Shadow

Xenocrates #1

by Kayla Erickson

Having powers doesn't always make you the hero 

I am a Xenocrate. This makes me what some might consider "special" - and everyone wants to be special, right?

It means I was born with powers, but these powers come with a price. The price is one that my mother, among many, has had to pay. For this reason, I went from a modern day Robin Hood, to a lawless villain.

I am Delaney Benson. I am the Shadow, and this is my story.

Genres: Paranormal Romance

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2018

Reviews

[Sandra Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cool superhero villain book. I really enjoyed it. Delaney is a great kickass “H” who is just trying to take care of her Mom with cancer. She meets Nolan, Kai and then sexy nerd Rowan who I am hoping will make up her RH. She is kidnapped by her “dead” dad and then there is lots of action. I know some people hate cliffhangers but this one was amazing and I can’t wait to read the next book.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. At first I was a little hesitant thinking oh not my kind of story. But wow was I wrong. Book has a lot of twists and turns that I didn't expect. Only thing I didn't like.... That ending!!!! I seriously can not wait for the next book. I need to know what happens next!!!

[Tehani Zicarelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read!

The concept of this world is pretty cool and how xenocrates came to be. I enjoyed the MC and her don’t take crap from anyone attitude. I did think that the relationships with her men were a little rushed but overall I enjoyed it and will definitely be reading the next one .

[J · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 39%

I really wanted to like this book, the story and its characters. But it isn't written very well and the female MC is just really unlikable. She just acts out and does stupid things all the damn time.

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delaney Benson has powers. To the world, she appears as a normal barista but she is a Xenocrate. She was born with the ability to phase from one place to another. She is known as The Shadow. She wears a super suit, complete with a cape but she's no superhero. She steals not to keep up a glamorous lifestyle but to care for the most important person in the world to her. However, the attention she has gained as The Shadow has several groups hunting for her to control her, use her powers. They aren't all good guys either.

Shadow is the debut book by Kayla Erickson. I loved it. Great concept, great history of the origin of Xenocrates, a beautiful, amusing woman, multiple beautiful men, bad guys, mystery guys, and tons of emotions. Nolan, Kia, and Rowan are yummy perfection. Lucian is a keeper. Draven needs to explain himself. There was a lot of sadness in this book, so it's going to seem strange that what drew me in the most was its sense of fun. Laney is funny. Her sarcasm, her desire to shock and insult those around her, her hard punch all amused me. The banter in this book was fantastic. So were the sexual attraction and tension levels. I love that Laney has such a big heart. She's a good person but doesn't hesitate to cross the line to do whatever she needs to take care or her mom. I love a character that will burn the earth down for love! Her connection with the men was quick but felt natural. Then came that ending. What a cliffhanger(s)! I know many hate cliffhangers but I do not. I find a well-done cliffhanger thrilling. I immediately want the next book. This is a cliffhanger-extraordinaire. I can't wait for book 2!!

[Myriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to start by saying that this was a great story, I loved it and can't wait for the next one. And again one of great debut authors who just write great books and make me happy. From the moment the author introduced this book by saying that the main character is a villain, I knew I had to read this book, and I inhaled it in one breath!
It is well written, with great characters, set in a very interesting version of our world, and the main character rocks! Strong, intelligent, resourceful, caring, with a huge heart, so full of love, and with an amazing superpower. All the characters are great, even the evil ones. The author did a pretty amazing job not differentiating between good lovable ones and the evil bad ones, all are equally well developed and presented with all of their virtues and flaws. 
Delaney, or Just Laney, is an extremely lovable character, which becomes obvious immediately in the beginning of the book. She is going through a personal tragedy and still maintains her inner strength and will to go on and help people. She does not spend time feeling sorry for herself, although she has a full right to do so, no, what she does is take action and do what is necessary, either to survive or to help the ones she cares about.
Overall, this was an amazing flawless story with a great plot, containing logical as well as unexpected twists and developments. And considering my preferences for a good cliffhanger in the end, I have to leave a warning here for the readers who do not like cliffhangers. This one is so bad, it's excellent. The author couldn't have done it better. Thank you Kayla Erickson for this amazing story, can't wait for the next one!

[Arvada Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delaney Benson is not a ordinary girl, even though she lives a normal life. Her mother has cancer and is
dying, her father died when she was young, and she works as a barista. This all sound pretty normal
right? What makes her different is that she is a Xenocrate that can phase from one place to another. She
uses her "powers" to get money to pay for her mother's health care. When a blast from the past comes
back to hunt her. her life is turned upside down and she becomes a villain whether she wants to be or
not.

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and keep you reading. If you do have to put the bok
down you will be trying to think about what is going to happen. All I can say about the ending is "OMG"

I loved this book so much, I could not stop talking about it for weeks.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reverse harem stories and I like superhero’s so this book was right up my street. What I did not expect was a story that invoked a whole range of feelings as I was reading it. From the start things are not quite as you expect, As the story goes on you get to learn more and more about Delaney, you get to see what she is going through and what she can do. The story takes you one delaneys journey.

The writer wrote from the heart on this, from Delaney’s heartbreak, her strength and courage, her sense of humour and snark it is all there and I felt it with her. There are twist and turns that I just did not see coming and I was held captive, glued to the page by this fantastic story, I am eagerly awaiting book two in what is promising to be a fantastic series

[Renée · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the Xenocrate’s series is fabulous and perfect. I’m super excited to see where the rest of this series goes, as well as future books from Kayla Erickson.

*********************
Delaney is a Xenocrate with a superpower - Phasing (love that it’s called Phasing and not Teleporting). She’s sassy, strong and funny and a perfect MC.
Technically she’s a bit of a bad guy, but what she does is selfless - almost like a Robin Hood with super powers.
Her life changes with the loss of her mother and the arrival of three beautiful men - Nolan, Rowan and Kai.

*********************
Also the raw emotion and beautiful words from Delaney’s mum when she’s in hospital, which is just heartbreaking.

[Peggy Carney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This book is a super hero/supervillan book that popped up from no where and without a trace to tackle me with feelings, emotions, and a storyline that I can't get enough of. There is a jumble of emotions from pain, anger, hurt, loss, and love. There are blooming friendships and relationships but there is also death and heartbreak. This book hits all of the good qualities of a great book. It grabs your attention and doesn't let go from start to finish and leaves you wanting more. I would recommend this book bet read by everyone because anyone who doesn't read it is missing out.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!

An amazing start to what I think is going to be an incredible series! I've been hoping for a really good superhero RH and this book was everything I've been looking for and more! It's hard to believe this is the author's first book. The story is fresh and has a creative take on superhumans, the writing is fantastic, and the characters are interesting and relatable. You can't help rooting for Laney, especially after all she's had to deal with. I'm dying to learn more about the guys and need to know what's going to happen after that ending! I can't wait for book 2!!!!

[Nicola Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4**

I loved this, I loved the snark and the dynamic of the group, I just don’t get why she didn’t fight a bit more she just mouthed off and settled into helping her “father” and she didn’t worry about the fact that the boys went out all day and she didn’t see any of their offices or that the boys didn’t ask where she went etc then that last sentence, although it was obvious seeing it unfold into that ending made me want to scream lol would recommend

[Jocelyn LeDonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good. The characters are intriguing and the storyline is entertaining and different. I can't wait to see where the story will go with Laney and all the chaos that seems to follow her. Hopefully book 2 will be coming soon because I really want to know what happens next! Also how Laney and the guy's relationship is going to go now that they know who she is 😊!! Great first book and great start to what I'm sure is going to be a fabulous series!

[Margaux Espinosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So freakin good!!!

Do you like super heroes, and guys, evil plots, snarky girls with quick comebacks and healthy appetites, crazy cool powers and hot guys? Yeah me too, that's why I loved this freakin book so much! Haha But seriously, if you're reading this right now and you're on the fence about reading it, you should stop contemplating it, you need to read this because it's awesome!!!

[Jane Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a great debut novel for Kayla. There is fun banter, hot men, and a paranormal twist. Laney is an interesting MC and an awesome fighter. She’s funny and sarcastic which is always great for the main character. I love her interactions with Kia, Nolan and Rowan. There is a bit of a cliff hanger so be warned. I can’t wait for the next book.

[Kimchi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow

Let me start by saying I hate reverse harems but this book from start to finish is wow!!!! I can’t describe my emotions right now! I couldn’t put it down. I’m so invested in this book that I can’t wait til the next one. Please hurry! The cliffhanger is killing me. Just wow. Good read

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Needs more editing

The idea for this book was super intriguing and I've been looking for more super hero/villain stories. Unfortunately, I was mostly disappointed by the numerous grammar and punctuation errors. There were also some plot holes and I guessed all the "surprises" in advance. I think this book could benefit from more editing.

[Chelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needs an edit but good plot

This needs an edit but overall it's pretty good. I'm not crazy about Laney and a lot of the story was useless exposition, but I found the plot interesting enough to keep going. I'll definitely read the next one. I think this will turn into a really good series as the author grows into her craft.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rooting for the villain had never been so fun. Well Delaney is more of an anti-hero you just have to love. She written so realistically, even the way she uses her powers are described in this way that makes sense and you can imagine what it would take to use them yourself. Her emotions and reactions to other characters are fantastic. This book is definitely worth your time.

[Natalie H · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the most part bouncing between 2 stars and DNF. I don’t like Laney. She’s whiney, has no self-preservation and has the worst secret identity ever. She uses her powers more outside of her costume than in it. Possible 5 member harem. Cliffhanger ending. Favourite character was Lucian and the sole reason I’ll give the next one a shot.

[Andrea Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your incredible!!!

This book is so fantastic!!!!!!!! You had me hooked in the first chapter. I will most likely reread this multiple times while awaiting the next book. You are an amazing writer and I can't wait for more!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book. Delaney’s story was so well told and left me wanting more. Kayla Erickson did a fabulous job at creating a story that sucked me right in. I cannot wait to read more about this RH.
P. S.: that cliffhanger though!

[Ashley B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

Great book. I liked the characters I liked the story line. I really dont like the stupid arrogant bad guys. Give it a read

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great first book!

I loved the setup of this story. And that cliffhanger! I really can't wait to see what happens in book 2.

[Amber Murphy- Munson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read!

This book had me hooked from the beginning. I can’t wait to see what happens with Delaney and her 4 men! Come one book 2!

[KIRSTY · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super hero sexiness

Really liked it. Hate cliffhangers but it a good thing as I want more! Super hot man an super heroes. Love it.

[Az · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book but again the big surprise was absolutely not a surprise I saw it coming from a mile away.

[Jennifer Paulet · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

I really, really like this book! Please let there be another one! The characters are quirky and relatable and I can't wait till the next one!

[Puna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great! I really liked the characters and the plot. I knew most things from the beginning but there were a few surprises along the way. The ending though! Ah, I should’ve known there would be a cliff hanger ending!

Overall: 4/5

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty interesting take on the typical reverse harem grouping. Each of the characters were equally intriguing and I loved seeing how the group interacting with one another. Not just that, but a few parts just tugged right at the heart strings.

Can’t wait for the next book!