Shroud of Whispers

The Shores of the Deluge #1

by Jeffery A. Smith

Xamual Amulyn is invisible to the undead. His unique gift was discovered years ago, and now he works reluctantly as an inquisitor for the local temple, investigating undead-related incidents in the city where he lives.

Trú La Dommé, a disgraced clockmaker’s apprentice, struggles with an opium addiction. Living in the sanctuary of the temple where Xamual works, she’s been haunted by whispers in her mind ever since a stranger tattooed her back with runes.

The whispers drive Trú to kill a man she’s never met with magic she’s never wielded. On the same day, a young woman is killed, her animated corpse is found walking through Xamual’s childhood stomping grounds.

As Xamual searches for answers to both crimes and as Trú seeks to rid herself of her murderous magic, they find themselves drawn into the criminal underworld, where gangs are vying for each other’s territories and those who crave power will do whatever it takes—even turn the living undead—to gain more of it. When they discover a sinister force bent on taking control of the Island Realms, Xamual and Trú must decide how far they’re willing to go to save the city—and the people—they love.

Genres: Fantasy, Mystery

500 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2025

About the author

My books are like the night sky, dark but full of pinpricks of hope.

The Shores of the Deluge is a series that has been living in my head for most of my life, and I'm so glad to be sharing it with the world. The story spans several generations (and several genres). Shroud of Whispers is a murder mystery, while Steadfast as Stone is a military political thriller. Rippling Darkness will be released in 2027, and it is a twisty adventure story.

Find me on Instagram (@jeffery.a.smith) to keep up with my latest news or thoughts. I keep my website up to date with what is going on in my writing and reading life.

Reviews

[Jennifer]

Earned all 5 of those stars. Full review to come.

Edit: the review hath come

I don’t know if I’ve ever gushed about pacing in a review before, but this book just nailed it. There was a web of mysteries and such a thoughtful, unrushed, and intentional following of all the threads.

You all know a book doesn’t get five stars from me without a stellar cast. Our two main protagonists were wildly different with very distinct voices and pasts that matter to the choices they make. Anyone can create a background sob-story but here it has weight and consequences and follow-through.

Our side characters had some stand-outs as well and I enjoyed getting to know them through our MCs’ eyes.

The world building and history is so intriguing and I can’t wait to dive in to the next book and learn more!

Thanks to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Belinda S 》beesblurbs]

4.25 - 4.5★
Jeffery has created a world that i became easily immersed in and i really enjoyed this. This had moments that felt like the Tainted Cup with the murder mysteries, and then moments that felt like the Greenbone Saga with the politics and underbelly style plot lines that evolved throughout.

This never felt convoluted and I always wanted to come back to the pages. The characters all held their own and were written with great contrast to each other while still coming together to create a great narrative.

I flew through the last part of this book. The little pieces of the puzzle all came together so well, the action ramped up, the stakes increased and that ending? It was so good! I don't think i saw it coming and it really has left book 2 in the series wide open to be about absolutely anything!

Huge thanks to Jeffery for gifting me a copy of Shroud of Whispers. It has been a joy to read.

[Carina_inkdrinker]

I really liked this book. It's mixed with murder mystery and badass magic system. While reading this I felt at peace in his world with his quiet and peaceful writing style.

What I also find great it how Jeff was able to write drugg addiction and past trauma, without it feeling like it can be triggering. Because no one in this book as a good past or present.

The characters are great, you are following one male and one female every other time. And both of them are great and are never getting boring, as the chapters are very short.

Can't wait for the next one, the ending was very satisfying and definitely left me a bit confused also. So I'm excited to see how that will get in the next book.

If you love magic/murder mystery, with painfully past, necromancy and highly crafted characters. This book is for you! And I definitely are exited for the next.

[Michelle Greenstreet]

This is the kind of story that slowly draws you in until suddenly you're completely hooked and can't put it down. I had a really enjoyable time with this one! This is definitely for readers who love mystery and magic. It was kinda giving Sherlock Holmes + Walking Dead.

This story takes its time building the world. A lot of the early chapters are dedicated to introducing the setting, terminology, and large cast of characters. The world itself is incredibly complex, and thankfully the book includes a map, pronunciation guide, and glossary. The descriptions of places and people can be quite dense, especially at the beginning, and I do think some sections could have been trimmed down. Religion plays a central role in the story, and I loved seeing how deeply it influences society. There's also plenty of political intrigue, both within the religious and governmental structures and among the rival criminal gangs.

As the story progresses, it becomes darker and darker as the mysteries begin to unravel. I loved how complex and flawed the cast of characters was. I especially enjoyed Xamual and Tru! While Tru occasionally frustrated me with some of the choices she made, those decisions felt true to her character and highlighted the grip addiction has on her life as she continues to spiral. I do wish we had gotten more of her backstory, especially what happened between her and her mentor and how she became enslaved. Xamual's history felt more fleshed out, while Tru's past remained somewhat under explored.

That ending was wild! I'm excited to see what's in store in Book 2.

[bibi]

★★★☆☆ - 3 stars

I was really excited to read this ARC because fantasy and mystery mixed are a favourite of mine.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Xamual was interesting and he was always trying to do what he thought was best for the community and for others.

Trú was so well written. A powerful woman who is also struggling with addiction.

Draë was my favourite character. He was honest and trying his best to be good and he cared a lot about Trú.

I liked the characters but sometimes it felt as if everything was too easy for them, especially for Xamual, I expected people to be more reticent to give him information.

This might be something personal, but I didn’t enjoy how much religion influenced the characters and their actions. Although, I understand that was the purpose.

I predicted some things but the ending was a surprise I was not expecting at all.

[Audrie Reads]

ARC review

Fantasy - Mystery - Undead - Dark Magic - Action

The main characters are complex and riddled with trauma, just the way I like them! The duel POV was a great choice, as we follow two very different stories that intersect in moments I didn’t expect.

Trú’s battle with addiction was something that kept me very intrigued with her POV. I don’t feel like I read many stories where the protagonist has such a crippling vice. I’m sure they are out there, I just haven’t read them.

Xamual’s character didn’t grab me from the first, but Smith does such a great job of building his character that I enjoyed him and Trú equally.

Things I enjoyed:

The relationship between Trú and Draë was endearing, and I loved their dynamic. Draë has immeasurable and unconditional love for her.

There are some gruesome and action packed sword and magic fights!

The ending almost made me cry!

[Andrea J]

I just finished Shroud of Whispers, and I really did enjoy it. I like how he blended mystery, political intrigue, fantasy, and paranormal elements into one story. I thought the multiple points of view worked well, and both characters felt well written. The world was developed nicely, and I actually felt like most of this first book served as an introduction to what comes next, although I could be wrong. The ending wrapped up in a way I did not expect at all, and I definitely did not see that coming. I am looking forward to the next book to see where he takes the story, meet new characters, and learn more about the history of this world.

[Annie♡]

I rate this 4.25.

Shroud of Whispers surprised me in the best way. It starts off as a murder mystery, but the deeper you get, the more it turns into something darker and more layered. There’s undead, crime, and politics woven throughout, and it all comes together in a really engaging way.

Trú, in particular, made a lot of frustrating decisions, but it never felt random—it felt like watching someone slowly spiral while trying to hold onto control. On the other side, you’ve got more grounded characters, which creates a really nice balance.

I really loved the worldbuilding. There’s a constant feeling that something bigger is happening beneath the surface, and I found myself trying to piece everything together along the way.

If you like fantasy with a strong mystery element, dark magic, and a slightly unsettling vibe, this is definitely worth picking up.

Overall, a really solid read—and I’m very curious to see where the story goes next.

[Alicia Dollahan]

Shroud of Whispers is the kickoff to a new Tolkien-esque fantasy series that is truly worth reading. The primary characters, Trú and Xamual, are excellently developed characters that pull you into their story of magic and fighting evil. Additional characters, Draë, Baion, and Apriall were well-written and contributed beautifully to the storyline. The world Jeffery A Smith has begun to build in this tale is complex and deep while pulling on the basis of strong literary works - friendship, good versus evil, and a journey to find oneself.

I give this 4 stars as the story was a bit slow to pull me in, but I think that was largely due to the world being so new and complex that I kept jumping back to the maps and pronunciation lists to cement things in my mind as I consumed the content. Action versus description can be a tricky line to walk when creating new worlds and stories, and I think there could be some tweaking here to make it a bit easier for the reader, such as a reduction of city descriptions in the first few chapters. The first chapter was particularly heavy here, but I don’t know that it helped the story develop. Also, I’m unsure if the repeated reference to Xamual growing up in Valicory was really necessary, but it really was heavily played into whereas we got very little information about Trú’s abduction story and rescue by Draë, which also seemed extraneous and like it did not contribute much to the current plot line. Perhaps we will learn more details of her and Draë’s backstories in coming series installments?

Overall, this was an enjoyable book and I do recommend it for fantasy lovers. Approach it with an open mind, and I recommend working with the maps and pronunciation guide from the start to help you develop a good foundation of this world as you delve into it.

Note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Doc of the Dark Arts]

4.25/5 Stars
Format: E-Book
Spoilers: No

A free copy of the e-book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Shroud of Whispers is a very interesting first book in Jeffrey Smith's Shores of the Deluge series. The story is told in alternating POVs between our two main characters, Xamual and Tru. Xamual is an Inquisitor for the temple who is invisible to the undead, and Tru is a former clockmaker's apprentice who has been suddenly blessed (or cursed) with the ability to reach Jye, the magic in the world, and use it. As Xamual investigates a reanimated corpse and a series of murders, we get taken into the underbelly of our fictional world, where gang wars, necromancy, temple and house politics, and an underlying magical world are all playing a part in the power struggle going on in the post-Deluge world.

The storytelling was excellent. This is definitely a first novel in the sense that the first third or so is focused on building the world, and getting to know our characters and how they interact/fit in with the world around them. After that first third, however, it really takes off. I had trouble putting it down in the last third especially. You get politics, sword fighting, necromancy, mysterious magic, and the struggle for power. The story also delves into themes of addiction, how we deal with our fate, and what we are willing to sacrifice. There was honestly more action than I was expecting, and the ending did not go where I expected!

I really appreciate the author sharing this with me. I do not always intend to read follow ups for every ARC I read, but in the case I am really excited for the next book in the series, whenever that may be!

[Lianne]

If I had to describe this book in a few words, I would call it a fantasy action murder mystery, but that alone won't do it justice. Shroud of Whispers is a story about a young woman who is accused of murder, and while she undeniably did it, she was under the influence of strange, powerful magic, she has no control over.
Inquisitor Xamual is tasked to find out what is truly happening. His investegations bring more to the surface than he could ever imagine.

I really liked how the characters are no regular straightforward heroes/damsels in distress. They feel real, complex and flawed.
Xamual is burdened with past trauma, the result of a particular hard childhood.

Trú is actively battling drug addiction.

Draë is a respected member of the Temple, but feared due to the nature of his species.

Especially Trú's addiction is wonderfully worked out. It feels real and raw, without it becoming overwhelming. It is easy to sympathise with her, no matter her frustrating choices now and then, because it is the only way to completely silence the whispers in her head.

The friendships are also heartwarming. Draë and Trú's bond is so soft and sweet. Xamual and his Watch are initially forced together, but they developed a bond that almost feels brotherly at points.

It was very hard to put down. I loved the writing style, storytelling, and the choice of a dual POV worked absolitely great. It makes you follow 2 different stories which keep intertwining. It is filled with action, and I realy enjoyed the mysterious magic and necromancy. The threat of the undead ads and extra eerie layer, especially because it is showed that they are extremely dangerous.

I highly enjoyed this read, and I can't wait to see what book 2 has in store for us!

[Sahara Rayne]

5 STARS!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

While I typically lean toward romantasy, Shroud of Whispers was a delightful surprise. It’s a high fantasy mystery that keeps readers on their toes from start to finish. I loved the maps and the lore. I want an I.V. of lore from this world stabbed into me please and thank you.

The friendships in this book were some of the most heartfelt portrayals of love and loyalty I’ve ever read. They beautifully captured true friendship and left the feeling of the backing track that says "AWWWW" during TV shows.

Xamuel’s character concept was fascinating, however, Tru stole the show for me. Her chapters and perspective stole my heart and I found myself rooting for her rights and wrongs. She could do anything and I found myself going "Yeah, get it girl" 💘

I also found the author’s portrayal of religion especially compelling. It added a unique and thought-provoking layer to the story, setting it apart from how religion is often depicted in other fantasy books. ✨

[Deborah Smith]

A great fantasy/mystery. Tru was an amazing character and the way the author handled sensitive topics such as drug addiction, working through past trauma, and how power corrupts people was exceptionally done. I can't wait for more in this world!

[Shattered Anthologies]

I really enjoyed Shroud of Whispers. It’s one of those books that quietly pulls you in and, before you know it, you’re fully settled into its world. The story blends a murder mystery with a dark, fascinating magic system, necromancy, and politics. But, what's unusual in such stories, the writing itself feels calm and almost soothing. Even when terrible things are happening, there’s something peaceful about the way the world is described.

The story is told through dual POVs, alternating between Tru and Xamual, which is an interesting and mostly effective choice. The chapters are short and easy to get through, and both characters are deeply flawed and shaped by very different kinds of trauma. Tru’s struggle with addiction is especially well handled. It feels raw and honest without becoming overwhelming or triggering, and it’s easy to sympathise with her even when her choices are frustrating. Xamual took a little longer to grow on me, but his character develops steadily, and by the end I was just as invested in his story as I was in Tru’s. However, since both POVs are written in first person, I did occasionally find it confusing and had moments where I had to stop and remind myself who was narrating. That said, it really helped that each chapter clearly states the narrator’s name at the beginning, which made it much easier to re-orient myself.

One thing the book does extremely well is relationships. Tru and Drae’s bond is genuinely touching. Drae’s care for her feels unconditional, and their dynamic adds warmth to an otherwise dark story. There’s also plenty of action: sword fights, magic battles, and necromancy.

The world-building is rich and clearly thought out. Religion, magic, undead politics, gangs, and temple power struggles all play important roles. That said, the beginning can feel a bit hard. It’s not a deal-breaker, but the pacing is slower at first, and trimming some early descriptions might have helped the story hook faster. I also felt that some backstory details were repeated more than necessary, while other parts, especially Tru’s past, were left more vague. Hopefully, that’s something we’ll explore more in future books.

Once the story really gets going, though, it’s hard to put down. The mystery deepens, the stakes rise, and the ending was both satisfying and surprising. It answered enough to feel complete, while still leaving me confused in the best way and very excited for what comes next.

If you enjoy fantasy with murder mysteries, complex magic, deeply broken characters, necromancy, and a strong emotional core, this book is absolutely worth your time.

Verdict: A slow-burning but rewarding fantasy mystery with great characters, thoughtful handling of trauma and addiction, rich world-building, and a strong, unexpected ending.

Big thanks to the author for sending me a free ebook and asking to review it. It was such a pleasure to dive into this world.

[Madi]

I thoroughly enjoyed the world that was shaped in this first book, and how easily I was able to fall in love with the characters. I can’t wait for the next in the series!

[Amyah]

In a city where the undead are popping up left and right, one person has the perfect magic to stay hidden from them. Xamual’s hunt for who’s behind all the chaos leads him to cross paths with Tru, a smoke addict who suddenly has magic she can’t control. She’s not the one creating the undead, so how is she connected…

This is a fascinating new world, where religion plays a huge role. Both Xamual and Tru are connected to the temple, he as an Inquisitor, an investigator for the temple, and she as a refugee, saved from slavers. Xamual is from the slums, he is ‘gifted’ the role of inquisitor after his magic, which makes him invisible to the undead, is discovered. He has a very much an ‘I don’t care’ attitude, different from the normal accolade, which makes him an interesting character. I was so excited for him when he started dating… well, you’ll have to see what happens. The author did an amazing job of describing Tru’s addiction and her struggles with it. You do feel sorry for her, even though she is doing it to herself. And Drae, who is part of the temple, was such a sweetheart to her.

This is a 4-star read for me. The story tended to have some very detailed scenes, which didn’t always contribute to the story for me. And the ending… I didn’t see it coming…

In full disclosure, I received a copy of the book from Booksirens, the opinion is my own.

[Astor Teller]

I both liked the intertwined story and the island world where the story is played out. I use the phrase “played out” because I got the D&D vibe while reading it, as you slowly discover the many aspects of the world Erone while perusing the book.

I also root for both the main characters, finding them sympathetic, even if they have flaws. There is a course of goodness flowing through the book and with an undertone of humour in it, even if the story has dark elements too. At least that is how I felt after a two day binge reading the story from start to finish.

The story is best described as an undead murder story unraveling into …, but as I’m not into spoilers, you’ll have to read the story yourself. If you like The Thief Who Pulled On Trouble’s Braids, The Lies of Locke Lamora or books by Trudy Canavan, I think you’ll like this too.

And even if this book is a full story in itself, I hope more stories will be played out on these islands as there is so much more to discover (from what I read in this first book).

[Ani]

Interesting plot! Trú is gifted with visions and prophetic dreams, while Xamuel is an inquisitor investigating a murder. When Trú accidentally kills a fisherman while in a trance-like state, she becomes the prime suspect.
Trú is the type of protagonist who doesn't want the gifts she's been given. To suppress her visions, she has become dependent on opium. Although her protective brother has warned every local dealer not to sell to her, addiction isn't so easily stopped, and she continues to find ways to obtain it.
As Xamuel investigates the murder, he begins to uncover a much larger conspiracy. At the same time, Trú sets out to clear her own name after realising she was being controlled by someone searching for a person close to her. It quickly becomes apparent that someone is trying to frame her—and possibly kill her. Their separate investigations gradually bring them closer to the truth.
I received an eARC of the second book from the author, which I'll be reviewing shortly. I'm excited to continue the series, as the story becomes even more intriguing and I'm eager to discover the answers.

[Hanna]

The story is told in dual POV, both in first person perspective. I think the to main characters complement each other well.
Trú certainly carries baggage from her past and I felt bad for her. Do I agree with all her desicions? No. But I can somewhat understand them.
This is a well done fantasy mystery with an even pace. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

I recived a review copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Chlor - The Neverending Book Dragon]

This was a delightful read! A fantasy and mystery book with a great world, interesting characters, and relevant themes. A unique story!

The world of Traaknar has suffered apocalyptic level floods. The world has humans that have magic and creatures called thrikes, who are reptilian sentient creatures. The world is also suffering from "zombies". Undead that are hunted by inquisitors.

The story follows two main point of views, Tru and Xamual.

Tru an opium addict and a former clockmaker's apprentice living under sanctuary at a temple, with a thrike, Drae, as her protector.

Xamual is an inquisitor that the undead can not see, which helps him investigate cases of necromancy. He is also investigating Tru's case as she is the cause of deaths using powers that she can not control.

This was a very enjoyable story, characters, and world. It was a unique fantasy! The world building is strong and weaved nicely into the character development. Loved the mystery. Looking forward to book 2!