Shadow Dance

by Spencer Sekulin, Cherami Leigh (Narrator)

Revika Scáthach has survived many wounds, but one she cannot bear is watching her father lose himself to the Madness. Working tirelessly to care for him, she has tried every remedy, every recourse, all to no avail. In a world dominated by miraculous sorcery, she may be a deadly shadowcaster, but she is powerlessness in the face of his ailment.

The city of Sahtaltin, divided by class and creed, only makes matters worse. There is little love for the royal family, and Revika has always blamed them for letting a veteran like her father end up the way he has. When the Peddler, the mysterious man who first hired her into a life of killing, offers her a mission in exchange for a cure, she has no choice but to accept.

After all, killing the royal prince is a small price to pay to save her father's life.

Audible Audio

Published November 4, 2025

About the author

When Spencer Sekulin isn’t on the road as a paramedic or studying, he is most likely writing. Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, Spencer fell in love with books at a young age, with authors like Terry Brooks and Eoin Colfer giving him an appetite for speculative fiction. Though he didn’t begin writing until university, he quickly discovered that it was just as fun as reading. The rest is history. His passions include emergency medicine, voice-overs, homemade coffee, travel obscura, and of course, writing.

Reviews

[Elaine Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was great and the audio narration was fantastic - like listening to a radio play. No spoilers, but plot is excellent, supported by beautiful lyrical language and vivid imagery, along with well-developed characters. And there's emotional punch too. I normally don't care too much for fantasy, but since I took a chance on this author's novelette "The Last Wyvernslayer" (which I LOVED!) I tried this one too. No regrets - it was terrific!!

[Nadia Breedijk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid book. I like that it’s short and I can finish it within 2 hours. Loved listening to it. Plot is really well thought of. Because of the length of the book it felt more like listening to a movie than a book. But still I loved it. I do think you could make a longer version that way it might be less predictable of what’s going to happen. But still a good book, would recommend to listen to if you are on your way.

[David Hankins · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Shadow Dance was, hands down, my favorite book I've read so far this year - and I've read several NYT Bestsellers recently. Gripping story, riveting narrator, and flawed characters who I ached for. Absolutely fabulous! When's the moving coming out?

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars
I genuinely just wish this had been longer.

[Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short story! I would've loved to know more about the powers in this world but thats the thing about short stories! Regardless this was a fun fast read!

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent ride, and one of my favourite reads of 2025. The writing felt beautiful yet sharp - another reviewer said it felt like a movie, and I really get that, not only because of the length, but the fast plot and vivid worldbuilding. The blockbuster plot hides a lot of depth and feeling however, and I felt a vast range of emotions by the end. The characters are also very entertaining - Revika is a fun protagonist, but the villain (who I won't spoil) is the one who won't get out of my head!

Highly recommended, particularly to listen to - the audiobook is fantastically narrated too.