Pilot's Shadows

by Hannah Melville

What if thoughts could become reality?

When Pilot Jenkins wished to be far away from the drama of middle school, she never imagined that wish would come true.

One night, her backyard is miraculously replaced with an enchanted forest. There, she meets Logan Elwood, a Dreamer with the ability to turn imagination into reality.

Unfortunately, this new world isn’t quite the dream she hoped it would be.

Power-hungry Specturns threaten the magic of this bizarre, wonderful realm—and these shadowy creatures with stolen bones plan to come for Pilot’s home next.

The Specturns aren’t acting alone, and Logan’s forest isn’t a random target. Pilot and Logan must discover the leader behind these monsters, or the destruction of their worlds will only be the beginning.

If you’ve cherished your trips through C. S. Lewis’s wardrobe and Lewis Carrol’s looking glass, don’t wait to visit the Fractured Domain of Pilot’s Shadows.

441 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2025

About the author

Hannah Melville started writing stories in second grade, and has been writing ever since. In eighth grade, she began working on a fantasy story called Pilot’s Shadows—which was published nine years later as her debut novel. When Hannah's not writing, she enjoys napping, spending time with animals, drawing, and crafting at her home in Utah.

Reviews

[A.C. Bounds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book! I think that this is a great debut novel and a great book for kids. Especially kids dealing with anxiety, I wish I had a look like this when I was a kid. I think it would have helped me understand more of what I was experiencing. I think the characters were great. Pilot is a great man character, she has strong presence on the page and you have a clear understanding of who she is. I think Logan is a great secondary character and he’s really fun to read from. One of my main critiques for the book is the world building. Although I did feel that the author did a good job of not info dumping, there were a few times I was a little lost. There were also times I was a bit confused about how the magic system worked. Especially the dreamer abilities, I had a bit of a hard time understanding how those worked. But what brought this book from a five star to a four star was the ending. It felt as if the book was cut off in the middle of the story. I ended the story desperately wanting to keep reading, but not feeling satisfied from what I had already read.

But other than those few critiques, I absolutely loved the book and I can’t wait to read more! Definitely going to be on my top recommend list for middle grade novels. And I can’t wait for my future kids to read this book one day.

[Emily Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My dog very much enjoys a warm night cuddled up in his little blanket while I read him your book, he seems to find it comfortable. He really enjoys it. However anytime I mention the Eye aspens he starts to bark… this is probably due to the fact trees have bark. That or the aspect of trees being sentient and always watching but never doing anything is a scary thought for a dog, especially one like him who loves to pee on trees. He also seems fond of Toad (the cat) or at least the word toad. Not sure yet. None the less I believe I saw him crying when Pilot has having a panic attack in the first chapter (or maybe he just had wet eyes? Do dogs cry? Imma say he did) he loves realistic mental health in books. but over all my dog, Gooser Cabooser David is a huge fan of “pilots shadows” and wants the author to know “growl growl, bark, ruff, growl” (translated: I am a huge fan of pilots shadows, but it lacks the aspect of dog. You should add more dog.) and “bark, bark. Growll” (translated: read this book and feel sad, then happy, then stressed, then probably sad again, then probably ending happy but wanting the second book.) this is a review left in behalf of sir Gooser Caboosers David

[Kat Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adored this book!
I actually had a panic attack the day before I started reading this - let me tell you how this book portrays anxiety and anxiety attacks is very accurate. I felt very comforted by this book.

The writing was perfect!

The characters are very likeable, Logan is probably my favorite.

The story is very unique, not much like anything else I've read.

I'm definitely recommending this book to everyone, and I'm gonna make my book club read it too!

It took me almost no time at all to read this book until the final chapter - I didn't want it to end, so I just left the last chapter unread for a week, lol.

[Jamie Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun read! The story is creative and easily captured my interest. It’s clean and has a lot of adventure and humor. Pilot’s Shadows would be good for a variety of ages from older child, to teen, to adult. I enjoyed the descriptive language and the world building of the Fractured Domain. It also highlights what it feels like to be someone experiencing intrusive thoughts and anxiety, which makes it very relevant for our time. I am eager for more!

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I've been looking for since I was in Middle School. I relate to the main character way too much. I recommend this book to any and all kids who have ever felt alone, neglected by their friends, and wanting for more. I am so honored to know the Author and be related to her! Can't wait for book 2!

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I love a book that is hard to put down, and this was one of them! I loved that the author includes characters with anxiety in a way that is realistic and relatable. It is also a fun adventure story, and I can't wait to learn more about some of the other characters' stories.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is simply amazing! I look forward to reading any chance I get! If you like Amulet, Harry Potter, or Micheal Vey I think you are going to love this book! I’m obsessed with the in universe creatures and as a person who deep dives into lore of worlds I can confidently tell you this one is not only so well thought out, but truly amazing!

[Rushmore Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was amazing, considering the fact I read 200 pages of it in a single sitting