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Shade #1
Shade
A Re-Imagining of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
A broken heart. An infamous holiday gone wrong. A deadly curse brought to life.
A holiday in Switzerland is supposed to lift Mary Wollstonecroft Godwin’s spirits. She wants to forget the past and have fun. In fact, everyone in her party is running away from one indiscretion or another—from her fiancé Percy Shelley to Lord Bryon to Mary’s stepsister, Claire. But from the moment Mary arrives at Byron’s villa, she knows something is wrong. He rushes her indoors and forbids all of them to go out at night, claiming that the horrible weather has driven wild animals down from the mountains.
The only person who doesn’t seem to be running away from anything is a handsome, young Italian doctor, John Polidori. Instead, he is fervently pursuing local folk legends and a new scientific theory that claims people can be raised from the dead.
But it’s not until they all challenge one other to write ghost stories that the real danger begins. In a nightmare, Mary envisions a patchwork man animated by Galvanism and she begins writing Frankenstein. Likewise, fueled by local legends, John writes The Vampyre—one of the first vampire stories ever written.
What neither one of them knows is that they are conjuring a dark evil. Before long, all of their lives will be in danger—for neither of these characters are imaginary. Far from it.
For fans of the Netflix program, THE FRANKENSTEIN CHRONICLES, AND I DARKEN by Kiersten White, SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY by Susan Dennard, and BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA.
A broken heart. An infamous holiday gone wrong. A deadly curse brought to life.
A holiday in Switzerland is supposed to lift Mary Wollstonecroft Godwin’s spirits. She wants to forget the past and have fun. In fact, everyone in her party is running away from one indiscretion or another—from her fiancé Percy Shelley to Lord Bryon to Mary’s stepsister, Claire. But from the moment Mary arrives at Byron’s villa, she knows something is wrong. He rushes her indoors and forbids all of them to go out at night, claiming that the horrible weather has driven wild animals down from the mountains.
The only person who doesn’t seem to be running away from anything is a handsome, young Italian doctor, John Polidori. Instead, he is fervently pursuing local folk legends and a new scientific theory that claims people can be raised from the dead.
But it’s not until they all challenge one other to write ghost stories that the real danger begins. In a nightmare, Mary envisions a patchwork man animated by Galvanism and she begins writing Frankenstein. Likewise, fueled by local legends, John writes The Vampyre—one of the first vampire stories ever written.
What neither one of them knows is that they are conjuring a dark evil. Before long, all of their lives will be in danger—for neither of these characters are imaginary. Far from it.
For fans of the Netflix program, THE FRANKENSTEIN CHRONICLES, AND I DARKEN by Kiersten White, SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY by Susan Dennard, and BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA.
96 pages, Paperback
First published March 12, 2018
18 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 29, 2018
This is the first in a series of three novellas by Merrie Destefano. I love Destefano's writing, so you bet I jumped at the chance to get hold of an ARC of all three novellas.
This first novella is beautiful.
Destefano is a master at setting atmosphere and mood so I was soon engrossed in the story. Destefano managed to give the story a Gothic feel and I loved the building tension and otherness. Slowly you get to know more about all the people at the villa and slowly things shift from suspenseful to sinister.
The story is told from Mary's point of view, and I connected with her easily. The only thing I didn't get was why she is still engaged to Percy, whom I didn't like at all, but there were hints of a dark secret that might hold them bound together.
At the end of this novella things are seriously going wrong, and the ending is quite the cliffhanger. You bet I'll be reading the next novella soon, because I need to know what's next.
This first novella is beautiful.
Destefano is a master at setting atmosphere and mood so I was soon engrossed in the story. Destefano managed to give the story a Gothic feel and I loved the building tension and otherness. Slowly you get to know more about all the people at the villa and slowly things shift from suspenseful to sinister.
The story is told from Mary's point of view, and I connected with her easily. The only thing I didn't get was why she is still engaged to Percy, whom I didn't like at all, but there were hints of a dark secret that might hold them bound together.
At the end of this novella things are seriously going wrong, and the ending is quite the cliffhanger. You bet I'll be reading the next novella soon, because I need to know what's next.
May 4, 2018
Wow and WOW! I've never read a book quite like this... A uniquely haunting and dangerous tale. There's something about the way Ms. Destefano weaves this story, with slow, methodical threads that tug at you and sometimes disturb you. My best read of the year so far!!! Beyond anything in the gothic genre right now. I HIGHLY recommend it!
December 3, 2020
What an imaginative origin story! Shade is a reimagining of the events that led to Mary Shelly writing Frankenstein. The characters are likable, well, except for Percy, and the atmosphere is chilling! It ends on a cliffy, so I'm racing to the next book to see what happens!
May 10, 2019
If I write a review it will be on the last book as they are rather shorter than I had bargained for .
September 4, 2019
For a book set around the events that birthed Gothic horror fiction, it's disappointingly lacking in atmosphere.
After a promising start to the writing (which is easily readable), it felt like it never really got beyond the barest bones of a story. An event happens, then a conversation, then and event, then a... You get the idea. Characters aren't overly interesting, or all that logical in their reactions. In one scene a severed deer's head is placed before a character who is horrified and disgusted... but then easily distracted by a conversation that's in aid of exposition. The deer head is forgotten and not mentioned again as the scene ends. Wait, what?
There's little scene setting, little tension building, and it feels like a bit of a light-weight narrative because of it. I can't help but think something longer would have been better to really ramp up the spookiness and inner musings of the characters as they worked.
There's a fun (if, you know, slightly twisted) take on the idea of the writers summoning their creations into being, but I felt the execution didn't have that Gothic suspense feel that I assumed would be part of the concept.
I read book one as part of the box set of the series, but I won't be reading any further.
After a promising start to the writing (which is easily readable), it felt like it never really got beyond the barest bones of a story. An event happens, then a conversation, then and event, then a... You get the idea. Characters aren't overly interesting, or all that logical in their reactions. In one scene a severed deer's head is placed before a character who is horrified and disgusted... but then easily distracted by a conversation that's in aid of exposition. The deer head is forgotten and not mentioned again as the scene ends. Wait, what?
There's little scene setting, little tension building, and it feels like a bit of a light-weight narrative because of it. I can't help but think something longer would have been better to really ramp up the spookiness and inner musings of the characters as they worked.
There's a fun (if, you know, slightly twisted) take on the idea of the writers summoning their creations into being, but I felt the execution didn't have that Gothic suspense feel that I assumed would be part of the concept.
I read book one as part of the box set of the series, but I won't be reading any further.
October 9, 2018
Really unique take on how Mary Shelley came up with the idea for her novel, Frankenstein. Very quick and intriguing read. There is a bit of a cliffhanger, so I think I will be continuing the series!!!
June 11, 2018
Intriguing & Imaginative! This is truly an interesting tale. It's a mix of facts and exaggerated happenings. The scenes are at times grizzly and extremely well told. The cliffhanger totally makes you want to begin the next book. This is a guessing game as to what will happen next. The characters are all a bit dark and bizarre and at times it's difficult to like them. That's the appeal of this series... will you end up caring for the characters and will they develop redeeming qualities?
Want to read
May 8, 2019
May 7th, 2019:
Y'ALL. Look what (ENTIRE SERIES) is free on kindle today! https://www.amazon.com/Shade-Complete...
Want to read
October 15, 2020sounds terrible but I'm in
December 3, 2020
*review of audiobook edition*
Shade is a fictional reimagining of the writing of Frankenstein by Mary Shelly.
It takes may elements from classic gothic literature and posits that Shelly's fiction may have been inspired by supernatural events.
We meet shades of Doctor Frankenstein, and Dracula and well as what might become a Werewolf.
The narrator Katherine Holt, has a beautiful voice that sweeps you up into the first person narrative and seems to make reality melt away as you become engulfed in the dark world of Victorian horror.
This is only the first book in a trilogy so be prepared to be left wanting more.
*I was given a code for a free copy of this audiobook, my opinion is my own honest evaluation of the work provided.*
Shade is a fictional reimagining of the writing of Frankenstein by Mary Shelly.
It takes may elements from classic gothic literature and posits that Shelly's fiction may have been inspired by supernatural events.
We meet shades of Doctor Frankenstein, and Dracula and well as what might become a Werewolf.
The narrator Katherine Holt, has a beautiful voice that sweeps you up into the first person narrative and seems to make reality melt away as you become engulfed in the dark world of Victorian horror.
This is only the first book in a trilogy so be prepared to be left wanting more.
*I was given a code for a free copy of this audiobook, my opinion is my own honest evaluation of the work provided.*
August 9, 2018
The descriptions and setting were perfect for the eerie feel of the story. It was also interesting to incorporate historical figures making them more real, but for me, none of the characters were relatable or even really likable. I didn’t care about the fate of any of them. It could have been due to the book being on the short side and not having enough time to really get to know the characters. The one person I was most interested in at the beginning was absent through the bulk of the book. I assume they make a comeback later in the series, but I won’t be sticking around to find out. I did like the book, but I’m not likely to pick up book two. I would recommend it for fans of gothic horror and Frankenstein.
October 20, 2018
I didn't realize until later that this was a story about what inspired the tales of Frankenstein and Dracula. How creative! It really adds something extra to the story after figuring that out.
This is such a short story, but its written so well that it feels complete. I've read stories that are 300+ pages that feel like they needed more pages. After reading this (and a few other short indie books) I now feel there is no excuse as to why long books can't feel complete.
This story is the right amount of creepy, gruesome and fiction intertwined with reality. I really enjoyed this story all the way through!
This is such a short story, but its written so well that it feels complete. I've read stories that are 300+ pages that feel like they needed more pages. After reading this (and a few other short indie books) I now feel there is no excuse as to why long books can't feel complete.
This story is the right amount of creepy, gruesome and fiction intertwined with reality. I really enjoyed this story all the way through!
October 2, 2018
I love the way this book is written. It reminded me a lot of Stalking Jack the Ripper and Hunting Prince Dracula but I liked it even more than those. This book is shorter and definitely ends abruptly but I like that it wasn't dragged out with unnecessary filler. Mary is a wonderful main character who is intelligent, independent but also admits to herself that she has a touch of depression due to the tragedies in her past. I'm excited to continue the story!
January 9, 2021
Josh Dean Book Review #2:
"Shade: Retelling of Mary Shelly's Frankenstein"
- I want to say this first off very interesting I thought this would be a retelling of Frankenstein and all about Victor Frankenstein making his monster if you have read the original book then you know what I'm talking about but instead, we get a different take on how Frankenstein was created or in the case of this story how it was based on real events.
Being the first of a three-part trilogy I can only talk about what I've read and this first book had me hooked from the first page.
I've seen a lot of different movies explaining how Frankenstein was created and the summer of 1816 but this is like wow very different and in some ways I believe works better then what we know from history books.
Keep in mind that you can easily read this book and have no knowledge of Mary Shelly or Frankenstein and still very much enjoy this story but it pays to already know what this book is based on to get a more clear and better understanding of what the author has written.
I enjoyed a lot of the character moments between each other like with the fact John & Percy in this story are friends and have known each other for year's this gave a very different spin on their relationship in this but what surprised me, even more, was the relationship between John & Mary.
For some reason, I have always thought maybe there were a tiny bit of feelings there between them and here we pretty much get that and I won't lie I was kinda happy even if it was short I was happy to see it.
Another interesting moment is when John becomes well Victor and has an interest in bringing the dead back to life, I won't say any more on that topic but was interesting, to say the least.
The mysterious creature also has me wanting to know more I kinda do have a feeling who it is but ill leave that to myself, All I will say is this is more a supernatural classic story then you might think.
To end this review I will say this WHAT IS THE STORY MARY IS WRITING? If everything that happens in her book Frankenstein is in some sense happening around her then what's the story of the book she is writing in this story? (Did that make sense) she describes the Frankenstein Monster and how he night looks but that's all we have atm I would be interested to find out if her end story is something different something more, Vampire??
Above all, I loved this and can't wait too read Part 2 Dusk and Part 3 Dawn when I can and believe me ill do a review on them too.
"Shade: Retelling of Mary Shelly's Frankenstein"
- I want to say this first off very interesting I thought this would be a retelling of Frankenstein and all about Victor Frankenstein making his monster if you have read the original book then you know what I'm talking about but instead, we get a different take on how Frankenstein was created or in the case of this story how it was based on real events.
Being the first of a three-part trilogy I can only talk about what I've read and this first book had me hooked from the first page.
I've seen a lot of different movies explaining how Frankenstein was created and the summer of 1816 but this is like wow very different and in some ways I believe works better then what we know from history books.
Keep in mind that you can easily read this book and have no knowledge of Mary Shelly or Frankenstein and still very much enjoy this story but it pays to already know what this book is based on to get a more clear and better understanding of what the author has written.
I enjoyed a lot of the character moments between each other like with the fact John & Percy in this story are friends and have known each other for year's this gave a very different spin on their relationship in this but what surprised me, even more, was the relationship between John & Mary.
For some reason, I have always thought maybe there were a tiny bit of feelings there between them and here we pretty much get that and I won't lie I was kinda happy even if it was short I was happy to see it.
Another interesting moment is when John becomes well Victor and has an interest in bringing the dead back to life, I won't say any more on that topic but was interesting, to say the least.
The mysterious creature also has me wanting to know more I kinda do have a feeling who it is but ill leave that to myself, All I will say is this is more a supernatural classic story then you might think.
To end this review I will say this WHAT IS THE STORY MARY IS WRITING? If everything that happens in her book Frankenstein is in some sense happening around her then what's the story of the book she is writing in this story? (Did that make sense) she describes the Frankenstein Monster and how he night looks but that's all we have atm I would be interested to find out if her end story is something different something more, Vampire??
Above all, I loved this and can't wait too read Part 2 Dusk and Part 3 Dawn when I can and believe me ill do a review on them too.
May 23, 2018
Merrie Destefano describes Shade as “A Re-imagining of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.” (Kindle Location 29). When was the last time you read the original Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein? Are you worried that this novel would make comparisons that you would not have the knowledge to refute or confirm? No problem, this is a good novel on its own. It is, however, the first novel in a three-book series so you should not expect a complete all-bases-covered ending. If you are concerned about historical accuracy, Destefano writes a section at the end of this novel which delivers a lot of facts. As claimed, this novel is a re-imagining. This seems to be a good idea for aspiring writers who find it hard to start. Just take an actual event and spin it, something like politicians do every day.
From afar, historically, we don’t think of Mary Shelley as a person with writer’s block but that is what happened here. In this retelling, that has also happened to Percy and Byron. They, along with Claire and Doctor John soon have something more to worry about than the blank page. This is a short story, approximately ninety-eight pages, so it is difficult to write much without giving the story away.
For fans of romance, look at the emotional and sexual tension between Mary and Percy, Mary and Byron, and Mary and John. Note the jealousy between Mary and Claire. I like the way Destefano describes these relationships. It is not overdone with restatements of the obvious.
For lovers of science, look at Dr. John’s experiments, especially as he explains them to Mary. Along with a look at Hydrophobia and the rather extreme measures taken with some of its patients, readers get a look into medicine as it was practiced (or believed in) at the time.
Those reading the original Frankenstein should find this an interesting companion piece. Straight from the title, it is a different perspective. I gave this four Amazon stars and will read more from this author. The novel sells at Amazon for USD 0.99.
From afar, historically, we don’t think of Mary Shelley as a person with writer’s block but that is what happened here. In this retelling, that has also happened to Percy and Byron. They, along with Claire and Doctor John soon have something more to worry about than the blank page. This is a short story, approximately ninety-eight pages, so it is difficult to write much without giving the story away.
For fans of romance, look at the emotional and sexual tension between Mary and Percy, Mary and Byron, and Mary and John. Note the jealousy between Mary and Claire. I like the way Destefano describes these relationships. It is not overdone with restatements of the obvious.
For lovers of science, look at Dr. John’s experiments, especially as he explains them to Mary. Along with a look at Hydrophobia and the rather extreme measures taken with some of its patients, readers get a look into medicine as it was practiced (or believed in) at the time.
Those reading the original Frankenstein should find this an interesting companion piece. Straight from the title, it is a different perspective. I gave this four Amazon stars and will read more from this author. The novel sells at Amazon for USD 0.99.
July 27, 2018
I received an ecopy of the trilogy of novellas in return for an honest review, all opinions and words are my own.
I knew this series was going to be amazing the moment I read the synopsis. I am a massive fan of classic gothic literature and I was so excited to read a new take on a few stories I know so well. I am also a huge fan of Lord Byron's works and I have read extensively about his life. So getting to read this fantasy take on the summer he spent in Geneva with the Shelleys and Dr Polidori was a real treat for me.
The writing was incredible, from the first line I was transported back to those classics I love so much. The writing style was just as I hoped it would be and I fell quickly in love with the main character, Mary. The events which occur over the few days during which she drafts Frankenstein are incredible. She is so courageous and honest about herself and her companions.
The pace of the plot of three novellas is just right, I read the majority of the three novellas in one day as I just could not bring myself to put my reader down. I am so glad that I had all three novellas to read in one on go as I am not sure I would have been able to bear having to wait! The action follows straight on from the previous novella and that along with the small timeframe really helps to add urgency to the story.
The characters were all so wonderful vivid and unique, Percy Shelley, Lord Byron and Dr John Polidori were all so wonderfully well written and I just loved reading another take on their summer togethetr. Usually with the angle I have read from Byron is the central point, so it was refreshing to read something a little different.
I really loved the discussion of vampires, and morality and free will. I love the intricacy of the writing and the plot. Shade was an amazing take on the vampire myth and I only wish that the series were a little longer.
I would definitely recommend Shade to those who enjoy reading about vampires, those who love classic gothic fiction and in fact anyone who loves a great fantasy story they can get lost in.
I knew this series was going to be amazing the moment I read the synopsis. I am a massive fan of classic gothic literature and I was so excited to read a new take on a few stories I know so well. I am also a huge fan of Lord Byron's works and I have read extensively about his life. So getting to read this fantasy take on the summer he spent in Geneva with the Shelleys and Dr Polidori was a real treat for me.
The writing was incredible, from the first line I was transported back to those classics I love so much. The writing style was just as I hoped it would be and I fell quickly in love with the main character, Mary. The events which occur over the few days during which she drafts Frankenstein are incredible. She is so courageous and honest about herself and her companions.
The pace of the plot of three novellas is just right, I read the majority of the three novellas in one day as I just could not bring myself to put my reader down. I am so glad that I had all three novellas to read in one on go as I am not sure I would have been able to bear having to wait! The action follows straight on from the previous novella and that along with the small timeframe really helps to add urgency to the story.
The characters were all so wonderful vivid and unique, Percy Shelley, Lord Byron and Dr John Polidori were all so wonderfully well written and I just loved reading another take on their summer togethetr. Usually with the angle I have read from Byron is the central point, so it was refreshing to read something a little different.
I really loved the discussion of vampires, and morality and free will. I love the intricacy of the writing and the plot. Shade was an amazing take on the vampire myth and I only wish that the series were a little longer.
I would definitely recommend Shade to those who enjoy reading about vampires, those who love classic gothic fiction and in fact anyone who loves a great fantasy story they can get lost in.
June 8, 2018
I received this set from the author for free in exchange for a review.
I am probably one of the only people that have never read Mary Shelley's Frankenstein so as far as it being a retelling I am not sure of the comparison. One thing I know for sure, this book is AMAZING! Mary, Clare, John, Percy and Lord Byron are in a villa a half an hour from town. Local lore says that during this time of year something evil comes down and brutally kills. One night, wolves surround the villa and some huge creature kills the entire pack. John stitches pieces of several wolves together. The next day, the reanimated wolf attacks.
This book ends with Mary going into town to find help. These are definitely not stand alone novels, but so far I love the storyline. The author has a way of describing things in a way that actually transport you.
I am probably one of the only people that have never read Mary Shelley's Frankenstein so as far as it being a retelling I am not sure of the comparison. One thing I know for sure, this book is AMAZING! Mary, Clare, John, Percy and Lord Byron are in a villa a half an hour from town. Local lore says that during this time of year something evil comes down and brutally kills. One night, wolves surround the villa and some huge creature kills the entire pack. John stitches pieces of several wolves together. The next day, the reanimated wolf attacks.
This book ends with Mary going into town to find help. These are definitely not stand alone novels, but so far I love the storyline. The author has a way of describing things in a way that actually transport you.
March 20, 2018
COME ONE, COME ALL!!!
OMG! If you want an adrenaline pumping, heart pounding, explosive read with all the gore and horror you can stand? You've found it. This is a nailbiting, teeth clenching, scream inducing, not blinking, afraid of the dark and anything moving in it read that hooked me from the start. Man, Its one tough cookie. Yeah, its that good. I couldn't have put it down if my life depened on it. The scenes, the characters and the details were so spot on realistic it kept me frozen to my seat. I'm not kidding. This is one of those seldom read pieces that gives horror a new level. Merrie has one vivid imagination. I'm not sure which one of us is the craziest. Her for bringing this bad boy to life or me for enjoying the read. Excellent job Merrie.
OMG! If you want an adrenaline pumping, heart pounding, explosive read with all the gore and horror you can stand? You've found it. This is a nailbiting, teeth clenching, scream inducing, not blinking, afraid of the dark and anything moving in it read that hooked me from the start. Man, Its one tough cookie. Yeah, its that good. I couldn't have put it down if my life depened on it. The scenes, the characters and the details were so spot on realistic it kept me frozen to my seat. I'm not kidding. This is one of those seldom read pieces that gives horror a new level. Merrie has one vivid imagination. I'm not sure which one of us is the craziest. Her for bringing this bad boy to life or me for enjoying the read. Excellent job Merrie.
June 5, 2018
An interesting novella that adds true paranormal elements to the weekend Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein. The prose is rather purple and melodramatic but it seems to naturally suit the way the author is telling her tale. It’s both Romantic and romantic and very, very gothic.
I wasn’t aware this was a series of three novellas or I’d gotten them all at the same time. Because this volume ends on a huge cliffhanger! Why these couldn’t have all been bound in one novel I’ll never know.
The biggest gripe was with my edition. The pages weren’t cut all of the way through and I had to rip some to turn the page. Grr.
I wasn’t aware this was a series of three novellas or I’d gotten them all at the same time. Because this volume ends on a huge cliffhanger! Why these couldn’t have all been bound in one novel I’ll never know.
The biggest gripe was with my edition. The pages weren’t cut all of the way through and I had to rip some to turn the page. Grr.
April 14, 2018
Merrie Destefano breathes new life into the Gothic horror genre with SHADE, a gorgeously written re-imagining of FRANKENSTEIN from the point-of-view of Mary Godwin, the classic's teenage author. I can't stop thinking about this novella! From the first page, I was immediately immersed in mystical, snowbound Switzerland, high in the mountains overlooking Lake Geneva. With its haunting imagery, electrical tension, and compelling characters, SHADE will appeal to fans of Ransom Rigg's MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN and Angela Carter's THE BLOODY CHAMBER.
December 15, 2020
This "retelling" was such a refreshing read. I enjoyed immersing myself in the historical fiction aspect of it, while getting that same sort of "eerie happenings are around the corner" feeling as the original tale. I especially liked that the author didn't just take the story of Frankenstein and tell it again. She told a story woven around that original tale by telling the story of the person who wrote it and turning THAT into a horror tale. Much more interesting! Looking forward to the next book in the series!
August 5, 2018
Great action!
You like Frankenstein? Dracula? Those creepy wolves in Disney's Beauty and the Beast? You know, right before Robbie Benson shows up and the Beast saves the day?
Read this. Only, spoiler alert, there's no Robbie Benson here.
This had great action, non stop plot devices, fantastic, fatalistic characters, a driving, strangely believable plot, and a nice historical fiction feel to it.
Docked one star for a rather raw cliffhanger. Might go grab the next one.
You like Frankenstein? Dracula? Those creepy wolves in Disney's Beauty and the Beast? You know, right before Robbie Benson shows up and the Beast saves the day?
Read this. Only, spoiler alert, there's no Robbie Benson here.
This had great action, non stop plot devices, fantastic, fatalistic characters, a driving, strangely believable plot, and a nice historical fiction feel to it.
Docked one star for a rather raw cliffhanger. Might go grab the next one.
March 26, 2021
When I got this book I didn’t realize it was a short story. After reading it, however, it’s not even a complete short story. It’s just the end of a chapter, nothing resolved, and the story continues in the next book.
The story was very interested and I will immediately move off to book 2 but I couldn’t give it more stars because the series is just one book broken into 3 installments. I think had it been sold a one full length novel I would have given it 4 or 4.5 stars.
The story was very interested and I will immediately move off to book 2 but I couldn’t give it more stars because the series is just one book broken into 3 installments. I think had it been sold a one full length novel I would have given it 4 or 4.5 stars.
August 1, 2018
This was a book on my TBR list since the moment I realized it existed. See, I love Frankenstein! I love the classic novel and the story of how it all came to pass. So finding out there was a re-imagined rendition I just HAD to read it! Shade is an imaginative and fantastical recreation of not just Frankenstein, but the entire tale regarding how Mary Shelley came up with the story! Oh how I loved this! I was captured from the first sentence with the exquisite writing. I literally got chills on the first page. I loved the opening into this world.
Although it is short, it is an excellent introduction to the trilogy! I found I enjoyed the company of most of the characters. I also loved the new approach to the story and the liberties taken to enhance it! It's haunting.
I received an ARC copy of the trilogy from Merrie and have voluntarily left this review.
Although it is short, it is an excellent introduction to the trilogy! I found I enjoyed the company of most of the characters. I also loved the new approach to the story and the liberties taken to enhance it! It's haunting.
I received an ARC copy of the trilogy from Merrie and have voluntarily left this review.
November 12, 2018
A unique Frankenstein story focusing on the writers and situation that created the original, but put into a fanciful fantasy adventure. The writer definitely did her historical research and kept the characters as true to their real life as novelization allowed. A dark and haunting period piece.
Kindle unlimited edition.
Kindle unlimited edition.
April 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this first installment of the Frankenstein Saga! The author did a great job mixing historical facts with some fantasy/gothic fiction, and I liked the first-person narration. Can't wait for the next one!
April 17, 2018
I received a free copy for an honest review. This is a really haunting story. I found myself anxiously curious to find out what's going on. It's a really intriguing take on some of the authors and poets that we've all come to know. I find myself yearning for the next portion of the story.
May 7, 2018
Part of a book
Although the book was interesting and kept my attention, I was disappointed that the author ended the book without resolving any part of the mystery of the story. There was no ending.
Although the book was interesting and kept my attention, I was disappointed that the author ended the book without resolving any part of the mystery of the story. There was no ending.
August 5, 2018
I read this book as part of a book club I participate in. It’s not one that I would have chosen to read in my own but it was a good story. The author did a great job of taking historical people and events and making them come to life and shaping them to fit into the story line.
May 19, 2018
A lively and atmospheric re-imagining of what went on in the famed house where Mery Shelly wrote her epic tale.
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