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The Magic Below Paris #1
Trading Into Shadow
After surviving a shadow monster ambush, Marsh must get back to civilization, keep two kids alive, and make a delivery.
But, with shadow monsters and raiders closing the trade routes, she’s out of a job, and lost beneath the ruins of one of the greatest cities of the world. She doesn’t need a deserted farm to complicate things… or a parentless pup… or to be hunted by a hoshkat. What she needs is to find a way home… through the dark… but the predators are out in force, and home is a very long way away.
Can she discover what happened at Leon’s Deep, in time to stop it from happening again? Or did she escape the ambush, only to see the rest of her world fall to the ones behind it?
Join her as she fights to survive and solve the mystery of Leon’s Deep. Pick up Trading into Shadow, today.
But, with shadow monsters and raiders closing the trade routes, she’s out of a job, and lost beneath the ruins of one of the greatest cities of the world. She doesn’t need a deserted farm to complicate things… or a parentless pup… or to be hunted by a hoshkat. What she needs is to find a way home… through the dark… but the predators are out in force, and home is a very long way away.
Can she discover what happened at Leon’s Deep, in time to stop it from happening again? Or did she escape the ambush, only to see the rest of her world fall to the ones behind it?
Join her as she fights to survive and solve the mystery of Leon’s Deep. Pick up Trading into Shadow, today.
- GenresFantasyParanormal
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2019
258 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Simpson
223 books25 followersBorn in Far North Queensland, I ended up being dragged over most of the state before the age of ten--and then into the Northern Territory and back, so that I attended four different primary schools and two high schools by graduation. In a country that inspires the imagination, and in towns that made me dream of worlds beyond my own, I started writing early, and reading voraciously.
In high school, I discovered writers like Anne McCaffrey, Harry Harrison, John Christopher, Douglas Hill and Alan Dean Foster. They kept me company--and semi-sane--through most of my young adult years, and beyond. I’ve done time in the Royal Australian Air Force, worked as a governess and teacher, and been an analyst, and, all that time, I kept writing, and exploring both my worlds and those I was privileged to be invited to share. Now, you can find my stories at most of the major distributors. Thank you, for sharing this part of my journey with me.
In high school, I discovered writers like Anne McCaffrey, Harry Harrison, John Christopher, Douglas Hill and Alan Dean Foster. They kept me company--and semi-sane--through most of my young adult years, and beyond. I’ve done time in the Royal Australian Air Force, worked as a governess and teacher, and been an analyst, and, all that time, I kept writing, and exploring both my worlds and those I was privileged to be invited to share. Now, you can find my stories at most of the major distributors. Thank you, for sharing this part of my journey with me.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 4, 2019
City of... romance?
Shadows rule in an underground settlement. We meet Marchant (clever use of names) in the middle of danger and things continue from there. An excellent new series in the Age of Madness, with very different creatures and problems. The story starts with action, details being filled in as it progresses. There’s a natural unfolding of the story, with information coming to light in an organic manner.
The writing is quite polished, and very impressive for a new author. This is looking to be an intriguing series, and I’m eager for book #2 to be released.
Shadows rule in an underground settlement. We meet Marchant (clever use of names) in the middle of danger and things continue from there. An excellent new series in the Age of Madness, with very different creatures and problems. The story starts with action, details being filled in as it progresses. There’s a natural unfolding of the story, with information coming to light in an organic manner.
The writing is quite polished, and very impressive for a new author. This is looking to be an intriguing series, and I’m eager for book #2 to be released.
May 17, 2019
At a glance it seems really good. But there's something about how the scenes flow: a combination of dialog and narrative style that just turns me off.
May 30, 2019
Trading Into Shadow - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Part one of the Magic Below Paris series by C M Simmons and Michael Anderle, Trading Into Shadow begins what is sure to be an epic adventure for characters and readers alike.
What did I like about it?
How about the MC Marsh, a snarky, sassy female 'courier' for a huge variety of products between many places and buyers, for a Trader called Kerrenin, of Kerrenin's Lodge trading post/waystation, at the beginning of the novel?
Then there's the adorable Aisha, aged 5 (going on 25!), who with her (like Adrian Mole, 10 and 3/4, but would like to get away with saying he's at least 11), brother Tamlin - they're scared little kids when Marsh rescues them, as the caravan they're all traveling in is ambushed. Without her integrity and determination, they'd have been captured like their parents and many others who, like Marsh, sought safety in numbers and companionship in the caravan going to Rift Halls etc.
The most endearing (and annoying at times too), is Aisha's krypthund Snuffknuckle, who never leaves her side and defends her fiercely. He and other 'strange beasts, (a mother hoshkat and 2 of her 'kits') are easily assimilated into Marsh's new human 'family' with the fellowship and security, after the former have already endured several dangerous encounters en route to finding their new travelling companions.
What didn't I like so much?
The way 'Marsh' was alternated with Marchant (her 'proper' name), without explanation at first, that this was one and the same person.
The occasional French word/short phrase in French...this serves no purpose and doesn't move the plot along, plus, since France and Paris in particular have long been destroyed in previous apocalyptic events (it mentions the wreckage, barely visible, of the Eiffel Tower at one point, but apart from that there's little or nothing to set the story in Paris, except for the second part of the title.
The way this - and subsequent books - end abruptly and compel you (however eagerly) to buy the next in the series, so keen will you be to find out what happens next! A cunning plan on the part of the authors, but in this case, no coercion is needed - every chapter is a gem and the whole book is an absolute delight!
Finally, a quick warning - don't start this book late in the day as you won't want to put it down, come hell or high water! Enough said - go buy it. NOW!!
Part one of the Magic Below Paris series by C M Simmons and Michael Anderle, Trading Into Shadow begins what is sure to be an epic adventure for characters and readers alike.
What did I like about it?
How about the MC Marsh, a snarky, sassy female 'courier' for a huge variety of products between many places and buyers, for a Trader called Kerrenin, of Kerrenin's Lodge trading post/waystation, at the beginning of the novel?
Then there's the adorable Aisha, aged 5 (going on 25!), who with her (like Adrian Mole, 10 and 3/4, but would like to get away with saying he's at least 11), brother Tamlin - they're scared little kids when Marsh rescues them, as the caravan they're all traveling in is ambushed. Without her integrity and determination, they'd have been captured like their parents and many others who, like Marsh, sought safety in numbers and companionship in the caravan going to Rift Halls etc.
The most endearing (and annoying at times too), is Aisha's krypthund Snuffknuckle, who never leaves her side and defends her fiercely. He and other 'strange beasts, (a mother hoshkat and 2 of her 'kits') are easily assimilated into Marsh's new human 'family' with the fellowship and security, after the former have already endured several dangerous encounters en route to finding their new travelling companions.
What didn't I like so much?
The way 'Marsh' was alternated with Marchant (her 'proper' name), without explanation at first, that this was one and the same person.
The occasional French word/short phrase in French...this serves no purpose and doesn't move the plot along, plus, since France and Paris in particular have long been destroyed in previous apocalyptic events (it mentions the wreckage, barely visible, of the Eiffel Tower at one point, but apart from that there's little or nothing to set the story in Paris, except for the second part of the title.
The way this - and subsequent books - end abruptly and compel you (however eagerly) to buy the next in the series, so keen will you be to find out what happens next! A cunning plan on the part of the authors, but in this case, no coercion is needed - every chapter is a gem and the whole book is an absolute delight!
Finally, a quick warning - don't start this book late in the day as you won't want to put it down, come hell or high water! Enough said - go buy it. NOW!!
August 25, 2019
Love the uniqueness
The addition to the many other different additions that have been added to the KGU developed by Michael Anderle has a uniqueness that has been missing. It stands on its own on the Age Of Magic,providing an addition that art first made me wonder if i had mistakenly thought i was reading a new series that wasn't part of KGU. But having in there, it will come together soon. This is a new civilization that developed after the WDE, when the ancestors of the the characters had taken refuge from their world falling apart,in the underground below Paris. They have evolved with their environment impede to survive living below ground. C.M. Simpson has.com an excellent job off building the underground world while developing the primary characters ,keeping the action at a level that grabbed my attention. All the while drawing me in to the adventure that holds me and increasing my need to know more.
So far from what I've read,this odd a stand alone series that should have no problem catching the attention of fans of all levels of fantasy and post-apocalyptic action adventure,in addition to Michael Anderle's best seller series found in the Age of Magic in the KGU universe, but also any part of the whole of the KGU ever expanding universe. So far,in my opinion, it does not lean on any of the other many series, that have come before it, to give it a base. This is one of the things that worked to draw me in and held me where i was no longer looking for a connection and beyond trying to place where it was in the timeline of the other series that have come before our. If you haven't read any of the KGU books, I highly recommend them. The many genes they fall into from a beginning in Urban Fantasy and Sci-fi along with other genres, providing something for everyone, all having different levels of humor sprinkled expertly within the action and adventures.
Great start to a new series!
The addition to the many other different additions that have been added to the KGU developed by Michael Anderle has a uniqueness that has been missing. It stands on its own on the Age Of Magic,providing an addition that art first made me wonder if i had mistakenly thought i was reading a new series that wasn't part of KGU. But having in there, it will come together soon. This is a new civilization that developed after the WDE, when the ancestors of the the characters had taken refuge from their world falling apart,in the underground below Paris. They have evolved with their environment impede to survive living below ground. C.M. Simpson has.com an excellent job off building the underground world while developing the primary characters ,keeping the action at a level that grabbed my attention. All the while drawing me in to the adventure that holds me and increasing my need to know more.
So far from what I've read,this odd a stand alone series that should have no problem catching the attention of fans of all levels of fantasy and post-apocalyptic action adventure,in addition to Michael Anderle's best seller series found in the Age of Magic in the KGU universe, but also any part of the whole of the KGU ever expanding universe. So far,in my opinion, it does not lean on any of the other many series, that have come before it, to give it a base. This is one of the things that worked to draw me in and held me where i was no longer looking for a connection and beyond trying to place where it was in the timeline of the other series that have come before our. If you haven't read any of the KGU books, I highly recommend them. The many genes they fall into from a beginning in Urban Fantasy and Sci-fi along with other genres, providing something for everyone, all having different levels of humor sprinkled expertly within the action and adventures.
Great start to a new series!
October 7, 2019
Great start
Fantastic story based on Age of Magic under Paris. I only found this story by chance as I didn't notice it on the Kurtherian Universe timeline but noticed by chance when using Michael's name (P.S.6 Oct 2019 timeline has been updated now shows true timeline of Kurtherian Universe rather than by age).
I'm looking forward to any audiobooks that may come out for the series in the UK.
If you haven't read the storm series get I'd recommend reading that first as stone mages are found when the storm mages sail to Greenland or northern Canada. The stone mages under Paris are different in that they are a mix between druid and stone mages. Druids are discussed in the feisty druid which runs after the first arc the rise of Magic where you meet first magic used discussed in all of age of Magic series.
If you love fantasy of who've read relic fantasy too complicated this is a good start as it's not too long has a good pace throughout and usually with Michael's books you don't have to wait a year or 6 months for the next one most are out within two month most are quicker unless illness or something similar and the quality isn't lost they are well audited and edited so no getting annoyed due to poor spelling unless you miss correct English e.g. UK not US spelling. I'm joking I only find it odd when English Authors write in American English sorry I digress.
In summary great addition to Age of Magic Arc in Kurtherian Universe based under Paris due to poor weather conditions after nuclear war and Age of Madness those in Paris had moved underground where magic progressed into two main areas Shadow magic and Stone magic combined with druid magic from communication with animals, healing and growing.
Fantastic story based on Age of Magic under Paris. I only found this story by chance as I didn't notice it on the Kurtherian Universe timeline but noticed by chance when using Michael's name (P.S.6 Oct 2019 timeline has been updated now shows true timeline of Kurtherian Universe rather than by age).
I'm looking forward to any audiobooks that may come out for the series in the UK.
If you haven't read the storm series get I'd recommend reading that first as stone mages are found when the storm mages sail to Greenland or northern Canada. The stone mages under Paris are different in that they are a mix between druid and stone mages. Druids are discussed in the feisty druid which runs after the first arc the rise of Magic where you meet first magic used discussed in all of age of Magic series.
If you love fantasy of who've read relic fantasy too complicated this is a good start as it's not too long has a good pace throughout and usually with Michael's books you don't have to wait a year or 6 months for the next one most are out within two month most are quicker unless illness or something similar and the quality isn't lost they are well audited and edited so no getting annoyed due to poor spelling unless you miss correct English e.g. UK not US spelling. I'm joking I only find it odd when English Authors write in American English sorry I digress.
In summary great addition to Age of Magic Arc in Kurtherian Universe based under Paris due to poor weather conditions after nuclear war and Age of Madness those in Paris had moved underground where magic progressed into two main areas Shadow magic and Stone magic combined with druid magic from communication with animals, healing and growing.
August 23, 2021
Beautifully Written Must Read
I know, Beautifully Written is a worn out cliche and can be interpreted in many ways so let me start by saying I’m not a post apocalypse fiction fan..nope, the idea of it gives me the Heebie jeebies, (climate change is scary enough) so I just don’t read it. BUT, the title of this book really caught my attention out of the many offerings on my Kindle Unlimited recommended list and though it didn’t have many reviews there was a consensus that it was a very good book, so….here I am. Five stars, no less. Maybe I should read post apocalyptic fiction now? Hmnn..
I love books about magic with a kick ass, leading female character and I’ve read dozens, maybe hundreds of them and, to my great pleasure and surprise, the heroine in THIS book managed to be very different from most all of those other women by rescuing two children and keeping them with her. You can’t call her motherly in the traditional sense but she secretly loves those kids and the way they influence her adventure is one surprise after another. Then there’s the totally cool kat mama and the bundle of energy, hund puppy..ha, I LOVE THAT KAT!
So what makes it beautifully written..besides well drawn characters and cool animals? It’s the consistent story arc. I just got done reading a story that felt like an ADHD kid in a room with too many toys who keeps changing from one toy to another. This story progresses smoothly with nicely placed plot twists that keep you wanting to read without exhausting your brain trying to keep up. I’ve never read anything like this story so it’s a wonderfully fresh, imaginative adventure that should have hundreds of 5 star reviews.
Really, try it. You’ll thank me 😉😄
I know, Beautifully Written is a worn out cliche and can be interpreted in many ways so let me start by saying I’m not a post apocalypse fiction fan..nope, the idea of it gives me the Heebie jeebies, (climate change is scary enough) so I just don’t read it. BUT, the title of this book really caught my attention out of the many offerings on my Kindle Unlimited recommended list and though it didn’t have many reviews there was a consensus that it was a very good book, so….here I am. Five stars, no less. Maybe I should read post apocalyptic fiction now? Hmnn..
I love books about magic with a kick ass, leading female character and I’ve read dozens, maybe hundreds of them and, to my great pleasure and surprise, the heroine in THIS book managed to be very different from most all of those other women by rescuing two children and keeping them with her. You can’t call her motherly in the traditional sense but she secretly loves those kids and the way they influence her adventure is one surprise after another. Then there’s the totally cool kat mama and the bundle of energy, hund puppy..ha, I LOVE THAT KAT!
So what makes it beautifully written..besides well drawn characters and cool animals? It’s the consistent story arc. I just got done reading a story that felt like an ADHD kid in a room with too many toys who keeps changing from one toy to another. This story progresses smoothly with nicely placed plot twists that keep you wanting to read without exhausting your brain trying to keep up. I’ve never read anything like this story so it’s a wonderfully fresh, imaginative adventure that should have hundreds of 5 star reviews.
Really, try it. You’ll thank me 😉😄
September 9, 2022
Wow!
I really enjoyed reading this first book of the new-to-me series: Magic Below Paris.
I hadn't a clue what to expect when I started reading it, but was soon enthralled with the story of Marsh, and how her rescue of two children leads her to discovering that she had magic that she'd never dreamed of wielding.
Her story can only be likened to a crazy roller coaster ride, going up and down, faster and faster, until so much is happening you feel dizzy with it.
Her story is exceptional, and I'm so very pleased that I bought the set, when I'd bought so many of the K series, so many months ago now.
This crazy journey of discovery that she has started on, has been so involving, it was a bit of a shock when the story ended!
Fortunately, I just glanced at my reading list, and I'm going straight on to book two of he series: Trading into Darkness, which I'm very grateful for, as I'd hate to have to stop reading this story right now!
If you've not read this, then grab a copy however you prefer to, and give it a try, because it's definitely up there with the best of the KU series.
I really enjoyed reading this first book of the new-to-me series: Magic Below Paris.
I hadn't a clue what to expect when I started reading it, but was soon enthralled with the story of Marsh, and how her rescue of two children leads her to discovering that she had magic that she'd never dreamed of wielding.
Her story can only be likened to a crazy roller coaster ride, going up and down, faster and faster, until so much is happening you feel dizzy with it.
Her story is exceptional, and I'm so very pleased that I bought the set, when I'd bought so many of the K series, so many months ago now.
This crazy journey of discovery that she has started on, has been so involving, it was a bit of a shock when the story ended!
Fortunately, I just glanced at my reading list, and I'm going straight on to book two of he series: Trading into Darkness, which I'm very grateful for, as I'd hate to have to stop reading this story right now!
If you've not read this, then grab a copy however you prefer to, and give it a try, because it's definitely up there with the best of the KU series.
December 16, 2019
A Wonderful Surprise!
I'm not sure what I was thinking when I picked up this book... but it took me by surprise! (With all the medical stuff and drugs, the mind is a terrible thing to waste) It's been hard to find something to read all the way through. But, this book grabbed me and wouldn't let me go! A Must Read!!
I'm not sure what I was thinking when I picked up this book... but it took me by surprise! (With all the medical stuff and drugs, the mind is a terrible thing to waste) It's been hard to find something to read all the way through. But, this book grabbed me and wouldn't let me go! A Must Read!!
June 27, 2020
Great story...
It took me a while to get through the book. No fault of the book, just life interfering with my play. I love these characters. I look forward to reading more and finding out how they will kick the bad guy's butt. More importantly, rescuing the kits, finding the parents and putting an end to the kidnappers. On to book 2.
It took me a while to get through the book. No fault of the book, just life interfering with my play. I love these characters. I look forward to reading more and finding out how they will kick the bad guy's butt. More importantly, rescuing the kits, finding the parents and putting an end to the kidnappers. On to book 2.
January 29, 2025
Loved this book
This is a great story. Loved reading as the plot continuously changed. Really enjoyed the interaction between the adults and the masters and the children. Interrupting the children as a parent or a relative or a teacher is about the way that they interacted in the story. I just thought that it was great .
This is a great story. Loved reading as the plot continuously changed. Really enjoyed the interaction between the adults and the masters and the children. Interrupting the children as a parent or a relative or a teacher is about the way that they interacted in the story. I just thought that it was great .
August 21, 2025
This is one of the most fantastic books I have ever read. I totally totally totally love this book.
It is so finely crafted by CM and Michael. I am so excited over this book that I have ordered the next two volums in the series. Hopefully they will come today.
A book that has both cats and dogs in it - as well as magic and fighters - and the list goes on.
It is so finely crafted by CM and Michael. I am so excited over this book that I have ordered the next two volums in the series. Hopefully they will come today.
A book that has both cats and dogs in it - as well as magic and fighters - and the list goes on.
August 8, 2020
Great characters and story
Love Marsh and the extended family building around her, especially the animals. Looking forward to following their journey and how they kick bad mage butt.
Love Marsh and the extended family building around her, especially the animals. Looking forward to following their journey and how they kick bad mage butt.
January 6, 2022
Imaginative and well written
Trading into Shadow:
This series is imaginative, heartwarming, interesting, and addictive. Always new things to learn and previously undiscovered abilities to explore. The kids are all amazing. Belief is everything. Magic is real!
-Ptators
Trading into Shadow:
This series is imaginative, heartwarming, interesting, and addictive. Always new things to learn and previously undiscovered abilities to explore. The kids are all amazing. Belief is everything. Magic is real!
-Ptators
April 16, 2022
Trading Into Shadow
This is the first book by this author that I have read. It is a action back unique paranormal mystery. It keeps you guessing what the monsters are. I like all the characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
This is the first book by this author that I have read. It is a action back unique paranormal mystery. It keeps you guessing what the monsters are. I like all the characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 19, 2024
KINDLE UNLIMITED
3.5 🌟
The world was interesting both by being underground and the magic used what confused me, though (maybe I'm overthinking or not enough) was the monster in the cavern and the magic used connected to it.
3.5 🌟
The world was interesting both by being underground and the magic used what confused me, though (maybe I'm overthinking or not enough) was the monster in the cavern and the magic used connected to it.
March 3, 2019
Good start
A good start to this new series. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions with their world. Definitely waiting for book two in the series
A good start to this new series. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions with their world. Definitely waiting for book two in the series
March 11, 2019
Good read
Enjoyed first book hope there will be the next book soon. Well worth the read, good story line which can be followed easily.
Enjoyed first book hope there will be the next book soon. Well worth the read, good story line which can be followed easily.
March 20, 2019
A great read
Another amazing addition to the KGU. With a great storie line that's intriguingly suspensful and captivating. While building great character presence a must read
Another amazing addition to the KGU. With a great storie line that's intriguingly suspensful and captivating. While building great character presence a must read
April 9, 2019
It is good
I enjoyed it and will keep reading this series. That is the best recommendation that i can give, which is to keep reading this author's books.
I enjoyed it and will keep reading this series. That is the best recommendation that i can give, which is to keep reading this author's books.
May 1, 2019
Fantastic
As usual, any and all authors who find Michael A needle are superb. Storylines are believable and you become a part of the story.
As usual, any and all authors who find Michael A needle are superb. Storylines are believable and you become a part of the story.
May 5, 2019
Fantastic Story
Love the characters and how they interact. This is the first book and I am impressed. I wish I could have been on the beta team. I will read them all.
Love the characters and how they interact. This is the first book and I am impressed. I wish I could have been on the beta team. I will read them all.
May 17, 2019
Excellent!
Great first book in the series. It’s a fresh approach to magic but draws on familiar methods. Starting book 2 in 10 minutes!
Great first book in the series. It’s a fresh approach to magic but draws on familiar methods. Starting book 2 in 10 minutes!
June 5, 2019
Nice story!
First time reading this author, enjoyed the story a lot and can’t wait to see what adventures Marsh and the others get into! Thanks!
First time reading this author, enjoyed the story a lot and can’t wait to see what adventures Marsh and the others get into! Thanks!
December 10, 2019
Good story
The story has plenty of action but also interesting characters. I really like Marsh. She is such a caring person.
The story has plenty of action but also interesting characters. I really like Marsh. She is such a caring person.
February 11, 2022
Great book
Omg this book was so good.I couldn't put it down.I can't wait to read more from this author and the series.
Omg this book was so good.I couldn't put it down.I can't wait to read more from this author and the series.
March 16, 2022
Intriguing Read!!
Extremely well written plot that pulls you in to the very end. Absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read more. A definite must read!!
Extremely well written plot that pulls you in to the very end. Absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read more. A definite must read!!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews