Shadow Weaver

The Nightwatch Academy #2

by Debbie Cassidy

They say, there’s no rest for the wicked. In that case I must be pure evil.

When Hyde said the cadets would be getting Fast Tracked, he wasn’t joking.

It’s hard staying on top of the shadow cadet duties, but I’m not one to shy from a challenge. However, just when I think I’ve got a hold on my abilities and found my niche at the Academy, the principal throws a curveball my way.

Suddenly I’m drowning in painful revelations and more tasks. The one person I want to run to turns his back on me, and comfort comes from an unexpected source.

But the equilibrium is short lived because the silence of the mist is about to be shattered, and when it does, no one is safe.

It’s our job to protect the Academy grounds, but when danger rides the sky, who in the hell is going to save us?

The Vampire Academy meets Game of Thrones in this kick-ass, supernatural academy, Urban Fantasy with a slow burn Why Choose Romance.

Genres: Reverse Harem, Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Romance

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 20, 2019

About the author

Debbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head. She writes Urban Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.

Connect with Debbie via her website at https://debbiecassidyauthor.com, email her at debbiecassidyauthor@gmail.com or check her out on twitter https://twitter.com/authordcassidy Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: http://www.subscribepage.com/f6u2k8 Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17595...

Reviews

[Marguerite (M) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 stars

Real review will come later but let’s just say I loved it even more than the first book. It low key gave a big Chronicles of Midnight feelings with the... underground situation but so worth the read.

But the one thing that would make Debbie Cassidy’s books even better: multiple point of views. How awesome would that be!

To be continued very soon~

[Soph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was givin an ARC copy for review, this is my honest opinion

Daaaayyyuuuummmmm
DEBBIE I loved it, great book! Wonderful at building suspense and heat, there action and mystery. Suspense and a cliffhanger!!!
The story deepens with our MC becoming a shadow night, unfolding the mystery’s of the mist, her tension with Hyde sky rockets but they are Romeo and Juliet ATM not to be. Brady is a comfort of home and safety but is She willing to commit... will either men ask her to choose ? Who will be in her harem .. it’s not decided yet. Justice is strong when she needs to be and vulnerable when the time calls for it.
Without giving too much away... I really felt the feels in the relationship departments and not just with potential harems. The friendships are well thought out and really well done. Any magical aspects of fantasy books can be difficult to describe but I think Debbie has been at this long enough that you can really imagine the magic, you can feel what the character is feeling, you picture it in your minds eye.

The vampire (nightblood) aspect is a saucy fun touch because ALL the supes (is a personal fav trope of mine), also the built in RH culture within the society’s of the book really makes it so much easier to focus on the story, I really prefer when RH is just part of the world rather than the MC or the harem pushing the point because XYZ.

Also. I love the ogre thing, it’s the new alpha wolf.





I am ready for the next book now please


Now please

Yes please

Now thank you

[Camila · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOT ANOTHER CLIFFHANGER!!


Ahhhh it was so good
TEAM BRADY
TEAM BRADY.

And obvi team Lloyd. I think he’s in the running too.

I’ll be honest. Not a big fan of Hyde.
At all.
Like he’s maaaaybe a step or two above Fiona in the likeness scale.
... and I fucking hate Fiona.

So as you see, I don’t like Hyde.
I don’t have time for this back and forth bull shit.
“I can’t have you”
“Stay away”
*dry humps her*

NAH DUDE IT DOESN’T WORK THAT WAY.
Back the fuck up.
I want more:
Indigo + Brady
Indigo + Lloyd
Harmon + Thomas
They’re just darn precious.

Honestly I’m not sure where the plot was for this book. Perhaps hiding in the mist along with Indigo’s resolve.

Because her pining for Hyde was damn annoying.

GET IT TOGETHER SIS.
Do you not see the damn fine specimen in front of you that WANT you?!?!?
You must be banging- just like every other female MC lol a little annoying but hey, they kinda have to be right?

SO EYES ON THE PRIZE SUGARTITS. Let Deana handle Hyde. You have bigger fish to fry.

Okay I’m done.
Book 3 gimme gimme

[★Me Myshelf and I★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another beautiful cover.

For me this was on par with book 1. It gave me the same great feels with a little hunger for more.

It’s the best Cassidy since “For the Blood” and it better not even think about being a trilogy because we are only getting warmed up!

It’s a slow burn and little progress was made on the shape of the harem but we did have one wonderful addition and one whom I personally want to kick to the curb .

You’ll know who those two are after you read it I promise you!

Action packed and the classroom setting I missed in book 1 did appear. So my need for some academy normality was satisfied!
Indie is a special snowflake for sure but what fun would it be if she was normal?

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I reluctantly finished this one. I was at 80% and was going to dnf but just made myself go to the end. So Idk if I will read the next one or not. I think first off I didn't like the time jumping, I'd be reading one part and then the next page suddenly its a week later or a few days later, and I get that you cant really go through a full school year and it might be boring and drag on if they did but I'm not a fan of time jumps as a way of relationship progression I want to see and feel the progression not just be told about it.

also I don't get why she likes Hyde so much? like is it just attraction? you have plenty of other guys and hes made it clear it cant work out with you and he doesn't want you so just get over it and move on? I was deff not on the same page with her and she would be going off on a rant in her head about how good looking he is and cant look away etc and I was just like get over it wheres Brady? Brady is sweet and perfect and available also so is Kash and you have a good friend group.

I really only liked her guy friends and Larkin. I might read the next but Idk was way to frustrated with this one I hate that it feels like shes trying to force a relationship with Hyde and you know they will try and make it work, and then the whole father thing at the end!

[Amara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow burn paranormal RH

This second book continues where the first left off. Great characters and so good! Ready to start the next book now!

[Miranda M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sooo here’s the thing. This series so far has been everything that sucked about the Deadside Reaper series but without all the redeeming qualities of it.

For example, Conah, while being a dick, was still close enough to a good guy that I could tolerate his existence in the series. Now Hyde, he is not a good man. He’s a teacher who constantly gave his 18yo student every hint that he was DTF but also kept pushing her away. Those aren’t the actions of a good guy and considering he never really explained why he couldn’t be with Indie when they clearly were into each other makes him seem like a glorified predator.

This series could have been great but the RH component of it didn’t really exist and the book was so short, everything felt rushed. At this point, considering there are only two books left, I’ll be surprised by whoever DOES make it into the harem and I let A LOT slide. I’m 100% bailing on this series and maybe this author as a whole. Her whole star-crossed lovers thing just isn’t my cup of tea. Yes, relationships like that do exist, but no, I do not like reading about them. Especially when the “forbidden” part equates to “*shrug* we can’t be together”.

There’s a lot of raw talent here but the relationship dynamics are just off.

[Saint Fitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I am not jiving with this series, though i do normally love Cassidy’s books. It’s written in more of a YA style and I’m having a hard time getting into
the story. While i wouldn’t say there is insta-love, it comes close with one character (she wants to say those “three little words” and i just keep thinking ....”uh, why?”). To me their relationship consists of a few conversations and the rest of the build up we are meant to read between the lines. Like, “oh they go on patrol together so that must mean they are super close...” i really don’t “feel” the buzz and attraction at all. Dude feels one dimensional.

And with all the build up with Hyde...argh. That relationship needs some focus. We are obviously being played with a bit with that one (forbidden fruit and all that), but it’s honestly not sexy. Just annoying. There’s another addition to the harem around the corner. Yep. Ok. Still not really feeling it.

I’m super bummed because so many of my RH buddies love this series.

[Danielle (Danniegurl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I HATE CLIFFHANGERS!

Please please please stop with the cliffhangers. I really hate them. I love ending a story on some warm fuzzies not drama ramping up again only to slow down when I start the next book. That’s one issue I have with many books, not just this one, is that they go slow in the beginning ramp up in the middle and dive into utter chaos in the back last small portion of the book and then bam bam bam some crazy stuff happens and the end. Like no. I was liking where the book was going don’t end it there if you plan on cliffhanging.

This was better than the last book for sure. The emotional impact hit me much greater than the previous book. I saw and felt the emotions between the characters, I felt what Justice felt. I really like her as a character. I love Brady and I dislike Hyde I don’t even think the reason for him staying away is that strong. Drives me nuts.

Fiona is going to be an issue.

I wonder what’s going to happen next.

[Mona Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Weaver picks up from book one without missing a beat. The twists, turns and plots happening made it so that I just couldn't put this book down. Indigo is still in training to be a Shadow Knight, but she also is taking on another class that deals with her other powers that have shown up. With finally learning about this, we also learn more about her family history. No spoilers, just that wow, you need to read this. And Brady? I want my own he's serious book boyfriend material
Another amazing story that will suck you in and will not let you go.

[Fae✯ · Rating 4 out of 5]

because there's more brady in this

[Andrea Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! OMG!!! OMG!!! I love this series!

Just when you think Debbie Cassidy couldn't get any better and that book one of this series was sooooo good that book 2 wouldn't even come close yo realise that this woman is bloody brilliant because book 2 is 100% as good.

Again another passionately written faced paced book full of action, suspence, love, tears and laughter. Some questions are answered and other mysteries are presented and yes there is another doozy of a cliff hanger.

In this book the recruits become Shadow Knights and spend more time away from the Academy with on the job training and along the way Indigo get close to Brady which surprises every one in their close knit community, Hyde is being as idiot still pushing Indigo away and Indigo just has to battle her confused emotions whilst trying cement her place as the only woman in the Shadow Knight community.

Team Brady or Archer? - Is Hyde really an Ass or is he in his own way protecting Indigo - I love Brady but have a real soft spot for Hyde and i think he will come good in the end, The next question is who else will be brought into her Harem?

[Victoria (nocturnalintimacy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited.

I'm so over Hyde. Like, ridiculously over him. I was never a fan of the teacher/student dynamic, and the verbal lashing he gave Indigo killed off any chance of redemption for me. Just, no. This is classified as a RH series, but so far, there's a lot of angst, and not a lot of action.

The mystery of who was attacking and why was left unresolved, but it's building in a promising way. The book ends with Payne being arrested by enforcers, and the announcement that Harmon and Venerick have returned from the myst. It's a cliffhanger ending, but not an annoying one simply because the next installment has been released already.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one, also. But, Indigo still continues to beg for Hyde's affection. It's so annoying. Especially when he shows up with another girl on his arm and she feeds from him and initiates a sexual encounter??!! Why?! It's pathetic and unenjoyable to read. Finding out in this book why he has resisted helped a little, but Indie's actions get on my nerves. Especially since she's able to restrain herself just fine with the far superior Brady. I mean, to get it on with someone right after he said he loved another girl right in front of you?! I enjoy her heroics, but her interactions with Hyde continue to cause me to lose respect for her.

[Debbie Cassidy]

[Agnieszka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just can't understand her obsession with the prick and her reluctance with a sweet and gruff (just my type <3) giant.. have some self-respect girl!!

[Tiera McMillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving this series. Its so action packed. Indigo is such a Bad A and yet she has some great vulnerable moments. There is a lot going on here but Debbie is doing a great job of answering questions as they come. I knew there was something up with Payne though he definitely seems like an outside character.

Indigo gets finally gets some truth shed on her abilities to Shadow Weave and since she wasn't raised like the Weavers has a whole new outlook on everything. The Shadow Knights are under attack and her friends are going missing. There is still a lot of questions left unanswered but the characters are definitely working towards answers. Larkin.. yea, what is up with that. Is there another spin off somewhere in this alternate universe? Interesting that even here, reality TV is a thing with a spin.

There is definitely something fishy going on with the history of the enemy here. Something isn't adding up and yet they seem pretty ruthless. I can't wait to continue and see where this is headed.

[Preri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely cannot get enough. I need the next book now.

I think a common thread is going to be that I take off a star for Archer Hyde. But oh my god, I love Brady. We fucking stan Brady. And yeah, there's going to be some funny business, but I don't even mind. I'm having a great time.

Recommending this series.

And I'm out.

[Denisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohhh, now we're talking!
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Yessss!

Fun, fun book, really great series. Better than the previous book.

This is beginning to get better and better with each page. Short and to the point, fast-paced and interesting, a book that I could barely put down.

This book is why I really like this author!

[Kristie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars ⭐️
This book was super short and rushed and a bit confusing but I want to keep reading because I enjoy the characters and ~sexual tension~

[Missy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in The Nightwatch Academy series picks up where Shadow Caster leaves off. A lot happens in this book. I had to do two read throughs to catch everything that happened. If you thought book one was awesome, wait til you read Shadow Weaver.

In Shadow Weaver a lot happens to Indigo. Not only is the Shadow Cadets having to fast forward their training, and fight more. She is having to fight her attraction to Hyde. Who has made it very clear that he cannot have any type of relationship with her. And add in that she has to figure out her Shadow Weaving powers. Plus get to know her father more. A lot is happening but Indie is up for the challenge.

I really enjoyed this second installment. A lot more happens, with the plot and the characters. Indie proves how really bad ass she is. There is so much happening to her, and she just deals with everything as it comes. She is a strong female lead, and I cannot wait to see where Debbie takes her. Hyde, ugh, I really liked him in book one, book two not so much. I know that there is more to him and his story and what will happen. But not this book for me. When you read SW, you will see what I am talking about. Brady, is my new favorite. Wow, he totally stole my heart in this one, and I am pretty sure Indies too. The ending Indie proves just how freaking awesome she is.

[Brittany Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indigo is still in training to be a Shadow Knight and it has been decided to fast track all first years so her training is that more intense. Not only that but she is she also is taking on another class that deals with the new powers that have shown up. With finally learning about the new power, we also learn more about her family history-and it is GOOD! While all that is going on the Shadow Knights have discovered mysterious underground tunnels that are helping the Fomorians sneak attack on the Mist.

This is a slow burn reverse harem that is a slow build in terms of the harem and the romance between individuals but the scenes will leave you begging for more! I have an idea of three characters that could be part of the harem and out of those three I have my favorite. (I'll keep it a secret so I don't spoil all the fun!) The characters have continued to mature and develop into a fantastic set of people- I really would love to be part of this world!!

There are plenty of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Debbie Cassidy has created an amazing world where you can picture everything as it's happening. She has given us an amazing heroine that all girls can root for and empathise with (apart from the vampire thing!) I didn't think it could get better than the first but I was pleasantly surprised!!

[Rhiannon Chillingworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great continuation of what is shaping up to be one of Debbie's best series so far. I'll always have a soft spot for Chronicles of Arcana (for my Seb) and her Heart of Darkness series (because Veles... Hello!) but I really enjoyed the first book and enjoyed this one, also, although there was one slight thing niggling at me, which wasn't in the first.

Indigo continues to be kick ass, but somehow manages to not be cheesy and annoying, and, as usual, we have a great range of side characters.

There's some development on the Harem front with a new, and welcome addition.

However, my only niggle is Hyde. I really liked their chemistry in the first book, as they're just the sort of romance I enjoy reading about. His attitude in this book was disappointing and what were my favourite bits in the first book (their interactions) turned into one's that were fraustrating. It's almost like I wish this was a normal romance with just her and Hyde, as I find their relationship interesting. I am intrigued how the Harem is going to shape up, as Hyde does not feel like the type to share.

Either way, I trust Debbie and I'm hyped to see where the next book is going!

[Heather Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

Book 2 takes all the emotional angst and tension of book 1 and distills it, maturing it and smoothing the harsh edges the beginning narrative held. Here, Indigo is truly growing, both into her powers and as a person - so is her team. The shadow cadets that surround her are learning and merging, forming a cohesive legion that works well in this incredibly dangerous world. Add in the relationships that tease and taunt with will they, won’t they, and you’ve got a fantastic fantasy novel that simmers with the perfect tension of a slowburn RH.

Pros:
- Well written.
- My issues from book 1 are solved here, turning the focus of the growth along with the underlying threat that surrounds the academy.
/ Definitely not your average academy read.
- Love The brewing romance (s)
- Well edited, no issues noted.
- Even though this is an RH (I think?) not every relationship has to be in that vein, and this one showcases true friendships well.

Cons:
- Cliffhanger..... sigh.
- I get Hyde, but I want to smack him. Again.

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me, at the last chapter: Wait, her name is Indigo!?!

It was an enjoyable read. Some details I chose to ignore like
- Good thing she doesn't need to sleep because her calendar is overfilled between studying, patrolling and learning how to fight.
- I don't get the "you lose your abilities when you get chosen"... What about her shadow weaving? Or the shifters shifting?
- She's attracted to every guy she meets
- The cycle of: heated look - approach - touch - regret - we must not - leave... is really starting to piss me off. If you read the book, you know of which love interest I'm talking about. And no, it's not the one that asked her to mate him.
Oh and it's really inappropriate
- I want to punch the sexist a**holes who decided that these dudes can't have a relationship for 20 years and procreate. Like dude, you're having less and less people showing the shadow gene every year. Maybe let them have kids! Isn't that basic genetics?

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book of the series continues the story of Indigo (love her name) and her shadow cadet training. We also learn more about her shadow casting and see more of her harem grow. I'd love to see more scenes of her conversing or doing something with the love interests - I get that they spend a lot of time together but we don't see that so their emotional connections come too fast for me. As usual, the story is fast-paced and well edited, and everything that is said or happens has a purpose later in the story; there is no extra filler which simultaneously lends itself to a quick and entertaining read, albeit not as deep as some. Some of my suspicions from book one were confirmed and I loved, loved Hyde's plot thread in this book - loved the conflict and drama of it. Looking forward to reading more in this series very much.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Need more

Dammit! Ok ok, I'm a little upset that it ended on a cliffy but I will survive. Good lord this girl is followed by death, and just bad freaking luck. No lie her love ones are leaving here and there and I can't freaking take it anymore. First I really wish she get over Hyde, I know I'm a terrible person to say that but ugh, no lie im way over him myself, Brady on the other hand yum! He is everything she honestly deserves. And I hope she burns down everyone with their stupid politics, ugh, what's a girl gotta do to get some dang respect around here! Anyways back to hyde, if he ain't coming around in the next book please axe him and give us some brady and kash love wink wink

[Nikki Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow weaver picks up right where shadow caster left off we are again thrown into indigo's world as she continues to train as a shadow cadet whilst battling with her feelings for Hyde and the strange new feelings she is developing for Brady .

We get to learn of even more creatures to be found within the mist as well as exploring Indigo's shadow ability and discovering new information about her family tree. We are once again left with a cliff hanger ending to the book which I for one was like "omg you can't end it there".......

Let's hope Debbie Cassidy doesn't leave us waiting to long for the third book in this series

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series, and just like the first one, it really drew me in. I love the uniqueness of this world, and I love all the revelations. Indigo is a great character, and I am intrigued by her future harem. I’m not thrilled with one, but we’ll see what happens. As with all this author’s books, this book is well-written, fast-paced, and great reading. Give this a try if you like RH, paranormal romance, or urban fantasy…or even a mix of all three. Highly recommend! I was provided a copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Taylor Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I. FLOVE. THIS. SERIES.

Seriously, this series is so good. Indigo is a great main character, and I love Brady so so much.

It's great to see Indigo opening up to people and building relationships.

There are crazy revelations and developments in this book, and we're left on a bit of a cliffhanger.

For the record, I'm Team Forget About Archer.