest in the Romantic Suspense category.
She's also won awards for her short stories.
Vicki M. Taylor's Website"
Vicki M. Taylor attacks the hard issues and brings them to the forefront with a deftness that outshines most other authors. Her ability to sink her teeth into these headline issues and pull the reader into the story makes her one of the best authors of this new century.
No issue is too controversial for Vicki. Murder, teenage suicide, domestic violence and more, you'll find Vicki M. Taylor's stories not only give you the harsh realities of the character's life but she wraps you up in their private emotional lives as well - daring you to not care, not feel, not read.
Active with various author and writing organizations like FWA and more, Vicki's the past President and a founding member of the Florida Writers Association.
Vicki's novel, Not Without Anna won 2nd place in the FWA 2003 Royal Palm Awards Adult Fiction, Unpublished division. Her unpublished novel, Out for Justice won 1st place in the 2007 Golden Acorn Excellence in Writing contest in the Romantic Suspense category.
She's also won awards for her short stories.
Vicki M. Taylor's Website"
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 20, 2025
"Shadow Man: A Short Story Compilation" by Vicki M. Taylor is a compelling and emotionally charged read. Among the collection, the title story "The Shadow Man" stood out as my favorite. It centers around a young girl on the verge of turning six, who stays awake long after everyone else has gone to bed—terrified of the mysterious Shadow Man. She fears that the moment she falls asleep, he will appear.
Her nights are filled with relentless terrors. As long as she stays awake, the nightmares can’t reach her. All she wants is peace from these haunting visions. Even in a state of intoxication, the night terrors continue to torment her. To discover how she ultimately finds relief and freedom from night terrors, you’ll need to read the story yourself.
I found myself absorbed in several stories from the collection in one sitting. "Mother’s Helper" and "Moments on the Beach at Sunset" were among my other favorites.
Each story is both gripping and emotionally resonant. For anyone facing dark times and searching for a sense of hope or a spiritual uplift, this book offers comfort and renewal. It reminds readers that light can be found even in the darkest of places, and strengthens faith in God.
Her nights are filled with relentless terrors. As long as she stays awake, the nightmares can’t reach her. All she wants is peace from these haunting visions. Even in a state of intoxication, the night terrors continue to torment her. To discover how she ultimately finds relief and freedom from night terrors, you’ll need to read the story yourself.
I found myself absorbed in several stories from the collection in one sitting. "Mother’s Helper" and "Moments on the Beach at Sunset" were among my other favorites.
Each story is both gripping and emotionally resonant. For anyone facing dark times and searching for a sense of hope or a spiritual uplift, this book offers comfort and renewal. It reminds readers that light can be found even in the darkest of places, and strengthens faith in God.
June 20, 2025
Short story lovers would find this collection riveting. I enjoyed reading these short stories along with a cup of coffee.
“My Griefs: Passing On” unveils a powerful revelation about how to release long-held grief. The narrator reflects on deeply personal losses—loss of innocence, virginity, and an unborn child; the loss of the ability to give life, of family, a first marriage, and trust in men; even the loss of mental stability due to struggles with mental health.
“The Storm” is another compelling short story centered on a young girl who suffers from anxiety attacks triggered by thunderstorms. One night, while her parents were unplugging appliances and turning off lights during a storm, she tried to join them—but was caught in the downpour. The rain lashed her small body, and from that moment on, she developed a hatred for thunderstorms.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I read the collection at night and genuinely felt chills down my spine. The language is simple and accessible, and the author skillfully keeps the reader engaged until the very end. I’m excited to explore more short story collections by this author in the future.
“My Griefs: Passing On” unveils a powerful revelation about how to release long-held grief. The narrator reflects on deeply personal losses—loss of innocence, virginity, and an unborn child; the loss of the ability to give life, of family, a first marriage, and trust in men; even the loss of mental stability due to struggles with mental health.
“The Storm” is another compelling short story centered on a young girl who suffers from anxiety attacks triggered by thunderstorms. One night, while her parents were unplugging appliances and turning off lights during a storm, she tried to join them—but was caught in the downpour. The rain lashed her small body, and from that moment on, she developed a hatred for thunderstorms.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I read the collection at night and genuinely felt chills down my spine. The language is simple and accessible, and the author skillfully keeps the reader engaged until the very end. I’m excited to explore more short story collections by this author in the future.
June 20, 2025
Fans of fictional short stories are sure to enjoy Vicki M. Taylor’s collection, Shadow Man. This is a captivating read that you won't feel like putting away until the last page.
The title story, “The Shadow Man,” follows a protagonist plagued by night terrors and haunted by the mysterious Shadow Man. Sleepless and fearful, she longs for the nights to pass quickly—an ongoing struggle that spans several years.
In “The North Elevator,” the narrator’s eyes are fixated on the doors of the North Elevator. With urgency, she rushes toward them, even flinging her suitcase through the closing doors. What happens inside the elevator? You’ll have to read the story to find out.
Taylor’s writing style is smooth and accessible, making the stories easy to follow and engaging. The cover image and title align well with the book’s theme. Each story explores different subjects that readers can easily connect with. I truly enjoyed reading this collection.
The title story, “The Shadow Man,” follows a protagonist plagued by night terrors and haunted by the mysterious Shadow Man. Sleepless and fearful, she longs for the nights to pass quickly—an ongoing struggle that spans several years.
In “The North Elevator,” the narrator’s eyes are fixated on the doors of the North Elevator. With urgency, she rushes toward them, even flinging her suitcase through the closing doors. What happens inside the elevator? You’ll have to read the story to find out.
Taylor’s writing style is smooth and accessible, making the stories easy to follow and engaging. The cover image and title align well with the book’s theme. Each story explores different subjects that readers can easily connect with. I truly enjoyed reading this collection.
June 21, 2025
In this book, the author employs faith-based storytelling to great effect. The characters often begin their journeys feeling lost and restless, but through divine intervention, they eventually discover peace.
Some of my personal favorites from the collection include The Storm, The Shadow Man, Another Father's Day, and The Magic Miracle. Many of the stories center around a young girl navigating difficult circumstances and ultimately emerging as a resilient survivor.
These stories linger in my mind long after turning the final page. Each one leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
A few of the tales have a darker tone that can send chills down your spine. Reading this collection at night or during a stormy day adds a spooky edge that only enhances the experience. Vicki masterfully sets the scene in every story, creating vivid and atmospheric backdrops.
I highly recommend this book to fellow readers looking for stories with heart, depth, and a touch of the supernatural.
Some of my personal favorites from the collection include The Storm, The Shadow Man, Another Father's Day, and The Magic Miracle. Many of the stories center around a young girl navigating difficult circumstances and ultimately emerging as a resilient survivor.
These stories linger in my mind long after turning the final page. Each one leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
A few of the tales have a darker tone that can send chills down your spine. Reading this collection at night or during a stormy day adds a spooky edge that only enhances the experience. Vicki masterfully sets the scene in every story, creating vivid and atmospheric backdrops.
I highly recommend this book to fellow readers looking for stories with heart, depth, and a touch of the supernatural.
July 1, 2025
Vicki M. Taylor’s Not Without Anna is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that boldly confronts some of life’s most challenging and painful realities. With remarkable sensitivity and unflinching honesty, Taylor explores the aftermath of teenage suicide, delivering a story that is as heartbreaking as it is healing.
April 26, 2025
Taylor doesn’t flinch from life’s hardest truths, but she also doesn’t leave readers there. Her fictional world is one of restoration, one where divine presence lights even the darkest places.
August 7, 2025
A powerful and soul-stirring collection, Unbroken beautifully illustrates how faith and resilience can transform life’s deepest wounds into a legacy of strength, compassion, and spiritual triumph.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews