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Shade King
The Awakened World of 2053—a shattered land of magic, Fey, monsters … and world-ending secrets.
From former army officer William Stacey comes Shade King, the second book in an exciting new blend of urban fantasy and military adventure.
What difference does a week make?
I’m Angie Ritter, former army mage and recovering headcase. Seven days ago, I was struggling to survive without my magic. Now I’m on the run with a family of werewolf super-soldiers. Not gonna lie. I’m in trouble—a lot of trouble: a cult of dragon-worshipping fanatics wants to cut my heart out, vampire assassins hunt me, and even my own countrymen want to hang me for treason.
Oh, and a dark empire plots to conquer the entire West Coast. It may be led by a pair of dragons, honest-to-god dragons.
Did I mention I’m possessed by an ancient entity of unimaginable power?
Last week was hell on Earth, literally. I think this week is gonna be worse.
At least my magic’s back—wow, is it ever back!
Warning: Contains scenes of sexual situations, realistic violence, and soldiers talking like soldiers.
If you like Myke Cole, Michael Anderle, K.F. Breene, and Shayne Silvers, you’ll love this exciting new series.
From former army officer William Stacey comes Shade King, the second book in an exciting new blend of urban fantasy and military adventure.
What difference does a week make?
I’m Angie Ritter, former army mage and recovering headcase. Seven days ago, I was struggling to survive without my magic. Now I’m on the run with a family of werewolf super-soldiers. Not gonna lie. I’m in trouble—a lot of trouble: a cult of dragon-worshipping fanatics wants to cut my heart out, vampire assassins hunt me, and even my own countrymen want to hang me for treason.
Oh, and a dark empire plots to conquer the entire West Coast. It may be led by a pair of dragons, honest-to-god dragons.
Did I mention I’m possessed by an ancient entity of unimaginable power?
Last week was hell on Earth, literally. I think this week is gonna be worse.
At least my magic’s back—wow, is it ever back!
Warning: Contains scenes of sexual situations, realistic violence, and soldiers talking like soldiers.
If you like Myke Cole, Michael Anderle, K.F. Breene, and Shayne Silvers, you’ll love this exciting new series.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2020
154 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
William Stacey
125 books92 followersA former soldier, William Stacey served his country for more than thirty years, including multiple combat tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan. William loves exercise and all things martial and is a black belt in karate.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 11, 2020
Better than the first one!
Fugitives of the Commonwealth, Angie the Source Mage, Tec the Jaguar Knight and the Seagrave family of werewolves flee to the lands of their former enemies, the Nortenos. With tons of hard-hitting military and supernatural action the band of heroes must deal with new monsters to ward off the destruction of the world by an ancient cult who serve an evil that wants to destroy all life on Earth.
Stacey keeps the action moving at a furious speed that will have you reading long into the night. I can’t wait for the final chapter in this trilogy.
Fugitives of the Commonwealth, Angie the Source Mage, Tec the Jaguar Knight and the Seagrave family of werewolves flee to the lands of their former enemies, the Nortenos. With tons of hard-hitting military and supernatural action the band of heroes must deal with new monsters to ward off the destruction of the world by an ancient cult who serve an evil that wants to destroy all life on Earth.
Stacey keeps the action moving at a furious speed that will have you reading long into the night. I can’t wait for the final chapter in this trilogy.
June 18, 2020
Ancient gods? Check. Mysterious Jaguar Knight with amazing skills and abilities that amaze every reader? Check. Bloodthirsty cult on quest for power? Check. Monsters and supernaturals? You bet. The ultimate destruction danger coming right up? Oh well, here it comes…
This action packed dystopian adventure full of fantasy and magic draws the reader in, full force, from page one. Starting right where the previous book ends, we get to dig deeper into the mysterious lands of the fae and elves, have the opportunity to start understanding Angie's unique magical powers, feel the power of the Seagraves, and uncover some secrets hidden behind the veil of mystery and legends that pulls the strings of Mother Smoke Heart's clan. Mythology blended with fantasy and action is a thrilling concoction, and the more we watch Angie grow and develop, the more the mystery around Tec crystallizes, the more addictive the story gets. I am curious where all this will lead - definitely looking forward to reading the next book.
This action packed dystopian adventure full of fantasy and magic draws the reader in, full force, from page one. Starting right where the previous book ends, we get to dig deeper into the mysterious lands of the fae and elves, have the opportunity to start understanding Angie's unique magical powers, feel the power of the Seagraves, and uncover some secrets hidden behind the veil of mystery and legends that pulls the strings of Mother Smoke Heart's clan. Mythology blended with fantasy and action is a thrilling concoction, and the more we watch Angie grow and develop, the more the mystery around Tec crystallizes, the more addictive the story gets. I am curious where all this will lead - definitely looking forward to reading the next book.
May 4, 2020
The story picks up where it ended and continues for the span of a week; and what a week! The action is almost non-stop and you wonder how they manage to keep going.
More is discovered about the Aztalan Empire and who/what is behind Mother Smoke Heart and her cohorts. After her narrow escape during the last fight she is very worried about returning to her masters with the bad news that she has lost the Seagraves; they do not take kindly to failure and she fears that her life is now forfeit. Going through the artifacts that she stole from Charrah she discovers a journal and after reading it thinks she has found a way to save her life for the time being.
Meanwhile, despite the lack to trust by most of the Norteno’s, Constance Morgan to the dismay of her second in command, Tavi has offered the Seagraves and Angela temporary sanctuary as guests not prisoners in their compound if they will follow a few rules. Marshal wants them all and the helicopter returned but she has put him off for now. Due to the events that Nathan case brought about when the events are revealed to Morgan she immediately fears that The Conclave has been broken and with the events that are happening to the south they are all afraid that a war is about to begin between the Aztalan Empire and everyone else. They don’t know who is pulling behind the emperor of that empire and they have unaware that their ranks have already been infiltrated and that one of their most trusted and high-ranking members is working for the Empire.
We also Find out more about the were-jaguar, Tec and the powerful lord that he serves.
Angie becomes more comfortable with the presence of The Other and finds out about what it is and I hope there is more forthcoming in the final book in this series.
Once the action starts it almost never ceases and despite wanting to make the book last longer, I found myself devouring it in one sitting, I am so glad that there’s not much time in between the releases of the next book. It’s very rare for me to reread a book so if an author maintains a release schedule of 1 year or longer between their books, unless the author has made b=me really care about their characters and the world they’ve created I may not pick up their next book. Mr. Stacey is one of the few authors that has consistently done this with this and his previous books.
**4.75/5 STARS: Because it is required to note I was given an ARC by the author. I thank the author, William Stacey for allowing me to read this book before publication. I have voluntarily provided my unbiased, honest review.**
More is discovered about the Aztalan Empire and who/what is behind Mother Smoke Heart and her cohorts. After her narrow escape during the last fight she is very worried about returning to her masters with the bad news that she has lost the Seagraves; they do not take kindly to failure and she fears that her life is now forfeit. Going through the artifacts that she stole from Charrah she discovers a journal and after reading it thinks she has found a way to save her life for the time being.
Meanwhile, despite the lack to trust by most of the Norteno’s, Constance Morgan to the dismay of her second in command, Tavi has offered the Seagraves and Angela temporary sanctuary as guests not prisoners in their compound if they will follow a few rules. Marshal wants them all and the helicopter returned but she has put him off for now. Due to the events that Nathan case brought about when the events are revealed to Morgan she immediately fears that The Conclave has been broken and with the events that are happening to the south they are all afraid that a war is about to begin between the Aztalan Empire and everyone else. They don’t know who is pulling behind the emperor of that empire and they have unaware that their ranks have already been infiltrated and that one of their most trusted and high-ranking members is working for the Empire.
We also Find out more about the were-jaguar, Tec and the powerful lord that he serves.
Angie becomes more comfortable with the presence of The Other and finds out about what it is and I hope there is more forthcoming in the final book in this series.
Once the action starts it almost never ceases and despite wanting to make the book last longer, I found myself devouring it in one sitting, I am so glad that there’s not much time in between the releases of the next book. It’s very rare for me to reread a book so if an author maintains a release schedule of 1 year or longer between their books, unless the author has made b=me really care about their characters and the world they’ve created I may not pick up their next book. Mr. Stacey is one of the few authors that has consistently done this with this and his previous books.
**4.75/5 STARS: Because it is required to note I was given an ARC by the author. I thank the author, William Stacey for allowing me to read this book before publication. I have voluntarily provided my unbiased, honest review.**
May 12, 2020
*Oxygen Mask Not Included
Holy Adrenaline Junkies! This book didn't give me a minute to catch my breath from one lung scorching chapter to the next! If I could have mentally taken the strain, I would have read it in one sitting! But this author left nothing on the field with this story. It's got everything he had to give, I believe.
It certainly has everything a reader wants, that I can tell you. From the moment this story picks back up, Source Mage, Angie and her battle buddies, the Seagrave siblings are neck deep in some seriously raw sewage (figuratively speaking). Their world, which completely changed, 18 years before, has just shifted again. They no longer have the convenience of logically drawn battle lines and known enemies/allies. All of those lines are now completely blurred and shifting moment by moment. That's no way to fight a war. It's certainly no way to win one--when you don't know who your allies are any more.
These characters that Mr. Stacey created for this series are as intense as the world they find themselves in. They're tough, gritty, realistic, hard. Some are loyal and trustworthy. Others as mercurial as London in spring. Some would turn their mother over to their enemies for a little bit of extra food. They lie as easily as they draw breath. But a few would do whatever it takes to keep the forces of evil at bay. Those are the ones who have their work cut out for them. Those are the heroes of this story, and the ones that keep the reader turning pages well into the night.
This adrenaline-fueled story is the second in a heart stopping trilogy. It is possible to pick this book up and enjoy it without having read the first. But it will be best enjoyed after having read book one, "Source Mage." I'm figuring book three will need to come with a warning label for those who might have certain health conditions. Just a thought...but with the intensity of this book, I'm concerned minds will be blown in the final addition to this series!
Holy Adrenaline Junkies! This book didn't give me a minute to catch my breath from one lung scorching chapter to the next! If I could have mentally taken the strain, I would have read it in one sitting! But this author left nothing on the field with this story. It's got everything he had to give, I believe.
It certainly has everything a reader wants, that I can tell you. From the moment this story picks back up, Source Mage, Angie and her battle buddies, the Seagrave siblings are neck deep in some seriously raw sewage (figuratively speaking). Their world, which completely changed, 18 years before, has just shifted again. They no longer have the convenience of logically drawn battle lines and known enemies/allies. All of those lines are now completely blurred and shifting moment by moment. That's no way to fight a war. It's certainly no way to win one--when you don't know who your allies are any more.
These characters that Mr. Stacey created for this series are as intense as the world they find themselves in. They're tough, gritty, realistic, hard. Some are loyal and trustworthy. Others as mercurial as London in spring. Some would turn their mother over to their enemies for a little bit of extra food. They lie as easily as they draw breath. But a few would do whatever it takes to keep the forces of evil at bay. Those are the ones who have their work cut out for them. Those are the heroes of this story, and the ones that keep the reader turning pages well into the night.
This adrenaline-fueled story is the second in a heart stopping trilogy. It is possible to pick this book up and enjoy it without having read the first. But it will be best enjoyed after having read book one, "Source Mage." I'm figuring book three will need to come with a warning label for those who might have certain health conditions. Just a thought...but with the intensity of this book, I'm concerned minds will be blown in the final addition to this series!
May 11, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Phenomenal....
William Stacey has written one of the best trilogy’s that I’ve read in a long time. The second book “Shade King” picks up right where the first one (“Source Mage”) ended and away you go! Angie (a source mage) and her shade along with the Seagraves (wereshifters) are running to get to safety. Many different worlds and Fae want them for sacrifices or for other magical reasons. They have no one they can trust and even those they do trust they shouldn’t have. They are literally constantly on the run, using anything or anyone that they can to finally get somewhere they are safe and free. Mr. Stacey’s imagination along with his expertise in warfare make this a very intricate read. The way he describes a battle makes you feel like you’re right there in the middle of it with the actual characters. The world he has created appears to be real while you are reading. I have really enjoyed both books, “The Source Mage” and “The Shade King”! I’m looking forward to the last book which will be released soon. If you like magic, monsters mixed in with humans and warfare, you’ll love this trilogy! Be sure to get the first one “Source Mage” today. I highly recommend this trilogy and author!
Phenomenal....
William Stacey has written one of the best trilogy’s that I’ve read in a long time. The second book “Shade King” picks up right where the first one (“Source Mage”) ended and away you go! Angie (a source mage) and her shade along with the Seagraves (wereshifters) are running to get to safety. Many different worlds and Fae want them for sacrifices or for other magical reasons. They have no one they can trust and even those they do trust they shouldn’t have. They are literally constantly on the run, using anything or anyone that they can to finally get somewhere they are safe and free. Mr. Stacey’s imagination along with his expertise in warfare make this a very intricate read. The way he describes a battle makes you feel like you’re right there in the middle of it with the actual characters. The world he has created appears to be real while you are reading. I have really enjoyed both books, “The Source Mage” and “The Shade King”! I’m looking forward to the last book which will be released soon. If you like magic, monsters mixed in with humans and warfare, you’ll love this trilogy! Be sure to get the first one “Source Mage” today. I highly recommend this trilogy and author!
May 25, 2020
This second book in The Awakened World Series by William Stacey was an intense supernatural action-adventure with one hell of a roller coaster ride of emotions for the main characters as they try to stay alive long enough to learn the truth about people who can and who can't be trusted in the new barren world order of things. There are mage, dragons, weres, monsters, and plain old evil characters sprinkled throughout the story along with several vividly detailed descriptions of some grisly scenes. This book takes the reader right to the spot where the first book left off so there is no loss of continuity in the plot. I am definitely looking forward to reading the third book which I have already added to my ARC review file. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
May 10, 2020
Exciting, and action packed read filled with magical creatures, and a fight to save what is left of humanity from war, and the machinations of the creatures who control a dark mage, and the people who worship them as gods. Fascinating, and intriguing characters determined to save humanity at all cost, only to discover the true power behind the invading army is greater than they could have possibly been able to comprehend. Fantastic urban fantasy adventure with military action in a post apocalyptic world where magic is the new norm. I think this is a fascinating, must read series with unexpected twists in the plot that kept me reading well past bed time.
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
May 15, 2020
Angie may not look like a knight in shining armour but she certainly tries to do what is right, what is honourable, despite the various circumstances that push in the opposite direction. She goes through so many emotional ups and downs in this one novel; she loses a family and gains a family, loses her purpose and gains a new purpose, fights one battle and loses another, gains a new mentor and loses that mentor. Then the war begins..... Angie may not be a leader in the way that heads of state and army generals may be but she may very well be the most important kind of leader her world needs - a role model. Isn't that what we all need?
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 30, 2020
This one is even better than the first book in the series. It's a real roller coaster of a read. Fast paced, full of action, intrigue, plots and cults. Angie's character is more three dimensional in this book, and as for the Seagrave family, they're pure dynamite. I adored this book, the world building is so intricate and the characters are all complex and flawed in their own way. Can't wait to read the next one!
May 6, 2024
An okay next installment, if predictable.
It's a decent showing, editing is solid... but when you use the same exact beats/tropes from the previous book... that's just really telegraphing things. Instantly just made me sigh at what felt almost laziness.
If you don't mind just shutting your brain off and following the formula you'll probably have no issues, but if predictability bothers you... might want to pass.
It's a decent showing, editing is solid... but when you use the same exact beats/tropes from the previous book... that's just really telegraphing things. Instantly just made me sigh at what felt almost laziness.
If you don't mind just shutting your brain off and following the formula you'll probably have no issues, but if predictability bothers you... might want to pass.
May 11, 2020
Second book in the series and is even better than the first. If you haven’t read Source Mage, do so. This book has even more action and thrills than the first. Angie is growing into her power and surprises abound in the story. The ending does not resolve everything, but does resolve some main issues. Looking forward to the next book.
I received an ARC of this book and wished to leave a review.
I received an ARC of this book and wished to leave a review.
May 16, 2020
This series is the kind of book I don't want to put down, but I don't want it to end, either. Such a great story with characters that continue to evolve and reveal their character. Action, intrigue, love, and greed in a tightly written story that kept me up way past my normal sleep time. I'm reading book 3 now.
May 20, 2020
Couldn’t put it down
Thank you Mr. Stacey for a sleepless night. I couldn’t put this book down and ended up reading until 4 am to finish the story. I totally enjoyed this adventure, it was exciting and fast paced and Angie and the Seagraves adventures are awesome to follow. Well worth the loss of sleep.
Thank you Mr. Stacey for a sleepless night. I couldn’t put this book down and ended up reading until 4 am to finish the story. I totally enjoyed this adventure, it was exciting and fast paced and Angie and the Seagraves adventures are awesome to follow. Well worth the loss of sleep.
June 4, 2020
William Stacey is a master at dark, intense fantasy books with incredible action, and Shade King doesn’t disappoint. This is the second book in this series, and it is not a stand alone. It is however an awesome book in an awesome series.
Contains graphic violence and sexual content. Mature readers only.
Contains graphic violence and sexual content. Mature readers only.
June 20, 2020
Wow! The first book in the series was good! This one was incredible. There was so much fast action and the characters were amazing. My only complaint was the ending, as there was no conclusion but an segue into the next book. I highly recommend this series but only if you love action, magic, elves, vampires and more.
May 3, 2020
William Stacey continues to deliver an amazing adventure. The second book continues the adventure. An engaging story that keeps you reading through the night. I am waiting impatiently for the next books in the series.
May 11, 2020
OMG, his done it again! Mr. Stacey will grub you from the first page and not let you go until the end and then you still want more. I could not read fast enough but also wanted to slow down because I did not want it to end. What will come next? I can’t wait.
May 10, 2021
Good book
I enjoyed reading the book. Good story and characters. I longed most everything about it. Is in a world different from those I have previously read about. Have to see where it goes from here.
I enjoyed reading the book. Good story and characters. I longed most everything about it. Is in a world different from those I have previously read about. Have to see where it goes from here.
January 15, 2024
Fast paced
Great story telling by a master of his art!. The story moves at such a pace that keeps you glued to the pages. As much as I wanted to read the end of the story, I still didn t want it to end.
Great story telling by a master of his art!. The story moves at such a pace that keeps you glued to the pages. As much as I wanted to read the end of the story, I still didn t want it to end.
July 15, 2025
Great read ….but,
A cliffhanger! Not a huge one and probably the best place to end it, so the author (William Stacey) is forgiven this once. That and the fact I can get the next book as soon as I submit means I’m done for now. Hahahaha
A cliffhanger! Not a huge one and probably the best place to end it, so the author (William Stacey) is forgiven this once. That and the fact I can get the next book as soon as I submit means I’m done for now. Hahahaha
February 21, 2021
Wow great story!
Thought this was great. This world is amazing. The characters and action was amazing!can't wait to read more of this series!!
Thought this was great. This world is amazing. The characters and action was amazing!can't wait to read more of this series!!
February 18, 2022
Not realistic enough
I got to 50% but the fight scenes with Angie were ridiculous. With all the power she has she seems clueless in how to fight. Too phony for me.
I got to 50% but the fight scenes with Angie were ridiculous. With all the power she has she seems clueless in how to fight. Too phony for me.
October 14, 2021
A dynamite follow up to The Source Mage, this series really develops interesting characters and a wonderfully entertaining world. Great stuff!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews