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Hazel's Shadow: A Young Adult Ghost Thriller
Hazel longs to forget the soul-sucking shadow only she can see. But when the shadow raises an army of corpses, she would rather die than risk her sister's soul.
Before the undead attacked, Hazel's life was look out for Kelly, make the wrestling team, hide her crush, and keep her ability to see ghosts a secret. But now, the sisters and their classmates are cornered in the very house where the shadow lurks.
As the night unfolds, Hazel struggles to juggle her secrets and keep everyone alive. But how can she tell her friends she can see ghosts when her own mother didn't believe her? And how can she confess her feelings for Jen when rejection feels as dangerous as the undead army trying to kill them? Despite her uncertainty, Hazel may be the only one who can save them all-if she can survive long enough to discover the shadow's sinister purpose.
Before the undead attacked, Hazel's life was look out for Kelly, make the wrestling team, hide her crush, and keep her ability to see ghosts a secret. But now, the sisters and their classmates are cornered in the very house where the shadow lurks.
As the night unfolds, Hazel struggles to juggle her secrets and keep everyone alive. But how can she tell her friends she can see ghosts when her own mother didn't believe her? And how can she confess her feelings for Jen when rejection feels as dangerous as the undead army trying to kill them? Despite her uncertainty, Hazel may be the only one who can save them all-if she can survive long enough to discover the shadow's sinister purpose.
- GenresHorrorYoung AdultGhosts
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2020
9 people are currently reading
1447 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 10, 2021
Hazel is a teenager who has been able to see ghosts since she was little. She also sees this “shadow” being that is giving off a very bad vibe. Nobody knows about any of this, until there is a zombie apocalypse.
There is a lot of death and there are a lot of zombies. Hazel has to try and stay alive with her friends and deal with the zombies & the shadow being.
I definitely enjoyed this novel, maybe would have enjoyed a bit more background on some of the characters. But it was a lovely story, the main character is a plus size representation & there is a hint of LQBTQ.
There is a lot of death and there are a lot of zombies. Hazel has to try and stay alive with her friends and deal with the zombies & the shadow being.
I definitely enjoyed this novel, maybe would have enjoyed a bit more background on some of the characters. But it was a lovely story, the main character is a plus size representation & there is a hint of LQBTQ.
April 19, 2020
What a great debut novel by Nicole MaCarron. Chapter one sucked me in with her Shadow creature. He is as creepy as he looks on the cover. This is an easy read book that will, at some points, reduce you to tears. Mrs. MacCarron has created a nice young heroine in Hazel. She also surrounded her with a cast of friends/school mates with unique voices and drives. You root for them because you grow to care about what happens to them all.
I look forward to reading more from this new author. If you like ghosts and zombies then this is a book you don't want to miss.
I look forward to reading more from this new author. If you like ghosts and zombies then this is a book you don't want to miss.
April 12, 2023
Y’all I think I’ve been reading too many monster romances and PNR books because I saw zombies and ghosts and said BET! For whatever reason I wasn’t thinking Hazel’s Shadow was going to be remotely scary. Let me tell y’all though, I dropped my kindle on my face in the first chapter. Ya girl is a WIMP. I typically don’t do anything scary, usually only the Jurassic Park books once or twice a year. Those give me nightmares but I love them. Looks like Hazel’s Shadow can join Jurassic Park on the list of scary books that Sarah will read.
Like I said earlier I don’t do scary BUT Nicole MacCarron dug her nails into me pretty much immediately. I did stop reading in the middle of chapter 3 because I had started reading in bed at night with the lights off. Like I said I’m a wimp, but I laid in bed unable to stop thinking about the book though. As soon as I woke up the next morning I immediately picked back up where I left off and devoured it by the evening, I have three kids, so lots of unwanted pauses all day.
I really enjoyed all of the characters but I really loved Hazel and her character growth from the beginning to the end. I love how she embraces the fact that she’s able to talk to ghosts even though she keeps it a secret. She doesn’t shy away from them and pretend like they don’t exist. Instead she invites them to her space, has conversations with them, and helps them move on. A few who are close to her even help Hazel, and the small group of girls Hazel goes into hiding with, survive. I won’t say anymore on that subject due to wanting to avoid spoilers.
I’m not even going to speak on the Shadow, too sketchy. Don’t need that thing coming after me next. Nope. No thank you. Hard pass.
The zombies. Omg these zombies, or corrupted as they’re called in the book, are freaking CREEPY! They remind me of a cross between the zombies in World War Z and the infected in 28 days later. These zombies are aggressive, fast, and smart. While yes, they did seem to have some hunger it wasn’t their whole focus, at least not to many anyways. I saw it more so as them wanting to turn people more than just eat them like you see in the walking dead. Regardless though, these things are crazy sketchy in my opinion. Props to the girls because I wouldn’t survive longer than 30 seconds with them.
Even though I stayed slightly scared for most of the book I truly enjoyed it and have already picked up book 2, Hazel’s Mirror, to continue my journey in the series. 5 out of 5 stars from me for sure. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys paranormal thrillers, likes zombies, ghosties, and kicka.ss teenage girls doing what they have to for survival.
Like I said earlier I don’t do scary BUT Nicole MacCarron dug her nails into me pretty much immediately. I did stop reading in the middle of chapter 3 because I had started reading in bed at night with the lights off. Like I said I’m a wimp, but I laid in bed unable to stop thinking about the book though. As soon as I woke up the next morning I immediately picked back up where I left off and devoured it by the evening, I have three kids, so lots of unwanted pauses all day.
I really enjoyed all of the characters but I really loved Hazel and her character growth from the beginning to the end. I love how she embraces the fact that she’s able to talk to ghosts even though she keeps it a secret. She doesn’t shy away from them and pretend like they don’t exist. Instead she invites them to her space, has conversations with them, and helps them move on. A few who are close to her even help Hazel, and the small group of girls Hazel goes into hiding with, survive. I won’t say anymore on that subject due to wanting to avoid spoilers.
I’m not even going to speak on the Shadow, too sketchy. Don’t need that thing coming after me next. Nope. No thank you. Hard pass.
The zombies. Omg these zombies, or corrupted as they’re called in the book, are freaking CREEPY! They remind me of a cross between the zombies in World War Z and the infected in 28 days later. These zombies are aggressive, fast, and smart. While yes, they did seem to have some hunger it wasn’t their whole focus, at least not to many anyways. I saw it more so as them wanting to turn people more than just eat them like you see in the walking dead. Regardless though, these things are crazy sketchy in my opinion. Props to the girls because I wouldn’t survive longer than 30 seconds with them.
Even though I stayed slightly scared for most of the book I truly enjoyed it and have already picked up book 2, Hazel’s Mirror, to continue my journey in the series. 5 out of 5 stars from me for sure. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys paranormal thrillers, likes zombies, ghosties, and kicka.ss teenage girls doing what they have to for survival.
June 27, 2021
I was enticed by a TikTok creator to pick up this book...actually, it was gifted to me by a different TikTok creator. I had high hopes to be thrilled and chilled.
I feel like if the author had picked just one focus (zombies/corrupted, haunted house, ghosts), it could have been a more effective thriller chiller. The zombie parts were "eh" while the haunted house parts had me sleeping with the lights on. The ghosts were sentimental while also mildly essential to the plot. Could Hazel have made it to the end without Kelly?
This was a decently plotted out story with some confusing points at the start and with the characters. I had to re-read the first few chapters a couple times and still not sure of some things. I think those opening chapters could have benefited from more editing/fleshing out.
Finally and admittedly, I was in tears at the end. But at the same time, I was left wondering, 'was this really just a few days?' I'm curious to see where Hazel's story leads.
I feel like if the author had picked just one focus (zombies/corrupted, haunted house, ghosts), it could have been a more effective thriller chiller. The zombie parts were "eh" while the haunted house parts had me sleeping with the lights on. The ghosts were sentimental while also mildly essential to the plot. Could Hazel have made it to the end without Kelly?
This was a decently plotted out story with some confusing points at the start and with the characters. I had to re-read the first few chapters a couple times and still not sure of some things. I think those opening chapters could have benefited from more editing/fleshing out.
Finally and admittedly, I was in tears at the end. But at the same time, I was left wondering, 'was this really just a few days?' I'm curious to see where Hazel's story leads.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2021
This book was such a fun take on the zombie genre. I loved Hazel and her loyalty to her friends & family. It has so much action and some gore in it too. The shadow was very creepy and i liked his part in it.
I gave it 3.5 stars though because it was so high paced it was a little confusing at times and there seemed to be some unanswered questions. Overall i enjoyed it and would suggest it to my family and friends!!!
I gave it 3.5 stars though because it was so high paced it was a little confusing at times and there seemed to be some unanswered questions. Overall i enjoyed it and would suggest it to my family and friends!!!
April 10, 2020
Hello Ms MaCarron. Donald here for a review of Hazel's Shadow. To me, any book a person can think of is a book one should write. I as a reader will accept a books idea and a new concept whether it be turtles in space or hamsters deep-diving. So long as it's decently written. Here in this book there's a person who can see ghosts that has to survive a zombie Apocalypse. An interesting idea. In fact, it kept me reading through a good bit of the story.
Now please note that this is just my opinion and it shouldn't stop you from pursuing your writing career. I have respect for you because you wrote and finished this novel so pat yourself on the back.
There were many instances where you tell the reader what's going on rather than show them, and there were moments where you properly paint a vivid picture of what's going on. And to me I find it a little unacceptable knowing you can show me what's happening rather than telling me. There were characters that wasn't properly fleshed out. The main character is fine, but the rest was hastily placed there with no back story. The interesting parts were her interactions with the ghosts as it kept me reading, but it didn't carry me all the way through. I gave up halfway into the story.
This book has good potential, but it really needs more work emphasizing showing vs telling and better character development. Please don't take this the wrong way. I really want new writers to succeed in this difficult business. This is why I only read and review debut authors. Thanks for writing this story. Great Idea.
Now please note that this is just my opinion and it shouldn't stop you from pursuing your writing career. I have respect for you because you wrote and finished this novel so pat yourself on the back.
There were many instances where you tell the reader what's going on rather than show them, and there were moments where you properly paint a vivid picture of what's going on. And to me I find it a little unacceptable knowing you can show me what's happening rather than telling me. There were characters that wasn't properly fleshed out. The main character is fine, but the rest was hastily placed there with no back story. The interesting parts were her interactions with the ghosts as it kept me reading, but it didn't carry me all the way through. I gave up halfway into the story.
This book has good potential, but it really needs more work emphasizing showing vs telling and better character development. Please don't take this the wrong way. I really want new writers to succeed in this difficult business. This is why I only read and review debut authors. Thanks for writing this story. Great Idea.
September 2, 2020
Captivating, inventive, and moving!
Just when I thought that I was done with zombies...
"Hazel's Shadow" does the impossible... Breathe new life into genres that many would assume have been done to death. it's premise... What would happen if a psychic was trapped inside of a haunted house during a zombie apocalypse... Is deceptively easy, and yet incredibly fresh and new.
Author Nicole MacCarron weaves her tale with skill and ease, building characters that are both vivid and unique. the story flows off of the pages with such ease that the reader can forget that they are reading at all.
this is an outstanding book guaranteed to suck you in and keep you reading until the very end. I love the characters oh, and the story twists kept me guessing.
I highly recommend this book!
Just when I thought that I was done with zombies...
"Hazel's Shadow" does the impossible... Breathe new life into genres that many would assume have been done to death. it's premise... What would happen if a psychic was trapped inside of a haunted house during a zombie apocalypse... Is deceptively easy, and yet incredibly fresh and new.
Author Nicole MacCarron weaves her tale with skill and ease, building characters that are both vivid and unique. the story flows off of the pages with such ease that the reader can forget that they are reading at all.
this is an outstanding book guaranteed to suck you in and keep you reading until the very end. I love the characters oh, and the story twists kept me guessing.
I highly recommend this book!
March 28, 2021
As soon as I heard the premise behind this book, I knew I’d love it.
Hazel has been seeing and engaging with ghosts since she was a little girl, but she’s kept that fact to herself, knowing how others would react.
She’s also felt an evil presence in her grandmothers house, and it presents itself as a shadow with elongated limbs.
When people start attacking each other, their town is put into lockdown. With only her group of friends by her side, and undead at every turn, Hazel uses her ghostly friends to navigate them to safety.
But with the shadow following her every move, they’re not safe anywhere.
Such a fantastic story with great imagery. I love the idea of a medium using her gift to help fight through an apocalyptic adventure.
There was a nice little twist I didn’t see coming, which I loved.
Great debut novel from this author.
Hazel has been seeing and engaging with ghosts since she was a little girl, but she’s kept that fact to herself, knowing how others would react.
She’s also felt an evil presence in her grandmothers house, and it presents itself as a shadow with elongated limbs.
When people start attacking each other, their town is put into lockdown. With only her group of friends by her side, and undead at every turn, Hazel uses her ghostly friends to navigate them to safety.
But with the shadow following her every move, they’re not safe anywhere.
Such a fantastic story with great imagery. I love the idea of a medium using her gift to help fight through an apocalyptic adventure.
There was a nice little twist I didn’t see coming, which I loved.
Great debut novel from this author.
April 28, 2020
A really intriguing and suspenseful plot that keeps you turning pages! The characters are well developed and relatable. You'll find yourself rooting for Hazel and her fellow characters, wondering what darkness she may face next. If you love ghost stories and thrillers this is a wonderfully easy read that is definitely recommended!
March 15, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. The storyline grabbed my interest from the start and kept me drawn in throughout. The characters are well developed and well written. I would recommend reading.
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 28, 2020
Hazel's Shadow kept me on the edge of my seat, raised my heart rate, and kept me turning page after page! It was a really enjoyable read with well rounded characters and an engaging plot.
March 15, 2021
Highly enjoyed this fast paced book. Cant wait for book 2
December 1, 2021
Picked this up from Booktok recommendation. Really enjoyed it Will definitely pick up book 2
April 7, 2021
BRO THIS BOOOOK
One thing I absolutely loved about this book is that it was plot oriented. Usually in YA, romance ends up being the focus of the story (even if it’s a zombie apocalypse story) instead of the actual plot. I love that though there was a bit of absolutely adorable romance, the plot was still the center. I loved that. It was the most realistic romance. I wouldn’t be paying attention to the person I had a crush on if I had just lost most of my family and was fighting for my life. I loved that Hazel had realistic feelings that I could actually emphasize with. It was very refreshing.
I love the chubby rep in this book. Hazel is a chubby wrestler and I absolutely loved her. It was amazing to see chubby character still be strong and not be the center of the comedy.
One thing I did notice is that there were definitely places where there was more telling than showing, where showing would have been better. But that’s just a me thing.
The last few chapters made me tear up and I was with someone so I couldn’t cry but darn did it make me feel things. I wasn’t really expecting this book, but I would definitely consider it the best “zombie” book I’ve ever read.
The end of the book stated that there’s going to be a book two. While I can’t imagine how that would work, I’ll probably read it- but if you didn’t tell me, I would have assumed this was a standalone with a bittersweet ending.
Regardless, Hazels Shadow was a real treat to me. Thank you MacCarron for writing such an amazing mc.
Ill definitely be rereading this eventually!
One thing I absolutely loved about this book is that it was plot oriented. Usually in YA, romance ends up being the focus of the story (even if it’s a zombie apocalypse story) instead of the actual plot. I love that though there was a bit of absolutely adorable romance, the plot was still the center. I loved that. It was the most realistic romance. I wouldn’t be paying attention to the person I had a crush on if I had just lost most of my family and was fighting for my life. I loved that Hazel had realistic feelings that I could actually emphasize with. It was very refreshing.
I love the chubby rep in this book. Hazel is a chubby wrestler and I absolutely loved her. It was amazing to see chubby character still be strong and not be the center of the comedy.
One thing I did notice is that there were definitely places where there was more telling than showing, where showing would have been better. But that’s just a me thing.
The last few chapters made me tear up and I was with someone so I couldn’t cry but darn did it make me feel things. I wasn’t really expecting this book, but I would definitely consider it the best “zombie” book I’ve ever read.
The end of the book stated that there’s going to be a book two. While I can’t imagine how that would work, I’ll probably read it- but if you didn’t tell me, I would have assumed this was a standalone with a bittersweet ending.
Regardless, Hazels Shadow was a real treat to me. Thank you MacCarron for writing such an amazing mc.
Ill definitely be rereading this eventually!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2021
I really liked this book. I wasn’t sure if I would because I haven’t read a scary book before, but this wasn’t so BA Cary. It was more creepy. This story is about a girl who sees ghosts and shadows, a zombie outbreak, and a group of friends trying to stay alive.
There is a lot of death in this book and some pretty gross stuff (think about what zombies eat). The group of friends have to get from school, where they were when the outbreak happened, to somewhere safer. They end up at one of the girls’ homes, that also happens to be Hazel’s grandmas old house. The same house where Hazel first met the Shadow.
Overall, this is a solid read. I also like the LGBTQ and plus size representation in this book.
There is a lot of death in this book and some pretty gross stuff (think about what zombies eat). The group of friends have to get from school, where they were when the outbreak happened, to somewhere safer. They end up at one of the girls’ homes, that also happens to be Hazel’s grandmas old house. The same house where Hazel first met the Shadow.
Overall, this is a solid read. I also like the LGBTQ and plus size representation in this book.
June 7, 2024
Hazel’s world tipped upside down when her grandmother is close to death but nothing can prepare her for what to come because of the Shadow she was always able to see.
I enjoyed this book, I didn’t even read the summary. It was a really nice surprise when I got further into the story. I enjoyed the new take on zombies and how things got connected. It was nice that there was a lot of action but also some down time. I do wish the side characters got more fleshed out and the hidden romance should of gotten a bit more fleshed out. It felt kind of sudden.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a quick read! I give this book, 6 out of 10 Stars or 3 out of 5 Stars
I enjoyed this book, I didn’t even read the summary. It was a really nice surprise when I got further into the story. I enjoyed the new take on zombies and how things got connected. It was nice that there was a lot of action but also some down time. I do wish the side characters got more fleshed out and the hidden romance should of gotten a bit more fleshed out. It felt kind of sudden.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a quick read! I give this book, 6 out of 10 Stars or 3 out of 5 Stars
May 30, 2021
I’m normally not a zombie fan but this book was wonderful. It’s definitely YA as advertised but I think that adults can learn a lot from it. Sure there are zombies, ghosts, and a shadow creature but there’s also the power of friendship.
June 7, 2021
I don’t like zombie books.
Also? I couldn’t put this damn thing down! Fast paced? Yes! Tension at every page turn? Yes! Sweet, complicated characters? Yes! Great action? Yes! Well written, clear & concise? Yes!
Looking for a quick, pulse racing read? Pick this up!
Also? I couldn’t put this damn thing down! Fast paced? Yes! Tension at every page turn? Yes! Sweet, complicated characters? Yes! Great action? Yes! Well written, clear & concise? Yes!
Looking for a quick, pulse racing read? Pick this up!
October 19, 2023
Hazel's Shadow INDEED
From the very first chapter I was captured in adventure! This is an easy book to read while you are on the edge of your couch! Enjoy the twists and loops, I was impressed so I look forward to the series❤❤❤ Thank you Nicole!
From the very first chapter I was captured in adventure! This is an easy book to read while you are on the edge of your couch! Enjoy the twists and loops, I was impressed so I look forward to the series❤❤❤ Thank you Nicole!
June 17, 2021
Creepy, inventive, not what I thought going in and not what I normally read. Very interesting concept though did leave me with a couple questions.
July 7, 2021
I was pulled in & felt like 1 of the main characters as soon as I read the first sentence. I read this book in 1 sitting because I couldn't put it down. It was a chilling rush from beginning to end.
September 24, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up
August 13, 2021
This book had me on the edge of my seat! I have never read anything like it and I enjoyed it. It was full of suspense!
October 4, 2021
Hazel is a psychic girl who’s been tormented by a shadow at her grandmothers house since she was six. As a teenager, a zombie apocalypse breaks out and Hazel is forced back into that house to seek refuge. She must face the darkness that lies within.
I loved this book. I read most of it in one sitting. Near the end there were a couple of grammatical errors but nothing so big it totally took me out of the story. I loved the twist at the end and am so excited for book two.
Bonus points for the main character being a chubby girl, who is a wrestler and runs like an Olympic marathoner, who is also in the LGBTQIA+ community.
I loved this book. I read most of it in one sitting. Near the end there were a couple of grammatical errors but nothing so big it totally took me out of the story. I loved the twist at the end and am so excited for book two.
Bonus points for the main character being a chubby girl, who is a wrestler and runs like an Olympic marathoner, who is also in the LGBTQIA+ community.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2020
Loved this book!
This was amazing in every sense. Well written with great dialogue and characters. The story had me hooked from the very beginning, I couldn't wait to see what happened next. There were definitely some sad moments throughout the book. I was sad at the ending because I was so attached to the book I didn't want to put it down! I highly recommend this. This book is outside the box, something new and exciting!
This was amazing in every sense. Well written with great dialogue and characters. The story had me hooked from the very beginning, I couldn't wait to see what happened next. There were definitely some sad moments throughout the book. I was sad at the ending because I was so attached to the book I didn't want to put it down! I highly recommend this. This book is outside the box, something new and exciting!
September 24, 2020
Good, old-fashioned horror at its best! A captivating, suspenseful and spooky delight!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
January 30, 2021
An intense read! All the creepy things I love (ghosts, zombies, shadowy figures lurking in corners) crammed into a well-written page turner. This novel is a thrill ride. Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews