Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
The Vatican is broken.... And Callie’s hearing whispers in the dark corners of her mind....

One of the Vatican’s most infamous Shepherds has been murdered, and Callie’s friends are the prime suspects. To prove them innocent, Roland and Callie must risk their very souls....

Because Callie can’t reveal that she’s hearing strange whispers when she uses her magic, or that she’s harboring an Angel’s Grace. And if the Shepherds discover the hellish bargain Roland made, the streets of Rome will flow with blood as brother turns against brother.

And with the Antipope pressuring the Vatican for change, and Nate Temple arriving unannounced to demand an audience with the Shepherds, things couldn’t get any more chaotic.

Until Callie learns of an ancient order of traitors hiding in the Vatican, and they’ll do anything to bring it down - brick by brick.

The only way to find the traitor, keep her secrets, and save those she loves is to raise her blade against these holy warriors of God, shattering the Vatican itself.

And the whispers in her head find all of this so terribly...amusing.

If you like Patricia Briggs, Ilona Andrews, Linsey Hall, McKenzie Hunter, or Ella Summers, you will love the third installment of the Feathers and Fire series.

Jump into the hellish nightmare today!

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 11, 2018

1987 people are currently reading
505 people want to read

About the author

Shayne Silvers

56 books2,128 followers
Let's cut to the chase. You read stuff. I write stuff. So, If you want to nab a few of my free Amazon Best Selling Urban Fantasy books to test the waters, go here: http://www.shaynesilvers.com

Now, let's talk about this specimen of a man named Shayne...

Shayne Silvers writes the "Nate Temple Series" which features a foul-mouthed, flawed, young wizard with a chip on his shoulder attempting to protect St. Louis from the various nasties we all know and fear from our childhood bedtime stories.

Nate's been known to suckerpunch an Angel, cow-tip the Minotaur, and steal Death's horse in order to prove his point. His utter disregard for consequences and self-preservation will have you laughing and cringing on the edge of your seat.

But he has a lot to learn. Namely, how not to be so big of an A-Hole.

Get your FREE Nate Temple Starter Library TODAY at www.shaynesilvers.com.

Shayne holds two high-ranking black belts, and enjoys conversing about anything Marvel, Magical, or Mythological. You might find him writing in a coffee shop near you, cackling madly into his computer screen while pounding shots of espresso.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,731 (60%)
4 stars
868 (30%)
3 stars
250 (8%)
2 stars
21 (<1%)
1 star
7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
Profile Image for Lora Shouse.
Author 1 book32 followers
January 14, 2018
I guess I’ll have to give this one five stars. I couldn’t find anything seriously wrong with it. And it flowed to a much greater extent than any of the other books.

Given what we know about Callie and Roland and the Shepherds in this magical world, nearly everything that happens in this book makes sense or at least follows from what went before.

At least half of this story takes place in Rome at the Vatican. But this is not the Vatican that most people think of. We bypass all the churches and chapels and spend most of our time in a space that appears to have been a storage shed at one time. Callie, not forgetting the trademark snark, which is still present in this book as strong as ever, dubs it the “holy shed.” This space is the headquarters of the group known as “the Conclave” – the group the Shepherds report to.

The reason Roland and Callie have been called in is that one of the other Shepherds, Roland’s mentor Constantine has been murdered, and the two werewolf girls Roland brought for him to train are accused of his murder. Also, the Conclave wants to interrogate Callie. Possibly they want to offer her a position as a full-fledged Shepherd since they are now short one…

But there are problems. Roland has foolishly done something which has caused him to be turned into a vampire. And the Conclave – a group of old blind wizards – refuses to allow Callie and Roland to question the wolves directly. It appears that treachery and betrayal are going on – but is it one of the other Shepherds? Or all of them? Or is it one or more members of the Conclave? And why is the Conclave allowing a man who styles himself the Anti-Pope to come wandering into their area? Curiously, by the way, we never see either the real Pope or most of the many other officials of the church who you would normally expect to be wandering around the Vatican.
Profile Image for Vakaris the Nosferatu.
996 reviews24 followers
February 1, 2025
all reviews in one place: night mode reading ; skaitom nakties rezimu

My Opinion: It’s fun in episodes only. Anything past those episodes feels like work, where any attempts to entertain fall short, and end up feeling annoying, like an obstacle keeping you farther from the goal: the end of this book. Sudden love interest peaking felt sad and forced, various issues in side-character lives – more like page fillers. It was just dull, don’t know, guess it’s not for me. Best part: all the references to Castlevania, that was nice.

A 3 out of 5, would give it less, but don’t feel like downrating a book over what’s likely only a matter of taste.
Profile Image for Larry Tushman.
220 reviews4 followers
January 13, 2018
Loved this book. Callie is really coming into her own, which, of course, brings up other concerns. Plus she and Roland must solve a Shepherd-cide, so welcome to Murder on the Piety Express. Action, hilarity, treachery, and "Did that just happen?!?" abound in this book, while new players are introduced on both sides of the line. Magnificent developments for the series.
679 reviews13 followers
January 14, 2018
Another lost night of sleep. I just could not put this book down. I cannot wait until the next one comes out.
Profile Image for Hayden.
79 reviews
May 1, 2018
Great read

Callie and Roland are a great addition to these series. The great stories and feelings of a slightly dysfunctional family make it fun
Profile Image for Paige Guido.
197 reviews5 followers
March 22, 2019
Callie keeps getting better and better. This time, she takes on the Vatican. Yep - that Vatican. Not the Pope... Well, the Anti-Pope, yeah. I guess he really is a thing, who knew. Meanwhile two noob werewolves are in dire trouble, and Roland's entire life goes to hell. My favorite in the series so far.
100 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2018
Whispers is another home run by Shayne Silvers

Shayne Silvers has done it again. I could not put the book down until I came to The End.....But with Mr. Silvers there is never a The End but more of an Until Next Time.

We are seeing Callie grow in new powers and getting a view on the world that just re-enforces her opinion that most people suck. She’s Ok with erring on the side of caution and playing hardball until you show her differently.

It takes a ballsy woman to walk into the Vatican and say excuse me I will be heard, I don’t give a good God#$&@ if you are the Pope. Something stinks here in the Vatican so get out of my way and let me do what I need to do.

I’m not sure how I feel about her starting to be jealous of Beckett yet she’s attracted to Nate as well. She and Nate both share the “white” powers so it wouldn’t surprise me if Silvers throws a monkey wrench in my fantasy of them being together by making her a sister or some twisted thing. He’s very sly about that, always keeps you guessing.

And Roland!! Wow, no spoilers but I just can’t believe the twist his life has taken. See....Justification that Silvers knows how to throw that wrench.
Profile Image for Mandy Walkden-Brown.
619 reviews31 followers
October 27, 2018
Plot twists extraordinaire, intriguing characters and a riveting story.

I've completely given up trying to predict the unpredictable and work out where a Shayne Silvers book is heading; there's always an incredibly devious twist that would thwart even the most adept crystal ball prognosticator!

This latest chapter in the lives of Callie and the Shepherd, Roland, is no exception. An adrenaline filled read that takes them from Kansas City to Vatican City and right into the heart of danger. Prepare for a sleepless night, this book was quite impossible to put down, not surprising really, Silvers doesn't seem capable of writing a snooze-inducing read.

I'm still laughing at some of the typical Nate Temple comments he dropped when he makes an impromptu appearance before the Conclave, the Shepherds' bosses.

Action packed, wry humour and even the plot twists have twists. Cannot wait to see what happens next!

I received an e-ARC of this book and chose to write a review.
Profile Image for Jacob Sindic.
42 reviews3 followers
January 18, 2018
Silvers has repeatedly pushed his boundaries time and again with this world and the protagonists he's focused on, to the point where many would attest to the idea that he's well on his way to burning himself out creativity-wise. Happy to say that it's rather the opposite, instead stretching his ideas out and maintaining a stable plateau rather than forcing himself to higher jumps and more abrupt twists just to try and push the envelope further.

The story remains engaging and once again solidifies Callie Penrose as more than just flashier arm candy for his other central series protagonist Nate Temple, the ongoing chemistry between them being just staggered and reluctant enough despite all the heat between them to make it realistic given their individual wildly chaotic existences. Nate appears once again in this novel though I will admit Silvers is kind of pushing the credibility of his 'Oh I wasn't here because of you, happy coincidence ain't it?" logic to all their run-ins, both appearing in eachother's books very briefly but making huge impacts on things in the story. It could be his way of tempting readers to imagine how hectic a full blown team-up between them would run, but it also gives the impression that some parts of their stories need the other to function properly, something I believe Silvers has been trying to avoid to let them both stand alone as stronger protagonists, especially since Nate Temple has had the much longer build up to his story before Callie was even introduced.

The rest of the story holds up well though and throws in more twists and turns for the overarching plot of the series and world as well as numerous nuances for the characters themselves. The backdrop of the Vatican is unfortunately sorely underdeveloped given how much of the story takes place there, it feels like another wasted opportunity to dig a deeper foundation for the feel and setting of the world of the story. Rather instead the action takes precedence again which is welcome, but given how staggered some events are from each other it just feels like there was room to stop and look around a bit, so to speak.

It unashamedly ended on a bit of a teaser towards the previously noted full on team-up, and once again the timing of the novel is set a bit ambiguously compared to the timeline of the Nate Temple novels so it can be hard to tell how big a leap forward one of them is taking when showing up in the other's book.

Also "bear peyote" is now a thing, and I am definitely stealing that one for my own use in the future.
291 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2018
This book was chalk full of excitement, almost too much. The only real reliefs were when Nate popped in, which is why I only gave 4 stars. I can usually count on Shayne to always add some light moments and humor to keep everyone from just feeling totally beat down, but there wasn't much of that here. I think the parts where he did try to inject some humor just cell flat with me. I think because i just didn't get the jokes.

I'm glad this chapter is over with the Shepherd business, and that neither Roland nor Callie are tied to them anymore. I'm also glad for Paradise and Lost (you'll understand when you finish the book). I'm glad Roland has someone other than just Callie because I am certainly ready for more involved Callie and Nate adventures, and now that Claire has her new hilarious "family", Callie can let go a little and hop over go Nate's a little more often.

As always, can't wait to see what adventures come next.
Profile Image for Penny.
3,125 reviews85 followers
January 13, 2018
This book is the third book in the Feathers and Fire series, and Mr. Silvers has done it again: this book was just as good as the previous ones. As is all of this author’s books, this book was well-written, and we are getting to know the characters so much better. Things change drastically in this one, and I was so surprised! Callie and Roland’s world will definitely be different, and I can’t wait to see where these changes will lead us. Callie is so confident in her abilities, and I love that. Anyway, I don’t know what I can say that I haven’t said before: this book was fun, hard to put down, and I can’t wait for more! The book may not be quite as action-packed as the other ones in the series, but it is still a page-turner! Just read it; you’ll love it! Highly recommend! Thanks to the author for the e-book which I reviewed voluntarily.
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,588 reviews66 followers
January 13, 2018
Ok, I’ve reached the point of being overwhelmed by Shayne Silvers ‘ Feathers and Fire series. It’s just so very very (very) wonderful. And now it’s book 3, Whispers, has somehow raised the bar yet again. I’m not even going to try to summarize it as I don’t want to spoil anything and so much is going on that I’d get exhausted trying. Despite that it’s easy to follow along this thrilling tale. Perfect plot. Perfect timing. Perfect world creation (especially for anyone who is a fan of the author’s fantastic Nate Temple series - and for those who aren’t, please trust me that you’re missing something fabulous). And don’t forget perfect and wonderfully full and complex lead and supporting characters. Yup, perfection pretty much sums it up, so I’m perfectly happy to highly recommend this book.

Profile Image for Lucia Bradley.
Author 1 book2 followers
February 5, 2020
THIS REVIEW STANDS FOR THE FIRST FOUR BOOKS... so yes they are the same.

A tale of a female protagonist who doesn't know who she is, working for the church and mouthy as hell. Honestly it is pretty mundane for urban fantasy (not a complaint, I am writing a book that isn't really any different either).

While filled with some cliches, and not the most fresh take it is interesting. The characters are good (I like Callie), the storyline is interesting enough. There is something extra that I can't quite point out (which is why I bought the next five books, they come in three book sets for the first six books).

It is a good read, goes pretty quickly but don't expect something revolutionary. Its like an American Diner experience, it doesn't surprise, but it does hit the notes you want and leaves you full
Profile Image for Kathy L..
801 reviews16 followers
September 24, 2020
This book was really mellow starting off until we reached the halfway point--then it seemed like the next World War!
Seriously, this series is a must read. Just when you think you have the story figured out, the plot twist just about gives you whiplash! I actually expected the story to go in another direction. It felt like it was prepping the reader for some disappointment on finding the perpetrators, yet throwing in a twist you didn't see coming. It was magnificent! I was ready to burn the world for Callie.
Callie had a lot on her plate, more than usual it seemed. It was intense, really. There did not seem to be any breathing room for her or Roland. That truly was unexpected!
This is one of those series that you just feel compelled to read, from start to finish. There is no in-between. I need my next fix!
Profile Image for Brett Wickersham.
95 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2018
Callie Penrose. She has the powers of a wizard, and the blood of an angel, and she is being trained by one of the Church`s elite. These are all good things as Callie will need all the help she can get for this newest adventure. A Shepherd, has been murdered near the Vatican, and this particular Shepherd was the mentor of her mentor, Roland. Oh yeah, and friends of Roland and Callie`s are the prime suspects. Callie and Roland will have to walk a fine line between magic and intrigue in Vatican City to solve this case, all the while not letting on about powers that they possess that the Vatican would be VERY interested to know about. It's a race against time, as innocent lives are on the line, and suspicion lurks around every corner.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,715 reviews29 followers
July 15, 2018
Fantastic read! Things are go go go from chapter one and then you get thrown plenty of surprises, twists and times where you just don't know who to trust! Roland is such a top (yet grumpy) bloke that reading about what happens to him was hard but he is tough and my respect for him has grown, it was also great to get to know more about Shepherds and how they all work. Callie has a lot of pressure on her in this book and while she just wants to focus on doing what she needs to for herself and Roland others are trying to vie for her time and allegiance, this does set things up really well for future stories and I am just itching to see where they go!

Definitely a roller coaster ride of emotions in this one that have you glued to the book and not wanting it to end.
Profile Image for Cyrene Olson.
1,412 reviews18 followers
December 9, 2020
This series is fast becoming a mainstay in the Templeverse for me. And what continually sweetens the deal for me is the crossovers with Nate Temple, I like that the author keeps these separate, but together, as I learn more about Callie and Nate in both. I still like this as a romantic pairing, but I don’t know that will be the goal.

There is a lot going on in this book, a Shepherd who was Roland’s mentor, has been murdered in Vatican City, and two young werewolf girls that Roland and Callie rescued are the main suspects and Roland and Callie will have to find a way to prove their innocence. Roland will pay a steep price. We still don’t know what the Whispers are that Callie hears, but she’s learning to go with her gut.
Profile Image for J.
16 reviews
January 14, 2018
Absolutely over the top !!!

Shayne always gives us a good read, but this time he out did himself.
From the very beginning you get smacked with your favorite Shepherd being forced to become a vampire or die! Needless to say Roland is now a vampire Shepherd. Callie now has to keep the entire Conclave from learning their secret while they find proof of who killed a Shepherd and save the lives of two innocent werewolves.
I hope that is enough to whet your appetite to read this book. I don't like to give to many spoiler alerts as to ruin the story for you. Suffice it to say that there is so much more for you to uncover that you don't want to miss it !!
Profile Image for Barry Shaw.
11 reviews
January 16, 2018
The third book in the series starts off with a quick Turn and then keeps on going.

You can read this series as a stand alone or mix with the Nate Temple series, I'd recommend reading both sets as they are some of the best modern day writing you will find. The more books you read the more you go back and re read to see how far back plots were set up, hinted and and seeds sown in your mind. I have to keep rereading as I never see everything the first go around.

The writing draws you in and keeps you there so that you want to read the books in one go and not put them down - unfortunately this time someone neglected to tell my family of this.
Profile Image for Serenity.
92 reviews
January 18, 2018
So much fun.

I can’t explain it. The Nate Temple books are horrible. The Callie Penrose ones are wonderful. This book is nonstop blasphemous fun. Huge consequences for actions happen in whispers and Callie and Roland have to fight their way to both freedom and clearing their as well as some werewolves names to freedom. Nate pops in with his friend the day walking vampire but he is merely a sideline. Callie shows just how bas ass her fighting and sarcasm are in this hard to put down book. I can’t wait to see what happens next and with our giving spoilers let’s just say the Vatican is one place which may never recover from her visit.
Profile Image for Natalie Fallon.
89 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2018
Great sense of humour, strong when she needs to be
This is the 3rd Feathers & Fire book, I initially came to Unchained, the first in the Callie Penrose series, after reading books in the Nate Temple series but even though Nate Temple also features in these books, you don't need to have read them first. Callie is a great main character having a great sense of humour, being able to be strong when she has to which she combines with a strong moral compass and passionate loyalty. It’s great to hear more about her and her chosen family in this installment, especially Clare & Roland who have similar qualities, and I'm already awaiting the next book in the series with eager anticipation.
Profile Image for Ski Croghan.
609 reviews5 followers
May 18, 2018
Terrific series.....

This series is one of the best I've ever read. To get full effect the 2 series should be read in the suggested order. Many details won't really make sense otherwise. Shayne Silvers universe is interlocked in such a way that little details will be missed without the details from the interlocked series. While Callie's story is basically separate from Nate's, they cross-over in some cases. Magic, mystery and thrills galore pepper both series. Twists, turns and switch backs are par for the course. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Terri West.
2,150 reviews
August 25, 2018
This is a great spin off series from the Nate Temple series without relying on the original to carry it.
Callie is really coming into her own now and has to once again fly by her pants and hope she comes out the other side without killing the wrong person or freak. Her mentor has a new kind of 'life' to get used to and not let this news out to the Vatican whilst they are visiting Rome.
These books are truly gripping and they are incredibly entertaining, I love Shayne Silvers humour that runs throughout bringing a fresh approach to paranormal novels.
Profile Image for Rob Enderle.
253 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2018
Third book in this Nate Temple spin out. As with the rest this is nicely done and explains some of the things alluded to in the Nate Temple books. The only thing I don't like is there is a sequence to reading both sets of books so the occur in order and I didn't see that until I finished this book. Not a huge problem but it would have been slightly better in order. Otherwise a great read and I've already started the next book. Wizards, vampires, the Vatican, the anti-pope, and wear bears what's not to love?
12 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2019
Shayne really has outdone himself this time. Callie’s life has just been turned up a notch AND has gone international. Whispers gives the reader some much needed insight into what it really means to be a Shepherd and how it has shaped Roland’s life-as well as why Callie doesn’t want that life.

Callie seems to be finding out more about herself and her past whether she seems to know it or not. This book was very difficult to put down, and I took it as a personal challenge to beat the Kindle estimated read time. This book really cements Callie’s place in the Templeverse.
102 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2020
Too deep in to turn back now! (I know, I know...Phrasing!)

The Feathers and Fire books just keep getting better and better. I usually really don't like "spin off series" but this is different. However, these don't feel like a spin off, more like their own thing, with little guest appearances. I'm not ashamed to say, I'm really enjoying these,at least as much as the Temple series. And, since I've (hopefully) learned my lesson, I'm on to the next tie in in the overarching Templeverse!
Profile Image for Deb Vonallmen asencio.
1 review3 followers
January 13, 2018
You can teach an old dog new tricks....especially if his life depends on it!

Join Callie and Roland on another wild ride! This chapter of Callie's story picks up quickly and never really slows down. Shayne Silvers has created a world that pulls you in mentally and emotionally, I don't read as quickly as I used to but I just can't put these down. On a side note, my vocabulary has seriously expanded and I'm hoping the next installation is a Callie/Nate-tionary ;-). Keep em coming Shayne!
Profile Image for Kimbra Swain.
Author 74 books332 followers
January 16, 2018
Callie Penrose is turning into a certifiably, crazy woman with a whole lot of powers. She whispers sweet nothings to her victims right before gutting them. Gotta love a woman with wit. She's off to the Vatican with her mentor who becomes one of the baddies that they hunt, because he did something stupid. Ain't that like a man? Anyway, they find themselves in the middle of a murder mess in the Holy City. Great action. Great humor. Silvers does it again.
134 reviews3 followers
January 18, 2018
Lot of action

This is a somewhat frenetic book with so many twists and turns that I had to go back and reread in order to understand. I liked the little bit of Nate we see to make the two series interact and I'm looking forward to the next mash-up. I would really give this 4 1/2 stars because the book's pacing was uneven but I really like both series so I will definitely keep reading.
Profile Image for Wendy Schindler.
357 reviews
January 22, 2018
Fantastic Story!!

This was a great, fast paced story that portrayed a good bit of growth and insight in a number of the main characters, introduced us to a few new faces and a couple of supernatural governing bodies.
There were, of course, several very catchy phrases and words bandied about as well. A couple of favorites: "Safe Word, Teddy Bear" and "Embrace the Suck"... Sorry, but you will have to read the book for more...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.