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Shards of Shadow #1

A Traitor in the Shadows

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How could a good photo-op go so wrong?

A perfect time-lapse of the lunar eclipse should have earned Alan some cash and acclaim. Instead, he came home with an invader in his dreams and a terrible feeling of being watched. Now his life is a tangle of cults, mysterious white-suited visitors, and scheming shadows. Surviving the next few days will take teamwork, guile, and an awful lot of coffee.

A Traitor in the Shadows is the first in a new Urban Fantasy series by Joseph R. Lallo, author of the international bestselling Book of Deacon and Free-Wrench series.

180 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2019

62 people are currently reading
83 people want to read

About the author

Joseph R. Lallo

109 books604 followers

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5 stars
25 (27%)
4 stars
41 (45%)
3 stars
22 (24%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
1 star
2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Jeffrey Caston.
Author 11 books193 followers
July 30, 2021
This is a great series that I read a while back. I don't know what happened to the review, so I'll keep this brief.

Lallo is one of my favorite indies. He was a pioneer for sure. This series is his foray into the realm of urban fantasy.

Very creative.

Great characters.

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Wende.
1,145 reviews13 followers
October 16, 2022
What a wonderful start to a series. I liked it and it was so original. A talking shadow. I just loved this book!
32 reviews
August 9, 2019
Initially, I thought this book was going to be weak - the storyline too hard to develop, the hero too introverted and vapid. I’m glad I stuck with it. It’s a great plot, the hero grows on you and you quickly see the moral strength and personal integrity required to live his life as he does.

I don’t want to describe the story as it’s impossible not to give it away. If you’re a reader of Fantasy, I highly recommend this book. It has proper heroes and heroines, dastardly villains, a mysterious and powerful third entity who could yet be be good, bad or just utterly Awsome.

Perhaps the best thing to say at this stage is that I’m desperate for the follow up and really hope it’s a priority for Mr Lallo!
109 reviews
January 29, 2020
I had some fun reading this. The protagonist was fairly unusual and interesting but the shadow versus light war semed half-baked and did not work for me. Fine, but I wasn't hooked enough to read anymore in the series.
Profile Image for Joe Stakvel.
17 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2021
Good story, needs more discriptors.

The book felt thin. Good writing though, I feel as though I am the character or at least closely attached to the character. Getting to know Alan (Adam) typo near the end of book. Typo fits in well refers to no one being able to remember his name. Pretty neat. In my mind it adds another edge to the book. I do not feel this book to be lacking in page length. You got your points across well, sides are forming, the mystery and the story is developing nicely. Too bad you are so far away, it'd be nice to chat. Thank you for the story. Please keep writing.
Profile Image for Laurie.
25 reviews
February 2, 2025
Such a unique story with an unwitting main human character and his cute sidekick (but don't call her that!). Full of just the right amount of action and drama, with some quiet, sweet moments in between. Joseph R. Lallo is a talented storyteller who can weave amazing tales of many genres. One of my favorite authors, with a unique story style, varied plot twists and nuanced characters. I always love the sidekicks! Very interested to read what happens in books two.
100 reviews4 followers
February 24, 2022
Very entertainingly different

In a good way, learning about shadow activity and a photographer's problems while doging other more devious shadow shapes. A new rebellion caused by the invading horde.
1 review
April 3, 2023
Humorous!

I have read Joseph Lallo's books for the last year and have enjoyed every single series he's written. This particular series was slow to start for me but very comical and entertaining to read. I look forward to reading more of his work.
Profile Image for Brian Majuta.
7 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2024
Initially, I assumed this book would be dull. My initial feelings toward the protagonist were negative, but I'm pleased that I persevered and completed the book. It offered a refreshing change from my usual reading material.
Profile Image for Gin Hollan.
Author 3 books1 follower
July 20, 2021
Clever story! Well-woven twist on Urban Fantasy. You can't go wrong with this one.
Profile Image for B.C. Crow.
Author 4 books44 followers
October 24, 2021
PG-13 for violence

As always, Joseph Lallo delivers another creative and original story. I've read the whole series, and found it to be worth the read.
1,153 reviews5 followers
May 3, 2022
Not a long book, but a fun read, with a very unusual idea as the basis of the book. It took me a bit to work out what was going on, as much of the plot is done by speech, but once I was into it and understood the story then I found it was great fun.
The story is, as I said, not a long one and the ending a little abrupt. However, I was happy to see the next book was already out. Suffice to say I immediately went on to the next book, which shows that I was enjoying it!
4 reviews
August 22, 2019
Good characters

I’m a big fan of all of lallo’s series thus far and I see potential in the characters here. I was however surprised by the awkward pacing, especially in the beginning. I was drawn into the story however only to have it end. Great new concept, felt a little short!
306 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2019
I really loved this. A great new series from an author that never disappoints.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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