Shadow Protocol

by S.D. Maynard

429 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2026

Reviews

[ReneeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite this book being over 600 pages, it doesn't read like that at all and I found myself finishing this one pretty quickly. Uriel and Sarah are so good together and I love the kitty Meredith. I think the concept of this novel, ER trauma surgeon plus a fallen archangel trying to stop a shadow-plague from spreading set in Chicago is fantastic and I thought the characters were well done. I am definitely interested in seeing how the next book plays out and I am excited to learn more about Raziel & Luna in book 2!

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

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book could have been great unfortunately the author gets so caught up in descriptions and the constant repetition of descriptions that she repeatedly loses track of the books timelines, character backstories and chain of events. While it was nice to read a story that had an adult FMC and an MMC that learned to stop being the possessive Alpha with the touch her and die attitude and actually worked toward being her partner and accepting her as her equal the lack of cohesion throughout the book makes it difficult to follow along. Told from a dual POV, it's hard This happens with dialogue as well usually when there a multiple side characters in a scene. As far as the side characters, there a quite a few from different paranormal backgrounds but the author doesn't really introduce them properly or let you know what they are and just throws them at you as a bunch of names which makes it difficult to remember or care about them. Several plot points are brought up, focused on then just forgotten about. Overall this book was hard to see through to the end, the endless repetitive use of descriptions, especially what things smelled like, almost made me DNF this book several times. This book is a first in a series but I won't be following up. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Poulomi Mandal · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

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Shadow Protocol reads like a tightly wound, high-adrenaline thriller that doesn’t waste time getting into the action. From the beginning, it leans into a mission-driven narrative, pulling you into a world of covert operations, elite units, and a looming threat that feels just close enough to reality to be unsettling. The pacing is one of its strongest aspects, moving quickly without feeling rushed, and it keeps the tension consistently high, making it an easy, almost binge-like read.

What stands out most is how it blends grounded military elements with a layer of speculative technology. The balance works well, giving the story a sense of realism while still offering something slightly futuristic and intriguing. The team at the center of the story—the Fallen Response Unit—adds a compelling dynamic, with interactions that hint at deeper histories and relationships, even if those layers aren’t fully explored yet. It feels like the foundation is being laid for more character depth as the series progresses.

At the same time, because this is the first installment, some aspects feel familiar. Certain character types and plot beats may come across as recognizable if you’ve read a lot in this genre, and the world-building, while interesting, is still in its early stages. The story seems more focused on establishing momentum and intrigue than diving deeply into emotional or philosophical territory.

Overall, it comes across as a cinematic, fast-paced opener to a larger series—something that prioritizes action and suspense while setting up a broader narrative that will likely unfold in later books.

[Linda Hallberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shadow Protocol has a compelling premise — a doctor with uncanny instincts, a fallen angel, and a hidden world of danger unfolding beneath the surface of reality. It had all the elements of a story I would normally love, and I was especially drawn in by the striking cover and the darker, urban fantasy tone.

However, I found myself struggling to stay engaged with the execution.

The writing leans heavily on descriptive passages, often repeating the same ideas, which slowed the pacing considerably for me. At times, it also felt like the timeline and flow of events became unclear, making it difficult to follow what was actually happening.

The dual POV between Sarah and Uriel had potential to add depth, but instead I found it confusing, as the perspectives sometimes seemed to blur together rather than complement each other.

I really believe this story had the potential to be something great — the concept is strong, and there are glimpses of what it could have been. Unfortunately, the overall reading experience didn’t fully come together for me. I considered DNF’ing multiple times, but ultimately chose to finish the book.

As this is the first in a trilogy, I personally won’t be continuing with the series, though I can see how readers who enjoy more abstract or heavily atmospheric storytelling might connect with it more.

Overall, this wasn’t the right fit for me, but I do appreciate the creativity behind the concept.

Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Jenelsia Parham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually read Shadow Protocol after Infernal Frequencies, the second book in the series. This one introduces Uriel, the leader of this band of angels. He finds a new purpose and a life partner in Dr. Montgomery. She is a constant reminder that the freedom of choice is the only way to truely live.

The mess, the hurt, the loss, the joy, the love...these are all things that make up the human experience. The perfectly imperfect moments that make us human are worth saving. Even at the cost of the perfect alignment and conformity that was demanded of Uriel...and to an equal measure to Sarah. They knew the cost of defection and did it anyway.

I loved the honesty between Uriel and Sarah. The bone deep certainty that they were right, and that everything else would work around them. Who wouldn't want that absolute certainty? To know so fully know your partner you are quite literally one mind, but choose to be your own separate person with your own needs.

What would that feel like to know a person's next thought? To feel their happiness and tap in at the slightest inkling of reassurance? To feel their bodies as you feel your own moving over, around, and in you with the duplicate reactions of a truely good fuck. The doctor is so matter of fact and the angel is almost staid in comparison but when they come together they are explosive!

I absolutely enjoyed this book and already have book 3 in the series.

[Jinx_Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens and SD Maynard for the opportunity to review this ARC copy of Shadow Protocol.

This book has it all, romance, action and magic. Dr.Sarah Montgomery’s world changes forever the night she meets fallen angel Uriel and learns that there’s more to her amazing medical instincts than meets the eye.

This book has some of the most stunning prose I’ve read in a while though aspects of it do repeat over the course of the novel. It is impossible not to be immersed in Uriel and Sarah’s emotional journey.

The story is strong. It’s a great blend of magic and medical science. Fast paced enough but doesn’t feel rushed. If I had one complaint it would be that I feel the side characters suffer from lack of attention and feel terribly flat next to our leads.

I’m definitely reading the next one and have already been singing its praises to my bookish friends.

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

[VagabondBooker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book starts off strong and is incredibly engaging, hooking you from the very first pages. Sarah, a doctor with supernatural powers, gets pulled into a mysterious battle between good and evil led by Archangel Uriel. The chemistry between the MMC and FMC is fast-burning and intense.

Unfortunately, around the halfway book, I felt the plot lost its way and started going in circles. There was a bit too much focus on feelings at the expense of important plot points, leaving some things unclear. Uriel’s role also diminished significantly, which was a bit disappointing.

Overall, it's an interesting read with some great details, and Meredith definitely deserves a full star on her own!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Rating: 3.8 / 5 ⭐
Spice: 2 / 5 🌶️

[Anamika Pandey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, SD Maynard, for the ARC copy of Shadow Protocol. I absolutely loved this book! It’s 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ .5 for me
What a unique and captivating concept—a fallen archangel and a human doctor forming such a powerful bond. Their connection was fascinating, especially seeing how far they were willing to go for each other despite carrying their own past grief and pain.
The story beautifully shows a chaotic human world, with high stakes as they work together to save Chicago from an impending tragedy. Their journey isn’t easy—their bond is tested again and again while facing the shadows threatening the city. Watching their relationship grow through all those trials, and seeing them fall in love, was truly compelling.
It’s such a fantastic and emotional story. I’ve already started the next book and can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Protocol is an amazingly entertaining Paranormal romance that brings together fallen archangel Uriel and Dr. Sarah Montgomery in a heated Urban Fantasy that for its FMC is going to turn her world every which way but up.

Sarah has psychic abilities, Uriel hunts Demons and when they are thrown together by fate or an unseen hand they may just save the world.

Absolutely loved this story which was nicely written with perfectly crafted characters who elicited all the emotions as the danger, threats, intrigue, violence, passion, and vulnerability, all coalesce into a story that broke the emotional bank as the action and adventure took over the pages. Word building was imaginative and immersive and

I remained firmly within the pages of this narrative until the very last page!

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

[Shelli Tessier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a unique paranormal romance centered around a fallen response unit headed by a fallen angel, that deals with the paranormal threats in Chicago. The main characters are thrown together when she finds out about her powers. The romance is hot and steamy, the action is packed, and the characters are interesting. There is a little over-explaining at times, but easily looked over. I had a hard time putting down the book! Thank you to SD Maynard for the opportunity to read this early in return for an honest review.

[Claire ellison · Rating 3 out of 5]

If possible, I would rank this a 3.75. It has a great premise and engaging characters. An ER doctor paired with the angel of death, sign me up. I greatly loved this couple and how they both grew to compliment each other. It reminded of the height of paranormal romances era. Where this falls a little short is the repetive descriptions, which led to some pacing issues. That said will likely pick up the next book. Recieved for free from booksirens. Thanks again for a solid first book with a few tweaks set up for a good series.

[Elizabeth]

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and I was really excited about reading it. It looks fantastic. I don’t know whether or not that’s how it came over as an E published, but the file was very difficult to read and the sentences were almost done like one sentences. There was no descriptions. I had a really hard time following along and just could not connect to any of the characters. Unfortunately, I did not finish his book.

[Mette Birkebæk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paranormal romance set in present time.
Human trauma surgeon finds she has a gift when shadows appear in her hospital. Then she meets Uriel the fallen angel. Together they need to fight the darkness threatening the city.
Quite long but the suspense keeps sucking you back in. Definitely kept me entertained.

[Sandra Maloney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes place in Chicago with a physician FMC who has to quickly learn how to navigate her new found abilities. The Fallen MMC comes to help and Sarah the FMC soon realizes there is more then meets the eyes when it comes to the supernatural and to be scared of what is lurking in the shadows
Some action, some spice and true bonding.

This book was given to me as an eARC

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shadow Protocol is the first book in The Fallen Response Unit series. This book was a slow start, but about halfway through, it was more interesting. This is a good versus evil story with fallen angels, a Yeti, and a Kitsune. The characters are likable, and the action was good once the protagonist was introduced.

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah & Uriel

A physic doctor and a fallen angel are an amazing pair, that work together in a way that made this story a great read, that I found hard to put down. I have to recommend this as a great paranormal story with a couple that left me wanting more! I Loved It!!! No Spoilers!

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

[Brianne Hersey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read this at first as it had an interesting premise. I have it about half way before I couldn't go any further. there was too much repetition with descriptions and the story seemed to drag on.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY ... what a bloody brilliant book, I couldn't put it down , and I can't wait for the next installment,
Definitely not one to be regretted starting

[Tishy77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have received an eARC.

SIMPLY BRILLIANT!

[angela jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book could not put it down highly reccomened it the characters the story line very good read

[Britt Brooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC copy received- Initially I thought I was going to like this book, but honestly as it went on it wasn't for me. It delves too deep into medical jargon (which I get since the MFC is a surgeon, but it seems way too forced at times). It also seemed to drag on for way too long. Interesting idea & premise, but I just couldn't get behind it's execution.