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Cloak Games #4
Shadow Jump
I'm an illegal wizard, an expert thief, and an occasional killer.
So robbing the mansion of the Elven noble Lord Castomyr should prove no challenge at all.
Except another thief has an eye on Lord Castomyr's treasures, a thief with magical abilities I don't understand.
And unless I outwit this master thief, I'll be the one left holding the bag...and among the Elves, the punishment for theft is death.
So robbing the mansion of the Elven noble Lord Castomyr should prove no challenge at all.
Except another thief has an eye on Lord Castomyr's treasures, a thief with magical abilities I don't understand.
And unless I outwit this master thief, I'll be the one left holding the bag...and among the Elves, the punishment for theft is death.
ebook
First published May 14, 2016
89 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Moeller
401 books670 followersStanding over six feet tall, USA Today bestselling author Jonathan Moeller has the piercing blue eyes of a Conan of Cimmeria, the bronze-colored hair of a Visigothic warrior-king, and the stern visage of a captain of men, none of which are useful in his career as a computer repairman, alas.
He has written the DEMONSOULED series of sword-and-sorcery novels, and continues to write THE GHOSTS sequence about assassin and spy Caina Amalas, the COMPUTER BEGINNER'S GUIDE series of computer books, and numerous other works. His books have sold over one million copies worldwide.
He has written the DEMONSOULED series of sword-and-sorcery novels, and continues to write THE GHOSTS sequence about assassin and spy Caina Amalas, the COMPUTER BEGINNER'S GUIDE series of computer books, and numerous other works. His books have sold over one million copies worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 15, 2021
This is going to be a combined review of the first four books because I've zoomed through these books. They are very bingeable. Each book so far has had Nadia steal some kind of relic for her Elf boss, mishaps happen and she's supported by a merry band of supportive characters. All while leading up to 'the big Dark ones' mystery.
It's a bit formulaic. But I love it. The thiefing is good, her power and growth is very smooth and fun to be a part of. And I enjoy all the characters
It's a bit formulaic. But I love it. The thiefing is good, her power and growth is very smooth and fun to be a part of. And I enjoy all the characters
May 29, 2017
Oh I loved this book. I forgot about this series, and just found out that here where more books in the series so I got to them.
They are easy to read, a lot of action, no selfloathing, she is smart, she is strong and she know what she wants
They are easy to read, a lot of action, no selfloathing, she is smart, she is strong and she know what she wants
December 22, 2017
I like the story, but the author is VERY repetitive.
June 16, 2018
Cloak Games book 4. Mild spoilers for earlier ones.
Nadia is given the simple task of breaking into an Elven noble's home to steal something. Things are going relatively smoothly when it's stolen from under her nose, and the alarms go off.
Some effort later, she extracts herself, discovers her master knows the other thief, and merely has to collect it from him before her deadline.
It involves an apartment in a pricey tower, doormen who aren't men, a conservation at cross-purposes with a suitable dramatic reveal, a special power of the title, some new magical artifacts, and more.
Nadia is given the simple task of breaking into an Elven noble's home to steal something. Things are going relatively smoothly when it's stolen from under her nose, and the alarms go off.
Some effort later, she extracts herself, discovers her master knows the other thief, and merely has to collect it from him before her deadline.
It involves an apartment in a pricey tower, doormen who aren't men, a conservation at cross-purposes with a suitable dramatic reveal, a special power of the title, some new magical artifacts, and more.
December 27, 2023
These books are all less than 200 pages (at least so far) and are quick, easy reads. Lots happens but nothing is missed.
Read
March 18, 2018This series is a fun read - the interesting plot and character development drew me in.
One of the most frustrating things is that the author seems to almost cut and paste passages from one book to the other. The phrase "demented architect a hundred trillion dollars, an unlimited supply of illegal hallucinogenic drugs, and a thousand years," comes to mind - repeated a couple of times so far.
Still the strengths outweigh the weaknesses - I think I will finish the series.
One of the most frustrating things is that the author seems to almost cut and paste passages from one book to the other. The phrase "demented architect a hundred trillion dollars, an unlimited supply of illegal hallucinogenic drugs, and a thousand years," comes to mind - repeated a couple of times so far.
Still the strengths outweigh the weaknesses - I think I will finish the series.
August 5, 2018
The story line and characters are great. Loved those but there was so much I skipped. Too much detail and pondering.
August 26, 2024
An interesting but incomplete installment
Please don’t get me wrong, I am still most definitely hooked on this series. Regardless, this episode feels very much like one of those two-part episodes from Star Trek: The Next Generation. It doesn’t need any support to stand on its own. It IS a complete story in and of itself, but I reached the end feeling “unsettled.” Just like at the end of the first part of one of those TNG episodes.
Moreover, this is not a feeling that stems from the epilogue where Moeller makes it abundantly clear that portion of the story is far from over. To an observant reader it is manifestly obvious that Moeller is building up to something much larger than the Milwaukee-centric universe upon which the first story-arc was based. There is a great deal of subtle foreshadowing throughout this book that hints at this, and it really doesn’t even get tedious until near the end when he begins to repeat himself a bit. If I were to guess. I’d say he did this because he was trying to emphasize certain points, but still, tedious near the end.
There is one majorly significant clue, one that unravels almost 45-50% of the mystery which underlies this series, that is just dropped in out of nowhere as we get the book’s final pages. It’s an innocuous comment, really only 2 words, dropped into a larger conversation. However, it is also a HUGE reveal if you’re paying attention ( what will be hilarious is if it turns out that I’m wrong and merely making something out of nothing).
Then we reach the book’s end and you can almost see the letters rolling across that screen in your mind upon which we watch the events about which we’re reading…. You know the ones I mean, those letters in that bright yellow Arial font, which say, “To Be Continued…”. Since I really dislike cliffhangers, I guess this is actually an acceptable way to bring this book to a close.
All I know is the series has me engaged and I want to get to the next one. And so I’m off…. ENJOY!
Please don’t get me wrong, I am still most definitely hooked on this series. Regardless, this episode feels very much like one of those two-part episodes from Star Trek: The Next Generation. It doesn’t need any support to stand on its own. It IS a complete story in and of itself, but I reached the end feeling “unsettled.” Just like at the end of the first part of one of those TNG episodes.
Moreover, this is not a feeling that stems from the epilogue where Moeller makes it abundantly clear that portion of the story is far from over. To an observant reader it is manifestly obvious that Moeller is building up to something much larger than the Milwaukee-centric universe upon which the first story-arc was based. There is a great deal of subtle foreshadowing throughout this book that hints at this, and it really doesn’t even get tedious until near the end when he begins to repeat himself a bit. If I were to guess. I’d say he did this because he was trying to emphasize certain points, but still, tedious near the end.
There is one majorly significant clue, one that unravels almost 45-50% of the mystery which underlies this series, that is just dropped in out of nowhere as we get the book’s final pages. It’s an innocuous comment, really only 2 words, dropped into a larger conversation. However, it is also a HUGE reveal if you’re paying attention ( what will be hilarious is if it turns out that I’m wrong and merely making something out of nothing).
Then we reach the book’s end and you can almost see the letters rolling across that screen in your mind upon which we watch the events about which we’re reading…. You know the ones I mean, those letters in that bright yellow Arial font, which say, “To Be Continued…”. Since I really dislike cliffhangers, I guess this is actually an acceptable way to bring this book to a close.
All I know is the series has me engaged and I want to get to the next one. And so I’m off…. ENJOY!
December 16, 2022
Ok. I have started to struggle with this series. The overall premise is amazing, and I love the world building. I also enjoy the fast pace of the book, and that, for the most part, each book represents a piece of a puzzle that Nadia has to solve.
What I am struggling with is character development. To me, Nadia feels very flat and shallow. Most of her internal dialog is repeated book after book, and it has gotten rather monotonous. I understand wanting her character to be consistent, but at some point, I get tired of her constant reflection on being a bad person. She's obviously intelligent and crafty, she's a master thief, but the only time we get to see those traits are when she is planning a heist and then solving the inevitable mess that results. I just find it frustrating that at this point, we haven't gotten to see her grow.
What I am struggling with is character development. To me, Nadia feels very flat and shallow. Most of her internal dialog is repeated book after book, and it has gotten rather monotonous. I understand wanting her character to be consistent, but at some point, I get tired of her constant reflection on being a bad person. She's obviously intelligent and crafty, she's a master thief, but the only time we get to see those traits are when she is planning a heist and then solving the inevitable mess that results. I just find it frustrating that at this point, we haven't gotten to see her grow.
February 26, 2019
Nadia meets her match.
Nadia is sent to steal another tablet and once again uses a large gathering to infiltrate the owner's residence. Everything goes as well as can be expected until someone else snatches the tablet from under her nose and leaves her behind to suffer the consequences.
Well, our girl will have none of that and fortunately Morvilind has dealt with this thief in the past. Instead of punishing/killing Nadia, he sends her off to retrieve the tablet with license to kill if necessary (not that she doesn't already pretty much do this anyway)
A complex plan ensues. Nadia discovers she's not the only one being coerced into stealing objects. Rip roaring chase scenes and we finally get to find out what a bloodrat is all about.
Nadia is sent to steal another tablet and once again uses a large gathering to infiltrate the owner's residence. Everything goes as well as can be expected until someone else snatches the tablet from under her nose and leaves her behind to suffer the consequences.
Well, our girl will have none of that and fortunately Morvilind has dealt with this thief in the past. Instead of punishing/killing Nadia, he sends her off to retrieve the tablet with license to kill if necessary (not that she doesn't already pretty much do this anyway)
A complex plan ensues. Nadia discovers she's not the only one being coerced into stealing objects. Rip roaring chase scenes and we finally get to find out what a bloodrat is all about.
December 1, 2019
When we last left our hero, she was making things happen. In this book, the tradition continues.
In this case, she runs up against someone in her line of work and gets a chance to gain some perspective. She gets to further define who she wants to be and to see the world around her.
Of course, she doesn't do it with mediation of self reflection, but through action and overcoming challenges.This book adds to the list of villains and monster that hate her. We learn a little more about the players and their objectives.
A good read.
In this case, she runs up against someone in her line of work and gets a chance to gain some perspective. She gets to further define who she wants to be and to see the world around her.
Of course, she doesn't do it with mediation of self reflection, but through action and overcoming challenges.This book adds to the list of villains and monster that hate her. We learn a little more about the players and their objectives.
A good read.
November 24, 2023
In this fourth installment of Nadia Moran's adventures as a mage thief, she gets an impossible assignment from her owner/trainer Morvilind: steal an ancient tablet from a billionaire. And she has a three-week deadline.
Impossible assignments are her forte and what she has to do to keep her brother alive--and herself. If she ever fails. the master wizard will not continue to heal her brother. And he'll kill her.
With an elaborate plan, and magical disguises, she's all set to seize the tablet, when another thief steals it from her. Now what?
She's got to steal the tablet back--or die.
Impossible assignments are her forte and what she has to do to keep her brother alive--and herself. If she ever fails. the master wizard will not continue to heal her brother. And he'll kill her.
With an elaborate plan, and magical disguises, she's all set to seize the tablet, when another thief steals it from her. Now what?
She's got to steal the tablet back--or die.
April 1, 2025
The dark ones get stronger
As the books progress the human cults for the dark ones are more frequent, more dangerous and willing to overthrow the queen of the elves. And our heroine Nadia Moran stealing all those powerful tablets for her master Morvilind may be getting in a dire situation . In this book the most interesting new character Armand Boccand could shadow jump instantaneously from one place to another and in the end he may be an important help to Nadia in the future as things will always get even more complicated. Great action all around
As the books progress the human cults for the dark ones are more frequent, more dangerous and willing to overthrow the queen of the elves. And our heroine Nadia Moran stealing all those powerful tablets for her master Morvilind may be getting in a dire situation . In this book the most interesting new character Armand Boccand could shadow jump instantaneously from one place to another and in the end he may be an important help to Nadia in the future as things will always get even more complicated. Great action all around
May 16, 2024
This one wasn't too bad, I'm just always so astonished at these covers being such bait for people who want the cheesy romance when this is actually a quite interesting series. Definitely one of the higher points, I quite liked the dynamics between Nadia and Boccand. I might be starting to get attached to this one; while there are some repetition problems with the writing, there's a charm and world building that's fun.
June 7, 2025
I'm really enjoying this series, but it's a bit repetitive and I find myself skimming a lot. I do really like the characters, but we don't really get much more than a surface level connection with them since it focuses so much on the action. The overall plot continues to be fast-paced and fun, though I do wish our MC was a little more curious about the dark ones so we could learn more about them faster.
May 24, 2018
This is good, but I don't think it's as good as the first two.
The heroine, Nadia, is still keeping things hopping. Lots of angst and doubt, but she comes through the ordeal in one piece.
These novellas are fun to read, but I think for the brevity they could lower the cost by a buck or two.
Let's see if this review is posted as written.
The heroine, Nadia, is still keeping things hopping. Lots of angst and doubt, but she comes through the ordeal in one piece.
These novellas are fun to read, but I think for the brevity they could lower the cost by a buck or two.
Let's see if this review is posted as written.
July 24, 2020
Our formidable MC learns even more skills that help to try to keep her alive. Being in service to keep her brother alive leads her to very many dangers. It also leads her to interesting allies as well. This series has turned out way more intriguing than I imagined! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
February 14, 2023
CE-uh oh
Morvilind wants another Dark Ones tablet. Of course, nothing ever goes right, though she gets a bit of help from someone who, originally, tried to have her take the fall for taking the tablet. He was then blackmailed by a Dark Cult following CEO, where Nadia finds him & helps him to free his girlfriend in exchange for the location of the tablet.
Morvilind wants another Dark Ones tablet. Of course, nothing ever goes right, though she gets a bit of help from someone who, originally, tried to have her take the fall for taking the tablet. He was then blackmailed by a Dark Cult following CEO, where Nadia finds him & helps him to free his girlfriend in exchange for the location of the tablet.
August 18, 2023
Solid beach-read type novel. Better edited than most of my 3 stars, kept me reading like my 4 stars, but how much will I remember in a year? But more world building and character development and escapes in amongst all the readable action puts this to 4 stars for me.
February 26, 2018
Compelling
Hard to put down, the story keeps drawing you through. Can’t wait for the next book, I’ll be reading the ‘extra bits’ too
Hard to put down, the story keeps drawing you through. Can’t wait for the next book, I’ll be reading the ‘extra bits’ too
March 6, 2018
I preferred the previous one. This one just doesn’t have the same awesomeness. It was still good and I’m still enjoying the series.
March 21, 2019
3.5 stars
January 28, 2021
Very interesting reading
Each story carries its own unique plot. The characters are interesting and flow through the plot.. The story keeps you turning pages
Each story carries its own unique plot. The characters are interesting and flow through the plot.. The story keeps you turning pages
February 19, 2021
A good addition to the series.
June 11, 2021
Another great book.
Another great book in the series burnt though this one is less than a week. That's fast for me. Look forward to reading the next one
Another great book in the series burnt though this one is less than a week. That's fast for me. Look forward to reading the next one
October 19, 2021
Moeller Doesńt Disappoint
One of my favorite authors, Jonathan Moeller, writes in an engaging, witty style. I dońt want to spoil the book. Enjoy.
One of my favorite authors, Jonathan Moeller, writes in an engaging, witty style. I dońt want to spoil the book. Enjoy.
October 24, 2021
Trouble
Nadia keeps getting in deeper and deeper. The number of beings she has pissed off is reaching epidemic proportions. Good luck.
Nadia keeps getting in deeper and deeper. The number of beings she has pissed off is reaching epidemic proportions. Good luck.
September 28, 2024
The series continues strong, but the villain was kind of two-dimensional. Although, I did enjoy it when the villain met the blood rat. It did not go well for the villain.
December 16, 2024
Another adventure
Great read! I love this series! So much happens, it makes it impossible to put the book down! Can't wait to read the next in this series! Great read!
Great read! I love this series! So much happens, it makes it impossible to put the book down! Can't wait to read the next in this series! Great read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews