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The Shadow Vampire Trilogy #1
Into the Shadows: A Young Adult Paranormal Vampire Romance
Is Chloe ready to travel into the shadows?
Chloe Chastain thought the mysterious stranger from the internet was just another obsessed fan of her favorite vampire books, and she grew close to him, letting him see into her soul. When she discovered that he was the actual dangerous vampire, Theodore Dupont, from her favorite books, she vowed to forget him.
After an encounter with her childhood bully goes horribly wrong, she knows Theodore is the only one she can turn to for help, and she travels to New Orleans to find him. As she learns all about the world of the vampires and her role in it, she tries to resist her connection with Theodore, but she's not even sure if she wants to anymore.
When she finds out how much is at stake for not only Theodore and herself, but the entire New Orleans supernatural community, she's forced to make an impossible choice.
Fans of The Vampire Diaries and Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles will love this Southern gothic young adult vampire romance.
Chloe Chastain thought the mysterious stranger from the internet was just another obsessed fan of her favorite vampire books, and she grew close to him, letting him see into her soul. When she discovered that he was the actual dangerous vampire, Theodore Dupont, from her favorite books, she vowed to forget him.
After an encounter with her childhood bully goes horribly wrong, she knows Theodore is the only one she can turn to for help, and she travels to New Orleans to find him. As she learns all about the world of the vampires and her role in it, she tries to resist her connection with Theodore, but she's not even sure if she wants to anymore.
When she finds out how much is at stake for not only Theodore and herself, but the entire New Orleans supernatural community, she's forced to make an impossible choice.
Fans of The Vampire Diaries and Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles will love this Southern gothic young adult vampire romance.
- GenresYoung AdultParanormal
290 pages, Paperback
Published March 2, 2019
7 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Sara Crawford
20 books75 followersSara Crawford is an author, a playwright, and a musician. Ever since she was five years old, she has lived for art in one form or another. This manifested itself as writing plays at age eight and convincing (forcing) the neighborhood kids to perform them on her driveway, auditioning for Atlanta Ballet's The Nutcracker three years in a row before finally landing a small role as a toy soldier, starting an all-girl band in high school, writing and producing her own plays and short films, and most recently, writing a YA trilogy about a girl who falls in love with her Muse (THE MUSE CHRONICLES). Sara has been an actress, a singer, a playwright, a songwriter, a guitarist, a keyboard player, a poet, a screenwriter, and an author of both fiction and non-fiction.
She graduated in 2008 from Kennesaw State University with a B.A. in English and in 2012 from the University of New Orleans with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing (emphasis in Playwriting). She has taught creative writing courses for Southern New Hampshire University, and she has been in numerous bands in Atlanta, including Pocket the Moon. She also loves to talk about books, music, and writing on her YouTube channel. For more information visit http://saracrawford.net or https://www.youtube.com/user/saracraw....
She graduated in 2008 from Kennesaw State University with a B.A. in English and in 2012 from the University of New Orleans with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing (emphasis in Playwriting). She has taught creative writing courses for Southern New Hampshire University, and she has been in numerous bands in Atlanta, including Pocket the Moon. She also loves to talk about books, music, and writing on her YouTube channel. For more information visit http://saracrawford.net or https://www.youtube.com/user/saracraw....
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 8 reviews
March 9, 2019
I’ve previously read and enjoyed Sara Crawford’s We Own the Sky and was more than willing to devour Into the Shadows when I found out about it. As someone who is unlikely to ever grow tired of vampires, Into the Shadows offered something different that left me curious.
Into the Shadows introduces us to a paranormal world that promises us a lot of fun for the future of the series. We meet some great characters, we are introduced to interesting creatures, and the storyline leaves us with plenty of things for which we want more. It’s unique whilst giving fans of the genre the things they love, creating a read that is impossible to put down.
I wish to point out, at this point, my rating is a three-point-five-star rating rather than the three-star rating I have given it. I spent quite a bit of time debating whether I would round up or down, and in the end I opted to round down because I believe the future books will be easy four-star reads. This one was a lot of introduction, it opened up plenty of things, and a part of me feels as though too much happened for the first book considering the length.
It made for an action-packed read, one where something is always happening, but a part of me believes too much was crammed into a single book. There were some points, some aspects, where I would have been happier had things been spread out a bit more, if we’d received a bit more detail. Despite this, I was addicted. I happily devoured the book in a single sitting and need to see what happens next.
With so much fun throughout Into the Shadows, I cannot wait to see what the next book in the series brings.
Into the Shadows introduces us to a paranormal world that promises us a lot of fun for the future of the series. We meet some great characters, we are introduced to interesting creatures, and the storyline leaves us with plenty of things for which we want more. It’s unique whilst giving fans of the genre the things they love, creating a read that is impossible to put down.
I wish to point out, at this point, my rating is a three-point-five-star rating rather than the three-star rating I have given it. I spent quite a bit of time debating whether I would round up or down, and in the end I opted to round down because I believe the future books will be easy four-star reads. This one was a lot of introduction, it opened up plenty of things, and a part of me feels as though too much happened for the first book considering the length.
It made for an action-packed read, one where something is always happening, but a part of me believes too much was crammed into a single book. There were some points, some aspects, where I would have been happier had things been spread out a bit more, if we’d received a bit more detail. Despite this, I was addicted. I happily devoured the book in a single sitting and need to see what happens next.
With so much fun throughout Into the Shadows, I cannot wait to see what the next book in the series brings.
March 21, 2019
I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Into the shadows is a short novel Sara wrote while she was working on and struggling with the final book in The Muse Chronicles series, You and the Night. I am highly anticipating this book finale, which I guess is very clear since the first two books made it to my Top 18 in 2018 bookish list. So when Sara reached out and asked if I wanted to read and review Into the Shadows, I said of course!
This book sort of hit a sweet spot for me cause teenage me had a WIP about a girl who loved reading about vampires and ends up discovering that the fictional world she once loved and devoured is actually a harsh existing reality. This made me so excited to see something a bit similar written and published.
Into the Shadows is a fun, action-packed, entertaining, fast read. The writing style and pacing are so different than those in The Muse Chronicles. It is very reminiscent of Michelle Madow’s novel writing style, which I actually love and enjoy. But these kinds of stories tend to be very fast paced, making them often miss out on exploring the storyline in a more detailed way. Because I enjoyed the plot and the characters, I was disappointed I couldn’t be fully immersed in this fictional world. However, I do feel like the sequel is going to be more detailed, and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next. That ending was very interesting…..
Till next time,
Ayah
Into the shadows is a short novel Sara wrote while she was working on and struggling with the final book in The Muse Chronicles series, You and the Night. I am highly anticipating this book finale, which I guess is very clear since the first two books made it to my Top 18 in 2018 bookish list. So when Sara reached out and asked if I wanted to read and review Into the Shadows, I said of course!
This book sort of hit a sweet spot for me cause teenage me had a WIP about a girl who loved reading about vampires and ends up discovering that the fictional world she once loved and devoured is actually a harsh existing reality. This made me so excited to see something a bit similar written and published.
Into the Shadows is a fun, action-packed, entertaining, fast read. The writing style and pacing are so different than those in The Muse Chronicles. It is very reminiscent of Michelle Madow’s novel writing style, which I actually love and enjoy. But these kinds of stories tend to be very fast paced, making them often miss out on exploring the storyline in a more detailed way. Because I enjoyed the plot and the characters, I was disappointed I couldn’t be fully immersed in this fictional world. However, I do feel like the sequel is going to be more detailed, and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next. That ending was very interesting…..
Till next time,
Ayah
May 9, 2019
I am going to come out and say it: I am not a huge fan of PNR’s that feature vampire. Ever since the whole Twilight craze, I have steered clear of them. I like my vampires in the dark and evil. Not glittery and good (well goodish). So when I was approached to review Into the Shadows, I went back and forth about accepting the invite. I decided to accept the invite because of the blurb. Enough information was given to make me go “Hmmm.“
The plotline for Into the Shadows was simple. Chloe travels to New Orleans to meet her online friend, Theo. She met Theo through a forum dedicated to a series of vampire novels that she was obsessed with. When Chloe meets Theo, she finds out that Theo is Theodore Dupont, the dangerous vampire from the series. At that meeting, who and what she was and what she was to the supernatural community. There are choices to be made and battles to be fought. Will Chloe be able to adapt to her new reality?
As I was reading Into the Shadows, I was reminded of The Vampire Diaries. I could picture Theo as Damon and Chloe as Elena. But, the deeper I got into the book, the more those two characters took on their personalities.
I didn’t know how Chloe dealt with everything being thrown at her at once. I would have gone off the deep end. She was thrust into a world that she did not know about. And then to find out about her parents. It was awful. I didn’t blame her for going catatonic for two weeks. I did like her, though. She was strong and adaptable. I didn’t like that she was made into a blood whore, though. I thought it diminished her character. She was able to bounce back, but still.
I did like Theo. He didn’t live up to what Chloe imagined him to be. Which was a good thing, believe me on this. I do wish that the author went more into his background. His real background, not the one that the author embellished. I thought it was fascinating that his blood tasted like strawberries.
The secondary characters were well developed and brought an extra depth to the book. I loved Daliah and Chloe’s friendship. I did think that Chloe was right to question it, though. I was a bit iffy with Christine for 75% of the book. I thought that Thomas was a slimy jerk. He deserved what he got.
There is no sex in Into the Shadows. Which I was fine with. I liked seeing Theo and Chloe fall in love. It was refreshing to read without them jumping in bed every 5 mins.
The end of Into the Shadows was interesting. I’m not going to go much into it except to say that I want a Faerie. If you have read the book, then you understand why I said that. I also will say that the scene with Chloe’s parents was heartbreaking. Talk about trying not to cry in a public place (where I was reading the book). I snorted a couple of times trying to reign in my emotions. I will say that I was surprised at what was revealed in the last chapter. I can’t wait to see what the next book will bring!!
The plotline for Into the Shadows was simple. Chloe travels to New Orleans to meet her online friend, Theo. She met Theo through a forum dedicated to a series of vampire novels that she was obsessed with. When Chloe meets Theo, she finds out that Theo is Theodore Dupont, the dangerous vampire from the series. At that meeting, who and what she was and what she was to the supernatural community. There are choices to be made and battles to be fought. Will Chloe be able to adapt to her new reality?
As I was reading Into the Shadows, I was reminded of The Vampire Diaries. I could picture Theo as Damon and Chloe as Elena. But, the deeper I got into the book, the more those two characters took on their personalities.
I didn’t know how Chloe dealt with everything being thrown at her at once. I would have gone off the deep end. She was thrust into a world that she did not know about. And then to find out about her parents. It was awful. I didn’t blame her for going catatonic for two weeks. I did like her, though. She was strong and adaptable. I didn’t like that she was made into a blood whore, though. I thought it diminished her character. She was able to bounce back, but still.
I did like Theo. He didn’t live up to what Chloe imagined him to be. Which was a good thing, believe me on this. I do wish that the author went more into his background. His real background, not the one that the author embellished. I thought it was fascinating that his blood tasted like strawberries.
The secondary characters were well developed and brought an extra depth to the book. I loved Daliah and Chloe’s friendship. I did think that Chloe was right to question it, though. I was a bit iffy with Christine for 75% of the book. I thought that Thomas was a slimy jerk. He deserved what he got.
There is no sex in Into the Shadows. Which I was fine with. I liked seeing Theo and Chloe fall in love. It was refreshing to read without them jumping in bed every 5 mins.
The end of Into the Shadows was interesting. I’m not going to go much into it except to say that I want a Faerie. If you have read the book, then you understand why I said that. I also will say that the scene with Chloe’s parents was heartbreaking. Talk about trying not to cry in a public place (where I was reading the book). I snorted a couple of times trying to reign in my emotions. I will say that I was surprised at what was revealed in the last chapter. I can’t wait to see what the next book will bring!!
March 6, 2019
Vampire fangirl meets vampires. Much fangirling ensues, and drama.
So back in the day, I read Interview With A Vampire and the sequels with a voracious hunger. It was back in the olden times, before The Google, so I couldn't go full online fangirl, but in my time I've developed unhealthy attachments to a handful of fictional characters and their worlds.
Enter this book.
Chloe is the number one fan for a vampire series set in New Orleans. (Sounds... Familiar?). She's read and memorized the books, fangirls so hard online, does amazing artwork of the characters, and met someone who claims to be Lest... Um, Theodore online. And he wants to meet her, and he sends the most amazing dress for her to wear, and OMG I can't even. I've got to pause and collect my thoughts. In the meantime, here's Chloe describing herself in said amazing dress.
"It’s hard not to know when everyone thinks you’re conventionally attractive. I’m a blonde cheerleader with decent curves and a reasonably athletic body so naturally, I'm used to a certain amount of attention. But I never thought I could look like this. I look like someone with desire in her eyes. I look like someone who’s swallowing a dark secret. I always thought I looked like a magazine—shallow and superficial—but tonight, I look like a literary novel with complex layers."
Whew, that's better. Not only is Chloe suddenly in a world she's dreamed of for years, people from her mundane world cross her path in unexpected ways. Without spoilers, the story ends satisfactorily, but clearly leaves room for the series to grow. I'd be interested in reading more.
The good: The characters are likeable; I completely relate to obsessive fangirling. The story is a fierce tribute and spin of a more famous vampire series - or combination of - but always respectfully done.
The predictable: Insta-love between immortal bloodsucker and teenage girl. Other paranormal creatures as enemies. Insatiable sucking of Theodore's wrist, and blood.
The things I won't give spoilers about: Secrety secret stuff. Read it yourself to find out.
Overall? 4.5 for fangirl enthusiasm and a quickly paced book, rounding up to 5. There are some themes that have been explored before, but it's a fun read and I want to see what happens to the characters next.
The author gave me a copy of this book for review purposes.
So back in the day, I read Interview With A Vampire and the sequels with a voracious hunger. It was back in the olden times, before The Google, so I couldn't go full online fangirl, but in my time I've developed unhealthy attachments to a handful of fictional characters and their worlds.
Enter this book.
Chloe is the number one fan for a vampire series set in New Orleans. (Sounds... Familiar?). She's read and memorized the books, fangirls so hard online, does amazing artwork of the characters, and met someone who claims to be Lest... Um, Theodore online. And he wants to meet her, and he sends the most amazing dress for her to wear, and OMG I can't even. I've got to pause and collect my thoughts. In the meantime, here's Chloe describing herself in said amazing dress.
"It’s hard not to know when everyone thinks you’re conventionally attractive. I’m a blonde cheerleader with decent curves and a reasonably athletic body so naturally, I'm used to a certain amount of attention. But I never thought I could look like this. I look like someone with desire in her eyes. I look like someone who’s swallowing a dark secret. I always thought I looked like a magazine—shallow and superficial—but tonight, I look like a literary novel with complex layers."
Whew, that's better. Not only is Chloe suddenly in a world she's dreamed of for years, people from her mundane world cross her path in unexpected ways. Without spoilers, the story ends satisfactorily, but clearly leaves room for the series to grow. I'd be interested in reading more.
The good: The characters are likeable; I completely relate to obsessive fangirling. The story is a fierce tribute and spin of a more famous vampire series - or combination of - but always respectfully done.
The predictable: Insta-love between immortal bloodsucker and teenage girl. Other paranormal creatures as enemies. Insatiable sucking of Theodore's wrist, and blood.
The things I won't give spoilers about: Secrety secret stuff. Read it yourself to find out.
Overall? 4.5 for fangirl enthusiasm and a quickly paced book, rounding up to 5. There are some themes that have been explored before, but it's a fun read and I want to see what happens to the characters next.
The author gave me a copy of this book for review purposes.
October 4, 2020
This is the first book in the Shadows Ascending Trilogy, a young adult paranormal vampires romance. This story has archangels, demons, and vampires. Lorelei and Vincent’s story is complex and captivating. Lorelei is beautiful, strong, and smart. Vincent is handsome and protective. They share and undeniable chemistry. I like their slow burn romance. The supporting characters are intriguing. The world building is well done and intricate, The story ends with a cliffhanger. Sarah Puckett and Tim Paige did a great job with the narration. Looking forward to listen to the next book in the Series.
March 30, 2019
Brilliant story. Absolutely fabulous. Chloe is a seventeen-year-old whose only worries are what she is going to do after she finishes high school. She is also fascinated with a series of books with vampires in it. One of the characters is Theodore and he just happens to be a vampire. Then his character comes to life and this is where the fun begins. Very highly recommended book and I cannot wait for the next one so I can continue reading this marvellous series.
November 2, 2019
Very good
This is a well written story. The characters were interesting. The storyline was good. It did tend to drag on a bit, but is definitely worth the read.
This is a well written story. The characters were interesting. The storyline was good. It did tend to drag on a bit, but is definitely worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 8 reviews