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The War in Shadow Saga #1
Shadow Moves
One wrong move means interstellar war.
Faith Benson was a distinguished officer heading for a promising career. Then came her assignment to the Pandora. A posting aboard a search-and-rescue ship was usually the end of the line in the Kedraalian Republic Navy.
When an accident sends the Pandora into the demilitarized zone separating the Republic from its greatest enemy, the ship's reckless captain follows an SOS signal into enemy territory. Once the rescue begins, things quickly spiral out of control, putting Faith's leadership abilities to the test.
Can she save her crew from capture, or will the misguided rescue operation lead to war?
Grab this suspenseful military space opera tale to find out!
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2019
132 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
P.R. Adams
72 books93 followersI was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. I joined the Air Force, and my career took me from coast to coast before depositing me in the St. Louis, Missouri area for several years. After a tour in Korea and a short return to the St. Louis area, I retired and moved to the greater Denver, Colorado metropolitan area.
I write speculative fiction, mostly science fiction and fantasy. My favorite writers over the years have been Robert E. Howard, Philip K. Dick, Roger Zelazny, and Michael Crichton.
I write speculative fiction, mostly science fiction and fantasy. My favorite writers over the years have been Robert E. Howard, Philip K. Dick, Roger Zelazny, and Michael Crichton.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 21, 2020
The main character in this military science fiction novel is Lt. Commander Faith Benson. Although she was accomplished in her early career, her job as XO of the search-and-rescue starship Pandora seems to be more than a bit of a let-down. A seemingly routine mission is interrupted when the ship is afflicted first by a drive malfunction which takes them into a “neutral zone” between her ship’s territory and that of a war-like neighbor. Then the ship receives a call for help from a disabled ship, and her captain orders the ship to move closer to the hostile territory, rather than retreating toward the safety of their own territory. Trouble ensues, and Faith and the crew of Pandora end up in a difficult situation indeed. This yarn has as many villains as good guys, and one must read the entire novel to sort out which is which.
For an “indie published” military science fiction novel, this one is overall a pleasurable read. The usual problems of poor grammar, punctuation, and formatting are all absent. The main character, Faith Benson, is well drawn, as are some of her colleagues. The bad guys aren’t all bad, which I also like.
Exposition for a book with lots of characters can be difficult; when the scope of the story to unfold is an entire series, it can be exponentially more difficult. Making each book stand alone, with a manageable cast of characters, a crafting a plot that moves but doesn’t contort, and supplying a satisfying end point for each novel, is especially difficult. Talented series writers seem to handle such problems quite well. Lois McMaster Bujold does a fabulous job of making each book in her space opera series stand alone reasonably well, and seldom does the reader need a cast of characters list. However, David Weber’s Honor Harrington series tended to bog down with a combination of too many characters and way too much politicking. Adam’s book falls between those two well regarded military science fiction authors.
While Shadow Moves is the first in a series, Adams does a reasonable job of introducing his point of view characters, and the plot moves along fairly well for the first few chapters. But, the further in I got, the more I had to re-read a few passages to keep the characters straight. Whether or not one believes that the characters are believable is probably based on the reader’s pre-conceived notions of military and criminal behavior. The plot is complex, as are several of the characters.
While I really liked this novel, I can’t quite call it a five-star read.
For an “indie published” military science fiction novel, this one is overall a pleasurable read. The usual problems of poor grammar, punctuation, and formatting are all absent. The main character, Faith Benson, is well drawn, as are some of her colleagues. The bad guys aren’t all bad, which I also like.
Exposition for a book with lots of characters can be difficult; when the scope of the story to unfold is an entire series, it can be exponentially more difficult. Making each book stand alone, with a manageable cast of characters, a crafting a plot that moves but doesn’t contort, and supplying a satisfying end point for each novel, is especially difficult. Talented series writers seem to handle such problems quite well. Lois McMaster Bujold does a fabulous job of making each book in her space opera series stand alone reasonably well, and seldom does the reader need a cast of characters list. However, David Weber’s Honor Harrington series tended to bog down with a combination of too many characters and way too much politicking. Adam’s book falls between those two well regarded military science fiction authors.
While Shadow Moves is the first in a series, Adams does a reasonable job of introducing his point of view characters, and the plot moves along fairly well for the first few chapters. But, the further in I got, the more I had to re-read a few passages to keep the characters straight. Whether or not one believes that the characters are believable is probably based on the reader’s pre-conceived notions of military and criminal behavior. The plot is complex, as are several of the characters.
While I really liked this novel, I can’t quite call it a five-star read.
February 18, 2025
PR Adams brings us a new universe with this “War in Shadow” series, the first book of which is “Shadow Moves”. As with his other books, this is a crisply crafted saga with a great cast of characters (good, bad and in-between) in a believable universe.
The small search and rescue ship Pandora is in FTL Fold Space when something drops it out hundreds of light years off course - something that is supposed to be impossible - deep inside the no man’s land of the neutral zone between interstellar powers. Lt Commander Faith Benson was supposed to be on the fast track, but her career has been dead-ended for several years now, stuck as first officer of the Pandora. When calamity strikes, Faith must save the crew from unexpected threats. But she discovers there isn’t just one threat, and her attempts to get the ship out of the neutral zone to avoid interstellar war with her government’s worst enemy run into one problem after another.
It’s a suspenseful tale with some great twists, and I’m eager for the next book.
The small search and rescue ship Pandora is in FTL Fold Space when something drops it out hundreds of light years off course - something that is supposed to be impossible - deep inside the no man’s land of the neutral zone between interstellar powers. Lt Commander Faith Benson was supposed to be on the fast track, but her career has been dead-ended for several years now, stuck as first officer of the Pandora. When calamity strikes, Faith must save the crew from unexpected threats. But she discovers there isn’t just one threat, and her attempts to get the ship out of the neutral zone to avoid interstellar war with her government’s worst enemy run into one problem after another.
It’s a suspenseful tale with some great twists, and I’m eager for the next book.
March 12, 2022
Traitors role
Simple predictable plot that never follow reader's expectations. Do not give up because beneath the misdirection is the author objective -what is a traitors role. Hope when you get to ending, can say did not see that coming.
Simple predictable plot that never follow reader's expectations. Do not give up because beneath the misdirection is the author objective -what is a traitors role. Hope when you get to ending, can say did not see that coming.
September 25, 2020
This book is a mix of sci fi and mystery spy thriller. No big space battles but still plenty of fighting action inside the ships. There are many twist and finding out who the spies are is a lot of fun. You will not know until the end so have fun and enjoy a well written book.
March 7, 2021
The main character in this military science fiction novel is Lt. Commander Faith Benson. Although she was accomplished in her early career, her job as XO of the search-and-rescue starship Pandora seems to be more than a bit of a let-down. A seemingly routine mission is interrupted when the ship is afflicted first by a drive malfunction which takes them into a “neutral zone” between her ship’s territory and that of a war-like neighbor. Then the ship receives a call for help from a disabled ship, and her captain orders the ship to move closer to the hostile territory, rather than retreating toward the safety of their own territory. Trouble ensues, and Faith and the crew of Pandora end up in a difficult situation indeed. This yarn has as many villains as good guys, and one must read the entire novel to sort out which is which.
For an “indie published” military science fiction novel, this one is overall a pleasurable read. The usual problems of poor grammar, punctuation, and formatting are all absent. The main character, Faith Benson, is well drawn, as are some of her colleagues. The bad guys aren’t all bad, which I also like.
Exposition for a book with lots of characters can be difficult; when the scope of the story to unfold is an entire series, it can be exponentially more difficult. Making each book stand alone, with a manageable cast of characters, a crafting a plot that moves but doesn’t contort, and supplying a satisfying end point for each novel, is especially difficult. Talented series writers seem to handle such problems quite well. Lois McMaster Bujold does a fabulous job of making each book in her space opera series stand alone reasonably well, and seldom does the reader need a cast of characters list. However, David Weber’s Honor Harrington series tends to bog down with a combination of too many characters and way too much politicking. Adam’s book falls between those two well regarded military science fiction authors.
While Shadow Moves is the first in a series, Adams does a reasonable job of introducing his point of view characters, and the plot moves along fairly well for the first few chapters. But, the further in I got, the more I had to re-read a few passages to keep the characters straight. Whether or not one believes that the characters are believable is probably based on the reader’s pre-conceived notions of military and criminal behavior. The plot is complex, as are several of the characters.
While I really liked this novel, I can’t quite call it a five-star read. Still, I might check out the rest of the series.
For an “indie published” military science fiction novel, this one is overall a pleasurable read. The usual problems of poor grammar, punctuation, and formatting are all absent. The main character, Faith Benson, is well drawn, as are some of her colleagues. The bad guys aren’t all bad, which I also like.
Exposition for a book with lots of characters can be difficult; when the scope of the story to unfold is an entire series, it can be exponentially more difficult. Making each book stand alone, with a manageable cast of characters, a crafting a plot that moves but doesn’t contort, and supplying a satisfying end point for each novel, is especially difficult. Talented series writers seem to handle such problems quite well. Lois McMaster Bujold does a fabulous job of making each book in her space opera series stand alone reasonably well, and seldom does the reader need a cast of characters list. However, David Weber’s Honor Harrington series tends to bog down with a combination of too many characters and way too much politicking. Adam’s book falls between those two well regarded military science fiction authors.
While Shadow Moves is the first in a series, Adams does a reasonable job of introducing his point of view characters, and the plot moves along fairly well for the first few chapters. But, the further in I got, the more I had to re-read a few passages to keep the characters straight. Whether or not one believes that the characters are believable is probably based on the reader’s pre-conceived notions of military and criminal behavior. The plot is complex, as are several of the characters.
While I really liked this novel, I can’t quite call it a five-star read. Still, I might check out the rest of the series.
November 29, 2023
Fun read
The best part is that this book kept me guessing. Sci-Fi and intrigue. What's not to like? This isn't a straightforward read. Be sure you can devote some time to this one. I'm looking forward to the next.
The best part is that this book kept me guessing. Sci-Fi and intrigue. What's not to like? This isn't a straightforward read. Be sure you can devote some time to this one. I'm looking forward to the next.
August 3, 2020
I am a prolific reader across different genres and authors.Phil Adams is right at the top of the authors that I can't wait to read their books.
This book by Phil the first in 'The War in Shadow' series is no exception.
One of Phil's great talents is in the intricate but compelling storylines he writes and the way he builds on the characters in his books.
He also seems to have this talent for writing several books in different storylines at the same time.
Everyone leaves you wanting more.
If you haven't read any of his books before then grab this one for a start , you will not be disappointed.
This book by Phil the first in 'The War in Shadow' series is no exception.
One of Phil's great talents is in the intricate but compelling storylines he writes and the way he builds on the characters in his books.
He also seems to have this talent for writing several books in different storylines at the same time.
Everyone leaves you wanting more.
If you haven't read any of his books before then grab this one for a start , you will not be disappointed.
December 8, 2020
Great sci-fi read
This was a great story it's the first of a series that starts with action and twists along with some great characters
This was a great story it's the first of a series that starts with action and twists along with some great characters
November 28, 2022
Good Read
Good action,nice story line and Great ending. Very enjoyable read, I finished in one afternoon because I could not put it down
Good action,nice story line and Great ending. Very enjoyable read, I finished in one afternoon because I could not put it down
April 2, 2021
Shadow Moves by P. R . Adams
It’s a space opera! With war ships! a DMZ! Search and rescue ships! Pirate ships! Hot guys, hot women, dumb guys with guns, dumb ... ok, no dumb women.
This is about an event that pulls together a bunch of ships into a dangerous situation, which escalates pretty quickly. There is this S&R ship which finds its self in a bad location, then receives an SOS - gotta respond, right. The lost ship turns out to have its own problems, and eventually the Military arrive. There’s an early suggestion of Intelligence which manifests later in the story.
Ok, that’s the good bit. The story winds around a bit, characters have lots of thoughts of ‘possibilities’ without anything actually happening. The idea of conflicting multiple Intelligence groups is a good concept. But the Intelligence team planted really only take control in the last few chapters, this makes the ending rather sudden, and we’re left not knowing exactly what the objectives are/were. I’d like to see more of the inter-Intelligence rivalry, so maybe the second book soon.
It’s ok 2/5
MyKey: bad 1/5, ok 2/5, good 3/5, great 4/5, unusually outstanding 5/5
It’s a space opera! With war ships! a DMZ! Search and rescue ships! Pirate ships! Hot guys, hot women, dumb guys with guns, dumb ... ok, no dumb women.
This is about an event that pulls together a bunch of ships into a dangerous situation, which escalates pretty quickly. There is this S&R ship which finds its self in a bad location, then receives an SOS - gotta respond, right. The lost ship turns out to have its own problems, and eventually the Military arrive. There’s an early suggestion of Intelligence which manifests later in the story.
Ok, that’s the good bit. The story winds around a bit, characters have lots of thoughts of ‘possibilities’ without anything actually happening. The idea of conflicting multiple Intelligence groups is a good concept. But the Intelligence team planted really only take control in the last few chapters, this makes the ending rather sudden, and we’re left not knowing exactly what the objectives are/were. I’d like to see more of the inter-Intelligence rivalry, so maybe the second book soon.
It’s ok 2/5
MyKey: bad 1/5, ok 2/5, good 3/5, great 4/5, unusually outstanding 5/5
February 27, 2025
I've never been more angry at the ending of a book
Began as a pretty standard military sci-fi story and ends with the sadistic torture of innocents and all the good guys dead or disabled, pawns thrown away by their government in service to a supposedly successful espionage play. The "hero" throughout the story is abandoned and one left standing is a government agent with zero integrity or conscience. I've never felt more betrayed by a book. Left me feeling like the author will be laughing at the fools gullible enough to even spend a dollar on another one of his books.
Began as a pretty standard military sci-fi story and ends with the sadistic torture of innocents and all the good guys dead or disabled, pawns thrown away by their government in service to a supposedly successful espionage play. The "hero" throughout the story is abandoned and one left standing is a government agent with zero integrity or conscience. I've never felt more betrayed by a book. Left me feeling like the author will be laughing at the fools gullible enough to even spend a dollar on another one of his books.
June 9, 2021
really loved Rimes Trilogy, this not so much
I felt compelled to finish this book, to really give it a chance but was so disappointed. several characters were just over the top while there is an underlying suspense aspect that is good. really a shame Adams didn't do more to move the story along.
I felt compelled to finish this book, to really give it a chance but was so disappointed. several characters were just over the top while there is an underlying suspense aspect that is good. really a shame Adams didn't do more to move the story along.
August 31, 2021
I was able to finish this book. I'm not 100% sure what happened. I feel like the author got a little too cute with the twists. I really want to rate it about 2.5 stars. I saw that there are more books in the series but I'll pass.
May 14, 2022
This story was well written but I had a hard time getting into it. The characters drove me a little crazy and there wasn’t a lot of background to explain how everything ends. Having said that, kudos to the author for a pretty unique story. The ending was totally unexpected.
June 13, 2023
It's not too bad
Characters were well defined. A lot of them died, but who knows, in book 2, if they get out of the guewy medical chambers, they could live on to have another tragic adventure. I'll have to read it and see.
Characters were well defined. A lot of them died, but who knows, in book 2, if they get out of the guewy medical chambers, they could live on to have another tragic adventure. I'll have to read it and see.
October 11, 2020
Too much attention to brutality (Gabriel). A soul searching privateer??? (Rai) He waited too long. I saw that ending. Trust No One. If this is how it ends for book one (1) I DON'T want to continue.
February 16, 2021
Wanted to like
Can't believe this was written by a ex military author. The MC just ruined this me. Only made it half way through.
Can't believe this was written by a ex military author. The MC just ruined this me. Only made it half way through.
April 6, 2022
Everyone but one spy dies. Everyone including the other spy. Spies were Penn and Stiles. I don’t really feel like there was a good conclusion to the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2024
Running around in a small place sums it up beautifully. Reminds me of a film noir, where the shadows were hiding the budget scenery and props. Nothing special, move along.
December 30, 2024
Did not care for the end.
I did not care for the end. Otherwise a good story! Reading the rest in the series does not interest me though.
I did not care for the end. Otherwise a good story! Reading the rest in the series does not interest me though.
June 21, 2019
I felt for the crew and the survivors. I’m not sure I can read the next books, given the cold cruelty of these human societies.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews