Timothy Scott: Shadow Island

Mirror Multiverse Fantasy #1

by Tobey Alexander

When darkness invades enchanted lands, can one misfit shine with the full power of the spectrum?

Twelve-year-old Timothy Scott fears he’ll never fit in. Constantly bullied at school and haunted by nightmares of a shadowy monster, the timid boy thinks life couldn’t get much worse—until he’s diagnosed with autism. But he discovers his different personality is a unique gift when he travels through a mysterious mirror into a cheering crowd of mystical creatures calling him their savior.

With the help of his newfound friends, Timothy gradually learns his uniqueness is his strength and tries to embrace his role as a protector. But despite the hope and trust the strange world’s people place in him, he’s terrified he won’t be good enough to save the realm from a rising evil…

Can he dig deep to find the hero inside and defend the land from a deadly threat?

Neurodivergent author Tobey Alexander wished he had someone to look up to when he was a young reader. Now grown, the determined wordsmith has created a magical adventure sure to inspire anyone who feels like they don’t belong.

Timothy Scott: Shadow Island is the epic first book in the Behind the Mirror middle-grade fantasy series. If you or your child like positive autistic role models, imaginative beasts, and delightful coming-of-age stories, then you’ll love award-winning author Tobey Alexander’s heartwarming tale.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Audiobook, Fantasy

238 pages, ebook

Published March 20, 2020

About the author

It's always a bit weird trying to sum myself up in a paragraph or two but here goes. I'm a father-of-three curious little humans who probably reflect various elements of my personality, full-time worker on the Thin Blue Line, adventurer in my own right and live for the escape of the outdoors where I can. Ever since I was young I enjoyed creative alternative worlds and stories and I suppose having now "apparently" grown up I can put it to use as an author.

I write to release my own over-active imagination and at the heart of everything is always the idea of adventure. I want my books to offer everyone the chance to escape form the everyday routines and things that niggle at us. In my books for younger audiences I want to nurture that sense of wonder, intrigue and adventure I remember growing up. In the older audience I want to reinvigorate that sense and offer a break from mortgages, bills, work and stress.

I'm not perfect, far from it in fact and all I am trying to do is make the best of what I have. For me, over the years, I've found out I carry a rare genetic deletion with unknown effects but seems to put me on the autism spectrum. Learning that helped me accept that the "quirkiness" of my nature is more acceptable than I had thought. Every story I write, every book I release I have seen in my head, acted out and watched as if it were a film. The way my brain works helps me do this and I only hope you find something you enjoy in my stories.

Reviews

[Hayley O' brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Myself and my 13 year old son read this story and we both enjoyed it. It is definately geared towards the younger reader but it was still page turning as an adult to find out more about the whys and back story of how this 12 old boy had found himself in the situation.
I liked the mystic the description and the flow of the story. I would definately recommend for all young teen readers.

[Belinda Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is clever in so many ways. Alexander's book portrays a young boy, plagued with nightmares and cursed by, an imaginary friend, a struggling social life, and an overactive imagination. Yet he turns these images on their head as he draws the child into the world of Shadow Island where all these things are gifts, necessary for the world's survival. This book very much reopens the discussion into diversity. In addition, the characters and settings feel real and authentic, despite the fact that much of the book is set in fantasy and the events and circumstances are obviously not familiar with the readers. The only thing I didn't appreciate about the book is that it seems a little bit rushed in some sections and the narrative moves a little bit faster than seems natural. However, it was definitely an enjoyable read and I want to hear more of Timothy Scott's story.

[Aly M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Timothy Scott is a fun adventure story for kids in the 10-14 year age range who enjoy magic and stories like Harry Potter or Narnia. Timothy discovers his imaginary friend is real and is transported to a magical world where he is expected to be a savior. Although he feels very unprepared, he learns a lot about himself on the journey.

This book tackles some tough themes (it's okay to be different, gaining self confidence and trusting yourself, etc) in a great way and at an appropriate age level. It's also a fun little adventure romp. Didn't take too long too read but it read quickly and was easy to fall into Timothy's mind. A very creative fantasy world with some traditional fantasy tropes and new, fun species.

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Paula Dyches · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantasy Action For All Ages

This is a very original fantasy adventure about a 12 year old boy who has very vivid nightmares and feels very out of place. His only friend is an invisible imaginary friend who he can only see in mirrors. His world becomes increasingly strange as he starts to put all the pieces together. My 10 year old son listened to this one and loved it but I would say this does hold a bit of a creepy element to it. I would say it's a 3rd grade to adults level read. I definitely recommend this to those who like adventures, fantasy and things that go bump in the night.

The narrator did a great job and was fun and easy to listen to.

—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Mabearbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it so hard to put this book down. I instantly fell in love with the main character , Timothy and to be fair , what's not to love about him? This book was everything all rolled into one, it had adventure, magic, fun, courage and a true hero, exactly what you need in a coming of age book. It captured my imagination right from the start andI loved watching how Timothy grew and thrived throughout the story, he is forever my hero and this story will stay with me a long time. This is definitely a story for families to read and share. Well done to Tobey Alexander on creating this amazing book!

[Eileen Plumb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful imaginative book, suitable for all ages. It tells of a little boy who has recurring nightmares but one day these nightmares take him to another parallel world where he is to become a hero. Once started you can't put it down until you have finished it needing to know what happens to the young hero. Hopefully there will be following stories of Timothy and his family in the future

[Alan Behan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another World

A fantastic first book in the Timothy Scott series, Timothy is a young boy who has no friends, self confidence and has a recurring nightmare about a dark shawdow that's he needs therapy, being bullied in school and tormented by his brother, he has imagined up a freind, but Timothy discovers his imaginary friend is very real, and when he is draged into a mirror to another world, where magical creatures and new adventure will begin, this book definitely grabs the attention of the reader, intrigued to watch Timothy's character grow and develop, a fantastic coming of age book that focuses on the reality of not fitting in and finding your inner strength, perfect for of Harry Potter Narnia fans, the Narrator George Kuch gives a brilliant preformence, highly recommended...😁

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. Well written, page turner, great characters. Love it. Good work.

[Dorothy Pope · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun young adult read. I think preteens will especially love it.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Timothy is a typical 12 year old boy that never felt he fit in, and had no friends except for the imaginary one that had been with him since birth. Plagued by nightmares and bullied by his classmates, Timothy feels helpless and alone. That is until the day he discovers those nightmares are actually glimpses into a world he was meant to enter and explore.
With a cast of fascinating characters, mythical creatures, and lots of action, the author takes you on an adventure that hooks you from the start. Can Timothy harness the powers he never new he had and become a hero for his new friends, or will he choose to return to the life he has always known?
Although this is obviously written for the younger audience, everyone can enjoy this fun and exciting fantasy novel. The narration is superb, which made the story come to life as you listened to this unique and imaginative tale. I definitely recommend you listen to this book.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fun adventure, great for the preteen audience. It was a mix between Narnia and Lord of the Rings, in the way Timothy accesses and learns about the fantasy world and the way that he travels to Shadow Island, respectively.

There could have been less time spent showing how much of an outcast he was in the beginning and how much training he needed in the middle. The father could have saved Timothy from much self doubt if he was truthful with Timothy from the beginning. I was frustrated with the father at the end.

It's overall a good read for a young adult. I received this book for free, and I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author Timothy Scott for providing me a free digital copy through Voracious Readers Only. In return I will give an honest review.
I am a visual reader, words generate an ongoing movie in my mind as I read. I would give this book a solid 5 on the ease of the author generating vivid, sometimes dark and other times beautiful scenes in my mind.
The story itself, with the on going self doubt and reinforced by many adults cooled my enthusiasm. I felt an agenda being pushed too hard, it's great to be motivated by a book, not so great to have it pounded in.
The ending really quenched my thirst to read more of this series.
How did the parents not know the true nature of Dr. Live? Why would the parents risk Timothy's state of mind.. to endure the loneliness and bullying he went through, when they could of started training him at a young age and given him a solid base to work from to defeat the darkness.

I love to experience Fiction... Fantasy, Horror, Scifi when written by someone who knows how to let the reader experience the story through vivid scenes. I like to accept the world the writer is presenting as reality to me while I'm reading. Anything is possible
For me, dialog is there to carry the story along, not a tool to be used by the writer to force their passion for their own (often times well meaning) lesson/agenda. Trust your readers, to understand and gain new perspectives from your story.

[Todd Roseweir · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a very good start to what appears to be a promising series for middle-grade readers who would enjoy fantasy stories. It has all the elements you would expect, with a nicely detailed world setting (including map) and some really cool creatures (for example the shark-men and shocktapus). And if you go to the author's web site, there are some totally awesome images to help you visualize various settings and creatures.

Some reviewers have stated that the story starts slowly, but it is building the background for the rest of the series, and accurately captures how the man character would really feel being suddenly catapulted from everyday life to this new world and struggling to understand what is requested of him. Some of the characters at the start of the book become central later in the book. It is also important to realize that there is an underlying message in the book meant for children that are teased for being different.

I was introduced to this author by receiving a copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only for an honest review. And based upon what I read, I fully intend to read more of this author's work.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was sent to me as a review copy by Voracious Readers Only

Perfect for younger readers and fans of Percy Jackson and Harry Potter

This book follows Timothy a 12 year old boy who has spent his childhood plagued by nightmares of a dark entity that he just cannot seem to get rid of. His life is filled with the nightmares, the doctors appointments to find the cause of the nightmares, a teasing older brother and the challenges and bullying of high school
But when his childhood “imaginary” friend shows him the world beyond the mirror what happens when the dreams are not longer dreams. A Fae like world corrupted by the dark force that has consumed his sleepless nights. And what is he to do when he is supposed to save them all? Will he follow his destiny? Or is it all part of the dream?

Good book I really enjoyed it

[Harjit Kaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is of a young boy named Timothy Scott, who suffers from recurring nightmares. He soon learns the truth of his nightmares and that his imaginary friend is quite real. Soon he is pulled into another world, one which is full of mythical creatures and is threatened by dark forces. The story tells the journey of a young boy who is picked on by bullies and his brother alike, who must overcome this to become the hero needed.

Although the story is slow to begin with, it flows well and is full of imagination and magic. It deals with many themes and complex emotions that are human in nature, and the author manages these with maturity and understanding. The book is suitable for younger readers and for those who enjoyed Alice in Wonderland and the Chronicles of Narnia.

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic fantasy novel for younger readers. The novel takes us from our every day world to a rich fantasy world through the eyes of a young boy who is struggling to find who he is and where he fits in.
I loved following Timothys adventure and seeing him develop and grow as a character, I think he is someone younger readers could relate to.
While I think the book still may have needed a final edit, as there were a few errors, overall it was a great story and well written for the target audience.
I was sent a free digital copy of this book in return for an honest review through Voracious Readers

[Kay Cobbold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timothy Scott: Shadow Island” is a gripping read and the first book in a series. I empathised with Timothy’s “nightmares” at the beginning of the novel, and enjoyed the way the author made us realise that there was more to Timothy than met the eye. It was great to see Timothy’s growing confidence as his special skills developed “behind the mirror” and how his attitude to being different changed as he viewed it his differences in a new, brave positive way. His discovery, at the end of the novel, clarified a few points I’d been questioning and I’m looking forward to read the following books in the series. I received a complimentary book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful coming of age story, Timothy Scott: Shadow Island follows the story of twelve year old Timothy and his journey into the magical realm of Mielikuvitus. On his adventure Timothy meets new friends and learns to face his fears.

I loved the world building, especially the fantastical creatures, and the magical weaponry. Tobey Alexander has crafted a world you can truly immerse yourself in. The character of Timothy was also well done. You could really understand his thoughts, feelings, and reactions. I can't wait to continue this series!

I received a free copy for review and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really became immersed in this story. I found the storytelling enchanting. The mix of the home life and the mystical realm was easy to follow and set up the plot well. I enjoyed the excitement. And even in my late twenties I found myself with my heart pounding as I devoured this book. I enjoy fantasy and magic so this was perfect for me and very easily read.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Voracious Readers Only.

[Ang · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast pasted book with a good story line about inclusion and diversity, it’s not only ok to be different but being different and creative makes you special , and in this case a hero. Written for preteen early teen but as an adult I still enjoyed most of it. The end seemed a bit rushed but it is the start of a series so cont be more fleshed out in the next book. All the characters were unique and relatable.

[Mia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I chose this book from Voracious Readers Only
Tolkein meets CS Lewis (Narnia) perhaps
Sorry got a bit bored with it and gave up at 46% per my kindle, which is very rare for me to do, as I will generally plough on to the end .
I don’t mind reading children’s and teen books but this was definitely not my demographic and didn’t engage me.

[Jane(Janelba) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read and adventure. I think that the main character Timothy has autistic traits and is bullied at school. He has an imaginary friend whom he discovers is real. He discovers a mirror on the wall of his family's home which leads to a big adventure. A story of overcoming fears and finding your strengths. Loved this book.

[Paige Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book however it is not one I would read again. I liked the fact that Timothy had to gain confidence in himself to use his abilities, I think that is a powerful message for everyone. I also loved that he was able to go back to the other world, with the help of his dad.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good visually stimulating read. I could picture all the different scenes through the details given in this story as it leads me though the adventure, and was still able to allow my imagination to fill in and flow through the story adding my own personal touch.
The read is good and would definitely appeal to 7-14 reading on there own, although I think it really could be a great interactive story to be read out loud between parent and child.

[Michael Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received free without any stipulations. Enjoyable saga about a 12 year old boy, who is destined to save a magical world on the other side of a mirror. Fun read.

[Christine Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my first introduction into the fantasy class in a long , long time it was rather good and fast paced. And followed the formula for a fantastic fantasy novel. I learned a lot from this book!

[M.L. Dunker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A traditional adventure fantasy reminiscent of the Chronicles of Narnia. Book suffers from poor editing and proofreading issues, although the story itself is solid.

[RoryTheNorthernLight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm.. mixed feeling actually. Some of them are too obvious, and a bit creative from the author in the characters. Like how some of the names were scrambled.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was ok. there were some grammatical and printing errors and missing words but the premise was pretty good. i was just a little underwhelmed by the ridiculousness of some of the names. 3 stars

[C.R. Hogan · Rating 3 out of 5]

it felt like a lot of telling but not a lot of showing?? there's a LOT of potential here though and i am intrigued by the world and timothy as a character so i'll be continuing the series.