The Shade Ring

The Shade Ring Trilogy #1

by Connie Lacy

A romantic, action-packed story set in the near future…

The year is 2117. Oceans have risen fifteen feet and it’s 120 degrees in Atlanta as Neave Alvarez graduates with a degree in Climatology. But it’s a field she’s forced into by a domineering father who drags her into his campaign to launch a solar shade ring into space. The goal is to block the sun’s rays and cool the oceans.

But Neave begins to have doubts during an expedition to sunken Charleston. That’s where she meets the first man who’s ever vibrated her molecules, only to discover he’s a clone – a clone who asks infuriating questions about what her scientist parents are really up to.

Her quest for the truth plunges her into a dangerous world of political intrigue and dark family secrets where it’s hard to tell who’s the good guy and who’s the bad guy. She wrestles with the meaning of family, whether clones have a soul and whether one more scientist can really make a difference in the fight against rising seas.

Set against the backdrop of runaway global warming, The Shade Ring is a compelling tale of a young woman’s pursuit of justice. And there’s also her search for true love, even though she doubts it still exists anymore.

The Shade Ring is Science Fiction, Action & Adventure and Romance, all rolled into one.

Genres: Science Fiction, Romance

302 pages, Paperback

First published April 25, 2015

About the author

Connie Lacy writes fast-paced novels about gutsy young women struggling with moral dilemmas and life-changing decisions, all while falling in love. She writes speculative fiction, time travel and historical fiction.

Connie worked for many years as a radio news anchor and reporter. Many of her books feature journalists. Social justice and women’s rights are themes in some of her books.

She loves beautiful old trees, sparkling rivers and learning about the history of our forebears, recent and ancient. She’s fascinated by the idea of time travel.

She and her husband live in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.


Sign up for monthly newsletters: www.connielacy.com
Email: connielacy@connielacy.com
Website: www.connielacy.com

Reviews

[J. Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read for fans of speculative fiction and romantic suspense.
I liked this book for a number of reasons: engaging characters, page-turning action scenes, just enough romance, human clones, and the list goes on. What I enjoyed most, however, was the believability of a future world such as this. Given the potential outcomes from worldwide climate change and global warming, couldn't this be a cautionary tale, if we don't act now to turn things around?
I also liked that the author didn't get too bogged down in scientific jargon and technical detail surrounding the challenges at hand. Instead, the plot is chiefly character-driven, which is always my favourite kind of novel. And as much as I like a good love story, the fast pace, filled with unexpected twists and believable villains made it that much more interesting. For fans of a speculative fiction tale told with heart, this is the book to read. I look forward to Book Two.

[Bill Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great to read a book about a not too distant, future world impacted by global warming. I generally enjoyed Neave as a main character and the mix of genres worked really well. There is a romance at the heart of the story but this is also a fast paced adventure with bits of science fiction. The story builds to an exciting climax and I'm intrigued to read the next book in the series. The author has done a great job of describing the potential effects of climate change, which is an extremely topical and important subject. I think she should send a free copy to The White House!

[L.A. Keller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't normally read sci-fi, which is what I thought this book was at first glance. However, I found the story to be so much more than expected. It is the story of Naeve, a young woman scientist. The plot includes some very realistic possibilities about the future of our planet, as well as elements of suspense and romance. I really like the start which jumps right into the action with drama, romance and a possible murder.

The author had some great lines, such as "Disapproval hung in the air like the stench of a squirrel that died from the heat and rotted in a gutter." Very good visual!

The only thing that may have detracted slightly from the overall plot was the romance itself, which is why I gave it 4 starts instead of 5. Although good I preferred the main storyline and felt that the romance took me out of the action and in a different direction. Overall I really enjoyed the book and would read another one by this author.

[Johanna Craven · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shade Ring is a highly intelligent and gripping thriller. Its futuristic setting gives readers a frightening glimpse into the world we may be heading towards should we not act quickly on climate change. The characters were multi-layered and real and I really enjoyed the relationship between Neave and Will, particularly the exploration of what it meant to be human. I'm a huge fan of historical fiction because it reminds us of the constance of the human condition. I found The Shade Ring did the same, set a hundred years into the future!

[Sara Cleveland · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the sake of full disclosure, the author and I are doing a review swap. I read hers and she's reading mine.

I want to start by saying that I didn't expect to enjoy this book so much. I almost turned down the swap after reading the book description on Amazon. Climate change... not my favorite subject. The concept of a shield to protect the Earth at first reminded me strongly of Highlander II which... don't even get me started. I don't know why the actors agreed to do that script. But I digress. Yet, something about the book piqued my curiosity. So I said yes and bought the book on Amazon. Which, by the way, is way, way under-priced for the quality of story you're getting. Connie, go up you price tag. Seriously.

So, to the review part of this review. Connie wrote an engaging story. It's really that simple. She did justice to all of the themes the book's premise presented, even if I don't agree with some of the conclusions. The pacing, description, and characterization was spot on. The writing was excellent. The dialog was natural and witty. I loved the interactions between the characters. So, even though I went in with reservations I found myself sucked in and finished it all in one night.

The only thing that really keeps me from giving this a five star rating has to do with the clones. Maybe my suspension of disbelief was already at it's limit with the vast change in Earth's climate, but I just don't get why people would think clones are soulless or somehow less human. Especially given that clones in the book's world are born to surrogate mothers, not grown in a test tube. I mean, twins have the same DNA, but nobody thinks they're somehow soulless. Maybe I missed something. If somebody else figures it out, please let me know. It's probably going to keep me up at night. Anyhow, I do like how Neave overcomes this social bias, and I especially love the clone-related twists in the story. I just don't get where the bias came from in the first place.

All in all, it was an excellent read and I look forward to reading more from Connie in the future.

[Connie Lacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a recent customer review on Amazon.UK: "This is a clever mixture of sci-fi, action, adventure and romantic suspense. It depicts a near future (2117) where global warming has made its mark on the planet. The book is the first in a trilogy that builds strongly and augurs well for the following books. As well a great story, there is food for thought with environmental, social, political and human rights issues giving strength and credibility to the plot. Characters are well developed, believable, authentic and feel natural in their environment. The plot is well constructed and the pace is quick which kept me turning the pages. The story is gripping with action, suspense and conspiracy. Highly recommended."

[Cy Wyss · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shade Ring is the story of Neave and Will in a not-too-far-off future America. The ocean has risen, sending millions out of the coastal cities and into "new" versions of these cities further inland. The weather is more extreme and the earth is clearly under more stress. A landslide on a volcano off the coast of Africa causes huge tidal waves to hit many areas along the coast of the Atlantic ocean, including the coast of Georgia, where Will is working demolition in old Savannah. Can Neave get to him in time to save him from the tidal wave rushing toward him? That is only one of the dangerous scenarios either Will or Neave get into and have to save one another from.

The book is a smooth read and the editing is impeccable. The character of Neave is sympathetic, although she has a temper and can come across as rash. Will is attractive, and has a secret: he's a clone. In the future, clones are the new target of racism and Will assumes Neave will leave him when she finds out. Neave is not that shallow, though, fortunately. The plot takes you from the waterlogged coast to the frigid arctic in a surprising (although improbable) combination of events. The villain is suitably egomaniacal, and the story includes an unfortunate additional villain in the form of Neave's father. Why is he so set on building a thin ring around the equator? Will it really help with global warming, or is there something else going on? I found the solution satisfying given the rest of the story. Overall a decent read, especially for fans of romantic suspense.

[Tomo · Rating 4 out of 5]

What will the future hold? How much will it change? A well-written sci-fi that had some really believable moments amongst the twist and turns. Good pacing and nice descriptions.
An interesting take on human clones.
Some sex scenes but they are tastefully done.
Well worth the read for fans of this genre

[Rachel Cotterill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neave has grown up with wealth but without affection, the child of two highly esteemed scientists who have never seemed to care much for each other, let alone for her. When she meets Will, she thinks she might finally understand what love feels like, but her father's ambitious assistant has been after her for years and doesn't know how to take "no" for an answer. Then her life is further complicated by her father's bid to become Climate Secretary and get his pet project, the eponymous shade ring, signed into law. This book has it all: a gripping, fast paced (if occasionally far-fetched) thriller plot; an ill-fated romance; a near-future setting of melting ice caps and rising seas. Bonus points for a positive view of adoption, a happy mixed race family, and a beautiful lesbian couple. A fantastic debut.

Full review to follow.

[Julie Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

We can only imagine what the future will hold for the human race, but we can also take an educated guess...this story is certainly believable in many ways. The environment is shot and there is a possible solution, but is it the right one?

Egos and arrogance never seem to change in the destruction of the world and some of the characters are well thought out in this story to show the fatal flaw within some humans.

Overall, a well-written tale that touches upon what it is to be human, what exactly makes a being 'real' and other important lessons.

Mystery, suspense, adventure and much more.

Worth a look.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I won this book on Goodreads.

I enjoyed this book. The descriptions of future life after catastrophic climate change are good. The characters are well-written. The story is interesting. The heroine did do some supremely stupid things once in a while (flying into a tsunami, trusting a man who molested her). Overall, I like this novel.

[Troy Neenan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to get this out of the way now. I and romance novels get along in the same way that I and running up a step hill get along. I am aware that they are there, but I don't see the point in there continued existence other than irritating me.

So let's get through what I like about the book first before I send another Indie author into tears.

I will give points to the author for her grammar and her writing style. In the toxic cesspit that is the indie author basement, Connie does understand what a comma is used for which are good marks in my book. I managed to read the whole book in a few days without the need alcohol so she does have talent, especially when it comes to giving the reader a curveball. I did not see a few things coming and I think one of them gave me a concussion.

That being said it is time to let my jadded heart bleed out.

The Shade Ring, written by Connie Lacy is a book that is a bit unsure of what it wants to be in life. Is it romance? Is it a mystery? Is it about about bad parenting and science being corrupted by a corporations? Smarter men than I may figure it out one day.

In the future the Earth and the human race is one step away from destruction. It being a dystopia novel the author has chosen her backdrop in the same way that America chooses its presidents. In other words they a set up a dart board, but a blind fold on and they hurls the darts at the thing in hopes it lands on something. Today's winner the effect of pollution on the raising water levels.

Are you still awake? Don't worry the climate stuff quickly get's tossed in the background, doing the occasional 80's sitcom cameo just to make sure people are still know it's still alive.

So, as it becomes clear that the world is going to be flooded, it is up to the main heroine (Neave) to mope around and complain about her parents for her being dependent on their money and not giving her the ability to express herself. Though in full honestly I don't think there is much Neave to express. She has no skills, no obvious opinion, and it's about a third of the way through the book that we discover that she isn't just background music.

I will tell you now that at the start of the book I thought this was going to be a horror novel or I was going to be watching an episode of Gilligan's Island. We get given a Scooby Doo gang with the evil douchebag, the hot hunk, the girl who thinks underwear is a suggestion, the virgin, and the professor. All during the first chapters I was wondering where the guy with the hockey mask was.

Anyway, this gang of collage dropouts get brought in to help solve the mystery of why the icecaps were melting in hopes of this research justifying a Neave's dad proving that what this world needs is a bunch of space junk flying around in the blind hope that it cools the planet down.

The climate awareness quickly gets pushed back as Neave gradually discovers an evil plot. I wont tell you what this plot is because the moment we get a whiff of the stinky thing it goes away and suddenly we get hurled into Neave's life, which involves going to the White house and the theatre while avoiding the advances of a horny fratboy. The book does go on to express some other serious issues like cloning, big brother, what it's like to be human, and Neave's need to get laid which turns into an adventure in itself. I personally don't get the chemistry between Neave and her love interest, it feels like a forced concept like fried chips in a salad, and I think the book would have been stronger if we just stuck to the corruption aspect.

I for one found myself not liking the Main Character. I would have liked to see her with more emotional baggage. When somebody's catch phase is, "I'm a virgin and my daddy doesn't love me." it puts you off. I would have related more to the character if she were a drug addict, or a stripper, or a full blown alcoholic. She seems too well adjusted and vanilla for me.

At the end of the book, the novel finally takes its ADD medicine and we get a decent story out of it. Overall it is readable for somebody who isn't into romance novels, if you are into romance novels it's for you. I just think some realism could be brought to the MC. But then again name one romance novel with realism in it.

[MICHAEL CLICK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story.

This is a good story but a little too female in time for my taste. Of course the protagonist is a woman I that might be a good thing for another reader.
There might be a small flawed detail. Poison dart frogs are not poisonous on their own. They extract their protective poison from their diet (a type of beetle, I think). So unless the endangered frogs were supplied with a constant supply of probably equally endangered beetles, the frogs would have been harmless. Perhaps the frog poison could be replaced with a tincture or extract of Aconitom Napellus. These plants are highly poisonous, although a bit hard to germinate. They prefer cool areas, so a warming planet might cause them to be found to be endangered and so cultured indoors like the frogs. The plants are a hardy perennial, growing to a height of 90 cm, with large purple flowers. I was going to grow some in my flower garden before learning of their toxicity. This plant could be important in a murder mystery as it takes only a tiny piece of leaf to be fatal. Most medical examiners would not detect it in the stomach contents. The poison would seldom be detected. It's symptoms are similar to stryhnine and are quite rapid in onset.

[Gordon Bickerstaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dazzling near future sci-fi story

This is a clever mixture of sci-fi, action, adventure and romantic suspense. It depicts a near future (2117) where global warming has made its mark on the planet. The book is the first in a trilogy that builds strongly and augurs well for the following books. As well a great story, there is food for thought with environmental, social, political and human rights issues giving strength and credibility to the plot. Characters are well developed, believable, authentic and feel natural in their environment. The plot is well constructed and the pace is quick which kept me turning the pages. The story is gripping with action, suspense and conspiracy. Highly recommended.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written action-packed story set in the future. It has the right amount of romance, a love story that's neither cheesy nor fake. The author pulls no stops when writing her scenes. They evoke a full range of emotions. She smoothly takes you from a wonderful romantic moment, followed by a tense situation, that immediately turns humorous. The book is filled with many such instances, as well as edge-of-the-seat action. When you think you know where the story is heading, along comes a twist in the plot. Well done.

The following is an excerpt from the book that tops the memorable love quotes, like "You complete me."
"...I could feel the spark when I was with you. When you looked into my eyes, there was this hot thrumming in my ears. It felt like our souls touched.”

[Kate Everward · Rating 4 out of 5]

The subject of climate has always been dear to my heart. And I respect anyone who writes about it. The authors descriptions are vivid, strong. Unfortunately, they also feel very real. With the way earth is treated today, I wouldn’t be surprised if what the author writes is quite an accurate prediction. Except for maybe the clones. Then again, who knows. The main story is very strong and interesting, the writing is excellent. I do feel like the clones are unnecessary here. The story is strong and interesting without adding another element.

[SA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great piece of work from this author, this time a futuristic novel blending murder, mystery and romance. Neave, the neglected daughter of a famous and successful climatologist is a student on the path to becoming a scientist herself but the little expedition she is part of goes awry and her father's rival, an anti-solar shade ring scientist, is now dead. As she starts digging, her doubts about the project and her father pile up. This novel also digs into ethical questions of cloning in the futuristic era. A fast-moving gripping novel for science fiction fans. Enjoyed it very much

[Sarah Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story dives straight in with action off South Carolina and a vivid picture of the world as it might be in the not too distant future. Climate change is hotting-up, literally, and one answer is shade umbrellas to protect Earth from the sun’s rays. The bottom line is money, and Neave, daughter of a scientist and, reluctantly, a scientist herself, is plunged first into horror, then passion, and then politics. This is book one, so Earth has a future, but for how long?

[Mei Li · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read many books from this author and I like her science fictions mainly because they’re approachable and enjoyable. I thought the Shade Ring would be harder to read because of the very scientific title and the somewhat austere cover. But it turned out not to be so. It’s well written and intellectual for sure, but no less enjoyable. The romance part is well done, there are plenty of actions, and lots of dramatic scenes at the end. I had a hard time to put it down. What I enjoy the most, however, is not the drama or the action, but the discussions of some imminent issues such as the impacts of global warming and human cloning on the future generations. The elements of Greek tragedies make the literature thought-provoking. Although I have difficulties to accept the nativity of Neave, and the monstrosity of her own father, I must say the contrast of the characters is really the driving force behind the plot.

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is hardly science fiction. More like romance novel set in a future based on a few scientific climate events and genetic advances cadged from elsewhere. And juvenile at best.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this barely speculative book set only 100 years in the future. The writing is smart and tight with great characters that I cared about. However, if you don't believe in science or the inevitable ethnic blending of America, this book may not be for you. I'm looking forward to reading the next one in this trilogy.

[Deanna Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3/5
Geek rating: 3/5

The Shade Ring is a near future science fiction that depicts a world that could become all too real. Global warming has caused the oceans and temperatures to rise. What we know as coastal cities are under water. Climatology is a science in which one could get a degree and career. In short, it is an eye-opening look at the possible results of our actions today, a look that Lacy captures wonderfully. The feel of the effects of global warming are poignant and even a little scary in this novel.

Set against this too-realistic backdrop is the story of Neave, a young woman who has recently graduated with a degree in climatology. She comes from a less than caring home, and her father is an overpowered political big shot. She doesn’t want to be a scientist, but she’s forced into it. I felt for her here. Being forced into a career isn’t fun for anyone. I wondered, though, what kept her from rebelling. I think it was sheer terror of her father, but it was a little unclear.

Moving on to the other characters. At first, I had trouble keeping some of the secondary characters straight. It got easier toward the end, but not knowing who was who kept me from getting into the story in the early chapters. Once I figured it out, things got better, and I got into this story about a girl who was in a career she hated and working on dangerous projects.

Unfortunately for me, my interest started to wane when the romance plot picked up. I’m a romance writer, so I have no problem with love or sex. The relationship between Neave and Will, though, felt forced and too fast. Neave danced with Will once, and suddenly she was in love with him. A few chapters later, she saves his life, and after that, I found myself having a Hunger Games flashback to the cave scene with Katniss and Peeta, only R rated.

After the cave scene, things, as they do in fiction, go downhill. Will and Neave have a falling out (to avoid spoilers), and Neave falls apart. Suddenly, this girl who hated her job and wanted to leave her father’s influence behind and who had the potential to be a really strong, brave person, was reduced to a blubbering pile of I-haven’t-showered-or-eaten-in-over-a-week. I kind of lost my respect for her.

Neave’s journey continued with me as a wondering passenger. She gets back some of her fire, but I never got back to thinking of her as the same person she was at the beginning. Things go really dark for her, and Neave finds herself forced to fight for her life. The action at the end of the book was solid, but the circumstances were odd. I wasn’t ever sure what happened between her and the guy her father set her up with. It was suggested that he raped her, but it was unclear. And after the final conflict, I’m not going to give spoilers, but the way Neave makes a positive identification at the police station had me blinking. It felt unrealistic and weak in terms of believability.

Lastly, I wanted to mention the cloning aspect, which plays a rather large role in the book. Will’s situation was kind of creepy. Throughout the book, it’s said that clones are shunned, but it’s never really shown. I really wanted to know more about clones and how they became a part of society. This part of the world was so fascinating, and I felt it took a back seat.

[Janet Eshenroder · Rating 1 out of 5]

Made the mistake of reading this twice. See the other review

[Lucretia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A future where climate change has altered the landscape and life in general. Clones. An unexpected romance. Parents who are detached and have their own agenda. These are a few of things Neave is facing in this story. I really enjoyed the depth of the story. The science wasn’t heavy handed, even though there were some things, like the shade ring, and clones that gave the feeling this future was technologically advanced.

Characters who are well developed, drive this story forward. I was totally invested in Neave, adored her as well as Will. OMG Nat, he was the perfect character for his role. Not a likable guy, but one who played on my tension and emotions.

I enjoyed the pacing, fast at places and measured at others, making it a relaxing read. I enjoyed the narrative voice and style and have already sought out another book from this author.

If you enjoy romance, future thrillers, or books that make you consider deeper things, I’d recommend you give this a read.