Shadows: One Choice a Future Makes

by Travis W. Inman

Secret societies, dangerous passions, and untold millions await Justin “Flip” Grey when he arrives at a banking conference for a weekend seminar. Little does he know he is being auditioned for inclusion in The Lair, a group of businessmen who influence more than the economy. And they are going to test Justin. Enter Dahlia, the world’s most dangerous temptress, who has been assigned to seduce Justin. He must choose his his wife or his passions?Travis W. Inman then allows Justin to make both decisions, and creates duel realities. In the first, Justin remains faithful. In reality two, Justin becomes “Flip” and chooses the seductress. One choice a future makes.

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 30, 2015

About the author

Travis W. Inman grew up in the West Texas ranch country, spending his first twenty years cowboying with different ranches. He had a desire to enter the ministry but could never find the proper fit. After serving for a year as a traveling missionary throughout South America and Mexico, he finally found his place—and it required a uniform! The Army was his next adventure, although short-lived. After a year in the infantry, he sustained a life-changing injury and received a medical discharge. He then found his way into civilian service, where he became a field agent with the Department of Homeland Security, working along the northern and southern borders. During his twenty years with DHS, Travis volunteered as a police chaplain, and served on the Traumatic Incident Event Response team, responding to such events as active shooter incidents and deaths of his fellow employees. Travis is now retired from law enforcement and is concentrating on his writing, being a grandfather, and traveling with his wife of almost thirty years. If you’re looking hard enough, you can find him roaming the world, searching for hidden treasures, sampling local cuisines, and typing feverishly on his next novel.

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you ever wonder what the impact of one decision might have on the rest of your life?

Inman has created a world for us where we are privy to the aftermath of one decision Justin “Flip” Grey makes. While he is away at a banking convention, he is confronted by a voluptuous woman and propositioned. His decision is life changing and we get to see its fruit.

Inman takes us down parallel futures. In one future, Justin refuses the temptation of the woman. In the other, “Flip” succumbs. How their futures differ is eye opening.

I like this technique of showing two possible futures. It really made me aware of the decisions I make and the results that may follow. I like how Justin must confront his weak areas to continue on his successful path.

This book is a little like a fairy tale. The results of the one decision are almost more than life itself. The extreme separation between the two futures serves to really emphasize the results of decisions. It also shows how the one decision determines the future of his wife and children.

There is one aspect of the novel I found less than satisfactory and that was the alcohol. I can see “Flip” getting drunk but I didn't like Justin and those mentoring him being so taken with liquor. There was quite a bit about the taste of fine scotch and its celebratory use. If you have any trouble with alcohol, this book may not be a good one for you. The scotch was made to sound very good and I don't even drink alcohol.

Other than the issue with the use of alcohol, I recommend this book. It certainly paints a very serious picture of what happens as a result of decisions we make. It also shows the importance of mentoring. There's a good discussion guide at the end so this would make a good choice for a men's reading group.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through The Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

[Pam Rudie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wonder "what if" you'd chosen the other path in a decision you needed to make? SHADOWS, written by Travis Inman, is the story of one man where just that kind of situation happens. In this book we get to find out what happens to Justin, a/k/a Flip as he lives out his decision two different ways. Justin and Flip each take the flipside of a coin in a decision where good and not so good things happen because of their initial decision to give in or not give into temptation.


One character makes the right decision, and goes on to be mentored with Christian love, guidance and nurturing that that helps him through the rough areas of his life. He is rewarded with more than he can imagine. The other character gives into the temptation and flies high for while before his world starts crumbling around him. A wife and children are also involved in the right and not so right decisions of Justin/Flip.

This book kept my attention, and I had a hard time putting it down. It made me wonder "what if" with some of the decisions in my own life. Well done Mr. Inman!!!

I received a free copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. This review will be posted at Amazon, GoodReads; and Barnes & Noble.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great eye opening book . Everywhere we go, we are faced with temptations. Some of us are able to fight those off, while others give in. The outcome can be devastating and sometimes ruin a person's life. This story is about a man and what could happen if he gives into temptation. The author explores the consequences of his choices and shows us how our life could be altered by giving in to things that we know are not good for us.

I loved how the author gave us a look at both sides of temptation. One depicts giving in and watching your life spiral out of control. The other was making the choice not to follow temptation and how your life will take a more positive direction. Every choice we make leads us to a destination. This book has a very clear message and gives you a glimpse into the dark side of temptation. Be encouraged though, when we don't give into temptation, we are following God and sin has no place to sneak in. I loved the book and hope that others will read this very intriguing story. People are watching everything you do, just waiting for you to mess up. Will you be tempted?

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadows: One Choice a Future Makes by Travis W. Inman is an intriguing, thought-provoking story. A story of one man and the impact that just one choice makes on his whole life--his family and career as well as his emotional and spiritual well-being. Inman writes the story from two parallel perspectives, one of making the moral choice and one of making the self-centered, self-absorbed choice. At the conclusion of the book, the author gives an honest admission that this story might have been his story and gives encouragement to readers to flee temptation and get help from others who have faced similar situations of being enticed into extramarital affairs. The importance of a strong belief in God and a recognition that we are not flying solo in this life and can benefit greatly from mentoring to help us through difficult times in life are key throughout the book. Included in the book is also a discussion guide. Gutsy and down-to-earth, this novel is one that will have readers thinking twice about decisions and the resulting consequences.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.

[ChrisGA · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an intriguing premise. An ordinary man is faced with temptation and must decide whether to yield to it or resist it. The consequences of his choice will drastically affect his future, his family and society itself. These consequences are played out in great detail by two distinct characters—Justin, who chooses the route of integrity and honor, and Flip, his alter-ego, whose fall into sin creates devastating effects on his own life and, more tragically, the lives of his wife and children. In alternating chapters, we follow the rise of Justin contrasted dramatically by the fall of Flip and his family. Although the characters are realistically portrayed, I sense an almost fable-like quality to this cautionary tale as the results of the choices made are taken to the extreme. The author stated that this book was the result of a crucial decision he faced in his own life. I received this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for this honest review.

[Donna Mcginnis]

Choices We face them every day. Do we make the right choice or the wrong choice? When we choose or give in to a temptation are we ready to accept the consequences which can either ruin our lives or be in God's will and His choice for us ?
Justin "Flip" Grey arrives at a weekend banking seminar but is unaware that he is being interviewed and tested to be included in The Lair. Little does he know he will faced with a choice that will effect his future with his wife and family.
Travis Inman gives us two parallel stories showing us two possible futures where we can see the aftermath of Justin's decision and Flip's decision. The temptation is from a dangerous woman. Justin refuses her temptation but Flip gives in.
A very well written book that is an eye opener and thought provoking story. The author tells us this might have been his story. A great read.

I receive a free copy of this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.

[Beth | Faithfully Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes two separate courses from one point in time. Essentially, Justin or "Flip" has to choose whether he will resist temptation or indulge and suffer the consequences. The chapters titled Justin follow the man and his family as he grows in character and strength while the chapters titled Flip show the results of a life lived for self. Both viewpoints are insightful and thought provoking. There's a saying, "no one sins in a bubble" and that truth is vividly illustrated in this book. A good life is built on a solid foundation of faith.

I received this book through bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me a little while to get into. I was actually a little confused for a while what was taking place. But then it clicked and I couldn’t stop reading.
One choice has altered Justin’s life the reader gets to see both sides of that choice. It’s very interesting to read and then think about your own life and the choices we make and how that can totally alter our futures.
I would say push through the confusion of the beginning and you will enjoy this book a lot.

A copy of this book was given to my through The Book Club Network Inc. in exchange for an honest review.

[Penny Marks · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have all been told by different people in our lives that our choices have consequences. Author Travis Inman has written outcomes to a persons consequences in this wonderful and captivating book.
Temptation is everywhere and it is ultimately up to us to decide right or wrong, good or bad. God gave us free will and we must decide how to use it everyday.
You will be truly amazed by this book. I recommend this great read.
Thank you and God Bless