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Silent Scream #1
Nightshade
A 2016 Kindle Scout selection. When Iris is twelve years old, her mother is murdered. Six years later, the crime remains unsolved, and it's the sudden death of her estranged grandmother - as well as Iris's subsequent introduction to the prickly, yet entrancingly enigmatic Heathcliffe Monroe - that unlocks an even more complicated mystery. Between the lingering shadows of long-lost family secrets, and an overwhelming freefall into an entirely unexpected new world - the only guarantee that Iris has left is that there isn't one.
- GenresFantasy
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 16, 2016
40 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
a.k. anderson
6 books72 followersA twenty-something who lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family, several cats, and a large collection of comfortably weather-appropriate footwear. Likes trees, and rain, and the San Antonio Spurs. Maintains a year-round vested interest in warm seasonal beverages. Has been writing - with varying degrees of success - for almost a decade, and generally has her best ideas when she's half-asleep and unable to talk herself out of them.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 19, 2017
Nightshade (Silent Scream, #1) by A.K. Anderson is a kindle scout book and a mystery and a paranormal book. I like witch books and a good mystery. This one has both and is okay. I enjoyed it.
August 25, 2016
Iris has had an interesting upbringing, her mother was murdered when she was younger and she was kept away from her grandmother Kate without explanation why. Iris was raised by her father but when a mysterious guy named Heathcliff Monroe shows up things take a turn for the worse and Iris' dad winds up dead. Iris soon discovers through Monroe that she is a witch with latent powers and witches are a rare thing in this book.
I enjoyed the premise of this book, a mystery within self-discovery, but I had a few issues with it. The prose in this book can be a little over the top in that it actually distracts from the story and is at times confusing because I don't know where Iris' mind is drifting. It takes it far away from the actual moment. There were times that I skimmed at least two paragraphs because I felt as though it had been a little too extreme by way of flowery words.
Some of the characters are a little over the top, too, but I did enjoy Iris, I also enjoyed Monroe and even Xavier. I would have liked to see more development in Iris but maybe that is to come with the next book.
The ending to this particular one left a lot of questions, and I'm still not entirely sure what I read. When the focus of the book was on the plot it was good, but when it began to become sidetracked with too many random inner musings/rantings it lost me.
I think it's more of a 2.8 rating. I really wanted to like this book more than what I did, because the first two chapters sucked me in, but after that I felt pretty lost.
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I enjoyed the premise of this book, a mystery within self-discovery, but I had a few issues with it. The prose in this book can be a little over the top in that it actually distracts from the story and is at times confusing because I don't know where Iris' mind is drifting. It takes it far away from the actual moment. There were times that I skimmed at least two paragraphs because I felt as though it had been a little too extreme by way of flowery words.
Some of the characters are a little over the top, too, but I did enjoy Iris, I also enjoyed Monroe and even Xavier. I would have liked to see more development in Iris but maybe that is to come with the next book.
The ending to this particular one left a lot of questions, and I'm still not entirely sure what I read. When the focus of the book was on the plot it was good, but when it began to become sidetracked with too many random inner musings/rantings it lost me.
I think it's more of a 2.8 rating. I really wanted to like this book more than what I did, because the first two chapters sucked me in, but after that I felt pretty lost.
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September 19, 2016
I received a free copy of this book through Kindle Scout.
2.5 Stars
Interesting story and a decent start to a new series. However the book at times felt as though it was being rushed. Rushed to the point of confusion at a few points.
The characters were a little too one dimensional but I never did figure out if it was done on purpose to give the characters an air of mystery due to all the secrets they were hiding or if they just weren't given enough attention in the first place. Hopefully as the secrets get uncovered the story will improve and feel less thrown together.
2.5 Stars
Interesting story and a decent start to a new series. However the book at times felt as though it was being rushed. Rushed to the point of confusion at a few points.
The characters were a little too one dimensional but I never did figure out if it was done on purpose to give the characters an air of mystery due to all the secrets they were hiding or if they just weren't given enough attention in the first place. Hopefully as the secrets get uncovered the story will improve and feel less thrown together.
January 3, 2017
I think for a young writer Anderson writes well in terms of her descriptions. I like the depth she goes into but the actual story itself lost me slighty by going off in different directions and left me unsure what actually happened! its sort of feels like it has twilight elements but doesn't quite hit the bar. maybe more of a teen novel.
August 25, 2016
Interesting ideas, told in a rushed, confused way. How are the weeks spent in captivity given so little time? Seems sloppy. A heavy content/timeline edit would have done so much because the ideas were there.
November 15, 2016
I did not care for this book stylistically--it seemed barely coherent and none of the characters are particularly memorable.
October 17, 2017
A.K. Anderson, known on tumblr as provocative-envy, is one of my favourite fic writers ever. Seriously, her writing style is so distinct and eloquently done, I will literally read anything she writes because it's basically guaranteed to be a literary masterpiece.
Her novel Nightshade has been on my list of things to read for awhile now, and two days ago at 2:00am, as a way to avoid my actual schoolwork, I decided to finally download the ebook and read it.
Unsurprisingly, I was not disappointed.
Nightshade combines magic and mystery into a captivating story. Iris, an eighteen year old girl who's mother was murdered when she was twelve, meets the mysterious Monroe who tells her everything she's ever known is a lie. The way her mother died. Who her grandmother was. How magic runs through her blood, and the fact that there is a witch killer who is after her.
And so it goes.(sick slaughterhouse-five reference, bro)
This book is short, I think only around 200 pages. So things are a little rushed, and some of the characters are underdeveloped, but I think as the series goes on those things will improve.
All in all, Nightshade was a great read, and this book deserves more love.
Her novel Nightshade has been on my list of things to read for awhile now, and two days ago at 2:00am, as a way to avoid my actual schoolwork, I decided to finally download the ebook and read it.
Unsurprisingly, I was not disappointed.
Nightshade combines magic and mystery into a captivating story. Iris, an eighteen year old girl who's mother was murdered when she was twelve, meets the mysterious Monroe who tells her everything she's ever known is a lie. The way her mother died. Who her grandmother was. How magic runs through her blood, and the fact that there is a witch killer who is after her.
And so it goes.
This book is short, I think only around 200 pages. So things are a little rushed, and some of the characters are underdeveloped, but I think as the series goes on those things will improve.
All in all, Nightshade was a great read, and this book deserves more love.
November 4, 2016
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Kindle Scout!
I really really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read and very fast paced. I absolutely adored the writing style, it flowed incredibly well and fit the tone of the book perfectly. I don't know when the sequel comes out, but hopefully soon because I'm super intrigued to find out where the story is going to go next! The twist wasn't super predictable, in my opinion; it was clear when the writer wanted it to become clear, but before that I was not completely sure what was going to happen. A great read!!
I really really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read and very fast paced. I absolutely adored the writing style, it flowed incredibly well and fit the tone of the book perfectly. I don't know when the sequel comes out, but hopefully soon because I'm super intrigued to find out where the story is going to go next! The twist wasn't super predictable, in my opinion; it was clear when the writer wanted it to become clear, but before that I was not completely sure what was going to happen. A great read!!
January 3, 2018
Pretty good book
Could have done without the swearing, but interesting plot and twists. Probably could have written it differently to end as one book, but there's more in store.
Could have done without the swearing, but interesting plot and twists. Probably could have written it differently to end as one book, but there's more in store.
September 12, 2018
Not the best
It was an interesting story but there was a lot going on that bothered me. I plan to write more later.
It was an interesting story but there was a lot going on that bothered me. I plan to write more later.
March 4, 2017
Fell a bit flat, felt like a outline in places, good story
I think the author has a good story idea here, I just don't feel links its been finessed enough to be published as a standalone novel. The main character is strong and well-defined, the others all fall a bit flat. There are fewer than 10 total characters in entire book, and yet they are nearly all entirely forgettable or replications of characters seen elsewhere.
The story itself could have had a clean ending, but the author has made it part of series, so while it isn't exactly a cliffhanger, it certainly is not a satisfying ending. I probably won't go out of my way to find the next book when it comes out, I expect by then I will have forgotten this one, it really did not feel finished. Several places the writing gets a bit off-track as the author tries a stylized writing to express the heroine's anxiety, sadly it just leaves the reader wondering what is actually happening in the story. It is distracting rather than interesting and I found myself skimming these sections as quickly as possible, embarrassed for the author.
There are some lesser used tropes, I won't say "new ideas," because there are seldom any new ideas in writing, it's a matter of using ideas together a and telling the story well.
Overall this one is a 2.5 for me. I think a younger crowd may find it more enjoyable than I did.
I think the author has a good story idea here, I just don't feel links its been finessed enough to be published as a standalone novel. The main character is strong and well-defined, the others all fall a bit flat. There are fewer than 10 total characters in entire book, and yet they are nearly all entirely forgettable or replications of characters seen elsewhere.
The story itself could have had a clean ending, but the author has made it part of series, so while it isn't exactly a cliffhanger, it certainly is not a satisfying ending. I probably won't go out of my way to find the next book when it comes out, I expect by then I will have forgotten this one, it really did not feel finished. Several places the writing gets a bit off-track as the author tries a stylized writing to express the heroine's anxiety, sadly it just leaves the reader wondering what is actually happening in the story. It is distracting rather than interesting and I found myself skimming these sections as quickly as possible, embarrassed for the author.
There are some lesser used tropes, I won't say "new ideas," because there are seldom any new ideas in writing, it's a matter of using ideas together a and telling the story well.
Overall this one is a 2.5 for me. I think a younger crowd may find it more enjoyable than I did.
September 5, 2019
Nightshade follows Iris Reed in the aftermath of her grandmother's death , in the company of a mysterious Heathcliffe Monroe. Suddenly thrown (back) into a world in which magic is real—and hers—Iris finds herself struggling for her life.
Writing
AK Anderson's style is definitely not for everybody. At times heavy-handed with her description, her writing is almost constantly a stream of consciousness. It takes getting used to for first-timers, and even then, it's an acquired taste. Personally, I prefer writing like that. It forces you to pay attention, to take note of the words and the images before they fall and spring up as something else entirely. For the most part, and mostly upon close reading, the descriptions are cohesive—especially given the intensity of narrative. This is apparent in passages like:
It makes sense. However, the more I interrogate my appreciation for this kind of writing, the more I'm left unsure as to whether the prose here satisfies the question of whether the narrative has earned it. Due to the writing, the novel is very top-heavy. It's pretty, and heavy, but can also be thin at parts. Separately, the paragraphs are beautiful and visceral, but together, it can get too overwhelming.
Characters
Iris is a believable protagonist, right up to the end. She's patchwork, but in the good kind. It's obvious that a lot of thought went into exactly the kind of the character she sets out to be, but there's also a connect-the-dots quality to her characterization that—to me, at least—makes her all the more real. You spend all of the book in her head, and it's a haunting, strange, beautiful place to be. Perhaps the only criticism I can give her is that the logic of her actions isn't as bespoke as everything else. Still, there's a rawness there that writers should aspire to.
Heathcliffe Monroe, with his green, green eyes. I'm not quite sure about this one. He's a dream, obviously, but his mystery isn't organic. There's tragedy, and debt, and pain, and loss. But in the space of the narrative that Iris clearly occupies, his presence—as his own character, and not a device for the protagonist's own conflict—doesn't register. There's so much potential there, but it isn't fully realized, perhaps owing to the narration.
Xavier is my problematic, pretty/sadboii, and I love him.
All said, Nightshade is a wonderful read. Perhaps the highest praise I can give it is that it's an aesthetic offering that begs thorough unpacking, fiction that doesn't disappoint. It's the first book I really took my time with, given how fast a reader I am. Every other paragraph, I'd put it down, breathe a little, and marvel at how beautiful it can be. For all its problems, Anderson has done a wonderful job with this, and I can't wait for whatever she puts out next.
Writing
AK Anderson's style is definitely not for everybody. At times heavy-handed with her description, her writing is almost constantly a stream of consciousness. It takes getting used to for first-timers, and even then, it's an acquired taste. Personally, I prefer writing like that. It forces you to pay attention, to take note of the words and the images before they fall and spring up as something else entirely. For the most part, and mostly upon close reading, the descriptions are cohesive—especially given the intensity of narrative. This is apparent in passages like:
It's sudden, the shift in the air.
It's like the slow, acrid invasion of smoke through the vents. The floorboards. The medicinal green fluff of the insulation in the walls. A fire that starts off as a spark, a smoldering stub of a thrown-out match, and gets ignored, forgotten, leeches oxygen and chars a pile of junk mail and burns right through the Febreze-scented plastic of a trash bag and then engulfs, explodes, swamps, and surrounds until the alarm trills and the sprinklers drip.
It makes sense. However, the more I interrogate my appreciation for this kind of writing, the more I'm left unsure as to whether the prose here satisfies the question of whether the narrative has earned it. Due to the writing, the novel is very top-heavy. It's pretty, and heavy, but can also be thin at parts. Separately, the paragraphs are beautiful and visceral, but together, it can get too overwhelming.
Characters
Iris is a believable protagonist, right up to the end. She's patchwork, but in the good kind. It's obvious that a lot of thought went into exactly the kind of the character she sets out to be, but there's also a connect-the-dots quality to her characterization that—to me, at least—makes her all the more real. You spend all of the book in her head, and it's a haunting, strange, beautiful place to be. Perhaps the only criticism I can give her is that the logic of her actions isn't as bespoke as everything else. Still, there's a rawness there that writers should aspire to.
Heathcliffe Monroe, with his green, green eyes. I'm not quite sure about this one. He's a dream, obviously, but his mystery isn't organic. There's tragedy, and debt, and pain, and loss. But in the space of the narrative that Iris clearly occupies, his presence—as his own character, and not a device for the protagonist's own conflict—doesn't register. There's so much potential there, but it isn't fully realized, perhaps owing to the narration.
Xavier is my problematic, pretty/sadboii, and I love him.
All said, Nightshade is a wonderful read. Perhaps the highest praise I can give it is that it's an aesthetic offering that begs thorough unpacking, fiction that doesn't disappoint. It's the first book I really took my time with, given how fast a reader I am. Every other paragraph, I'd put it down, breathe a little, and marvel at how beautiful it can be. For all its problems, Anderson has done a wonderful job with this, and I can't wait for whatever she puts out next.
March 5, 2017
The story started interestingly. But then it seemed that she kind of fast forwarded a lot. And then often the character just knew things and propelled the plot forward unnaturally. And the ending wasn't satisfying. I get it's supposed to be the first book in the series but it felt too incomplete as its own story. I ended it feeling meh. Not compelled to keep reading.
August 5, 2016
Nightshade leaves plenty of impressions (I haven't been able to stop thinking about it all day) but the words that wrap them all up best for me are 'southern gothic fairytale.'
This story drips with fairytales in the best possible way. While contemporary, it's full of references in both plot and dialogue that give it a very meta fairytale feel, set within entrancing, haunting southern imagery.
Anderson's writing style is just that -- entrancing and haunting. It feels a bit fairytale too, honestly, with its richness and metaphors. It evokes such gothic, gorgeous, and at times grotesque imagery, and I really can't sing enough praises for the prose in this book.
And the characters! Iris's development is amazing; Monroe, I was in love with from his first appearance; their romance, also pretty much in love with from the first scene. While it definitely doesn't take over the plot by any means, their chemistry is really, really well done. (As for the more minor characters, Lucien's dialogue is top notch. Just. All of it.)
Really, the length is the only criticism I can think of -- it's such an addicting, lush story, and I would have loved to spend more time with its magic and witches. Which isn't to say that I didn't love the pacing as is (again: so. hard. to. put. down.)
Basically, fans of all things witchy should definitely give this book a try. The writing is incredible, and I will definitely be picking up the sequel as soon as it's released, not to mention any other book that a.k anderson comes out with. I'm hooked.
This story drips with fairytales in the best possible way. While contemporary, it's full of references in both plot and dialogue that give it a very meta fairytale feel, set within entrancing, haunting southern imagery.
Anderson's writing style is just that -- entrancing and haunting. It feels a bit fairytale too, honestly, with its richness and metaphors. It evokes such gothic, gorgeous, and at times grotesque imagery, and I really can't sing enough praises for the prose in this book.
And the characters! Iris's development is amazing; Monroe, I was in love with from his first appearance; their romance, also pretty much in love with from the first scene. While it definitely doesn't take over the plot by any means, their chemistry is really, really well done. (As for the more minor characters, Lucien's dialogue is top notch. Just. All of it.)
Really, the length is the only criticism I can think of -- it's such an addicting, lush story, and I would have loved to spend more time with its magic and witches. Which isn't to say that I didn't love the pacing as is (again: so. hard. to. put. down.)
Basically, fans of all things witchy should definitely give this book a try. The writing is incredible, and I will definitely be picking up the sequel as soon as it's released, not to mention any other book that a.k anderson comes out with. I'm hooked.
October 31, 2016
so i feel a little like I got run over by a train in a good way because I vaccuumed this entire book into my psyche in a little under two hours and I am dizzy with it. Anderson's flowery language and love of run on sentences may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's just on the edge of stream of consciousness that I love, especially when the consciousness is all coming from her protagonist Iris, who we see genuine development in by the time we reach the end of the novel. The paranoia that Anderson instills in us when it comes to who to trust in the secondary characters is lethal, and Monroe and Lucien are truly amazing characters that I absolutely need more of. Throughout the entirety of the book, I was (and still am) overjoyed by her dialogue - it is realistic, exactly how people talk in real life paired with the understanding of their personalities, and sharp and witty and brilliant. I am also seriously enthusiastic about - and basically, go read this book.
October 30, 2016
The story was quite good, and I enjoyed the little misdirection with regards to the actual antagonist, but all the action really gets lost very easily in all the author's similes and metaphors. One minute the characters are sitting and talking, and the next they're being kidnapped in a fancy Land Rover? I got lost several times as a result; plus, all the description could get tedious. That said, I will still probably read the next one, just to see what happens with Iris and Monroe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2016
Made It Through...But Just Barely
Very disjointed writing style. Really disliked it and will not go on with this series. Story would have been fairly good had the authors writing style not been so obsessively descriptive with comparisons. Ugh!
Very disjointed writing style. Really disliked it and will not go on with this series. Story would have been fairly good had the authors writing style not been so obsessively descriptive with comparisons. Ugh!
September 27, 2016
I like it a lot and the premise is really cool. however sometimes the writing was too flowery which made it a lil hard to follow and I wish the characters were more developed but that'll probably happen in the next book. the dialogue was super good though.
January 16, 2017
Couldn't stop reading.
Great story. There were some aspects about the author's writing style and technique that I didn't care for. However, the storyline was excellent and I couldn't put the book down.
Great story. There were some aspects about the author's writing style and technique that I didn't care for. However, the storyline was excellent and I couldn't put the book down.
August 26, 2016
Too weird. Did not finish it.
January 1, 2017
Well written narrative, though a bit overdone on the analogies. Seems like a good fit for fans of Twilight.
March 27, 2017
I feel like this had the potential to be a really good book, but did not like the author's writing style at all! I might continue with the series just to see what happens and in hopes that the writing improves.
March 28, 2017
I applaud the author for the different style of writing. At times, it feels like it's mimicking poetry, with the repetitions, one-line paragraphs, and flowery descriptions. I enjoy a story where the author cares as much about the words he/she chooses to use as he/she does about the story being told. For me, this would have felt less jarring in a literary work, rather than a supernatural thriller. In this story, however, I found it mildly irritating. This will definitely not be a book for everyone, but I think some people will absolutely love it.
The story loses points for the excessive number of f-bombs. Each one made me cringe. There are stories where foul language is expected and lack of it would not be natural. This is not one of those stories. This one would have been much more enjoyable and effective without them.
I also found the initial reaction of the two main characters to each other irritating. Immediate word battles? This really is not a bad thing, though, to have a negative reaction to characters. It may have been the author's intent to portray them in this manner. A strong reaction means the author is reaching readers.
I know this sounds like I hated the book, but I didn't. Truly I didn't. These are a few things, though, that made me only "like" the story and not "love" it. The plot itself was engaging and one I wanted to keep reading.
I received a copy of this book through the Kindle Scout program.
The story loses points for the excessive number of f-bombs. Each one made me cringe. There are stories where foul language is expected and lack of it would not be natural. This is not one of those stories. This one would have been much more enjoyable and effective without them.
I also found the initial reaction of the two main characters to each other irritating. Immediate word battles? This really is not a bad thing, though, to have a negative reaction to characters. It may have been the author's intent to portray them in this manner. A strong reaction means the author is reaching readers.
I know this sounds like I hated the book, but I didn't. Truly I didn't. These are a few things, though, that made me only "like" the story and not "love" it. The plot itself was engaging and one I wanted to keep reading.
I received a copy of this book through the Kindle Scout program.
April 16, 2017
Disappointing
It could have been epic if better written. Descriptions are solid but language and conversations are muddled. Shame, really. 😕
It could have been epic if better written. Descriptions are solid but language and conversations are muddled. Shame, really. 😕
April 29, 2017
I have read this book over a year ago and I have been trying to find the words for an adequate review ever since. Well, I can’t. I got the book for free because I was among those who voted for it at kindle scout. So yeah. I have been delaying writing a review for this long.
I love a.k. anderson’s (@provocativeenvy on tumblr) writing, but that was something I was already sure of, having read many of her fics before. Her style is peculiar and you get aesthetically evocative descriptions that you either love or hate.
But the plot. Oh god, the plot is remarkable. It’s attention grabbing, it’s full of interesting twists – you will find yourself turning page after page and literally devouring the book. I swear I took me just a bit over two hours to finish it, because you are so deep in the story you compelled to do so.
And the characterization is just perfect. The “heroine” is smart, curious, realistic, relatable for once, she doesn’t blindly believe everything she’s told, she is not passive, she is inquisitive and interesting. She is the girl with the pink bedroom and yet still a badass.
And if at the beginning it sounds like a simple story based on a trope – a girl whose family used to practice magic but after her mother’s death her father didn’t want to have anything to do with that – then it’s SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT. Plus, you have that southern American Gothic vibe that never hurts.
I a) can’t wait to read the following books and b) recommend the book to y’all, hoping you will enjoy it as much as I did.
I love a.k. anderson’s (@provocativeenvy on tumblr) writing, but that was something I was already sure of, having read many of her fics before. Her style is peculiar and you get aesthetically evocative descriptions that you either love or hate.
But the plot. Oh god, the plot is remarkable. It’s attention grabbing, it’s full of interesting twists – you will find yourself turning page after page and literally devouring the book. I swear I took me just a bit over two hours to finish it, because you are so deep in the story you compelled to do so.
And the characterization is just perfect. The “heroine” is smart, curious, realistic, relatable for once, she doesn’t blindly believe everything she’s told, she is not passive, she is inquisitive and interesting. She is the girl with the pink bedroom and yet still a badass.
And if at the beginning it sounds like a simple story based on a trope – a girl whose family used to practice magic but after her mother’s death her father didn’t want to have anything to do with that – then it’s SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT. Plus, you have that southern American Gothic vibe that never hurts.
I a) can’t wait to read the following books and b) recommend the book to y’all, hoping you will enjoy it as much as I did.
October 17, 2017
Good Story
Let me start by saying that I really liked this book. There were times when the style of writing really threw me off and I really don't like books written in a narrator style. It in the end the story won me over. I look forward to the next.
Let me start by saying that I really liked this book. There were times when the style of writing really threw me off and I really don't like books written in a narrator style. It in the end the story won me over. I look forward to the next.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews