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Genetically Modified #1
Shadow
If you like demure heroines, men who don’t support women, or governments who favor authoritarian leadership, look elsewhere. This series offers fierce women, men who champion female strength, and a corrupt political system ready to be toppled.
The world fell. Their war began. Now, a reluctant alliance is humanity’s last hope.
In a broken world, Marinah is an unwilling Secretary of Defense, her defiance and resilience the last remaining flicker of light against the encroaching darkness. Her position of power is a burden she never wanted, but as the world crumbles, she becomes the defiant leader humanity desperately needs.
But hope comes in the form of a King, a ruthless Shadow Warrior driven by a singular thirst for vengeance. He is a predator from the deep reaches of space, and his very presence is a declaration of war. Their paths cross not as allies, but as enemies bound by a shared, primal need for survival.
From a clash of instincts to a fragile, magnetic bond, their journey is as dangerous as the world they inhabit. Every choice is a matter of life, death, and the future of humanity. Their romance is an electrifying force, a defiant declaration that love can burn even in the ruins of a broken world.
SHADOW is an intimate, high-stakes thriller for readers who crave danger, defiance, and desire all in one breath. Perfect for fans of apocalyptic romantasy, alien-human alliances, and romance-forward thrillers like Curse of Shadows, Ensnared, and Ice Planet Barbarians.
The world fell. Their war began. Now, a reluctant alliance is humanity’s last hope.
In a broken world, Marinah is an unwilling Secretary of Defense, her defiance and resilience the last remaining flicker of light against the encroaching darkness. Her position of power is a burden she never wanted, but as the world crumbles, she becomes the defiant leader humanity desperately needs.
But hope comes in the form of a King, a ruthless Shadow Warrior driven by a singular thirst for vengeance. He is a predator from the deep reaches of space, and his very presence is a declaration of war. Their paths cross not as allies, but as enemies bound by a shared, primal need for survival.
From a clash of instincts to a fragile, magnetic bond, their journey is as dangerous as the world they inhabit. Every choice is a matter of life, death, and the future of humanity. Their romance is an electrifying force, a defiant declaration that love can burn even in the ruins of a broken world.
SHADOW is an intimate, high-stakes thriller for readers who crave danger, defiance, and desire all in one breath. Perfect for fans of apocalyptic romantasy, alien-human alliances, and romance-forward thrillers like Curse of Shadows, Ensnared, and Ice Planet Barbarians.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2025
277 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Holly S. Roberts
89 books1,012 followersHolly S Roberts is an award-winning author which includes appearing on the USA TODAY list multiple times and selling more than one million books worldwide. Her career as a homicide and sex crimes detective kept her in the romance genre for years because she needed happy endings. After years of therapy and speaking publicly on matters close to her heart, she’s turned her pen to dark survival thrillers with kickass women that encapsulate her unique perspective. The Carter Family Shark Thrillers are current bestsellers. Max, her Rottweiler, is never far from her side because he listens when she has plot problems and offers rare insights when encouraged by cookies.
For more information, visit her website at wickedstorytelling.com.
For more information, visit her website at wickedstorytelling.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 4, 2019
First in the Genetically Modified apocalyptic science fiction duology and revolving around Marinah. The couple focus is on Marinah Church and King.
This eARC was sent to me by BookSirens for an honest review.
My Take
It's a theme of betrayal by the politicians. A betrayal that encompasses so many areas. And I certainly can't blame King and his people for hiding all these secrets! Snicker, I did enjoy how Roberts portrayed the Shadow Warriors in their straightforward "thinking".
There is so much distrust, and I can't blame the Shadow Warriors one bit. But, even with the betrayal, the Shadow Warriors know they need the humans. At least they'll be more wary in the future. Now if only Marinah knew what her own leaders were hiding from the people, what with those horrendous living conditions and the hideous food...that those same leaders are not suffering.
Oh, yeah, this is only one of the ways in which Roberts is a tease with this back-and-forth dance of secrets, the most horrible secret being what genetic engineering has done to humans. And I'm talkin' directly to/on humans as well as the modifications made to foods.
Both protagonists drive the story with enough action to keep things moving, although the pace itself seems so-o-o sl-o-o-w-w-w. It doesn't help that Roberts uses present tense to tell the story, adding to the oddity of the pace.
It's also yet another story that showcases the beastly nature of humans with the so-called "animals" much more humane and caring. Between the care the Shadow Warriors take of the humans in their care and the sweetness of King's memories of his parents' marriage, I melted.
I wish there had been more finesse in Marinah's and King's romance. I'd've thought it would be easy with Roberts switching back and forth from Marinah to King using a first person dual protagonist point-of-view. Alas, it was not to be.
The Story
The world has fought an alien war for seven years. Ten percent of the world is still alive. And only because of the Shadow Warriors jumping in to save the humans.
Then the humans betrayed them when the war was won.
The Characters
The klutzy Marinah Church, a theater and performing arts student who was minoring in analytics, is the third defense secretary...since her father, Farrish Church, died in his active position as defense secretary. Her mother, Dinah, gave her life to save Marinah's.
The Shadow Warriors came...
...to earth hundreds of years ago because their violent nature caused them to destroy their own planet.
King/Beast is the current leader. Beck, third-in-command, is filling Cabel's position as second-in-command while Cabel is in his mating frenzy with Mary. Cabel is also in charge of the food supply. More of King's guards include Labyrinth; Nokita; Knet, who is a wild card; Axel, who is their doctor and a pacifist; and, Boot who is forced to train Marinah. Boot's wife, Maylin, and son, Che, are not supposed to be at headquarters. Greystone was their leader (and King's uncle) while Church was alive.
The US Federation is...
...what has replaced the federal government. The current president, Barnes, is a synthetic biologist and agricultural scientist — knowing how to raise food has value.
Impossible-to-kill hellhounds finished what the nuclear bombs and EMP began.
Before the war, Marinah's friends had included Hailey, Brittney, Corey, and Kaitlin. Brian had been a co-worker.
The Cover and Title
The cover finds Marinah straddling something, a bike?, with her back to us, her long hair straggling down her left shoulder. She's mostly in silhouette staring down a very narrow street of old stucco buildings in the grays of disrepair, a third world feeling to the scene with the hope of a blue sky rising up the center. At the top is the series information in a reflecting silver with a shadowed sans-serif font. Below it is the same for the title but larger. A quick subtitle tells us the protagonist's name in script below that and to the right. At the very bottom is an angled gradation of light purple to darker purple in the author's name.
The title reflects the secrets being kept by both sides, a Shadow of truth.
This eARC was sent to me by BookSirens for an honest review.
My Take
It's a theme of betrayal by the politicians. A betrayal that encompasses so many areas. And I certainly can't blame King and his people for hiding all these secrets! Snicker, I did enjoy how Roberts portrayed the Shadow Warriors in their straightforward "thinking".
There is so much distrust, and I can't blame the Shadow Warriors one bit. But, even with the betrayal, the Shadow Warriors know they need the humans. At least they'll be more wary in the future. Now if only Marinah knew what her own leaders were hiding from the people, what with those horrendous living conditions and the hideous food...that those same leaders are not suffering.
Oh, yeah, this is only one of the ways in which Roberts is a tease with this back-and-forth dance of secrets, the most horrible secret being what genetic engineering has done to humans. And I'm talkin' directly to/on humans as well as the modifications made to foods.
Both protagonists drive the story with enough action to keep things moving, although the pace itself seems so-o-o sl-o-o-w-w-w. It doesn't help that Roberts uses present tense to tell the story, adding to the oddity of the pace.
It's also yet another story that showcases the beastly nature of humans with the so-called "animals" much more humane and caring. Between the care the Shadow Warriors take of the humans in their care and the sweetness of King's memories of his parents' marriage, I melted.
I wish there had been more finesse in Marinah's and King's romance. I'd've thought it would be easy with Roberts switching back and forth from Marinah to King using a first person dual protagonist point-of-view. Alas, it was not to be.
The Story
The world has fought an alien war for seven years. Ten percent of the world is still alive. And only because of the Shadow Warriors jumping in to save the humans.
Then the humans betrayed them when the war was won.
The Characters
The klutzy Marinah Church, a theater and performing arts student who was minoring in analytics, is the third defense secretary...since her father, Farrish Church, died in his active position as defense secretary. Her mother, Dinah, gave her life to save Marinah's.
The Shadow Warriors came...
...to earth hundreds of years ago because their violent nature caused them to destroy their own planet.
King/Beast is the current leader. Beck, third-in-command, is filling Cabel's position as second-in-command while Cabel is in his mating frenzy with Mary. Cabel is also in charge of the food supply. More of King's guards include Labyrinth; Nokita; Knet, who is a wild card; Axel, who is their doctor and a pacifist; and, Boot who is forced to train Marinah. Boot's wife, Maylin, and son, Che, are not supposed to be at headquarters. Greystone was their leader (and King's uncle) while Church was alive.
The US Federation is...
...what has replaced the federal government. The current president, Barnes, is a synthetic biologist and agricultural scientist — knowing how to raise food has value.
Impossible-to-kill hellhounds finished what the nuclear bombs and EMP began.
Before the war, Marinah's friends had included Hailey, Brittney, Corey, and Kaitlin. Brian had been a co-worker.
The Cover and Title
The cover finds Marinah straddling something, a bike?, with her back to us, her long hair straggling down her left shoulder. She's mostly in silhouette staring down a very narrow street of old stucco buildings in the grays of disrepair, a third world feeling to the scene with the hope of a blue sky rising up the center. At the top is the series information in a reflecting silver with a shadowed sans-serif font. Below it is the same for the title but larger. A quick subtitle tells us the protagonist's name in script below that and to the right. At the very bottom is an angled gradation of light purple to darker purple in the author's name.
The title reflects the secrets being kept by both sides, a Shadow of truth.
May 7, 2019
This book is a genre-blender. Paranormal, Post-apocalyptic, Dystopic, Romance, Action-Suspense and Sci-Fi all make an appearance. I'm a sucker for a good PA novel, but shifters, not so much. This was a little toned down and the slow burn helped curb any "fated mates" worries. In fact, the H/h are not at all enamored with one another at the beginning. Roberts crafts a complicated world. Twists are prevalent. Plus, I really began to like the characters. Marinah is a woman who finds herself, uncovers secrets and chooses sides. King is an alpha who hides his doubts but still feels them, and sometimes wilts under the burden of leadership, so I loved that bit of realism. The post-apocalyptic world is terrifying and one layer after another is revealed about what got the world to that state. I immediately read book two and am anxious for more.
January 27, 2019
This is Shadow, book one of the Genetically Modified series written by Holly S Roberts. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and so worried for Marinah the entire time. Have you ever felt overwhelmed and surrounded by wolves in sheep’s clothing?? What about barely contained beasts that ripple just below the surface of the huge men that are watching your every move? Trust me, you WILL NOT want to set this one down until the exciting cliffhanger ending! I’m gonna go sit in a corner and color in my adult coloring book while I wait for book two of the series to come out. You can join me, but bring your own colors...I chewed on a few of mine while reading this awesome book.
February 13, 2019
WOW!!! HIGHLY recommend this book!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I've been a fan of Holly S. Roberts books for quite some time and THIS book SHADOW is just another example and why I LOVE reading this authors books, regardless of the genre. Holly has a very special gift as an extremely talented author, with a brilliant and creative mind. Holly has the capability to bring out different emotions by the reader, which I find extraordinary. I found myself laughing so hard at specific points in the book, which is wonderful because there is a point in the book where I also cried and that's ok too. I don't want to give away any spoilers so I'll just say that you will fall in love with King and Marinah, especially her personality and sense of humor in this New World. I absolutely LOVE, LOVE this book and cannot wait for the next book, WARRIOR! Once again, this author NEVER disappoints. I only wish I could give this book more than 5 stars because it's THAT good and definitely deserves it!!
I've been a fan of Holly S. Roberts books for quite some time and THIS book SHADOW is just another example and why I LOVE reading this authors books, regardless of the genre. Holly has a very special gift as an extremely talented author, with a brilliant and creative mind. Holly has the capability to bring out different emotions by the reader, which I find extraordinary. I found myself laughing so hard at specific points in the book, which is wonderful because there is a point in the book where I also cried and that's ok too. I don't want to give away any spoilers so I'll just say that you will fall in love with King and Marinah, especially her personality and sense of humor in this New World. I absolutely LOVE, LOVE this book and cannot wait for the next book, WARRIOR! Once again, this author NEVER disappoints. I only wish I could give this book more than 5 stars because it's THAT good and definitely deserves it!!
February 13, 2019
So good
This book was awesome. It played like a movie in my mind as I read it. Seeing the heroine come into her own and finding strength was so cool. I did want to cry when it ended so I will eagerly wait for the next installment.
This book was awesome. It played like a movie in my mind as I read it. Seeing the heroine come into her own and finding strength was so cool. I did want to cry when it ended so I will eagerly wait for the next installment.
February 13, 2019
Shadow is an exciting new addition to the world of shifters, a world with Hell Hounds and Wolves. Shadow Warriors are fighters - fierce and big. They helped humans fight the hell hounds when the world was destroyed by war. Shadow warriors are half man and half beast. Marinah works for the Federation, what they call the Government now, and she is sent to meet with King, the leader of the Shadow Warriors to see if they could work together to fight the Hell Hounds. She was to go alone to meet with him and try to get him to agree to help. They do not get along, don't trust each other and he thinks he may have to kill her if she finds out their secrets. Slowly they start to accept each other and eventually King trusts Marinah and she trusts King. They start to feel an attraction to each other but both fight it. Then something happens that changes everything. This book has action, adventure, and suspense. I can't wait until the next book. If I could give it more stars I would.
February 13, 2019
May contain small spoiler but I will try to be vague!!
I don’t know where to begin Miss Wicked hit it out of the park! You can’t help but fall in love with Marinah I felt all along she was gonna be Cannon Fodder but as usual Holly makes a kick ass warrior out of her. At first I thought I wasn’t going to like the story but Holly proves me wrong every single time. Don’t wait to read this book you will not regret one moment of lost sleep!! Now I need the next book Warrior
I don’t know where to begin Miss Wicked hit it out of the park! You can’t help but fall in love with Marinah I felt all along she was gonna be Cannon Fodder but as usual Holly makes a kick ass warrior out of her. At first I thought I wasn’t going to like the story but Holly proves me wrong every single time. Don’t wait to read this book you will not regret one moment of lost sleep!! Now I need the next book Warrior
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2019
Fierce warrior
A brave young woman. A fierce warrior. Together they can save the world. An epic romance set in a fierce background of betrayal and war. She does not know what she is capable of. One man will show her. Their love story will capture you so deep. One of the best storytellers out there. Holly S Roberts has weaved her magic into a wicked story of love that conquers all. Thank you for this fantastic story
A brave young woman. A fierce warrior. Together they can save the world. An epic romance set in a fierce background of betrayal and war. She does not know what she is capable of. One man will show her. Their love story will capture you so deep. One of the best storytellers out there. Holly S Roberts has weaved her magic into a wicked story of love that conquers all. Thank you for this fantastic story
February 13, 2019
SHE IS BACK!!!!!! Holly writes awesome books but her Paranormal were the first I ever read! This is an apocalyptic story with a very strong ALPHA male meeting his match!!!!! This has romance and lots of laughs, at least for me! King and Marinah are very special and this book is well worth reading!!! Bring on Warrior!!!!!❤️💖💗
February 8, 2019
{May (will) contain spoilers!!}
Half-man, half-beast, King is the ultimate Alpha Male.
Leader of the Shadow Warriors, King's objective is to live in harmony among the human race. Already living peacefully with Cuban survivors of the Hellhound 'apocalypse' two years after the war shows their restraint and ability to lead normal lives despite their shape-shifting abilities.
Clumsy, naive and subservient Marinah is sent to Cuba as a liaison between the Federation and Shadow Warriors - a mission sure to end in death.
What could go wrong?
While reading Shadow I was plagued with doubts of Marinah completing her mission to bring back Shadow Warriors to aid in the Federation's survival from the Hellhounds. Marinah is such a self-conscious, self-depreciating main character that I couldn't believe her as a heroin...but Holly did her justice by creating so much character growth.
I grew to love Marinah throughout the book with her snide remarks, spunky attitude, and her sense of false hope. You just have to sympathize with a woman who trips over her own two feet while barely moving (I do the same dang thing!) and still faces the threat of death with a witty response.
When Marinah meets King, the Alpha male of the Shadow Warriors, the spark is not instantaneous but I did see a huge Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey moment. Marinah trips off the last step of the airplane and face-plants at King's feet. I just love embarrassing first encounters. They're so real and relatable.
I'm a sucker for a slow burn romance. Holly didn't fail in the slow burn department because the lack of sex in this first book was disheartening, but it's worth the wait! Mating raging beasts aside.
You love shapeshifters? You love Urban fantasy with twists and deep disgusting secrets? Then you'll love these Genetically Modified books. Holly gives us questionable material about formaldehyde, GMOs and entities that are practically zombies.
You thought that was a spoiler? LADIES! You haven't seen anything yet!
Shadow encompassed everything you could ask for. Fantasy, a bit of genetic modification, slow burn romance, and beastly alpha males.
Half-man, half-beast, King is the ultimate Alpha Male.
Leader of the Shadow Warriors, King's objective is to live in harmony among the human race. Already living peacefully with Cuban survivors of the Hellhound 'apocalypse' two years after the war shows their restraint and ability to lead normal lives despite their shape-shifting abilities.
Clumsy, naive and subservient Marinah is sent to Cuba as a liaison between the Federation and Shadow Warriors - a mission sure to end in death.
What could go wrong?
While reading Shadow I was plagued with doubts of Marinah completing her mission to bring back Shadow Warriors to aid in the Federation's survival from the Hellhounds. Marinah is such a self-conscious, self-depreciating main character that I couldn't believe her as a heroin...but Holly did her justice by creating so much character growth.
I grew to love Marinah throughout the book with her snide remarks, spunky attitude, and her sense of false hope. You just have to sympathize with a woman who trips over her own two feet while barely moving (I do the same dang thing!) and still faces the threat of death with a witty response.
When Marinah meets King, the Alpha male of the Shadow Warriors, the spark is not instantaneous but I did see a huge Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey moment. Marinah trips off the last step of the airplane and face-plants at King's feet. I just love embarrassing first encounters. They're so real and relatable.
I'm a sucker for a slow burn romance. Holly didn't fail in the slow burn department because the lack of sex in this first book was disheartening, but it's worth the wait! Mating raging beasts aside.
You love shapeshifters? You love Urban fantasy with twists and deep disgusting secrets? Then you'll love these Genetically Modified books. Holly gives us questionable material about formaldehyde, GMOs and entities that are practically zombies.
You thought that was a spoiler? LADIES! You haven't seen anything yet!
Shadow encompassed everything you could ask for. Fantasy, a bit of genetic modification, slow burn romance, and beastly alpha males.
June 4, 2020
Cuba setting in apocalyptic world was great. The h is very tall and humble, arrives expecting to be killed by the H. But she pulled up her big girl panties, and prepared to do the right thing for her country before she dies. She's interesting, and the H was as intrigued as I was as she submitted to everything he threw at her. This book is the intro to a series about a depressing world. Too harsh for me, but the writing was great.
February 13, 2019
In true Holly Roberts style, She makes you FEEL so many emotions. This book also got me so emotionally involved, I could not put it down. I fell asleep reading it, then finished it this morning. If you want to be taken to a new place, a new world, pick up this book and start reading. It is so well written and full of interesting new characters and new paranormal creatures you also will be emotionally involved! Loved It! From a True Fan... Pam James.
February 14, 2019
I was looking forward to this book so much and Ms. Wicked did not disappointment me. This book kept me laughing from the first page, yelling at the characters, cheering them on, and even crying. It was a huge roller coaster and I enjoyed it all. I am already reading it again within a day of finishing it. I cannot get enough of this book and story. I need more in this series and hope to get more besides the first two books we have. Pickup this book and keep reading my review to find out more about this book.
The hellhounds have started attacking the population. Only a fierce warrior race called the Shadow Warriors decide to help out the humans. After all the waves of hellhounds and beating them back the world is able to take a breather. The American government has decided it wanted to reach out and form a treaty with the Shadow Warriors and send new Secretary of Defense Church is sent to broker that deal.
Marinah is the new Defense Secretary that is sent to talk to King. Yes, his name is King, it is not just a title for him. From the first time she meets him after getting off the plane she knows why he is named King. She wants to help out the Shadow Warriors so they are there to help them when the hellhounds show up again. She knows peace does not last forever. She is not prepared for what she learns while with the Shadow Warriors.
King is the leader of the Shadow Warriors and thinks he will just host this liaison from American and send her home. He was not prepared to find out she was the daughter of the late Defense Secretary and now the new Secretary. He knew the American government sent her as a spy as well.
The fireworks between Marinah and King spark from when she gets off the plane. She has no idea why King is mad at her, King has no idea why his beast side wants to kill her. He asked for a female liaison since their beast are territorial and the last human they trusted from the American government was killed in front of them.
The hellhounds have started attacking the population. Only a fierce warrior race called the Shadow Warriors decide to help out the humans. After all the waves of hellhounds and beating them back the world is able to take a breather. The American government has decided it wanted to reach out and form a treaty with the Shadow Warriors and send new Secretary of Defense Church is sent to broker that deal.
Marinah is the new Defense Secretary that is sent to talk to King. Yes, his name is King, it is not just a title for him. From the first time she meets him after getting off the plane she knows why he is named King. She wants to help out the Shadow Warriors so they are there to help them when the hellhounds show up again. She knows peace does not last forever. She is not prepared for what she learns while with the Shadow Warriors.
King is the leader of the Shadow Warriors and thinks he will just host this liaison from American and send her home. He was not prepared to find out she was the daughter of the late Defense Secretary and now the new Secretary. He knew the American government sent her as a spy as well.
The fireworks between Marinah and King spark from when she gets off the plane. She has no idea why King is mad at her, King has no idea why his beast side wants to kill her. He asked for a female liaison since their beast are territorial and the last human they trusted from the American government was killed in front of them.
June 12, 2019
**This book was provided to Nerd Girl Official in exchange for an honest review.**
Shadow: Duet; A Genetically Modified Novel, Book 1 by Holly S. Roberts is the beginning of a post-apocalyptic story. It has people, and monsters, and monsters that help people fight the other monsters. Confused? Don’t be.
I warn you, this is going to be a very short review. Short even for me, and I can be known for short reviews. I’m making it short for a couple of reasons; first, I have to get to the next book!
Additionally, I pride myself on no spoilers in my reviews, and I’m afraid to say anything at all and spoil it for you! So I’m just going to tell you-no, I’m going to order you-drop everything & get this book!! If I could, I would give this book 5 times 5 stars! It’s just that good a story. I will warn you, click on both books 1 & 2 purchase buttons, you’ll want the next waiting in the wings. Trust me. Go, now! I have another book to read!
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our fan site: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG **
Shadow: Duet; A Genetically Modified Novel, Book 1 by Holly S. Roberts is the beginning of a post-apocalyptic story. It has people, and monsters, and monsters that help people fight the other monsters. Confused? Don’t be.
I warn you, this is going to be a very short review. Short even for me, and I can be known for short reviews. I’m making it short for a couple of reasons; first, I have to get to the next book!
Additionally, I pride myself on no spoilers in my reviews, and I’m afraid to say anything at all and spoil it for you! So I’m just going to tell you-no, I’m going to order you-drop everything & get this book!! If I could, I would give this book 5 times 5 stars! It’s just that good a story. I will warn you, click on both books 1 & 2 purchase buttons, you’ll want the next waiting in the wings. Trust me. Go, now! I have another book to read!
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our fan site: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG **
February 13, 2019
This is Book 1 in A Genetically Modified Novel series. The world has changed and there are now humans, Shadow Warriors and the bad Hellhounds. King is the Leader of the Shadow Warriors and Marinah has been asked by the Federation to go to Cuba, which is where the Shadow Warrior’s live now. They want them to come back and save the humans. Or do they? This is not your regular paranormal type of book. King has his idea of what Marinah is there for and Marinah has her idea of why she’s there. But do they have the same ideas? This has some exciting things happening that make you laugh and then you scream as you are pulling your hair out in frustration. I absolutely loved meeting the different personalities that the Shadow Warriors have. This is such a fascinating story. It does end with a mild cliff hanger but it’s well worth the wait for the next book to find out exactly what happens to Marinah and King.
March 3, 2019
TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!!
I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it down. Who doesn't love a hot headed sexy man who is also a ferocious beast who is protective of what's his.
Mirinah is a witty clumsy funny young woman who falls for the big bad King. The story was good and brought plenty of action and many laughs. Really enjoyed it and I can't wait to read Warrior.
I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it down. Who doesn't love a hot headed sexy man who is also a ferocious beast who is protective of what's his.
Mirinah is a witty clumsy funny young woman who falls for the big bad King. The story was good and brought plenty of action and many laughs. Really enjoyed it and I can't wait to read Warrior.
February 13, 2019
Following in her father's footsteps, Marinah Church is appointed Secretary Of Defense by the new President though she is only twenty four and has little to no practical experience other than analytical stats and figure tracking experience.
Less than twenty four hours after her appointment, Marinah is sent to negotiate with the Shadow Warriors on behalf of the United States Federation. It is hoped that they will agree to combine forces to deal with the invasion of hellhounds, virtual indestructible demon like beasts who kill indiscriminately. The Shadow Warriors were the only ones who were able to kill the hellhounds driving them back when they first appeared. With another wave of hellhounds anticipated in the near future, Marinah's mission is more important than ever if they are to save what remains of the human race.
King, leader of the Shadow Warriors, has agreed to meet with the United Federation's representative but has little incentive to provide aide of any sort though he's willing to listen to their representative. If the representative plays him falsely or deceives their true intent, King will not hesitate to kill and make an example of them.
* * *
New series by a fav author of mine who has created a post-apocalyptic paranormal story that features zombie like monsters who are on a killing spree with the intent to kill off humanity. Enter the good guy monsters who are the apex predators with the ability to take on the hellhounds.
This story, for the most part, provides the back story and world building aspects to give the reader a working knowledge of what happened to bring on an apocalypse and up to speed on current events. Included is a budding romance element though, to be clear, in this story the romance does not finalize in any meaningful way, ie no adult content scenes.
My issues were that I had a hard time getting into this story - the beginning half came across as fragmented and choppy. The later half did change things as I began to appreciate how things were starting to come together. Problem is there were open ended mystery/suspense subplots that weren't resolved.
The story ends in a minor cliffhanger fashion. I did notice on the author's facebook page that the follow up installment will be released in two weeks. Means I won't have to wait long ... to find out the rest of the story.
*** Advance copy provided by author for honest review.
Less than twenty four hours after her appointment, Marinah is sent to negotiate with the Shadow Warriors on behalf of the United States Federation. It is hoped that they will agree to combine forces to deal with the invasion of hellhounds, virtual indestructible demon like beasts who kill indiscriminately. The Shadow Warriors were the only ones who were able to kill the hellhounds driving them back when they first appeared. With another wave of hellhounds anticipated in the near future, Marinah's mission is more important than ever if they are to save what remains of the human race.
King, leader of the Shadow Warriors, has agreed to meet with the United Federation's representative but has little incentive to provide aide of any sort though he's willing to listen to their representative. If the representative plays him falsely or deceives their true intent, King will not hesitate to kill and make an example of them.
* * *
New series by a fav author of mine who has created a post-apocalyptic paranormal story that features zombie like monsters who are on a killing spree with the intent to kill off humanity. Enter the good guy monsters who are the apex predators with the ability to take on the hellhounds.
This story, for the most part, provides the back story and world building aspects to give the reader a working knowledge of what happened to bring on an apocalypse and up to speed on current events. Included is a budding romance element though, to be clear, in this story the romance does not finalize in any meaningful way, ie no adult content scenes.
My issues were that I had a hard time getting into this story - the beginning half came across as fragmented and choppy. The later half did change things as I began to appreciate how things were starting to come together. Problem is there were open ended mystery/suspense subplots that weren't resolved.
The story ends in a minor cliffhanger fashion. I did notice on the author's facebook page that the follow up installment will be released in two weeks. Means I won't have to wait long ... to find out the rest of the story.
*** Advance copy provided by author for honest review.
December 26, 2019
Interesting premise, clunky writing that caused me to skim a majority of the book. Such a shame because the world building was almost interesting.
June 10, 2019
First of all, let me start by saying that the abstract describing the book is more informative than the book itself. There is no explanation for the current state of the world other than something to do with electromagnetic pulses and monsters. So, the world-building is severely lacking. The story line actually mostly focuses on (and traverses between as narrators) main characters Marinah and King and their relationship to one another. The allure of an apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic story takes a (way) back seat to a romance story.
Now, other than several large missing chunks of story to fill in the plot, the idea and writing aren't actually that bad. I started off having a bit of a problem with the book, but once I realized it was more romance and less science fiction, I was actually able to enjoy it a bit more. Is it the best writing I've ever read in a book? Not by a long shot; however, neither would I label it terrible. As far as supernatural/paranormal romances go, it's decent. All in all, I would say the story became interesting enough for me to want to read the next book in the series.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Now, other than several large missing chunks of story to fill in the plot, the idea and writing aren't actually that bad. I started off having a bit of a problem with the book, but once I realized it was more romance and less science fiction, I was actually able to enjoy it a bit more. Is it the best writing I've ever read in a book? Not by a long shot; however, neither would I label it terrible. As far as supernatural/paranormal romances go, it's decent. All in all, I would say the story became interesting enough for me to want to read the next book in the series.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 6, 2019
I don't generally like to give the 1st book in a new series a 5 star rating--oh, I will, but I don't like to--it sets the bar kinda high and that can lead to disappointment, distrust, and dismay. That said, I finished a beautiful spring day hike early just so I could get back and see what happened next.
Marinah (rhymes with Dinah) is not a very likely heroine. She's clumsy, lacks confidence, and is convinced she won't survive the plane trip the book begins with. (Spoiler alert--she survives the trip.) All of this, combined with her snark and heart, DO make her a likeable heroine, and that's enough to forgive a cliffhanger ending that left me wanting more--even if someone had to die to get us to that point. Grrrrrr.
Relatable characters, neat premise, good humor, and interesting world building, I think this post apocalyptic urban fantasy will appeal to fans of the Ilona Andrews Kate Daniels series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Marinah (rhymes with Dinah) is not a very likely heroine. She's clumsy, lacks confidence, and is convinced she won't survive the plane trip the book begins with. (Spoiler alert--she survives the trip.) All of this, combined with her snark and heart, DO make her a likeable heroine, and that's enough to forgive a cliffhanger ending that left me wanting more--even if someone had to die to get us to that point. Grrrrrr.
Relatable characters, neat premise, good humor, and interesting world building, I think this post apocalyptic urban fantasy will appeal to fans of the Ilona Andrews Kate Daniels series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 14, 2021
Great potential and interesting world building but ran into some common issues for the genre
-Humans are always the real big bad. Evil humans - Evil gmos. I thought the conflict here was a bit shaky and for the life of me didn’t understand the purpose of our heroines visit outside of a convenient plot device to introduce her to the hero. It just feels too easy to blame everything on the human race and also plot wise way to predictable.
-Odd pacing. Not much happens until 82% of the book and at that point larger revelations felt extremely rushed - our characters relationship also suffered from this odd build. I wouldn’t say this was necessarily a slow burn.
-Incredibly Obvious Twists. We all saw it coming - 82% and on I’m talking to you. The writing wasn’t just on the wall it was stamped on our forehead.
3 stars because at the very least it was unique however I will not be continuing since I can almost predict the plot from here.
-Humans are always the real big bad. Evil humans - Evil gmos. I thought the conflict here was a bit shaky and for the life of me didn’t understand the purpose of our heroines visit outside of a convenient plot device to introduce her to the hero. It just feels too easy to blame everything on the human race and also plot wise way to predictable.
-Odd pacing. Not much happens until 82% of the book and at that point larger revelations felt extremely rushed - our characters relationship also suffered from this odd build. I wouldn’t say this was necessarily a slow burn.
-Incredibly Obvious Twists. We all saw it coming - 82% and on I’m talking to you. The writing wasn’t just on the wall it was stamped on our forehead.
3 stars because at the very least it was unique however I will not be continuing since I can almost predict the plot from here.
June 9, 2019
I was enamoured from the first word. Marinah's dry, self-depreciating humour is engaging and I couldn't help but fall in love with her although her rather fatalistic outlook, whilst understandable, is a little sad, all you want is for her to grow a backbone and fight. Luckily as the book progresses this starts to happen. I couldn't help but adore King and his Shadow Warriors. Their beasts were never far from the surface but you can understand why they hate humans so much. The humans took their help and then turned on them. Now it turns out that the entire problem is man made and the humans want to negotiate with the Shadow Warriors again. There is a very sad loss and more than a few surprises which make for thrilling reading and I cannot wait for more of this series to get some more answers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2019
Shadow: Duet
This Shadow Warrior story is amazing and so unique. I do not normally like post apocalyptic type stories but this one hooked from the start. The descriptions of the locations, people are realistic and it just add to an amazing plot. There are plenty of hints as to what is going to happen, but you read in to see how is going to come about.
I absolutely love the secondary characters and the way the flesh out the story. Che is one of my fave’s. Marinah and King have a complex relationship with her being Federation and him being a Shadow Warrior. Marinah is just glad to be alive five minutes past meeting King. Off two read book two and see how this two continue working together.
This Shadow Warrior story is amazing and so unique. I do not normally like post apocalyptic type stories but this one hooked from the start. The descriptions of the locations, people are realistic and it just add to an amazing plot. There are plenty of hints as to what is going to happen, but you read in to see how is going to come about.
I absolutely love the secondary characters and the way the flesh out the story. Che is one of my fave’s. Marinah and King have a complex relationship with her being Federation and him being a Shadow Warrior. Marinah is just glad to be alive five minutes past meeting King. Off two read book two and see how this two continue working together.
July 1, 2023
I have mixed feelings
I loved the over all premise of the book and I think it was really well written. However, o found myself not liking/Understanding Marinah at all. It was very hard to relate to her and the whole situation was puzzling considering I feel like King is a very well written character. I feel like Marinah was constantly swinging from shy and timid, to super confident, to completely disassociated. And there were like two or three minor reactions from her that I felt like didn’t fit what we knew about her up until that point. That said, I still want to read the next in the book. Maybe we just haven’t seen her develop enough yet, which is totally fair considering this is almost like a prequel to the real action. So I’m along for the ride for now.
I loved the over all premise of the book and I think it was really well written. However, o found myself not liking/Understanding Marinah at all. It was very hard to relate to her and the whole situation was puzzling considering I feel like King is a very well written character. I feel like Marinah was constantly swinging from shy and timid, to super confident, to completely disassociated. And there were like two or three minor reactions from her that I felt like didn’t fit what we knew about her up until that point. That said, I still want to read the next in the book. Maybe we just haven’t seen her develop enough yet, which is totally fair considering this is almost like a prequel to the real action. So I’m along for the ride for now.
April 17, 2019
First let me state that I received an Advance Reader Copy, (ARC), but this in no way influences my review. I always leave an honest review. Also this author is new to me, and I hope it won't be my last.
Holy shiznet!! When I first started reading this story and hearing about the "hellhounds", I thought this was about the apocalypse. As I read so many things changed my mind, (obviously as the story unfolded too). I was a little upset with the fact that it's a sort of cliffhanger. But after Ms. Roberts explained why, I truly understand. You've got to read this story. I recommend this read 5 Thumbs up
Holy shiznet!! When I first started reading this story and hearing about the "hellhounds", I thought this was about the apocalypse. As I read so many things changed my mind, (obviously as the story unfolded too). I was a little upset with the fact that it's a sort of cliffhanger. But after Ms. Roberts explained why, I truly understand. You've got to read this story. I recommend this read 5 Thumbs up
June 7, 2019
"Nooooooo!!!!!! You can’t leave me there…" she wails into the night. This book has my favorite kind of geeky, socially awkward heroine. Marinah’s neither trained for, nor remotely prepared for the situation she’s suddenly thrust into. And King has no idea what to make of the creature that’s literally stumbled into his world. Imagine Resident Evil meets Wolverine. The story is a political thriller wrapped around what might turn into a romance, set in a post-apocalyptic world filled with supernatural creatures. I'm already counting down the seconds until I can get my hands on the next book. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through BookSirens.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through BookSirens.
July 4, 2019
I'm a huge fan of dystopian novels and novels and "Shadow" from Holly s. Roberts is one of the best I've read so far. It's slowburn in the romance department which makes it that much better. The characters have time to develop and are written in a way that you can emphasize (even though we are not overrun by hellhumans - errr hellhounds). The setting is described so that you can see it in front of your eyes. Thank you, Mz. Robert's, for a great read.
I would definitely recommend this book to those who love dystopian-zombies-alphas-romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I would definitely recommend this book to those who love dystopian-zombies-alphas-romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 12, 2019
Awsome book, although I was bummed about the ending but I understand. I must say, I didn’t think I was going to like it. I continued to read to try to be fair. I was enjoyable surprised. This book is about a young woman named Marinah, who sets out to get the Shadow Warriors to help fight what she thought were hellhounds. She meets King who is the leader and decided that she was there to spy. Together the learn the meaning of survival and love.
I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
June 13, 2020
They left her in a steaming room where she almost died in the first hour of meeting those shadow warriors that customarily do not harm women and children yet had no problem to just shove her inside without any worry. Even when one the guys wanted to save her another one was against it. I call this all bullshit, it's straight-up abuse and pure stupidity. I ended my patience at 25%.
I liked the premise but given that it's m/f, the shadow guy King is a dick, there is nothing that should pull me in.
I liked the premise but given that it's m/f, the shadow guy King is a dick, there is nothing that should pull me in.
June 23, 2019
This is a great start to a new series with skill-fully written characters . Will King the shadow warrior trust Marinah sent by the humans to apologise for the past. All is not as she has been told the enemy they are both fighting the hellhounds are not exactly hounds. I await the next exciting book in this series.
I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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