What do you think?
Rate this book
Sentinels of the Galaxy #2
Chasing the Shadows
Year 2522. Lyra Daniels is dead.
Okay, so I only died for sixty-six seconds. But when I came back to life, I got a brand new name and a snazzy new uniform. Go me! Seriously, though, it's very important that Lyra Daniels stays dead, at least as far as my ex-friend Jarren, the murdering looter, knows.
While dying is the scariest thing that's happened to me, it morphed my worming skills. I can manipulate the Q-net like never before. But Jarren has blocked us from communicating with the rest of the galaxy and now they believe we've gone silent, like Planet Xinji (where silent really means dead).
A Protector Class spaceship is coming to our rescue, but we still have to survive almost two years before they arrive - if they arrive at all. Until then, we have to figure out how to stop an unstoppable alien threat. And it's only a matter of time before Jarren learns I'm not dead and returns to finish what he started.
There's no way I'm going to let Jarren win. Instead I'll do whatever it takes to save the people I love. But even I'm running out of ideas...
Okay, so I only died for sixty-six seconds. But when I came back to life, I got a brand new name and a snazzy new uniform. Go me! Seriously, though, it's very important that Lyra Daniels stays dead, at least as far as my ex-friend Jarren, the murdering looter, knows.
While dying is the scariest thing that's happened to me, it morphed my worming skills. I can manipulate the Q-net like never before. But Jarren has blocked us from communicating with the rest of the galaxy and now they believe we've gone silent, like Planet Xinji (where silent really means dead).
A Protector Class spaceship is coming to our rescue, but we still have to survive almost two years before they arrive - if they arrive at all. Until then, we have to figure out how to stop an unstoppable alien threat. And it's only a matter of time before Jarren learns I'm not dead and returns to finish what he started.
There's no way I'm going to let Jarren win. Instead I'll do whatever it takes to save the people I love. But even I'm running out of ideas...
439 pages, Paperback
First published November 18, 2019
164 people are currently reading
2262 people want to read
About the author
Maria V. Snyder
75 books17.4k followersWhen Maria V. Snyder was younger, she aspired to be a storm chaser in the American Midwest so she attended Pennsylvania State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology. Much to her chagrin, forecasting the weather wasn’t in her skill set so she spent a number of years as an environmental meteorologist, which is not exciting...at all. Bored at work and needing a creative outlet, she started writing fantasy and science fiction stories. Over twenty four novels and two short story collections later, Maria’s learned a thing or three about writing. She’s been on the New York Times bestseller list, won a dozen awards, and has earned her Masters of Arts degree in Writing from Seton Hill University, where she is now a faculty member.
Her favorite color is red. She loves dogs, but is allergic, instead she has a big black tom cat named…Kitty (apparently naming cats isn’t in her skill set either). Maria also has a husband and two children who are an inspiration for her writing when they aren't being a distraction. Note: She mentions her cat before her family.
When she's not writing she's either playing pickleball, traveling, or taking pictures. Being a writer, though is a ton of fun. Where else can you take fencing lessons, learn how to ride a horse, study marital arts, learn how to pick a lock, take glass blowing classes and attend Astronomy Camp and call it research? Maria will be the first one to tell you it's not working as a meteorologist.
Readers are welcome to check out her website for book excerpts, free short stories, maps, blog, and her schedule at http://www.MariaVSnyder.com.
Her favorite color is red. She loves dogs, but is allergic, instead she has a big black tom cat named…Kitty (apparently naming cats isn’t in her skill set either). Maria also has a husband and two children who are an inspiration for her writing when they aren't being a distraction. Note: She mentions her cat before her family.
When she's not writing she's either playing pickleball, traveling, or taking pictures. Being a writer, though is a ton of fun. Where else can you take fencing lessons, learn how to ride a horse, study marital arts, learn how to pick a lock, take glass blowing classes and attend Astronomy Camp and call it research? Maria will be the first one to tell you it's not working as a meteorologist.
Readers are welcome to check out her website for book excerpts, free short stories, maps, blog, and her schedule at http://www.MariaVSnyder.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
August 26, 2019
Of course I'm giving my book 5 stars :) This series has been so much fun to write!
February 13, 2021
It’s the year 2522 on the planet Yulin and Lyra Daniels is dead. In her place is Ara Lawrence and her skills are far superior in the Q-net (magic quantum internet) than prior to her death. As Radcliffe and the security team work with Ara in identifying the shadow-blobs, stopping their attacks as well as preparing for Jarren to attack, killing them all, Ara’s intense training continues.
Ara works with Beau on the Q-net and her discoveries are astronomical. Niall is part of the security team while Ara’s parents are champing at the bit to investigate the pits for the Warriors. But all the while, danger circulates, from the shadow blobs as well as Jarren and his looters. Waiting for almost two years for the Protector Class spaceship to arrive on Yulin means they have to do this themselves. But are they up to facing the shadows; and stopping Jarren? Ara only knows she’ll do all she can to keep her loved ones alive…
Chasing the Shadows is the 2nd in the Sentinels of the Galaxy trilogy by Maria V. Snyder and I was captivated from the beginning to the end. Fascinating stuff! Ara has matured significantly since the first book, and her determination and courage makes her a strong character. I’m really looking forward to #3, Defending the Galaxy, which I have planned for March. Highly recommended.
With thanks to HarperCollins AU and Eloise Plant for my copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
Ara works with Beau on the Q-net and her discoveries are astronomical. Niall is part of the security team while Ara’s parents are champing at the bit to investigate the pits for the Warriors. But all the while, danger circulates, from the shadow blobs as well as Jarren and his looters. Waiting for almost two years for the Protector Class spaceship to arrive on Yulin means they have to do this themselves. But are they up to facing the shadows; and stopping Jarren? Ara only knows she’ll do all she can to keep her loved ones alive…
Chasing the Shadows is the 2nd in the Sentinels of the Galaxy trilogy by Maria V. Snyder and I was captivated from the beginning to the end. Fascinating stuff! Ara has matured significantly since the first book, and her determination and courage makes her a strong character. I’m really looking forward to #3, Defending the Galaxy, which I have planned for March. Highly recommended.
With thanks to HarperCollins AU and Eloise Plant for my copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2021
The story is getting better and better and the Terra Cotta warrior's mystery is still unsolved.
Lots of action in this second book and new relationships are formed. Finally some bander between friends, in which MVS is a master, and I can't wait to get some answers....
January 16, 2020
Finally finished! That was such a hard slog and I still don’t really understand why 😫
Firstly, thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an e-ARC copy of the book - I got totally overexcited as I always do when I'm on Netgalley, and had forgotten I had pre-ordered a copy of the book too. Which was fine, because I had the hard copy for home and the e-version on my Kindle, phone and iPad, so I was set 😊
So basically, this is the second book in a sci fi series set in space, with a family of archaeologists exploring the galaxy and discovering alien races, Terracotta Warriors, space looters and ways to mentally connect to the 'Q-Net' that really shouldn't be possible, plus of course travelling using time dilation. With an angsty teen romance thrown in for good measure.
Just to be clear, I absolutely LOVE Maria's books and really enjoyed Navigating the Stars (book 1 in this series) but I just could not get into Chasing the Shadows. I found the writing to be really stilted, with very short sentences and a lot of first person musing. I'm sure there's a solid literary reason for this - maybe to create tension or something - but for me, it just made it hard going and not enjoyable to read.
The book kicked off where Navigating the Stars finished, which was great, but took forever to get anywhere and I nearly DNFed half way through - but I just couldn't do that to a Maria V Snyder book! I'm glad I stuck with it though, because it picked up in the last quarter and I will (of course) read the next one.
This was a 3 ✨read for me.
#ChasingTheShadows #Netgalley
Firstly, thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an e-ARC copy of the book - I got totally overexcited as I always do when I'm on Netgalley, and had forgotten I had pre-ordered a copy of the book too. Which was fine, because I had the hard copy for home and the e-version on my Kindle, phone and iPad, so I was set 😊
So basically, this is the second book in a sci fi series set in space, with a family of archaeologists exploring the galaxy and discovering alien races, Terracotta Warriors, space looters and ways to mentally connect to the 'Q-Net' that really shouldn't be possible, plus of course travelling using time dilation. With an angsty teen romance thrown in for good measure.
Just to be clear, I absolutely LOVE Maria's books and really enjoyed Navigating the Stars (book 1 in this series) but I just could not get into Chasing the Shadows. I found the writing to be really stilted, with very short sentences and a lot of first person musing. I'm sure there's a solid literary reason for this - maybe to create tension or something - but for me, it just made it hard going and not enjoyable to read.
The book kicked off where Navigating the Stars finished, which was great, but took forever to get anywhere and I nearly DNFed half way through - but I just couldn't do that to a Maria V Snyder book! I'm glad I stuck with it though, because it picked up in the last quarter and I will (of course) read the next one.
This was a 3 ✨read for me.
#ChasingTheShadows #Netgalley
September 26, 2020
I didn't think it was possible, but I loved this even more than book one in the series! Fabulous storytelling here. The mix of action, humor, and romance is just perfect.
July 14, 2020
3.5 stars
This book is at a disadvantage by being a middle book. There is a beginning and an end, but they’re soft stopping points in the overall arc.
Lyra gets a new job as a junior security officer and is eager to help out the base in any way she can. She comes up with lots of ideas and theories; the other characters don’t get to do much. She does a lot more with the Q-net, has a new boyfriend, tries to fight Shadow-blobs, and still do archaeology research.
(Lyra happens to be the same age as my daughter, and I happen to be the same age as Lyra’s mom. I AM NOW THE PARENT IN YA BOOKS, unless I got killed off previously.)
The book has a lot of investigating mysteriousness and lots of playful banter dialogue. There’s plenty of danger and action, but it’s a light tone overall.
It’s in first-person present tense, which usually drives me up the wall, but it works well enough here. Snyder has enough writing experience to pull it off.
The U.S. edition is self-published and could really use a good copy edit.
No strong language | Some heavy making out | Some monster violence
This book is at a disadvantage by being a middle book. There is a beginning and an end, but they’re soft stopping points in the overall arc.
Lyra gets a new job as a junior security officer and is eager to help out the base in any way she can. She comes up with lots of ideas and theories; the other characters don’t get to do much. She does a lot more with the Q-net, has a new boyfriend, tries to fight Shadow-blobs, and still do archaeology research.
(Lyra happens to be the same age as my daughter, and I happen to be the same age as Lyra’s mom. I AM NOW THE PARENT IN YA BOOKS, unless I got killed off previously.)
The book has a lot of investigating mysteriousness and lots of playful banter dialogue. There’s plenty of danger and action, but it’s a light tone overall.
It’s in first-person present tense, which usually drives me up the wall, but it works well enough here. Snyder has enough writing experience to pull it off.
The U.S. edition is self-published and could really use a good copy edit.
No strong language | Some heavy making out | Some monster violence
January 13, 2021
POTENTIAL SPOILERS FOR NAVIGATING THE STARS BELOW
Huh, what, when, wait–hang on, huh?
Those were literally all my thoughts while reading Chasing The Shadows. I have no clue how to describe the experience of reading this book because it honestly was very unique. It just left you with more questions than answers and now, having just finished the book, my head is left reeling and with an urgent need to read the finale. I can't get over the plot twist which messed with my head nor can I get over the perfection that is Niall's and Ara's relationship nor her characterisation. I just have no idea what to say.
This book obviously is the sequel to Navigating the Stars so I will try not to spoil if possible in this review. In my opinion though, Chasing The Shadows was so much better than its predecessor novel. After the events of book one, you could really see Ara's character develop as she became less annoying (as I mentioned in my review) and more serious. Of course, she still had her snarkiness and wit however, she was more focused, determined and controlled than before. Overall, I felt like the sequel covered up all the things I disliked about the first book while still maintaining the elements I liked. I kinda wished there was more focus on Ara's relationship with Niall since I was expecting a more amplified dynamic between them. Then again, I'm still happy that this book swerved more onto the sci-fi path it was marketed as rather than the romance path it originally was on. We also got glimpses into the trauma caused by Jarren in Ara's personal life. You could definitely see that it impacted her greatly and drove her to do everything in her power to protect her family and the crew on board the Yulin station.
We also got more information about the "Shadow Blobs" as they were referred to in Navigating The Stars and the Q-net. I liked that the book was more focused on that and the discoveries about the Warriors rather than romance, hating soch-time etc. Now I just have so many questions and I cannot wait to read Defending the Galaxy as we speak.
ACTUAL RATING: 4.3 STARS
Huh, what, when, wait–hang on, huh?
Those were literally all my thoughts while reading Chasing The Shadows. I have no clue how to describe the experience of reading this book because it honestly was very unique. It just left you with more questions than answers and now, having just finished the book, my head is left reeling and with an urgent need to read the finale. I can't get over the plot twist which messed with my head nor can I get over the perfection that is Niall's and Ara's relationship nor her characterisation. I just have no idea what to say.
This book obviously is the sequel to Navigating the Stars so I will try not to spoil if possible in this review. In my opinion though, Chasing The Shadows was so much better than its predecessor novel. After the events of book one, you could really see Ara's character develop as she became less annoying (as I mentioned in my review) and more serious. Of course, she still had her snarkiness and wit however, she was more focused, determined and controlled than before. Overall, I felt like the sequel covered up all the things I disliked about the first book while still maintaining the elements I liked. I kinda wished there was more focus on Ara's relationship with Niall since I was expecting a more amplified dynamic between them. Then again, I'm still happy that this book swerved more onto the sci-fi path it was marketed as rather than the romance path it originally was on. We also got glimpses into the trauma caused by Jarren in Ara's personal life. You could definitely see that it impacted her greatly and drove her to do everything in her power to protect her family and the crew on board the Yulin station.
We also got more information about the "Shadow Blobs" as they were referred to in Navigating The Stars and the Q-net. I liked that the book was more focused on that and the discoveries about the Warriors rather than romance, hating soch-time etc. Now I just have so many questions and I cannot wait to read Defending the Galaxy as we speak.
ACTUAL RATING: 4.3 STARS
May 2, 2020
OMG I loved this book, it was as amazing as the first book. I need the third book immediately.
July 29, 2019
NOTE: I received a complimentary eARC of this book from Harlequin Australia through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I’ve read several of Maria V. Snyder’s fantasy books and really enjoy her writing, but I can honestly say… she should write more sci-fi!! They say you’re not supposed to judge a book by it’s cover but in this case, I’m very glad I did! I didn’t know this series even existed until I stumbled upon the first book in my local store and bought it because I liked the cover. It wasn’t until I got it home that I realised it was by an author I’d read before and really enjoyed and before I was even halfway through I went searching to see if there was a second book because I was enjoying the first one so much that I knew I would want to read the second straight away; I was so excited when I saw it on NetGalley and immediately requested it!
**WARNING - SPOILERS AHEAD**
The world building was phenomenal, Snyder thought of everything even down to the tiniest little detail. I loved all the technology and archaeology talk and found myself wondering more than once how long it took Snyder to research everything that went into the book. From the theory behind all of the mysteriously placed terracotta warriors throughout the universe and their connection to the “shadow blobs”, the science behind the way time “crinkles” worked, to the ability of people to “worm” into the Q-Net and the eventual reveal of how the Q-Net actually came to be, they were all such a unique and interesting concepts. I’ve never read anything like it before and it kept me wanting more, more, more the entire time I was reading.
The action scenes were so well written that my heart was often racing and my whole body was tensed in anticipation. During the scene where Jarren caught Lyra and put an explosive on back, I was gripping my poor Kindle so tightly I actually tore the PopSocket off the back lol
Needless to say the characters were also amazingly written. The main character, Lyra/Ara, had me laughing out loud on many occasions and her relationship with everyone around her and the way they developed was so incredibly well done. She wasn’t your stereotypical “everyone instantly loves her spunky attitude” character and I loved that; she was constantly having to fight to be heard by her “superiors” but she never gave up, even when she knew it could possibly mean everyone might end up hating her. I really enjoyed how her relationships with other crew members developed over time, not just with Niall but with his father (the head of security), her own parents, and the other members of the security team. She could often be stubborn, impetuous, and just generally a stereotypical “I don’t have to listen to anyone” teenager, but that was all part of what made her growth as a character so fun and enjoyable to read. It was very interesting to see how much she changed from the beginning of the first book to the end of the second.
Honestly, I could go on and on about how amazing these books are for days, that’s why I rated them both five stars. There’s action, archaeology, science, romance, culture, technology, aliens, time travel (kind); there is literally something for everyone in this book and I can’t stress enough how much I enjoyed it! So much so that I was recommending the whole series to friends before I have even finished the first chapter!
I’ve read several of Maria V. Snyder’s fantasy books and really enjoy her writing, but I can honestly say… she should write more sci-fi!! They say you’re not supposed to judge a book by it’s cover but in this case, I’m very glad I did! I didn’t know this series even existed until I stumbled upon the first book in my local store and bought it because I liked the cover. It wasn’t until I got it home that I realised it was by an author I’d read before and really enjoyed and before I was even halfway through I went searching to see if there was a second book because I was enjoying the first one so much that I knew I would want to read the second straight away; I was so excited when I saw it on NetGalley and immediately requested it!
**WARNING - SPOILERS AHEAD**
The world building was phenomenal, Snyder thought of everything even down to the tiniest little detail. I loved all the technology and archaeology talk and found myself wondering more than once how long it took Snyder to research everything that went into the book. From the theory behind all of the mysteriously placed terracotta warriors throughout the universe and their connection to the “shadow blobs”, the science behind the way time “crinkles” worked, to the ability of people to “worm” into the Q-Net and the eventual reveal of how the Q-Net actually came to be, they were all such a unique and interesting concepts. I’ve never read anything like it before and it kept me wanting more, more, more the entire time I was reading.
The action scenes were so well written that my heart was often racing and my whole body was tensed in anticipation. During the scene where Jarren caught Lyra and put an explosive on back, I was gripping my poor Kindle so tightly I actually tore the PopSocket off the back lol
Needless to say the characters were also amazingly written. The main character, Lyra/Ara, had me laughing out loud on many occasions and her relationship with everyone around her and the way they developed was so incredibly well done. She wasn’t your stereotypical “everyone instantly loves her spunky attitude” character and I loved that; she was constantly having to fight to be heard by her “superiors” but she never gave up, even when she knew it could possibly mean everyone might end up hating her. I really enjoyed how her relationships with other crew members developed over time, not just with Niall but with his father (the head of security), her own parents, and the other members of the security team. She could often be stubborn, impetuous, and just generally a stereotypical “I don’t have to listen to anyone” teenager, but that was all part of what made her growth as a character so fun and enjoyable to read. It was very interesting to see how much she changed from the beginning of the first book to the end of the second.
Honestly, I could go on and on about how amazing these books are for days, that’s why I rated them both five stars. There’s action, archaeology, science, romance, culture, technology, aliens, time travel (kind); there is literally something for everyone in this book and I can’t stress enough how much I enjoyed it! So much so that I was recommending the whole series to friends before I have even finished the first chapter!
December 26, 2019
I think that Chasing the Shadows was perhaps my most anticipated book of the year. But even when it arrived, I was hesitant to start the book, because this is the follow up to what has so far, been a perfect story, which started with Navigating the Stars... And, seriously, how can you maintain that kind of creative momentum?!?? Welllll... Maria V Snyder did exactly that, and wrote the 'Perfect' sequel!
The world building with the fantastic back drop of Terracotta Warriors, the archaeology, the aliens (quaintly called shadow blobs), the looters, along with all of that breathtaking action is just so awesome that it quite appropriately, took my breath away!
Through it all Gabra Zackman was right there, bringing the adventure to life for me!
I'd say you really need this Astounding YA book, but first, get its predecessor in the series, and catch up so you'll be ready for this Amazing tale!
Dang! Now I've got to try to be patient until the next book is ready!
The world building with the fantastic back drop of Terracotta Warriors, the archaeology, the aliens (quaintly called shadow blobs), the looters, along with all of that breathtaking action is just so awesome that it quite appropriately, took my breath away!
Through it all Gabra Zackman was right there, bringing the adventure to life for me!
I'd say you really need this Astounding YA book, but first, get its predecessor in the series, and catch up so you'll be ready for this Amazing tale!
Dang! Now I've got to try to be patient until the next book is ready!
March 28, 2025
I think this one suffered from the middle book syndrome 😭
Felt like nothing happened at all and it could have been a novella 🫣
Felt like nothing happened at all and it could have been a novella 🫣
November 29, 2019
This review was originally posted on The Moonlight Library.
Chasing the Shadows is Book #2 in the Sentinels of the Galaxy series by Maria V Snyder.
I'll be honest, the first part of the novel was kind of hard for me to get in to. There was an overhanging threat over everyone's heads, but it wasn't immediate enough to be particularly concerned for Lyra - or Ara, as she is called in this book. She spent most of the early part of the novel running between her various duties and training, which I didn't find particularly engaging. Lyra's narrative voice is phenomenal though: she's maturing, funny, and dreadfully sarcastic. It's a real change in voice from any of the other Snyder characters I've read!
Because this is a second novel, we miss out on some development of relationships that have by now been established. That's OK, because Ara and Niall are really, really cute together. What I love most about them is that although they are just so into each other, they are respectfully waiting until Ara turns eighteen, and although they'd rather spend all their time making out with each other, they have more important things to do. I love that push and pull between both of their desires, jobs, and maturity. Beau is Ara's platonic friend, and he's a great foil to a jealous Niall, as well as being a great mentor to Ara: he's diligent, egotistical, with a little bit of sass.
I loved how more of the Terracotta Warriors were explored in this novel since we had so many questions left over from the first! Their mysteries are being discovered, and it's all thanks to Ara. It's a mixture of sheer dumb luck and her amazing ability to be in the right place at the right time.
Ara has a kind of magical gift with the Q-net that she doesn't really understand. Like I said in my review of Navigating the Stars, if you enjoy Snyder's other books, you'll probably enjoy this aspect of it well. The tech and practices of using the Q-net are vague enough to appear completely magical: they basically treat it like an all-knowing super-aware intelligence they can tap into. Similarly, Ara thinks really broadly about her problems, but the answers just always seem to pop into her head. It's not that she's a special snowflake: god no, too many people hate her, she has both of her parents who treat her like a normal kid, no one takes her word as gospel, and her problems require actual solutions that no one just hands to her (annoyingly, she's always right): but she's unique, and I think that's what Snyder is really good at writing.
i enjoyed this book, possibly not as much as the first one due to the slow pace at the start of the novel and the general feeling that we were all just waiting for the bad guy to attack. I enjoyed Ara's continuing development and I'm looking forward to the third book in the series!
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Chasing the Shadows is Book #2 in the Sentinels of the Galaxy series by Maria V Snyder.
I'll be honest, the first part of the novel was kind of hard for me to get in to. There was an overhanging threat over everyone's heads, but it wasn't immediate enough to be particularly concerned for Lyra - or Ara, as she is called in this book. She spent most of the early part of the novel running between her various duties and training, which I didn't find particularly engaging. Lyra's narrative voice is phenomenal though: she's maturing, funny, and dreadfully sarcastic. It's a real change in voice from any of the other Snyder characters I've read!
Because this is a second novel, we miss out on some development of relationships that have by now been established. That's OK, because Ara and Niall are really, really cute together. What I love most about them is that although they are just so into each other, they are respectfully waiting until Ara turns eighteen, and although they'd rather spend all their time making out with each other, they have more important things to do. I love that push and pull between both of their desires, jobs, and maturity. Beau is Ara's platonic friend, and he's a great foil to a jealous Niall, as well as being a great mentor to Ara: he's diligent, egotistical, with a little bit of sass.
I loved how more of the Terracotta Warriors were explored in this novel since we had so many questions left over from the first! Their mysteries are being discovered, and it's all thanks to Ara. It's a mixture of sheer dumb luck and her amazing ability to be in the right place at the right time.
Ara has a kind of magical gift with the Q-net that she doesn't really understand. Like I said in my review of Navigating the Stars, if you enjoy Snyder's other books, you'll probably enjoy this aspect of it well. The tech and practices of using the Q-net are vague enough to appear completely magical: they basically treat it like an all-knowing super-aware intelligence they can tap into. Similarly, Ara thinks really broadly about her problems, but the answers just always seem to pop into her head. It's not that she's a special snowflake: god no, too many people hate her, she has both of her parents who treat her like a normal kid, no one takes her word as gospel, and her problems require actual solutions that no one just hands to her (annoyingly, she's always right): but she's unique, and I think that's what Snyder is really good at writing.
i enjoyed this book, possibly not as much as the first one due to the slow pace at the start of the novel and the general feeling that we were all just waiting for the bad guy to attack. I enjoyed Ara's continuing development and I'm looking forward to the third book in the series!
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
August 28, 2019
This review is spoiler-free.
I absolutely ADORED this book and highly recommend it! The first thing you need to know is that it’s a sequel to the equally amazing Navigating the Stars. While you can still catch up on what happened in book one by reading Chasing the Shadows (CTS), I would recommend reading Navigating the Stars first. I’ve recommended that book to a number of people and they’ve all enjoyed it. If you were already a fan of the first book, you will love this one too.
CTS is a combination of science fiction and fantasy, though the fantasy aspect depends on your suspension of disbelief when it comes to aliens and time travel. It’s also a bildungsroman as the 17-year-old main character is growing up and learning how to handle adult situations. Ara (formerly Lyra, because she has to pretend to be dead) is training to be a security officer while also learning her new ability to navigate the Q-Net (think an interactive Internet) and dealing with two groups that want to kill her: the shadow blob aliens (called HoLFs [hostile life forms] and her former friend turned murderous looter, Jarren.
I will admit that the first 100 or so pages of the novel may seem to progress slowly, but after finishing the book I can say it works perfectly as it is building up to the rest of the novel. For example, Ara’s ability to run longer distances and fight later in the novel only make sense since we’ve witnessed her training. And I must note that Elese, her friend turned trainer, is still hilarious. I enjoy the “slower” part of the novel because we also get to see how Ara, formerly a punished wormer (hacker), has earned and continues to earn both respect for, and permission to use, her worming abilities. I loved seeing Ara’s growth as she handles the challenges presented to her.
MVS’s characterization is excellent. We really get a feel for who the main characters are and how they grow throughout the novel. I dislike flat characters, so I was happy to see that the characters continue to be dynamic. But I will admit, I’d love to see Beau developed a little bit more and learn about his past.
The world building in these novels is phenomenal. I really enjoyed how we get to see more of the planet Yulin in this novel. We also get a little more information about the HoLFs and the terracotta warriors, which is always great (no spoilers as to HOW we see it, but it’s awesome!). And I won’t say what for, but Ara definitely gets some vindication in this book!
The action scenes are also fantastically written. For the first book, Navigating the Stars, I could literally feel the tension during the climax of the novel. And I’m happy to say the tension of the fight/action scenes in CTS is just as good, if not better.
And of course, there is more of Ara and Niall’s romance. It’s so sweet to read about the two of them navigating their way through their first romance.
I wholeheartedly recommend this novel!
I would like to thank Harlequin Romance Young Adult for my ARC copy.
I absolutely ADORED this book and highly recommend it! The first thing you need to know is that it’s a sequel to the equally amazing Navigating the Stars. While you can still catch up on what happened in book one by reading Chasing the Shadows (CTS), I would recommend reading Navigating the Stars first. I’ve recommended that book to a number of people and they’ve all enjoyed it. If you were already a fan of the first book, you will love this one too.
CTS is a combination of science fiction and fantasy, though the fantasy aspect depends on your suspension of disbelief when it comes to aliens and time travel. It’s also a bildungsroman as the 17-year-old main character is growing up and learning how to handle adult situations. Ara (formerly Lyra, because she has to pretend to be dead) is training to be a security officer while also learning her new ability to navigate the Q-Net (think an interactive Internet) and dealing with two groups that want to kill her: the shadow blob aliens (called HoLFs [hostile life forms] and her former friend turned murderous looter, Jarren.
I will admit that the first 100 or so pages of the novel may seem to progress slowly, but after finishing the book I can say it works perfectly as it is building up to the rest of the novel. For example, Ara’s ability to run longer distances and fight later in the novel only make sense since we’ve witnessed her training. And I must note that Elese, her friend turned trainer, is still hilarious. I enjoy the “slower” part of the novel because we also get to see how Ara, formerly a punished wormer (hacker), has earned and continues to earn both respect for, and permission to use, her worming abilities. I loved seeing Ara’s growth as she handles the challenges presented to her.
MVS’s characterization is excellent. We really get a feel for who the main characters are and how they grow throughout the novel. I dislike flat characters, so I was happy to see that the characters continue to be dynamic. But I will admit, I’d love to see Beau developed a little bit more and learn about his past.
The world building in these novels is phenomenal. I really enjoyed how we get to see more of the planet Yulin in this novel. We also get a little more information about the HoLFs and the terracotta warriors, which is always great (no spoilers as to HOW we see it, but it’s awesome!). And I won’t say what for, but Ara definitely gets some vindication in this book!
The action scenes are also fantastically written. For the first book, Navigating the Stars, I could literally feel the tension during the climax of the novel. And I’m happy to say the tension of the fight/action scenes in CTS is just as good, if not better.
And of course, there is more of Ara and Niall’s romance. It’s so sweet to read about the two of them navigating their way through their first romance.
I wholeheartedly recommend this novel!
I would like to thank Harlequin Romance Young Adult for my ARC copy.
January 25, 2021
I also enjoyed the blurb, which gives a strong indication of the narrative voice and the stakes involved, without then giving away major spoilers. I won’t deny that Lyra is something of a Mary Sue – she has major skills that no one else possesses, which also puts her right on the front line of the trouble they are facing. But this time around, that didn’t bother me, especially as Snyder does give us solid reasons why she is particularly outstanding, and it works with the plot.
What also works particularly well is the steady rise in the tension throughout, as the enormity of the threat that Jarren poses continues to impact the lives of the community. We learn a bit more about what the mysterious terracotta warriors can do and how they interact with the deadly shadow aliens. I would just mention that in order to fully appreciate this book, I think you would need to have read Navigating the Stars, as they are essentially the same story with the same overarching narrative arc, so not only would you be floundering in far too many places – there are events in the first book that have a direct bearing on the characters and ongoing plot.
The ongoing romance isn’t an aspect of the book that particularly interests me, but I’m not the target audience – and it is generally well handled. Sweet, without being too cloying, with just the right amount of passion suitable for the age group, it evokes the strong emotions of first love very well. It also neatly underlines what is at stake. This one comes highly recommended for fans of far future adventures featuring a feisty heroine – though do read the first book before picking this one up.
8/10
What also works particularly well is the steady rise in the tension throughout, as the enormity of the threat that Jarren poses continues to impact the lives of the community. We learn a bit more about what the mysterious terracotta warriors can do and how they interact with the deadly shadow aliens. I would just mention that in order to fully appreciate this book, I think you would need to have read Navigating the Stars, as they are essentially the same story with the same overarching narrative arc, so not only would you be floundering in far too many places – there are events in the first book that have a direct bearing on the characters and ongoing plot.
The ongoing romance isn’t an aspect of the book that particularly interests me, but I’m not the target audience – and it is generally well handled. Sweet, without being too cloying, with just the right amount of passion suitable for the age group, it evokes the strong emotions of first love very well. It also neatly underlines what is at stake. This one comes highly recommended for fans of far future adventures featuring a feisty heroine – though do read the first book before picking this one up.
8/10
June 16, 2020
This book was pure fun. The world is interesting, the characters are fun, and it was so well written that I didn't mind the first person present tense POV. Great book and I can't wait for the 3rd installment!
August 25, 2021
4.5/5.0
What a creative and unique twist to a very fun YA trilogy! It rises above the usual second book slump by kicking things up and turning them upside down. Yes, the main character of Lyra is a bit too competent for a normal teenager but hey, it’s science fiction for heavens sake!
What a creative and unique twist to a very fun YA trilogy! It rises above the usual second book slump by kicking things up and turning them upside down. Yes, the main character of Lyra is a bit too competent for a normal teenager but hey, it’s science fiction for heavens sake!
January 2, 2023
I don't quite think it was as good as the first book but it was still good! I loved seeing the cool development of Lira/Ara's powers and the plot twist at the end was fun 😊
November 27, 2024
2.5 ☆
Slow and repetitive (same type of events happening over and over) but I won't rate it lower because of the creative Q-net aspect of the series.
Slow and repetitive (same type of events happening over and over) but I won't rate it lower because of the creative Q-net aspect of the series.
December 6, 2019
Maria V. Snyder returns to the Sentinels of the Galaxy series with Chasing the Shadows that picks up right where we left off in Navigating the Stars. Lyra has a new identity now in order to protect her from her long ago friend, Jarren who believes her dead. She goes by Ara now and has been training to be ready for the day when Jarren finds out she’s alive, because, it’s bound to happen eventually.
Ara is a security member now and still works with her parents every now and then with the statues and trying to figure them out and why she’s still the only one who can see the shadow blobs. Then the unthinkable happens, their communications with DES, who they were waiting on for backup in the next two years or so, goes silent and they learns that DES believes them to have gone dark. Something hinky is going on with the communication system and Ara takes to the Q-net to try to figure things out.
This was a rather exciting installment of what I believe is a trilogy! It doesn’t have second book syndrome at all. There’s a great deal happening and yet only a handful of days go by. Ara is just one of those characters you can’t help but root for as you follow her along her journey. I love her resilience when it comes to training, she struggles here and there but never gives up.
In some sense you could say that this book might be more so middle like, as there’s quite a bit of planning and researching going on. There’s plans being made for this and that and there’s the ever presence threat of Jarren arriving any day now. Ara starts to track him through the Q-net, but that’s all I say on that.
Then of course there’s the still budding romance between Ara and Niall. Sadly the two seem to always be on separate schedules and shifts when it comes to security and things, so their together time is sparse. But you gotta love those moments that they are able to steal with one another. Every now and then, you start to wonder if there’s a love triangle brewing with Beau added to the mix, but I don’t think so. Beau remains a constant friend and partner for Ara in her security deals and Q-net activities and I do admire their friendship.
It’s always so hard talking about a sequel within a series because you don’t want to hash out too many details or reveal something from the first book overly much. It took me awhile to read this one because of work, life, and such, but I enjoyed every minute I was able to steal with this book. It was truly one I never wanted to put down but was forced to at times. It’s a real page-turner! The story just grips you tight and doesn’t let up until its most exciting and shocking conclusion! There were things that were revealed that I just did not anticipate and I cannot wait to see what Maria will do next! Whatever will happen is sure to be nothing short of epic!
Chasing the Shadows was an amazing and epic thrill ride! It’s a story that doesn’t let up on the action, suspense, mystery, or teasing romance! It’s a story that you will want to come back to again and again, never wanting to leave. I find all of Maria’s stories to be like this and I will eagerly be awaiting the next (and possibly final, as I am only 90% certain that this is a trilogy) installment!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
Ara is a security member now and still works with her parents every now and then with the statues and trying to figure them out and why she’s still the only one who can see the shadow blobs. Then the unthinkable happens, their communications with DES, who they were waiting on for backup in the next two years or so, goes silent and they learns that DES believes them to have gone dark. Something hinky is going on with the communication system and Ara takes to the Q-net to try to figure things out.
This was a rather exciting installment of what I believe is a trilogy! It doesn’t have second book syndrome at all. There’s a great deal happening and yet only a handful of days go by. Ara is just one of those characters you can’t help but root for as you follow her along her journey. I love her resilience when it comes to training, she struggles here and there but never gives up.
In some sense you could say that this book might be more so middle like, as there’s quite a bit of planning and researching going on. There’s plans being made for this and that and there’s the ever presence threat of Jarren arriving any day now. Ara starts to track him through the Q-net, but that’s all I say on that.
Then of course there’s the still budding romance between Ara and Niall. Sadly the two seem to always be on separate schedules and shifts when it comes to security and things, so their together time is sparse. But you gotta love those moments that they are able to steal with one another. Every now and then, you start to wonder if there’s a love triangle brewing with Beau added to the mix, but I don’t think so. Beau remains a constant friend and partner for Ara in her security deals and Q-net activities and I do admire their friendship.
It’s always so hard talking about a sequel within a series because you don’t want to hash out too many details or reveal something from the first book overly much. It took me awhile to read this one because of work, life, and such, but I enjoyed every minute I was able to steal with this book. It was truly one I never wanted to put down but was forced to at times. It’s a real page-turner! The story just grips you tight and doesn’t let up until its most exciting and shocking conclusion! There were things that were revealed that I just did not anticipate and I cannot wait to see what Maria will do next! Whatever will happen is sure to be nothing short of epic!
Chasing the Shadows was an amazing and epic thrill ride! It’s a story that doesn’t let up on the action, suspense, mystery, or teasing romance! It’s a story that you will want to come back to again and again, never wanting to leave. I find all of Maria’s stories to be like this and I will eagerly be awaiting the next (and possibly final, as I am only 90% certain that this is a trilogy) installment!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
October 6, 2019
Chasing the Shadows is the exciting second book in the Sentinels of the Galaxy series. As a huge Maria V. Snyder fan, I was thrilled to be able to continue this story that is one part archaeology-action and the other technology-hacking, space science-fiction.
Chasing the Shadows picks up right where the first book left off, and continues Lyra’s investigation into the Terracotta Warriors that grace planets across the galaxy, the looters who are destroying the Warriors, the invisible creatures who attack, leaving planets desolate, and the hacker who has put a target on Lyra’s back. But Lyra, with the help of her archaeologist parents, security officer boyfriend and his head of security father, is more than up for the task of this four-pronged investigation. Especially, as Lyra’s already exceptional worming skills (her ability to navigate the Quantum Net ((think internet on steroids)) without detection) are increasing with surprising results.
Lyra is, once again, our narrator, with her usual humour and propensity of mischief. The writing style puts the reader right alongside Lyra and it’s as if Lyra is chatting to the reader. She continuously makes little asides to the reader, comments on what she is saying or thinking, often as a way to explain or excuse something. This gives her a young voice, which is a little in contrast to her age, her worming abilities, her ideas for improving security and even mature leadership skills (not to mention her increasingly physical relationship with Niall).
The Sentinels of the Galaxy series is perfect for science-fiction readers who would rather not know all the ins and outs of the science technology. We learn a little more about the Q-Net in this book, but the explanations for how it works and what that looks like is still pretty vague in my mind. The same goes for the space ships, bases, or planets themselves, outside of the Warrior Pits. I would have liked just a little more detail about the terrain, other plant-life, even something like where do they get the continual supplies and food from? But if you are prepared to take everything at face value, or really don’t care about those details, then the action and intrigue of the story is very enjoyable.
With some big developments and a nice surprise reveal right at the end, Chasing the Shadows nicely sets the scene for what is sure to be a thrilling third book.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
Chasing the Shadows picks up right where the first book left off, and continues Lyra’s investigation into the Terracotta Warriors that grace planets across the galaxy, the looters who are destroying the Warriors, the invisible creatures who attack, leaving planets desolate, and the hacker who has put a target on Lyra’s back. But Lyra, with the help of her archaeologist parents, security officer boyfriend and his head of security father, is more than up for the task of this four-pronged investigation. Especially, as Lyra’s already exceptional worming skills (her ability to navigate the Quantum Net ((think internet on steroids)) without detection) are increasing with surprising results.
Lyra is, once again, our narrator, with her usual humour and propensity of mischief. The writing style puts the reader right alongside Lyra and it’s as if Lyra is chatting to the reader. She continuously makes little asides to the reader, comments on what she is saying or thinking, often as a way to explain or excuse something. This gives her a young voice, which is a little in contrast to her age, her worming abilities, her ideas for improving security and even mature leadership skills (not to mention her increasingly physical relationship with Niall).
The Sentinels of the Galaxy series is perfect for science-fiction readers who would rather not know all the ins and outs of the science technology. We learn a little more about the Q-Net in this book, but the explanations for how it works and what that looks like is still pretty vague in my mind. The same goes for the space ships, bases, or planets themselves, outside of the Warrior Pits. I would have liked just a little more detail about the terrain, other plant-life, even something like where do they get the continual supplies and food from? But if you are prepared to take everything at face value, or really don’t care about those details, then the action and intrigue of the story is very enjoyable.
With some big developments and a nice surprise reveal right at the end, Chasing the Shadows nicely sets the scene for what is sure to be a thrilling third book.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
December 31, 2020
The Details:
- YA
- 2nd in a series
- Sci-Fi/Fantasy
When I saw that Chasing the Shadows by Maria V. Snyder was up for review on Netgalley, I jumped at the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the book and was utterly thrilled when I was granted a copy.
I fell in love with the world that Maria V. Snyder had created when I read the first book in the Sentinels of the Galaxy series, Navigating the Stars (which I, of course, re-read before diving into the advanced copy that I'd been given.)
This series is a fascinating blend between sci-fi and fantasy and the second book in the series, in my opinion, is even better than the first book.
Speaking of the first book, if you haven't read Navigating the Stars yet, than I highly recommend that you do so before reading this book as events from the first book are frequently mentioned throughout Chasing the Shadows.
The first book in the series set the stage for characters and laid out the scope of the universe, its laws and mysteries and readers were introduced to the main character, Lyra, her family and friends and her love interest, Niall.
Navigating the Stars, follows Lyra's journey to her new home on a distant planet, far, far away from Earth and events and mysteries abound.
Chasing the Shadows, picks up where the first book left off and follows Lyra, who for reasons that I'm not going to mention, had to change her name to Ara, as she navigates her way through her new life as a Junior Security Officer.
This book is a gripping, sci-fi adventure that raises as many questions as it answers as the book draws towards its conclusion.
This book is an unmissable, addictive read that I could not put down.
I was utterly immersed in this story from the first chapter and I eagerly await the next book in the series.
Highly Recommended
Bingeworthy Book Blog
On Facebook
On Twitter
On Instagram
- YA
- 2nd in a series
- Sci-Fi/Fantasy
When I saw that Chasing the Shadows by Maria V. Snyder was up for review on Netgalley, I jumped at the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the book and was utterly thrilled when I was granted a copy.
I fell in love with the world that Maria V. Snyder had created when I read the first book in the Sentinels of the Galaxy series, Navigating the Stars (which I, of course, re-read before diving into the advanced copy that I'd been given.)
This series is a fascinating blend between sci-fi and fantasy and the second book in the series, in my opinion, is even better than the first book.
Speaking of the first book, if you haven't read Navigating the Stars yet, than I highly recommend that you do so before reading this book as events from the first book are frequently mentioned throughout Chasing the Shadows.
The first book in the series set the stage for characters and laid out the scope of the universe, its laws and mysteries and readers were introduced to the main character, Lyra, her family and friends and her love interest, Niall.
Navigating the Stars, follows Lyra's journey to her new home on a distant planet, far, far away from Earth and events and mysteries abound.
Chasing the Shadows, picks up where the first book left off and follows Lyra, who for reasons that I'm not going to mention, had to change her name to Ara, as she navigates her way through her new life as a Junior Security Officer.
This book is a gripping, sci-fi adventure that raises as many questions as it answers as the book draws towards its conclusion.
This book is an unmissable, addictive read that I could not put down.
I was utterly immersed in this story from the first chapter and I eagerly await the next book in the series.
Highly Recommended
Bingeworthy Book Blog
On Facebook
On Twitter
On Instagram
November 28, 2019
[SPOILERS FOR NAVIGATING THE STARS BELOW]
Chasing the Shadows begins where Navigating the Stars left off. Lyra Daniels is now known as Ara Yinhexi Lawrence aka Junior Officer Lawrence aka Mouse, following her sixty-six seconds of death at the hands of ex-friend/looter/all-around-asshole Jarren. For her own protection she is now sharing a Unit with Chief of Security, Officer Tace Radcliff aka the father of her incredible boyfriend Niall Radcliff aka Toad. Keeping her identity a secret is of utmost priority because if Jarren realises that she is alive, he won't hesitate to come back and finish the job.
Ara undertakes officer training and learns how to push herself to limits she never knew before, both physically and mentally and it's great to see a character with such self-confidence and grit in her own character. She knows who she is and fights for herself and those she loves. Ara commands respect both with her skill and with her compassion.
The level of detail that Maria V. Snyder went to in regards to the development of the Q-net, worming, HoLF's and the overall world building is second to none and something that I have always enjoyed in Maria's previous works. The Q-net and Worming just sounds so incredibly awesome that I wish it was in reality (though with all the technological advancements happening maybe it's just a matter of time?).
I really like the direction that Maria is taking the novel in regards to the real purpose of the terracotta warriors, what the HoLF's actually are, what Ara's purpose is and how it all wraps together. I was pleasantly surprised with the end and I can honestly say that I didn't see it coming and I'm looking forward to seeing how it is explained in book 3.
*thank you to Harlequin Australia and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Chasing the Shadows begins where Navigating the Stars left off. Lyra Daniels is now known as Ara Yinhexi Lawrence aka Junior Officer Lawrence aka Mouse, following her sixty-six seconds of death at the hands of ex-friend/looter/all-around-asshole Jarren. For her own protection she is now sharing a Unit with Chief of Security, Officer Tace Radcliff aka the father of her incredible boyfriend Niall Radcliff aka Toad. Keeping her identity a secret is of utmost priority because if Jarren realises that she is alive, he won't hesitate to come back and finish the job.
Ara undertakes officer training and learns how to push herself to limits she never knew before, both physically and mentally and it's great to see a character with such self-confidence and grit in her own character. She knows who she is and fights for herself and those she loves. Ara commands respect both with her skill and with her compassion.
The level of detail that Maria V. Snyder went to in regards to the development of the Q-net, worming, HoLF's and the overall world building is second to none and something that I have always enjoyed in Maria's previous works. The Q-net and Worming just sounds so incredibly awesome that I wish it was in reality (though with all the technological advancements happening maybe it's just a matter of time?).
I really like the direction that Maria is taking the novel in regards to the real purpose of the terracotta warriors, what the HoLF's actually are, what Ara's purpose is and how it all wraps together. I was pleasantly surprised with the end and I can honestly say that I didn't see it coming and I'm looking forward to seeing how it is explained in book 3.
*thank you to Harlequin Australia and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2020
As much as I adore Maria V Snyder and will happily tell anyone and everyone that she is my favourite author and Poison Study is my favourite book ever, this series isn't quite up to that standard for me unfortunately. I just find the main character a little bit immature and young, whereas I'm used to reading very mature and more adult main characters from Maria. I found myself cringing a little with some of what the protagonist says which never happens with books from this author. Whilst it's not a mind-blowing 5 star read that I'm used to, it's still a solid 4-star read and is definitely worth a read. Chasing the Shadows is the second book in the Sentinels of the Galaxy series and is a great follow-up from the initial introduction and set-up that the first installment brought about. I really enjoyed the constant mystery and intrigue in this series and we learn new discoveries in this book that we didn't know about in the first one. The growing relationship between the protagonist and her sweet, caring boyfriend who is also her boss' son is thoroughly enjoyable and improves this book to a higher level as well. The space theme and friendly terracotta soldiers who defend the humans from the not-so-friendly aliens adds to the excitement and intrigue too. A solid 4-star read, and a good lead-up to the 3rd book.
October 20, 2021
Pretty much the same review as the first book - would have loved this if I read it in middle school.
Not as good as the first book though. Some very corny banter, and the first couple of chapters were pretty underwhelming. Also a few very meh “my hair is long and brown” and “I have olive skin” descriptions, and there was even one about the main character’s weight (spoiler: she’s skinny). A lot of veeery convenient plot points too.
3/5
Not as good as the first book though. Some very corny banter, and the first couple of chapters were pretty underwhelming. Also a few very meh “my hair is long and brown” and “I have olive skin” descriptions, and there was even one about the main character’s weight (spoiler: she’s skinny). A lot of veeery convenient plot points too.
3/5
November 17, 2019
Snarky narrative voice. Longer review now available at my blog, Trish Talks Texts.
November 17, 2019
Full review to come
January 17, 2020
Love it
July 29, 2020
Oh. My. Stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews