What do you think?
Rate this book
Shadow of Death #1
Through the Valley
The only outwardly remarkable thing about small-town waitress Lily Eichorn is her blindness. But Lily has a secret: the very accident that stole her vision granted her a new kind of sight. Each human soul radiates a special light announcing the person’s moods and intentions—a light only Lily can see. Her ability has helped her navigate an otherwise dark world, but what use is such a talent to a simple waitress? Then Lily meets the frustrating yet appealing Asher Symonds, the one person whose soul she cannot see, and discovers her destiny is anything but simple.
A centuries-old legend is playing out in real life, and if someone doesn’t put a stop to it, a series of horrors will unfold. Lily’s parents, both seers who worked for an organization called The Valley, predicted this disaster—and they believed Lily was the only one who could prevent it. After their deaths, she was hidden away, protected until she was needed.
Until now. But Asher’s secret mission is compromised by how much his damaged soul is drawn to the beautiful, talented seer.
If Lily trusts Asher, she must accept that her comfortable, uncomplicated life is over. But can one person really stop a disaster that’s been centuries in the making?
A centuries-old legend is playing out in real life, and if someone doesn’t put a stop to it, a series of horrors will unfold. Lily’s parents, both seers who worked for an organization called The Valley, predicted this disaster—and they believed Lily was the only one who could prevent it. After their deaths, she was hidden away, protected until she was needed.
Until now. But Asher’s secret mission is compromised by how much his damaged soul is drawn to the beautiful, talented seer.
If Lily trusts Asher, she must accept that her comfortable, uncomplicated life is over. But can one person really stop a disaster that’s been centuries in the making?
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2017
300 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Erickson
33 books304 followersI really hate writing these in third person. So hey! I'm Stephanie. I have all kinds of books including post-apocalyptic, dystopian, and paranormal romance. This is my first venture into clean rom-com, and I gotta tell ya, I loved it. I have 12 books planned for the Calendar Girls standalone series, so buckle up, buttercups! It's gonna be a fun ride, and I do hope you'll join me!
What else do you want to know? My husband can usually be found sailing the skies as an airline captain, and my daughter is TEN now (::commence sobbing at the cruel passage of time::)!
I love to connect with readers, so please reach out any time! With nice things of course. Please don't troll me LOL. I have kindof a sharp tongue and little restraint when provoked. It's not cute.
www.facebook.com/stephmerickson
www.instagram.com/authorsmerickson
www.stephanieericksonbooks.com
And, I have a newsletter! Sign up for exclusive access to giveaways, updates on new books, and sales!
https://mailchi.mp/stephanieericksonb...
What else do you want to know? My husband can usually be found sailing the skies as an airline captain, and my daughter is TEN now (::commence sobbing at the cruel passage of time::)!
I love to connect with readers, so please reach out any time! With nice things of course. Please don't troll me LOL. I have kindof a sharp tongue and little restraint when provoked. It's not cute.
www.facebook.com/stephmerickson
www.instagram.com/authorsmerickson
www.stephanieericksonbooks.com
And, I have a newsletter! Sign up for exclusive access to giveaways, updates on new books, and sales!
https://mailchi.mp/stephanieericksonb...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 8, 2017
I did finish this one and it was okay, but won't be reading the follow up novels. I don't think the constant change of first person POV throughout the story (sometimes 2 or three times on the same page!) worked very well. I had little trouble following it, but it diluted the story instead of enhancing it. The story was also a bit too predictable. I did appreciate that there was a partial wrap up of one of the main issues at the end and that the reader could wait for book two without feeling too hung up. But by that time I had already decided not to read the next installments. There's not a ton of really good paranormal/witch/demon books out there; sadly, for me, this is not one of them.
August 31, 2017
First of my updates (at 9%):
"Ooooops. First person, past tense and changes of POV mid-scene. Utterly confusing. I have no idea whose head I am in so I am dropping this right now"
And I did.
"Ooooops. First person, past tense and changes of POV mid-scene. Utterly confusing. I have no idea whose head I am in so I am dropping this right now"
And I did.
September 25, 2017
Stephanie Erickson's book "Through the Valley (The Shadow of Death Trilogy; Book One)" was fairly interesting with a pacing that kept one turning the pages; blind protagonist Lily was engaging although this reader would have liked to have seen her fleshed out more than she was. However, this was book one of a planned trilogy which allows Lily time to grow. Lily started out as a strong female but at times wallowed into stereotypical "damsel in distress" mode and then she would bounce back into a "semi-confident-working-on-strength" type character. Yet, Lily's ability to read auras and discern things about the person based on their aura was what kept this reader truly involved in the tale. The male characters had even less depth to them, compared to Lily, although this reader slowly began to feel an affinity towards Tommy, the man that raised Lily. Dialogue between Lily and Tommy felt authentic, as if these two characters truly cared about one another and knew each other well. A lot of male character Asher's dialogue with Lily felt forced, to this reader, and somewhat stilted and unrealistic; Asher seemed to be the least developed character and this reader was never able to develop any empathy for or with him... which is a shame, because the beginnings of his back story actually sounds highly intriguing. While this reader is somewhat curious about Asher's soul, she also found herself easily distracted by mundane items in her own life, when Asher was on the pages.
There were some grammar, spelling and punctuation issues found, mainly towards the latter half of the book... along the lines of missing words or even incomplete thought processes. Meaning, a sentence or two simply seemed "not to fit" where it was placed, like an incomplete thought or a sudden idea popping into one's head. It still kept this reader along for the ride, however. There isn't a happily ever after ending to this tale, although some things were wrapped up - yet, this reader would not call the ending a cliff hanger, either. The ending simply answered some of the questions and left many more open and waiting for answers... but, it is book one in a series so that does fall under acceptable endings for many. Point of view changed continually, between Lily and Asher - which made it a muddled read quite often.
Erickson gave readers an imaginative tale to read, loosely based in mythology and legends, and wove her piece with a pace that steadily quickened and braked, before beginning again - like the lazy swoops and falls of an older roller coaster. Think of the old wooden roller coasters not the newest and fastest - it was an excruciatingly slow build from the start. Added to that, this reader simply wasn't able to fully engage with the main characters. However, knowing that her own daily happenings may have contributed to her not feeling invested in these characters, she will not fault the writer for this and will recommend Erickson's story. In fact, this reader plans to re-read the tale at a later date with a fresher mind. Maybe.
There were some grammar, spelling and punctuation issues found, mainly towards the latter half of the book... along the lines of missing words or even incomplete thought processes. Meaning, a sentence or two simply seemed "not to fit" where it was placed, like an incomplete thought or a sudden idea popping into one's head. It still kept this reader along for the ride, however. There isn't a happily ever after ending to this tale, although some things were wrapped up - yet, this reader would not call the ending a cliff hanger, either. The ending simply answered some of the questions and left many more open and waiting for answers... but, it is book one in a series so that does fall under acceptable endings for many. Point of view changed continually, between Lily and Asher - which made it a muddled read quite often.
Erickson gave readers an imaginative tale to read, loosely based in mythology and legends, and wove her piece with a pace that steadily quickened and braked, before beginning again - like the lazy swoops and falls of an older roller coaster. Think of the old wooden roller coasters not the newest and fastest - it was an excruciatingly slow build from the start. Added to that, this reader simply wasn't able to fully engage with the main characters. However, knowing that her own daily happenings may have contributed to her not feeling invested in these characters, she will not fault the writer for this and will recommend Erickson's story. In fact, this reader plans to re-read the tale at a later date with a fresher mind. Maybe.
September 3, 2017
"Through the Valley " is one of those books that has great potential but fails miserably due to poor execution. The author is a decent writer but sends the reader on an endless chase to reveal clues; yet, the clued never are really revealed leaving the reader quite frankly bored.
The plot is unique with the main character being a blind waitress who basically can see people's auras/souls. She is contacted by a governmental agency whose job it is to investigate paranormal crimes. She discovers a link between the female President of the U.S and an ancient myth about a witch and three seals. Now as one seal is open she and the agent must try to stop the president's plans. What we are left with is a great premise but boring tale. I made it 59% through the read before I just gave up and that my friends is something I don't like to do.
I had high hopes for this read but I'm done and will definitely not be going on with the series.
The plot is unique with the main character being a blind waitress who basically can see people's auras/souls. She is contacted by a governmental agency whose job it is to investigate paranormal crimes. She discovers a link between the female President of the U.S and an ancient myth about a witch and three seals. Now as one seal is open she and the agent must try to stop the president's plans. What we are left with is a great premise but boring tale. I made it 59% through the read before I just gave up and that my friends is something I don't like to do.
I had high hopes for this read but I'm done and will definitely not be going on with the series.
May 23, 2017
Stephanie Erickson has surpassed herself with her latest release, Through the Valley. Lily is an strong character. She won't let her blindness limit her. She discovers that she's a powerful seer. She wasn't aware that she possessed this talent or that her parents were members of The Valley. With the existence of the United States in peril, Asher seeks her out. He is alone except for his job, with the same covert group. Lily's presence soothes him. Their trust in each other is amazing. The excitement is non-stop. The mix of political drama with that of deadly demons inside the seals kept me on the edge of my seat. I needed resolution. This is the first book in the Shadow Of Death Trilogy. The next story will be released in July, 2017. I can't wait for Shadow Of Death to see what happens next. Just be aware that the story ends with a cliffhanger.
May 24, 2017
This was a good start for this Trilogy. I really enjoyed the concept - an agent of the Valley who has to get help from a blind waitress who has special abilities in order to save to world. Lily has been blind since she was 5 years old, since then she has had a special ability. This is why Asher was sent to get her help. After she agrees to help they set off traveling around the country on an adventure that brings them into many different action packed dangerous situations. I really enjoyed the magically aspect of it all. They are faced with somewhat of a catch 22 with a decision they have to make. Once they finally make it and they think they have things somewhat how they expected BAM theres a twist. That was an awesome way to set up the next storyline. I am looking forward finding out what adventures the next installments will take us on.
May 28, 2017
Through the Valley introduces us to Lily a blind girl with a unique ability. Although her sight was taken from her, she can see the souls of the people around her. Using this ability she can "read" people...most people that is. Asher is someone she cannot "see" and is a complete void. He's got a multitude of surprises for her and the book takes off like a shot. Rarely does it slow down as it barrels through chapter after chapter. The only part that bothered me was switching back and forth from Lily's perspective to Asher's. It doesn't take away from the book, but sometimes you're a few sentences in before you run across a pronoun and figure out from who's voice you're hearing the story. Many questions are left unanswered and I'm looking forward to see how everything plays out in the next few books.
May 21, 2017
About a 4.5 for me.
The beginning really reeled me in with the whole set-up: blind waitress, disgruntled agent, and the dire need to save the world. I enjoyed the build up to the whole other world, and as a familiar reader of Erickson's work, it was a special treat to see some of her other books mentioned in the agency. The characters were pretty cool, mainly all of Lily's people. They were sweet, supportive, and felt like real people with the way they interacted with her. Asher, that poor man, looked like a bundle of nerves compared to this seemingly otherworldly woman. They both had their moments and I liked seeing them improve throughout the story. The bad guys are a unique take of old stories and I can't wait to see what the next one's like.
The beginning really reeled me in with the whole set-up: blind waitress, disgruntled agent, and the dire need to save the world. I enjoyed the build up to the whole other world, and as a familiar reader of Erickson's work, it was a special treat to see some of her other books mentioned in the agency. The characters were pretty cool, mainly all of Lily's people. They were sweet, supportive, and felt like real people with the way they interacted with her. Asher, that poor man, looked like a bundle of nerves compared to this seemingly otherworldly woman. They both had their moments and I liked seeing them improve throughout the story. The bad guys are a unique take of old stories and I can't wait to see what the next one's like.
May 24, 2017
I absolutely loved this book!! It sucked me in almost immediately and I didn't want to stop reading it. I believe this is my new favorite series by Stephanie Erickson. You have magic, the supernatural, demons, adventure and mystery all rolled into one. It will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. I can't wait for Book 2 and how it all will continue. Lily is blind, but also has an unusual skill to see people's souls. Her world can be colorful until she meets Asher who is the first person whom she truly can not see as he is black to her. The two must work together to defend our world from one who has used demons to turn people into zombies and more. An exciting read for sure.
May 21, 2017
You have a blind waitress and a soulless man, brought together for a cause that doesn't seem to end. Lilly was happy with her life, working for Tommy. Not knowing the seers of the world had seen her future and what she could do. Lilly gift thought blind is she can see the colors of one soul. Till Asher shows up and there is no color in his life. Which makes it hard for her to trust him, especially when he tells her she is needed to save the world. Plus he knows all about her for some reason. Should she trust him? Should she go with him?
Great book, a wonderful start to a new series, can't wait to see what comes next.
Great book, a wonderful start to a new series, can't wait to see what comes next.
May 21, 2017
Hooked from the second paragraph
It didn't take me long to become entranced in Through the valley. I love seeing both Lilly and Ashers point of views. I love the idea of being able to see a person's soul and is intentions. Lilly took to all she had to do, though extremely daunting and life changing, and put everything she is into accomplishing the impossible. She and Asher are a great team and I am very eagerly waiting for the second in this intense and heart pounding trilogy.
It didn't take me long to become entranced in Through the valley. I love seeing both Lilly and Ashers point of views. I love the idea of being able to see a person's soul and is intentions. Lilly took to all she had to do, though extremely daunting and life changing, and put everything she is into accomplishing the impossible. She and Asher are a great team and I am very eagerly waiting for the second in this intense and heart pounding trilogy.
May 22, 2017
Another awesome series from Stephanie Erickson. One I can't wait to read more of. Lily is a blind waitress and Asher is a man with no soul. Two very different people that come together to work together on this huge adventure. I don't want to give away too much about the book just because there is so much that happened just in the first book with so much more to come!! I'm looking forward to July!! You won't be disappointed if you get this book. The action keeps you glued to this book. It's impossible to put it down once you start reading.
January 9, 2018
DNF - I just got too bored. I liked the concept but felt like it just wasn’t complex enough. “Sludgies” really?
Not to mention Lily and Asher kept repeating themselves- POV switches back and forth between them which I normally love but they just kept have the same inner monologues over and over. I knew I had to put it away when I started watching tv instead of opening my kindle. Cut my losses, move on.
Not to mention Lily and Asher kept repeating themselves- POV switches back and forth between them which I normally love but they just kept have the same inner monologues over and over. I knew I had to put it away when I started watching tv instead of opening my kindle. Cut my losses, move on.
April 16, 2018
It was a freebie book for my kindle and I thought I would take a chance, never having heard of this new author. Overall, the plot was nicely paced and I liked the premise. However, it kept switching POV (always first person) from one main character to another. That was confusing without some sort of marker - even *** would have been nice. That could just be a little editing error. I would read more of her series if I ran across it.
May 22, 2017
This series has a strong start- characters that draw you in, good world building, demons presented in a different way, hints of things from other books by the author, and politics that show some influence of current US policies (which almost makes this a horror story). Looking forward to reading the next book.
May 26, 2017
Absolutely amazing!
What a fantastic beginning to a new trilogy by Stephanie Erickson! Through the Valley takes us into a world where a young blind woman named Lily has the ability to save mankind from supernatural forces bent on destroying the world. I cannot wait for the next book in this series....July can't get here fast enough!
What a fantastic beginning to a new trilogy by Stephanie Erickson! Through the Valley takes us into a world where a young blind woman named Lily has the ability to save mankind from supernatural forces bent on destroying the world. I cannot wait for the next book in this series....July can't get here fast enough!
June 3, 2017
Absolutely loved this book!! Blind and jaded waitress, soulless secret agent, demons, zombie-like followers, magic and mayhem!! What more could you ask for?? Why, book number two of course!! Can't wait for the next installment. Stephanie Erickson has amazed and enthralled me once again! I highly recommend this story!! You won't be disappointed!
June 8, 2017
A sneaky read....
This book sneaks up on you and grabs hold and won't let go, I finished it in one day now I have to wait 2 mths for the next one. Stephanie Erickson is amazing and this book showcases her talent in writing real characters that you need to root for love love love this book!
This book sneaks up on you and grabs hold and won't let go, I finished it in one day now I have to wait 2 mths for the next one. Stephanie Erickson is amazing and this book showcases her talent in writing real characters that you need to root for love love love this book!
November 19, 2017
Enjoyable
An interesting Supernatural read. The main characters developed well, and it's an different type of story. It was a bit over-told for my taste. I felt it could have wrapped sooner. Resolution to this book's plot, but does continue the adventure in future books. While I enjoyed this book, I'm not going to continue the series.
An interesting Supernatural read. The main characters developed well, and it's an different type of story. It was a bit over-told for my taste. I felt it could have wrapped sooner. Resolution to this book's plot, but does continue the adventure in future books. While I enjoyed this book, I'm not going to continue the series.
June 3, 2017
What an awesome book! Lots of plot twists and turns and great character development. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down. Read it in one afternoon. I can't wait until book #2 comes out to continue the adventure. This is, by far, my most favorite book of Stephanie Erickson's.
September 29, 2017
At the beginning of the book it just gets straight to the point, on the first page you know she's blind, she has magic powers, she's very skilled (magically) but people can't know that and she's admirable so people like her.
Within the first chapter she approaches her first dilemma, with a guy who isn't accessible with her aura reading.
Each chapter is changing within who wrote it. Only between Lily and Asher though.
There is obviously going to be a romance between them although I don't know if I find that believable, I feel like there isn't much connection between the characters and Lily always seems to be ignoring/annoyed at Asher.
I love the fact that the heroin is blind, very unusual.
This story is very good and its never slow, in fact it is so fast that everything happens so quickly.
Within the first chapter she approaches her first dilemma, with a guy who isn't accessible with her aura reading.
Each chapter is changing within who wrote it. Only between Lily and Asher though.
There is obviously going to be a romance between them although I don't know if I find that believable, I feel like there isn't much connection between the characters and Lily always seems to be ignoring/annoyed at Asher.
I love the fact that the heroin is blind, very unusual.
This story is very good and its never slow, in fact it is so fast that everything happens so quickly.
August 21, 2021
A decent enough story but not particularly gripping. I didn't like that the dialogue changed characters without clear signposting. An interesting enough plot but I won't be rushing to purchase the next in the series.
May 20, 2017
Another fantastic book by Stephanie. This is a fantasy/paranormal story. The story is unique and the characters are well developed and mix well together. I highly recommend this book.
July 13, 2017
This is a new series by Stephanie Erickson. It is a quick read with interesting plot twists. I love the magical pieces in it. Very well done!
September 3, 2017
Suspenseful
Great story and plot. Just when things seemed to end a new beginning is found. Eventful enough to keep turning the pages to find out what is next.
Great story and plot. Just when things seemed to end a new beginning is found. Eventful enough to keep turning the pages to find out what is next.
September 4, 2017
An interesting slant on Armageddon. Well written and a very interesting plot.
September 15, 2017
Was ok but nothing to keep you reading
September 21, 2017
I love the work Stephanie Erickson created. I love Lili's ability and the background story, it was intriguing.
What I didn't like is that I felt like everything happened too fast and too easily.
What I didn't like is that I felt like everything happened too fast and too easily.
October 19, 2017
Very good
Totally engrossed from the very beginning. Really liked the story line. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Totally engrossed from the very beginning. Really liked the story line. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
March 26, 2018
This was better than I thought it was going to be, but still not a great book. The characters were engaging enough and I'm tempted to read the next book in the series just to see what happens.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews