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The Harvesting #2
The Shadow Aspect
When Layla took the final step through the labyrinth, she thought she was saving the ones she loved. She couldn't have been more wrong. Layla and the other survivors now find themselves caught in a war for our world, the unwitting victims of a grudge seething for eons. Surviving the zombie apocalypse has become the least of their worries as they come up against vampires, shapeshifters, and fae. When she uncovers an unspeakable horror, whom can Layla trust? The carnie girl? The doctor searching for a cure? The tarot reader? The stranger with alluring gold eyes? Or the man she loves? The wrong choice could doom them all. When the world burns, mankind's shadow side rises. Do we deserve to survive?
246 pages, Paperback
First published July 16, 2015
124 people are currently reading
919 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Karsak
90 books1,704 followersNew York Times and USA Today best-selling historical fantasy author Melanie Karsak is the author of the Celtic Blood series, Steampunk Red Riding Hood, Steampunk Fairy Tales, the Road to Valhalla Series, and other works of fantasy and fiction. The author currently lives in Florida with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 5, 2023
Although The Shadow Aspect is labeled Book 2 in The Harvesting series it really is the third part after The Harvesting, and Midway, Book 1.5 in the series. The novel picks up right where the Harvesting left off with a cliffhanger that really stayed on hold throughout the Midway book, but the story immediately follows with Layla and her group having been misled and lied to.
They believed that they were being taken out of a sticky situation to safety, but it was more like out of the frying pan and into the fire. However, it works out well for some of the lead characters, (not a spoiler because the situation is resolved early on) it is a zombie-apocalypse mash-up after all with horror and fantasy elements.
The narrative really moves quickly even though the survivors are mostly hiding out in relative safety as they try to re-establish a makeshift society, but as always, there are those wanting to muck things up. Really strong, quick-paced story with heart, and all the feels while also providing horror, gore, and pathos.
They believed that they were being taken out of a sticky situation to safety, but it was more like out of the frying pan and into the fire. However, it works out well for some of the lead characters, (not a spoiler because the situation is resolved early on) it is a zombie-apocalypse mash-up after all with horror and fantasy elements.
The narrative really moves quickly even though the survivors are mostly hiding out in relative safety as they try to re-establish a makeshift society, but as always, there are those wanting to muck things up. Really strong, quick-paced story with heart, and all the feels while also providing horror, gore, and pathos.
September 22, 2015
I loved the Harvesting, which started out like a typical zombie apocalypse and quickly blew my mind. Midway, a novella in the series gave us Cricket's story and it totally rocked. Shadow Aspect picks up right where the Harvesting left off and we wasted no time diving right back into the action.
Admittedly, I struggled to regain my footing and reconnect with the characters since the story dove straight back into the tale as if I simply flipped to the next page. In fact, I stopped and went back to read my review of Harvesting. I am glad that I did, because the opening scenes were intense as our group suffered losses, and faced danger. After my refresher, I quickly slipped into the story and reconnected with the main characters. In this instance, I think a recap or prologue would have been beneficially.
This time we find ourselves in a different setting as we are introduced to new characters. Layla is uncertain of whom to trust but she is stubbornly determined to keep her group safe. They find themselves at the mercy of another group of humans who have found sanctuary with the walls of a university. Tristan, whom we met towards the end of Midway, is present, as is Cricket. They both will play an integral part in the story as it unfolds. The romance between Layla and James continues, as do other budding relationships showing that even at the end of times, we are capable of happy moments. These are secondary to the main plot, but serve to flesh out our characters and endear them to the reader.
Zombies are still wreaking havoc, as are the vampires but Karsak has hinted at more throughout the series and we finally learn that we are the unwitting victims of a battle that has raged for eons. She weaves a complex tale, with foreshadowing and strong, unique characters. A woman within the group reads tarot cards and her readings are uncanny. A Doctor tries to find a cure, and Layla makes a startling discovery. Tristan shows himself, and oh lordy things are about to get complicated. Brilliant and original I become completely caught up in the story.
The Shadow Aspect was action-packed, with intense battle scenes that will leave you biting your nails. Think Walking Dead with supernatural and paranormal twists. Karsak is a genre bender taking my love of zombie apocalypses and weaving in a surprising fantasy aspect that held me spellbound. Her characters are strong, particularly her female characters who are not afraid to leap into battle and take heads. I loved it, but do not become attached because Karsak will rip your heart out and leave you bawling.
The Shadow Aspect ends with nail-biting cliffhanger. No! No! No! I slammed the book shut and screamed. You best be writing Ms. Karsak..and quickly! Please.
Copy provided by author.
This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Admittedly, I struggled to regain my footing and reconnect with the characters since the story dove straight back into the tale as if I simply flipped to the next page. In fact, I stopped and went back to read my review of Harvesting. I am glad that I did, because the opening scenes were intense as our group suffered losses, and faced danger. After my refresher, I quickly slipped into the story and reconnected with the main characters. In this instance, I think a recap or prologue would have been beneficially.
This time we find ourselves in a different setting as we are introduced to new characters. Layla is uncertain of whom to trust but she is stubbornly determined to keep her group safe. They find themselves at the mercy of another group of humans who have found sanctuary with the walls of a university. Tristan, whom we met towards the end of Midway, is present, as is Cricket. They both will play an integral part in the story as it unfolds. The romance between Layla and James continues, as do other budding relationships showing that even at the end of times, we are capable of happy moments. These are secondary to the main plot, but serve to flesh out our characters and endear them to the reader.
Zombies are still wreaking havoc, as are the vampires but Karsak has hinted at more throughout the series and we finally learn that we are the unwitting victims of a battle that has raged for eons. She weaves a complex tale, with foreshadowing and strong, unique characters. A woman within the group reads tarot cards and her readings are uncanny. A Doctor tries to find a cure, and Layla makes a startling discovery. Tristan shows himself, and oh lordy things are about to get complicated. Brilliant and original I become completely caught up in the story.
The Shadow Aspect was action-packed, with intense battle scenes that will leave you biting your nails. Think Walking Dead with supernatural and paranormal twists. Karsak is a genre bender taking my love of zombie apocalypses and weaving in a surprising fantasy aspect that held me spellbound. Her characters are strong, particularly her female characters who are not afraid to leap into battle and take heads. I loved it, but do not become attached because Karsak will rip your heart out and leave you bawling.
The Shadow Aspect ends with nail-biting cliffhanger. No! No! No! I slammed the book shut and screamed. You best be writing Ms. Karsak..and quickly! Please.
Copy provided by author.
This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
September 24, 2015
Original Review @ Naomi’s Reading Palace
A few years back I reviewed my first book for Melanie Karsak which was The Harvesting. I loved the world that she created and was excited to see what become of the characters. I recently read Midway, which gave me an insight to new characters being introduced in The Shadow Aspect and what would happen once these two groups finally merged together. Layla’s group from The Harvesting ran into danger at the end of the book, and that continued into this book. Cricket’s group had found shelter in a small town and seem to be doing well, despite the current danger.
Layla felt the pressure from her decisions and often doubted what needed to be done, but she was still a great leader and listened to her instincts. I liked seeing her ‘sense’ develop throughout this book and how she could see some differences with certain ‘dead’ people. Her relationship with Jamie strengthened, but he felt a little absent at times.
Cricket showed just how resilient she could be and didn’t back down from any challenge set out for her. Her attraction to Tristan seems to be mutual, but she’s unsure why he won’t make a move. Tristan is a bit secretive, hiding things from Cricket and I had a hunch as to what one of them was.
The Shadow Aspect had plenty of blood, gore and action from start to finish; both groups suffered significant losses and there were threats at every turn. There were zombie’s galore and appearances from other dangers that were discovered in the first book. I liked how they all joined forces and worked well as a team. There were a lot of new characters introduced and I had icky feelings about some of them and wasn’t sure whether they were to be trusted or not. I enjoyed the alternating perspectives from both Layla and Cricket and felt that having both perspectives fleshed out the plot a little bit more. That ending though… argh! I hope I don’t have to wait too long for more!
Complimentary copy provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
A few years back I reviewed my first book for Melanie Karsak which was The Harvesting. I loved the world that she created and was excited to see what become of the characters. I recently read Midway, which gave me an insight to new characters being introduced in The Shadow Aspect and what would happen once these two groups finally merged together. Layla’s group from The Harvesting ran into danger at the end of the book, and that continued into this book. Cricket’s group had found shelter in a small town and seem to be doing well, despite the current danger.
Layla felt the pressure from her decisions and often doubted what needed to be done, but she was still a great leader and listened to her instincts. I liked seeing her ‘sense’ develop throughout this book and how she could see some differences with certain ‘dead’ people. Her relationship with Jamie strengthened, but he felt a little absent at times.
Cricket showed just how resilient she could be and didn’t back down from any challenge set out for her. Her attraction to Tristan seems to be mutual, but she’s unsure why he won’t make a move. Tristan is a bit secretive, hiding things from Cricket and I had a hunch as to what one of them was.
The Shadow Aspect had plenty of blood, gore and action from start to finish; both groups suffered significant losses and there were threats at every turn. There were zombie’s galore and appearances from other dangers that were discovered in the first book. I liked how they all joined forces and worked well as a team. There were a lot of new characters introduced and I had icky feelings about some of them and wasn’t sure whether they were to be trusted or not. I enjoyed the alternating perspectives from both Layla and Cricket and felt that having both perspectives fleshed out the plot a little bit more. That ending though… argh! I hope I don’t have to wait too long for more!
Complimentary copy provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2015
The Shadow Aspect was a book that I have been looking forward to for a very long time. Melanie Karsak's first novel in this series The Harvesting was one of my first ARC's and blog tours for Contagious Reads. So to say it's been a long wait, is totally an understatement.
This book picks up pretty much right where the first book leaves off. Like almost literally. Layla and the gang are leaving the den of the vampires and going into the unknown. So much has changed since the dead began to rise, and so much keeps changing throughout these pages.
I still very much enjoyed Layla, and the other lead Cricket. They are both kickass and witty. I liked the love interests. I love the world building. It's zombies, come on what's not to love. There is a healthy dose of gore sprinkled throughout, but not so much that it's overwhelming. So this book would be good for people that like a bit of gore with their death, but not too much.
There are just so many new ideas, and ties to the supernatural world that are introduced in this book. It's not just a straight forward end of the world thing. It's kinda cool seeing how Melanie is weaving all of these various things. Sometimes it seems like they aren't going to work, or fit but they do.
Melanie is a fantastic writer. Truly. She could and does write pretty much anything and I find everything I've read by her enjoyable.
Right before reading this book, I read the novella Midway and found out who Cricket and her gang were so those characters were definitely fresh in my memory. The other characters were not. I recently saw a discussion in a group that I am in about recapping or not, and I am definitely a fan of recapping. I read so many books and have such a crappy memory that little nudges sometimes don't work for me. Once I got into the book things started falling back into place but it took me a while. I definitely suggest a series re-read if you're like me and sometimes lose the details to books in the shuffle.
I'm totally impatiently waiting to find out what happens next! I seriously cannot recommend this series strongly enough for people who like things that go bump in the night.
This book picks up pretty much right where the first book leaves off. Like almost literally. Layla and the gang are leaving the den of the vampires and going into the unknown. So much has changed since the dead began to rise, and so much keeps changing throughout these pages.
I still very much enjoyed Layla, and the other lead Cricket. They are both kickass and witty. I liked the love interests. I love the world building. It's zombies, come on what's not to love. There is a healthy dose of gore sprinkled throughout, but not so much that it's overwhelming. So this book would be good for people that like a bit of gore with their death, but not too much.
There are just so many new ideas, and ties to the supernatural world that are introduced in this book. It's not just a straight forward end of the world thing. It's kinda cool seeing how Melanie is weaving all of these various things. Sometimes it seems like they aren't going to work, or fit but they do.
Melanie is a fantastic writer. Truly. She could and does write pretty much anything and I find everything I've read by her enjoyable.
Right before reading this book, I read the novella Midway and found out who Cricket and her gang were so those characters were definitely fresh in my memory. The other characters were not. I recently saw a discussion in a group that I am in about recapping or not, and I am definitely a fan of recapping. I read so many books and have such a crappy memory that little nudges sometimes don't work for me. Once I got into the book things started falling back into place but it took me a while. I definitely suggest a series re-read if you're like me and sometimes lose the details to books in the shuffle.
I'm totally impatiently waiting to find out what happens next! I seriously cannot recommend this series strongly enough for people who like things that go bump in the night.
July 23, 2015
Authors who use CLIFFHANGER endings to insure their readers purchase the next book should get endlessly spattered with pig shit.
Many fantastic authors manage to develop an incredibly loyal following without having to lower themselves to ending their books with fuq'ing CLIFFHANGERS!!
(Gritting teeth)
Many fantastic authors manage to develop an incredibly loyal following without having to lower themselves to ending their books with fuq'ing CLIFFHANGERS!!
(Gritting teeth)
August 26, 2022
Following hot on the heels of the previous book, this one opens up one large can of worms. The two groups have to learn to know each other, which involves trust. The problem is that with zombies, vampires and other creatures at large, being able to form close bonds and letting people in is easier said than done. This story picks up pace the further through you get, involving plenty of surprises, blood, twists and lots of madness - all leading to a classic climax to start book 4.
A great genre crossing series, incorporating elements of horror, fantasy, the supernatural and folklore.
A great genre crossing series, incorporating elements of horror, fantasy, the supernatural and folklore.
February 11, 2016
4.5/5 stars (RabidReads.com)Zombie Apocalypse anyone? This is book two of this series, although there is also a novella, Midway, making it three stories so far that I have read recently. I love finding a series that I want to read back to back, and that’s pretty much what I have been doing with these reads.
The Harvesting introduced us to Layla, a kick butt heroine, that has been leading what is now a small group of people from her hometown, into the world that is left after the zombies took over. In Midway, we met Cricket, a carnival worker that is also caught up in this new world. With this installment, the two heroines meet and band together. Cricket and Tristan now have a home base in a small college that is surrounded by a locked wall. Tristan is one of the more interesting characters in these books. He looks human, but no, not so much. I really liked his character in both books he’s featured in, although he was pretty different in Midway, than he is in this book. Of course, Layla’s new love, Jamie, is along for the ride. The rest of the college complex is made up of the few remaining friends of Layla’s and Jamie’s, the fortune teller Vella, who is first introduced in Midway, college students and other locals, and a doctor that is conducting experiments to find a cure for the “flu” that caused the zombies.
I appreciated the way the author filled this zombie world with other supernatural characters, ones that no one was aware of until the world changes. Vampires, and not the good kind, shape shifting Fae like characters that cause major problems for humans, and “earth” people that are trying to save humankind from those that want to end them.
As with the other installments, this is not a feel good read. Instead, it’s an exciting life or death thrill ride. Also, as before, not everyone survives. I must admit that one of the deaths in particular, pretty much blind sighted me. But this author is really not afraid to go there and that keeps this series from being cookie cutter, in any way. This one also features a pretty major cliffhanger, which I am not usually a fan of, but it didn’t bother me that much. Maybe. I am still thinking on that!
As with the other installments, I highly recommend this book to mature young adults and adults, due to the amount of violence, sexual situations, and language. Not to mention the all around creepiness factor. Next up is Witch Wood, another novella set in this same world, but with a new main character, although the blurb says it can standalone.
The Harvesting introduced us to Layla, a kick butt heroine, that has been leading what is now a small group of people from her hometown, into the world that is left after the zombies took over. In Midway, we met Cricket, a carnival worker that is also caught up in this new world. With this installment, the two heroines meet and band together. Cricket and Tristan now have a home base in a small college that is surrounded by a locked wall. Tristan is one of the more interesting characters in these books. He looks human, but no, not so much. I really liked his character in both books he’s featured in, although he was pretty different in Midway, than he is in this book. Of course, Layla’s new love, Jamie, is along for the ride. The rest of the college complex is made up of the few remaining friends of Layla’s and Jamie’s, the fortune teller Vella, who is first introduced in Midway, college students and other locals, and a doctor that is conducting experiments to find a cure for the “flu” that caused the zombies.
I appreciated the way the author filled this zombie world with other supernatural characters, ones that no one was aware of until the world changes. Vampires, and not the good kind, shape shifting Fae like characters that cause major problems for humans, and “earth” people that are trying to save humankind from those that want to end them.
As with the other installments, this is not a feel good read. Instead, it’s an exciting life or death thrill ride. Also, as before, not everyone survives. I must admit that one of the deaths in particular, pretty much blind sighted me. But this author is really not afraid to go there and that keeps this series from being cookie cutter, in any way. This one also features a pretty major cliffhanger, which I am not usually a fan of, but it didn’t bother me that much. Maybe. I am still thinking on that!
As with the other installments, I highly recommend this book to mature young adults and adults, due to the amount of violence, sexual situations, and language. Not to mention the all around creepiness factor. Next up is Witch Wood, another novella set in this same world, but with a new main character, although the blurb says it can standalone.
October 25, 2015
Melanie walks us through the next expansion of the world here. We saw the undead and vampires in the first book. We learn about the thin places and fog here, along with some of the natural spirits. Each growth of the world in each book is placed to explain and grow the stories. We even start to get a look into why this is happening along with how. And, to Layla and a few other observers, there is a difference in the undead as well.
I know the characters are in constant trouble with the danger of the undead and vampires, but it doesn't feel high strung fast. I really like this. People need rest, even if not 100% trusting of those around them. That comes through yet the stories moving to keep us interested. The grown of the world helps balance the pacing and action. Not to fast. Not to slow. Just right.
Really can't wait to continue in this series with the next novella and novel!
****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review, at my request.
Layla and her family and friends exit the labyrinth and find themselves in thick woods. The other side was to be safe for them all. What they find is far from it. Layla does come across new allies in the world of the walking dead. Now she needs to choose who she thinks she can trust, after learning she placed her trust in others to easily. There's an ancient power at work now. Layla and her crew starts to question, why would spirits of the land help them, or hinder them?
I've continued listening to the series as I love Kristin's voice acting. She slips into each and every character, becoming them in voice. She does the breathless moments when in dialog. She does several accents through the story for Cricket, Tristan, and many others along with deeper and different tones for male and females. All this makes it so easy for the listener to differentiate the characters. I love how Kristin knows what words to put an accent on, to show there is more meaning behind the word.
Layla is still strong for her people. But she's starting to break down. She's realized too late that she's trusted to easily. And her friends have paid for the mistake in blood. Not everyone, or being, is good inside. Now Layla must figure out who she can trust in this dark world of death. I feel for her as she's slipped into the role of leader for her strength and insight from the spirits. Those that are left from Hamletville look to her for guidance on if they stay or go.
This book brings Cricket and those from her novella together with Layla and her friends from Hamletville. Cricket is a sweet yet determined young lady. I really enjoy her outlook on things and her strength. We do learn about what we suspected of Tristan. Well, part of it. We'll most likely learn more as we come out the portal in book three. Seeing Vella the tarot reader interact with Layla, the few short times we do, I got excited. I would like to see them talk more. I don't know, I think it's a feel I got when Layla was with her grandmother. I just loved the feel of the old blood in them.
We also come to meet new characters. A few of which I enjoyed and love and a few that I'm very suspicious of. One new character is a Doctor. Dr. Gustav is working hard to figure out what happened to cause the undead in people and she thinks she can cure it!
Melanie walks us through the next expansion of the world here. We saw the undead and vampires in the first book. We learn about the thin places and fog here, along with some of the natural spirits. Each growth of the world in each book is placed to explain and grow the stories. We even start to get a look into why this is happening along with how. And, to Layla and a few other observers, there is a difference in the undead as well. Which kind of made me start to feel for the undead. *gasp*
I know the characters are in constant trouble with the danger of the undead and vampires, but it doesn't feel high strung fast. I really like this. People need rest, even if not 100% trusting of those around them. That comes through yet the stories moving to keep us interested. The grown of the world helps balance the pacing and action. Not to fast. Not to slow. Just right.
Melanie did the one thing I feared she'd do from the moment we walked into Claddagh-Basel college. I'm not telling you what it was. You have to figure it out yourself. But it did leave me NEEDING book 3! lol!
Really can't wait to continue in this series with the next novella and novel!
I know the characters are in constant trouble with the danger of the undead and vampires, but it doesn't feel high strung fast. I really like this. People need rest, even if not 100% trusting of those around them. That comes through yet the stories moving to keep us interested. The grown of the world helps balance the pacing and action. Not to fast. Not to slow. Just right.
Really can't wait to continue in this series with the next novella and novel!
****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review, at my request.
Layla and her family and friends exit the labyrinth and find themselves in thick woods. The other side was to be safe for them all. What they find is far from it. Layla does come across new allies in the world of the walking dead. Now she needs to choose who she thinks she can trust, after learning she placed her trust in others to easily. There's an ancient power at work now. Layla and her crew starts to question, why would spirits of the land help them, or hinder them?
I've continued listening to the series as I love Kristin's voice acting. She slips into each and every character, becoming them in voice. She does the breathless moments when in dialog. She does several accents through the story for Cricket, Tristan, and many others along with deeper and different tones for male and females. All this makes it so easy for the listener to differentiate the characters. I love how Kristin knows what words to put an accent on, to show there is more meaning behind the word.
Layla is still strong for her people. But she's starting to break down. She's realized too late that she's trusted to easily. And her friends have paid for the mistake in blood. Not everyone, or being, is good inside. Now Layla must figure out who she can trust in this dark world of death. I feel for her as she's slipped into the role of leader for her strength and insight from the spirits. Those that are left from Hamletville look to her for guidance on if they stay or go.
This book brings Cricket and those from her novella together with Layla and her friends from Hamletville. Cricket is a sweet yet determined young lady. I really enjoy her outlook on things and her strength. We do learn about what we suspected of Tristan. Well, part of it. We'll most likely learn more as we come out the portal in book three. Seeing Vella the tarot reader interact with Layla, the few short times we do, I got excited. I would like to see them talk more. I don't know, I think it's a feel I got when Layla was with her grandmother. I just loved the feel of the old blood in them.
We also come to meet new characters. A few of which I enjoyed and love and a few that I'm very suspicious of. One new character is a Doctor. Dr. Gustav is working hard to figure out what happened to cause the undead in people and she thinks she can cure it!
Melanie walks us through the next expansion of the world here. We saw the undead and vampires in the first book. We learn about the thin places and fog here, along with some of the natural spirits. Each growth of the world in each book is placed to explain and grow the stories. We even start to get a look into why this is happening along with how. And, to Layla and a few other observers, there is a difference in the undead as well. Which kind of made me start to feel for the undead. *gasp*
I know the characters are in constant trouble with the danger of the undead and vampires, but it doesn't feel high strung fast. I really like this. People need rest, even if not 100% trusting of those around them. That comes through yet the stories moving to keep us interested. The grown of the world helps balance the pacing and action. Not to fast. Not to slow. Just right.
Melanie did the one thing I feared she'd do from the moment we walked into Claddagh-Basel college. I'm not telling you what it was. You have to figure it out yourself. But it did leave me NEEDING book 3! lol!
Really can't wait to continue in this series with the next novella and novel!
November 26, 2019
Woo Hoo, back to Layla and the gang. The series continues to be a fun read onto the next one.
August 25, 2017
This review begins with spoilers that might ruin the first book in the series if you haven't read it so you have been warned! POV are from Layla and Cricket.
Layla trusts in the fox woman who has been giving her advice and leads her people through the labyrinth...but it turns out to be a fatal error as they land in the middle of a zombie hoarde who attack them. Certain death awaits until the arrival of armed survivors led by Cricket and some of Layla's group live to be taken to the fortified castle that now houses a large group of survivors. The kitsune are at war with the humans, using vampires and zombies to kill them in revenge for humans destroying the planet with pollution and neglect, while happy for humans to destroy the vampires. The other fae are fighting to try and save the humans leading to all out war.
At the college, a doctor is working hard on finding a cure, doing experiments on the undead which divide opinion, especially when Layla realises that there are a few amongst the undead that she can communicate with. Is it ethical to experiment on them and can these zombies be turned back to human? Jamie decides to help the doctor with her work while Layla joins the group of raiders who go into town for supplies when they are needed. Layla and Cricket are about to discover the truth about Peryn and Tristan, and why the fox woman led them into a fatal trap. She is kitsune and they are seeking out human survivors and directing zombies and vampires to them to kill them. If the kitsune find their hiding place at the college then none of them are safe.
Layla is feeling the weight of responsibility after losing so many people from her town and as zombie numbers start to swell suddenly, she fears the kitsune have found them at the college. She is also trying to think how she can protect the remains of her group as danger threatens to spill into the grounds. Cricket is struggling to understand why Tristan claims to love her and is keeping his distance from her, until she discovers the secrets that he has been keeping from her. Vella is becoming quietly alarmed by the growing menace that she is seeing in her cards and Tristan is already thinking up an escape plan as a fox is seen in town watching the raiding party.
I liked that the groups from our first two groups have joined up, which is what I was hoping for, along with the addition of a new set of characters. It was good to see characters like Cricket and Chase again. Of the newer people I liked Kellimore as he was brave and always volunteers to lead others on missions as he has good knowledge of the town he grew up in and loved. Elle is a fun character and another strong female which is something that I love in this series. In fact other than slightly mixed feeling about the doctor, I didn't dislike anyone. You knew that serious danger was coming for this large group and the tension gradually build, leaving you worried about who is going to live and die if the attack comes.
There is still plenty zombie drama in this book which I obviously enjoyed but I liked the emotional drama of the survivors stories as they try to get on with life, all the time aware of how dangerous their situation was getting. The action scenes are well written and exciting, and I really got caught up in the big attack finale. You never know what is coming or who is in danger with this series.
Recommended for fans of urban fantasy, zombies and other monsters.
Layla trusts in the fox woman who has been giving her advice and leads her people through the labyrinth...but it turns out to be a fatal error as they land in the middle of a zombie hoarde who attack them. Certain death awaits until the arrival of armed survivors led by Cricket and some of Layla's group live to be taken to the fortified castle that now houses a large group of survivors. The kitsune are at war with the humans, using vampires and zombies to kill them in revenge for humans destroying the planet with pollution and neglect, while happy for humans to destroy the vampires. The other fae are fighting to try and save the humans leading to all out war.
At the college, a doctor is working hard on finding a cure, doing experiments on the undead which divide opinion, especially when Layla realises that there are a few amongst the undead that she can communicate with. Is it ethical to experiment on them and can these zombies be turned back to human? Jamie decides to help the doctor with her work while Layla joins the group of raiders who go into town for supplies when they are needed. Layla and Cricket are about to discover the truth about Peryn and Tristan, and why the fox woman led them into a fatal trap. She is kitsune and they are seeking out human survivors and directing zombies and vampires to them to kill them. If the kitsune find their hiding place at the college then none of them are safe.
Layla is feeling the weight of responsibility after losing so many people from her town and as zombie numbers start to swell suddenly, she fears the kitsune have found them at the college. She is also trying to think how she can protect the remains of her group as danger threatens to spill into the grounds. Cricket is struggling to understand why Tristan claims to love her and is keeping his distance from her, until she discovers the secrets that he has been keeping from her. Vella is becoming quietly alarmed by the growing menace that she is seeing in her cards and Tristan is already thinking up an escape plan as a fox is seen in town watching the raiding party.
I liked that the groups from our first two groups have joined up, which is what I was hoping for, along with the addition of a new set of characters. It was good to see characters like Cricket and Chase again. Of the newer people I liked Kellimore as he was brave and always volunteers to lead others on missions as he has good knowledge of the town he grew up in and loved. Elle is a fun character and another strong female which is something that I love in this series. In fact other than slightly mixed feeling about the doctor, I didn't dislike anyone. You knew that serious danger was coming for this large group and the tension gradually build, leaving you worried about who is going to live and die if the attack comes.
There is still plenty zombie drama in this book which I obviously enjoyed but I liked the emotional drama of the survivors stories as they try to get on with life, all the time aware of how dangerous their situation was getting. The action scenes are well written and exciting, and I really got caught up in the big attack finale. You never know what is coming or who is in danger with this series.
Recommended for fans of urban fantasy, zombies and other monsters.
March 28, 2016
The Shadow Aspect picks up right where The Harvesting leaves off, with Layla leading her people out of the labyrinth into a new and hopefully safer area. Karsak puts us right back into the fray and doesn’t pull any punches…in fact she damn near ripped my heart out towards the end of this one and that takes some effort.
In this book we have two POV’s to follow: Layla, our main character from the first book, and Cricket, the new character introduced in the novella Midway. While reading Midway is not necessary, I would definitely recommend it because there are some things that you won’t really ‘get’ unless you have…plus it’s a damn good novella. These two women are both badasses but completely unique and approach things in their own way. After the horrific events of The Harvesting Layla is slow to trust again and much more aware of the other world that is threatening their very existence . We get a lot more of her learning about her ability to see the ‘other’ side and I really like the direction it went, it certain sets it apart from the other zombie books out there even more. We see her grow and become a better leader, able to stand up for herself and others..even when it doesn’t necessarily make sense to other people. While Layla has become the backbone of the group, Cricket has become it’s heart of sorts. She works hard to make sure everyone is alright, even putting herself in the line of danger to do so, and she genuinely cares for the people around her. These two make for a great duo!
The world building still continues as we get more info on the other inhabitants of the world and what exactly caused the downfall of humanity. I love what Karsak has done with the mythology to make it stand out despite the same overall idea being used in many other books. I don’t want to go into detail about the new players in this game, but they are pretty cool and I’m really looking forward to seeing how their newly discovered involvement comes to a head in the next two books in the series.
Kirsten James is excellent yet again as the narrator, as she effortlessly switches between all the voices she’s created for the entire cast. I’m thoroughly impressed with her and though I’m sad that this series is coming to I do look forward to listening to her other work. I’ve actually bought an audio I didn’t really intend on buying because she was the narrator…and for me that is enough.
If you enjoy urban fantasy as told by an author who knows how to make you feel but pull no punches then this is definitely a series to get in to. It’s well written and fun, and if you listen to the audio you get the added bonus of KJ reading to you.
In this book we have two POV’s to follow: Layla, our main character from the first book, and Cricket, the new character introduced in the novella Midway. While reading Midway is not necessary, I would definitely recommend it because there are some things that you won’t really ‘get’ unless you have…plus it’s a damn good novella. These two women are both badasses but completely unique and approach things in their own way. After the horrific events of The Harvesting Layla is slow to trust again and much more aware of the other world that is threatening their very existence . We get a lot more of her learning about her ability to see the ‘other’ side and I really like the direction it went, it certain sets it apart from the other zombie books out there even more. We see her grow and become a better leader, able to stand up for herself and others..even when it doesn’t necessarily make sense to other people. While Layla has become the backbone of the group, Cricket has become it’s heart of sorts. She works hard to make sure everyone is alright, even putting herself in the line of danger to do so, and she genuinely cares for the people around her. These two make for a great duo!
The world building still continues as we get more info on the other inhabitants of the world and what exactly caused the downfall of humanity. I love what Karsak has done with the mythology to make it stand out despite the same overall idea being used in many other books. I don’t want to go into detail about the new players in this game, but they are pretty cool and I’m really looking forward to seeing how their newly discovered involvement comes to a head in the next two books in the series.
Kirsten James is excellent yet again as the narrator, as she effortlessly switches between all the voices she’s created for the entire cast. I’m thoroughly impressed with her and though I’m sad that this series is coming to I do look forward to listening to her other work. I’ve actually bought an audio I didn’t really intend on buying because she was the narrator…and for me that is enough.
If you enjoy urban fantasy as told by an author who knows how to make you feel but pull no punches then this is definitely a series to get in to. It’s well written and fun, and if you listen to the audio you get the added bonus of KJ reading to you.
July 21, 2015
4.5 stars
I have been in love with this series since book one, page one. First came The Harvesting, so completely different from anything in its genre, and then came Cricket in Midway, and yet again, I was blown away by the strength of Melanie’s female characters. But then, starting The Shadow Aspect, I ran into a problem. It has been so long between books that I was completely lost. The very first scene in this book was bloody, a huge handful of characters being killed… and I couldn’t remember a single one of them. Their deaths didn’t affect me as it would have coming straight off The Harvesting. I highly recommend reading them all back to back!
I absolutely loved the changing setting and new characters. After that first scene, I was a little concerned that there wouldn’t be many characters left, so it’s good to be introduced to some fresh fodder. I’m very careful not to get overly attached to characters, knowing any one of them could die at any time! Melanie has demonstrated time and again that she isn’t afraid to rip my heart out, so I’m guarding myself from here on out. The last scene from this book nearly broke me! It was so completely tragic, but also gave an ounce of hope. It feels so strange to be teetering on this fence, not sure which side I’ll be shoved onto. Only time will tell… GIVE ME THE NEXT BOOK!
This series is so detailed and full, and The Shadow Aspect takes that to a whole new level. There is so much new material being given. The zombies aren’t what you would expect, the vampires aren’t done with those pesky humans yet, and there’s a whole scientific viewpoint that I’m thrilled for. With such a complex plot, I think a reread will be in line before the next installment.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I have been in love with this series since book one, page one. First came The Harvesting, so completely different from anything in its genre, and then came Cricket in Midway, and yet again, I was blown away by the strength of Melanie’s female characters. But then, starting The Shadow Aspect, I ran into a problem. It has been so long between books that I was completely lost. The very first scene in this book was bloody, a huge handful of characters being killed… and I couldn’t remember a single one of them. Their deaths didn’t affect me as it would have coming straight off The Harvesting. I highly recommend reading them all back to back!
I absolutely loved the changing setting and new characters. After that first scene, I was a little concerned that there wouldn’t be many characters left, so it’s good to be introduced to some fresh fodder. I’m very careful not to get overly attached to characters, knowing any one of them could die at any time! Melanie has demonstrated time and again that she isn’t afraid to rip my heart out, so I’m guarding myself from here on out. The last scene from this book nearly broke me! It was so completely tragic, but also gave an ounce of hope. It feels so strange to be teetering on this fence, not sure which side I’ll be shoved onto. Only time will tell… GIVE ME THE NEXT BOOK!
This series is so detailed and full, and The Shadow Aspect takes that to a whole new level. There is so much new material being given. The zombies aren’t what you would expect, the vampires aren’t done with those pesky humans yet, and there’s a whole scientific viewpoint that I’m thrilled for. With such a complex plot, I think a reread will be in line before the next installment.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2015
I absolutely adore this story! We met Layla in Book 1 and Cricket, the adorable carnie tilt girl, in Midway (Book 1.5), a Harvesting series novella. If you've read them both, then you know how amazing it is that this book has both of these kick-ass and open-minded heroines! That's a win-win, if you ask me.
I especially enjoy the alternating points of view from Layla and Cricket. It was a treat to be in their heads and know exactly what they're thinking and how they feel.
Once the action starts, it's non-stop. There is always something around the corner, something to mess with your head and send chills up your spine. With surprising twists and the introduction of unexpected supernatural beings, this is one book you won't want to miss!
You'll want to read Midway prior to The Shadow Aspect so that you can get to know Cricket before she meets Layla.
I especially enjoy the alternating points of view from Layla and Cricket. It was a treat to be in their heads and know exactly what they're thinking and how they feel.
Once the action starts, it's non-stop. There is always something around the corner, something to mess with your head and send chills up your spine. With surprising twists and the introduction of unexpected supernatural beings, this is one book you won't want to miss!
You'll want to read Midway prior to The Shadow Aspect so that you can get to know Cricket before she meets Layla.
January 4, 2017
This book brought book one and two together for me. Layla and Cricket met in this book. They are very special girls....so cool. I enjoyed this series quite a bit and I can't wait to see what happens next. The author has even added more creatures to the mix of characters in this book or she tells more about the characters that we didn't know before now. I love it! "This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review."
July 1, 2024
Book 3 brings together the survivors of book 1 & 2 at a new location and with another established group of survivors.
Having lost Ian at the end of book 1 (who saved Layla from the Vampire Queen), Layla is thrown into another battle for survival almost immediately. We see more of the surviving townsfolk cut down right at the start of the book. Cricket (book 2), finds Layla and the others and brings them into the college where others have setup base.
I really enjoyed book 3 as the story centered back on Layla for the most part. We saw her relationship with Jamie grow, her newfound friendship with Cricket develop & we also got to see her communicate with the undead.
Im still not a fan of Crickets storyline in this, maybe it’s because of the lack of character development in book 2, I’m not sure. In Book 2 she was bonding with Chase and come book 3, were months later I guess, and she’s been chasing Tristan.
Overall lots of deaths in book 3, so don’t get too attached to some of the characters. We learn more about not only the zombies, but also the vamps and the mysterious people of the forest. The fox lady rears her evil head again near the end and we really get a sense of just how far she and her people will go. Needless to say book 3 ends on a sad note but that should be expected in a zombie apocalypse.
Having lost Ian at the end of book 1 (who saved Layla from the Vampire Queen), Layla is thrown into another battle for survival almost immediately. We see more of the surviving townsfolk cut down right at the start of the book. Cricket (book 2), finds Layla and the others and brings them into the college where others have setup base.
I really enjoyed book 3 as the story centered back on Layla for the most part. We saw her relationship with Jamie grow, her newfound friendship with Cricket develop & we also got to see her communicate with the undead.
Im still not a fan of Crickets storyline in this, maybe it’s because of the lack of character development in book 2, I’m not sure. In Book 2 she was bonding with Chase and come book 3, were months later I guess, and she’s been chasing Tristan.
Overall lots of deaths in book 3, so don’t get too attached to some of the characters. We learn more about not only the zombies, but also the vamps and the mysterious people of the forest. The fox lady rears her evil head again near the end and we really get a sense of just how far she and her people will go. Needless to say book 3 ends on a sad note but that should be expected in a zombie apocalypse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2019
The Shadow Aspect reminded me why I started to read this series from Melanie Karsak. Midway was lost on me but this one got me right back on track and then some! I know understand the purpose of Midway, but I wish I would have read it after the Shadow Aspect, I think that would have put a better light on it.
The author has come up with an interesting and quite different take on zombies that I truly enjoyed a lot and she even managed to throw in vampires, without making it weird, quite an achievement if you ask me. The plot is well thought through with some nice twists and secrets that the author reveals when she is good and ready. What also shocks me at times are the sacrifices that the author doesn't shy away from making! There were definitely a few that really shocked me! I liked how this book took a dark turn, which is let's face it not easy. Yes we are reading about vampires and zombies, so being able to take a dark turn is really not easy to achieve, but in my opinion the author definitely put a dark light onto the story in this book in a way I found was actually not that far fetched, sadly!
Layla is the strong heroine we have liked in the first book, and she is growing stronger yet. She has strong instincts and overall a good support system, plus some extra help from her granny when it gets real dire. She will stop at nothing to try and save the ones she loves, sometimes even at a cost that may not seem too smart and I understand the decisions she makes even if they make me shake my head. She is definitely a person I would want in my corner!
The series is definitely heating up in this second book and I for one am curious to see how this will all play out!
The author has come up with an interesting and quite different take on zombies that I truly enjoyed a lot and she even managed to throw in vampires, without making it weird, quite an achievement if you ask me. The plot is well thought through with some nice twists and secrets that the author reveals when she is good and ready. What also shocks me at times are the sacrifices that the author doesn't shy away from making! There were definitely a few that really shocked me! I liked how this book took a dark turn, which is let's face it not easy. Yes we are reading about vampires and zombies, so being able to take a dark turn is really not easy to achieve, but in my opinion the author definitely put a dark light onto the story in this book in a way I found was actually not that far fetched, sadly!
Layla is the strong heroine we have liked in the first book, and she is growing stronger yet. She has strong instincts and overall a good support system, plus some extra help from her granny when it gets real dire. She will stop at nothing to try and save the ones she loves, sometimes even at a cost that may not seem too smart and I understand the decisions she makes even if they make me shake my head. She is definitely a person I would want in my corner!
The series is definitely heating up in this second book and I for one am curious to see how this will all play out!
June 7, 2021
I am in love with the series!
It is hard for the sequels to be better than the first but The Shadow Aspect does just that The addition of Cricket is perfect. I may be biased as a Southerner but she and her group added another layer to this tale that played well off the base of characters already established.
I loved that the plot continued to grow and tested with unpleasant but well write surprises along the way,
The narrator is perfect nailing each character and their accent.
I look forward to the other entries in this series!
I received a free audio copy for review; all opinions are my own.
It is hard for the sequels to be better than the first but The Shadow Aspect does just that The addition of Cricket is perfect. I may be biased as a Southerner but she and her group added another layer to this tale that played well off the base of characters already established.
I loved that the plot continued to grow and tested with unpleasant but well write surprises along the way,
The narrator is perfect nailing each character and their accent.
I look forward to the other entries in this series!
I received a free audio copy for review; all opinions are my own.
September 15, 2017
Non-stop awesome series!!
This series continues as the two sets of survivors from book one and two make their to each other. Cricket and Layla instantly bond and work together to try to protect those survivors left who they love as their own. We have more zombies, vampires, kitsune, evil dark spirits, and evil humans than ever and it makes this a fast-paced read that's impossible to put down!
This series continues as the two sets of survivors from book one and two make their to each other. Cricket and Layla instantly bond and work together to try to protect those survivors left who they love as their own. We have more zombies, vampires, kitsune, evil dark spirits, and evil humans than ever and it makes this a fast-paced read that's impossible to put down!
February 21, 2021
Harvesting
An action and budding romance series about the zombie apocalypse. The books are really well written with a lot of details and scenery that doesn't detract from the overall story. There are a lot of clichés in the books but they all worked. I only gave 4 stars because there were a handful of errors in the books using the incorrect word that I could not ignore. Overall an interesting zombie book series with a fairy tale twist.
An action and budding romance series about the zombie apocalypse. The books are really well written with a lot of details and scenery that doesn't detract from the overall story. There are a lot of clichés in the books but they all worked. I only gave 4 stars because there were a handful of errors in the books using the incorrect word that I could not ignore. Overall an interesting zombie book series with a fairy tale twist.
May 5, 2021
The Shadow Aspect is the 3rd story in the Harvesting series by Melanie Karsak.
It picks right up were the Harvesting left off. Layla and her group found they were tricked into walking into an ambush of zombies. Rescued by Cricket, the two groups are now surviving together.
This series keeps getting better and better. I love that there is so much more than a zombie apocalypse!!
The audio narration is fantastic and I cant wait for more!
It picks right up were the Harvesting left off. Layla and her group found they were tricked into walking into an ambush of zombies. Rescued by Cricket, the two groups are now surviving together.
This series keeps getting better and better. I love that there is so much more than a zombie apocalypse!!
The audio narration is fantastic and I cant wait for more!
June 17, 2018
What the f@%!ing hell?!?! Seriously?!?! I can't even right now. I really don't want to read the last book but am hoping for something to happen??? Why did you do that to Jamie?!?! I suspected the damn doctor of doing something with that shot but was really hoping she didn't but she did. Why?!?!?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2020
Despair-worthy times
The title is right. This is a book about gathering shadows in a dying world. The best news is that a few of the folks from the first two books survived this one, too. There are a few glimmers of hope not extinguished. But it's pretty grim. So why is it that I'm eager to get to the next volume?
The title is right. This is a book about gathering shadows in a dying world. The best news is that a few of the folks from the first two books survived this one, too. There are a few glimmers of hope not extinguished. But it's pretty grim. So why is it that I'm eager to get to the next volume?
May 28, 2021
A good addition to the series!
The Shadow Aspect is the third book in the Harvesting Series. Cricket has just rescued Layla and the Hamletville survivors from the undead. Cricket and Layla join forces but there are some things going on around the castle that makes Layla very suspicious. As the story unfolds more we learn a few more secrets. A good addition to the series!
The Shadow Aspect is the third book in the Harvesting Series. Cricket has just rescued Layla and the Hamletville survivors from the undead. Cricket and Layla join forces but there are some things going on around the castle that makes Layla very suspicious. As the story unfolds more we learn a few more secrets. A good addition to the series!
January 1, 2017
I love this series!This book brought old characters into contact with new ones.The story is awesome and Kristin James is the perfect narrator.I was given this book free by either the author,narrator or publisher.
September 13, 2017
(I am reading these in the order suggested by the author, not necessarily the order of publication.)
This has been a good post-apocalyptic zombie vampire urban fantasy. Great characters, although the ending of this book was a real twist that I was not expecting.
This has been a good post-apocalyptic zombie vampire urban fantasy. Great characters, although the ending of this book was a real twist that I was not expecting.
February 12, 2019
Paranormal apacolyps
It took me just a few hours to read this action packed book of this series. Loved it. I can't wait to start the next one. The characters a full bodied and interesting. It surprised me through the whole book.
It took me just a few hours to read this action packed book of this series. Loved it. I can't wait to start the next one. The characters a full bodied and interesting. It surprised me through the whole book.
April 18, 2021
It Gets Better and Better
So much action packed into this third book. Two strong characters from different backgrounds provide a great story. I'm so glad the story intertwines, it adds so much more.
So much action packed into this third book. Two strong characters from different backgrounds provide a great story. I'm so glad the story intertwines, it adds so much more.
November 29, 2016
Grand Read Non Stop Action
The story has so much going on that I spent a whole night up reading just to find out what happened next. Do not miss out !
The story has so much going on that I spent a whole night up reading just to find out what happened next. Do not miss out !
May 26, 2018
I love when characters from different books meet and have to work together! But that ending though!
June 7, 2018
It does seem to be lacking in something, like maybe the author rushed too much, but not enough to hold one's attention.
~*Note: contains graphic sex scenes*~
~*Note: contains graphic sex scenes*~
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