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Temporal Armistice #1
Nascent Shadow
Brooklyn Amari knew not to get in a car with a stranger. When a man tried to lure her—she killed him.
As if taking a life at the tender age of ten wasn’t bad enough, her childhood home burned to the ground two years later. She doesn’t remember how she survived, but she’s felt a pull toward the conflagration ever since. After a troubled patch in her teens, she’s become a respectable firefighter, rushing again and again into the inferno that almost killed her. A routine sweep-and-clear during a hotel blaze takes a deadly turn, but also explains how she escaped death eleven years ago: she’s probably a demon.
Brooklyn had always enjoyed having psychic abilities, but wings?
She’s still trying to come to terms with what she might be when she experiences a vision of an arsonist planting an enchanted bomb, but the Fire Marshal’s office is ill-equipped to handle magic. Since she’s the most paranormal thing they’ve got, they offer her a temporary promotion.
Unfortunately, she soon finds herself neck-deep in an investigation that goes straight over her head.
And oh yeah—she’s supposed to destroy the world.
As if taking a life at the tender age of ten wasn’t bad enough, her childhood home burned to the ground two years later. She doesn’t remember how she survived, but she’s felt a pull toward the conflagration ever since. After a troubled patch in her teens, she’s become a respectable firefighter, rushing again and again into the inferno that almost killed her. A routine sweep-and-clear during a hotel blaze takes a deadly turn, but also explains how she escaped death eleven years ago: she’s probably a demon.
Brooklyn had always enjoyed having psychic abilities, but wings?
She’s still trying to come to terms with what she might be when she experiences a vision of an arsonist planting an enchanted bomb, but the Fire Marshal’s office is ill-equipped to handle magic. Since she’s the most paranormal thing they’ve got, they offer her a temporary promotion.
Unfortunately, she soon finds herself neck-deep in an investigation that goes straight over her head.
And oh yeah—she’s supposed to destroy the world.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2017
59 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Matthew S. Cox
197 books266 followersBorn in a little town known as South Amboy NJ in 1973, Matthew has been creating science fiction and fantasy worlds for most of his reasoning life. Somewhere between fifteen to eighteen of them spent developing the world in which Division Zero, Virtual Immortality, and The Awakened Series take place. He has several other projects in the works as well as a collaborative science fiction endeavor with author Tony Healey.
Hobbies and Interests:
Matthew is an avid gamer, a recovered WoW addict, Gamemaster for two custom systems (Chronicles of Eldrinaath [Fantasy] and Divergent Fates [Sci Fi], and a fan of anime, British humour (<- deliberate), and intellectual science fiction that questions the nature of reality, life, and what happens after it.
He is also fond of cats.
Hobbies and Interests:
Matthew is an avid gamer, a recovered WoW addict, Gamemaster for two custom systems (Chronicles of Eldrinaath [Fantasy] and Divergent Fates [Sci Fi], and a fan of anime, British humour (<- deliberate), and intellectual science fiction that questions the nature of reality, life, and what happens after it.
He is also fond of cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 19, 2017
Nascent Shadow (Temporal Armistice #1) by Matthew S. Cox is an awesome fantasy book I requested from NetGalley and the book publishers and the review is voluntary. This is another wonderful book from one of my favorite authors! I love everything he writes and it is another winner. This is so unique and such great fantasy! This is a world where runes and magic are not uncommon. You can buy spells, enchantments, and have special divisions in the fire department for investigations for this.
Our gal of the story, Brook, survived somehow a fire when she was young and now that she is older, she is a firefighter. One day while fighting on one of the higher floors, the building started to collapse and her wings, yes wings, came out and she saved herself and a co-worker. It became their secret. She knew she was different. She could sense people's intentions, she was stronger than most, and she was very pale when her mother was hispanic. She didn't know her father. This is such a fun story. Full of great fantasy and as the story develops, Brook develops more and more gifts and meets trouble. Great dialogue, humor, plot, and wonderful character development. Cox has a way of writing a book that puts the reader in the action, feeling the suspense, enjoying the ride, and begging for more! Already I can't wait for book 2. I have read many of his books and I think this will be my favorite series, at least I hope he makes it into a series!
Our gal of the story, Brook, survived somehow a fire when she was young and now that she is older, she is a firefighter. One day while fighting on one of the higher floors, the building started to collapse and her wings, yes wings, came out and she saved herself and a co-worker. It became their secret. She knew she was different. She could sense people's intentions, she was stronger than most, and she was very pale when her mother was hispanic. She didn't know her father. This is such a fun story. Full of great fantasy and as the story develops, Brook develops more and more gifts and meets trouble. Great dialogue, humor, plot, and wonderful character development. Cox has a way of writing a book that puts the reader in the action, feeling the suspense, enjoying the ride, and begging for more! Already I can't wait for book 2. I have read many of his books and I think this will be my favorite series, at least I hope he makes it into a series!
December 14, 2017
I really loved this book. I read it in next to no time. It's a new author to me but I know I'll be looking for other books to read.
It's set in an alternate world where magic is common. Brooklyn is a fire fighter with a passion for fire. For some reason it doesn't hurt or burn her; really handy when your day job involves saving lives. Rescuing her co-worker she is suddenly covered in armoured plated scales, horns and wings which causes a bit of a shock. Turns out she is only half human. The other half is a beast that is often mistaken for a demon.
As she learns more about her new body plus the discovery of her real father, Brooklyn is seconded to the fire marshall's office to help solve a series of magical arson.
The characters are well defined and we learn about Brooklyn as she does, experimenting with her new talents. The story grips you right from the starts and doesn't let up. It's a fast read too.
An excellent start to a new series and I can't wait for the next one
Free arc from netgalley
It's set in an alternate world where magic is common. Brooklyn is a fire fighter with a passion for fire. For some reason it doesn't hurt or burn her; really handy when your day job involves saving lives. Rescuing her co-worker she is suddenly covered in armoured plated scales, horns and wings which causes a bit of a shock. Turns out she is only half human. The other half is a beast that is often mistaken for a demon.
As she learns more about her new body plus the discovery of her real father, Brooklyn is seconded to the fire marshall's office to help solve a series of magical arson.
The characters are well defined and we learn about Brooklyn as she does, experimenting with her new talents. The story grips you right from the starts and doesn't let up. It's a fast read too.
An excellent start to a new series and I can't wait for the next one
Free arc from netgalley
September 1, 2017
I didn’t really know what to expect from this; I just requested it from NetGalley and Curiosity Quills Press on a whim from its description.
Brooklyn, our first-person protagonist, is cool under fire—literally, for she is a firefighter. She discovers that, courtesy of her estranged father, she isn’t fully human. She’s half-human, half … something else. Something that the uninformed would term “demonic”. It explains a lot about Brooklyn, about her past and her present attitudes. Yet it also opens up so many other questions, not to mention a little problem about the balance of the entirety of existence….
For me, this book is an easy one to like but a tough one to love. Cox’s writing style, particularly with regards to the narrator, never endears itself to me. Brooklyn is very expository but also very flat. She goes to great lengths to describe certain things, particularly the clothes she’s wearing, sometimes providing far too much information than I need for a simple scene. There’s a lot more telling, rather than showing, going on here. The same goes for almost all of the conversations: lots of information exchange, less so the character building. It’s convenient, and all, that Brooklyn and her dad can just hang out in an alley for minutes at a time after Brooklyn has just tossed someone out a window … but there were probably other ways to deliver the big breakdown of this entire fantasy world. Cox’s way is valid, just not particularly exciting or interesting.
This is a shame, because Nascent Shadow’s fantasy world is interesting. Magic is commonplace here, although not everyone has magical talent themselves. As such, certain technologies we rely on were never invented in this world—Brooklyn ruminates, at one point, how humanity would travel great distances if they didn’t have portals. And contrary to what I said above, when it comes to the workings of this world, Cox doesn’t overload us with extraneous information. Brooklyn just mentions things in passing, casually enough, like she assumes we’re with her on it, but with just enough context to help us figure things out.
Similarly, I love Brooklyn’s occupation. Not only is her affinity for fire related to her heritage, but her role as a firefighter involves her in the mystery that proves central to the book’s plot. With so many urban fantasy books featuring cops or private investigators as protagonists, this is the first time I’ve encountered one about a firefighter. Cox does a good job working this into the story, showing us both the emergency and non-emergency aspects of her job, without spending too much time on the details.
I wish, though, that the actual main plot and mystery had been more satisfying. There just isn’t quite the right balance between plot and subplots here. Although this problem is present throughout the story, it’s most glaring at the very end … in that the ending came extremely abruptly. Like, I turned the page, expecting a new chapter, only to hit the acknowledgements page. Um, what? So apparently the cryptic conversation Brooklyn overhears before she crashes the evil dudes’ party, and maybe her conversation with a possible ally, is the most resolution we’ll get in this book. Fine. Somewhere along the way, though, I lost the plot. I thought it was bigger, broader, but it turned out just to be … that.
So I’m left unsatisfied. Nascent Shadow has a lot of potential, some really great ideas. Yet its writing and plotting are uneven and embedded within exposition too excited to escape rather than lie low and bide its time before pouncing upon the unsuspecting reader. It lacks, as I stress to my students, unity. And so while I liked parts of it, overall I was left wanting more, but not in the good sense of the phrase.
Brooklyn, our first-person protagonist, is cool under fire—literally, for she is a firefighter. She discovers that, courtesy of her estranged father, she isn’t fully human. She’s half-human, half … something else. Something that the uninformed would term “demonic”. It explains a lot about Brooklyn, about her past and her present attitudes. Yet it also opens up so many other questions, not to mention a little problem about the balance of the entirety of existence….
For me, this book is an easy one to like but a tough one to love. Cox’s writing style, particularly with regards to the narrator, never endears itself to me. Brooklyn is very expository but also very flat. She goes to great lengths to describe certain things, particularly the clothes she’s wearing, sometimes providing far too much information than I need for a simple scene. There’s a lot more telling, rather than showing, going on here. The same goes for almost all of the conversations: lots of information exchange, less so the character building. It’s convenient, and all, that Brooklyn and her dad can just hang out in an alley for minutes at a time after Brooklyn has just tossed someone out a window … but there were probably other ways to deliver the big breakdown of this entire fantasy world. Cox’s way is valid, just not particularly exciting or interesting.
This is a shame, because Nascent Shadow’s fantasy world is interesting. Magic is commonplace here, although not everyone has magical talent themselves. As such, certain technologies we rely on were never invented in this world—Brooklyn ruminates, at one point, how humanity would travel great distances if they didn’t have portals. And contrary to what I said above, when it comes to the workings of this world, Cox doesn’t overload us with extraneous information. Brooklyn just mentions things in passing, casually enough, like she assumes we’re with her on it, but with just enough context to help us figure things out.
Similarly, I love Brooklyn’s occupation. Not only is her affinity for fire related to her heritage, but her role as a firefighter involves her in the mystery that proves central to the book’s plot. With so many urban fantasy books featuring cops or private investigators as protagonists, this is the first time I’ve encountered one about a firefighter. Cox does a good job working this into the story, showing us both the emergency and non-emergency aspects of her job, without spending too much time on the details.
I wish, though, that the actual main plot and mystery had been more satisfying. There just isn’t quite the right balance between plot and subplots here. Although this problem is present throughout the story, it’s most glaring at the very end … in that the ending came extremely abruptly. Like, I turned the page, expecting a new chapter, only to hit the acknowledgements page. Um, what? So apparently the cryptic conversation Brooklyn overhears before she crashes the evil dudes’ party, and maybe her conversation with a possible ally, is the most resolution we’ll get in this book. Fine. Somewhere along the way, though, I lost the plot. I thought it was bigger, broader, but it turned out just to be … that.
So I’m left unsatisfied. Nascent Shadow has a lot of potential, some really great ideas. Yet its writing and plotting are uneven and embedded within exposition too excited to escape rather than lie low and bide its time before pouncing upon the unsuspecting reader. It lacks, as I stress to my students, unity. And so while I liked parts of it, overall I was left wanting more, but not in the good sense of the phrase.
August 30, 2017
*4.5 Stars*
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I tried to write a summary for this book but I don’t know how. I’d advise to just jump in.
I seriously loved this. The main character, Brooklyn, is a fucking badass and I loved her so much, I can’t even begin to explain how much. She was fierce and just all over awesome.
I really liked the side characters too, especially Brooklyn’s neighbor Ashley and her best friend, Max.
I liked the world it was set in, I liked how it was described. It could have been more thorough but I didn’t really mind. I can’t wait to learn more in the next books tbh.
I read this super fast too. I could not stop reading.
All in all, great intrigue, great characters; I can’t wait for more!
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I tried to write a summary for this book but I don’t know how. I’d advise to just jump in.
I seriously loved this. The main character, Brooklyn, is a fucking badass and I loved her so much, I can’t even begin to explain how much. She was fierce and just all over awesome.
I really liked the side characters too, especially Brooklyn’s neighbor Ashley and her best friend, Max.
I liked the world it was set in, I liked how it was described. It could have been more thorough but I didn’t really mind. I can’t wait to learn more in the next books tbh.
I read this super fast too. I could not stop reading.
All in all, great intrigue, great characters; I can’t wait for more!
August 28, 2017
I hate it when I am approved for one of these books on netgalley, and then I end up not caring for it all that much. It makes me feel like I am a bad person or that I wasted the author's/publisher's time by reading a book before its publication date and then not leaving a favorable review.
However, since I agreed, when joining this site, to write honest and accurate reviews, I feel like that is what I must do.
So, as I have said, I did not care for this book. It started out really well. It was pretty gripping, and I thought it was going to be awesome. I have never read anything by this author before now, but I was instantly a fan of her writing style. She is very Diana Rowland-esque, and that is definitely meant as a compliment.
Diana Rowland has this knack for taking out of the norm, marginalized, sometimes even victimized women and turning them into (excuse my language) some totally bad-ass bitches. This author, Matthew Cox, started his novel out in much the same way. It surprised me, actually, being that Matthew is generally a guy's name... Not many men can write female characters and make them seem cool and strong and independent. However, that is exactly what Cox did.... at first.
As the story went on, however, you could see glimpses that it was obviously told from the perspective of a female that had been written by a male. It was a huge turn-off for me. Also, there were some pretty big, gaping holes in the plot that just did not make a lot of sense. For instance, the main character, Brooklyn, has never met her dad, and her mother NEVER talks about him. Brooklyn has lived her whole life HATING this man because she believes he raped her mother. Then, suddenly, her dad turns up, says, "Hey. I didn't rape your mother, and I would have loved to have gotten to know you, but I wasn't allowed."
And the chick just buys it. Eats it right up. Wants to hug her dad and wants him to stay and keeps thinking about how awesome (and sexy) he is. Yeah. Right. No. In reality, that would NEVER happen. NEVER. It is completely unbelievable.
The budding relationship that Brooklyn has with her co-worker is also quite unrealistic. It has no substance. It just wasn't there one second and is there the next, in full force. It is not a relatable romance, and it ends up coming off as more corny than anything else.
FURTHERMORE! The reactions to people who see Brooklyn's true form are another glaring example of unreality. Yes, I realize in this book people have lived with magic their whole lives and therefore, it does not come as a shock to them when they see something magical. That does not explain the cool, calm, and collectedness of those people when they see this skinny, pale chick turn into -- for all intents and purposes -- a demon. You might have one in ONE HUNDRED people who would be cool with it -- after a momentary freak-out, but the chances of every person who finds out about her being okay with it with NO freakout period (and we are talking a little girl, a little girl's abused mother, the firefighter she is semi-dating, and an old man who hates magic anyway) whatsoever... yeah, that stretches the limits of credulity.
All in all, the book was just much too unrealistic for me to enjoy. There were too many instances of me stopping to think, "Really? REALLY?! Yeah freaking right." I can't possibly enjoy a book that makes me stop and question the reaction of characters in every other scene.
However, since I agreed, when joining this site, to write honest and accurate reviews, I feel like that is what I must do.
So, as I have said, I did not care for this book. It started out really well. It was pretty gripping, and I thought it was going to be awesome. I have never read anything by this author before now, but I was instantly a fan of her writing style. She is very Diana Rowland-esque, and that is definitely meant as a compliment.
Diana Rowland has this knack for taking out of the norm, marginalized, sometimes even victimized women and turning them into (excuse my language) some totally bad-ass bitches. This author, Matthew Cox, started his novel out in much the same way. It surprised me, actually, being that Matthew is generally a guy's name... Not many men can write female characters and make them seem cool and strong and independent. However, that is exactly what Cox did.... at first.
As the story went on, however, you could see glimpses that it was obviously told from the perspective of a female that had been written by a male. It was a huge turn-off for me. Also, there were some pretty big, gaping holes in the plot that just did not make a lot of sense. For instance, the main character, Brooklyn, has never met her dad, and her mother NEVER talks about him. Brooklyn has lived her whole life HATING this man because she believes he raped her mother. Then, suddenly, her dad turns up, says, "Hey. I didn't rape your mother, and I would have loved to have gotten to know you, but I wasn't allowed."
And the chick just buys it. Eats it right up. Wants to hug her dad and wants him to stay and keeps thinking about how awesome (and sexy) he is. Yeah. Right. No. In reality, that would NEVER happen. NEVER. It is completely unbelievable.
The budding relationship that Brooklyn has with her co-worker is also quite unrealistic. It has no substance. It just wasn't there one second and is there the next, in full force. It is not a relatable romance, and it ends up coming off as more corny than anything else.
FURTHERMORE! The reactions to people who see Brooklyn's true form are another glaring example of unreality. Yes, I realize in this book people have lived with magic their whole lives and therefore, it does not come as a shock to them when they see something magical. That does not explain the cool, calm, and collectedness of those people when they see this skinny, pale chick turn into -- for all intents and purposes -- a demon. You might have one in ONE HUNDRED people who would be cool with it -- after a momentary freak-out, but the chances of every person who finds out about her being okay with it with NO freakout period (and we are talking a little girl, a little girl's abused mother, the firefighter she is semi-dating, and an old man who hates magic anyway) whatsoever... yeah, that stretches the limits of credulity.
All in all, the book was just much too unrealistic for me to enjoy. There were too many instances of me stopping to think, "Really? REALLY?! Yeah freaking right." I can't possibly enjoy a book that makes me stop and question the reaction of characters in every other scene.
August 28, 2017
The thought I had pretty soon after starting to read, is that I was glad the blurb said Brooklyn is a demon, even though she hasn't realized it yet.
If I hadn't known that, I probably would've been frustrated over her behavior and way of thinking when it comes to reminiscing her past. Knowing that little fact about her, made me less annoyed since she's, in a way, meant to be a little careless with lives of human beings and not feel sorrow or guilt.
I do love the fact that she has a soft spot for children though! I would've gotten the creeps otherwise, haha.
The whole story is written from Brooklyn's point of view, which is... something else. Why? Because she's a demon and it shows in the way she thinks. She has a detached manner of looking back on her actions that make you wonder whether or not she really feels.
Apart from that, I had to laugh out loud quite often while reading. The comments she makes, the puns she comes up with - Okay, okay. The puns Matthew comes up with. - are simply hilarious at times. It also gives the novel a lighter feeling when things are getting more tough.
In a way it even makes the grosser bits... Simply put, not gross. I was distracted by the things Brooklyn was thinking every single time.
Another element of Matthew's writing are the geeky additions he makes. Brooklyn is practically a bit of a tomboy who loves to game, as does Matthew himself. Honestly, it felt like a fitting way to incorporate a piece of himself and his interest into his work. I absolutely loved that.
When it comes to the world-building, it's pretty much done in a way that I'm not used to. Instead of dedicating the first chapters of the novel to explaining the world, Matthew does this through the entire story. Bits and pieces keep being added whenever something needs explaining. In a way it may seem as if he just comes up with things whenever he needs something, but it never felt that way. It just felt like something that hadn't been mentioned because it wasn't necessary up until that point.
I'm just going to cut to the chase here, because I'd keep going for quite some time if I let myself.
I loved this story, I loved Matthew's writing and I was satisfied by the ending, which was wrapped up as much as could be with a cute touch to it on top.
[This wasn't really the case with [book:Convergence|35616693] so I'm really glad!]
I'm giving Nascent Shadow a solid 5 / 5!
Kathy
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I'm not being compensated for this in any way.
If I hadn't known that, I probably would've been frustrated over her behavior and way of thinking when it comes to reminiscing her past. Knowing that little fact about her, made me less annoyed since she's, in a way, meant to be a little careless with lives of human beings and not feel sorrow or guilt.
I do love the fact that she has a soft spot for children though! I would've gotten the creeps otherwise, haha.
When I realized she'd broken her hip, I stopped laughing... but I still smiled.
The whole story is written from Brooklyn's point of view, which is... something else. Why? Because she's a demon and it shows in the way she thinks. She has a detached manner of looking back on her actions that make you wonder whether or not she really feels.
Apart from that, I had to laugh out loud quite often while reading. The comments she makes, the puns she comes up with - Okay, okay. The puns Matthew comes up with. - are simply hilarious at times. It also gives the novel a lighter feeling when things are getting more tough.
In a way it even makes the grosser bits... Simply put, not gross. I was distracted by the things Brooklyn was thinking every single time.
I'm in number sixty-six. On the sixth floor. I thought it was cool.
Another element of Matthew's writing are the geeky additions he makes. Brooklyn is practically a bit of a tomboy who loves to game, as does Matthew himself. Honestly, it felt like a fitting way to incorporate a piece of himself and his interest into his work. I absolutely loved that.
When it comes to the world-building, it's pretty much done in a way that I'm not used to. Instead of dedicating the first chapters of the novel to explaining the world, Matthew does this through the entire story. Bits and pieces keep being added whenever something needs explaining. In a way it may seem as if he just comes up with things whenever he needs something, but it never felt that way. It just felt like something that hadn't been mentioned because it wasn't necessary up until that point.
You hear the one about a nine-year-old girl in moon boots, a panda hat, and underpants riding a skateboard down the middle lane of the Pennsylvania Turnpike at oncoming traffic? Yep. Me.
I'm just going to cut to the chase here, because I'd keep going for quite some time if I let myself.
I loved this story, I loved Matthew's writing and I was satisfied by the ending, which was wrapped up as much as could be with a cute touch to it on top.
[This wasn't really the case with [book:Convergence|35616693] so I'm really glad!]
I'm giving Nascent Shadow a solid 5 / 5!
Kathy
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I'm not being compensated for this in any way.
October 25, 2017
Full review to come!
August 26, 2017
Nascent Shadow is a very fun and engaging read. Armed with inventive items and awesome action sequences, it got the captivating goodness of a fantastical story set in a contemporary world. The protagonist, Brooklyn, was a genuine ass-kicking character who knows how to hold her own, not because she's half-demon (let's just put it at that) but because she's a fiesty lass with a heart.
This review is posted on zirev.com
I was a bit let down with how tedious the protagonist's life was at the beginning until 10% into the book. Brooklyn turns out to be a real badass. If you have an inner sociopath in you, you'd love this.
When an enchanted meth lab exploded two trailers down her home when she was 12, Brooklyn survived for some bizarre reason. She thought that was the catalyst why she eventually became a firefighter. As it turns out, she's just a half-Shaar'Nath. Just take all the descriptions of a demon except that demons don't exist. Nor angels. Such beings exist but not in the context that humans put in them. Simply put, there's no heaven or hell, just two worlds eternally at war with each other. Think of all the descriptions put into an angel and you'll get an Elestari.
When Brooklyn got caught up in an arson case because she turned out to be psychic, she was temporarily absorbed into the Fire Marshal's Office where she gets to do some investigation. When suspects won't answer her properly (when she can read their minds), she'd stare them in the eyes and let her eyes glow like that of a White Walker; that is, with an odd bluish glow. It's Elestari's eyes that glow crimson red.
Brooklyn is like a female version of Lucifer in the TV series, Lucifer, when her wit's end is concerned which I find funny. She'd pretend to be a real demon (again, they don't exist) in a way that humans perceive to get the information that she wanted.
And the poor victim would spill the beans.
I love how the book wasn't front-loaded instantly with information that the world the character exists in isn't entirely vanilla or modern. Mages and magic do exist alongside humans, just not entirely embraced in a way that puts mages in a more advantageous position. I was surprised to find that magic-wielders don't have to hide from normal humans, so do bizarre magical creatures (they could register themselves). The world-building sounds as normal as it is until shit hit the fans.
Everything in Nascent Shadow screams how far we can plausibly go with technology even without the magical element, like spatial and photo recognition attached with the GPS function (still in development in real life). If you happen to go into a portal and stand on an unknown place on the other side, you merely have to take a picture on where you are and your phone app will tell you.
I engulfed this book practically in one sitting (with eight hours of sleep before finishing the last 10 pages). Nascent Shadow is just so funny to boot.
This review is posted on zirev.com
I was a bit let down with how tedious the protagonist's life was at the beginning until 10% into the book. Brooklyn turns out to be a real badass. If you have an inner sociopath in you, you'd love this.
When an enchanted meth lab exploded two trailers down her home when she was 12, Brooklyn survived for some bizarre reason. She thought that was the catalyst why she eventually became a firefighter. As it turns out, she's just a half-Shaar'Nath. Just take all the descriptions of a demon except that demons don't exist. Nor angels. Such beings exist but not in the context that humans put in them. Simply put, there's no heaven or hell, just two worlds eternally at war with each other. Think of all the descriptions put into an angel and you'll get an Elestari.
When Brooklyn got caught up in an arson case because she turned out to be psychic, she was temporarily absorbed into the Fire Marshal's Office where she gets to do some investigation. When suspects won't answer her properly (when she can read their minds), she'd stare them in the eyes and let her eyes glow like that of a White Walker; that is, with an odd bluish glow. It's Elestari's eyes that glow crimson red.
Brooklyn is like a female version of Lucifer in the TV series, Lucifer, when her wit's end is concerned which I find funny. She'd pretend to be a real demon (again, they don't exist) in a way that humans perceive to get the information that she wanted.
Someone owes me a soul, and if I can't find him, you're next on the list.
And the poor victim would spill the beans.
I love how the book wasn't front-loaded instantly with information that the world the character exists in isn't entirely vanilla or modern. Mages and magic do exist alongside humans, just not entirely embraced in a way that puts mages in a more advantageous position. I was surprised to find that magic-wielders don't have to hide from normal humans, so do bizarre magical creatures (they could register themselves). The world-building sounds as normal as it is until shit hit the fans.
Everything in Nascent Shadow screams how far we can plausibly go with technology even without the magical element, like spatial and photo recognition attached with the GPS function (still in development in real life). If you happen to go into a portal and stand on an unknown place on the other side, you merely have to take a picture on where you are and your phone app will tell you.
I engulfed this book practically in one sitting (with eight hours of sleep before finishing the last 10 pages). Nascent Shadow is just so funny to boot.
March 20, 2021
A great start to what is to be an amazing series. Brooklyn has some unusual things happen to her as a child including somehow getting of our her home that is fire and the only thing wrong with her is that her clothes are burnt off. She was mainly a loner as she got older, into goth and getting into trouble as a teen. But when adulthood hit, she wanted to be a fire fighter, even though others told her she was too young, too small etc etc. she was great at it. But when she starts to save a fellow fire fighter, something happens to her, wings, a tail, armored plating and more surprise her and so are the other powers that she doesn't understand yet. This leads her into more trouble, for herself and others. Matthew Cox has brought a different kind of earth, where magic is common place, and there are still good and bad guys all around. The story is really good, and the characters are well written. I'm excited to read book 2 in this series
August 27, 2017
I want more! This was such a relaxing read and I loved the world, it is both fantasy and the hint of realism. Let me explain. The book has features of a fantasy novel but it is set in regular places; Philadelphia. There was so much world building and I loved all the descriptions of it. The ending was a little abrupt but I stil enjoyed it. There are a lot of questions that still need to be answered and I can't wait for the next one to come out. There were so many funny aspects in this book which I loved because who doesn't want a good humorous scene? This book also has a hint of romance which I loved because who doesn't love love? There are certainly some ships to be made!
The fantasy novel is a definite read, if you are new or want to try out fantasy you should definitely pick this book up because it has many attributes of the real world but it has the hint of fantasy which is tasteful.
This is a definite must read so go check it out! Overall I recommend this to people new to fantasy and 13+ as it does have some detailed parts that are a little gory.
4.5/5
October 20, 2017
Has done it again
5 Stars for sure! I was wrapped I'm this book. Part of me wishes I had abilities too! Love that her job is fire fighter! Action, suspense, emotions every where!!! Can't wait for more...
5 Stars for sure! I was wrapped I'm this book. Part of me wishes I had abilities too! Love that her job is fire fighter! Action, suspense, emotions every where!!! Can't wait for more...
February 23, 2018
This is such an interesting book, I couldn’t put it down. The main character, Brooklyn, is a strong and feisty character; I really enjoyed getting to know her. This is the first book by this author I have read, it won’t be my last.
November 1, 2020
Interesting new take on mythology. Nice to see a firefighter as a protagonist, though can she stay that way for any length of time?
August 24, 2017
*I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Writing-This may be a personal preference, but I felt the writing at some points of the book was a little weak and I got confused trying to follow along some sentences. Some of the descriptions were a little weird too, but this was nothing that got in the way of me reading and loving the book.
'Nascent Shadow' is a fantasy book with both a supernatural and crime element set in a world where magic is present but not fully accepted. Brooklyn Amari is a firefighter for the Philadelphia Fire Department and knows she is a little strange- killing a man when she was ten and developing a fascination with fire after surviving a fire that destroyed her childhood home are the tip of the iceberg. A routine call out at a hotel turns deadly as the fire spreads quicker then normal putting not only herself but one of her fellow firefighters in danger. As she turns to instinct to save them both, somehow she changes into a demon with enhanced strength, immunity to fire and the ability to fly- which explains a lot of the prior strangeness in her life. While Brooklyn works on accepting that she is not fully human and explores the range of her abilities, a major fire at a restaurant has supernatural undertones, prompting her to be asked to assist in the investigation. Little did she know how dangerous the investigation would go, how incredible her powers are and that her mother and father are not who she thought they were.
What I Liked
The magical world- I love books that are set in worlds where magic is present and acknowledged but not fully accepted. 'Nascent Shadows' is set in the modern world but it is widely know that supernatural creatures and people with supernatural abilities exist-but still some parts of society haven't embraced magic or just don't care to integrate it into their lives. It reminds me a little of 'The Dresden Files' and I really want to explore the setting more, especially the hints of a battle between two opposing supernatural races that somewhat resemble angels and demons.
Brooklyn's Character- Brooklyn was one of the reasons I loved this book. Her narration is on point throughout the story and she provides a humorous yet serious view on the events that unfold. She is extremely confident in herself (her demon like nature gives her weak impulse control among other things) and despite being treated differently at her workplace as she is a female in a predominantly male workplace, she holds her ground and gets the respect of her fellow firefighters and her superiors. She is also a badass demon that protects children and assists in arson investigations too-how could you not like her?
The Storyline- Matthew Cox does a great job at writing such an in depth and enthralling story. I really enjoyed how the arson investigation plot line was introduced and developed, along with the minor plot arcs involving her father and her growing relationship with one of her coworkers. The pacing is also perfect and not once did I get bored while reading or feel like a scene was unnecessary or too long.
What I Didn't Like
Writing-This may be a personal preference, but I felt the writing at some points of the book was a little weak and I got confused trying to follow along some sentences. Some of the descriptions were a little weird too, but this was nothing that got in the way of me reading and loving the book.
The Ending-The ending was so anti-climactic! It was fitting for the story in a way, but I wanted a little more closure or set-up for the the next book in the series. After all of the action and supernatural 'coolness' of the book, I was yearning for a slightly more interesting ending.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and read it in just over a day as I was so enthralled by the setting and the story. It is part of a series and I will be keeping my eyes out for the next book in the future :)
February 24, 2018
Brooklyn wasn't a bad child, she just got into a lot of trouble in her younger years. Her mother was a single parent and she never knew a thing about her dad. Her biggest worry was disappointing her mother. When she was little, their trailer caught on fire, the details were vague to her, but all she remembers is that she survived and the fire didn't hurt nor kill her like it should have. When she got older, the natural choice of course was for her to become a firefighter. She absolutely loved pulling people out of fires and saving their lives. In a would rife with magic, some fires were stronger than others. One particular fire at a hotel where her partner finds himself stuck, something weird happens to Brook, she transforms into a strange creature in order to free him. She thinks she's a demon. Jason, her partner, is thankful to be alive and doesn't mention the incident. Quite the opposite, he actually still wants to date her. She's stuck on what this means for her. She knows that her mother is a mage, but that doesn't explain the wings and the tail. Just as she kills the child abuser next door her father finally appears and tries to condense her lineage as quickly as possible, but it still leaves Brook with unanswered questions and a promise that he will be around later to help her out. In the meantime, another fire has broken out, this one of magical means. Brook finds the source and is offered a temporary position as a Fire Investigator as they do not have someone with a magical background. It's way too tempting for Brook as this can bring out her half-demon side while investigating. But what are her options, this is still helping people, which is all she has ever wanted to do?
February 16, 2018
This book is the first in the series and really sets the standard for the rest of the series . Let me introduce you to Brooklyn , she has been in and out of trouble since the age of 1o. She has always known she was different but how different she did understand until the day she started to do some phenomenal things while fighting fires . She finds out that she is a what we call a demon or half demon . She is the key to a fight that has been waging for centuries . So between trying to figure out what she is and an arsonist running around the city . She has her hands full with witches and mages . Aslo a neighbour that is driving her crazy . Will she survive to figure everything out . .
This author has a way of writing that will make you sit on the edge of your seat and curse each character as you read along . His characters are complex and well developed . When you meet Brooklyn you are kind of thinking who she is or what she is . At first I thought she was a dragon but I was so fooled . The story is a great story between good and evil but really is there good and evil . Just planes of exsistance . Which just kind of made me go awww now I understand . The story moves along at a fast pace you will be reading all night long . This I think will be my favourite series from this author . Check him out .
This author has a way of writing that will make you sit on the edge of your seat and curse each character as you read along . His characters are complex and well developed . When you meet Brooklyn you are kind of thinking who she is or what she is . At first I thought she was a dragon but I was so fooled . The story is a great story between good and evil but really is there good and evil . Just planes of exsistance . Which just kind of made me go awww now I understand . The story moves along at a fast pace you will be reading all night long . This I think will be my favourite series from this author . Check him out .
April 2, 2021
From a young age Brooklyn Amari knew that she was a bit different.
Killing a man at the age of 10, and not having any kind of guilt...yep that would definitely make someone different.
But to also walk out of her burning house a couple years later with no injury is just another notch in how different she is from others.
Now as an adult she's a respectable firefighter who has given up her wayward way. Well at least the ones that get her into legal troubles.
But for all of Brooklyn's differences she didn't know or understand just how different she was until a hotel fire may have just revealed the reason she survived the house fire at teen.
While Brooklyn tries to figure out her new problems, she gets roped into helping the Fire Marshal's try to figure out the arsonist behind a restaurant fire.
I really enjoyed this book. Brooklyn is my kind of girl who has a sense of humor that some just don't understand. She's also a bit misunderstood, but all-in-all she just wants to do her job and maybe try to figure out how she of all people got roped into helping her neighbor care for her daughter.
Killing a man at the age of 10, and not having any kind of guilt...yep that would definitely make someone different.
But to also walk out of her burning house a couple years later with no injury is just another notch in how different she is from others.
Now as an adult she's a respectable firefighter who has given up her wayward way. Well at least the ones that get her into legal troubles.
But for all of Brooklyn's differences she didn't know or understand just how different she was until a hotel fire may have just revealed the reason she survived the house fire at teen.
While Brooklyn tries to figure out her new problems, she gets roped into helping the Fire Marshal's try to figure out the arsonist behind a restaurant fire.
I really enjoyed this book. Brooklyn is my kind of girl who has a sense of humor that some just don't understand. She's also a bit misunderstood, but all-in-all she just wants to do her job and maybe try to figure out how she of all people got roped into helping her neighbor care for her daughter.
October 12, 2017
I received this book on NetGalley for an honest review.
Even from the first couple of chapters, you can't help but become mesmerized by Brooklyn Amari. She starts out by appearing like an average girl but as the story progresses you quickly learn that she is far from average even in regards to the magical world she lives in. Detached yet emphatic, she dedicates her life to saving others - as long as they are good-hearted. In a way, she seems to mimic the angels described in the beginning of Christianity. What might come as a slight shock to readers is the occupation that Brooklyn decides to take on - a firefighter. Even in this world where magic coexists with mundane, this is still not a typical profession for women. However, Brook does a stellar job, and her demonesque - or I should say Shaar’Naath abilities do lend her a helping hand. However, Brooklyn soon finds herself in the middle of an ancient war between two ancient civilizations. Will she help save the world or destroy it? Matthew Cox seems to pull from different supernatural series to create a character and a world that is easy to get lost in. My only issue with the book is the ending, I have so many unanswered questions. Hopefully, in the next book The Shadow Collector, Cox is able to answer them.
Even from the first couple of chapters, you can't help but become mesmerized by Brooklyn Amari. She starts out by appearing like an average girl but as the story progresses you quickly learn that she is far from average even in regards to the magical world she lives in. Detached yet emphatic, she dedicates her life to saving others - as long as they are good-hearted. In a way, she seems to mimic the angels described in the beginning of Christianity. What might come as a slight shock to readers is the occupation that Brooklyn decides to take on - a firefighter. Even in this world where magic coexists with mundane, this is still not a typical profession for women. However, Brook does a stellar job, and her demonesque - or I should say Shaar’Naath abilities do lend her a helping hand. However, Brooklyn soon finds herself in the middle of an ancient war between two ancient civilizations. Will she help save the world or destroy it? Matthew Cox seems to pull from different supernatural series to create a character and a world that is easy to get lost in. My only issue with the book is the ending, I have so many unanswered questions. Hopefully, in the next book The Shadow Collector, Cox is able to answer them.
Read
February 19, 2018This book had me from the beginning as soon as our heroine mourned the loss of the TV series Dead Like Me. Nascent Shadow, Book 1 of the Temporal Armistice series, introduces us to Brooklyn Chloe Amari, a kickass heroine and a force to be reckoned with. She has long felt disconnected to the places and people around her, “prone to violence, anger, wrath, impulse, and hedonism”. As the story progresses she finds out why, plus a whole lot more than she ever bargained for. As a firefighter in Philadelphia, she’s sworn to protect and rescue those in need and throughout the book does just that. In essence, she is a study in contradictions, and I so want her to be my friend!
Matthew Cox has created a wonderful character with a great story well told. He is a masterful storyteller, incorporating real life events with his fictional creation. Most definitely will continue to follow the series.
Matthew Cox has created a wonderful character with a great story well told. He is a masterful storyteller, incorporating real life events with his fictional creation. Most definitely will continue to follow the series.
September 18, 2017
Excellent first book in a series: great story, characters and humor
I loved this book. Matthew Cox created a great story about magic and demons without falling into clichés. Character development is excellent and the action scenes are great. Although there is a little graphic violence, it doesn’t interrupt the flow of the story and I am not sure how Cox did it, but he was able to incorporate humor. Some scenes had me laughing out loud. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley for review purposes.
I loved this book. Matthew Cox created a great story about magic and demons without falling into clichés. Character development is excellent and the action scenes are great. Although there is a little graphic violence, it doesn’t interrupt the flow of the story and I am not sure how Cox did it, but he was able to incorporate humor. Some scenes had me laughing out loud. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley for review purposes.
February 20, 2018
I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the next one in the series. Definitely read them in order.
In this first book we learn about a girl named Brooklyn who is different different from everyone.
She has amazing abilities and she likes to be near fire. So being a fireman is the perfect job for her. However, she's only known her mother so who is her father and is the reason she's so different?
I'm not giving away any spoilers but I couldn't put this book down, it was so intriguing!
In this first book we learn about a girl named Brooklyn who is different different from everyone.
She has amazing abilities and she likes to be near fire. So being a fireman is the perfect job for her. However, she's only known her mother so who is her father and is the reason she's so different?
I'm not giving away any spoilers but I couldn't put this book down, it was so intriguing!
August 29, 2017
Oh my gosh, I loved this book! I kept reading and didn't realize I finished, I was looking for more. Brooklyn is my kind of girl, she appears to be part dragon(to me, anyway) and has wings to fly. she is a firefighter who loves helping people, she also doesn't get burnt in a fire. You guys really need to read this one by Matthew S. Cox. it is definitely a winner. I also hope the next one is not far behind.
August 20, 2017
This cliff hanger is killing me. This was a very interesting read. Very original and different from what I am use to. The concept of Angels and Demons have been around forever but the slight twist in this book makes it even more interesting. Seeing Brooklyn navigate her anger and empathy for humans while trying to find her place in the world is endearing. I can't wait to see what the outcome of the possible coming war may entail and how she plans to save man kind.
October 10, 2017
New author (for me)
I have to say I really like this guy. He writes very well, story flows well, love his characters, very good dialogue, world building is a tad vague, but perhaps that is by design. If I hv any complaint it would be that he ends his stories rather abruptly. Nevertheless, I glad I found him. Can't wait to read the next.
I have to say I really like this guy. He writes very well, story flows well, love his characters, very good dialogue, world building is a tad vague, but perhaps that is by design. If I hv any complaint it would be that he ends his stories rather abruptly. Nevertheless, I glad I found him. Can't wait to read the next.
January 30, 2018
One Of A Kind
•••NOT for the homophobic, transphobic, closedminded, or faint of heart!•••
This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to read The Shadow Collector!
Brooklyn has never understood what she actually is. All she has ever known is that she is Different (with a capital D!) Inside and out. She has always only known her mother... And has serious doubts about her*father*. Did he take her mother? Or just hurt her? Emotionally? Physically? Either way... She doesn't know ANYTHING about him. Not what he looked like. Not his name. Nothing. But he HAS to be where she got her freak show coloring from. How else can a Latino woman have a white as paper kid? Being a firefighter is a dream job, especially since fire calms her and helping innocent people is fulfilling. Finding out she is immune to fire is just an unexpected plus. Will she ever find out anything about her father? Or why she is so different from anyone she has ever met? Why can she read people's intentions clear as day? Will people ever see her as more than some kid?
This is an amazing new world that I can't wait to explore further! Magic and technology side by side along with a smattering of psychics make for an intriguingly nuanced cast of characters. What is hidden beneath the surface is a mystery yet to be solved. Cox out does himself with each and every new world he creates! His characters are vivid and unique, fraught with flaws and dreams, making them believable and engaging as well as easy to relate to. I can't wait to see what this world holds for its inhabitants!
***This series is suitable for adult readers who enjoy urban fantasy set in a world where magic and science coexist seamlessly and filled with mystery, horror, humor, action, suspense and a hidden conspiracy of apocalyptic proportions :)
•••NOT for the homophobic, transphobic, closedminded, or faint of heart!•••
This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to read The Shadow Collector!
Brooklyn has never understood what she actually is. All she has ever known is that she is Different (with a capital D!) Inside and out. She has always only known her mother... And has serious doubts about her*father*. Did he take her mother? Or just hurt her? Emotionally? Physically? Either way... She doesn't know ANYTHING about him. Not what he looked like. Not his name. Nothing. But he HAS to be where she got her freak show coloring from. How else can a Latino woman have a white as paper kid? Being a firefighter is a dream job, especially since fire calms her and helping innocent people is fulfilling. Finding out she is immune to fire is just an unexpected plus. Will she ever find out anything about her father? Or why she is so different from anyone she has ever met? Why can she read people's intentions clear as day? Will people ever see her as more than some kid?
This is an amazing new world that I can't wait to explore further! Magic and technology side by side along with a smattering of psychics make for an intriguingly nuanced cast of characters. What is hidden beneath the surface is a mystery yet to be solved. Cox out does himself with each and every new world he creates! His characters are vivid and unique, fraught with flaws and dreams, making them believable and engaging as well as easy to relate to. I can't wait to see what this world holds for its inhabitants!
***This series is suitable for adult readers who enjoy urban fantasy set in a world where magic and science coexist seamlessly and filled with mystery, horror, humor, action, suspense and a hidden conspiracy of apocalyptic proportions :)
February 18, 2018
An interesting fun story full of unique paranormal creatures! It was quite an entertaining story with the main character that was an oddball lol I did have a bit of a hard time getting into the story but I did enjoy the premise.
If you’re looking for a fun fantasy adventure with a no nonsense kick butt heroine check this book out.
If you’re looking for a fun fantasy adventure with a no nonsense kick butt heroine check this book out.
March 18, 2021
Brooklyn Amari killed a man at ten and then her house burned down two years later. How did she survive? No one knows. Now she's a firefighter and during a rescue discovers that she's not quite human. A demon perhaps? Do they really exist? Maybe someone can help her out.
March 27, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. I have to say that this story took me away to an amazing world that I enjoyed reading about. The author blew me away with this book. I need to read book 2!
I received an ARC and I am leaving this Totally Honest Review because I want to and I Loved every page!
I received an ARC and I am leaving this Totally Honest Review because I want to and I Loved every page!
January 1, 2018
👍👍👍👍👍
Love this author and his incredible ability to create such snarky real life characters. There’s humor,mystery,paranormal and a great story line something I know I’ll always get with one of Matthew’s books are hours completely immersed in a new world!
Love this author and his incredible ability to create such snarky real life characters. There’s humor,mystery,paranormal and a great story line something I know I’ll always get with one of Matthew’s books are hours completely immersed in a new world!
February 20, 2018
What a very unique, different, enjoyable story!! Love the characters, especially Brooklyn and the storyline is very captivating! It defiantly has its funny moments too. Here Brooklyn thinks she's human until a moment of stress while she's fighting a fire changes everything!!! Read to find out!!!
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