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The 18th Shadow
The 18th Shadow Boxset
This box set contains the first three books in The 18th Shadow Series by author Jon Lee Grafton; Dawn of the Courtezan - Phase 01, Voices in the Stream - Phase 02 and Absorption - Phase 03.
The Graphene Prairie - Kansas - 2082. The North American Union comprises all of Mexico, Canada and the antique United States. 93% of citizens live with a nano computer consensually embedded in their skull. Alcohol is banned, cannabis is mainstream. Holograms fill our eyes, drones float above the city hovstreets and the Office of the Architect watches everything and everyone. Everyone, that is, except for a particular group of shiners, hand-picked outlaws protected by canine war cyborgs and a charismatic and mysterious telepath named Daxane Julius Abner. Mr. Abner has a purpose. That purpose is freedom. He and his shiners make America's black market vodka. And they are the only heroes left.
Tara Dean had a gift. She used it to escape. The vile memory of the behavioral modification hospital was only fifteen kilometers behind in the cold January wind as her stolen 2079 Mustang flipped off the hovroad floating 199 kph. Halfway through the first mid-air rotation, charges exploded along crumple junctions in the silver hovcar’s roof and the polyaluminum cabin blew free. Ejected into the sky, away from the disintegrating Ford, Tara Dean's unconscious body was enveloped in an emergency collision sphere. Clear of the wreckage, her shrouded form bounced into a ditch and was immediately surrounded by the pack of waiting Coyotes. The animals began to savage the sphere's elastiframe fabric with their dulled teeth. They had come for a reason. These were the Coyotes of cyborg legend, the vanished products of Darkpool Laboratories, drawn at long last from the darkness by the unique scent of her blood. Welcome to the Dawn of the Courtezan.
William Angevine was a quiet man, some would say a hard man. He was a hunter, born for this life. As the THOR class incursion cyborg stepped from the shadows cast by the vodka still's fractionating columns, the air in the warehouse chilled. He saw the massive creature's blue vidorbs first, then it moved further into the light. The cranial fuselage was aerodynamic, smooth, based on the skull structure of a dire wolf. The skull and chassis itself were made of reinforced, unpolished titanalum the color of slate. The beast was designed to inspire terror on a battlefield. Yet William Angevine felt no terror. A human tether, he alone could hear the cyborg's thoughts. They called to him, like Voices in the Stream.
October 16, 2082. On this day in history, The War of the Dolphin began. Joan, a Maui Hector's dolphin, floated to the surface of the aquarium and placed her head between the electroencephalogram terminals, aligning her consciousness with a quantum supercomputer as she pushed terabytes of dark code across the holostream, searching for the Israeli. The fusion core brightened momentarily from the power draw as contact was made. “It begins today,” the dolphin said. The Israeli's voice responded slowly, deep and resonant, its inhuman timbre filling the aquarium chamber, “Are you afraid to die, dolphin?” “No,” replied Joan flatly. “There is no death. You of all should know this. In the end, there is only Absorption.”
The Graphene Prairie - Kansas - 2082. The North American Union comprises all of Mexico, Canada and the antique United States. 93% of citizens live with a nano computer consensually embedded in their skull. Alcohol is banned, cannabis is mainstream. Holograms fill our eyes, drones float above the city hovstreets and the Office of the Architect watches everything and everyone. Everyone, that is, except for a particular group of shiners, hand-picked outlaws protected by canine war cyborgs and a charismatic and mysterious telepath named Daxane Julius Abner. Mr. Abner has a purpose. That purpose is freedom. He and his shiners make America's black market vodka. And they are the only heroes left.
Tara Dean had a gift. She used it to escape. The vile memory of the behavioral modification hospital was only fifteen kilometers behind in the cold January wind as her stolen 2079 Mustang flipped off the hovroad floating 199 kph. Halfway through the first mid-air rotation, charges exploded along crumple junctions in the silver hovcar’s roof and the polyaluminum cabin blew free. Ejected into the sky, away from the disintegrating Ford, Tara Dean's unconscious body was enveloped in an emergency collision sphere. Clear of the wreckage, her shrouded form bounced into a ditch and was immediately surrounded by the pack of waiting Coyotes. The animals began to savage the sphere's elastiframe fabric with their dulled teeth. They had come for a reason. These were the Coyotes of cyborg legend, the vanished products of Darkpool Laboratories, drawn at long last from the darkness by the unique scent of her blood. Welcome to the Dawn of the Courtezan.
William Angevine was a quiet man, some would say a hard man. He was a hunter, born for this life. As the THOR class incursion cyborg stepped from the shadows cast by the vodka still's fractionating columns, the air in the warehouse chilled. He saw the massive creature's blue vidorbs first, then it moved further into the light. The cranial fuselage was aerodynamic, smooth, based on the skull structure of a dire wolf. The skull and chassis itself were made of reinforced, unpolished titanalum the color of slate. The beast was designed to inspire terror on a battlefield. Yet William Angevine felt no terror. A human tether, he alone could hear the cyborg's thoughts. They called to him, like Voices in the Stream.
October 16, 2082. On this day in history, The War of the Dolphin began. Joan, a Maui Hector's dolphin, floated to the surface of the aquarium and placed her head between the electroencephalogram terminals, aligning her consciousness with a quantum supercomputer as she pushed terabytes of dark code across the holostream, searching for the Israeli. The fusion core brightened momentarily from the power draw as contact was made. “It begins today,” the dolphin said. The Israeli's voice responded slowly, deep and resonant, its inhuman timbre filling the aquarium chamber, “Are you afraid to die, dolphin?” “No,” replied Joan flatly. “There is no death. You of all should know this. In the end, there is only Absorption.”
- GenresScience FictionAmazon
653 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2018
179 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Jon Lee Grafton
7 books11 followersI am an independent science fiction author living in the great state of Kansas.
The 18th Shadow Box Set containing my first three novels is always free here on GR, Amazon & Smashwords. In exchange for three novels, if you would be so kind as to sign up for my mailing list, that would rock and you can do that here:
http://www.jonleegraftonbooks.com/
My books have been described by one reviewer as "...Blade Runner meets The Outlaw Josey Wales..."
In the 18th Shadow I write about cyborgs and the American drug wars of the future. If you love Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson and are a hacker addicted to Mountain Dew, The 18th Shadow is built for you.
For more information on sex, drugs and cyborgs... the books await. You can also visit me on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/jonleegrafto...
Rock steady fans & friends and I hope you dig The 18th Shadow.
Thank you for visiting me on Goodreads!
The 18th Shadow Box Set containing my first three novels is always free here on GR, Amazon & Smashwords. In exchange for three novels, if you would be so kind as to sign up for my mailing list, that would rock and you can do that here:
http://www.jonleegraftonbooks.com/
My books have been described by one reviewer as "...Blade Runner meets The Outlaw Josey Wales..."
In the 18th Shadow I write about cyborgs and the American drug wars of the future. If you love Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson and are a hacker addicted to Mountain Dew, The 18th Shadow is built for you.
For more information on sex, drugs and cyborgs... the books await. You can also visit me on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/jonleegrafto...
Rock steady fans & friends and I hope you dig The 18th Shadow.
Thank you for visiting me on Goodreads!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 4, 2019
The 18th Shadow is a science fiction dystopia. It is three books combined in one so the ebook tends to be very long, although it is also a good deal. The author maintains the clarity of the story by introducing a specific piece of an event and revolving other events around it (either few years before or after). Initially, the story is a bit confusing, but as I read further into the book, clarity started coming in and I began to understand a little bit of purpose behind the plot. There are also many characters, and the author has given space to each one of them, thereby letting their personalities grow on the reader. The story would have been interesting even without the science fiction angle, and so, the advanced science provides the story with a definite edge. One reason for the huge length of the ebook would be its detailed description of the modern age and the many innovations man has made towards the end of this century. In a movie, this description would be a part of the screen and at the background, making the story very much shorter. The story is interesting with multiple angles and makes you think deeply about the progress that we are making.
June 15, 2019
The 18th Shadow is detailed and in-depth set of novels during the year 2082, when the world is connected through nano computers. Jon Lee Grafton’s writing is bold; he jumps from scene to scene making the reader hold on. He is also descriptive; giving the reader the full picture of the world he created and the characters that roam it. They aren’t all humans. Animals have a significant voice in this world. The three different books tie together and are best read simultaneously.
I found The 18th Shadow almost explanatory to a fault. But it shows the intensity of Jon Lee Grafton as the author wants to convey to the reader the world he built. The characters and animals are well developed and unique in their abilities to communicate. Cyberpunk fanatics would find these novels enticing. Though I find it humorous that the government is using cannabis and Plearism to get a mellow and compliant population.
I found The 18th Shadow almost explanatory to a fault. But it shows the intensity of Jon Lee Grafton as the author wants to convey to the reader the world he built. The characters and animals are well developed and unique in their abilities to communicate. Cyberpunk fanatics would find these novels enticing. Though I find it humorous that the government is using cannabis and Plearism to get a mellow and compliant population.
March 21, 2019
This has the potential for a 5 star plot. The concept and many of the characters are quite unique. Once you finally get into the story, it is interesting. It has an epic feel. Even as long and drawn out as the story is (more on this later) it feels like a small segment of a much larger tale. There are three reason I’ve dropped 2 stars:
First, it is too long and drawn out. Books one and two end in almost mid-sentence. This is really one, very long book, and it takes too long to get into the story.
The second reason is related to the first. Scenes take too long to play out. We go through pages of dialogue in a scene where paragraphs would do. There is too much exposition throughout all three books.
The third reason compounds the other two problems. The story telling is not linear. We jump back and fourth in time, switching narration from third party omnipotent, to fractured journal, to news media entries. I was almost through the first book before I understood the characters and plot enough to engage. I suspect many readers will give up before they get to the good parts.
If you are dedicated enough to stick with it, you will eventually reach a good story.
First, it is too long and drawn out. Books one and two end in almost mid-sentence. This is really one, very long book, and it takes too long to get into the story.
The second reason is related to the first. Scenes take too long to play out. We go through pages of dialogue in a scene where paragraphs would do. There is too much exposition throughout all three books.
The third reason compounds the other two problems. The story telling is not linear. We jump back and fourth in time, switching narration from third party omnipotent, to fractured journal, to news media entries. I was almost through the first book before I understood the characters and plot enough to engage. I suspect many readers will give up before they get to the good parts.
If you are dedicated enough to stick with it, you will eventually reach a good story.
August 21, 2018
Dystopian books often paint a bleak picture of the future. This future serves as a backdrop to allow characters either to fight to survive or somehow make their world a better place. Jon Grafton does something really different with “The 18th Shadow.” He uses this crazy mixed up future world as his personal graffiti wall to call out the social norm. No subject is left untouched and nothing is sacred. This is a raw gritty story that claws at every possible aspect of traditional society.
I liked his segmented timeline approach because it allowed the story to build in a really fun way. This is a really impressive work that has a lot going on. I can honestly say that I have never read a book like “The 18th Shadow” and it stands on its own as something truly unique. I was really fortunate to have read it and I have recommended it to two friends.
I liked his segmented timeline approach because it allowed the story to build in a really fun way. This is a really impressive work that has a lot going on. I can honestly say that I have never read a book like “The 18th Shadow” and it stands on its own as something truly unique. I was really fortunate to have read it and I have recommended it to two friends.
August 17, 2018
A futuristic dystopian dream.
It’s not how you would want it or how you would even like it to be, but that’s the reality we’re given.
A world where some substances are illegal while the use of others is allowed and even encouraged.
A world where electronics are placed into our bodies and left there for our entire lives.
How scarily close all of this is to the truth and to our actual reality.
Entertaining to read, this made me question many aspects of today’s society that we accept as being normal while forgetting that it is simply a human construction that has made society the way it is today.
Highly recommended to anyone who likes fantasy, dystopian novels. You’ll definitely enjoy this one.
Can’t wait to read the rest in the series.
It’s not how you would want it or how you would even like it to be, but that’s the reality we’re given.
A world where some substances are illegal while the use of others is allowed and even encouraged.
A world where electronics are placed into our bodies and left there for our entire lives.
How scarily close all of this is to the truth and to our actual reality.
Entertaining to read, this made me question many aspects of today’s society that we accept as being normal while forgetting that it is simply a human construction that has made society the way it is today.
Highly recommended to anyone who likes fantasy, dystopian novels. You’ll definitely enjoy this one.
Can’t wait to read the rest in the series.
September 7, 2018
“There is no death. You of all should know this. In the end, there is only Absorption.”
Arizona author Jon Lee Grafton writes science fiction- complex dystopian novels that flow like the phases in which they are presented in this box set. He writes about cyborgs, surveillance, environmental dystopia, artificial intelligence and the American drug wars of the future. His style is tantalizing, frustratingly disjointed at times, but he always manages to keep our attention because of the fact that he happens to also be a fine satirist or parodist: just when we become involved with his worlds and times and view of the future we encounter controversial subjects that make the reading of his novels intoxicating.
As a small example of his manner of communication, he writes in his ‘Acknowledgments, ‘‘These books are dedicated to the smokers. The outcasts forced to search for lighters and Buddha in cold alleys, the back end programmers busy separating church from state, the busted painter, the Mountain Dew addict and musician, dreamer and dancer alike, the disaffected and forgotten artists who ply their trade in rented rooms for the sake of their hearts, forsaking all else. These books are dedicated to the wandering soul burners of a thousand masks who feel most lonesome in a room full of friends. These books are dedicated to the brewmasters and the stillmasters and the vinters and the barstool outlaws who gotta have their whiskey just to turn down the noise. And lastly, to the ones that never made it, who died in a manner they did not choose trying to break free, these books are dedicated to you.’
And that serves as a fine introduction to his tripartite book – the three books of the set being titled DAWN OF THE COURTEZAN, VOICES IN THE STREAM, and ABSOPTION. His mind has reorganized our known landscape as of 2082 as ‘The North American Union comprises all of Mexico, Canada and the antique United States. 93% of citizens live with a nano computer consensually embedded in their skull. Alcohol is banned, cannabis is mainstream. Holograms fill our eyes, drones float above the city hovstreets and the Office of the Architect watches everything and everyone. Everyone, that is, except for a particular group of shiners, hand-picked outlaws protected by canine war cyborgs and a charismatic and mysterious telepath named Daxane Julius Abner. Mr. Abner has a purpose. That purpose is freedom. He and his shiners make America's black market vodka. And they are the only heroes left.’
Turn to his own words toward the opening of Phase One and read Jon’s style : ‘Salina, Kansas, November 2086 – Four Years One Month After Event. CNED Director, Franklin Fhelps was a company man, a creature who found comfort in regulation. The mud and clouds disgusted him, and he was regretting bringing Saxon along. It was a hunt in the countryside for actual shiners! The boy
should be thrilled, but he loped down field like a churlish ape. What other foster parent would let their teenager carry a lightning gun? It was his wife’s fault, the boy’s sullen attitude. Fhelps would have to discipline Bao-Yu for this when he returned home. He raised his hairless, alabaster chin to the horizon and licked the slivers of his lips, studying the world through eyes the color of wet stone. There had to be signs. Recent intel from his DEA mole had led him to these Dogforsaken hemp fields. The plantations lay fallow for winter, and it had rained the night before, a long, Kansas drizzler. He did not appreciate the way the mud caked his boots, nor the bite of damp, westward wind howling at them across the cruel abdomen of the land. A rage headache was rising. Saxon’s lack of enthusiasm for law enforcement was the root of this ill. It made Fhelps’ toes itch in his boots to think of it. He didn’t dare lay a hand on the child, a complication that made the migraines feel downright lethal. The relentless zoom-voom-voom of wind turbines spinning at the nearby Saline County power gen farm was not helping either. Vaporizing a little jane might fix all that. No. The ’noias. If a particle cannon had to be fired, it was a violation of protocol to be blended. He angrily ripped off a glove and popped a Pleasium tablet into his mouth instead.’
To understand Jon’s very strange story requires close reading and concentration, but the benefits provide entertainment and a head-scratching process that eventually results in a hefty chuckle. Very fine sci-fi from a man with a wildly ingenious imagination.
Arizona author Jon Lee Grafton writes science fiction- complex dystopian novels that flow like the phases in which they are presented in this box set. He writes about cyborgs, surveillance, environmental dystopia, artificial intelligence and the American drug wars of the future. His style is tantalizing, frustratingly disjointed at times, but he always manages to keep our attention because of the fact that he happens to also be a fine satirist or parodist: just when we become involved with his worlds and times and view of the future we encounter controversial subjects that make the reading of his novels intoxicating.
As a small example of his manner of communication, he writes in his ‘Acknowledgments, ‘‘These books are dedicated to the smokers. The outcasts forced to search for lighters and Buddha in cold alleys, the back end programmers busy separating church from state, the busted painter, the Mountain Dew addict and musician, dreamer and dancer alike, the disaffected and forgotten artists who ply their trade in rented rooms for the sake of their hearts, forsaking all else. These books are dedicated to the wandering soul burners of a thousand masks who feel most lonesome in a room full of friends. These books are dedicated to the brewmasters and the stillmasters and the vinters and the barstool outlaws who gotta have their whiskey just to turn down the noise. And lastly, to the ones that never made it, who died in a manner they did not choose trying to break free, these books are dedicated to you.’
And that serves as a fine introduction to his tripartite book – the three books of the set being titled DAWN OF THE COURTEZAN, VOICES IN THE STREAM, and ABSOPTION. His mind has reorganized our known landscape as of 2082 as ‘The North American Union comprises all of Mexico, Canada and the antique United States. 93% of citizens live with a nano computer consensually embedded in their skull. Alcohol is banned, cannabis is mainstream. Holograms fill our eyes, drones float above the city hovstreets and the Office of the Architect watches everything and everyone. Everyone, that is, except for a particular group of shiners, hand-picked outlaws protected by canine war cyborgs and a charismatic and mysterious telepath named Daxane Julius Abner. Mr. Abner has a purpose. That purpose is freedom. He and his shiners make America's black market vodka. And they are the only heroes left.’
Turn to his own words toward the opening of Phase One and read Jon’s style : ‘Salina, Kansas, November 2086 – Four Years One Month After Event. CNED Director, Franklin Fhelps was a company man, a creature who found comfort in regulation. The mud and clouds disgusted him, and he was regretting bringing Saxon along. It was a hunt in the countryside for actual shiners! The boy
should be thrilled, but he loped down field like a churlish ape. What other foster parent would let their teenager carry a lightning gun? It was his wife’s fault, the boy’s sullen attitude. Fhelps would have to discipline Bao-Yu for this when he returned home. He raised his hairless, alabaster chin to the horizon and licked the slivers of his lips, studying the world through eyes the color of wet stone. There had to be signs. Recent intel from his DEA mole had led him to these Dogforsaken hemp fields. The plantations lay fallow for winter, and it had rained the night before, a long, Kansas drizzler. He did not appreciate the way the mud caked his boots, nor the bite of damp, westward wind howling at them across the cruel abdomen of the land. A rage headache was rising. Saxon’s lack of enthusiasm for law enforcement was the root of this ill. It made Fhelps’ toes itch in his boots to think of it. He didn’t dare lay a hand on the child, a complication that made the migraines feel downright lethal. The relentless zoom-voom-voom of wind turbines spinning at the nearby Saline County power gen farm was not helping either. Vaporizing a little jane might fix all that. No. The ’noias. If a particle cannon had to be fired, it was a violation of protocol to be blended. He angrily ripped off a glove and popped a Pleasium tablet into his mouth instead.’
To understand Jon’s very strange story requires close reading and concentration, but the benefits provide entertainment and a head-scratching process that eventually results in a hefty chuckle. Very fine sci-fi from a man with a wildly ingenious imagination.
October 19, 2018
Review Posted on The Young Girl Who Loved Books
Lately, I have been literally obsessed with science fiction, so when I got the opportunity to check out this book set I was very exciting. I have been reading a ton of classic sci-fi, my favorite right now is Arthur C. Clarke. While this was not nearly that good it was still rather great.
When looking for a sci-fi novel, I was looking for something about a dystopian world and this was just the series I needed. I loved the concept of The North American Union. I also loved the description, "That 93% of citizens live with a nanocomputer consensually embedded in their skull. Alcohol is banned, cannabis is mainstream. Holograms fill our eyes, drones float above the city hovstreets and the Office of the Architect watches everything and everyone.". While this isn't a new concept by any means it was done in a rather unique way in this novel.
The writing was rather excellent in this series. I enjoyed the writing because it seemed like something I could relate to. I was charming and almost endearing to read. I loved almost all the characters in this book. I loved the world that was shaped in the pages of this book. While the books were at times rather predictable the story also kept you on your toes.
My main issue and the reason this series doesn't get a five star from me is that it jumps around so much. I left the beginning of the first book was rather long, took a while to get interesting and then kept flipping around in a way that was confusing to follow at times.
Lately, I have been literally obsessed with science fiction, so when I got the opportunity to check out this book set I was very exciting. I have been reading a ton of classic sci-fi, my favorite right now is Arthur C. Clarke. While this was not nearly that good it was still rather great.
When looking for a sci-fi novel, I was looking for something about a dystopian world and this was just the series I needed. I loved the concept of The North American Union. I also loved the description, "That 93% of citizens live with a nanocomputer consensually embedded in their skull. Alcohol is banned, cannabis is mainstream. Holograms fill our eyes, drones float above the city hovstreets and the Office of the Architect watches everything and everyone.". While this isn't a new concept by any means it was done in a rather unique way in this novel.
The writing was rather excellent in this series. I enjoyed the writing because it seemed like something I could relate to. I was charming and almost endearing to read. I loved almost all the characters in this book. I loved the world that was shaped in the pages of this book. While the books were at times rather predictable the story also kept you on your toes.
My main issue and the reason this series doesn't get a five star from me is that it jumps around so much. I left the beginning of the first book was rather long, took a while to get interesting and then kept flipping around in a way that was confusing to follow at times.
October 4, 2018
The science fiction novel written by Jon Lee Grafton is a futuristic series set in 2082. Though the writing is good, it demands a great deal of understanding, reading, and concentration. The complicated story can be found to be jumping around times and years as the story progresses. Unlike others, the book is quite long but it makes sense as it is the combination of several books with twists and turns. The main characters in one of the series are the CNED agent named as Franklin Fhelps and Saxon. Franklin had become the legal guardian of Saxon as a result of the threat from Bedouin man who had paid 5,000,000 digidollars to adopt Saxon. The fostered child of Fhelps was fixated on four things: betties, marijuana, music, and holosims.
The Different chapter of the series contains different characters and the book has been described in a way that reader will feel attached to it and will become a part of the character. The events have been described using technical and scientific words. It will take the reader into the future where the command will be given using facial expression. Therefore, the futuristic, science-loving readers are highly encouraged to read the series of the novel with careful consideration to time lapse.
The Different chapter of the series contains different characters and the book has been described in a way that reader will feel attached to it and will become a part of the character. The events have been described using technical and scientific words. It will take the reader into the future where the command will be given using facial expression. Therefore, the futuristic, science-loving readers are highly encouraged to read the series of the novel with careful consideration to time lapse.
March 12, 2019
War is the Only Choice You Gave Us
The 18th Shadow: Box Set by Jon Lee Grafton is comprised of three futuristic novels set in the year 2082.
For the fictional characters, life is enhanced by technology which includes hovercrafts, tech saturated vehicles, etc. Additionally, government monitors its citizens through cyborg soldiers, drones, etc. However, humanity is humanity and escape from the realities of life is accomplished through the legal use of marijuana and pills known as pleasuim.
Mandated by the Office of the Architect, the use of alcohol is illegal and those using this "black market" escape may be subjected to extreme penalities.
However, the human spirit cannot be fettered and these novels underscore the reality of humanity's quest to be unshackled.
The 18th Shadow: Box Set by Jon Lee Grafton is a very creative and engaging three novel writing. It seemed to be a little bogged down at first, but as the reader continues the adventure is tied together nicely. The novels will not disappoint as it captures the reader's imagination and ensnares
The 18th Shadow: Box Set by Jon Lee Grafton is comprised of three futuristic novels set in the year 2082.
For the fictional characters, life is enhanced by technology which includes hovercrafts, tech saturated vehicles, etc. Additionally, government monitors its citizens through cyborg soldiers, drones, etc. However, humanity is humanity and escape from the realities of life is accomplished through the legal use of marijuana and pills known as pleasuim.
Mandated by the Office of the Architect, the use of alcohol is illegal and those using this "black market" escape may be subjected to extreme penalities.
However, the human spirit cannot be fettered and these novels underscore the reality of humanity's quest to be unshackled.
The 18th Shadow: Box Set by Jon Lee Grafton is a very creative and engaging three novel writing. It seemed to be a little bogged down at first, but as the reader continues the adventure is tied together nicely. The novels will not disappoint as it captures the reader's imagination and ensnares
March 19, 2019
The 18th Shadow: Box Set by Jon Lee Grafton is the first three episodes in The 18th Shadow Series Down of the Courtezan - Phase 01, Voices in the stream - Phase 02 and Absorption - Phase 03. It is a good introduction into this series.
I'm not the biggest Sci-fi fan but I am happy to give anything a try. From having 3 books in one made it easier to get into the series. This Sci-fi is all about a dystopian world where alcohol is banned, cannabis is an accepted contraband. Humans have nano-computers embedded in their skulls.
There are sadly flaws to this series due to grammar and errors that had it only been thoroughly proof read, then they could have been corrected. It's not the easiest to truly get into but I continued through even though it's confusing sometimes. At other times it was obvious the author had put a great deal of thought into this series.
For an avid sci-fi fan I truly think that they would like this a lot, but at this moment in time I wouldn't want to read anymore of this series, just on a personal level not due to the content.
I'm not the biggest Sci-fi fan but I am happy to give anything a try. From having 3 books in one made it easier to get into the series. This Sci-fi is all about a dystopian world where alcohol is banned, cannabis is an accepted contraband. Humans have nano-computers embedded in their skulls.
There are sadly flaws to this series due to grammar and errors that had it only been thoroughly proof read, then they could have been corrected. It's not the easiest to truly get into but I continued through even though it's confusing sometimes. At other times it was obvious the author had put a great deal of thought into this series.
For an avid sci-fi fan I truly think that they would like this a lot, but at this moment in time I wouldn't want to read anymore of this series, just on a personal level not due to the content.
October 15, 2018
This box set contains the first three novels in author Jon Lee Grafton’s The 18th Shadow Series. The series takes the reader to 2082 and tells the story of a combined North American continent renamed The North American Union as it includes what was once the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. This futuristic area is filled with all types of technology and a variety of intriguing stories. The novels included are labeled in phases that tell of different adventures during this time.
You’ll read of interesting characters and thrilling plots that are sure to please science fiction lovers. However, any reader can appreciate the creativity of these novels as they are well-written and will leave you quickly flipping through the pages to find out what happens next. Keep in mind though that this series runs at about 653 pages so it will involve you investing quite a bit of time into reading, but it’s certainly worth it.
You’ll read of interesting characters and thrilling plots that are sure to please science fiction lovers. However, any reader can appreciate the creativity of these novels as they are well-written and will leave you quickly flipping through the pages to find out what happens next. Keep in mind though that this series runs at about 653 pages so it will involve you investing quite a bit of time into reading, but it’s certainly worth it.
January 19, 2019
You certainly have a lot to read if you buy this series. Three books equal a lot of time spent in the elaborately crafted world of relatively near future where there is plenty of amazing technology, legal weed, dolphins and a shortage of alcohol. Yeah, it sounds weird, but the world-building in this series is truly outstanding and by far the best part of these books, for me. Like I said, the plot is set in the future, 2082. I think, so be ready for some light sci-fi and dystopian elements in the story, just for the flavor. There are plenty of characters to get to know, but unfortunately, none of them particularly wowed me and I don't think I will remember them much later. That goes for Daxane too, the main character. That is to bad, but there is plenty of other things to keep you reading, from already mentioned world that this takes place in to the very good pacing of the plot and the fact that this is just a great page-turner that will push you to read further.
July 4, 2019
This was a real treat, three books in one! I enjoyed reading all of these novels, the storyline is very complex and if you don’t pay attention you will miss the main point of the story. I had to go back and reread pages every so often because I missed something. If you are not into science fiction, I wouldn’t recommend this book because it is really futuristic, in fact the novel is set in 2082! When I was reading it my first thought was that the world will probably have come to an end by then! But the writer does a very good job of describing what it is going to be like to live during that time. Funnily enough, not much has changed in terms of how people cope with the reality of life in the book, as marijuana and pleasium pills are used as an escape from reality. The joke is that alcohol is illegal, its sold on the black market and anyone caught using it is subject to a severe penalty! I did enjoy these books, highly recommended!
March 14, 2022
Jon Lee Grafton is a science fiction author who created a series called The 18th Shadow Series. This series is divided into 3 parts. Dawn of the Courtezan, Voices in the Stream, and last but not least, Absorption. This saga is futuristic yet very believable; it's a saga that is on the lookout for what everyone will ever want, freedom.
I have to say, this saga is quite intriguing and has several characters that are worth it. Grafton is a genius when it comes to building words and politics around them. The plot was easy and at times predictable, yet I enjoyed it. The revolutionary characters were very easy to relate to, and I do think that even though these stories are happening in the future, several things can (and are) happening now. If I think about it, it can be very scary to know that all these things could come true. I believe this saga is worth it and, overall, it is very entertaining!
I have to say, this saga is quite intriguing and has several characters that are worth it. Grafton is a genius when it comes to building words and politics around them. The plot was easy and at times predictable, yet I enjoyed it. The revolutionary characters were very easy to relate to, and I do think that even though these stories are happening in the future, several things can (and are) happening now. If I think about it, it can be very scary to know that all these things could come true. I believe this saga is worth it and, overall, it is very entertaining!
January 3, 2019
The 18th Shadow is a second edition box set that contains the first three books in the series. Set in the far future, this Science Fiction dystopian novel follows Tara Dean and William Angevine, one escaping a fate worse than death and not understanding her own power, the other a hunter who is determined and unerring in his pursuit of prey. Last but certainly not the least, Joan who is a dolphin, heads up a “clean up crew” that takes care of humanities screwups. While the story itself is interesting, the presentation is a bit more difficult to follow along. I’m not fond of books where the timeline jumps often, just my personal preference though. The writing was a bit difficult to understand often throughout the book with the heavy use of acronyms in the sentences. Other than that, it is a good story which shows the great imagination of the author.
January 5, 2019
The interesting and unusual reading. I want to share my experience of reading the three books that impressed me and remained in my memory.
First, I want to say that, perhaps, not everyone will like these books, because, as I believe, you need to have at least some knowledge of what the author tells.
I think the author Jon Lee Grafton created the books The 18th Shadow with the serious and nowadays problems of society. It was quite interesting and useful to read.
I prefer books that make the author think and share with others my impressions. All three books complement each other and form a related text, namely the full point of view of the author. That is, each book narrates a certain point of view. Starting from the first book, I plunged headlong into thinking.
I advise everyone, maybe you'll change your mind after reading The 18th Shadow.
First, I want to say that, perhaps, not everyone will like these books, because, as I believe, you need to have at least some knowledge of what the author tells.
I think the author Jon Lee Grafton created the books The 18th Shadow with the serious and nowadays problems of society. It was quite interesting and useful to read.
I prefer books that make the author think and share with others my impressions. All three books complement each other and form a related text, namely the full point of view of the author. That is, each book narrates a certain point of view. Starting from the first book, I plunged headlong into thinking.
I advise everyone, maybe you'll change your mind after reading The 18th Shadow.
March 14, 2022
In his box set The 18th Shadow, author Jon Lee Grafton creates an intriguing world of science fiction which despite the incredible technology, isn’t really too much different than our own.
The fact that the book is set in Kansas was the first thing that peaked my curiosity—just how would the author craft a tale set in that windy, farm filled state of endless plains. I found the location to be very convincing especially with the sort of underground resistance run by farmers. I especially liked how he made the characters believable, although from an entirely different time—they still faced the same struggles of addiction and bad romantic encounters as we do in our day and age.
Overall a long but fascinating read, The 18th Shadow is a work of great science fiction and one that I’m sure everyone will enjoy.
The fact that the book is set in Kansas was the first thing that peaked my curiosity—just how would the author craft a tale set in that windy, farm filled state of endless plains. I found the location to be very convincing especially with the sort of underground resistance run by farmers. I especially liked how he made the characters believable, although from an entirely different time—they still faced the same struggles of addiction and bad romantic encounters as we do in our day and age.
Overall a long but fascinating read, The 18th Shadow is a work of great science fiction and one that I’m sure everyone will enjoy.
March 17, 2022
“The 18th Shadow: Box Set” written by Jon Lee Grafton is a fascinating tale where science fiction, dark fantasy and dystopian futuristic realities mixed to capture readers’ undivided attention. With these stories, the author amazes readers with his ability to imagine and create fantastic worlds. The addition of some elements that have to do with our society makes us reflect about our future.
I am an avid reader of fantasy and science fiction stories and I can recognize here a series of good stories written with great mastery of the genres. The plots are well-developed and supplemented with enough cliff-hangers and twists to keep readers hooked until the end. The characters are interesting and well-constructed. Dialogues and descriptions of events give substance to the stories and make the set one of a kind. I really enjoyed this read and I recommend it.
I am an avid reader of fantasy and science fiction stories and I can recognize here a series of good stories written with great mastery of the genres. The plots are well-developed and supplemented with enough cliff-hangers and twists to keep readers hooked until the end. The characters are interesting and well-constructed. Dialogues and descriptions of events give substance to the stories and make the set one of a kind. I really enjoyed this read and I recommend it.
March 17, 2022
An engrossing reading
This is an incredible futuristic dystopian novel that I couldn't put down. “The 18th Shadow” is a set of three books penned by Jon Lee Grafton.
Each novel depicts a different story with situations that might happen in a distant future related to artificial intelligence, deja issues, and cyborgs, among other interesting topics; I mean, some of those situations seem to be so real that it made me think a lot; all the same, I found them really absorbing.
Throughout these pages, there is a constant dichotomy between what is good or bad, and what it's right or wrong. The characters in every novel are complex and well-developed. Their dialogues are so vivid that makes every situation realistic.
All in all, the set is well-written and very entertaining, and I highly recommend them.
This is an incredible futuristic dystopian novel that I couldn't put down. “The 18th Shadow” is a set of three books penned by Jon Lee Grafton.
Each novel depicts a different story with situations that might happen in a distant future related to artificial intelligence, deja issues, and cyborgs, among other interesting topics; I mean, some of those situations seem to be so real that it made me think a lot; all the same, I found them really absorbing.
Throughout these pages, there is a constant dichotomy between what is good or bad, and what it's right or wrong. The characters in every novel are complex and well-developed. Their dialogues are so vivid that makes every situation realistic.
All in all, the set is well-written and very entertaining, and I highly recommend them.
January 17, 2019
The 18th Shadow Box Set is a series that makes sense to buy together, especially if you’re a fan of sci-fi and dystopian realities. If you’re not so sure, try one of the books first. It is not always an easy read: the storytelling is great and the character display is interesting, but it’s also a bit predicting (especially if you’re a fan of the genre). Also, the grammar has room for improvement.
The thing I struggled the most in the story is our female heroine: I found her very flat and clearly written by a man. She’s either fragile and a victim or a manipulator without any real background to her motivations and no room to grow and evolve. Nevertheless, I found the plotline interesting and the premise felt inspired and not the same old AI stories we can easily find.
The thing I struggled the most in the story is our female heroine: I found her very flat and clearly written by a man. She’s either fragile and a victim or a manipulator without any real background to her motivations and no room to grow and evolve. Nevertheless, I found the plotline interesting and the premise felt inspired and not the same old AI stories we can easily find.
March 17, 2022
This box set made up of three updated second editions of The 18th Shadow has been a great addition to my book collection. These books have everything that needs to be present in sci-fi stories of the kind.
The storyline is easy to follow, so much so that it may get even predictable at some points, but not in the negative way. One doesn’t get bored while flipping through the pages. The chapters are divided by years, loaded with events that happen in the future. I believe this
way of writing the book stands out from others I have read before. I really enjoyed this particular style. Besides, the dialogues it contains look even real and they add a lot to the portrayal of the characters, helping us feel close to them.
The storyline is easy to follow, so much so that it may get even predictable at some points, but not in the negative way. One doesn’t get bored while flipping through the pages. The chapters are divided by years, loaded with events that happen in the future. I believe this
way of writing the book stands out from others I have read before. I really enjoyed this particular style. Besides, the dialogues it contains look even real and they add a lot to the portrayal of the characters, helping us feel close to them.
January 21, 2019
The 18th Shadow plucks you out of your reading nook and plops you into this distopian in which up is down and left is right. There are some interesting parts to this new world take, but some were downright hard to believe...like the dolphins. I think the author did a good job in sort of bringing everything together, but some of those odd elements stood out too much.
I love a good future in disaster take. It can point out some interesting truths in our own society. Whether it be a hidden metaphor or a blatant mirror reflecting on some hard truths, the author does just that. For anyone who loves these sort of sci-fi reads, pick it on up.
I love a good future in disaster take. It can point out some interesting truths in our own society. Whether it be a hidden metaphor or a blatant mirror reflecting on some hard truths, the author does just that. For anyone who loves these sort of sci-fi reads, pick it on up.
March 17, 2019
The 18th Shadow box set is an attention grabbing sci-fi-themed series. I am usually on the wall with sci-fi type stories as some of them I love and others I just find plain weird. This one will join my ‘love it’ category. The story does jump around a lot which I actually really like. I feel that when this happens you develop a much better picture of the personality, feelings, and thoughts of the characters. Much more so than when they are all combined. I really like author Jon Lee Grafton’s imagination and thought that he developed the story very well. I look forward to reading more of his work in the future - the near future that is.
March 16, 2022
A gripping reading
The 18th Shadow by author Jon Lee Grafton is a box set that comprises the first 3 episodes in the series; I really liked them! It took me some time to read it because it is not short as there are three installments. I enjoyed most of the reading and I am sure those who like the genre will enjoy it too.
The series is very good and the author has done a great job with characters too; providing readers with a wide range of characters was a very good idea. The plot hooked me from the start and this is the main reason why I recommend reading it.
Good characters, good plot and a good narrative: some reasons why reading it!
The 18th Shadow by author Jon Lee Grafton is a box set that comprises the first 3 episodes in the series; I really liked them! It took me some time to read it because it is not short as there are three installments. I enjoyed most of the reading and I am sure those who like the genre will enjoy it too.
The series is very good and the author has done a great job with characters too; providing readers with a wide range of characters was a very good idea. The plot hooked me from the start and this is the main reason why I recommend reading it.
Good characters, good plot and a good narrative: some reasons why reading it!
March 29, 2022
This is an extensive reading that gave me plenty of hours of entertainment.
Jon Lee Grafton has a magnetic writing style - I don’t really know what to call it. I read for hours and it was really hard to put down to do other things.
These first three episodes in The 18th Shadow Series were completely captivating. The setting, the characters, the plot and the development of the story as well are very good. I liked the characters and how their personalities were developed; I loved the settings and how well described everything was; and finally the pace of the plots is just the right one to keep the reader entertained. I recommend it.
Jon Lee Grafton has a magnetic writing style - I don’t really know what to call it. I read for hours and it was really hard to put down to do other things.
These first three episodes in The 18th Shadow Series were completely captivating. The setting, the characters, the plot and the development of the story as well are very good. I liked the characters and how their personalities were developed; I loved the settings and how well described everything was; and finally the pace of the plots is just the right one to keep the reader entertained. I recommend it.
March 11, 2019
A lot is happening here
I’ve been reading a lot of sci-fi lately so I was interested to see what this was about. I was a little disappointed. It was all over the place. There were so many plot points going on that it took a lot to try and keep up. If I have to think too much, it takes me out of the experience so this isn’t for me. It kind of balanced out by the end of the series. I do applaud the author’s creativity with setting this up and mapping it out. I would recommend this book to an advanced sci-fi reader.
I’ve been reading a lot of sci-fi lately so I was interested to see what this was about. I was a little disappointed. It was all over the place. There were so many plot points going on that it took a lot to try and keep up. If I have to think too much, it takes me out of the experience so this isn’t for me. It kind of balanced out by the end of the series. I do applaud the author’s creativity with setting this up and mapping it out. I would recommend this book to an advanced sci-fi reader.
May 28, 2019
Captivating Read
I was most impressed with the depth of both the characters and the storyline. Extremely well thought out delivery in its telling, this was very difficult for me to put down. A definite connection was established with both sides of the tale makes it somewhat difficult to to put my finger on just one or two things I liked most in this work. I'm not usually a sci-fi reader, but after this experience, I would highly recommend The 18th Shadow to anyone with any interest in this genre.
I was most impressed with the depth of both the characters and the storyline. Extremely well thought out delivery in its telling, this was very difficult for me to put down. A definite connection was established with both sides of the tale makes it somewhat difficult to to put my finger on just one or two things I liked most in this work. I'm not usually a sci-fi reader, but after this experience, I would highly recommend The 18th Shadow to anyone with any interest in this genre.
March 21, 2022
Entertainment guaranteed
The 18th Shadow: Box Set by John Grafton provided me with entertainment for many hours. It is not the shortest read, even more because it is a box set, but it is perfect to read during holidays or at weekends.
These three first episodes are very entertaining; I liked how they were written and how the plots were developed. Also, I liked the characters, their background information and how they acted.
The setting is something I would highlight; it was well constructed and well described as well. I would recommend reading it.
The 18th Shadow: Box Set by John Grafton provided me with entertainment for many hours. It is not the shortest read, even more because it is a box set, but it is perfect to read during holidays or at weekends.
These three first episodes are very entertaining; I liked how they were written and how the plots were developed. Also, I liked the characters, their background information and how they acted.
The setting is something I would highlight; it was well constructed and well described as well. I would recommend reading it.
September 13, 2019
Yes it felt like 3 books.
Bounces between time and characters referencing an upcoming 'Event'. Which I found rather disappointing.
Long and drawn out cyborg battles and you don't find out what the 18th shadow is until the end and it really didn't have anything to do with the story before it.
Kind of has an "It Can't Happen Here" feel to it with 'The Architect' being the creator/controller of an authoritarian society.
A possible life 60 years from now....
Bounces between time and characters referencing an upcoming 'Event'. Which I found rather disappointing.
Long and drawn out cyborg battles and you don't find out what the 18th shadow is until the end and it really didn't have anything to do with the story before it.
Kind of has an "It Can't Happen Here" feel to it with 'The Architect' being the creator/controller of an authoritarian society.
A possible life 60 years from now....
January 5, 2019
Imaginative, smart and complex
John Lee Grafton has crafted a smart, complex and compelling story which kept me reading till the end. His dystopian world is far different than the average and feels more real with political possibilities without moralizing the reader. I look forward to more from him as he expands his world and our own.
John Lee Grafton has crafted a smart, complex and compelling story which kept me reading till the end. His dystopian world is far different than the average and feels more real with political possibilities without moralizing the reader. I look forward to more from him as he expands his world and our own.
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