What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fae Files #1
The Shadow Project
A banished Fae. A veil of lies. Once chance to return home.
Reine will seriously do anything for redemption. Exiled to Earth after failing to protect her brother, she leaps at the chance to get back into Faerie when her scornful mother proposes a pact. But Reine knows she better be careful, because Fae bargains are always loaded with tricks…
Ordered to smoke out a traitor on a team of supernatural scientists, Reine barely survives an attack by a vicious shifter. And after discovering a shadowy manipulator is intent on seeing her fail, Reine must confront a deadly conspiracy that could spell the end for her kind.
Can Reine unmask a sinister cabal before she loses her ticket home...or worse?
The Shadow Project is the mesmerizing first book in The Fae Files urban fantasy series. If you like snarky heroines, memorable creatures, and unique magical worlds, then you’ll love Cecilia Dominic’s spellbinding story.
Reine will seriously do anything for redemption. Exiled to Earth after failing to protect her brother, she leaps at the chance to get back into Faerie when her scornful mother proposes a pact. But Reine knows she better be careful, because Fae bargains are always loaded with tricks…
Ordered to smoke out a traitor on a team of supernatural scientists, Reine barely survives an attack by a vicious shifter. And after discovering a shadowy manipulator is intent on seeing her fail, Reine must confront a deadly conspiracy that could spell the end for her kind.
Can Reine unmask a sinister cabal before she loses her ticket home...or worse?
The Shadow Project is the mesmerizing first book in The Fae Files urban fantasy series. If you like snarky heroines, memorable creatures, and unique magical worlds, then you’ll love Cecilia Dominic’s spellbinding story.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2020
About the author
Cecilia Dominic
34 books393 followersCecilia Dominic became a clinical psychologist because she's fascinated by people and their stories, but she couldn't stop making stuff up. By day, she helps people cure their insomnia. By night, she writes fiction that keeps her readers turning pages past bedtime. Yes, she recognizes the conflict of interest between her two careers, but she prefers to be called versatile, not conflicted. Cecilia has been published in short and novel-length fiction and currently writes urban fantasy and steampunk. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and the world’s cutest cat.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 24, 2020
I’ve read this author before, so I was happy to dive into this new series. It has been a while since I’ve read this author’s other series, but I was happy when I recognized characters from them. I must confess I don’t remember Reine, but that’s OK. I don’t think I liked her as I had a hard time at first liking her in this one. However, it didn’t take long before I saw her softer side, and I really liked her from then on. I enjoyed the plot, the characters were fun, and as before, I really like the universe. I’m really hoping to move on to the next one. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
January 13, 2025
Fae, Gargoyle Shifters, Vampires and a kitten. Good times
May 7, 2020
The Shadow Project has a direct tie to the author’s Lycanthopy Files series as it picks up soon after Blood’s Shadow left off. There is also an indirect tie to her Dream Weavers and Truth Seekers series. I imagine all Dominic’s supernatural beings to come together eventually.
So, Reine was the enigmatic Fae from Blood’s Shadow. In that book, I liked her, but, as with all Fae, did not trust her. In The Shadow Project, we get to see her personal viewpoint, which is not nearly as arrogant, self-confident and all-knowing as the image she tries to perfect. In this book, Reine (also known as Doctor Renee River) seems almost human.
Reine is tied to the earth. She loves and communicates with the earth, with plants, with the natural world. She gets her energy from nature. Her love and care of all things natural is a lovely part of her character.
There is a mystery at the CPDC (Center for Paranormal Disease Control) in Atlanta. Stolen DNA samples. Reine is specifically asked to travel from Scotland to Atlanta to help investigate – for some mysterious reason. In the meantime, her mother asks her to go to Atlanta on a Fae mission and in return, upon completion, Reine will get to go back home to Faeland. Going home is something she wants more than anything. So, my question is: Are these two missions related?
Reine ends up working with Selene Rial (from Blood’s Shadow) investigating the theft. They really make a terrible team due to a lack of trust. And you certainly can’t call them friends. So, since the story is Reine’s she will be the star mystery solver. There is a very attractive Gargoyle, Lawrence Gordon, to guard and assist. It should be noted that Reine does not like Gargoyles at all. Some family history thing, which needs to be made a little clearer. Maybe it will be in a future installment, since brother showed up at the end of the book.
There is a soul eater on the attack and nobody knows why, but it appears to be threatening Reine from the very beginning. The threat begins even before she leaves Scotland. So, the soul eater appears to be a mystery separate from the DNA theft.
The other mystery that started in Scotland is a kitten. A very mysterious kitten. An adorable kitten. A How-can-you-resist? kitten. Oh, and the kitten teleports. So, I say again: A very mysterious kitten.
The CPDC mystery takes up most of the story, with character development as the really interesting background. Reine’s family is going to be fun, I can tell.
After reading The Shadow Project, I am more inclined to appreciate the Fae Reine as a protagonist. She does not embody the image of her arrogant, conniving Fae family. Living near humans may have tamed her. Though with the Soul eater out there, I doubt we have seen the complete works of Reine as far as her supernatural powers go. And the relationship with Gargoyle Gordon is interesting. The potential Hate/Love thing could go anywhere.
In terms of the ending, the CBCD mystery will be solved. However, Reine’s Fae mission is not complete. Plus, there is still something hunting Reine. So – much more to come! It looks like the next two books are scheduled for release in the near future (August and November). So, binge reading will soon be possible – if you are so inclined.
Thanks to the author who provided a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.
So, Reine was the enigmatic Fae from Blood’s Shadow. In that book, I liked her, but, as with all Fae, did not trust her. In The Shadow Project, we get to see her personal viewpoint, which is not nearly as arrogant, self-confident and all-knowing as the image she tries to perfect. In this book, Reine (also known as Doctor Renee River) seems almost human.
Reine is tied to the earth. She loves and communicates with the earth, with plants, with the natural world. She gets her energy from nature. Her love and care of all things natural is a lovely part of her character.
There is a mystery at the CPDC (Center for Paranormal Disease Control) in Atlanta. Stolen DNA samples. Reine is specifically asked to travel from Scotland to Atlanta to help investigate – for some mysterious reason. In the meantime, her mother asks her to go to Atlanta on a Fae mission and in return, upon completion, Reine will get to go back home to Faeland. Going home is something she wants more than anything. So, my question is: Are these two missions related?
Reine ends up working with Selene Rial (from Blood’s Shadow) investigating the theft. They really make a terrible team due to a lack of trust. And you certainly can’t call them friends. So, since the story is Reine’s she will be the star mystery solver. There is a very attractive Gargoyle, Lawrence Gordon, to guard and assist. It should be noted that Reine does not like Gargoyles at all. Some family history thing, which needs to be made a little clearer. Maybe it will be in a future installment, since brother showed up at the end of the book.
There is a soul eater on the attack and nobody knows why, but it appears to be threatening Reine from the very beginning. The threat begins even before she leaves Scotland. So, the soul eater appears to be a mystery separate from the DNA theft.
The other mystery that started in Scotland is a kitten. A very mysterious kitten. An adorable kitten. A How-can-you-resist? kitten. Oh, and the kitten teleports. So, I say again: A very mysterious kitten.
The CPDC mystery takes up most of the story, with character development as the really interesting background. Reine’s family is going to be fun, I can tell.
After reading The Shadow Project, I am more inclined to appreciate the Fae Reine as a protagonist. She does not embody the image of her arrogant, conniving Fae family. Living near humans may have tamed her. Though with the Soul eater out there, I doubt we have seen the complete works of Reine as far as her supernatural powers go. And the relationship with Gargoyle Gordon is interesting. The potential Hate/Love thing could go anywhere.
In terms of the ending, the CBCD mystery will be solved. However, Reine’s Fae mission is not complete. Plus, there is still something hunting Reine. So – much more to come! It looks like the next two books are scheduled for release in the near future (August and November). So, binge reading will soon be possible – if you are so inclined.
Thanks to the author who provided a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.
December 9, 2023
This is book one of The Fae Files series and the main character is fae princess and exile, Dr Reine River, not her real surname as that would be too dangerous for others to know, given the power of your name. At the start of the story, she is called by her shop clerk, Veronica, who says she has an emergency and then hangs up. It turns out she has a litter of kittens, but one of them has magical abilities and keeps on disappearing into thin air, and she wants Reine to look after him. Veronica named him Sir Walter Raleigh and pushes Reine to take him home with her, and he seems quite taken with her. There is something off with the kitten, but Reine can’t figure it out. When she gets back to her little cottage on the outskirts of the town in Scotland where she lives, she finds someone or something has breached her powerful wards and all she can sense are some heavy footsteps. It seems an invisible being has been looking for something in her office and left it in disarray. She calls Gabriel, who turns up with wizard Max who she knows well, but also Inspector Garou, who is rather unwelcome as he is a gargoyle. A gargoyle was responsible for her younger brother Rhys’ disfigurement, leaving him not allowed to return to Faerie. Garou is the new Lycanthropy Council Investigator, since Gabriel no longer does that anymore, he is instead the head of the Lycanthrope Council so she will have to deal with Garou! Once they are gone, she starts to sort out the mess and check on one important hidden talisman, the crystal of which is glowing brightly, meaning her mother is demanding an audience with her!
She thought she might have been calling her mother for some assistance and a chance at last to return to Faerie, but her mother has a fairy task for her to do instead, with the chance to return only once all the loose ends of it are sorted out. Any contract with a Fae has to be carefully worded, but Reine is desperate to get back after three centuries in exile, she doesn’t pay as much attention as she should have, especially knowing what her mother is like and how she has always treated her! Her mother blamed her for Rhys becoming disfigured, with him being her favoured child and now not allowed to return. She is to find a traitor within a secret lab in Atlanta, which will place her in a weakened state, away from her home and powerful ley lines, as well as in the middle of a city full of iron and all the pollution and noise she hates! She was supposed to be accompany representatives from the ILR to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, where a team of mostly supernaturals have been experimenting with paranormal creatures and checking into the spread of lycanthropy. She then gets called in by Max to investigate the leak which lead to the Chronic Lycanthropy Syndrome outbreak. She travels with Dr Selene Rial, as Gabriel and Max get delayed with their own investigation in Scotland. The head of the Atlanta lab is Dr Cimex and he somehow knew of Reine’s presence and identity as a Fae princess, which is disconcerting! Needing to find someone with a link to her case, who could help her in Atlanta, has her magically connected to Kestrel (20), the daughter of the head wizard and head witch of the White Oak Atlanta coven, but who also work at the lab. Kestrel has her own issues, being in love with Corey and with problematic magic, which can’t seem to settle on one kind or another and that is quite late in her young life. Corey is a lion shifter who ends up as being one of their bodyguards, as well as yet another gargoyle Reine comes across, Dr Lawrence Gordon, a veterinarian as well as a scientist at the lab.
Maybe Reine has spent too long in the human world, as she is allowing the kitten to accompany her and even uses the words ‘thank you’ in speaking to the shifters and humans. Not the hard and tricky Fae she used to be! On good thing is that the kitten somehow manages to sense whenever the invisible foe is around and can scare it off somehow. Definitely shows Sir Raleigh is more than he seems and she finally realise he is a Grey Fae, a Grimalkin! Dr Cimex calls Reine and Selene to a dinner, with Kestrel’s parents, Corey and Lawrence, to discuss who the traitor might be, without other members of the lab team they suspect being there. It was clearly an inside job, but Reine and Selene will have their work cut out for them, as they have no idea if they can even trust those in the room with them now. Reine also has to deal with Lawrence thinking he knows everything about Fae and messing with her meal orders, refusing her a dessert, and making notes about just about anything she talks about. Her mother has ordered her to ensure no one finds out any more about the Fae, leaving them to think they only have power over three elements instead of five and so much more. Lawrence knows far more about the role of gargoyles as protectors of the royal fae, something even she didn’t know. But there is someone in the light fae court that is working with the dark fae to send this invisible foe, who is eventually identified as a soul eater, to take her out. Lots of intrigue with poisonings, drug induced behaviour, dead animals leading to dead humans, as they work to find the traitor and also figure out how to stop the soul eater. She needs to find some outside allies after a few specific warnings given to her, especially when her own mother seems to want to make her task more difficult than it should be! A complex start to the series and a fantastic addition with Sir Raleigh and his unknown abilities in keeping Reine safe and also providing comfort to her, as does the unlikely presence of Lawrence as she learns more about him. I look forward to reading more of this series and have the next books all lined up and ready. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
She thought she might have been calling her mother for some assistance and a chance at last to return to Faerie, but her mother has a fairy task for her to do instead, with the chance to return only once all the loose ends of it are sorted out. Any contract with a Fae has to be carefully worded, but Reine is desperate to get back after three centuries in exile, she doesn’t pay as much attention as she should have, especially knowing what her mother is like and how she has always treated her! Her mother blamed her for Rhys becoming disfigured, with him being her favoured child and now not allowed to return. She is to find a traitor within a secret lab in Atlanta, which will place her in a weakened state, away from her home and powerful ley lines, as well as in the middle of a city full of iron and all the pollution and noise she hates! She was supposed to be accompany representatives from the ILR to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, where a team of mostly supernaturals have been experimenting with paranormal creatures and checking into the spread of lycanthropy. She then gets called in by Max to investigate the leak which lead to the Chronic Lycanthropy Syndrome outbreak. She travels with Dr Selene Rial, as Gabriel and Max get delayed with their own investigation in Scotland. The head of the Atlanta lab is Dr Cimex and he somehow knew of Reine’s presence and identity as a Fae princess, which is disconcerting! Needing to find someone with a link to her case, who could help her in Atlanta, has her magically connected to Kestrel (20), the daughter of the head wizard and head witch of the White Oak Atlanta coven, but who also work at the lab. Kestrel has her own issues, being in love with Corey and with problematic magic, which can’t seem to settle on one kind or another and that is quite late in her young life. Corey is a lion shifter who ends up as being one of their bodyguards, as well as yet another gargoyle Reine comes across, Dr Lawrence Gordon, a veterinarian as well as a scientist at the lab.
Maybe Reine has spent too long in the human world, as she is allowing the kitten to accompany her and even uses the words ‘thank you’ in speaking to the shifters and humans. Not the hard and tricky Fae she used to be! On good thing is that the kitten somehow manages to sense whenever the invisible foe is around and can scare it off somehow. Definitely shows Sir Raleigh is more than he seems and she finally realise he is a Grey Fae, a Grimalkin! Dr Cimex calls Reine and Selene to a dinner, with Kestrel’s parents, Corey and Lawrence, to discuss who the traitor might be, without other members of the lab team they suspect being there. It was clearly an inside job, but Reine and Selene will have their work cut out for them, as they have no idea if they can even trust those in the room with them now. Reine also has to deal with Lawrence thinking he knows everything about Fae and messing with her meal orders, refusing her a dessert, and making notes about just about anything she talks about. Her mother has ordered her to ensure no one finds out any more about the Fae, leaving them to think they only have power over three elements instead of five and so much more. Lawrence knows far more about the role of gargoyles as protectors of the royal fae, something even she didn’t know. But there is someone in the light fae court that is working with the dark fae to send this invisible foe, who is eventually identified as a soul eater, to take her out. Lots of intrigue with poisonings, drug induced behaviour, dead animals leading to dead humans, as they work to find the traitor and also figure out how to stop the soul eater. She needs to find some outside allies after a few specific warnings given to her, especially when her own mother seems to want to make her task more difficult than it should be! A complex start to the series and a fantastic addition with Sir Raleigh and his unknown abilities in keeping Reine safe and also providing comfort to her, as does the unlikely presence of Lawrence as she learns more about him. I look forward to reading more of this series and have the next books all lined up and ready. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
July 24, 2020
The Shadow Project is the first book in Cecilia Dominic’s Fae Files urban fantasy series. This series takes place in the same world as Cecilia Dominic’s Dream Weavers and Truth Seekers series and her Lycanthropy Files series, and I love how the mythology of this world just gets richer and richer. You don’t need to have read those books to enjoy this one, but Reine and some of the other characters were introduced previously, and there are references to events in the other books.
This is a quick-paced mystery/thriller with lots of action and intrigue as well as a bit of paranormal romance and humor. The story is told entirely from exiled Fae princess Reine’s perspective, and much of the excitement is in watching her decide whom to trust as she attempts to unravel multiple mysteries. It’s also amusing watching her try to hide her feelings so as not to appear too soft. I liked some of the new characters introduced, particularly geeky gargoyle shifter Lawrence and Reine’s new “pet kitten,” Sir Raleigh.
Those who dislike cliffhangers may be a little frustrated with the ending. The major plot of this novel is resolved, but several mysteries remain, and a new complication is introduced right at the end. I will be eagerly and somewhat impatiently waiting for Book 2.
Try this if you enjoy urban fantasy series that feature many different paranormal creatures and include just a bit of romance.
I received an ARC from the author via BookFunnel, and I volunteered to provide an honest review.
This is a quick-paced mystery/thriller with lots of action and intrigue as well as a bit of paranormal romance and humor. The story is told entirely from exiled Fae princess Reine’s perspective, and much of the excitement is in watching her decide whom to trust as she attempts to unravel multiple mysteries. It’s also amusing watching her try to hide her feelings so as not to appear too soft. I liked some of the new characters introduced, particularly geeky gargoyle shifter Lawrence and Reine’s new “pet kitten,” Sir Raleigh.
Those who dislike cliffhangers may be a little frustrated with the ending. The major plot of this novel is resolved, but several mysteries remain, and a new complication is introduced right at the end. I will be eagerly and somewhat impatiently waiting for Book 2.
Try this if you enjoy urban fantasy series that feature many different paranormal creatures and include just a bit of romance.
I received an ARC from the author via BookFunnel, and I volunteered to provide an honest review.
June 9, 2023
When I started this story, Selene and Gabriel felt familiar to me because years ago I had read a book in the Lycanthropy Files. The book had kinda stayed with me but I could not place the name so I was pleased to stumble onto this book.
Reine was a unique character. She wanted so much to appear as the stereotypical Fae who was cold and did not form attachments. Yet within a few pages, she met the one who would help her the most, the teleporting kitten. As I am sure I have alluded to in other reviews you can't go wrong when you add a super cute animal and this one provided more that cute relief. He was a true helpmate who moved the story forward with his antics. Sir Raleigh was also instrumental in bringing Reine and Lawrence together. Speaking of Lawrence, he was perfect for Reine and I enjoyed their slow burn romance. They moved from outright distrust to holding each other for comfort.
The mystery definitely kept me and the characters in the story guessing. However, the mystery is not fully solved by the end of this story. You get a conclusion to part of the mystery that brought Reine and Selene to Atlanta but there are still many questions. For me the biggest question comes from Reine's mother and Reine wish to return to Faerie. I guess I will have to keep reading to find out what happens as Reine's brother makes an appearance at the end of the book.
Since I enjoyed this book, continuing the story works for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reine was a unique character. She wanted so much to appear as the stereotypical Fae who was cold and did not form attachments. Yet within a few pages, she met the one who would help her the most, the teleporting kitten. As I am sure I have alluded to in other reviews you can't go wrong when you add a super cute animal and this one provided more that cute relief. He was a true helpmate who moved the story forward with his antics. Sir Raleigh was also instrumental in bringing Reine and Lawrence together. Speaking of Lawrence, he was perfect for Reine and I enjoyed their slow burn romance. They moved from outright distrust to holding each other for comfort.
The mystery definitely kept me and the characters in the story guessing. However, the mystery is not fully solved by the end of this story. You get a conclusion to part of the mystery that brought Reine and Selene to Atlanta but there are still many questions. For me the biggest question comes from Reine's mother and Reine wish to return to Faerie. I guess I will have to keep reading to find out what happens as Reine's brother makes an appearance at the end of the book.
Since I enjoyed this book, continuing the story works for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 14, 2021
“The Shadow Project” is the first installment in “The Fae Files” series by Cecilia Dominic. This is a series fully embedded in Dominic’s wider verse, which also includes the “Lycanthropy Files” and “Dream Weavers and Truth Seekers” series, but despite of some already known characters reappearing in “The Fae Files”, the books can be read fully independently from the previous series without any detriment to the stories.
“The Shadow Project” is a fast-paced story told from the POV of Reine, an exiled Fae princess, stuck in the Earth Realm, who will try anything to get back home. As her mother proposes a pact, things seem to finally be looking up for her, but Fae bargains are notorious tricky. Reine assignment is to find the traitor who has infiltrated a group of supernatural scientists, but even before she can begin her investigation, Reine barely survives a heinous attack and unearths a conspiracy that threatens to bring Faerie down.
The story is fast-paced, interesting, action-packed, and funny. Reine’s musings are a source of neverending entertaining, the secondary characters have a life of their own, particularly Sir Raleigh in all his awesomeness, never ever call him ‘kitty’ 😊 and Lawrence, the shifter-gargoyle. Add her werewolf partner, some vampires, witches and wizards to the mix and the perfect Fae/Urban Fantasy world is complete.
“The Shadow Project” is a fast-paced story told from the POV of Reine, an exiled Fae princess, stuck in the Earth Realm, who will try anything to get back home. As her mother proposes a pact, things seem to finally be looking up for her, but Fae bargains are notorious tricky. Reine assignment is to find the traitor who has infiltrated a group of supernatural scientists, but even before she can begin her investigation, Reine barely survives a heinous attack and unearths a conspiracy that threatens to bring Faerie down.
The story is fast-paced, interesting, action-packed, and funny. Reine’s musings are a source of neverending entertaining, the secondary characters have a life of their own, particularly Sir Raleigh in all his awesomeness, never ever call him ‘kitty’ 😊 and Lawrence, the shifter-gargoyle. Add her werewolf partner, some vampires, witches and wizards to the mix and the perfect Fae/Urban Fantasy world is complete.
June 11, 2022
Just as the title suggests, this deals with government experimentation on/with magical beings. The MC, Reine, is an exiled Fae stuck in the human realm until she completes a mission her seemingly cold mother assigned her.
Reine is portrayed as overly self assured, aloof, has on again off again powers and is suspicious of any and mostly all beings. She is paired with a gargoyle to uncover who is doing the shady things in the government lab. Mixed in with this is a grimalkin named Sir Raleigh, who is in all appearances , there to protect Reine, yet who placed him in Reines life is still a mystery. Surprisingly, the mystery surrounding the grimalkin is what has my curiosity peaked the most. Loved the progression from a tiny kitten to the mysterious scary creature, and I still don’t know if it is fully grown as yet.
This is a refreshingly lighter read for me , almost like a cleansing of the palate after coming off some heavier and darker reads. Although many questions are still left unanswered, book one did a great job putting all the major players in motion. A great start to a series read.
Reine is portrayed as overly self assured, aloof, has on again off again powers and is suspicious of any and mostly all beings. She is paired with a gargoyle to uncover who is doing the shady things in the government lab. Mixed in with this is a grimalkin named Sir Raleigh, who is in all appearances , there to protect Reine, yet who placed him in Reines life is still a mystery. Surprisingly, the mystery surrounding the grimalkin is what has my curiosity peaked the most. Loved the progression from a tiny kitten to the mysterious scary creature, and I still don’t know if it is fully grown as yet.
This is a refreshingly lighter read for me , almost like a cleansing of the palate after coming off some heavier and darker reads. Although many questions are still left unanswered, book one did a great job putting all the major players in motion. A great start to a series read.
December 6, 2020
Good
Reine is a Fae exiled from the Fae realm.
Asked by her mother, royal heir to the throne, to investigate some goings on at a lab in Atlanta, her reward to be access to the Fae realm.
She is surprised to be asked by the same lab to investigate there, and she and her accomplice, a lycanthrope, go to investigate.
Paired with a gargoyle, and a with a new, unusual kitten to take care of, Reine finds herself battling invisible attackers, and trying to make friends with people- not her strong point!
First in a series, this is a spinoff from the Lycanthropy Files by the author.
It’s an interesting take on the paranormal world; a virus causing lycanthropy, Fae with unknowable powers, vampires and legendary creatures, although they don’t like to be called creatures...
The series works alone, you don’t have to have read the Lycanthropy files first BUT I think it might give just a little bit of context to the book.
It was an enjoyable read, urban fantasy with only a hint of romance in it. Recommended for urban fantasy and paranormal romance fans.
Reine is a Fae exiled from the Fae realm.
Asked by her mother, royal heir to the throne, to investigate some goings on at a lab in Atlanta, her reward to be access to the Fae realm.
She is surprised to be asked by the same lab to investigate there, and she and her accomplice, a lycanthrope, go to investigate.
Paired with a gargoyle, and a with a new, unusual kitten to take care of, Reine finds herself battling invisible attackers, and trying to make friends with people- not her strong point!
First in a series, this is a spinoff from the Lycanthropy Files by the author.
It’s an interesting take on the paranormal world; a virus causing lycanthropy, Fae with unknowable powers, vampires and legendary creatures, although they don’t like to be called creatures...
The series works alone, you don’t have to have read the Lycanthropy files first BUT I think it might give just a little bit of context to the book.
It was an enjoyable read, urban fantasy with only a hint of romance in it. Recommended for urban fantasy and paranormal romance fans.
February 8, 2021
The Shadow Project has a direct tie to the author’s Lycanthropy Files series and it was fun to revisit some of those characters. I'm imagining that the author will eventually bring all of her characters together. And truthfully I can't wait to have them all meet up!
Reine is a fae and as such is tied to all things nature. She loves and communicates with the earth, with plants, with the natural world. She gets her energy from nature. And can actually recharge her powers when communing with the earth.
In this story, we get to meet a loveable character names Raliegh. He is a magic kitten who literally disappears at will. He seems to be a guardian for Reine and I can't wait to see what happens in the next books with them both.
I won't go into details because I hate spoilers. But I will say, grab a copy and give it a go!
I was given an ARC to read by the Author for my fair and truthful review.
Reine is a fae and as such is tied to all things nature. She loves and communicates with the earth, with plants, with the natural world. She gets her energy from nature. And can actually recharge her powers when communing with the earth.
In this story, we get to meet a loveable character names Raliegh. He is a magic kitten who literally disappears at will. He seems to be a guardian for Reine and I can't wait to see what happens in the next books with them both.
I won't go into details because I hate spoilers. But I will say, grab a copy and give it a go!
I was given an ARC to read by the Author for my fair and truthful review.
April 18, 2024
Exiled Fae princess, Reine, has one desire, return home to Faerie. Reliant on her mother to lift the ban, she accepts a bargain, travel to Atlanta and find a traitor within the Center for Paranormal Disease Control and hide the secrets of the Fae. But Fae bargains always come with a price. An invisible foe is stalking her, a gargoyle scientist wants to study her, and she’s teamed with a psychologist lycanthrope who doesn’t like or trust her. Along for the ride is a cat with unusual powers and a strange man who keeps turning up unexpectedly. With her powers muted so far from home, how can Reine escape the danger around her an find her way home?
The Shadow Project is the first book in Cecilia Dominic’s Fae Files series and centers on exiled Fae Princess, Reine, aka Dr. Renee Rivers. As a continuation/spin-off from Ms. Dominic’s Lycanthropy Files series, readers unfamiliar with that series, like me, may have some confusion at first. However, the storyline is well crafted and characters are intriguing. Having been exiled for centuries, Reine has started taking on more human characteristics but does have the arrogance of a Fae. But she will have to learn to trust others and work together to reach her goal. As an ongoing series, there are loose threads left at the end of the book paving the way for the next in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Shadow Project is the first book in Cecilia Dominic’s Fae Files series and centers on exiled Fae Princess, Reine, aka Dr. Renee Rivers. As a continuation/spin-off from Ms. Dominic’s Lycanthropy Files series, readers unfamiliar with that series, like me, may have some confusion at first. However, the storyline is well crafted and characters are intriguing. Having been exiled for centuries, Reine has started taking on more human characteristics but does have the arrogance of a Fae. But she will have to learn to trust others and work together to reach her goal. As an ongoing series, there are loose threads left at the end of the book paving the way for the next in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2025
The main character is an independent, confident young woman who feels constantly undermined by other acquaintances. I was starting to feel sorry for her as she was constantly having to defend her actions. But then I noticed she really has the upper hand on the other characters because she has more Fae powers that she cannot reveal while on Earth. I love that the author gave her a sweet kitten friend that helps her to sense danger as she is being stalked by someone or something invisible. I also like that she befriended a young witch who is just as snarky as she is; their banter is hilarious at times. As a cliffhanger, her mother sends someone to help her; although, I am skeptical about how helpful he'll really be for her. Can't wait to find out what creature the kitten really is because what really is a grimalkin?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2026
The Shadow Project was an impulse buy that paid off.
If you like fantasy creatures — Fae, shifters, vampires, and yes, gargoyles — paired with big personalities and a plot that won't let you put it down, Cecilia Dominic delivers. The Shadow Project sits in similar territory to Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels series: grounded in everyday life but with the magical world woven in seamlessly.
Our FMC is a Fae exiled to the human realm for hundreds of years, desperate to return home. Her only way back? Complete a mission assigned by her Fae mother — and if you know anything about Fae, you know loopholes are part of the deal. Then she meets Lawrence, a shifter of sorts, and Cecilia Dominic proves she knows exactly how to write a slow burn that keeps you hooked.
The story moves fast, spanning Great Britain to Atlanta, blending paranormal and mystery in a way that earns every page turn. If you haven't picked up Cecilia Dominic yet, this is a great place to start.
If you like fantasy creatures — Fae, shifters, vampires, and yes, gargoyles — paired with big personalities and a plot that won't let you put it down, Cecilia Dominic delivers. The Shadow Project sits in similar territory to Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels series: grounded in everyday life but with the magical world woven in seamlessly.
Our FMC is a Fae exiled to the human realm for hundreds of years, desperate to return home. Her only way back? Complete a mission assigned by her Fae mother — and if you know anything about Fae, you know loopholes are part of the deal. Then she meets Lawrence, a shifter of sorts, and Cecilia Dominic proves she knows exactly how to write a slow burn that keeps you hooked.
The story moves fast, spanning Great Britain to Atlanta, blending paranormal and mystery in a way that earns every page turn. If you haven't picked up Cecilia Dominic yet, this is a great place to start.
May 5, 2021
Our heroine tries to have as little to do with the fae as possible, but that doesn't mean they will let things rest. And when she is drawn into their intrigues, she is reminded why she tries to avoid them.
This is book one of the series. Which makes it a good place to start, so avoid my example and start here.
This is an urban fantasy story featuring the fae. The story is well written and easy to read with a well developed setting. I love the detail, which comes through even in this first book. The characters are also well developed with diverse personalities and agendas which sometimes go together and sometimes (often) do not. Overall, I really enjoyed the story, even more so now that I am at the beginning.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
This is book one of the series. Which makes it a good place to start, so avoid my example and start here.
This is an urban fantasy story featuring the fae. The story is well written and easy to read with a well developed setting. I love the detail, which comes through even in this first book. The characters are also well developed with diverse personalities and agendas which sometimes go together and sometimes (often) do not. Overall, I really enjoyed the story, even more so now that I am at the beginning.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
January 9, 2023
Exiled Fae princess Reine is desperate for a pardon and passage home, but the price may be too high. This story gripped me from the beginning. Reine tries to maintain her frosty Fae image, but a magical kitten has set his sites on melting her. The author avoids getting cutesy and allows the mystery of the kitten to blend in with the more dangerous mystery of the deadly and invisible enemy. The story has a great cast of characters with great sub-plots. Reine intersects with werewolves, fanged ones, gargoyles and more. Everyone seems to have their secrets but they will have to put aside some of their misgivings if any of them are going to survive. There are a lot of mysteries at play but Cecilia Dominic handles them with skill. I'll definitely be following her in the future.
August 31, 2020
Fae,werewolf,gargoyle, witches, wizards and shifters oh my!
Just finished reading book one The Shadow Project of the Fae Files. Loved it! I’m routing for Reine the fae fairy princess to end up with Lawrence the gargoyle! This book had much adventure, mystery and mischief, set in a modern setting. Oh and there were Vampires too, something for everyone who loves paranormal fantasy! Now, I’m going to get the next book in the series Shadows of the Heart. I highly recommend these books. ❤️💕🐈
Just finished reading book one The Shadow Project of the Fae Files. Loved it! I’m routing for Reine the fae fairy princess to end up with Lawrence the gargoyle! This book had much adventure, mystery and mischief, set in a modern setting. Oh and there were Vampires too, something for everyone who loves paranormal fantasy! Now, I’m going to get the next book in the series Shadows of the Heart. I highly recommend these books. ❤️💕🐈
March 2, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the story of Reine. I did not know what to expect when I first picked this book up. I really want to know what is next for her journey. I could definitely see sparks between Reine and Lawrence, it seems like a great friends to lover so far. I am so excited for the next book. It has a little bit of everything, action, suspense , a potential romance, and it left me wanting more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2021
This is the first book in the Fae Files series. It is a spinoff from a few of the author’s other series. I have not read those series but now I want to. This story is an exciting urban fantasy filled with lots of mystery and intrigue. Great world building and character development. Its written in a way that you can put it down and just turning pages. You’re left with just enough answers and questions that you’ll want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 6, 2020
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 25, 2021
I’ve have not read this author before, so I did not recognize characters from other stories/series. So Reine was a new character to me as well as all the others.
I really liked Reine as she showed character depth and became likable pretty quickly on. I enjoyed the plot, the characters and the world building was great! I’m off to read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really liked Reine as she showed character depth and became likable pretty quickly on. I enjoyed the plot, the characters and the world building was great! I’m off to read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 19, 2023
The story was good, but there where things I felt was left out. We have all kinds of magic and supernaturals. Reine is a Fae that is exiled and she wants to go home. She is investigating a lab, but unbenowist to her at first is that her grandmother is trying to stop her. Can she get home? Will she fall in love? What will happen next?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2020
This is the 3rd book I've read written by Cecilia Dominic; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2020
This is a great start to the series. Exiled Fae princess Reine Has made a pact with someone who is worse than the devil (mom) lol. The characters are well developed and engaging and the storyline flows smoothly from beginning to the end. I am looking forward to reading more of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2021
She had been exiled to the human world and she may be able to get back where she belong if she does a deal with her mother. Meanwhile she is working on a mystery and as also had her life threatened. Will she go home? Will she solve the mystery? See what is going to happen
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 17, 2022
This was a good story that was a first for me from this author. I enjoyed the characters relationships as well a the good storyline. I feel that this is a Good Read. Excellent Paranormal world I Love It!!! No Spoilers!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2023
Book one and we meet Reine who is a Fae that has been exiled from her lands and is stuck in the human realm. She and Lawerence, a gargoyle are required to look into some shady government lab. It’s an interesting and intriguing read that shows us a paranormal world filled with fae, lycanthropy, gargoyles, vampires and so much more and has some action and a little romance.
Read
May 13, 2023The Characters Grow on You
At first I disliked the main character for being aloof and haughty, but after all she is not human and comes from a different and dangerous world. And, being trapped in this world she is concerned about becoming humanized.
I enjoyed the mix of supernatural beings in the story and how they interacted with each other and humans.
At first I disliked the main character for being aloof and haughty, but after all she is not human and comes from a different and dangerous world. And, being trapped in this world she is concerned about becoming humanized.
I enjoyed the mix of supernatural beings in the story and how they interacted with each other and humans.
January 11, 2024
Really good characters and story
This book had a really good story filled with really fun and interesting characters. There was action, magic, adventure, excitement, and a fairy cat. Not quite as good as a dragon or dog, but it worked for the story. I really enjoyed the book and am glad to see it should be the start of a series. I recommend this book.
This book had a really good story filled with really fun and interesting characters. There was action, magic, adventure, excitement, and a fairy cat. Not quite as good as a dragon or dog, but it worked for the story. I really enjoyed the book and am glad to see it should be the start of a series. I recommend this book.
July 17, 2024
I could not finish this book. I seriously got tired of the character and the writing style. Seemed like they just kept throwing classic fairy tropes at you left and right. The the main character was not interesting enough to keep me engaged, She was just mean and nasty most of the time and not even an anti-hero. I'm skipping the rest of this book and series.
July 21, 2025
Intriguing and enjoyable
I really liked this book. Reine is such an interesting character. She is powerful, but not at full power because she is not in her childhood home. I enjoyed the interactions with all the characters and can't wait to see what happens! What is her mother up to?
I really liked this book. Reine is such an interesting character. She is powerful, but not at full power because she is not in her childhood home. I enjoyed the interactions with all the characters and can't wait to see what happens! What is her mother up to?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews