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Lily Evans Mystery #1
Soul and Shadow
In ancient Egypt, a young priestess of the goddess Hathor is laid to rest in a beautiful tomb with everything she needs for her journey into the afterlife…
Three thousand years later, archaeologist Ursula Allingham discovers the mummy of Amisihathor and is confronted by a mystery. Is the man buried with the priestess really her husband? Or was she actually in love with a scribe called Kamenwati and separated from him in life as well as death?
To answer these questions, Dame Ursula turns to Egyptology student and artist Lily Evans, who reluctantly agrees to help. Lily learns that she is psychically linked to Amisihathor and experiences a strange, unsettling phenomenon—the memories and emotions of the Egyptian woman. Luckily, Lily has her beloved pet Cleocatra and her irrepressible friend Katy to keep her grounded in reality. Or so she hopes.
Dealing with the challenges of falling in love with Ursula’s grandson Kent, the reappearance of her ex-fiance Stephen and the demands of her mother and her boss Professor Briggs, Lily soon realizes she has taken on much more than she bargained for
Three thousand years later, archaeologist Ursula Allingham discovers the mummy of Amisihathor and is confronted by a mystery. Is the man buried with the priestess really her husband? Or was she actually in love with a scribe called Kamenwati and separated from him in life as well as death?
To answer these questions, Dame Ursula turns to Egyptology student and artist Lily Evans, who reluctantly agrees to help. Lily learns that she is psychically linked to Amisihathor and experiences a strange, unsettling phenomenon—the memories and emotions of the Egyptian woman. Luckily, Lily has her beloved pet Cleocatra and her irrepressible friend Katy to keep her grounded in reality. Or so she hopes.
Dealing with the challenges of falling in love with Ursula’s grandson Kent, the reappearance of her ex-fiance Stephen and the demands of her mother and her boss Professor Briggs, Lily soon realizes she has taken on much more than she bargained for
132 pages, Paperback
First published November 19, 2007
24 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Susan J. McLeod
3 books10 followersSusan Jane McLeod has been writing since she was seven years old. The best job she ever had was managing a bookstore. Susan also writes short stories and poetry, and has won awards in both mediums. She is an ovarian cancer survivor and currently works for a non-profit family foundation that runs Zara's Center, a home for AIDS-impacted orphans.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 7, 2014
In this intelligent, sensitive, well-crafted first novel in the Lily Evans Mystery Series, the reader is ensnared by well-researched Egyptian historical magic, lulled by a deep yearning for love and identity, and enthralled by continuous twists of fun adventure.
As I read this book, I found myself charmed by its coziness and easy, yet articulate prose. Then McLeod weaves her magic subtly, and before long, readers will find themselves hypnotized by the deeper world that underwrites this book. Through Lily’s intermittent visions, we find more than just Egyptian legends wrought of shadows, we find stories within her soul that imperceptibly draw the reader into a paranormal realm embarking upon the true meaning of life and sisterhood and brotherhood, as well as a haunting metaphysics of how the past begets the present.
I look forward to continuing the series to see how Lily’s interesting webs untangle themselves, but more notably, to gain a deeper look into McLeod’s beautiful and intricate underworld.
Yours in literature,
J.G.C.
As I read this book, I found myself charmed by its coziness and easy, yet articulate prose. Then McLeod weaves her magic subtly, and before long, readers will find themselves hypnotized by the deeper world that underwrites this book. Through Lily’s intermittent visions, we find more than just Egyptian legends wrought of shadows, we find stories within her soul that imperceptibly draw the reader into a paranormal realm embarking upon the true meaning of life and sisterhood and brotherhood, as well as a haunting metaphysics of how the past begets the present.
I look forward to continuing the series to see how Lily’s interesting webs untangle themselves, but more notably, to gain a deeper look into McLeod’s beautiful and intricate underworld.
Yours in literature,
J.G.C.
May 7, 2009
Soul and Shadow
Author: Susan McLeod
Reviewed by: Fran Lewis
Two sets of lovers one from the present and the second from the past whose lives become intertwined and expertly woven together in Susan McLeod’s novel Soul and Shadow.
Amisihathor was a songstress in the temple of Hathor. Her position was to sing and bring joy and pleasure to the goddess. This was a revered and honored position. Married to Kahotep, a powerful priest of Horus, she was to be buried along side him in the same tomb.
Amishathor’s sarcophagus was brought from Cairo to a local museum and put on display for the public to view where the intrigue and mystery of her burial and life begins.
Lily Evans is a research assistant and artist who studies ancient Egyptian portraits. While viewing the exhibit in this museum she is approached by an older woman who wants to enlist her help to solve the mystery behind what really happened between Amisihathor and Kahotep and why she has not found her eternal rest in the Field of Reeds with him.
The mysterious woman is a retired archaeologist who has vital information into the life of Amisihathor that she wants Lily to read and study to determine the truth behind Amisihathor’s death.
Dame Ursula Allingham is the mystery woman along with her two grandson’s who Lily meets in the museum. From this point on her life will drastically change. Telling her the story of Amisihathor’s life and showing her pictures of her burial she comes to realize that the depictions of her death were not intended to include her with Kahotep. The decorations on the walls of her tomb show that they performed the wedding rites. They appeared to be happy. But, according to Dame Ursula, Amisihathor was married to another man before Kahotep. Kamenwati was her first husband and as the background of her life is revealed we learn he was a scribe from Edfu and she did not belong in Kahotep’s tomb.
In walks Kent, a tall handsome stranger and Dame Ursula’s grandson. They are immediately drawn to each other and a romance is instantaneously built between the two. Although there are many secrets that he does not reveal about his family, Lily is deeply drawn into this web of deceit and mystery to find the answers behind Amisihathor’s death and bring to her final resting place. At the same time Lily is falling for Kent and wants to spend every waking hour getting to know him.
As Lily reads the different documents about her life and studies the pictures given to her by Dame Ursula, she starts to feel as if she is part of her past and begins to dream and relive Amishathor’s last days as if she were there when it happened.
The blend of characters is unique and the back and forth scenes from the past to the present make the reader feel the pain and sorrow of Amisihathor when deceived and lied to by her first husband. Throughout the novel we meet many minor characters that actually add to the story and create even more suspense. Although she is only 26 years old, Lily’s mom is disappointed in her choice of boyfriend when she tells her about Kent and his family. Wanting her to marry her first love, a doctor named Stephen she does everything in her power to make it happen. However, her efforts proof to be dangerous and almost tragic.
Soul and Shadow is a well-written compact novel, which tells a story in 124 pages without the fanfare of longer books. It is a fast paced book that is quick reading and yet at the end the reader yearns for more.
Will Lily find the answers to what really happened between Amisihathor and Kamenwati or the dark rebel? Will she ever find eternal peace and join Kahotep in the Field of Reeds? Will she wind up with Kent or Stephen? What does her mother do that is unspeakable and deplorable to try to bring her together with Stephen because he is a doctor? What happens to her?
Why does Kent leave suddenly and return to England after their romance takes off? What does Dr. Briggs her boss have to do with this mystery and the artifacts found missing from the tomb?
Read Soul and Shadow by Susan Mcleod to find out the answers to these questions and the hidden secrets behind them.
I will give this book five stars and five golden tombs filled with priceless jewels.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Author: Susan McLeod
Reviewed by: Fran Lewis
Two sets of lovers one from the present and the second from the past whose lives become intertwined and expertly woven together in Susan McLeod’s novel Soul and Shadow.
Amisihathor was a songstress in the temple of Hathor. Her position was to sing and bring joy and pleasure to the goddess. This was a revered and honored position. Married to Kahotep, a powerful priest of Horus, she was to be buried along side him in the same tomb.
Amishathor’s sarcophagus was brought from Cairo to a local museum and put on display for the public to view where the intrigue and mystery of her burial and life begins.
Lily Evans is a research assistant and artist who studies ancient Egyptian portraits. While viewing the exhibit in this museum she is approached by an older woman who wants to enlist her help to solve the mystery behind what really happened between Amisihathor and Kahotep and why she has not found her eternal rest in the Field of Reeds with him.
The mysterious woman is a retired archaeologist who has vital information into the life of Amisihathor that she wants Lily to read and study to determine the truth behind Amisihathor’s death.
Dame Ursula Allingham is the mystery woman along with her two grandson’s who Lily meets in the museum. From this point on her life will drastically change. Telling her the story of Amisihathor’s life and showing her pictures of her burial she comes to realize that the depictions of her death were not intended to include her with Kahotep. The decorations on the walls of her tomb show that they performed the wedding rites. They appeared to be happy. But, according to Dame Ursula, Amisihathor was married to another man before Kahotep. Kamenwati was her first husband and as the background of her life is revealed we learn he was a scribe from Edfu and she did not belong in Kahotep’s tomb.
In walks Kent, a tall handsome stranger and Dame Ursula’s grandson. They are immediately drawn to each other and a romance is instantaneously built between the two. Although there are many secrets that he does not reveal about his family, Lily is deeply drawn into this web of deceit and mystery to find the answers behind Amisihathor’s death and bring to her final resting place. At the same time Lily is falling for Kent and wants to spend every waking hour getting to know him.
As Lily reads the different documents about her life and studies the pictures given to her by Dame Ursula, she starts to feel as if she is part of her past and begins to dream and relive Amishathor’s last days as if she were there when it happened.
The blend of characters is unique and the back and forth scenes from the past to the present make the reader feel the pain and sorrow of Amisihathor when deceived and lied to by her first husband. Throughout the novel we meet many minor characters that actually add to the story and create even more suspense. Although she is only 26 years old, Lily’s mom is disappointed in her choice of boyfriend when she tells her about Kent and his family. Wanting her to marry her first love, a doctor named Stephen she does everything in her power to make it happen. However, her efforts proof to be dangerous and almost tragic.
Soul and Shadow is a well-written compact novel, which tells a story in 124 pages without the fanfare of longer books. It is a fast paced book that is quick reading and yet at the end the reader yearns for more.
Will Lily find the answers to what really happened between Amisihathor and Kamenwati or the dark rebel? Will she ever find eternal peace and join Kahotep in the Field of Reeds? Will she wind up with Kent or Stephen? What does her mother do that is unspeakable and deplorable to try to bring her together with Stephen because he is a doctor? What happens to her?
Why does Kent leave suddenly and return to England after their romance takes off? What does Dr. Briggs her boss have to do with this mystery and the artifacts found missing from the tomb?
Read Soul and Shadow by Susan Mcleod to find out the answers to these questions and the hidden secrets behind them.
I will give this book five stars and five golden tombs filled with priceless jewels.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
July 1, 2012
Mysterious and romantic, a delightful surprise
A romantic adventure into the world of ancient Egypt, this book is a charmer. Light and fun early in the book until the paranormal slips in. Here we have the elements of two distinctly different women in love at different times in history with only the link of history to join them, or so it seems. The book was a delightful surprise to me.
Lily, a grad student and research assistant to a highly regarded professor in the field of Egyptology is in the right place at the right time as a new exhibit arrives in town. It is the mummy of Amisihathor, more commonly known by the locals as Amisi, a songstress in the temple of Hathor on loan from the Cairo Museum. As an artist, Lily has done many paintings and illustrations of ancient Egypt, and as she gazes at the art of the sarcophagus, she is overcome with feelings and images alien to her. An eccentric woman behind her appears to have connected in some way, too. She is there to speak to Lily. She has seen Lily's art and believes she will be able to communicate somehow to learn the fate of Amisi. There is some confusion about her tomb and burial.
Susan J. McLeod has written a complex and entertaining story with many pieces and characters interwoven from both the ancient time of Amisi and the current life of Lily. The relationship between best friends and colleagues Lily and Katy is fun. Romance is in the air and Lily is falling hard for the Kent, son of Dame Ursula Allingham, who found the tomb ... the lady she met at the museum. There is a mystery surrounding Amisi, but there is also a mystery surrounding the Allingham family. More discomfiting is the mystery of Lily's dreams since meeting them. Her dreams are so vivid, and as she draws, scenes come to life as though she has really seen them. How can this be?
When Lily's ex-boyfriend moves back to town lines are drawn and pressure applied. Will Stephen reclaim his relationship or will Kent keep him at arm's length from Lily? Why does her mother ignore Lily's feelings for Kent and keep pushing her toward Stephen? Theft, romance, secrets, betrayal, friendship and Lily’s psychic revelations meld together well. A beautifully written final chapter. I enjoyed this book so much with it's multiple fleshed out characters in both settings that I wasn't ready for it to end. I was very glad when the following page was a preview of the next book featuring Lily and Katy.
A romantic adventure into the world of ancient Egypt, this book is a charmer. Light and fun early in the book until the paranormal slips in. Here we have the elements of two distinctly different women in love at different times in history with only the link of history to join them, or so it seems. The book was a delightful surprise to me.
Lily, a grad student and research assistant to a highly regarded professor in the field of Egyptology is in the right place at the right time as a new exhibit arrives in town. It is the mummy of Amisihathor, more commonly known by the locals as Amisi, a songstress in the temple of Hathor on loan from the Cairo Museum. As an artist, Lily has done many paintings and illustrations of ancient Egypt, and as she gazes at the art of the sarcophagus, she is overcome with feelings and images alien to her. An eccentric woman behind her appears to have connected in some way, too. She is there to speak to Lily. She has seen Lily's art and believes she will be able to communicate somehow to learn the fate of Amisi. There is some confusion about her tomb and burial.
Susan J. McLeod has written a complex and entertaining story with many pieces and characters interwoven from both the ancient time of Amisi and the current life of Lily. The relationship between best friends and colleagues Lily and Katy is fun. Romance is in the air and Lily is falling hard for the Kent, son of Dame Ursula Allingham, who found the tomb ... the lady she met at the museum. There is a mystery surrounding Amisi, but there is also a mystery surrounding the Allingham family. More discomfiting is the mystery of Lily's dreams since meeting them. Her dreams are so vivid, and as she draws, scenes come to life as though she has really seen them. How can this be?
When Lily's ex-boyfriend moves back to town lines are drawn and pressure applied. Will Stephen reclaim his relationship or will Kent keep him at arm's length from Lily? Why does her mother ignore Lily's feelings for Kent and keep pushing her toward Stephen? Theft, romance, secrets, betrayal, friendship and Lily’s psychic revelations meld together well. A beautifully written final chapter. I enjoyed this book so much with it's multiple fleshed out characters in both settings that I wasn't ready for it to end. I was very glad when the following page was a preview of the next book featuring Lily and Katy.
November 23, 2008
Soul and Shadows – Echoes of the Past
Egyptologist and illustrator Lily Evans finds her visions and dreams of ancient Egypt inspirational for her paintings. A wealthy and famous English archaeologist happens upon Lily’s work and believes that they are the result of a connection Lily has with the unsettled soul of an Egyptian priestess – Amisihathor. While Lily does not believe in such things, her visions and dreams become more and more intense as does her romance with Kent – the grandson of the very archaeologist who discovered the Amisihathor’s tomb. Lily begins to learn of the priestess’ long buried secrets and soon finds her own life at risk as she gets closer to the truth.
Susan McLeod’s Soul and Shadow provides an interesting look a the social parallels of ancient Egypt and today; greed, desire, politics, love, betrayal, and romance are timeless. I especially enjoyed the sections of the novel which recounted the life and times of Amisihathor. McLeod’s writing, cadence, and style is spot on in these sections and her considerable research and expertise in this area shines. I did however find the early romantic interactions between Lily and Kent a little forced early on in the novel though this improves as the story evolves.
Soul and Shadow is a brief novel at 124 pages and I longed for more of the ancient Egyptian parts of the story. McLeod’s writing style is very refined and enjoyable to read; I look forward to her next offering.
Egyptologist and illustrator Lily Evans finds her visions and dreams of ancient Egypt inspirational for her paintings. A wealthy and famous English archaeologist happens upon Lily’s work and believes that they are the result of a connection Lily has with the unsettled soul of an Egyptian priestess – Amisihathor. While Lily does not believe in such things, her visions and dreams become more and more intense as does her romance with Kent – the grandson of the very archaeologist who discovered the Amisihathor’s tomb. Lily begins to learn of the priestess’ long buried secrets and soon finds her own life at risk as she gets closer to the truth.
Susan McLeod’s Soul and Shadow provides an interesting look a the social parallels of ancient Egypt and today; greed, desire, politics, love, betrayal, and romance are timeless. I especially enjoyed the sections of the novel which recounted the life and times of Amisihathor. McLeod’s writing, cadence, and style is spot on in these sections and her considerable research and expertise in this area shines. I did however find the early romantic interactions between Lily and Kent a little forced early on in the novel though this improves as the story evolves.
Soul and Shadow is a brief novel at 124 pages and I longed for more of the ancient Egyptian parts of the story. McLeod’s writing style is very refined and enjoyable to read; I look forward to her next offering.
December 6, 2008
Nice mix of history, mystery, and romance
Susan McLeod's "Soul and Shadow" blends together Egyptian history and a modern day romance to make an engaging story. She tells it mostly in the present from the point of view of Lily Evans, a university researcher who studies and draws ancient Egypt artifacts.
At a museum exhibit Lily is approached by Dame Ursula Allingham, a retired archeologist. Dame Ursula wants to help set right an ancient problem: she's been haunted by Amisihathor, temple songstress. The lady believes that Lily can help right an old wrong and unite Amisihathor with her true love and husband.
Lily doesn't buy it, but she's getting romantically involved with Dame Ursula's grandson, and even though she denies it, she finds herself able to channel Amisihathor's memories. The reader is drawn in to Lily's unraveling of the ancient conflict.
Lily Evans and Amisihanthor are both sympathetic characters. Her mom, best friend, and ex-boyfriend, are all easy to picture. Her descriptions of ancient Egypt are colorful, and the conflicts they go through feel real and relevant.
McLeod draws quite a few parallels between the present and the past. I enjoyed how McLeod gave her readers room to piece the story together themselves, yet still leaving herself room to surprise us at the end.
Susan McLeod's "Soul and Shadow" blends together Egyptian history and a modern day romance to make an engaging story. She tells it mostly in the present from the point of view of Lily Evans, a university researcher who studies and draws ancient Egypt artifacts.
At a museum exhibit Lily is approached by Dame Ursula Allingham, a retired archeologist. Dame Ursula wants to help set right an ancient problem: she's been haunted by Amisihathor, temple songstress. The lady believes that Lily can help right an old wrong and unite Amisihathor with her true love and husband.
Lily doesn't buy it, but she's getting romantically involved with Dame Ursula's grandson, and even though she denies it, she finds herself able to channel Amisihathor's memories. The reader is drawn in to Lily's unraveling of the ancient conflict.
Lily Evans and Amisihanthor are both sympathetic characters. Her mom, best friend, and ex-boyfriend, are all easy to picture. Her descriptions of ancient Egypt are colorful, and the conflicts they go through feel real and relevant.
McLeod draws quite a few parallels between the present and the past. I enjoyed how McLeod gave her readers room to piece the story together themselves, yet still leaving herself room to surprise us at the end.
November 23, 2008
Lily Evans is an artist, who specializes in ancient Egyptian portraits. Maybe that’s why Dame Ursula Allingham approached her for Lily’s help. Ursula is a famous archeologist who unearthed Amisihathor. Lily will never forget the day that Ursula told her these words “I have a story to tell you”. Mrs. Allingham wants Lily to solve the true story about what happened between Amisihathor and Kahotep, her lover. Lily agrees. As Lily starts reading up on Amisihathor, something magical happens and it’s like Lily has gone back in time to another century.
At just one hundred and twenty-four pages, Soul and Shadow is a quick but fun read. You can read Soul and Shadow when you are needing a break from your everyday activities. Susan McLeod mixes mystery and romance into this book. I thought the way she intertwined Lily and Amisihathor paths together was interesting. I felt like I was right there with Lily every step of the way. Susan made ancient history appealing again. I don’t know what else I can say about this book other than well done Ms. McLeod.
At just one hundred and twenty-four pages, Soul and Shadow is a quick but fun read. You can read Soul and Shadow when you are needing a break from your everyday activities. Susan McLeod mixes mystery and romance into this book. I thought the way she intertwined Lily and Amisihathor paths together was interesting. I felt like I was right there with Lily every step of the way. Susan made ancient history appealing again. I don’t know what else I can say about this book other than well done Ms. McLeod.
February 9, 2013
Lily Evans love everything Egyptian. She works for the University doing research and other work. When the new Egyptian exhibit opens she is thrilled to attend. Lily is approached by an older woman who has asked for her help solving a mystery. At first Lily thinks the women is a little off her rocker, but when she finds out that she is Dame Ursula the women who uncovered the items in the exhibit, she is excited to hear what she has to say. Kent is Ursala's grandson and Lily is very quickly drawn to him.
This is an interesting story of past and present with a unique look into that past. It caught my attention and swept me along. I like the character of Lily and enjoyed going on her journey. I am going to keep an eye out for the second in the series and hopefully I can find it cheap.
This is an interesting story of past and present with a unique look into that past. It caught my attention and swept me along. I like the character of Lily and enjoyed going on her journey. I am going to keep an eye out for the second in the series and hopefully I can find it cheap.
March 17, 2012
When a young research assistant attends an Egyptian exhibit she is drawn into a quest to solve an ancient secret. Discovering a dream-like magical connection to the entombed Amisihathor, Lily Evans travels back to discover the real story and helps the unsettled soul find her way to peace. In the process, she falls in love, confronts an ex-boyfriend, uncovers some unsavory truths, and almost loses her life.
Beautifully written and superbly edited, the story is fast-paced, well-constructed, and easy to read. The historical elements are well-researched and colorful, making it easy to picture the scene. It was a very nice mix of paranormal, romance, mystery, and ancient history. A great story and wonderful read - I highly recommend it.
Beautifully written and superbly edited, the story is fast-paced, well-constructed, and easy to read. The historical elements are well-researched and colorful, making it easy to picture the scene. It was a very nice mix of paranormal, romance, mystery, and ancient history. A great story and wonderful read - I highly recommend it.
December 6, 2012
Mystery, Romance, Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Wow!
Ms. McLeod has done a terrific job of mixing these four genre into an exceptionally well-written story. Her book skillfully tells parallel love stories three centuries apart.
Ms. McLeod has done impeccable research on the Egyptian history to bring about the interweaving of the love stories in modern day and early Egyptian customs. Once reading, I could hardly put this book down. Terrific writing, Ms. McLeod. I'll be looking for your next book and expect to be fully entertained by it as I was by this one.
Dawn Edwards, the Kindle Book Review
The KBR received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. We are not connected with the author, publisher, or Amazon in any way.
Ms. McLeod has done a terrific job of mixing these four genre into an exceptionally well-written story. Her book skillfully tells parallel love stories three centuries apart.
Ms. McLeod has done impeccable research on the Egyptian history to bring about the interweaving of the love stories in modern day and early Egyptian customs. Once reading, I could hardly put this book down. Terrific writing, Ms. McLeod. I'll be looking for your next book and expect to be fully entertained by it as I was by this one.
Dawn Edwards, the Kindle Book Review
The KBR received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. We are not connected with the author, publisher, or Amazon in any way.
October 25, 2015
Well done past-present psychic connection tale about an Egyptology archaeology graduate student who 'channels' the memory of an ancient Egyptian temple songstress through the resonance left behind on the songstress's artifacts, solving the mystery of why this ancient woman was indicated as being the wife of two separate men from tomb finds.
Mixing mystery with present day intrigue, as there is an attempt on the heroine's life, along with romance triangle involving her ex-fiance and the grandson of the original tomb-find archaeologist, there's a bit of "everything" in this book but it is all blended well. Look forward eagerly for the sequel.
Mixing mystery with present day intrigue, as there is an attempt on the heroine's life, along with romance triangle involving her ex-fiance and the grandson of the original tomb-find archaeologist, there's a bit of "everything" in this book but it is all blended well. Look forward eagerly for the sequel.
July 8, 2015
I read this book after reading the second book. it laid the groundwork a bit more but was not as well done as the second book in the series. Even taking into account I don't care for romance novels in of themselves, the storyline jumped all over the place and not enough time was spent in developing the plot. It was all about the romance and even that storyline didn't have a lot of depth. if I had read this book first, I would not have read the second in the series and this one would have received one star.
September 1, 2015
If you enjoy paranormal or mystical stories as well as Egyption history you will love this book as well as the rest of the series. I actually read the books out of order and it didn't diminish my enjoyment at all. The "Soul and the Shadow (book 1)" was the last one that I read. Even though I knew about Lily's talents and of the other people in the story. It was still interesting to find out how certain things began and why other things were the way they were. Susan J. McLeod has a very special talent in knowing how to tell a story and keep her audience captive.
November 16, 2008
Soul and Shadow by Susan McLeod is a finely crafted story that combines the mysteries of ancient Egypt, a modern romance, and certain mystical occurrences that tie them together. The writing is excellent and the characters are interesting and memorable. Reaching the last third of the book, I couldn't put it down as several key plot twists played out - some in unexpected ways. I look forward to Ms. McLeod's next book.
September 30, 2019
Different, but good!
August 3, 2016
This book seemingly follows the lives of tow different woman. One- Lily- an Egyptologist and the other Amisihathor- a long- dead Egyptian priestess. Lily's life takes a complicated turn when an archaeologist discovers the tomb of the priestess and Lily is called in to help. Throw in a romance with the archaeologist's grandson, and her silly best friend and you have a book I literally could not put down.
I have a bit of a history geek hiding inside me somewhere and Egypt is such a unique and fascinating time period. I are all of the Egyptian aspects of the novel up. The mixture of paranormal aspects- Lily's visions- mixed in made it that much more awesome. I especially loved the mystery surrounding the man in the tomb with the priestess. That was a lot of fun trying to decipher.
Lily herself was a pretty solid and fascinating characters. I enjoyed her interactions with her boss, best friend, and even her cat. However, Kent was pretty adorable. At first, their romance or whatever it was, moved a little too fast, but it leveled out to a better pace that I greatly enjoyed exploring. Hehe. And while I am not much of a fan of triangles, I enjoyed watching Lily try to scramble and deal with her growing feelings for Kent and her confusion over Stephen being back in town.
The book was a very fast and entertaining read. I loved the way the author intertwined the two centuries. There were some crazy twists that threw me for a loop, but I had to keep reading. It really was a very beautiful, well- developed story and I cannot wait to see what happens to Lily in the next book. There are so many questions that need to be answered!
I have a bit of a history geek hiding inside me somewhere and Egypt is such a unique and fascinating time period. I are all of the Egyptian aspects of the novel up. The mixture of paranormal aspects- Lily's visions- mixed in made it that much more awesome. I especially loved the mystery surrounding the man in the tomb with the priestess. That was a lot of fun trying to decipher.
Lily herself was a pretty solid and fascinating characters. I enjoyed her interactions with her boss, best friend, and even her cat. However, Kent was pretty adorable. At first, their romance or whatever it was, moved a little too fast, but it leveled out to a better pace that I greatly enjoyed exploring. Hehe. And while I am not much of a fan of triangles, I enjoyed watching Lily try to scramble and deal with her growing feelings for Kent and her confusion over Stephen being back in town.
The book was a very fast and entertaining read. I loved the way the author intertwined the two centuries. There were some crazy twists that threw me for a loop, but I had to keep reading. It really was a very beautiful, well- developed story and I cannot wait to see what happens to Lily in the next book. There are so many questions that need to be answered!
December 8, 2008
Egyptian mystery
I have been fascinated by ancient Egypt my whole life, so I was delighted when I came across Soul and Shadow. I found the story immediately engaging. I happily and eagerly kept turning the pages of this book. The author has done a wonderful job incorporating research into this light mystery tale. The story has a double-storyline that weaves seamlessly back and forth between the present and the past through a clever plot. I enjoyed both timelines equally. The author deftly shows the parallels and connections that those of us in the present have to those in past. A certain timelessness echoes through the pages of this book. The characters came alive for me, and I enjoyed spending time with them. The author captured beautifully a real sense of ancient Egyptian life. She honors ancient Egyptian history by bringing to life this intriguing tale. It reminded me of a quote that suits this book well:
"To speak the name of the dead is to make them live again"
— Egyptian Proverb
The author has an obvious passion for, and interest in, ancient Egypt and has produced a quality read rich with Egyptian flair. Soul and Shadow is a very quick read, clocking in at just 125 pages, and I would have liked even more. Recommended to readers of mystery, romance, and those who are captivated by ancient Egypt. I would not hesitate to pick up future books by this talented author.
Rai Aren, co-author of Secret of the Sands
I have been fascinated by ancient Egypt my whole life, so I was delighted when I came across Soul and Shadow. I found the story immediately engaging. I happily and eagerly kept turning the pages of this book. The author has done a wonderful job incorporating research into this light mystery tale. The story has a double-storyline that weaves seamlessly back and forth between the present and the past through a clever plot. I enjoyed both timelines equally. The author deftly shows the parallels and connections that those of us in the present have to those in past. A certain timelessness echoes through the pages of this book. The characters came alive for me, and I enjoyed spending time with them. The author captured beautifully a real sense of ancient Egyptian life. She honors ancient Egyptian history by bringing to life this intriguing tale. It reminded me of a quote that suits this book well:
"To speak the name of the dead is to make them live again"
— Egyptian Proverb
The author has an obvious passion for, and interest in, ancient Egypt and has produced a quality read rich with Egyptian flair. Soul and Shadow is a very quick read, clocking in at just 125 pages, and I would have liked even more. Recommended to readers of mystery, romance, and those who are captivated by ancient Egypt. I would not hesitate to pick up future books by this talented author.
Rai Aren, co-author of Secret of the Sands
November 26, 2009
I liked this book.
The writing was easy and flowing and not once did I have to re-read a sentence due to grammar and misspelling issues. The story line is enticing and captivates you right from the beginning. The characters are charming,relatable and real. I recommend this book to everyone. I couldn't find anything wrong with it.
That said...The cover. Please don't judge this book by its cover. If I could call the author and tell her to re-design it and re-publicize it I would. Not only does the design bother me, but the fact that you can barely see her name on the cover is also frustrating. This is a good book that I am sure is getting passed over because of the cover.
The writing was easy and flowing and not once did I have to re-read a sentence due to grammar and misspelling issues. The story line is enticing and captivates you right from the beginning. The characters are charming,relatable and real. I recommend this book to everyone. I couldn't find anything wrong with it.
That said...The cover. Please don't judge this book by its cover. If I could call the author and tell her to re-design it and re-publicize it I would. Not only does the design bother me, but the fact that you can barely see her name on the cover is also frustrating. This is a good book that I am sure is getting passed over because of the cover.
March 30, 2012
I liked the premise, especially because I really love stories about ancient Egypt. I'm not sure that I liked the way the storyline was executed, however overall it was an okay read. The ending is definitely unclear, so be prepared.
Besides the fact that Lily is asked to channel the spirit of a dead priestess, the story is pretty normal. The characters are realistic and believable (in fact, Lily's mother reminds me so much of my own...). My issue with the book is the way the flashbacks are done - Lily remains 100% in this world/time . I guess I had assumed that she would "become" Amisi more. Oh well.
Decent read, glad it was free!
Besides the fact that Lily is asked to channel the spirit of a dead priestess, the story is pretty normal. The characters are realistic and believable (in fact, Lily's mother reminds me so much of my own...). My issue with the book is the way the flashbacks are done - Lily remains 100% in this world/time . I guess I had assumed that she would "become" Amisi more. Oh well.
Decent read, glad it was free!
October 15, 2013
I loved everything about this book! I loved the vivid visions of ancient Egypt and Amisi's tragic story. I loved all of the characters, especially Lily's cat Cleocatra! The conversations between the characters was realistic and witty. Love triangles can be annoying but in this case it worked. I'm a little disappointed that it wasn't resolved in this book, but since this is the first in a series I suppose it isn't surprising. Soul and Shadow really held my attention because there were mysteries to solve in both the modern and ancient storyline. I was totally shocked by a twist near the end that I did not see coming at all! I can't wait to read Lily's next adventure!
March 15, 2015
This premier novel by Susan McLeod is full of unexpected twists, turns, mystery, and romance. Lily Evans, an artist and expert on ancient Egypt, begins her adventure when she meets a charming and eccentric woman while viewing a new display at the museum. This encounter also leads Lily to Kent, who does his best to convince her that he is the man of her dreams. What happens next is a clever unraveling of ancient and not so ancient secrets, some of which are deadly. This book was published by lulu.com in 2007.
January 12, 2013
The main character is working hard in the Egyptology department at her university when approached by a famous archaeologist in her field. From that moment she starts having visions of life in Egypt. The life mimics her own.
It's a very interesting read and a great story. The story ends kind of abruptly and leaves a lot unanswered. Apparently there is a sequel that may answer more questions. It was a fun book and would recommend it.
It's a very interesting read and a great story. The story ends kind of abruptly and leaves a lot unanswered. Apparently there is a sequel that may answer more questions. It was a fun book and would recommend it.
March 31, 2012
Very interesting book - a little shorter than I would have liked, but that's ok, too. Good character dynamics and a good twist at the end. I loved it when Lily would dream back in time, living the memories of an Egyptian songstress... Very detailed and made the scene very easy to see in my mind's eye.
February 16, 2013
Really enjoyed this book, though I'm not crazy about Stephen, I'm not sure why Lily would put up with his interfering in her life and being so bossy and dismissive of her ideas and beliefs. I'm hoping Lily and Kent can work out their problems, I really like Kent and think he is a positive in Lily's life. Katy is a hoot and I love her enthusiasm for life.
May 14, 2012
The plot seemed like it had promise, but the writing was spotty at best. The story didn't flow, and there were many holes in the plot that would be easy to flesh out and would make it a much better story.
August 17, 2012
Lily is a research assistant for an Egyptologist. She gets caught up in a mystery involving items in the new exhibit at the museum. Weird things start to happen and a handsome stranger shows up as well.
First in a series. Fun read, especially if you like all things Egyptian!
First in a series. Fun read, especially if you like all things Egyptian!
February 23, 2013
I didn't really enjoy this book too much. Although easy to read and nicely written, there was too little history and too much romance. It also ended too suddenly leaving me feeling as if it was unfinished.
June 17, 2014
Lily shares her life. With the pas. Learns life lessons.
Excellent writing entwining the present with the past life with death. And love sneaking in gently
Highly recommend for teens adults make and female.
Excellent writing entwining the present with the past life with death. And love sneaking in gently
Highly recommend for teens adults make and female.
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March 29, 2015Past and present collide
This was a fun find. I have always found ancient Egypt to be fascinating. The author does a good job of blending history and present in a fun tale that will keep you guessing. I enjoyed the book very much and look forward to the sequel.
This was a fun find. I have always found ancient Egypt to be fascinating. The author does a good job of blending history and present in a fun tale that will keep you guessing. I enjoyed the book very much and look forward to the sequel.
March 28, 2012
Enjoyed this one. I will continue the series as new books are written.
January 1, 2015
The ending was a little predictable perhaps, and rather abrupt. but then there's apparently another one, (cant find it) Fire and Shadow.
Still, quite a good shortish story.
Still, quite a good shortish story.
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