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Shadowlands #1
Ashen Rayne
Young women are vanishing from Miami’s club scene, most disappearing without a trace, others found suffocated in plastic bags, their battered corpses filled with a deadly cocktail of narcotics. There are no suspects and few clues. When exotic dancer Rayne is taken, her sister Blaze calls the ladies of Shadowlands to find her. With only five days before Rayne is found dead or never found at all, Smoak and Ash dive into Miami’s underworld of drugs, prostitution and slavery, using every skill they have to find her before the clock runs out. Alone? Afraid? Lost? In trouble and have nowhere to turn? Call Shadowlands. We’re here to help.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2015
29 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Skye Knizley
23 books224 followersSkye Knizley is the USA Today bestselling author of the Storm Chronicles series, an urban fantasy tale that mixes mystery, magic and horror, Midnight Roads, her homage to road movies with a dash of mystery and horror and the Shadowlands series of modern adventure/mysteries. All of her books feature strong female leads who can hold their own the men and then some, witticisms and of course Skye’s trademark snark.
Skye lives in the middle of nowhere, the small town life appeals to her and is conducive to writing. When she isn’t writing Skye can be found camping, motorcycling and hiking with her psychotic Siberian husky.
Skye is also a proud gamer girl and an avid fan of roleplaying games. She currently participates in a weekly game held at a local gaming store (stop in and say ‘hi!’) and is the writer and game-master of a private Fantasy Flight Star Wars game held once a month.
Skye lives in the middle of nowhere, the small town life appeals to her and is conducive to writing. When she isn’t writing Skye can be found camping, motorcycling and hiking with her psychotic Siberian husky.
Skye is also a proud gamer girl and an avid fan of roleplaying games. She currently participates in a weekly game held at a local gaming store (stop in and say ‘hi!’) and is the writer and game-master of a private Fantasy Flight Star Wars game held once a month.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 10, 2015
If I were to be consistent in my reviews, then you would be reading an essay pointing out everything improbable, inplausible and other words starting with "im-"
Instead, I made a new shelf called Guilty Pleasures (thanks, Bobbi) and simply tell you I enjoyed this very much. Beautiful ladies, gratuitous violence, cardboard villains, the next vehicle bigger than the previous.
Sometimes that's all you need.
Instead, I made a new shelf called Guilty Pleasures (thanks, Bobbi) and simply tell you I enjoyed this very much. Beautiful ladies, gratuitous violence, cardboard villains, the next vehicle bigger than the previous.
Sometimes that's all you need.
July 20, 2015
Fun with firearms....... What a great start to a new series! I absolutely love this book! Its a fast paced thrill ride, filled with action, adventure and kick butt women with a bit of romance mixed in. I love the relationship between the two main characters Smoak & Ash, best friends who are really more like sisters who are always there for each other and would both kill or die to protect each other. I love the fantastical worlds Skye creates for all of her books, her tweaks on reality make them so much more fun and interesting and I love getting lost in her worlds!
This book is suitable for adult readers only! Not suitable for the biggoted or homophobic.
This book is suitable for adult readers only! Not suitable for the biggoted or homophobic.
March 5, 2016
Call Shadowands When You Are Beyond Hope
This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to read Minus Hour!
Ever since they met no one and nothing could seperate them. One Dark. One Light. Stronger together than they ever were apart.
***This series is suitable for adult readers who enjoy snarky goodness in their thrill packed action suspense modern superheroes without the cape adventures with a dash of romance ;)
¬¬¬ NOT for the closed minded or homophobic
This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to read Minus Hour!
Ever since they met no one and nothing could seperate them. One Dark. One Light. Stronger together than they ever were apart.
***This series is suitable for adult readers who enjoy snarky goodness in their thrill packed action suspense modern superheroes without the cape adventures with a dash of romance ;)
¬¬¬ NOT for the closed minded or homophobic
July 7, 2015
I loved this book, it was an amazing read that I finished in one sitting. It moved along at the perfect pace, has amazing characters that you want to know more about and a story that will grab you from the very beginning and not let you go until the end. It is interesting and entertaining. This has to be read, there is no doubt about it.
July 12, 2015
Loved it
This book had everything I love women action and romance. Great book couldn't put it down. Can't wait for book two.
This book had everything I love women action and romance. Great book couldn't put it down. Can't wait for book two.
July 16, 2015
I think this is a great new series. I can't wait to read the next one!
July 11, 2015
This is one of the best novels I've read in awhile. Little hints of sex, romance, and a lot of action with 2 female leads. Awesome job once again to Skye. I devour her books as soon as they are released.
July 10, 2015
Excitement galore!
This first book kept me on the edge of my seat. It's going to be a good series by MsKnizley. Keep them coming
This first book kept me on the edge of my seat. It's going to be a good series by MsKnizley. Keep them coming
May 12, 2017
Non-stop action
Boy oh boy! Loved loved loved SK and Ash. It's refreshing to read about a badass woman (Smoak) for a change.
Boy oh boy! Loved loved loved SK and Ash. It's refreshing to read about a badass woman (Smoak) for a change.
January 24, 2018
More like 3.5 stars.
February 8, 2021
Been on my TBR for a long time and this just bored me.
I'm not even sure why it just felt quite slow and really I couldn't get into it properly.
I'm not even sure why it just felt quite slow and really I couldn't get into it properly.
July 7, 2015
Kick ass women in fiction. Ever since I started reading, I always gravitated towards books where the heroine needs no man for help: Nicki Styx, the lead in Terri Garey's urban fantasy series. Raven Madison, in Ellen Schreiber's Vampire Kisses series. But those kinds of women are hard to find. Most of them fall short of what I'm always looking for...except for Smoak. Now there's a female lead!
She's too good to even be called bad ass. From page one you know there's something different about her and Ashley. Ashley is actually deaf, and you wouldn't know it except that they use TTY phones and in the first chapter it is mentioned. Skye didn't write her as disabled. Instead, she uses her disability to her advantage. Smoak is not disabled...she is actually too capable, if that's possible. It's her seeming invincibility that makes you love Ashley more: for showing her scars and her handicaps. But you learn that Smoak is not invincible, and that she does not have a heart of stone.
I don't like to review good books, because I am always afraid I'll run off at the mouth and post spoilers! I'll just try to stick to the basics.
The story should be in the dictionary for "fast paced". But it is not lacking in any department. There is no shortage of emotion, nor is there any detail missing. They define "women's fiction" as being targeted towards women by talking about women's experiences. If they put books like these down as "women's fiction", I bet we'd have had a female president by now. Reading this book was not just exhilarating for me, but as a young woman it makes me feel empowered to read a story about girls like these.
It's vigilante justice without a mask, leaving nothing and no one in her wake. This is not a book by a woman for women. This is a book by an amazing writer for anyone who wants to read real, action-packed fiction.
She's too good to even be called bad ass. From page one you know there's something different about her and Ashley. Ashley is actually deaf, and you wouldn't know it except that they use TTY phones and in the first chapter it is mentioned. Skye didn't write her as disabled. Instead, she uses her disability to her advantage. Smoak is not disabled...she is actually too capable, if that's possible. It's her seeming invincibility that makes you love Ashley more: for showing her scars and her handicaps. But you learn that Smoak is not invincible, and that she does not have a heart of stone.
I don't like to review good books, because I am always afraid I'll run off at the mouth and post spoilers! I'll just try to stick to the basics.
The story should be in the dictionary for "fast paced". But it is not lacking in any department. There is no shortage of emotion, nor is there any detail missing. They define "women's fiction" as being targeted towards women by talking about women's experiences. If they put books like these down as "women's fiction", I bet we'd have had a female president by now. Reading this book was not just exhilarating for me, but as a young woman it makes me feel empowered to read a story about girls like these.
It's vigilante justice without a mask, leaving nothing and no one in her wake. This is not a book by a woman for women. This is a book by an amazing writer for anyone who wants to read real, action-packed fiction.
January 19, 2017
** Review of Audio Format **
Fun...but Full of Clichés
This was an entertaining listen. It is along the lines of 007, with the action getting more and more unbelievable with each confrontation. Skye Knizley constructed a good spy thriller and highlights a very real and enduring problem in our society today. I just wish she hadn't ruined her very strong female leads by using the cliché of making them lesbians. And especially a lesbian who treats other lesbians very, very badly...before finding 'the one'. And a lesbian who was raped by thugs. And who was abused by her parents. And is deaf. Get my point about the clichés? It takes a lot to get passed and it make the listen just OK for me.
In the end, it was a way to pass my commute and I did like that the author brought human trafficking into the light.
The narration was good although there was not very much distinction in voices between characters. Sierra Kline has a nice voice and her cadence and tone were right for the material.
I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.
Fun...but Full of Clichés
This was an entertaining listen. It is along the lines of 007, with the action getting more and more unbelievable with each confrontation. Skye Knizley constructed a good spy thriller and highlights a very real and enduring problem in our society today. I just wish she hadn't ruined her very strong female leads by using the cliché of making them lesbians. And especially a lesbian who treats other lesbians very, very badly...before finding 'the one'. And a lesbian who was raped by thugs. And who was abused by her parents. And is deaf. Get my point about the clichés? It takes a lot to get passed and it make the listen just OK for me.
In the end, it was a way to pass my commute and I did like that the author brought human trafficking into the light.
The narration was good although there was not very much distinction in voices between characters. Sierra Kline has a nice voice and her cadence and tone were right for the material.
I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2015
Terrific Start to a New Series!
This is my first read by this author and I guess you could call me an insta-fan! I absolutely loved this read, the world that the author has created is amazing, the writing is very detailed and you can really "see" everything. The Main characters are super kick-ass, I absolutely love them and want to know then better still. The story pulled me right in and I ended up reading it straight through. It's fast paced without being rushed, which is very important to me. I loved the mix of action, adventure, and the bit of romance. I basically devoured this book and can't wait to see what the next has in store. I was given a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review. *Note: On my way to post this review, I came across several other books by this author that sound awesome. Now I know some things that will keep me busy while waiting for the next installment to this series!
This is my first read by this author and I guess you could call me an insta-fan! I absolutely loved this read, the world that the author has created is amazing, the writing is very detailed and you can really "see" everything. The Main characters are super kick-ass, I absolutely love them and want to know then better still. The story pulled me right in and I ended up reading it straight through. It's fast paced without being rushed, which is very important to me. I loved the mix of action, adventure, and the bit of romance. I basically devoured this book and can't wait to see what the next has in store. I was given a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review. *Note: On my way to post this review, I came across several other books by this author that sound awesome. Now I know some things that will keep me busy while waiting for the next installment to this series!
August 14, 2015
I really enjoyed this book because the characters were well defined and had attitude! There is a lot of action, as well as some snarky banter between Ashley and Smoak, BFF’s from an early age. I thought the story was laid out well, and it certainly kept my interest all the way to the end. I loved the nuances that Skye brings to her novels – captivating while also bringing a subtle message of diversity and inclusiveness. I also read Stormrise and loved it, too, so Skye Knizley is now one of my newest favorite authors.
I got this book through the Kindle Unlimited program.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
I got this book through the Kindle Unlimited program.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
August 12, 2015
When I saw the option to review this book, I thought I'd give it a try as this is the first book I have read from this author.
Now I found that this is a book that is not all sex and romance, it is filled with plot twists, action and females that are strong and take no shit.
Two bestfriends that love each other to the ends of the earth and will do anything for each other.
There are scenes that are in this book that others may feel inappropriate, so please make sure you read the blurb and reviews.
The storyline is a bit unique and flows perfectly, and easy to follow.
Considering this is the first book in the series, I will be keeping a lookout for the next book.
Now I found that this is a book that is not all sex and romance, it is filled with plot twists, action and females that are strong and take no shit.
Two bestfriends that love each other to the ends of the earth and will do anything for each other.
There are scenes that are in this book that others may feel inappropriate, so please make sure you read the blurb and reviews.
The storyline is a bit unique and flows perfectly, and easy to follow.
Considering this is the first book in the series, I will be keeping a lookout for the next book.
August 12, 2015
I had no idea what this book was about and knew nothing about it going in to read it. I was impressed with Shadowlands and enjoyed it. This was a first time read for me by this author. I liked the plot of the story and the characters. This book moved in a swift pace that keeps you glued to the pages and I read this in one setting. Shadowlands has action and suspense and tough chicks who rock the story which makes you cheer for them through out the book. Smoak and Ash are best friends are like sisters more than ways and they look out for each other and always there for one another.
*** review provided by Obsessed by Books ***
*** review provided by Obsessed by Books ***
October 7, 2015
3.5*
Liked a lot overall. Not so into all the shoot em up, but that's just a personal preference. I liked the badass girls taking care of themselves and others. Also cool how the deaf one is so integral to the team.
A little annoyed how quickly the "I love you"s were exchanged...they knew each other like 48 hours? Maybe? Ugh.
I like the Storm series better but will definitely read any subsequent books in this series.
Liked a lot overall. Not so into all the shoot em up, but that's just a personal preference. I liked the badass girls taking care of themselves and others. Also cool how the deaf one is so integral to the team.
A little annoyed how quickly the "I love you"s were exchanged...they knew each other like 48 hours? Maybe? Ugh.
I like the Storm series better but will definitely read any subsequent books in this series.
April 28, 2016
Pleasantly Surprised
Having read Skye's Storm Chronicles I thought WTH why not check this one out. Glad I did. Ash and Smoak are a great team complementing each other. Finally a female duo that reminds me of the Spec Ops characters from some of the best spy/action novels of today. This books is a fun and easy read with almost non stop action with some romance interwoven into the story.
Having read Skye's Storm Chronicles I thought WTH why not check this one out. Glad I did. Ash and Smoak are a great team complementing each other. Finally a female duo that reminds me of the Spec Ops characters from some of the best spy/action novels of today. This books is a fun and easy read with almost non stop action with some romance interwoven into the story.
May 5, 2016
This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
The story had a good premise, and I liked that there were strong female characters! The writing was a little cheesy, but it was a good story. It also goes into a societal issue that is both relevant and not discussed enough.
The narrator, Sierra Kline, was great. She made the characters' dialogue sound believable and brought the story to life with emotion.
The story had a good premise, and I liked that there were strong female characters! The writing was a little cheesy, but it was a good story. It also goes into a societal issue that is both relevant and not discussed enough.
The narrator, Sierra Kline, was great. She made the characters' dialogue sound believable and brought the story to life with emotion.
July 7, 2015
I loved this book, it was an amazing read that I finished in one sitting. It moved along at the perfect pace, has amazing characters that you want to know more about and a story that will grab you from the very beginning and not let you go until the end. It is interesting and entertaining. This has to be read, there is no doubt about it.
May 9, 2016
This book did not caught me right at first like I thought it would. The more I listened to the story and the characters the more I enjoyed it. I would love to read what happens next. Ash and Smoak are a great team. *This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com.*
September 13, 2015
I'm in love with the concept
However, I hope you explain how a deaf girl gets taken into the military. Also, though D/HH can learn speech, it is deaf speech! I hope that gets explained in the next book!
However, I hope you explain how a deaf girl gets taken into the military. Also, though D/HH can learn speech, it is deaf speech! I hope that gets explained in the next book!
October 21, 2015
Adrenaline Rush on crack!
Wow! Absolutely loved this book! Heroines were kick a$$ alpha b!tches ... I love the way this author writes action scenes! It's the best kind of far fetched wild ride! Can't wait for the next book in this series..
Wow! Absolutely loved this book! Heroines were kick a$$ alpha b!tches ... I love the way this author writes action scenes! It's the best kind of far fetched wild ride! Can't wait for the next book in this series..
December 15, 2015
The action in this book was incredibly well plotted — it's harder to do than I think most of us would assume, and I was really impressed. The main romance read a little thin to me, but I loved the characters and the world as a whole.
April 27, 2016
I decided to give the book a shot. No pun intended. A very well written book with violence, romance and dancers. I like that the plot keeps twisting while trying to track down Rayne. The final stretch of the book is the best part. I will not ruin it, but it is worth the plot twist at the end.
December 13, 2015
Non-stop crazy action. Super fun.
March 17, 2016
improbable but exciting of derring do by two young women both of whom are extremely deadly. and one of them is gay.. and the deadliest of the two.
March 22, 2016
You did it again Skye!! Love Smoak & Ash!!
May 20, 2016
Absolutely brilliant story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews