The Shadow and the Stag

by David J. Neumaier

“You want to be rid of me that badly, then you have only one option.”When Alechi of Lagdin has an encounter with an evil spirit known as an actusfie, he must take a journey to the Holy City of Som Catre or wait for the actusfie to kill him from the inside out. Though he seemingly sets out alone, the spirit haunts his every heartbeat, and silent guardians guide his steps even when he fails to notice them.
On his journey, Alechi meets a mountain man, merchants, shamans, smiths, and ordinary children who help him separate his true identity from the evil lurking in his heart.

145 pages, Hardcover

Published December 21, 2025

Reviews

[Allen Levi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shadow and the Stag is a beautifully atmospheric coming-of-age story. I loved how Alechi’s journey blends inner struggle, morality, and the creeping dread of the unseen. The world feels alive, the spirits and guardians hauntingly real, and the slow building tension makes the story linger long after the last page. David Neumaier has crafted a novel that is both unsettling and deeply moving an unforgettable read.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book about the struggle of good and evil. I wish this book had been available when I was teaching middle school. There are many good lessons and lots of opportunities for discussions from the text. My favorite part is the engaging character development. Alechi is real and memorable. There is definitely see room for a sequel.