What do you think?
Rate this book
Silo Saga Universe
Shadows
Shadows is fan-fiction set in Hugh Howey's WOOL universe as part of the Silo Saga.
Life within the silos follows a well-worn pattern passed down through the generations from master to apprentice, 'caster to shadow. "Don't ask! Don't think! Don't question! Just stay in the shadows." But not everyone is content to follow the past...
Life within the silos follows a well-worn pattern passed down through the generations from master to apprentice, 'caster to shadow. "Don't ask! Don't think! Don't question! Just stay in the shadows." But not everyone is content to follow the past...
195 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2013
192 people are currently reading
505 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 20, 2017
Shadows (Silo Saga Universe) by Peter Cawdron is an exciting and creepy world where people live in silos. In the back of the book the author writes that he takes this from Hugh Howey's Wool universe, I haven't read any of those books but this was chilling. He made me hate that world but made me feel I was in that suffocating atmosphere of suspense, loss of hope, and slavery. A true shadow to the people on high. A great story, it seemed short but very powerful.
November 24, 2013
Fan fiction from an established and talented author, Shadows was a phenomenal read. I enjoyed it a lot. Until the last quarter of the book, this story could have taken place at any time in the silo series, but you discover in the last 25% that this story takes place after Dust. I will not give any further spoilers, but if you are a fan of the Wool series, you MUST find a way to read this story. It is available for free here:
http://thinkingscifi.wordpress.com/fr...
at least until Amazon worlds gets their crap together and accepts fan fic from foreign lands (Cawdron is from Australia, hence the free download). READ THIS! Seriously!
http://thinkingscifi.wordpress.com/fr...
at least until Amazon worlds gets their crap together and accepts fan fic from foreign lands (Cawdron is from Australia, hence the free download). READ THIS! Seriously!
January 13, 2014
In my opinion this is the missing "ending" to the Silo Saga.
December 31, 2013
I downloaded this book for free when the author generously made it available from his website, before it was published. I am a fan of Peter Cawdron’s work, and I’ve read and enjoyed all of Hugh Howey’s WOOL series.
Be aware that this book is set in the time period during and following the events of DUST, the conclusion of the Silo Saga. If you have not read DUST yet, this book is one big spoiler!
I found this to be a fascinating story, and a great addition to silo lore. Peter Cawdron has addressed a few issues that were left unresolved at the conclusion of DUST. I enjoyed his interpretation of some of the possibilities that were left open for the inhabitants of the silos. This is the tale of one silo and its people, featuring characters young enough to still be shadows. The focus on the porters was a good choice, I think. It’s one of the most demanding and interesting occupations in the silos.
There is no lack of action, upheaval, tragedy, and disaster here – it’s a silo, after all. But there is also a positive outlook and hope for the future. I thought the book to be an excellent combination of all of those factors. This story is well done, and a pleasure to read.
Be aware that this book is set in the time period during and following the events of DUST, the conclusion of the Silo Saga. If you have not read DUST yet, this book is one big spoiler!
I found this to be a fascinating story, and a great addition to silo lore. Peter Cawdron has addressed a few issues that were left unresolved at the conclusion of DUST. I enjoyed his interpretation of some of the possibilities that were left open for the inhabitants of the silos. This is the tale of one silo and its people, featuring characters young enough to still be shadows. The focus on the porters was a good choice, I think. It’s one of the most demanding and interesting occupations in the silos.
There is no lack of action, upheaval, tragedy, and disaster here – it’s a silo, after all. But there is also a positive outlook and hope for the future. I thought the book to be an excellent combination of all of those factors. This story is well done, and a pleasure to read.
April 14, 2014
I hate predictable books. Or maybe I am too intelligent :) This one started as one of those predictable books, but the end was completely different. It is hard to tell anything without spoiling it. The plus: consistency with the original wool serie, nice characters. The minus: small mistakes in the text (35 above IT? how come?) and the change, hard to believe of the H******* guy.
But still very well worth to read for every Silo world fan, you will not be disappointed at all.
But still very well worth to read for every Silo world fan, you will not be disappointed at all.
March 24, 2024
Hugh Howey is a very good author. Peter Cawdron is several levels above him. While Howey tended to drift off during detailed explanations of things inconsequential to the storyline, Cawdron makes his explanations in great detail but only a fraction of the words and seldom stray off point.
From the very first chapter, the reader feels they are reading another book of the Silo trilogy. This could have very easily been the fourth book and provides an ending that was missing from the trilogy but ties into the last book of the trilogy with great ease.
This is a novella, meaning it is a short novel, only about 60,000 words long. But it contains a fully fleshed-out story that will capture your attention and your imagination. If you liked the Silo trilogy, I strongly recommend reading Shadows.
From the very first chapter, the reader feels they are reading another book of the Silo trilogy. This could have very easily been the fourth book and provides an ending that was missing from the trilogy but ties into the last book of the trilogy with great ease.
This is a novella, meaning it is a short novel, only about 60,000 words long. But it contains a fully fleshed-out story that will capture your attention and your imagination. If you liked the Silo trilogy, I strongly recommend reading Shadows.
January 29, 2020
Excellent contribution to the Wool universe. The dialogue was poetic at times yet still believable. The ending, as others have said, is very gratifying, especially to those who longed for more closure at the end of the original trilogy. Only complaint –, and I swear I’m not a bloodthirsty person – is that Hammond was allowed to live. The fact that other workers in the IT department were killed and he gets to live is infuriating because it highlights the injustice that goes on in our world, where the common person gets punished and the rich and powerful get a slap on the hand... or in this case, Hammond gets to live in paradise and retain some aspect of a leadership/consulting role. Ughhhhh. Still grateful to have read this book, as evidenced by my five stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2018
Great read!
I’m always on the lookout for silo stories. I especially enjoyed this one because it took up where another one I’d read left off, when Donald destroyed Silo One and Charlotte escaped.
I never considered what happened to the other silos when Donald set off the bomb in Silo One and I was horrified. All doesn’t end well for a lot of people, but you’ll just have to read the book to understand that.
I started this book last night and would have finished it last night if not for a family emergency. It’s a “cant put it down” kinda read.
Will read more by this author!
I’m always on the lookout for silo stories. I especially enjoyed this one because it took up where another one I’d read left off, when Donald destroyed Silo One and Charlotte escaped.
I never considered what happened to the other silos when Donald set off the bomb in Silo One and I was horrified. All doesn’t end well for a lot of people, but you’ll just have to read the book to understand that.
I started this book last night and would have finished it last night if not for a family emergency. It’s a “cant put it down” kinda read.
Will read more by this author!
February 8, 2021
Intense, stunning, and heartbreaking.
I have been reading quite a few books in the Wool universe the last few months, and I was hoping for one that followed the life of a porter so I was very happy to finally find one.
Susan's story is fascinating, and sad, and wonderful, and terrifying.
I really loved seeing characters from the original series in this story, this was a first for me. In some ways this book can be counted as wrapping up some issues left a bit open from the Wool anthology. Do not miss out on this one if you are moving through the Wool Universe.
I have been reading quite a few books in the Wool universe the last few months, and I was hoping for one that followed the life of a porter so I was very happy to finally find one.
Susan's story is fascinating, and sad, and wonderful, and terrifying.
I really loved seeing characters from the original series in this story, this was a first for me. In some ways this book can be counted as wrapping up some issues left a bit open from the Wool anthology. Do not miss out on this one if you are moving through the Wool Universe.
September 4, 2022
I don’t often give 5 stars for books by unknown authors. But this time I was absolutely amazed. I read 15-20 books a year. I have been captivated but the Silo story line and all the wonderful authors that have carried the story on. This is by far the best book in print, I’m a pulp reader, regarding the silo’s. Of course Hugh’s books are not included in that comparison.
Please if you have recommendations on silo books, please share with me.
If you have authored an ebook about silos please offer it in print and contact me.
Please if you have recommendations on silo books, please share with me.
If you have authored an ebook about silos please offer it in print and contact me.
January 21, 2026
"When lies are believed, there is no truth.”"
It was so good to be back into my favorite world of Silo! Though this one is considered a fan fiction and not canon, the author does an amazing job in building and portraying believably every detail from the world.
Other quotes I liked:
“You’re a good man, Charlie. You’re a great man, but that’s the problem. This is not a world for great men. It’s a world for those that are content to make do without progress.”
"That was his crime, to want more. And not for himself, for all of us. And that’s why he has to die.”
It was so good to be back into my favorite world of Silo! Though this one is considered a fan fiction and not canon, the author does an amazing job in building and portraying believably every detail from the world.
Other quotes I liked:
“You’re a good man, Charlie. You’re a great man, but that’s the problem. This is not a world for great men. It’s a world for those that are content to make do without progress.”
"That was his crime, to want more. And not for himself, for all of us. And that’s why he has to die.”
January 16, 2020
Peter Cawdron is a damn good story teller. This novel was good too. I have really enjoyed it. But like in most case with this author I just can't cope with some of his ideological messages and a general tendency of this author to preach... Sometimes you just want a good story, some intrigue and something left untold which makes you contemplate on good and bad things of the world and humanity. That's it.
November 10, 2023
Addition to the wool universe
I have been enjoying reading all the books in the wool universe. This brought a new chapter to that.
I am still surprised how many are skipping the HOW is the silo area the only area still infected. Is it man made infection to keep people in the silo?
This could have been two books. The last beat felt rushed, and I am sure the author was already way over their word count.
I have been enjoying reading all the books in the wool universe. This brought a new chapter to that.
I am still surprised how many are skipping the HOW is the silo area the only area still infected. Is it man made infection to keep people in the silo?
This could have been two books. The last beat felt rushed, and I am sure the author was already way over their word count.
October 25, 2025
A Painful Experience and a Complete Waste of Time
I stuck it out for about 100 pages. Then I reached the limit of my patience. I've read Cawdron before, so was anticipating an engrossing read. WRONG! This is written at the level of Saturday morning series for preschoolers! A total snooze fest, and a complete waste of time! It deserved 0 stars, but, unfortunately that rating wasn't available!
I stuck it out for about 100 pages. Then I reached the limit of my patience. I've read Cawdron before, so was anticipating an engrossing read. WRONG! This is written at the level of Saturday morning series for preschoolers! A total snooze fest, and a complete waste of time! It deserved 0 stars, but, unfortunately that rating wasn't available!
December 12, 2017
A tremendously enjoyable & fast moving addition to Hugh Howey‘s Silo World indeed!
This stand-alone story is an excellent tale that hugely helps in filling out and adding some more flesh and bones to the saga.
I would recommend this, together with the Silo 49 books from Ann Christy, for all Silo fans.
This stand-alone story is an excellent tale that hugely helps in filling out and adding some more flesh and bones to the saga.
I would recommend this, together with the Silo 49 books from Ann Christy, for all Silo fans.
April 2, 2020
For self-declared fan-fiction, this is outstanding and if someone would have told me it was written by Hugh Howey himself, I would have believed it.
The quality of writing is absolutely professional - and I will definitely check out other books by this author.
Very much recommended for anyone who enjoyed the Wool/Silo-novels.
The quality of writing is absolutely professional - and I will definitely check out other books by this author.
Very much recommended for anyone who enjoyed the Wool/Silo-novels.
April 10, 2021
Best silo world story I’ve read
I think I might have read this before but maybe not. It bugged me at first but then I enjoyed it so much, I didn’t care if I read it already because I was invested in the story, even if it was predictable. I wish someone would keep writing. I wish he would have fleshed it out more but I understand why he didn’t need to.
I think I might have read this before but maybe not. It bugged me at first but then I enjoyed it so much, I didn’t care if I read it already because I was invested in the story, even if it was predictable. I wish someone would keep writing. I wish he would have fleshed it out more but I understand why he didn’t need to.
July 2, 2022
A Wool- worthy addition to the Silo series
Peter Cawdron has created an excellent supplement to Hugh Howey’s Wool universe. The characters are vivid and compelling, and the storyline blends so well with the original that at times I forgot this was not part of the Silo series. Mr. Cawdron’s attention to detail fleshes out a very entertaining tale with a satisfying ending.
Peter Cawdron has created an excellent supplement to Hugh Howey’s Wool universe. The characters are vivid and compelling, and the storyline blends so well with the original that at times I forgot this was not part of the Silo series. Mr. Cawdron’s attention to detail fleshes out a very entertaining tale with a satisfying ending.
January 9, 2023
An excellent take on the Hugh Howey saga. Character development and storyline were all done very well. The twist that Cawdron puts into his story is as unexpected as it was exciting and the climax toward the end will have you on the edge of your seat. If you haven't read Peter Cawdron's work, this is a good start but his First Contact series is incredible.
July 21, 2025
Silo Update
If you read Hugh Howey's Silo Saga series, I think you will enjoy Peter Cawdron's Silo book "Shadows". Like Cawdron's numerous other books, "Shadows" is well written and edited. Character development and story line are excellent. This book is a quick read at just under 200 pages and takes place a few hundred years after the end of the original Saga series.
If you read Hugh Howey's Silo Saga series, I think you will enjoy Peter Cawdron's Silo book "Shadows". Like Cawdron's numerous other books, "Shadows" is well written and edited. Character development and story line are excellent. This book is a quick read at just under 200 pages and takes place a few hundred years after the end of the original Saga series.
August 11, 2019
Peter Cawdron as usual hits it out of the park center field.
This is an excellent addition to the silo sagas. The characters of Susan and Charlie drew me into their lives as quickly as Jules and Lucas did. I like this sub plot better than Tracy, John, April and Remy.
This is an excellent addition to the silo sagas. The characters of Susan and Charlie drew me into their lives as quickly as Jules and Lucas did. I like this sub plot better than Tracy, John, April and Remy.
November 10, 2019
A superb addition to HH's Silo
A great silo story. This take on the silo really brings forth some questions a lot of us die hard readers have asked. "Why hasn't anyone caught on about the cleaning?" A truly great addition to the silo stories.
A great silo story. This take on the silo really brings forth some questions a lot of us die hard readers have asked. "Why hasn't anyone caught on about the cleaning?" A truly great addition to the silo stories.
December 23, 2020
Great Silo fiction
Very satisfying Silo fiction.
If you're a fan of Hugh Howey's Silo fiction, this will be right up your alley. New twist that I haven't read in any of the Silo stories.
Very satisfying Silo fiction.
If you're a fan of Hugh Howey's Silo fiction, this will be right up your alley. New twist that I haven't read in any of the Silo stories.
February 26, 2021
Peter Cawdron took me right back to the silos
It’s been a few years since I read the silo series but it’s definitely time to reread them! This took me straight back and was very enjoyable.
It’s been a few years since I read the silo series but it’s definitely time to reread them! This took me straight back and was very enjoyable.
June 7, 2022
Solid read
Good story with interesting characters. Following the spirit of the Wool series pretty well. I recommend you read this version of the silo books. It made a nice evening read for me.
Good story with interesting characters. Following the spirit of the Wool series pretty well. I recommend you read this version of the silo books. It made a nice evening read for me.
April 5, 2024
pretty good
Some preachy long winded internal dialog moments that were boring and didn’t move the story, but overall a good story line. I liked the tie ins to the original but the mayor with the same name was confusing
Some preachy long winded internal dialog moments that were boring and didn’t move the story, but overall a good story line. I liked the tie ins to the original but the mayor with the same name was confusing
November 25, 2024
A SIMPEL MAN'S REVIEW:
I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the Silo series! This was a fun, short continuation and ending to the series. I actually don't remember how Silo, but if this is it, I'm satisfied.
Read it!
I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the Silo series! This was a fun, short continuation and ending to the series. I actually don't remember how Silo, but if this is it, I'm satisfied.
Read it!
January 11, 2019
I truly love good apocalypse/dystopian stories and this one is really good! I highly recommend it to everyone that likes those genres. I have strong intentions to read more of the author's work.
I read this via Kindle Unlimited.
I read this via Kindle Unlimited.
January 15, 2019
Excellent contribution
I was pleased to find a new silo story in the Wool universe. This was a well written story that meshed perfectly with the last Wool book. A must read for silo story fans.
I was pleased to find a new silo story in the Wool universe. This was a well written story that meshed perfectly with the last Wool book. A must read for silo story fans.
April 22, 2020
Excellent story
I loved this book as much as Hugh Howeys ' books. Great dystopian novel.with lovable characters some of which were in Hugh's books.
I loved this book as much as Hugh Howeys ' books. Great dystopian novel.with lovable characters some of which were in Hugh's books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews