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Beyond The Shadows #3
Gallows and Ghouls
One’s a liar.
One’s arrested for murder.
One’s dead.
The rest of us? We’re struggling to get out of this mess alive.
With new secrets emerging and the Shadow Man more determined than ever to claim me, we must all do something we’ve never done before: embrace our darkness.
Our only option is to travel through the Spiritual Realm and Underworld to get to the root of the problem: the Devil himself.
But the two realms are dangerous, monstrous places. No human has ever made it through them alive.
But me?
I’m no ordinary human.
With my guys by my side, I’m going to beat the Shadow Man once and for all.
Or die trying.
This is the final book in the young adult horror reverse harem trioloy. That means, the FMC will not have to choose between her love interests!
One’s arrested for murder.
One’s dead.
The rest of us? We’re struggling to get out of this mess alive.
With new secrets emerging and the Shadow Man more determined than ever to claim me, we must all do something we’ve never done before: embrace our darkness.
Our only option is to travel through the Spiritual Realm and Underworld to get to the root of the problem: the Devil himself.
But the two realms are dangerous, monstrous places. No human has ever made it through them alive.
But me?
I’m no ordinary human.
With my guys by my side, I’m going to beat the Shadow Man once and for all.
Or die trying.
This is the final book in the young adult horror reverse harem trioloy. That means, the FMC will not have to choose between her love interests!
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2020
344 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
Katie May
109 books2,689 followersKatie May is a romance writer of numerous genres! She writes everything from horror to fantasy to contemporary. #whychoose
She has a gorgeous tabby cat who she adores, and she’s obsessed with coffee and horror movies.
She has a gorgeous tabby cat who she adores, and she’s obsessed with coffee and horror movies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
March 26, 2020
I had such high hopes for this series, but erg. The romance was way to easy and weird at the same time. How in book 3 are you thinking it strange they are throwing around the term girlfriend-- didn't we go over this in book 2?? Also LOVE?? I'm not exactly sure how...
No character development. Every time it felt like she'd change, grow up... she wouldn't. Every time she said she wouldn't run away or wouldn't leave people behind... I just got so frustrated. There are only so many times you can apologize about something when you know you're just gonna do it again.
I thought the conclusion was rather meh and feels like a set up for another series -_-"
Not for me.
No character development. Every time it felt like she'd change, grow up... she wouldn't. Every time she said she wouldn't run away or wouldn't leave people behind... I just got so frustrated. There are only so many times you can apologize about something when you know you're just gonna do it again.
I thought the conclusion was rather meh and feels like a set up for another series -_-"
Not for me.
March 23, 2020
I literally devoured these three books in less than 24 hours. So good! What I was really glad to hear was at the end when the author, Katie May, said there would be more from these characters in a NA series. I cannot wait for that!
August 9, 2020
On the one hand I’m so happy with the way this book handled the Shadowman and wrapped up the storyline, even if it was a smidge too easy. But on another I knew trudging along the relationship aspect of the book either would be left open or incomplete because while there was some progression it was like walking in the desert sans water. Throughout the series the author warns the books end on a cliffy and while one could argue this isn’t necessarily a cliffy I don’t agree. Apparently there’s a NA series that will continue on Cami’s story with the guys. Ughhhghg but why?!?! I really did enjoy the series overall I’m just supremely disappointed that so much was left open and underdeveloped particularly the relationship side of the story.
June 15, 2022
I remember that the first book in this series was one of the first reverse harem books I won in a giveaway. However, I then discovered that it was horror and I'm easily spooked and scared so I stayed away from it. I'm doing better and better though, especially when the books are supernatural. And I'm so glad I finally gave this series a chance. It's addictive, emotional and action packed. I was therefore quite curious to read how the story would end.
I have to admit that at times the book felt a little chaotic and all over the place. Don't get me wrong, I still really enjoyed reading it, but for some reason it sometimes felt as if May was trying a little too hard to make sure that everyone and everything got enough attention in this book. It therefore sometimes felt as if the characters were distracted, hesitating or just hiding from their issues instead of having a goal in mind and going for it.
And although all the pieces of the puzzle clicked nicely and every loose end was tied perfectly, I think there were a little too many loose ends that still needed to be tied after taking care of the enemy. Therefore the big moment of the book, what felt like the finale, was followed by what felt like a really long epilogue attempting to wrapping up everything that was forgotten and the mess those people had gotten themselves in.
I do hope though that the author will continue with this series and will write that new trilogy she promises us in the afterword. I know that this was one of her first (maybe even the first) series ever and I've read a lot of her other books and know how much she has grown as an author. I'd be very curious to see what will happen if she returns to these characters now and gives them a new story and new plot. I'm sure it will be amazing!
I have to admit that at times the book felt a little chaotic and all over the place. Don't get me wrong, I still really enjoyed reading it, but for some reason it sometimes felt as if May was trying a little too hard to make sure that everyone and everything got enough attention in this book. It therefore sometimes felt as if the characters were distracted, hesitating or just hiding from their issues instead of having a goal in mind and going for it.
And although all the pieces of the puzzle clicked nicely and every loose end was tied perfectly, I think there were a little too many loose ends that still needed to be tied after taking care of the enemy. Therefore the big moment of the book, what felt like the finale, was followed by what felt like a really long epilogue attempting to wrapping up everything that was forgotten and the mess those people had gotten themselves in.
I do hope though that the author will continue with this series and will write that new trilogy she promises us in the afterword. I know that this was one of her first (maybe even the first) series ever and I've read a lot of her other books and know how much she has grown as an author. I'd be very curious to see what will happen if she returns to these characters now and gives them a new story and new plot. I'm sure it will be amazing!
March 30, 2020
Am I the only person who is annoyed by inconsistencies in these books? Because as much as I liked the series, I got mad every single time I came across factually inconsistencies, and there were a lot.
e.g.
"I cursed myself for not getting my license sooner" And then all of a sudden she is driving all over the show.
“Well what did you expect? Between football after school, student senate, and my gaming group, I don’t have a lot of time.” This was the vilified ex boyfriend, Jaron, which also irritated me because I felt it was unfounded. But they (Jaron and Fiona) are able to fly to whereever Cami is and stay over for however long while Cami and others are still going to school and no explanation is given about why or how.
ETC.
And these inconistencies were throughout the three books and not only from different books but in same book. One of my problem with reading a series back to back, is that sometimes I come across plot or story inconsistency from one book to the next, that I make an excuse for the author. This irritates me but I am a little lenient with. Same book inconsistencies drive me crazy.
So as much as I loved the storyline and the characters, I feel the contradictions and inconsistencies are careless mistakes that should have been picked up by someone before the books were published.
e.g.
"I cursed myself for not getting my license sooner" And then all of a sudden she is driving all over the show.
“Well what did you expect? Between football after school, student senate, and my gaming group, I don’t have a lot of time.” This was the vilified ex boyfriend, Jaron, which also irritated me because I felt it was unfounded. But they (Jaron and Fiona) are able to fly to whereever Cami is and stay over for however long while Cami and others are still going to school and no explanation is given about why or how.
ETC.
And these inconistencies were throughout the three books and not only from different books but in same book. One of my problem with reading a series back to back, is that sometimes I come across plot or story inconsistency from one book to the next, that I make an excuse for the author. This irritates me but I am a little lenient with. Same book inconsistencies drive me crazy.
So as much as I loved the storyline and the characters, I feel the contradictions and inconsistencies are careless mistakes that should have been picked up by someone before the books were published.
February 17, 2020
Who knew that defeating the Shadow Man would be easier than asking for help?
Yeah, I kind of feel like I've wasted my time on this series.
This series is like taken out of a season of Supernatural, but much worse executed. And without the added benefit of Jensen but instead with lame humour, word vomit and annoying AF pet names.
The FMC have no real grow whatsoever. She still only focuses on herself and what suits her.
The relationships are beyond a joke and it's shown early on, that they're definitely not her partners or equals. But merely her harem.
Yeah, I kind of feel like I've wasted my time on this series.
This series is like taken out of a season of Supernatural, but much worse executed. And without the added benefit of Jensen but instead with lame humour, word vomit and annoying AF pet names.
The FMC have no real grow whatsoever. She still only focuses on herself and what suits her.
The relationships are beyond a joke and it's shown early on, that they're definitely not her partners or equals. But merely her harem.
August 10, 2020
Well this was better then the last book. I liked how the story went and how her own story got wrapped up. I didn't like the romance. they just never seem to connect and were just all together. I liked the angst but I felt like the creep factor was only really there in the first book. This started off so well then just fizzled really.
August 1, 2020
Another step down in quality. The book meandered even more than the others, and the romance was even more all-consuming. I'm all for polyandry, but 7 is too many characters to deal with satisfyingly.
The Shadow Man has gone from a single father raising his daughter in a run-down shack in the woods to the owner of a luxurious gothic mansion. I didn't realize Satan's taste in interior decor would be so charmingly tacky.
Cami's reluctance to kill the Shadow Man got pretty old pretty quickly. He killed two of her boyfriends and was planning to kill the rest. He's not exactly winning any father of the year awards. The man is the literal Devil, there's no need to defend killing him.
The situation with Colt's hand was odd. It wasn't explained how it went from having been reattached to being completely gone.
I have something of an issue with the "How could a mother do that to her child?" bit. Seems like the author forgot that both of Dorian's parents murdered him, his mother was not solely responsible, his father was involved to. Yet it's presented as if it was just his mother, which feeds into the different ways that murderous fathers and mothers are portrayed in the media (when mothers murder their children, people call them monsters, when fathers murder their children, people call the mother a monster for failing to protect the kids). Murderous fathers IRL are barely blamed, we don't need books reinforcing this.
There was also this weird line: "The varying colors somehow demoted the room from masculine to soft and almost feminine." I don't know what the author was thinking. It's just so bizarre.
The Shadow Man has gone from a single father raising his daughter in a run-down shack in the woods to the owner of a luxurious gothic mansion. I didn't realize Satan's taste in interior decor would be so charmingly tacky.
Cami's reluctance to kill the Shadow Man got pretty old pretty quickly. He killed two of her boyfriends and was planning to kill the rest. He's not exactly winning any father of the year awards. The man is the literal Devil, there's no need to defend killing him.
The situation with Colt's hand was odd. It wasn't explained how it went from having been reattached to being completely gone.
I have something of an issue with the "How could a mother do that to her child?" bit. Seems like the author forgot that both of Dorian's parents murdered him, his mother was not solely responsible, his father was involved to. Yet it's presented as if it was just his mother, which feeds into the different ways that murderous fathers and mothers are portrayed in the media (when mothers murder their children, people call them monsters, when fathers murder their children, people call the mother a monster for failing to protect the kids). Murderous fathers IRL are barely blamed, we don't need books reinforcing this.
There was also this weird line: "The varying colors somehow demoted the room from masculine to soft and almost feminine." I don't know what the author was thinking. It's just so bizarre.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2020
Great season finale
I call it a season finale because though it's the end of this series, Cami and the guys are coming back. I was delighted with the ending but I am thrilled to learn this isn't the end.
I call it a season finale because though it's the end of this series, Cami and the guys are coming back. I was delighted with the ending but I am thrilled to learn this isn't the end.
March 7, 2020
Gallows and Ghouls
Overall I did enjoy reading this finale. It gave me the ending I wanted and I kinda want to continue reading the next NA spin-off of these characters.
However, while I did like the general idea of this book, the execution fell flat for me. I didn't like Cami as much as I did in the previous books and I missed character and relationship development in this book. There were jumps in this plot that made me feel like I missed reading something and other parts felt rushed. At one point I even wanted to stop reading, but I pushed through and in the end I can say this book was okay. There was a lot of potential and I love the characters enough to be curious to what they might face in the future, but I do hope to see more development than we did in this book.
Overall I did enjoy reading this finale. It gave me the ending I wanted and I kinda want to continue reading the next NA spin-off of these characters.
However, while I did like the general idea of this book, the execution fell flat for me. I didn't like Cami as much as I did in the previous books and I missed character and relationship development in this book. There were jumps in this plot that made me feel like I missed reading something and other parts felt rushed. At one point I even wanted to stop reading, but I pushed through and in the end I can say this book was okay. There was a lot of potential and I love the characters enough to be curious to what they might face in the future, but I do hope to see more development than we did in this book.
February 8, 2020
Must read
Loved this series. The only thing this series needed was sex. I can't wait to read the adult trilogy. I strongly recommend you get a KU membership and binge read everything by Katie May! You will not be disappointed.
Loved this series. The only thing this series needed was sex. I can't wait to read the adult trilogy. I strongly recommend you get a KU membership and binge read everything by Katie May! You will not be disappointed.
April 19, 2025
3.5 ⭐💫
Potences et goules
Tyson, Hayden, Luke et Leroy, Ian, Kieran, Dorian
et
Camilla Rollings
Ecoliere en Terminal vivant avec ses deux pères (policier et enseignant), son grand frère Colt et sa petite sœur Karissa de 12 ans
Jason et Fiona (son copain et meilleure amie d'avant)
Phoebe (soeur de Tyson, camarade d'ecole, la fille aux cheveux Lilas)
Big Pete et Molly (parents de Ty et Phoebe, chef des Creepers)
Fin décevante.
Beaucoup de rebondissements avec peu d'impact. Le "paranormal" est beaucoup plus présente dans ce tome mais ce n'est toujours pas assez pour ce à quoi je m'attendais.
Boff vraiment décevante.
Porte ouverte vers une nouvelle saga avec notre sœur diabolique préféré Karissa.
Globalement, j'ai été plus que ravie de découvrir cette histoire, les rebondissements et nos personnages (miam les beaux gosses) mais la plume était assez jeune et très young adult (important à prendre en compte).
Je tenterais peut-être une prochaine fois la plume de l'auteur (pour me faire une idée plus vaste) mais peut-être pas dans une saga.
📖
L'un est un menteur.
L'autre est arrêté pour meurtre.
L'autre est mort.
Et nous autres ? Nous luttons pour nous sortir vivants de ce pétrin.
Avec de nouveaux secrets qui émergent et l'Homme de l'Ombre plus déterminé que jamais à me conquérir, nous devons tous faire quelque chose que nous n'avons jamais fait auparavant : accepter nos ténèbres.
Notre seule option est de voyager à travers le Royaume Spirituel et le Monde Souterrain pour atteindre la racine du problème : le Diable lui-même. Mais ces deux royaumes sont des lieux dangereux et monstrueux. Aucun humain n'y est jamais parvenu vivant. Mais moi ? Je ne suis pas un humain ordinaire. Avec mes hommes à mes côtés, je vais vaincre l'Homme de l'Ombre une fois pour toutes. Ou mourir
en essayant.
📚
🖋
« Les hommes de l'ombre existent. Ils peuvent voyager jusqu'à ce plan depuis ce que tu considères comme l'enfer. On peut les appeler des démons, je suppose. »
« Je le sais déjà », ai-je rétorqué, ma patience s'effritant sous l'effet de la colère. Elle perça l'engourdissement comme un coup de fouet. J'ai plissé les yeux et j'ai parlé, les dents serrées. « Réponds aux questions, Hayden, ou alors… »
« Je le suis ! » l'interrompit-il. « Tu n'as qu'à m'écouter, bordel. » Il laissa échapper un profond soupir apaisant, les cils clos. Lorsqu'il les rouvrit, il était nettement plus calme. « Les hommes de l'ombre – et par conséquent, l'Homme de l'ombre – doivent être attachés à un humain sur le plan matériel pour rester. S'ils ne le sont pas, ils ne sont autorisés à séjourner sur ce plan que pour de courtes périodes avant d'être renvoyés aux enfers… ou ce que vous appelez l'enfer. Les enfers sont différents du monde spirituel où les fantômes traînent. »
Je tournais ses mots encore et encore dans ma tête.
Pègre.
Royaume spirituel.
Plan matériel.
Mes recherches m'ont montré que le royaume spirituel abritait les fantômes, le monde souterrain abritait les hommes de l'ombre et le plan matériel était l'endroit où reposaient les vivants.
Hayden a attendu patiemment que mon esprit reprenne ses esprits.
« Imaginez-le comme un gâteau », lâcha-t-il. « Le dessous moelleux est le monde souterrain, la garniture glacée est le monde spirituel, et le glaçage est le monde matériel. On ne peut atteindre le monde souterrain qu'en passant par le monde spirituel et le monde matériel, et vice versa. Compréhensible ? »
Pas du tout.
Les hommes de l'ombre sont capables d'entrer dans le monde spirituel, mais pas les humains . Cependant, les humains sont capables de voir les fantômes s'ils sont doués de cette vue… et ils peuvent voir les fils de la mort. Les poches de la mort. Appelez ça comme vous voulez.
« Je sais tout ça », ai-je interrompu. Brusquement, je me suis levé d'un bond, submergé par une fureur que je ne pouvais pas vraiment identifier. C'était presque élémentaire, méritant sa place dans le tableau périodique. J'ai pointé un doigt furieux sur le front d'Hayden, toujours assis par terre.
Il avait l'air petit et pathétique, et une partie de mon cœur souffrait pour lui. Le reste de mon être était trop furieux pour m'en soucier.
« Je sais tout ça », répétai-je d'un ton cinglant. « Je sais que je suis capable de voir les fantômes du monde spirituel. Je sais pour le monde souterrain et les hommes de l'ombre. Je sais pour l'Homme de l'Ombre ! Et je sais que je suis attaché à lui… c'est comme ça qu'il a pu rester sur ce plan et tuer tous ces gens. »
À la fin de mon discours, je respirais lourdement. Ma fureur s'emballait en moi comme un feu éteint. Au lieu d'avoir l'air d'être réprimandé, Hayden paraissait renfrogné. Ses lèvres se retroussèrent et il grimaça, se préparant à sa prochaine confession.
« Cami, tu as tort », dit-il doucement. Tellement doucement. Il aurait pu me murmurer quelque chose dans sa langue délicieuse au lieu de changer et de bouleverser toute ma vie. « L'Homme de l'Ombre n'est pas attaché à toi. » J'ouvris la bouche pour protester contre tous les faits qui me sautaient aux yeux lorsqu'il continua, d'une voix si douce et envoûtante qu'on aurait dit une caresse. « Je suis l'Homme de l'Ombre qui est attaché à toi. »
🖋
Potences et goules
Tyson, Hayden, Luke et Leroy, Ian, Kieran, Dorian
et
Camilla Rollings
Ecoliere en Terminal vivant avec ses deux pères (policier et enseignant), son grand frère Colt et sa petite sœur Karissa de 12 ans
Jason et Fiona (son copain et meilleure amie d'avant)
Phoebe (soeur de Tyson, camarade d'ecole, la fille aux cheveux Lilas)
Big Pete et Molly (parents de Ty et Phoebe, chef des Creepers)
Fin décevante.
Beaucoup de rebondissements avec peu d'impact. Le "paranormal" est beaucoup plus présente dans ce tome mais ce n'est toujours pas assez pour ce à quoi je m'attendais.
Boff vraiment décevante.
Porte ouverte vers une nouvelle saga avec notre sœur diabolique préféré Karissa.
Globalement, j'ai été plus que ravie de découvrir cette histoire, les rebondissements et nos personnages (miam les beaux gosses) mais la plume était assez jeune et très young adult (important à prendre en compte).
Je tenterais peut-être une prochaine fois la plume de l'auteur (pour me faire une idée plus vaste) mais peut-être pas dans une saga.
📖
L'un est un menteur.
L'autre est arrêté pour meurtre.
L'autre est mort.
Et nous autres ? Nous luttons pour nous sortir vivants de ce pétrin.
Avec de nouveaux secrets qui émergent et l'Homme de l'Ombre plus déterminé que jamais à me conquérir, nous devons tous faire quelque chose que nous n'avons jamais fait auparavant : accepter nos ténèbres.
Notre seule option est de voyager à travers le Royaume Spirituel et le Monde Souterrain pour atteindre la racine du problème : le Diable lui-même. Mais ces deux royaumes sont des lieux dangereux et monstrueux. Aucun humain n'y est jamais parvenu vivant. Mais moi ? Je ne suis pas un humain ordinaire. Avec mes hommes à mes côtés, je vais vaincre l'Homme de l'Ombre une fois pour toutes. Ou mourir
en essayant.
📚
🖋
« Les hommes de l'ombre existent. Ils peuvent voyager jusqu'à ce plan depuis ce que tu considères comme l'enfer. On peut les appeler des démons, je suppose. »
« Je le sais déjà », ai-je rétorqué, ma patience s'effritant sous l'effet de la colère. Elle perça l'engourdissement comme un coup de fouet. J'ai plissé les yeux et j'ai parlé, les dents serrées. « Réponds aux questions, Hayden, ou alors… »
« Je le suis ! » l'interrompit-il. « Tu n'as qu'à m'écouter, bordel. » Il laissa échapper un profond soupir apaisant, les cils clos. Lorsqu'il les rouvrit, il était nettement plus calme. « Les hommes de l'ombre – et par conséquent, l'Homme de l'ombre – doivent être attachés à un humain sur le plan matériel pour rester. S'ils ne le sont pas, ils ne sont autorisés à séjourner sur ce plan que pour de courtes périodes avant d'être renvoyés aux enfers… ou ce que vous appelez l'enfer. Les enfers sont différents du monde spirituel où les fantômes traînent. »
Je tournais ses mots encore et encore dans ma tête.
Pègre.
Royaume spirituel.
Plan matériel.
Mes recherches m'ont montré que le royaume spirituel abritait les fantômes, le monde souterrain abritait les hommes de l'ombre et le plan matériel était l'endroit où reposaient les vivants.
Hayden a attendu patiemment que mon esprit reprenne ses esprits.
« Imaginez-le comme un gâteau », lâcha-t-il. « Le dessous moelleux est le monde souterrain, la garniture glacée est le monde spirituel, et le glaçage est le monde matériel. On ne peut atteindre le monde souterrain qu'en passant par le monde spirituel et le monde matériel, et vice versa. Compréhensible ? »
Pas du tout.
Les hommes de l'ombre sont capables d'entrer dans le monde spirituel, mais pas les humains . Cependant, les humains sont capables de voir les fantômes s'ils sont doués de cette vue… et ils peuvent voir les fils de la mort. Les poches de la mort. Appelez ça comme vous voulez.
« Je sais tout ça », ai-je interrompu. Brusquement, je me suis levé d'un bond, submergé par une fureur que je ne pouvais pas vraiment identifier. C'était presque élémentaire, méritant sa place dans le tableau périodique. J'ai pointé un doigt furieux sur le front d'Hayden, toujours assis par terre.
Il avait l'air petit et pathétique, et une partie de mon cœur souffrait pour lui. Le reste de mon être était trop furieux pour m'en soucier.
« Je sais tout ça », répétai-je d'un ton cinglant. « Je sais que je suis capable de voir les fantômes du monde spirituel. Je sais pour le monde souterrain et les hommes de l'ombre. Je sais pour l'Homme de l'Ombre ! Et je sais que je suis attaché à lui… c'est comme ça qu'il a pu rester sur ce plan et tuer tous ces gens. »
À la fin de mon discours, je respirais lourdement. Ma fureur s'emballait en moi comme un feu éteint. Au lieu d'avoir l'air d'être réprimandé, Hayden paraissait renfrogné. Ses lèvres se retroussèrent et il grimaça, se préparant à sa prochaine confession.
« Cami, tu as tort », dit-il doucement. Tellement doucement. Il aurait pu me murmurer quelque chose dans sa langue délicieuse au lieu de changer et de bouleverser toute ma vie. « L'Homme de l'Ombre n'est pas attaché à toi. » J'ouvris la bouche pour protester contre tous les faits qui me sautaient aux yeux lorsqu'il continua, d'une voix si douce et envoûtante qu'on aurait dit une caresse. « Je suis l'Homme de l'Ombre qui est attaché à toi. »
🖋
October 27, 2021
I must warn you this review will be dramatic. Why?, because I’m dramatic. *throws self across a chaise lounge chair while clutching my kindle sobbing* If you’re still here then buckle up buttercup, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
WHYYYYYYYYYYY KATIE MAY, WHY!? That epilogue, that fucking epilogue. Could you not just let everything be wrapped up in a pretty bow!? Did you have to leave us wondering what was going to happen once the story ended? CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT! *growls* That epilogue will haunt me til the day I die…
Now that I’m done silently cussing out Katie in my head I have to be honest… This book, and series as a whole, was fan-fucking-tastic! Lordy it would have to be amazing for me to be okay with reading a series where there’s only PG-13 rated steam. Don’t get me wrong, I can totally read a book with zero sex scenes… I can’t remember the last time I did before Beyond the Shadows… Yeaaaah, I probably haven’t read a book with PG-13 steam since I was in high school. Whoops. If that doesn’t tell you how incredible this series is nothing will. Haha.
I can honestly say I didn’t have a fucking clue what would happen next while reading Gallows and Ghouls. I loved every single unexpected twist and turn Katie threw at us. They made the adventure even more exciting! She could’ve softened that damn twist she hurled at us with the epilogue tho… *glares* Yes I’m still fucking salty about that.
If you love books that make your heart beat faster, that constantly have you on the edge of your seat, that leave you starving for more, then RUN and grab this series. I promise you won’t be sorry you did!
WHYYYYYYYYYYY KATIE MAY, WHY!? That epilogue, that fucking epilogue. Could you not just let everything be wrapped up in a pretty bow!? Did you have to leave us wondering what was going to happen once the story ended? CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT! *growls* That epilogue will haunt me til the day I die…
Now that I’m done silently cussing out Katie in my head I have to be honest… This book, and series as a whole, was fan-fucking-tastic! Lordy it would have to be amazing for me to be okay with reading a series where there’s only PG-13 rated steam. Don’t get me wrong, I can totally read a book with zero sex scenes… I can’t remember the last time I did before Beyond the Shadows… Yeaaaah, I probably haven’t read a book with PG-13 steam since I was in high school. Whoops. If that doesn’t tell you how incredible this series is nothing will. Haha.
I can honestly say I didn’t have a fucking clue what would happen next while reading Gallows and Ghouls. I loved every single unexpected twist and turn Katie threw at us. They made the adventure even more exciting! She could’ve softened that damn twist she hurled at us with the epilogue tho… *glares* Yes I’m still fucking salty about that.
If you love books that make your heart beat faster, that constantly have you on the edge of your seat, that leave you starving for more, then RUN and grab this series. I promise you won’t be sorry you did!
May 13, 2024
This book just kept shocking me more and more. The shadow man had taken colt, her dad and her papa to the underworld. With the help of Dorian and Hayden they were all able to go to the spirit world. Ty went missing and the next day he was found dead. She found his tether and was able to talk to his ghost. She decided to sacrifice herself to the shadow man. She went to the underworld and saw her family. She talked to her father and he sent her family home and the guys all came to see her. She learned that her soul had been split between the seven of them. For him to be free they would all have to be killed on a full moon. She is able to see his death string. He shows her why he had a child, who her mother was, what happened and how she ended up in the woods. She also saw throughout her life that he had killed people to protect her because he loved her. She saw that their strings were connected. She pulled and she almost died but he gave up his life to save her. She now had all his powers and was the shadow man. She made new bodies for Ty and Dorian. The twins were able to saw goodbye to their parents. Ian was cleared of all charges because Karissa confessed. Ty was tethered to Ian. Dorian to Luke. Hayden to Leroy. Cami was tethered to Kieran. Everything ended okay. The epilogue was Karissa being creepy and waiting for the shadow man to come get her. Also when the shadow man died, he didn’t die. The darkness/evil was taken out. Her dad appeared to her. He was normal looking and said his name was Lucifer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2022
I've read a few books by Katie May and I would have to say this series by her is probably the best I've read from her so far.
A combo of horror and reverse harem? I was sold.
The story was interesting and unique, but there were definitely predictable moments and moments worth some eye rolls.
The mafia/gang part of this series was a little odd and it didn't quite mesh perfectly with the rest of the story. The Shadowman was also an interesting twist that I enjoyed once we got to the end of the series.
Now... I've said this before and I'll say it again from my soapbox; I am NOT a fan of explicit RH stories taking place with high schoolers. I'm well aware that high schoolers are sexually active, but books like these are written for adults to consume, so it's weird to have the main characters be in high school and to read about high school teens engaging in group sex (which is usually what happens in an RH). In almost all cases, I find that the story would achieve the same goals if it was just in a college/university setting. This is a good example of that. I think we could have achieved a lot of the same stuff if everyone was in college, especially since one of the guys was a few years older and our FMC was still in high school.
Overall, this is probably a 3.5/5 star series for me.
A combo of horror and reverse harem? I was sold.
The story was interesting and unique, but there were definitely predictable moments and moments worth some eye rolls.
The mafia/gang part of this series was a little odd and it didn't quite mesh perfectly with the rest of the story. The Shadowman was also an interesting twist that I enjoyed once we got to the end of the series.
Now... I've said this before and I'll say it again from my soapbox; I am NOT a fan of explicit RH stories taking place with high schoolers. I'm well aware that high schoolers are sexually active, but books like these are written for adults to consume, so it's weird to have the main characters be in high school and to read about high school teens engaging in group sex (which is usually what happens in an RH). In almost all cases, I find that the story would achieve the same goals if it was just in a college/university setting. This is a good example of that. I think we could have achieved a lot of the same stuff if everyone was in college, especially since one of the guys was a few years older and our FMC was still in high school.
Overall, this is probably a 3.5/5 star series for me.
August 8, 2025
What a great series! I've had so much fun with it. It was really hard to stop reading to go to sleep or to eat, so I often skipped those unnecessary (it's not) things! (Don't do that, don't be like me!)
I loved pretty much everything about this book and this series. I've had questions about beating the Main Evil Guy™, but knowing that there will be another series, it all makes sense. I've no questions.
I especially LOVED how this series had just one POV. These kinds of books get more and more rare. Whatever happened to this style of writing? I'm the type of person that get a whiplash every time the POV changes. Probably because of my neurodiversity, but who really knows? It's just extremely uncomfortable for me. That's why I prefer books with single POV and avoid books with multiple POVs like plague. I'm really happy that I was able to find this series, that's not only reverse harem, but also horror, and super interesting, and had just one POV! What a joy, really :)
Much love and respect to Katie May, I'll definitely check out her other series (maybe even ones with multiple POVs, despite my discomfort, if I'll be interested enough!) and standalones!
I loved pretty much everything about this book and this series. I've had questions about beating the Main Evil Guy™, but knowing that there will be another series, it all makes sense. I've no questions.
I especially LOVED how this series had just one POV. These kinds of books get more and more rare. Whatever happened to this style of writing? I'm the type of person that get a whiplash every time the POV changes. Probably because of my neurodiversity, but who really knows? It's just extremely uncomfortable for me. That's why I prefer books with single POV and avoid books with multiple POVs like plague. I'm really happy that I was able to find this series, that's not only reverse harem, but also horror, and super interesting, and had just one POV! What a joy, really :)
Much love and respect to Katie May, I'll definitely check out her other series (maybe even ones with multiple POVs, despite my discomfort, if I'll be interested enough!) and standalones!
February 12, 2020
Gallows and ghouls
This was a hard for me to get through. I’ve loved Katie’s other books but this one just didn’t do it for me. I don’t feel like we really got to know the guys and I think that made it hard for me to get into their relationship with Cami, especially when the I love you’s came so quick. Cami constantly talked about her darkness but I didn’t feel like we ever really saw it besides her singing and then knowing what she did to a couple people after it happened. She constantly talked about being done with the Shadow Man and being ready to flip the game on him but in the next page it seemed like she was cowering. She also would run off on her own a lot to save her men but they’d always catch up to her, she’d have an epiphany about them being stronger together and then it’s feel like she was rushing off by herself again in the next chapter. I finished it because I was curious what would happen with her family and the shadow man but it was a struggle
This was a hard for me to get through. I’ve loved Katie’s other books but this one just didn’t do it for me. I don’t feel like we really got to know the guys and I think that made it hard for me to get into their relationship with Cami, especially when the I love you’s came so quick. Cami constantly talked about her darkness but I didn’t feel like we ever really saw it besides her singing and then knowing what she did to a couple people after it happened. She constantly talked about being done with the Shadow Man and being ready to flip the game on him but in the next page it seemed like she was cowering. She also would run off on her own a lot to save her men but they’d always catch up to her, she’d have an epiphany about them being stronger together and then it’s feel like she was rushing off by herself again in the next chapter. I finished it because I was curious what would happen with her family and the shadow man but it was a struggle
September 20, 2022
Born from a dark Shadow but made of our Light
What a incredible and surprising different read.
First of all even though it’s a RH read it’s not got any sex scenes and nothing more than a kiss and boob tough. There’s talk about the sizes of their dicks etc though lol so yeah if your into hot steamy scenes then you will be disappointed.
It’s definitely different to your usual ghost and gangs reads that’s for sure, it’s actually a fun read, it’s light and brilliant with its twists and surprises.
Also brilliant ending too.
Katie May is new for me and I’ve enjoyed her sense of humour and her writing, she’s had me hooked to this series and I binged read the series with in half a day. It’s that good. I think it’s suitable for all ages and if your looking for something different, your a fan of supernatural and want a giggle then this is your kind of book.
I would definitely recommend 😁
What a incredible and surprising different read.
First of all even though it’s a RH read it’s not got any sex scenes and nothing more than a kiss and boob tough. There’s talk about the sizes of their dicks etc though lol so yeah if your into hot steamy scenes then you will be disappointed.
It’s definitely different to your usual ghost and gangs reads that’s for sure, it’s actually a fun read, it’s light and brilliant with its twists and surprises.
Also brilliant ending too.
Katie May is new for me and I’ve enjoyed her sense of humour and her writing, she’s had me hooked to this series and I binged read the series with in half a day. It’s that good. I think it’s suitable for all ages and if your looking for something different, your a fan of supernatural and want a giggle then this is your kind of book.
I would definitely recommend 😁
August 26, 2023
More of an emotional roller coaster than the other two
So, I admit, this one had me tear up a few times. No angst induced crying, but a couple of misty eyes!
I enjoy the story, though I felt that despite all that was going on, it also seemed slow in places. Towards the end, I was starting to skim pages until I forced myself to go back and properly read them.
I also noticed a couple of little discrepancies in the books (eg, the twins had said at one point they had had girlfriends before, but then during a game they admitted they hadn't, with the exception of a 'sort of girlfriend' that Leroy had for a week). No biggie, just tiny little things I picked up!
While this series is a bit darker, I'd say this is more for older teens / YA. There's ZERO "steamy scenes" in any of these books. There's make out sessions, but it never goes further than that (admittedly, I'm disappointed!).
So, I admit, this one had me tear up a few times. No angst induced crying, but a couple of misty eyes!
I enjoy the story, though I felt that despite all that was going on, it also seemed slow in places. Towards the end, I was starting to skim pages until I forced myself to go back and properly read them.
I also noticed a couple of little discrepancies in the books (eg, the twins had said at one point they had had girlfriends before, but then during a game they admitted they hadn't, with the exception of a 'sort of girlfriend' that Leroy had for a week). No biggie, just tiny little things I picked up!
While this series is a bit darker, I'd say this is more for older teens / YA. There's ZERO "steamy scenes" in any of these books. There's make out sessions, but it never goes further than that (admittedly, I'm disappointed!).
January 18, 2022
The series itself grabbed me, but not because they were excellent books. It did so because it managed to hook my interest on how that Shadow Man managed to enter Cami's life, mold her to his liking and discover what would be his end at the hands of her, who was his "everything", in appearance.
Regarding the characters. I wasn't enamored with Cami's insecurity or that absurd lust she felt for the seven boys.
I didn't get any of the personality of each of them and I couldn't fall in love with the chemistry between them and Cami.
Although she wanted to outline some of Hayden, Kayden, Leroy, Luke, Ty, Ian and Dorian's own characteristics, if you ask me I could only say silly things about them, nothing profound that would identify and differentiate them from the others.
I hope that if you are encouraged to write the sequel, there will be a lot of growth from all of them.
Regarding the characters. I wasn't enamored with Cami's insecurity or that absurd lust she felt for the seven boys.
I didn't get any of the personality of each of them and I couldn't fall in love with the chemistry between them and Cami.
Although she wanted to outline some of Hayden, Kayden, Leroy, Luke, Ty, Ian and Dorian's own characteristics, if you ask me I could only say silly things about them, nothing profound that would identify and differentiate them from the others.
I hope that if you are encouraged to write the sequel, there will be a lot of growth from all of them.
February 7, 2020
Wow
What an ending to this trilogy ! Luckily there’s going to be a NA follow up trilogy because these characters are hard to let go .... Katie May manages to answer all our questions while bringing us the action , steam , humor , and bone chilling scares this series has become known for . In all fairness , Katie May was one of the first if not THE first , to integrate horror and RH so well , so seamlessly, that people actually have felt fear from reading these books ... that’s one heck of an accomplishment ! Essentially a BOOK scared people ! That’s amazing to me , and Katie May accomplished this fantastically . Do not miss out on this series , because I for one , not only loved it , but can not wait for the follow up NA trilogy...
What an ending to this trilogy ! Luckily there’s going to be a NA follow up trilogy because these characters are hard to let go .... Katie May manages to answer all our questions while bringing us the action , steam , humor , and bone chilling scares this series has become known for . In all fairness , Katie May was one of the first if not THE first , to integrate horror and RH so well , so seamlessly, that people actually have felt fear from reading these books ... that’s one heck of an accomplishment ! Essentially a BOOK scared people ! That’s amazing to me , and Katie May accomplished this fantastically . Do not miss out on this series , because I for one , not only loved it , but can not wait for the follow up NA trilogy...
February 9, 2020
My Kind Of Gang
I’ve really enjoyed reading this series. Cami is a spunky and fun character. All the guys are amazing. I feel like we were really able to get to know them and their individual personalities. I was a little disappointed that there were basically no sexy times in this series. It’s just not logical that teenagers wouldn’t do more than kiss at at their age. On the plus side it looks like there will be a NA series to follow this one. Hopefully the next one will dive a bit more into Cami’s relationships with her guys and less on the murder mystery aspect of the story. We are all here because we love reading about the RH relationships so I hope we get more of that. This author is a great story teller so I’m looking forward to seeing what she comes up with.
I’ve really enjoyed reading this series. Cami is a spunky and fun character. All the guys are amazing. I feel like we were really able to get to know them and their individual personalities. I was a little disappointed that there were basically no sexy times in this series. It’s just not logical that teenagers wouldn’t do more than kiss at at their age. On the plus side it looks like there will be a NA series to follow this one. Hopefully the next one will dive a bit more into Cami’s relationships with her guys and less on the murder mystery aspect of the story. We are all here because we love reading about the RH relationships so I hope we get more of that. This author is a great story teller so I’m looking forward to seeing what she comes up with.
February 9, 2020
So dang good
I loved the other two books in this series, and this book was no different. It picks up directly after the end of the previous installment and is full of action, suspense, a few horrifying and heartbreaking events, and a few twists and turns along the way. I devoured this from start to finish, putting off real life until I turned the last page. May wrapped up the series really well, answering lingering questions, while still leaving a few plot points open ended to ensure the readers come back for the New Adult series she’s announced featuring these characters in college with i much higher steam level - and I can’t wait for it!!! Most definitely recommend this book and the series.
I loved the other two books in this series, and this book was no different. It picks up directly after the end of the previous installment and is full of action, suspense, a few horrifying and heartbreaking events, and a few twists and turns along the way. I devoured this from start to finish, putting off real life until I turned the last page. May wrapped up the series really well, answering lingering questions, while still leaving a few plot points open ended to ensure the readers come back for the New Adult series she’s announced featuring these characters in college with i much higher steam level - and I can’t wait for it!!! Most definitely recommend this book and the series.
February 13, 2020
One hell of a read.
I can’t believe this series is over!!! I loved it!!!
The horror in this book was chilling and seemed so tangible it was hard to believe I was reading a book. The intensity was real and had me holding my breath multiple times I almost passed out at one point.
Such a roller coaster of emotions you feel throughout that it’s definitely an experience when you read this. I typically don’t read horror or thriller books but this one? I’d definitely read again and recommend to others!!!
Such a unique story and characters. There was always something happening and twists and turns that it made it hard to predict where the story was going which made for an even more exciting ride.
Amazing job Katie May. I’ll definitely be checking out more of her work!!!
I can’t believe this series is over!!! I loved it!!!
The horror in this book was chilling and seemed so tangible it was hard to believe I was reading a book. The intensity was real and had me holding my breath multiple times I almost passed out at one point.
Such a roller coaster of emotions you feel throughout that it’s definitely an experience when you read this. I typically don’t read horror or thriller books but this one? I’d definitely read again and recommend to others!!!
Such a unique story and characters. There was always something happening and twists and turns that it made it hard to predict where the story was going which made for an even more exciting ride.
Amazing job Katie May. I’ll definitely be checking out more of her work!!!
May 31, 2020
Not quite what I expected when I started the series
This series was recommended to me a few days ago. I had been looking for something ghostly and this fit the bill. Honestly, I did not expect the series to take the turn that it did. I still enjoyed it, it was just unexpected.
I kind of wished this wasn’t a YA because the lack of steam was killing me but it did allow for more focus to be done on the plot and the characters. I hope the next part of Cami’s journey with her men will include some steam. I am a sucker for smutty scenes.
Overall this was a great series that I did enjoy. It was creepy and eerie and had me on the edge of my seat a lot. It still had some moments that dragged for me and I lost focus but it usually picked back up pretty quickly.
This series was recommended to me a few days ago. I had been looking for something ghostly and this fit the bill. Honestly, I did not expect the series to take the turn that it did. I still enjoyed it, it was just unexpected.
I kind of wished this wasn’t a YA because the lack of steam was killing me but it did allow for more focus to be done on the plot and the characters. I hope the next part of Cami’s journey with her men will include some steam. I am a sucker for smutty scenes.
Overall this was a great series that I did enjoy. It was creepy and eerie and had me on the edge of my seat a lot. It still had some moments that dragged for me and I lost focus but it usually picked back up pretty quickly.
September 18, 2023
4 stars for this one. There are some things that need to be fixed editing wise but not enough to take me out of the story. My two biggest issues are:
1. I feel like a lot of the creepy and general evil of the book that was present in the first two was underdeveloped in the last to make room for the romance between Cami and her men. The romance was also underdeveloped because it would take more than 350 pages to develop a believable one between a woman and the 7 men in her harem.
2. I feel like it was left finished but in a cliffhanger also and I do not love cliffhangers. I don't know if there will be more books with these characters in them.
Will I read more from this author ? Absolutely
1. I feel like a lot of the creepy and general evil of the book that was present in the first two was underdeveloped in the last to make room for the romance between Cami and her men. The romance was also underdeveloped because it would take more than 350 pages to develop a believable one between a woman and the 7 men in her harem.
2. I feel like it was left finished but in a cliffhanger also and I do not love cliffhangers. I don't know if there will be more books with these characters in them.
Will I read more from this author ? Absolutely
September 25, 2024
senti interesse nessa trilogia porque - além das capas fofas - achei que seria um romance com monstros, quando percebi que não era o caso me senti levemente decepcionada.
o romance é divertidinho, mas não teve um aprofundamento.
a personagem principal é bem chata, e confesso que pensei em parar de ler por conta disso.
o enredo é pitoresco, mas pelas sinopses estava esperando algo um pouco mais pesado. a autora conseguiu deixá-lo bem engraçado apesar de abordar temas pesados - mesmo que ela não tenha se aprofundado muito nesses temas.
gostaria que a camila tivesse livrado a irmã dela de tudo que ela passou, afinal não foi culpa dela, ela só era um meio para um fim.
o romance é divertidinho, mas não teve um aprofundamento.
a personagem principal é bem chata, e confesso que pensei em parar de ler por conta disso.
o enredo é pitoresco, mas pelas sinopses estava esperando algo um pouco mais pesado. a autora conseguiu deixá-lo bem engraçado apesar de abordar temas pesados - mesmo que ela não tenha se aprofundado muito nesses temas.
gostaria que a camila tivesse livrado a irmã dela de tudo que ela passou, afinal não foi culpa dela, ela só era um meio para um fim.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2020
This book answered a lot of questions that had brewed from the previous installments. Zero sexy times, but that's not a deal breaker for me. Not a huge fan of the ending and the epilogue was just an excuse to have a spinoff series.
But... I still loved it. It's just the right amount of creepy factor without you having to leave the lights on all night.
But... I still loved it. It's just the right amount of creepy factor without you having to leave the lights on all night.
February 29, 2020
Could have been great. Spoilers!!
Ok so I started this series and thought wow a new take on demons.. awesome.. i felt like the gang influence was kinda just thrown in. Not really relevant other than a couple of scenes. I love the characters but the ending of this book felt rushed and confusing. How they died and got thrown into the present in new bodies and the explainations just seem rushed or not complete. This is all personal prefrence though and this series is a must read just because the writting is unique and funny.
Ok so I started this series and thought wow a new take on demons.. awesome.. i felt like the gang influence was kinda just thrown in. Not really relevant other than a couple of scenes. I love the characters but the ending of this book felt rushed and confusing. How they died and got thrown into the present in new bodies and the explainations just seem rushed or not complete. This is all personal prefrence though and this series is a must read just because the writting is unique and funny.
April 14, 2020
What a great ending!
Katie May didn't leave any question unanswered, and I really appreciated it. It wasn't rushed as well, and I was so glad for that. I feared that after Cami defeated the Shadow Man, there would be a quick ending but there was closure for everybody (especially for the twins, Dorian and Ty).
In the epilogue, we had a creepy Karissa and I couldn't ask for more!
When I read that there would be a NA triology in the afterword, I was thrilled! I cannot wait to read more of Cami's story!
Katie May didn't leave any question unanswered, and I really appreciated it. It wasn't rushed as well, and I was so glad for that. I feared that after Cami defeated the Shadow Man, there would be a quick ending but there was closure for everybody (especially for the twins, Dorian and Ty).
In the epilogue, we had a creepy Karissa and I couldn't ask for more!
When I read that there would be a NA triology in the afterword, I was thrilled! I cannot wait to read more of Cami's story!
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