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Black Dog #5
Shadow Twin
After everything she’s seen, Natividad was sure Ezekiel could take care of himself. Under any circumstances. Against any enemy. Whether he was temporarily exiled from Dimilioc or not. Then the link between them, forged when she absorbed a trace of Ezekiel’s shadow, makes it clear she was wrong.
She knows Ezekiel isn’t dead. She knows he must have met an enemy he couldn’t defeat alone. And she knows she has to rescue him, no matter the cost.
Miguel’s brother is a black dog and his sister is Pure, but Miguel himself is only human. That has its downsides for anyone living among the Dimilioc wolves, but at least an ordinary human has a chance to think problems through, his mind unclouded by black dog rage.
But when Miguel and Natividad and the wolves of Dimilioc have no choice but to walk into a trap, even human ingenuity may not be able to get them out again…
She knows Ezekiel isn’t dead. She knows he must have met an enemy he couldn’t defeat alone. And she knows she has to rescue him, no matter the cost.
Miguel’s brother is a black dog and his sister is Pure, but Miguel himself is only human. That has its downsides for anyone living among the Dimilioc wolves, but at least an ordinary human has a chance to think problems through, his mind unclouded by black dog rage.
But when Miguel and Natividad and the wolves of Dimilioc have no choice but to walk into a trap, even human ingenuity may not be able to get them out again…
400 pages, Paperback
First published March 19, 2018
About the author
Rachel Neumeier
59 books582 followersRachel Neumeier started writing fiction to relax when she was a graduate student and needed a hobby unrelated to her research. Prior to selling her first fantasy novel, she had published only a few articles in venues such as The American Journal of Botany. However, finding that her interests did not lie in research, Rachel left academia and began to let her hobbies take over her life instead.
She now raises and shows dogs, gardens, cooks, and occasionally finds time to read. She works part-time for a tutoring program, though she tutors far more students in Math and Chemistry than in English Composition.
She now raises and shows dogs, gardens, cooks, and occasionally finds time to read. She works part-time for a tutoring program, though she tutors far more students in Math and Chemistry than in English Composition.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 6, 2018
The Yankees have just won their 15th of the past 16 games, so maybe I'm not in the best frame of mind to review a book about power dynamics and neverending danger (mood: hysterical laughter no team can possibly be this good LOVE THIS TEAM).
(Normally I wouldn't put this into a review, but it, too, is part of my weekend, and I have GR comments documenting Jeter's ankle giving out in the playoffs and - I kind of like having that record? And I don't know that I'm going to be able to remember this book without also remembering the utter jubilation of this weekend in sports.)
But this is a really well done book, especially for a third-in-series that introduces new mythology and entirely new challenges.
I'll get the cons out of the way first: that new mythology, for starters. How many new dangers can they face in the span of, like, three months?! It might be overkill, even though it is parceled out well.
And all these new dangers means sometimes I wonder, at the back of my mind, just how dangerous Ezekiel really is: every single book has had him being overmatched. It's a disconnect between the way he's treated and the situations in which he finds himself, and while I think I'm supposed to be impressed he keeps surviving, the plots also start to feel engineered to keep him from being invincible. And that's a deliberation that reeks of authorial insertion -
- especially when you consider what makes this series successful: this really delicate emotional balance between humanity and animal instinct, between individualism and choosing to submit to someone else's orders. It's what makes the quiet moments so special: Ezekiel with Natividad, and especially, in this one, Ezekiel with Grayson. The deliberation makes you wonder if Ezekiel and Grayson's strength isn't purposely being undercut, and to me that would weaken the entire series.
I like this a lot. There are good moments. But I'm ever-so-slightly concerned about where the series is heading.
One last note: those text messages: not good. Very, very bad, in fact. Too many ridiculous abbreviations, too glib, frankly too puzzling, and too easy to skip right over them.
(Normally I wouldn't put this into a review, but it, too, is part of my weekend, and I have GR comments documenting Jeter's ankle giving out in the playoffs and - I kind of like having that record? And I don't know that I'm going to be able to remember this book without also remembering the utter jubilation of this weekend in sports.)
But this is a really well done book, especially for a third-in-series that introduces new mythology and entirely new challenges.
I'll get the cons out of the way first: that new mythology, for starters. How many new dangers can they face in the span of, like, three months?! It might be overkill, even though it is parceled out well.
And all these new dangers means sometimes I wonder, at the back of my mind, just how dangerous Ezekiel really is: every single book has had him being overmatched. It's a disconnect between the way he's treated and the situations in which he finds himself, and while I think I'm supposed to be impressed he keeps surviving, the plots also start to feel engineered to keep him from being invincible. And that's a deliberation that reeks of authorial insertion -
- especially when you consider what makes this series successful: this really delicate emotional balance between humanity and animal instinct, between individualism and choosing to submit to someone else's orders. It's what makes the quiet moments so special: Ezekiel with Natividad, and especially, in this one, Ezekiel with Grayson. The deliberation makes you wonder if Ezekiel and Grayson's strength isn't purposely being undercut, and to me that would weaken the entire series.
I like this a lot. There are good moments. But I'm ever-so-slightly concerned about where the series is heading.
One last note: those text messages: not good. Very, very bad, in fact. Too many ridiculous abbreviations, too glib, frankly too puzzling, and too easy to skip right over them.
December 29, 2019
OMG I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH! THIS WAS AMAZING IM IN LOVE. WHY IS THIS SERIES SO UNDERRATED IT IS BEYOND PERFECT.
This was an incredible book. Rachel Neumeier is just getting better and better with this series. I can forgive her for the impossibly long wait i had to endure for this book. However I need the next book and the short stories NOW please? Pretty Please have them released soon? For my sanity?
When I read the synopsis for this book, I was kinda disappointed that it was going to so prominently feature Miguel when Natividad, Ezekiel and Alejandro are my favourites but after reading it...
OMG I LOVE MIGUEL SO MUCH his smarts and quick wits made for some of the best scenes I have ever read. And I also loved Natividad and Ezekials bits they were everything I hoped for. The book is like a puzzle with all the characters trying to put the pieces together before its too late, its such a good way to tell a story. I really recommend this series why aren't more people reading it?
This was an incredible book. Rachel Neumeier is just getting better and better with this series. I can forgive her for the impossibly long wait i had to endure for this book. However I need the next book and the short stories NOW please? Pretty Please have them released soon? For my sanity?
When I read the synopsis for this book, I was kinda disappointed that it was going to so prominently feature Miguel when Natividad, Ezekiel and Alejandro are my favourites but after reading it...
OMG I LOVE MIGUEL SO MUCH his smarts and quick wits made for some of the best scenes I have ever read. And I also loved Natividad and Ezekials bits they were everything I hoped for. The book is like a puzzle with all the characters trying to put the pieces together before its too late, its such a good way to tell a story. I really recommend this series why aren't more people reading it?
Read
March 26, 2018FINALLY OUT. Love the Natividad/Ezekiel scenes so much ;; because of how much vulnerability is in those scenes. But anyway I really enjoyed spending time with Alejandro and Miguel and Grayson. It's really satisfying to see focus given to Miguel and I really like the arc of three siblings. They have now grown into their strengths and each specializes in something, becoming indispensible and valued members, which is great.
June 16, 2018
Rachel Neumeier is getting ever more adept at paranormal suspense - making me think of other authors I love in that genre, like Eileen Wilks, Patricia Briggs or Ilona Andrews.
The fact that her point-of-view characters are all young adults and a family, with different aspects of the paranormal world that is introduced here in focus, makes this series unique though. The action and the stakes are becoming more complex and at the same time more focussed, as details get unveiled. You never get lost however, if you have read the previous books and know the background.
I have one niggle though, being German myself, which only comes up when talking about what the Pure bring to the Black Dogs: The Beschwichtigand should either be Beschwichtigung (noun) or Beschwichtigend (adjective), heh.
The fact that her point-of-view characters are all young adults and a family, with different aspects of the paranormal world that is introduced here in focus, makes this series unique though. The action and the stakes are becoming more complex and at the same time more focussed, as details get unveiled. You never get lost however, if you have read the previous books and know the background.
I have one niggle though, being German myself, which only comes up when talking about what the Pure bring to the Black Dogs: The Beschwichtigand should either be Beschwichtigung (noun) or Beschwichtigend (adjective), heh.
March 30, 2018
This felt a little bit like a middle book, since it ended with some major threads still hanging, but I liked getting to have more time with Miguel. I enjoyed the latest installment in the story, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens next, and not totally sure I can put my finger on what felt off, but not sure that this felt like a totally complete story on its own. I'm very glad that we'll get more Black Dog stories later this year.
July 25, 2019
Reader's tip (YMMV): I'm glad I read this on the Kindle--I used the translate function frequently for the Spanish and Latin phrases, also had to look up a lot of the text speak. Obviously, this series is intended for a younger (bilingual?) audience. But do they also know Latin? Inquiring minds wish to know. Again, I'm glad for technology as otherwise I'd have found this quite frustrating reading.
March 18, 2022
This the fifth book in the : Black Dog Book Series
This was an alright read not great I'm still not feeling these siblings and to tell you the truth from their inner monologue Natavidad and Miguel I'm not sure that they know either . These two are all over the place emotionally although I mean st concede that they are young and both had to watch everyone that the knew die horrible . Even though this terrible event happened to them I still have a problem with Natavidad and that's because she always does something stupid in a fit of panic and it always leads to someone dieing but she's never called out on it . And then there's Miguel who thinks he's smarter then everyone else he can't be wrong or so he thinks . And that just rubs me the wrong way yes Miguel is very intelligent but he's just as haft ass as his sister when it comes down to it . Look I don't mind Miguel I mean he's the only human sibling so I get that he had to over compensate because he is human plus his parents did confide in him a lot . I'm guessing because Natavidad was the more hand's one type of learner and Miguel is the intelectual one and Alejandro was the black dog protector that their parents made sure Miguel knew the things that they couldn't teach either Alejandro or Natavidad . But Miguel is shady as all hell he reminds me of Loki he's sneaky and manipulative and I'm starting to wonder even if has any real loyalty to the black wolves at all . I truly feel that he's just using them as a means to a end they keep him and his siblings safe and he helps them out in certain situations . But the sad part is that I really wanted to like Miguel seeing as he is the only sibling that is human and he didn't have a special ability but no I don't like him . And then we have the oldest who I sort of like but the over protective big brother is getting old Natavidad is a woman known especially since she decided to be with Ezekiel . And Grayson who was my favorite what have you done with such a great character it's like he can't do anything without approval or help from the siblings you have made Grayson weak . And were is Justin why make a unique character when he's never in the series what's the use .
This was an alright read not great I'm still not feeling these siblings and to tell you the truth from their inner monologue Natavidad and Miguel I'm not sure that they know either . These two are all over the place emotionally although I mean st concede that they are young and both had to watch everyone that the knew die horrible . Even though this terrible event happened to them I still have a problem with Natavidad and that's because she always does something stupid in a fit of panic and it always leads to someone dieing but she's never called out on it . And then there's Miguel who thinks he's smarter then everyone else he can't be wrong or so he thinks . And that just rubs me the wrong way yes Miguel is very intelligent but he's just as haft ass as his sister when it comes down to it . Look I don't mind Miguel I mean he's the only human sibling so I get that he had to over compensate because he is human plus his parents did confide in him a lot . I'm guessing because Natavidad was the more hand's one type of learner and Miguel is the intelectual one and Alejandro was the black dog protector that their parents made sure Miguel knew the things that they couldn't teach either Alejandro or Natavidad . But Miguel is shady as all hell he reminds me of Loki he's sneaky and manipulative and I'm starting to wonder even if has any real loyalty to the black wolves at all . I truly feel that he's just using them as a means to a end they keep him and his siblings safe and he helps them out in certain situations . But the sad part is that I really wanted to like Miguel seeing as he is the only sibling that is human and he didn't have a special ability but no I don't like him . And then we have the oldest who I sort of like but the over protective big brother is getting old Natavidad is a woman known especially since she decided to be with Ezekiel . And Grayson who was my favorite what have you done with such a great character it's like he can't do anything without approval or help from the siblings you have made Grayson weak . And were is Justin why make a unique character when he's never in the series what's the use .
March 20, 2021
I enjoyed Shadow Twin. It's full of lots of great moments in character interaction, not to mention another exciting adventure. I took off a star because there were places where the story dragged a little due to long stretches of dialogue and introspection that could have been trimmed to keep the story moving faster. Still, anyone who's gotten to this point in the series will definitely want to read Shadow Twin and enjoy the next installment in the black dog adventures.
October 7, 2022
Another strong entry in this series. I like Natividad's untraditional intuitive grasp on her magic. Lots of action and some great complications. I was surprised by how much Miguel Pov we got, as I was expecting more Ezekiel, but it worked well. Lots of tension.
Quibble: A Cassie and a Carissa in the same book? The names are too close IMO
Quibble: A Cassie and a Carissa in the same book? The names are too close IMO
December 29, 2018
Riveting!
The suspense and the action never stopped in this book. I love all of these stories and I'm crazy about the people. Rachel Neumeier makes all of the information so believable and reliable that one has to believe in black dogs and witches and thank God the Pure.
The suspense and the action never stopped in this book. I love all of these stories and I'm crazy about the people. Rachel Neumeier makes all of the information so believable and reliable that one has to believe in black dogs and witches and thank God the Pure.
June 15, 2019
Just keeps getting better!
I’m completely engrossed in this series! The characters are engaging and developing in depth as the series continues. I’m enjoying the growth of the relationships and how the main characters are exploring their talents.
I’m completely engrossed in this series! The characters are engaging and developing in depth as the series continues. I’m enjoying the growth of the relationships and how the main characters are exploring their talents.
December 31, 2024
Fascinating concepts
Again, the author has taken ideas we think we know about and added twists to make it so engaging. Thanks for an intriguing journey. Looking forward to what else is coming.
Again, the author has taken ideas we think we know about and added twists to make it so engaging. Thanks for an intriguing journey. Looking forward to what else is coming.
March 27, 2018
Another 5 Stars
First off, I feel like this series does not get enough attention or credit. I love it and everybody should read and love it as well.
Better review to come.
First off, I feel like this series does not get enough attention or credit. I love it and everybody should read and love it as well.
Better review to come.
March 16, 2023
Exciting
This was a grand adventure! Lots of action but we see the interaction amidst the siblings in a new light. At least I did! It also sets up books to come. Great read!
This was a grand adventure! Lots of action but we see the interaction amidst the siblings in a new light. At least I did! It also sets up books to come. Great read!
February 28, 2025
Three stars instead of five because I didn't find Miguel as interesting as his brother or his sister. We hear a lot of his internal analysis in this book. And text speak is a language I'm not super fluent in, so those passages were a struggle. Also some of the violence was a bit much for me. But I still loved all the character interactions and the excitement, the drama! Still an excellent book.
September 2, 2023
This review is late, but I read it as soon as I got it. I love the Black Dog stories in general and this is a good addition to the collection.
March 27, 2018
A great birthday present! Everything you want from a Black Dog book, with a focus on Miguel and Alejandro coming into their own. Some great scenes where Miguel is right about everything, and some great scenes where he isn't! Alejandro develops his relationship with Grayson and establishes more clearly his position in Dimilioc. There are new characters, with all the interesting power dynamics that entails. Colonel Herrod gets a major role. (Justin and Keziah are off-screen for this adventure, sadly.)
The plot of the Black Dog books is always the same—nasty, evil demonic threat appears, black dogs fight back, get almost defeated, and then Natividad comes up with some innovative form of magic to save the day. The magic is always interesting, and follows enough rules so that it isn't just *handwave magical solution*, and Natividad is always fun to watch as she blunders by instinct and ridiculous fearlessness into her latest invention.
But the reason I keep rereading these books is the characters and their interactions. Neumeier does such a good job of exploring power, authority, loyalty, trust, and she makes you care about all the characters so much—the scenes between Ezekiel and Grayson kill me every time, and there's a great one in this book. Also family: it's great to see Natividad and her brothers' unbreakable bond continue, and also for them to begin to feel that Dimilioc is their family now. Yeah, there's the odd throat that gets ripped out or head that gets thrown across a room, but really this is a book about relationships, and about what it means to be civilized, and to be a family.
Favourite quotation:
Miguel added, "God, I need a bath. And a big cup of coffee." Alejandro frowned at him. "You need twelve hours' sleep and the hearts of your enemies on a plate."
The plot of the Black Dog books is always the same—nasty, evil demonic threat appears, black dogs fight back, get almost defeated, and then Natividad comes up with some innovative form of magic to save the day. The magic is always interesting, and follows enough rules so that it isn't just *handwave magical solution*, and Natividad is always fun to watch as she blunders by instinct and ridiculous fearlessness into her latest invention.
But the reason I keep rereading these books is the characters and their interactions. Neumeier does such a good job of exploring power, authority, loyalty, trust, and she makes you care about all the characters so much—the scenes between Ezekiel and Grayson kill me every time, and there's a great one in this book. Also family: it's great to see Natividad and her brothers' unbreakable bond continue, and also for them to begin to feel that Dimilioc is their family now. Yeah, there's the odd throat that gets ripped out or head that gets thrown across a room, but really this is a book about relationships, and about what it means to be civilized, and to be a family.
Favourite quotation:
Miguel added, "God, I need a bath. And a big cup of coffee." Alejandro frowned at him. "You need twelve hours' sleep and the hearts of your enemies on a plate."
May 21, 2018
EZEKIEL EZEKIEL EZEKIEL
5 stars for sheer kinetic energy. And Ezekiel.
5 stars for sheer kinetic energy. And Ezekiel.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews