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The Shadows: Fire's Hope
The Shadows have three abilities: one unique power, the ability to enter a distant Realm and communicate through it, and one inert understanding of a human trait.
A little overzealous during an MMO raid, Mark’s hands suddenly burst into flames revealing he’s a Shadow. They’re dangerous, powerful, and contained in a hidden facility covered by a shield known as the ASH. Mark can’t possibly be a Shadow, but he’s still thrown into the ASH like just another monster.
Afraid the fire will consume him, he clashes with the icy Shadow, Silverstonarellena, certain he’ll live out the rest of his days imprisoned and paranoid of angering his roommate. Still, he holds onto hope that he’ll be able to escape and return home, but it might be more complicated when he finds out he has the power of an Orchestrator named Shadow Hope, allowing him to pass through the shield and free all the Shadows.
Even if he is some powerful Shadow, why didn’t he know? Why wasn’t he taken to the ASH at birth like the rest of the Shadows? And why won’t anyone give him straight answers? He fights to trust the Shadows. Even though he wants to help them, he fears there’s an even bigger mystery unraveling when he uncovers the suspicious death of a Shadow who had attempted to escape and may have been his doppelganger.
A little overzealous during an MMO raid, Mark’s hands suddenly burst into flames revealing he’s a Shadow. They’re dangerous, powerful, and contained in a hidden facility covered by a shield known as the ASH. Mark can’t possibly be a Shadow, but he’s still thrown into the ASH like just another monster.
Afraid the fire will consume him, he clashes with the icy Shadow, Silverstonarellena, certain he’ll live out the rest of his days imprisoned and paranoid of angering his roommate. Still, he holds onto hope that he’ll be able to escape and return home, but it might be more complicated when he finds out he has the power of an Orchestrator named Shadow Hope, allowing him to pass through the shield and free all the Shadows.
Even if he is some powerful Shadow, why didn’t he know? Why wasn’t he taken to the ASH at birth like the rest of the Shadows? And why won’t anyone give him straight answers? He fights to trust the Shadows. Even though he wants to help them, he fears there’s an even bigger mystery unraveling when he uncovers the suspicious death of a Shadow who had attempted to escape and may have been his doppelganger.
322 pages, Paperback
First published November 20, 2018
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
E. Kathryn
4 books14 followersWriter, Graphic Designer, Artist, Humanesque creature who doesn’t get enough sunlight and lives solely on tea, E. Kathryn started writing The Shadows at thirteen years old. When not writing incessantly, E. Kathryn enjoys drawing, playing the violin, and collecting and consuming way more tea than any one person needs.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 24, 2018
Well first of all, can we give a great big hurrah to E. Kathryn because being a self-published author is hard. Sometimes, I can’t figure out how to put the toilet paper on the toilet paper roll so I’m not the best example of competent.
On another note, I would like to thank the author for giving me an ARC of this book! I do know her personally but that does not affect my thoughts.
Okay so, I actually adored the magic system so much?! We’re very much in the day and age where it is ridiculously hard to not reuse plot lines or plot points or something*. But the author did an excellent job of creating abilities that were very interesting.
*if only I lived in an age where I had a more eloquent way of saying “something”
I thought the plot was interesting, however it was extremely informative. Which is fine, after all first books usually have to set up things for the rest of the series! But I did feel that there could have been more to the story.
I did like the characters! Kip is my favorite, he’s an actual cinnamon roll. The character development was rather well-done. I did find that in several scenes, the characters acted well…I’m not trying to be punny…but they acted out of character.
And finally, the ending was really good?! Like, it sorta ended in a stand-alone way, in a weird way, but it also dangled several questions in front of your face like a carrot in front of a rabbit*.
*rabbits eat carrots, right? Or is it donkeys? HELP I’VE FORGOTTEN
Just kidding, I have one extra small gripe (because I'm salty and shady and picky ya know?). I was sometimes confused by the writing style, like it felt like there should be a period, or a comma, or a different word then what was used? And sometimes the flow wasn't really smooth, which didn't help. But that’s really just a personal thing!
All in all, I did enjoy this! I’m eager to see what the author does next. This just published three days ago, so you can get your own copy now! Talk to me about this in the comments!
On another note, I would like to thank the author for giving me an ARC of this book! I do know her personally but that does not affect my thoughts.
Okay so, I actually adored the magic system so much?! We’re very much in the day and age where it is ridiculously hard to not reuse plot lines or plot points or something*. But the author did an excellent job of creating abilities that were very interesting.
*if only I lived in an age where I had a more eloquent way of saying “something”
I thought the plot was interesting, however it was extremely informative. Which is fine, after all first books usually have to set up things for the rest of the series! But I did feel that there could have been more to the story.
I did like the characters! Kip is my favorite, he’s an actual cinnamon roll. The character development was rather well-done. I did find that in several scenes, the characters acted well…I’m not trying to be punny…but they acted out of character.
And finally, the ending was really good?! Like, it sorta ended in a stand-alone way, in a weird way, but it also dangled several questions in front of your face like a carrot in front of a rabbit*.
*rabbits eat carrots, right? Or is it donkeys? HELP I’VE FORGOTTEN
Just kidding, I have one extra small gripe (because I'm salty and shady and picky ya know?). I was sometimes confused by the writing style, like it felt like there should be a period, or a comma, or a different word then what was used? And sometimes the flow wasn't really smooth, which didn't help. But that’s really just a personal thing!
All in all, I did enjoy this! I’m eager to see what the author does next. This just published three days ago, so you can get your own copy now! Talk to me about this in the comments!
October 6, 2018
3.75 Stars/4 Stars (I can't decide)
I was sent an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.
I liked the story a lot. The concept of the magic system in Fire's Hope with the Shadows was interesting. It reminds me of superheros, but also doesn't at the same time, so never once do I read about a character and their powers and think "Oh, that person reminds me of Superman" or anything. The characters in this book are strictly their own beings.
Reading this book gave me this super weird feeling of nostalgia, as though I was reading a book based on the make-believe games that my friends and I used to play, and that kept occurring throughout the book. Its the way that the characters are presented and act that remind me of this, like a game of make-believe that is real in the mind of those reading/experiencing it. So, to Ms. Kathryn, thank you so much for that.
My main issue with the book was the writing. It felt clunky, and I'm not sure if it's because it is or because I couldn't quite connect with the writing style. I don't even know how to describe it other than the sentences were oddly written, things phrased peculiarly. But then again, this might 100% be a preference. Some odd typos here and there, but I'm fairly certain this is a self-published book, and with the really big lack of typos, I was super impressed. I came across maybe 4 or 5 through the whole read.
Mark was so relatable with how confused and hurt he was by everything, and I liked him, though near the end of the book he was a little annoying with how Doomsday-y he felt. Sil was a character I despised at first and then somehow actually came to like. I do think his reasoning behind being an asshole was a little warped, though. My favorite character in the entire book was Mark's sister, June. I absolutely adored her and would totally love to read a book just about her.
Also, sidenote: the plot twists in this book were not something I was expecting at all. They came completely out of the blue, but in the progression of the story, as Mark learns more about the Shadows and the ASH, it made sense why what happened happened.
Definitely a cool read. Not sure if I'll continue the series simply due to the writing and I not getting along, but I do recommend this.
I was sent an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.
I liked the story a lot. The concept of the magic system in Fire's Hope with the Shadows was interesting. It reminds me of superheros, but also doesn't at the same time, so never once do I read about a character and their powers and think "Oh, that person reminds me of Superman" or anything. The characters in this book are strictly their own beings.
Reading this book gave me this super weird feeling of nostalgia, as though I was reading a book based on the make-believe games that my friends and I used to play, and that kept occurring throughout the book. Its the way that the characters are presented and act that remind me of this, like a game of make-believe that is real in the mind of those reading/experiencing it. So, to Ms. Kathryn, thank you so much for that.
My main issue with the book was the writing. It felt clunky, and I'm not sure if it's because it is or because I couldn't quite connect with the writing style. I don't even know how to describe it other than the sentences were oddly written, things phrased peculiarly. But then again, this might 100% be a preference. Some odd typos here and there, but I'm fairly certain this is a self-published book, and with the really big lack of typos, I was super impressed. I came across maybe 4 or 5 through the whole read.
Mark was so relatable with how confused and hurt he was by everything, and I liked him, though near the end of the book he was a little annoying with how Doomsday-y he felt. Sil was a character I despised at first and then somehow actually came to like. I do think his reasoning behind being an asshole was a little warped, though. My favorite character in the entire book was Mark's sister, June. I absolutely adored her and would totally love to read a book just about her.
Also, sidenote: the plot twists in this book were not something I was expecting at all. They came completely out of the blue, but in the progression of the story, as Mark learns more about the Shadows and the ASH, it made sense why what happened happened.
Definitely a cool read. Not sure if I'll continue the series simply due to the writing and I not getting along, but I do recommend this.
October 20, 2018
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to like this book and story but I was/am unable to finish it. I've listed a few reasons why. The writing did not flow well, several words repeated in the same page and was off-putting. Some of the characters names were way too strange and I couldn't take them seriously. And I just didn't care about the characters as a whole. I could tell the author needed to have another once over with the editing, and I hope still does. There's a lot of potential from this story and author and I hope over time it will improve.
I really wanted to like this book and story but I was/am unable to finish it. I've listed a few reasons why. The writing did not flow well, several words repeated in the same page and was off-putting. Some of the characters names were way too strange and I couldn't take them seriously. And I just didn't care about the characters as a whole. I could tell the author needed to have another once over with the editing, and I hope still does. There's a lot of potential from this story and author and I hope over time it will improve.
November 20, 2018
I was sent an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.
I really wanted to like this book but it was a struggle to get through. I thought the story concept and magic system were intriguing, but the word choices and sentence structure distracted me from the plot and made the action difficult to follow. The perspective jumped around a lot which may have also contributed to this.
I found a lot of the character motivations and emotions confusing. It would appear a decision had been reached and then Mark, the main character, would have an existential crisis over something he'd been set on a few pages earlier. There were also a lot of mood swings and the characters all seemed unstable. I didn't really connect with any of them, although my favorite was Rita - probably because of the accent.
I think with a bit of editing polish this could be a fun middle grade read.
I really wanted to like this book but it was a struggle to get through. I thought the story concept and magic system were intriguing, but the word choices and sentence structure distracted me from the plot and made the action difficult to follow. The perspective jumped around a lot which may have also contributed to this.
I found a lot of the character motivations and emotions confusing. It would appear a decision had been reached and then Mark, the main character, would have an existential crisis over something he'd been set on a few pages earlier. There were also a lot of mood swings and the characters all seemed unstable. I didn't really connect with any of them, although my favorite was Rita - probably because of the accent.
I think with a bit of editing polish this could be a fun middle grade read.
June 20, 2020
I loved the first book in The Shadows series so much. I picked up the second as soon as I put down the first because I wanted more!
I definitely think my favourite thing about Fire’s Hope is the introduction to the characters and the way they play off each other. Right off the bat I enjoyed their individual personalities and how they grow around each other even in a short span of time. My favourite characters are Kip and Sil. Kip has this innocence that makes him immediately likable, while Sil has more of an snarky outlook that made me fall in love.
I love the writing and the voice that E. Kathryn has and I enjoy a lot of the word choice. Yesterday I was reading for hours and didn’t even notice how the time went by- I was immersed and I felt a drive that was perpetuated by readability to keep going and find of more and more about the world of the Shadows.
The ending was great! I like how it tied up a lot while also leaving loose ends for future books to handle. I think it’s a wonderful read with beautiful characters and a well thought out story!!!
I definitely think my favourite thing about Fire’s Hope is the introduction to the characters and the way they play off each other. Right off the bat I enjoyed their individual personalities and how they grow around each other even in a short span of time. My favourite characters are Kip and Sil. Kip has this innocence that makes him immediately likable, while Sil has more of an snarky outlook that made me fall in love.
I love the writing and the voice that E. Kathryn has and I enjoy a lot of the word choice. Yesterday I was reading for hours and didn’t even notice how the time went by- I was immersed and I felt a drive that was perpetuated by readability to keep going and find of more and more about the world of the Shadows.
The ending was great! I like how it tied up a lot while also leaving loose ends for future books to handle. I think it’s a wonderful read with beautiful characters and a well thought out story!!!
January 2, 2020
When it comes to the characters taking action and making decisions, the main cast of Fire's Hope can make a few doozies. However, they never feel out of the realm of possibility for super-powered teenagers. A lot of the trouble the characters get into is self-imposed, and the process through which the kids figure this out is both believable and attractive for teens who are looking for a way to fit into the world.
Issues I had with this book are some of the issues I have with YA in general. There's a general distrust of adults, and the adults tend to be deserving of this distrust (though, in Fire's Hope, there are a smattering of adults who don't fit these stereotypes). I'm not a huge fan of teen heroes, often due to the lack of complexity in their life outlook. At the same time, main character Mark and the other Shadows - people who have been gifted with supernatural powers due to an 'infestation' of an alien being - do interact well with the information they're given. Though they often make bad decisions, the actions they take do follow logically from the amount of knowledge they're allowed access to.
Another YA trope is the large party of variously-powered people. I've seen this a couple times in books I've beta read, and I was genuinely worried the first time I read this book. However, let me assure you that E. Kathryn doesn't overwhelm you with characters and powers; just get through the chapter where the Shadows are introduced, and it'll all start to fall into place soon enough. Even so, there are times when I think the superpowers available to the characters makes some problems a bit too easy to solve. These episodes are few, though, and the world itself is fraught with mechanisms to fight off Mary Sue characters from happening.
There is also a FANTASTIC set of twists laced throughout the book. I love twists that you don't see coming, especially those which you can look back at and see why you should have expected it. I'm not telling you what they are, but I will say that E. Kathryn did put some great twists in there.
Issues I had with this book are some of the issues I have with YA in general. There's a general distrust of adults, and the adults tend to be deserving of this distrust (though, in Fire's Hope, there are a smattering of adults who don't fit these stereotypes). I'm not a huge fan of teen heroes, often due to the lack of complexity in their life outlook. At the same time, main character Mark and the other Shadows - people who have been gifted with supernatural powers due to an 'infestation' of an alien being - do interact well with the information they're given. Though they often make bad decisions, the actions they take do follow logically from the amount of knowledge they're allowed access to.
Another YA trope is the large party of variously-powered people. I've seen this a couple times in books I've beta read, and I was genuinely worried the first time I read this book. However, let me assure you that E. Kathryn doesn't overwhelm you with characters and powers; just get through the chapter where the Shadows are introduced, and it'll all start to fall into place soon enough. Even so, there are times when I think the superpowers available to the characters makes some problems a bit too easy to solve. These episodes are few, though, and the world itself is fraught with mechanisms to fight off Mary Sue characters from happening.
There is also a FANTASTIC set of twists laced throughout the book. I love twists that you don't see coming, especially those which you can look back at and see why you should have expected it. I'm not telling you what they are, but I will say that E. Kathryn did put some great twists in there.
January 19, 2020
Mark is just an average teenage boy. Or so he thinks. As he’s gaming with his best friend one day, he realizes he has magic powers. But not just any magic powers. He has a shadow. Despite all infant children being tested at birth for this magical shadow, Mark has gone undetected for the majority of his life. Is this a fluke in the system? Or something more? There’s only one way to find out!
This book is an epic and fast paced book for readers who enjoy an action-packed adventure, with just a touch of magic along the way.
This book is an epic and fast paced book for readers who enjoy an action-packed adventure, with just a touch of magic along the way.
January 23, 2026
Very well written and engaging!
January 16, 2021
I really liked this book
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews