What do you think?
Rate this book
The Troop of Shadows Chronicles #2
Beauty and Dread
Beauty and Dread continues the saga of a small group of extraordinary people. Their unique genetic code allowed them to survive a devastating global pandemic. Now they must continue to fight for their lives, their humanity, and their town’s enviable progress toward rebooting civilization.
The tiny population of Liberty, Kansas, has weathered disease, starvation, marauders from without, and dissension from within. Still, it is a shining star of hope in an otherwise bleak and desolate land. But a madman approaches with an army at his heels, spurred by blood-lust and fantasies of revenge. Will he prevail, usurping the town and murdering its citizens? How will this eclectic group of geniuses and misfits fight back?
Intricately plotted, superbly paced, and brought to life by fully-developed protagonists, quirky supporting characters, and charming villains, the Troop of Shadows Chronicles is a tour de force. It is the unfolding story of the greatest threat humankind has ever faced and is populated with some of the most entertaining people you will ever meet.
The tiny population of Liberty, Kansas, has weathered disease, starvation, marauders from without, and dissension from within. Still, it is a shining star of hope in an otherwise bleak and desolate land. But a madman approaches with an army at his heels, spurred by blood-lust and fantasies of revenge. Will he prevail, usurping the town and murdering its citizens? How will this eclectic group of geniuses and misfits fight back?
Intricately plotted, superbly paced, and brought to life by fully-developed protagonists, quirky supporting characters, and charming villains, the Troop of Shadows Chronicles is a tour de force. It is the unfolding story of the greatest threat humankind has ever faced and is populated with some of the most entertaining people you will ever meet.
- GenresPost ApocalypticFiction
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2016
564 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Nicki Huntsman Smith
30 books77 followersI love books.
Everything I've learned about writing has grown from my love of reading. I began my writing career at the tender age of seven, when I wrote a play for my third-grade class. It was not an assignment; I did it because I discovered I loved creative writing as much as I loved reading. I received a children's typewriter the next year, and countless short stories followed.
I wrote some awful poetry during my teen years, then some not-so-awful short stories over the next two decades. I became serious about writing books ten years ago. The timing felt right, and I created the world-altering habit of writing every day.
My first published novel, Secrets Under the Mesa, began as a short story. I decided it had some legs and went with it. The inspiration for The Troop of Shadows Chronicles emerged from two directions: my love of post-apocalyptic fiction and a recent interest in disaster preparedness.
Stephen King says, "Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work."
The hard work is worth it. I hope you enjoy my novels. I wrote them for fellow book lovers just like you.
I live in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas, with my husband and three spoiled rotten rescue dogs.
Everything I've learned about writing has grown from my love of reading. I began my writing career at the tender age of seven, when I wrote a play for my third-grade class. It was not an assignment; I did it because I discovered I loved creative writing as much as I loved reading. I received a children's typewriter the next year, and countless short stories followed.
I wrote some awful poetry during my teen years, then some not-so-awful short stories over the next two decades. I became serious about writing books ten years ago. The timing felt right, and I created the world-altering habit of writing every day.
My first published novel, Secrets Under the Mesa, began as a short story. I decided it had some legs and went with it. The inspiration for The Troop of Shadows Chronicles emerged from two directions: my love of post-apocalyptic fiction and a recent interest in disaster preparedness.
Stephen King says, "Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work."
The hard work is worth it. I hope you enjoy my novels. I wrote them for fellow book lovers just like you.
I live in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas, with my husband and three spoiled rotten rescue dogs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 26, 2021
Compelling reading
Generally speaking I enjoy a great story where complex characters struggle to not only survive but flourish. This novel has all of that and more. I found myself thinking about the storyline during my non-reading time. I wanted to talk about it to everyone and get their thoughts on it. In other words, it felt real and that is a good thing. A very good thing!
Generally speaking I enjoy a great story where complex characters struggle to not only survive but flourish. This novel has all of that and more. I found myself thinking about the storyline during my non-reading time. I wanted to talk about it to everyone and get their thoughts on it. In other words, it felt real and that is a good thing. A very good thing!
July 13, 2024
A great bridge between Troop of Shadows and the third book in the series
November 22, 2018
Not your usual survivalist novel
As the title states. Nothing usual about this. It is well crafted, presents an interesting back story that can be fleshed out in possible future novels. The characters are “civilized” to a greater, higher level than I would create. Not a criticism, but a reflection on me.
As the title states. Nothing usual about this. It is well crafted, presents an interesting back story that can be fleshed out in possible future novels. The characters are “civilized” to a greater, higher level than I would create. Not a criticism, but a reflection on me.
January 11, 2024
Mixed Feelings
The story is great and I love the twists and turns. What made me give this a lesser rating was the characters. I want a story where there are characters that I can root for and against. There were bad guys to root against, which was good. However, from the group that I consider the good guys, I'd say 75% or mire of them were pyscho, devious, or just flat out annoying. I'd have an easier time with that if some of that behavior were caused by the catastrophic events, but it seemed clear that is just who those characters are. I considered stopping the series here. But like the story enough that I'm going to continue, hoping some of the characters grow on me or some of the really annoying ones fade into the background.
The story is great and I love the twists and turns. What made me give this a lesser rating was the characters. I want a story where there are characters that I can root for and against. There were bad guys to root against, which was good. However, from the group that I consider the good guys, I'd say 75% or mire of them were pyscho, devious, or just flat out annoying. I'd have an easier time with that if some of that behavior were caused by the catastrophic events, but it seemed clear that is just who those characters are. I considered stopping the series here. But like the story enough that I'm going to continue, hoping some of the characters grow on me or some of the really annoying ones fade into the background.
November 20, 2016
Lying in a puddle of my own remorse
And a voice came through the heavens: “Get back on that horse.”
The Bogmen
65 million years ago, in the great Galactic game of Dodgeball, it was Universe 1, Earth 0, after we got stung by a 6 mile wide fastball that hit us in a place called Chixclub (or something like that). So did Earth slink off to the dressing room crying like a baby? NO. Earth thought, “I’ll fix you Universe. You may have wiped out all my lovely, scary dinosaurs but I’ll make something even more obnoxious – Humans. Ha! Take that.”
Beauty and Dread (Book 2 in this great series) goes on to demonstrate that you just can’t beat The Universe that easily. We Humans get wiped out by a sneaky virus coincidentally called Chicksclub (or something like that), so now it’s Universe 2 Earth 0. To rub salt into the wound, the virus only kills all the normals like you and me (well – you maybe), but leaves all the smarty pants alive, and unfortunately all the psychotics (like me) too; people who would steal your parking spot at a shopping centre, then shoot you and your kids for giving them the stink-eye. Now these weirdos are going to fit into any new society like a bum in a bucket aren’t they? Well of course not! They’re going to cause HAVOC.
This is a great read. You have to remind yourself that this is only the author’s third book because it reads like she’s written at least a hundred. She has an engaging writing style, great characters, lots of action, a well thought-out plot – full of intricate twists and turns and a satisfying finale. There’s enough interest in the “left overs” to make you want to read the next, final instalment. I’m dying to find out what happens to my favourite character, Sam. He’s built like a brick dunny and almost twice as good looking. I hope he makes it through to the end without being terminated.
One little thing that most writers, and movie-makers, of post-apocalyptic drama overlook is – the not-so-niceties of everyday living in a stuffed-up world. No showers, dunnies or deodorant means people would stink! Your personal space would expand to approximately 30 feet. I’d be telling a lot of my surviving friends to whip on their budgie smugglers and go for a dip in the local creek before I’d get too close to them.
Anyway – read the first book, then this one...and enjoy like I did.
And a voice came through the heavens: “Get back on that horse.”
The Bogmen
65 million years ago, in the great Galactic game of Dodgeball, it was Universe 1, Earth 0, after we got stung by a 6 mile wide fastball that hit us in a place called Chixclub (or something like that). So did Earth slink off to the dressing room crying like a baby? NO. Earth thought, “I’ll fix you Universe. You may have wiped out all my lovely, scary dinosaurs but I’ll make something even more obnoxious – Humans. Ha! Take that.”
Beauty and Dread (Book 2 in this great series) goes on to demonstrate that you just can’t beat The Universe that easily. We Humans get wiped out by a sneaky virus coincidentally called Chicksclub (or something like that), so now it’s Universe 2 Earth 0. To rub salt into the wound, the virus only kills all the normals like you and me (well – you maybe), but leaves all the smarty pants alive, and unfortunately all the psychotics (like me) too; people who would steal your parking spot at a shopping centre, then shoot you and your kids for giving them the stink-eye. Now these weirdos are going to fit into any new society like a bum in a bucket aren’t they? Well of course not! They’re going to cause HAVOC.
This is a great read. You have to remind yourself that this is only the author’s third book because it reads like she’s written at least a hundred. She has an engaging writing style, great characters, lots of action, a well thought-out plot – full of intricate twists and turns and a satisfying finale. There’s enough interest in the “left overs” to make you want to read the next, final instalment. I’m dying to find out what happens to my favourite character, Sam. He’s built like a brick dunny and almost twice as good looking. I hope he makes it through to the end without being terminated.
One little thing that most writers, and movie-makers, of post-apocalyptic drama overlook is – the not-so-niceties of everyday living in a stuffed-up world. No showers, dunnies or deodorant means people would stink! Your personal space would expand to approximately 30 feet. I’d be telling a lot of my surviving friends to whip on their budgie smugglers and go for a dip in the local creek before I’d get too close to them.
Anyway – read the first book, then this one...and enjoy like I did.
November 7, 2016
The sequel to Troop of Shadows exceeds its predecessor, which is saying a lot since ToS was outstanding. Beauty and Dread has a depth to it that makes it hard to put down--and difficult to close after the last chapter. I just didn't want it to end. The characters became my own friends (or enemies, as the case may be). The author successfully creates a town and inhabits it with real people, believable, flawed, amazing protagonists as well as three-dimensional antagonists who, though we may not like, we come to understand. An excellent epic, and a story that will stay with me.
January 14, 2017
Dystopian blended with paranormal
Following a plague that kills most of mankind, only a few survive. Those who do have unusual intelligence, skills, or abilities. Unfortunately, these are not always accompanied with humanity. Several groups begin their journey toward the midwest, where they will meet up to decide mankind's fate. One becomes invested in some of the characters, and either of the books is hard to put down. So much for my New Year's resolutions schedule.
Following a plague that kills most of mankind, only a few survive. Those who do have unusual intelligence, skills, or abilities. Unfortunately, these are not always accompanied with humanity. Several groups begin their journey toward the midwest, where they will meet up to decide mankind's fate. One becomes invested in some of the characters, and either of the books is hard to put down. So much for my New Year's resolutions schedule.
January 19, 2017
Wish there was more
I really got into the characters, good as well as nasty. Although it felt a bit rushed at the end, it was very enjoyable. I could see Kansas as a good place to end up, although the winters can be brutal and summers God awful hot, especially if there is no electricity to heat or cool.
I really got into the characters, good as well as nasty. Although it felt a bit rushed at the end, it was very enjoyable. I could see Kansas as a good place to end up, although the winters can be brutal and summers God awful hot, especially if there is no electricity to heat or cool.
January 20, 2017
Wish it didn't end.
This is one of those books that you wish would continue and tell you more about the characters. What happened next?
This is one of those books that you wish would continue and tell you more about the characters. What happened next?
April 16, 2023
Wow, what a story! I loved this book and am so glad there is a book 3. Actually there is 5 and I know I will be sad when I am done.
So the first book I wasn't sure if I liked the element of some kind of being living in the Earth that caused the apocalypse. To be honest I am still on the fence. Book 2 doesn't answer all the questions I have about those people.
However, the book was so non stop action with such real characters that it didn't matter. I love all the detail of the town, how things work etc. It's well thought out maybe by a real prepper? LOL
I love Nicki Huntsman Smith's writing style.
Mostly I love her character development. There are a lot of people in this novel and all of them are likeable/or hated but most of all believable. Enough that you really invest in their livelihood. I found myself rooting for the good guys, crying over the losses and anxious to see what happens next.
I read a review where they felt this was rushed at the end. I think that is because there was such detail up until after the 'war' with Isaiah. So when you were told in a quick paragraph what happened to them after it felt like a let down. But I don't care, it was that good of a story.
Love it and on to the next!
So the first book I wasn't sure if I liked the element of some kind of being living in the Earth that caused the apocalypse. To be honest I am still on the fence. Book 2 doesn't answer all the questions I have about those people.
However, the book was so non stop action with such real characters that it didn't matter. I love all the detail of the town, how things work etc. It's well thought out maybe by a real prepper? LOL
I love Nicki Huntsman Smith's writing style.
Mostly I love her character development. There are a lot of people in this novel and all of them are likeable/or hated but most of all believable. Enough that you really invest in their livelihood. I found myself rooting for the good guys, crying over the losses and anxious to see what happens next.
I read a review where they felt this was rushed at the end. I think that is because there was such detail up until after the 'war' with Isaiah. So when you were told in a quick paragraph what happened to them after it felt like a let down. But I don't care, it was that good of a story.
Love it and on to the next!
May 8, 2023
"Another intriguing and suspenseful episode in the ToS saga. We continue the story from the previous book, following our heroes and villain on the road back to civilization. But is the human psyche so inexorably broken that we can't bear watching others building and succeeding, that we must destroy it? Or are the obstacles on that road constructed by our very own hands?
The book features a great cast of well-rounded characters, with motivations, traits, and complexities that make for excellent dynamics between the groups. The plot thickens with astonishing machinations developing within the group, and some shocking and startling twists and turns are revealed in the narrative. It's nearly as jaw-dropping as Bobby Ewing stepping out of the shower! (You'll have to be a certain age to remember that reference.)
If you've read the first book and are looking to read this one, you won't be disappointed. It's a very entertaining read."
The book features a great cast of well-rounded characters, with motivations, traits, and complexities that make for excellent dynamics between the groups. The plot thickens with astonishing machinations developing within the group, and some shocking and startling twists and turns are revealed in the narrative. It's nearly as jaw-dropping as Bobby Ewing stepping out of the shower! (You'll have to be a certain age to remember that reference.)
If you've read the first book and are looking to read this one, you won't be disappointed. It's a very entertaining read."
August 27, 2020
Some fresh ideas for post apocalyptic earth
There are some great ideas for a different kind of post apocalyptic. And what causes destruction. There are a host of fabulous characters in this book, the storyline is pretty good as well. I could’ve used a little more emotional connection to each character and probably would’ve stretch it out to about six books😅 I also found that the endings were a little abrupt in this book on the first one of the series. However I read them both like a speed demon, liked them a lot, and can’t wait to read
There are some great ideas for a different kind of post apocalyptic. And what causes destruction. There are a host of fabulous characters in this book, the storyline is pretty good as well. I could’ve used a little more emotional connection to each character and probably would’ve stretch it out to about six books😅 I also found that the endings were a little abrupt in this book on the first one of the series. However I read them both like a speed demon, liked them a lot, and can’t wait to read
June 10, 2023
A good story, too political for me.
The characters are pretty good. Dialogue gets very stilted at times. The reason I’m putting aside this author are the political opinions blatantly and repeatedly expressed. I don’t really care what your opinion is, I’m reading as a get away and I’m just sick of hearing about all the division and animosity everywhere. I prefer my fiction with a large dose of optimism.
Someone who enjoys the political stuff should definitely try this series.
The characters are pretty good. Dialogue gets very stilted at times. The reason I’m putting aside this author are the political opinions blatantly and repeatedly expressed. I don’t really care what your opinion is, I’m reading as a get away and I’m just sick of hearing about all the division and animosity everywhere. I prefer my fiction with a large dose of optimism.
Someone who enjoys the political stuff should definitely try this series.
November 2, 2023
Outstanding apocalyptic novel!
This series is impossible to set aside. Good versus evil in shades of grey yet there remains hope and happiness in the midst of it all. A plague that took much of the world's population and yet gifted many of the survivors with talents, extreme intellegence, and paranormal abilities even as it magnified and exacerbated neuroses and psychosis to a deadly degree in others. Watching over all this and humanity itself is an ancient gifted race ready to end humanity to tally if they cannot cOnquer their new abilities...Fascinating!
This series is impossible to set aside. Good versus evil in shades of grey yet there remains hope and happiness in the midst of it all. A plague that took much of the world's population and yet gifted many of the survivors with talents, extreme intellegence, and paranormal abilities even as it magnified and exacerbated neuroses and psychosis to a deadly degree in others. Watching over all this and humanity itself is an ancient gifted race ready to end humanity to tally if they cannot cOnquer their new abilities...Fascinating!
May 7, 2022
Great Read 2nd book in the series
The town of Liberty KS is becoming a town to live in. There is a dark threat coming, will the towns people survive or will or heros have to move on? Huntsman Smith has done it again. Wrote a story that will keep you wanting to turn the pages to find out what happens next to our survivors. A good story that leads me wanting to go on to the next book in the adventure.
The town of Liberty KS is becoming a town to live in. There is a dark threat coming, will the towns people survive or will or heros have to move on? Huntsman Smith has done it again. Wrote a story that will keep you wanting to turn the pages to find out what happens next to our survivors. A good story that leads me wanting to go on to the next book in the adventure.
June 3, 2023
Sensational part 2 of this series. I actually felt like this was a great conclusion to an epic story. Very reminiscent of Stephen King’s The Stand. Great character development, fun plot line and lots of twists and turns. I’m going to wait a bit before starting #3 in the series of 4 because it sounds like an entirely new storyline. But the first 2 books in this series were very enjoyable and well-paced. Highly recommend!
June 1, 2021
Excellent read
Another excellent read by one of my newest favorite authors. I’m not sure which character I most relate to, each one is unique in their way. This is my second book of the series and I am excited to start the third. I would highly recommend this serious to anyone seeking a great story to experience.
Another excellent read by one of my newest favorite authors. I’m not sure which character I most relate to, each one is unique in their way. This is my second book of the series and I am excited to start the third. I would highly recommend this serious to anyone seeking a great story to experience.
March 23, 2023
unique
A totally unique take on the recent rash of apocalyptic thrillers. My only issue with this author is how, over and over again, her exceptionally AWARE warriors can be snuck up on from behind. Having relied upon my own stealth tactics for survival, it makes me want to smack them upside the head regardless of how much that moved the plot along.
A totally unique take on the recent rash of apocalyptic thrillers. My only issue with this author is how, over and over again, her exceptionally AWARE warriors can be snuck up on from behind. Having relied upon my own stealth tactics for survival, it makes me want to smack them upside the head regardless of how much that moved the plot along.
September 16, 2023
This was much better than the first book. Lots of action and suspense. Everything from military battles to poisonings to kidnappings. Highly entertaining. The characters all grew on me from the first book, except Amelia and some others that are too mysterious and unrelatable. Since those characters continue as main characters in the third book, I think I'll leave the series here.
February 19, 2024
Could not put it down.
The most curious thing about an apocalypse that left only the smartest people behind is that apparently not one of them knew how to siphon gasoline without getting a mouthful. Other than this one minor distraction, I liked this book as much as the first in the series, and like the first, I couldn't put it down until I finished it.
The most curious thing about an apocalypse that left only the smartest people behind is that apparently not one of them knew how to siphon gasoline without getting a mouthful. Other than this one minor distraction, I liked this book as much as the first in the series, and like the first, I couldn't put it down until I finished it.
July 19, 2020
book 2 was a good place to end the series. Enjoyed that people left had different abilities. Story was good and was different. I have nothing bad to say about it as I enjoyed the two books in the series.
December 22, 2022
Good read
It was a good continuation of the story. It jumped over several spaces of time but gave just enough information about the jumps to be ok. I like the premise but wish there were a bit more description of personalities and perspectives. A recommend for sure.
It was a good continuation of the story. It jumped over several spaces of time but gave just enough information about the jumps to be ok. I like the premise but wish there were a bit more description of personalities and perspectives. A recommend for sure.
March 11, 2023
Loved it.
Second book in a series about a new kind of apocalypse. Follow all these fascinating characters after a virus kills off everyone, except those with special skills or intelligence. Each book just seems to get better.
Second book in a series about a new kind of apocalypse. Follow all these fascinating characters after a virus kills off everyone, except those with special skills or intelligence. Each book just seems to get better.
February 14, 2024
Fantasy and humanity
A good read with colorful characters. Action, drama, human conflict and some terrible people intertwined in a story of bad decisions, morality, and opportunities. Will continue reading this entertaining saga.
A good read with colorful characters. Action, drama, human conflict and some terrible people intertwined in a story of bad decisions, morality, and opportunities. Will continue reading this entertaining saga.
August 31, 2024
Fantastic characters.
So many interesting characters. Good descriptions, excellent writing brought them to life. Loved this book. Recommend to anyone who loves plots depicting special abilities. This plot was clever!!
So many interesting characters. Good descriptions, excellent writing brought them to life. Loved this book. Recommend to anyone who loves plots depicting special abilities. This plot was clever!!
December 19, 2021
The story continues to be really interesting, onto book 3 I go!
February 11, 2022
It seemed to end abruptly.
November 17, 2022
Surprised me
Absolutely a plot twist I didn't see coming and I can't wait to see how the story ends!! Bring it on
Absolutely a plot twist I didn't see coming and I can't wait to see how the story ends!! Bring it on
February 28, 2023
Great
Wonderful characters great scenarios and wonderful people. Good keep going on I could could I could not express the joy I found reading this book and both books. Thank you.
Wonderful characters great scenarios and wonderful people. Good keep going on I could could I could not express the joy I found reading this book and both books. Thank you.
March 5, 2023
On to number 3!
So many characters to love and hate. And the mystery!!!
What an entertaining series. I will be jumping in to the next episode immediately.
So many characters to love and hate. And the mystery!!!
What an entertaining series. I will be jumping in to the next episode immediately.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews