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In the Shadow of Roots and Wings
Everly Palmer swore she’d never return to Splendid, Colorado—a town too perfect to be real and too haunted to forget. But when news of a childhood friend’s sudden death reaches her, she’s drawn back to this unusual place. Founded by her ancestor, Splendid is a town frozen in time, its beauty unmarred, its secrets buried deep. Everly has spent her life trying to decipher the cryptic nightmares that plague her, and now, back in the town she once fled, she begins to suspect they were never just dreams.
As the funeral passes and the shadows lengthen, Everly stumbles upon a forgotten grave and a chilling Splendid’s perfection is not a gift, but a curse. Old ties with her estranged friend Rose fray under the weight of buried memories and sinister revelations. The deeper Everly digs, the more she realizes Splendid was never meant to be escaped. In a town where nature doesn’t obey natural law and happiness comes at a terrible cost, Everly must choose—unearth the truth and risk being swallowed whole or surrender to the darkness that’s waited for her return.
In the Shadow of Roots and Wings is a suspenseful mystery that meets magical realism, reminiscent of The Secret History by Donna Tartt and The Maidens by Alex Michaelides, and is set in the fictional town of Splendid, Colorado.
Author A. D. Brazeau’s latest mystery grips readers on the first page and never lets go.
As the funeral passes and the shadows lengthen, Everly stumbles upon a forgotten grave and a chilling Splendid’s perfection is not a gift, but a curse. Old ties with her estranged friend Rose fray under the weight of buried memories and sinister revelations. The deeper Everly digs, the more she realizes Splendid was never meant to be escaped. In a town where nature doesn’t obey natural law and happiness comes at a terrible cost, Everly must choose—unearth the truth and risk being swallowed whole or surrender to the darkness that’s waited for her return.
In the Shadow of Roots and Wings is a suspenseful mystery that meets magical realism, reminiscent of The Secret History by Donna Tartt and The Maidens by Alex Michaelides, and is set in the fictional town of Splendid, Colorado.
Author A. D. Brazeau’s latest mystery grips readers on the first page and never lets go.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 14, 2025
4 stars
In the Shadow of Roots and Wings is a dark and suspenseful tale. The author, AD, effectively reveals the hidden horrors that lurk in darkness and nightmares. This intriguing, fast-paced story is filled with mystery, secrets, danger, and gripping tension.
Splendid, Colorado, has many secrets to conceal; it is not a place anyone should visit. The storyline is well-developed, featuring strong world-building and captivating characters. The mystery of the tale drew me in with its themes of sacrifice, fear, and darkness, creating a compelling narrative.
Everly Palmer struggles to distinguish between reality and dreams, unsure of what could be her saviour or her worst enemy. She suddenly finds herself in the same predicament as the others.
In the Shadow of Roots and Wings is a dark and suspenseful tale. The author, AD, effectively reveals the hidden horrors that lurk in darkness and nightmares. This intriguing, fast-paced story is filled with mystery, secrets, danger, and gripping tension.
Splendid, Colorado, has many secrets to conceal; it is not a place anyone should visit. The storyline is well-developed, featuring strong world-building and captivating characters. The mystery of the tale drew me in with its themes of sacrifice, fear, and darkness, creating a compelling narrative.
Everly Palmer struggles to distinguish between reality and dreams, unsure of what could be her saviour or her worst enemy. She suddenly finds herself in the same predicament as the others.
October 23, 2025
5 Stars
Everly Palmer is back in Splendid, a place she swore she would never return to, but the death of her friend has made it impossible for her to stay away. But as soon as she sets foot back in the town, memories of the past begin to haunt her, making her feel as shaken and unstable as she had all those years ago. Reuniting with her friends doesn’t seem to help matters either, especially when her hurt from how they treated her is still present, and new revelations show that they knew more than they let on at the time. Everly once again gets drawn into the mystery of her home town, and the more she finds out, the more certain she is that there is seriously something wrong with Splendid.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I’m not sure what I expected, but I thoroughly enjoyed the read. It was thoroughly creepy, and Brazeau managed to keep this air of dread and unease all the way through. I loved learning about Spledid through the eyes of Everly, who hadn’t been there in years, and getting glimpses into her past through the flashbacks. All the characters were interesting, and I thought the way Brazeau handled the estranged relationships between Everly and the group of friends was grounded and realistic, even with all the fantastical elements within the story. I honestly felt so sorry for Everly, though. No wonder the girl has so many trust issues, what with all the lies she's been told. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good spooky mystery, with lots of focus on character and relationships. This was an incredible read, will definitely be looking out for more of Brazeau's works.
Everly Palmer is back in Splendid, a place she swore she would never return to, but the death of her friend has made it impossible for her to stay away. But as soon as she sets foot back in the town, memories of the past begin to haunt her, making her feel as shaken and unstable as she had all those years ago. Reuniting with her friends doesn’t seem to help matters either, especially when her hurt from how they treated her is still present, and new revelations show that they knew more than they let on at the time. Everly once again gets drawn into the mystery of her home town, and the more she finds out, the more certain she is that there is seriously something wrong with Splendid.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I’m not sure what I expected, but I thoroughly enjoyed the read. It was thoroughly creepy, and Brazeau managed to keep this air of dread and unease all the way through. I loved learning about Spledid through the eyes of Everly, who hadn’t been there in years, and getting glimpses into her past through the flashbacks. All the characters were interesting, and I thought the way Brazeau handled the estranged relationships between Everly and the group of friends was grounded and realistic, even with all the fantastical elements within the story. I honestly felt so sorry for Everly, though. No wonder the girl has so many trust issues, what with all the lies she's been told. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good spooky mystery, with lots of focus on character and relationships. This was an incredible read, will definitely be looking out for more of Brazeau's works.
October 25, 2025
In the Shadow of Roots and Wings by A.D. Brazeau is an interesting occult thriller. Everly returns to her hometown of Splendid, Colorado for her childhood best friend’s funeral where she reunites with all her high school friends. She left town immediately after graduation without looking back. She was running from the town that she felt “was consuming her.”
I enjoyed the characters of Everly and Rose who are the main characters in the story and the two viewpoints that we get. Leigh, Johnathon, and Fletcher are side characters that add a little depth to the storyline. I did not see the end twists coming. I made a call about the end of the story halfway through and it was completely wrong which is unusual for me.
I wish there had been a bit more explanations about the spells being used by the founders, but that would have added more pages to the novel. I could have used a slightly better explanation about how and why there were two hellhounds.
I truly enjoyed this book even though it is not my usually genre of fantasy. I gave it 4 stars based on me not wanting to put it down and reading it in a single day. I look forward to looking into more of Brazeau’s books.
I enjoyed the characters of Everly and Rose who are the main characters in the story and the two viewpoints that we get. Leigh, Johnathon, and Fletcher are side characters that add a little depth to the storyline. I did not see the end twists coming. I made a call about the end of the story halfway through and it was completely wrong which is unusual for me.
I wish there had been a bit more explanations about the spells being used by the founders, but that would have added more pages to the novel. I could have used a slightly better explanation about how and why there were two hellhounds.
I truly enjoyed this book even though it is not my usually genre of fantasy. I gave it 4 stars based on me not wanting to put it down and reading it in a single day. I look forward to looking into more of Brazeau’s books.
October 25, 2025
In the Shadow of Roots and Wings by A.D. Brazeau
Everly Palmer returned to her hometown of Splendid, CO, for the funeral of her childhood best friend. She had hoped to go unnoticed and slip right back out of town. Everly had disappeared right after high school without telling anyone. She just disappeared from their lives. The group of five friends was inseparable, and Everly's return to town raised questions that she wasn’t prepared to answer. She was spotted at the funeral by Rose, the most vocal of the group, and the last person that Everly wanted to talk to. Back in high school, Every and Rose broke into Red Manor, a men’s club, because they had heard it was haunted. Everly believed she saw something there that night, and the more she tried to talk about it, the more her high school friends, including Rose, pulled away. Everly felt isolated, so she left. Coming back to town was always meant to be temporary, but other members of the community had different plans. This book is cryptic and creepy but also has strong character development. The friends have to face the past in order to survive the present.
Everly Palmer returned to her hometown of Splendid, CO, for the funeral of her childhood best friend. She had hoped to go unnoticed and slip right back out of town. Everly had disappeared right after high school without telling anyone. She just disappeared from their lives. The group of five friends was inseparable, and Everly's return to town raised questions that she wasn’t prepared to answer. She was spotted at the funeral by Rose, the most vocal of the group, and the last person that Everly wanted to talk to. Back in high school, Every and Rose broke into Red Manor, a men’s club, because they had heard it was haunted. Everly believed she saw something there that night, and the more she tried to talk about it, the more her high school friends, including Rose, pulled away. Everly felt isolated, so she left. Coming back to town was always meant to be temporary, but other members of the community had different plans. This book is cryptic and creepy but also has strong character development. The friends have to face the past in order to survive the present.
October 15, 2025
4 Stars
In the Shadow of Roots and Wings by A.D. Brazeau is a compelling blend of suspense and magical realism that kept me gripped right from the opening page. Set in the vividly imagined town of Splendid, Colorado - a place that seems idyllic, and yet at the same time quite unsettling. The story immerses us in a world where this seeming perfection veils deep and haunting secrets. The town’s surreal charm and underlying darkness creates an atmospheric backdrop which evoked my curiosity and foreboding in equal measure.
Everly Palmer’s return to Splendid following the sudden death of a childhood friend sets the stage for a suspenseful tale. Ms. Brazeau excels in crafting complex characters, and Everly’s internal conflict as she revisits a past rife with unresolved emotions and cryptic nightmares drew me into a tightly woven psychological drama.
Recommended for readers who appreciate intricate mysteries with a strong emotional core and a taste for the uncanny.
Looking forward to whatever Ms. Brazeau has in store for us next?
Happy Reading…
In the Shadow of Roots and Wings by A.D. Brazeau is a compelling blend of suspense and magical realism that kept me gripped right from the opening page. Set in the vividly imagined town of Splendid, Colorado - a place that seems idyllic, and yet at the same time quite unsettling. The story immerses us in a world where this seeming perfection veils deep and haunting secrets. The town’s surreal charm and underlying darkness creates an atmospheric backdrop which evoked my curiosity and foreboding in equal measure.
Everly Palmer’s return to Splendid following the sudden death of a childhood friend sets the stage for a suspenseful tale. Ms. Brazeau excels in crafting complex characters, and Everly’s internal conflict as she revisits a past rife with unresolved emotions and cryptic nightmares drew me into a tightly woven psychological drama.
Recommended for readers who appreciate intricate mysteries with a strong emotional core and a taste for the uncanny.
Looking forward to whatever Ms. Brazeau has in store for us next?
Happy Reading…
October 26, 2025
This is a compelling mystery infused with elements of magical realism, making for a dark, atmospheric read. The story follows Everly Palmer, who is forced to return to the seemingly perfect, but deeply unsettling, town of Splendid, Colorado, after a childhood friend's sudden death. The town itself is a standout character: founded by Everly’s ancestor, Splendid is a place frozen in time where the laws of nature don't quite apply and perfection comes at a sinister price. The novel excels at building a palpable sense of unease as Everly's cryptic nightmares begin to merge with reality. As Everly investigates her friend’s death, she uncovers a chilling truth about the town's origins—a curse buried deep beneath its flawless facade. The narrative balances suspenseful mystery with the slow reveal of magical and occult secrets. It's an excellent choice for readers who enjoy suspense, a touch of the supernatural, and a heroine determined to unearth secrets that were never meant to be disturbed.
October 9, 2025
This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from their first book I picked up. I enjoy their creative writing style that makes the story pop. I also enjoy their attention to details that make me feel as if I am part of the story. This is a well written story that is part mystery and part suspense that is full of magic. Everly said she would never return home until a former childhood friend has turned up dead. She comes across a forgotten grave which now has her digging into things that may be better left buried. Now she is facing a choice of truth or being swallowed up by the darkness. I enjoyed the characters and how connectable they were. They are creative and full of life. I enjoyed watching their growth throughout which had me turning pages fast to see what would happen next. I found this story easy and entertaining to read from beginning to end. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story that I highly recommend.
October 27, 2025
In the Shadow of Roots and Wings gave me chills in all the best ways. Splendid, Colorado, sounds cute, but nope. That place is straight up nightmare fuel wrapped in small town charm.
Everly Palmer swore she’d never go back, but a friend’s death pulls her right into the mess she tried to escape. Cue old ghosts, messy friendships, and secrets that should’ve stayed buried. Poor Everly. The girl cannot catch a break.
I loved the creepy vibe, the emotional twists, and how the magic and mystery blended together perfectly. Brazeau nailed that uneasy “something’s not right here” feeling from start to finish.
Dark, weird, and totally addictive. I couldn’t stop reading! I also loved how it referenced A.D. Brazeau’s Casket Girl series in passing. I absolutely loved that series and now I can add this book to the list.
Everly Palmer swore she’d never go back, but a friend’s death pulls her right into the mess she tried to escape. Cue old ghosts, messy friendships, and secrets that should’ve stayed buried. Poor Everly. The girl cannot catch a break.
I loved the creepy vibe, the emotional twists, and how the magic and mystery blended together perfectly. Brazeau nailed that uneasy “something’s not right here” feeling from start to finish.
Dark, weird, and totally addictive. I couldn’t stop reading! I also loved how it referenced A.D. Brazeau’s Casket Girl series in passing. I absolutely loved that series and now I can add this book to the list.
October 28, 2025
In the Shadow of Roots and Wings by A.D. Brazea
5 Star Review
In the Shadow of Roots and Wings takes place in the fictional town of Splendid, Colorado, a beautiful town with its own secrets. When Everly returns home to investigate her friend’s death, she uncovers more than she bargained for. The town is full of secrets that she couldn’t even see coming.
Brazeau brings lots of tension into the plot line with nightmares, strange manipulation of nature, and other shocking events. I felt that sometimes I had lost my way from the storyline. It veers off and doesn’t tell me what I want to know. (I hate waiting for answers.)
The creativity and description in this book is phenomenal and makes the other frustrations worth it. This is a great read for anyone who enjoys a mystery with a small town feel.
5 Star Review
In the Shadow of Roots and Wings takes place in the fictional town of Splendid, Colorado, a beautiful town with its own secrets. When Everly returns home to investigate her friend’s death, she uncovers more than she bargained for. The town is full of secrets that she couldn’t even see coming.
Brazeau brings lots of tension into the plot line with nightmares, strange manipulation of nature, and other shocking events. I felt that sometimes I had lost my way from the storyline. It veers off and doesn’t tell me what I want to know. (I hate waiting for answers.)
The creativity and description in this book is phenomenal and makes the other frustrations worth it. This is a great read for anyone who enjoys a mystery with a small town feel.
October 28, 2025
This was a really interesting magical mystery read. This author does a great job of creating unique stories with unique characters. This book is definately a page turner filled with danger, secrets tension and so much more.
When Everly Palmer's friend suddenly dies she finds herself dragged back Splendid, a town that seems to perfect to be real. Splendid is full of dark secrets and when Everly starts to have nightmares she starts to worry that they may not be nightmares but something more.
As Everly starts to dig into the towns past she starts to uncover sinister secrets. She is now faced with a choice she can either carry on trying to uncover the truth and risk being swallowed whole or she can surrender to the darkness that was waiting for her return
This was a captivating read that I couldn't put down. I love this authors writing as I felt completely drawn into the story.
When Everly Palmer's friend suddenly dies she finds herself dragged back Splendid, a town that seems to perfect to be real. Splendid is full of dark secrets and when Everly starts to have nightmares she starts to worry that they may not be nightmares but something more.
As Everly starts to dig into the towns past she starts to uncover sinister secrets. She is now faced with a choice she can either carry on trying to uncover the truth and risk being swallowed whole or she can surrender to the darkness that was waiting for her return
This was a captivating read that I couldn't put down. I love this authors writing as I felt completely drawn into the story.
October 22, 2025
4 Stars
In the Shadow of Roots and Wings By A.D. Brazeau
In the Shadows of Roots and Wings is Suspenseful read that had me on the edge of my seat turning the pages till the end. It’s a gripping tale that is packed with secrets, action, suspense, and so much more. Everly finds herself going back to the place she thought she would never go back to. Splendid Colorado is not what it seems and the dreams aren’t what they seem either. Everly is back because of her friend being found dead. The more you look the more you uncover. This is a fast paced story that will definitely have you turning the pages till the end. I highly recommend reading to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
In the Shadow of Roots and Wings By A.D. Brazeau
In the Shadows of Roots and Wings is Suspenseful read that had me on the edge of my seat turning the pages till the end. It’s a gripping tale that is packed with secrets, action, suspense, and so much more. Everly finds herself going back to the place she thought she would never go back to. Splendid Colorado is not what it seems and the dreams aren’t what they seem either. Everly is back because of her friend being found dead. The more you look the more you uncover. This is a fast paced story that will definitely have you turning the pages till the end. I highly recommend reading to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
October 23, 2025
Everly Palmer is returning home to Splendid, Colorado. She never wanted to return but a friend's death shocked her into coming and she is hoping to escape unnoticed. Her visit does not go as planned and Everly finds herself reconnecting with old friends and pulled into discovering what Splendid is hiding. Not all as it seems in this peaceful town, secrets will be revealed in a way you will never see coming.
I was pulled in right away with this story. Everything about this book had me turning the page to figure out what would happen next. You had the mystery of Everly and why she fled the town and her friends, a mysterious death that seems to have more questions than answers, and tattered friendships that need closure before they can move on. Fantastically done.
I was pulled in right away with this story. Everything about this book had me turning the page to figure out what would happen next. You had the mystery of Everly and why she fled the town and her friends, a mysterious death that seems to have more questions than answers, and tattered friendships that need closure before they can move on. Fantastically done.
October 27, 2025
In the Shadow of Roots and Wings by A. D. Brazeau is my first book by this author, but certainly won't be the last. This thriller is full of suspense, mystery, themes of the occult, and a touch of the paranormal. Brazeau weaves a bone-chilling narrative with descriptive writing and realistic characters. I could feel the fear and the chill in the air, see the dog-like apparition, hear the secrets being revealed in the dark. I liked the growth and realistically flawed characters. I felt connected to Everly's determination and belief in the “off-ness” of her hometown. Everly refuses to give up easily. The twists and turns in this book will keep you guessing through the very end; a page-turner for sure. I can't wait to read more books by A. D. Brazeau.
October 27, 2025
This book is a brilliant thriller story that will pull you in right from the moment you start reading. As soon as I read the description I decided I knew which way the story would go so was happy to watch it develop. However, the author takes you on such a journey with the book, throwing in so many twists and turns that you really don’t see the ending coming.
I loved the entire feel of this book. From start to finish it captured my attention and I soon found this was the type of book I couldn’t put down. I also really enjoyed the fact that it felt so different to most things I have read recently, which made it really refreshing (if a little sinister) to read. This is a fantastic book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I loved the entire feel of this book. From start to finish it captured my attention and I soon found this was the type of book I couldn’t put down. I also really enjoyed the fact that it felt so different to most things I have read recently, which made it really refreshing (if a little sinister) to read. This is a fantastic book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
October 28, 2025
In the Shadow of Roots and Wings is a beautifully written story that blends emotion, family, and self-discovery in a really touching way. The characters felt real and layered, and I appreciated how the story tackled tough topics with sensitivity and heart. The writing style had a poetic feel at times, which made it really immersive. While the pacing was a little slow in spots, the emotional payoff made it totally worth it. It’s the kind of book that stays with you after you finish, especially if you enjoy character-driven stories with a strong emotional core.
October 29, 2025
This book was suggested to me in my ARC program and I'm so glad I took the plunge to read it. A. D. Brazaeu is a new author for me and I'm definitely going to follow her to make sure I read others by her. This book was filled with suspense, thrill and had me on the edge of my seat for most of the book. The main characters kept me intrigued and the side characters added some extra suspense and humor to me. So glad I took the chance and read this book, it was definitely a great read.
October 16, 2025
All I can say is wow! This book is absolutely amazing! The writing style of A.D. Brazeau is completely brilliant and made the story come alive. In the Shadows of Roots and Wings is in my top 5 read books of 2025! Can't wait to read more by A.D. Brazeau.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews