Shadow Seer

Scythe Grove Academy #1

by Laura Greenwood

I can see ghosts. I've always been able to do it, but never known why. The people that raised me claimed they had no idea either.

It isn't until I'm taken to Scythe Grove Academy that I learn the truth. I'm a reaper. More specifically, I'm a seer, someone who can see and talk to the dead to help them to move on.

Maybe I can finally learn the reason for the ghost who has been following me for years, and with the help of my new friends, I can finally make sense of who I am.

-

Shadow Seer is book one of the paranormal academy series, Scythe Grove Academy. It includes a slow burn m/f romance.

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy

90 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2021

About the author

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy romance and urban fantasy. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set, with her partner. When she's not writing, Laura can be found exploring worldwide cusine with her partner, drinking tea, and reading fantasy books. Laura specialises in quick reads, featuring healthy relationships and consent-positive moments, regardless of whether she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-inspired modern fantasy, cozy fantasy or anything in between.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:
- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Forgotten Gods (mythology inspired fantasy romance)
- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology inspired paranormal rom-com)
- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)
- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)
- Scales of Justice (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)
- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)

You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Renée · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow Seer is the first book in Laura Greenwood’s Scythe Grove Academy series.

This paranormal romance follows Syxe as she comes to terms with being a Reaper. Even though she’s always been able to see ghosts, Syxe never knew that she was a Reaper, until she met a ghost and the world of the reapers is uncovered.

There’s growth and balance as Syxe comes to learn who she is, the world she left behind and the one she has stepped in to.

Love the idea of the four Groves - Ilex, Sakura, Hawthorn, and Banksia. This story definitely had a Harry Potter feel with academy concept, but it was an original tale, from the Shadow Association to the Scythe Grove and Reapers.

Side note: I could piece together whilst reading that Shadow Seer was part of the paranormal world the author has created, but this series is a stand-alone and doesn’t require pre reading of other series in the Obscure World to understand these books.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

The Scythe Grove Academy is one of Laura Greenwood's series that I hadn't read yet and I jumped on the chance to read and review this series. Shadow Seer is the first book in this series and follows main character Syxe as she finds out she's a reaper and starts attending Scythe Grove Academy.

I've enjoyed the series set in the Obscure World so far and I was excited to finally learn about the reapers and Scythe Grove Academy in this series. I liked reading about Syxe who has no idea she's a reaper until she meets two reapers. I liked seeing her figure things out and learning more about her reaper powers. She also makes some good friends along the way. And she figures out more about the place she grew up in as an orphan.

There is plenty going on in this book and I liked reading it. The scenes were Syxe picks her house or grove as they are called was fun as well as the scene were she makes her scythe. I thought it felt realistic how she feels a bit uncertain and needs some time to settle and start trusting people. I liked the budding romance there is as well as her friendship with the Grove captain Juliette.

As Syxe is new to the world of reapers there is a lot that gets explained, which I liked as it made it easier to get a feel for the academy, why things worked that way and how reapers worked. I liked how she keeps asking questions, so she can understand everything. There is a plot line about the association that I hadn't expected to go that direction and I am quite curious how this will all play out. I also liked there is a bit about helping ghosts and seeing the reaper powers in action.

To summarize: This was a solid start to this series. I liked reading about Syxe and following her along as she learned she's a reaper and joins Scythe Grove Academy. There are some fun scenes with her learning about her reaper powers, choosing her house/ grove and making her own scythe. I liked seeing her make friends and a there's some romance as well. As Syxe is new to this world there is a lot of explanation and answers which helped me get a feel for the world, the reaper powers and the academy. I enjoyed reading this one.

[Laura Greenwood]

Scythe Grove Academy (complete series):
1. Shadow Seer: books2read.com/shadowseer
2. Shadow Prophet: books2read.com/shadowprophet
3. Shadow Oracle: books2read.com/shadoworacle
Standalone: Grove Captain: books2read.com/grovecaptain

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I really love Laura Greenwood's books, they're not the kind of books I keep on thinking about for months. However, when I got the e-mail from BookSprout saying that I could grab an arc for Shadow Seer I was kinda excited. I remembered how the prequel was a really lovely read and remembered that I most of all loved the reaper mythology.

This first book has less reaper mythology than I had hoped and expected. We do encounter a few ghosts, but the whole process of helping them to move on is not the focus of this book. However, once I accepted that our heroine had a different journey planned out for her and once it was clear that the people she was trying to get away from would catch up with her I got more and more invested.

I also liked how this book took the time to explain everything about the school. I grew in the Netherlands and the whole house system is something I only know from books. Since our main character has no idea how this works either, Greenwood finally takes the time to explain why the houses exist and what their function is.

Our heroine in this story is also quite likable. It's quite clear that she never got the chance to become much of her own person and therefore she has loads of growing and learning to do, but that's also what makes this story interesting. Our heroine has to discover who she is and we will discover everything with her. The finale shows she's at least a brave, fierce and strong woman.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Syxe is your normal everyday 18 year old except she can see and talk to ghosts. She has no idea why or that she is a supernatural know as a reaper until one ghost gets a little upset thinking she’s shirking her duty. Enter Scythe Grove Academy. Syxe is invited to visit and then enroll. She’s very excited and also a bit terrified as she’s never experienced kindness like this. An orphan growing up in a sketchy place she jumps at the chance to enroll and learn.
A very cool intro into the world of reapers. Syxe is brave and resilient. Really loved the way the Academy is set up. The world building is super cool! Her new friends seem very friendly and supportive and I look forward to seeing the relationships develop. Excited for book two!

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good academy read and this one about Scythe Grove Academy is just awesome! A well written story about a reaper Syxe who didn’t know she was a reaper but could see ghosts! It’s an exciting story as we follow Syxe on her journey as she discovers new talents and new friends. The world building is awesome and the twist on reapers interesting and I look forward to reading the next book!

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Syxe is an orphan raised by the Shadow Association, When she is 18, she finds out that she is a reaper, and is accepted at the Scythe Grove Academy. Mathias is assigned as her partner - and she finds friends and a life she could only have imagined, But the Shadow Association isnt about to let her go, and she is ordered to attend their oath ceremony. What will happen when she refuses to take the oath? Does she have a future with Mathias? Cant wait to read more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book one of the Scythe Grove Academy series and the main character is Syxe Weston, who has been living in what seems to be an unofficial orphanage, run by people who call themselves the Shadow Association. She has always kept to herself and prefers to spend her time outside of the building, finding it very depressing. As she has recently turned eighteen and is an orphan, the association has planned a date for her to take her Shadow Oath and once she does that, she will have no chance of ever getting out of the association. She believes she is different to the other students in the building, as she can see and hear ghosts, but doesn’t dare tell anyone, in case they think she is crazy. When one ghost won’t let her alone and asks for her help, she tries to tell the ghost woman that she can’t do anything. The ghost tells her that she is a reaper, but Syxe has never heard of such a thing. When a porter and seer pair from Scythe Grove come across her speaking to a ghost, they ask for her details.
The headmistress of Scythe Grove Academy invites her to come to the academy for a meeting, with some very vague instructions given on the invite. When she gets there, she finds out that she is a reaper, but to be more precise she is a seer, the person in a porter and seer pair, who can speak to the ghost and find out what is keeping them on this realm, whilst the other person is the porter, the one who opens a portal for the ghost to pass over to the other realm. The headmistress pairs her with Mathias Carey who is a porter and needs a seer to be able to work effectively to help ghosts move on. She is offered a place at the academy, which is funded by the government and through the Reaper Guard. This academy will hopeful finally give her the answers to what she can do and why she has had a ghost following her for years. She finally manages to make some new friends at the academy, who accept her as a reaper and help her adjust to her new reality. She can finally make sense of what she was always meant to be, but the Shadow Association don’t seem to want to let her go! I got drawn into this series from the prequel and now get to see the storylines expanding as new characters come into the mix. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Andra Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Laura Greenwood hits another one out of the park with this series. She developed a believable world, engaging characters, and a compelling storyline. Shadow Seer is the first book in the Scythe Grove Academy series. It is awesome to have a series that focuses on reapers. Since death is a genuine part of being human that we often avoid. It is an unknown and uncomfortable topic for most. We see other aspects of the paranormal as well that meld well into this world and the storyline.

The characters are fun, young, highly competitive, and just discovering their "talents" in this world. Syxe thought that she was a bit weird being able to see ghosts. Coming to the Scythe Grove Academy will help her find out more about who she is and her place in this world. Having lived as an orphan, she always felt like she did not belong, and now she knows why. She has friends for the first time, and they are there to help and support her as she hones her skills as a reaper and a seer and as romantic interest blossoms. I look forward to the next book in the series, Shadow Prophet.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book as it is about a Reaper, so it is a little different subject then you normally see. Syxe is an orphan who has zero real knowledge about the people or place she was raised. She only knows that she has turned eighteen and is now expected to take the Shadow Oath, and she is somehow sure she doesn't want to do that. The other thing she knows is that she can see and hear ghosts and they expect her to be able to do something to help them, but she doesn't know how. Then a ghost tells her that she is a Reaper and she is supposed to be able to assist ghosts. When she returns to ask the ghost more questions, she meets two Reapers who have come to do whatever Reapers do. That's how she ends up with an invitation to attend Scythe Academy.

I won't ruin the story for you. Syxe has a lot to learn at her new school. Fortunately, unlike her last school, she has people willing to help her. Especially Mathias. Wink, wink. But the Shadow Association is not going to let her go so easily. Stay tuned.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great way to introduce the character and reader at one time! Syxe Weston as you read in the synopsis isn’t “normal”-she can see and talk to ghosts and with no proper guidance she is scared. Enter the movie, The Sixth Sense quote, “I see dead people.” But knowing and not knowing what Syxe wants is critical in her story. She knows that she does and does not want: she wants out of her house with strict guidelines and not to take a questionable oath without having more information. Meeting a couple of people who can relate to her gifts enables an acceptance Syxe craves. And her journey takes a fork path which I love. I like the internal dialogue and the noble actions she takes to protect and preserve. She is scared to error and I like that human trait. What she learns is what we are learning as well as her journey becomes ours. Plus a cute guy alert - and she gets buddies up with him as both school guide and work partner.

[Shannon Cameron · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s an interesting start to a new series, I did find that was missing just a few tiny things for me to be able to give it 5 stars. I found that, in the beginning few chapters, there were time jumps that weren’t explained at all. It would be days later out of nowhere. Also it wasn’t until near the end when it was explained that the general population of the world knew about supernaturals and who the reapers are. It would have made more sense to explain that at the beginning and not at a weird random moment. It made it feel more like an afterthought or a direction change in the storyline that happened mid writing as wasn’t planned on.. which is fine when that happens but it shouldn’t FEEL that way. However I’m still looking forward to seeing what happens in the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even reapers have to learn their trade and the academy is very competitive. Not to mentioned the shadowy people that want to use or heroine as a puppet.

This is book one of the series, so a good place to start.

This is an urban fantasy story with an academy series. There are a lot of those going around these days, but having reapers as the focus is a bit unusual. And when it comes to paranormal stories, unusual is good. The story is well written and easy to read. The setting is well detailed, which I would expect of this author. Similarly, the characters are well developed and provide nice foils for the action to come. Overall, a nice start to the series and I am looking forward to seeing where it goes next.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Shadow Seer' is Laura Greenwood's first book in her "Scythe Grove Academy" series which is this is non-bullying academy story. This time we meet Syxe who has grown up in a very oppressive, rather dictatorial orphanage without any knowledge of her parents. She's alone, spending her days outside, and is dreading the upcoming Shadow Oath which is looming in her future. You see, Syxe has the ability to see ghosts, and one, in particular, calls her a reaper which she later learns what that means and meets a reaper team. She also learns that the orphanage she was in is not what it represents itself to be. The world-building is spot on, the premise is intriguing and now there's a bit of a mystery involved making me want to see what comes next.

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Academy meets ghost whisperer type feel with a definite dark side. Syxe has been brought up ignorant of who and what she is and is thrown into this new world rather abruptly. It is a bit of a whirlwind as the reader figures out what is going on at the same time she does. And just when it seems things are slotting into place and looking up, a huge wrench gets thrown into the works. The magic in this book was really cool - I liked the detail with the way she found the school etc.

This is the first in series about a school in the Obscure World. If you've read other of Greenwood's books written there it will give a bit of background, but totally not necessary. This book does quite a bit of world building and ends with a bit of a cliff hanger eager to see what is next for Syxe.

[Myreadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank the Booksprout site and Drowlgon Press for allowing me to read this book.

We find the young Syxe an orphan who is raised by the Academy of Scythe Grove. She has always been able to see ghosts but does not know why. Once at the Academy she will learn that she is a reaper, a seer who can speak and see the dead to make them pass to the other side. Will she find out why a ghost has been following her for a long time? And with her friends, will she learn more about her past?

I was immediately hooked on the story, so captivating, addictive, full of suspense and twists and turns with very endearing characters? I can't wait to discover the two.

[Ash J]

I enjoyed this cute story about Syxe and how she found out she was actually a reaper and gets accepted to Scythe Grove Academy. While there she meets a lot of new friends. For Syxe, who was an orphan, she is having the best of times. She even meets someone she really likes named Mathias. But of course, nothing can ever go as the main character plans and now the Shadow Association, who helped raise her definitely wants her back. Will she be able to keep the new life that she is enjoying and her budding relationship with Matthias? Can't wait to read the next story and find out!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stuart Macmartin · Rating 2 out of 5]

My rating is unfair because I’m not even close to the target audience. Sometimes a synopsis like this book has leads to a book or series I fully enjoy. This however is a short, superficial story written with a style that is serviceable but simplistic and lacking any sophistication or depth. The minimal world building borrows from other authors without adding much alternate inventiveness. The characters are probably too old for the intended audience of this book.

For me this is one star. The extra star is for the inoffensive writing style and to not overly turn away the people this book was intended for.

I think I’ll steer clear of this author, as she is unlikely to write books for me.

[Mjuneb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape

Syxe lives in a repressive orphanage. She spends her days alone outside and dreads the upcoming Shadow oath. She meets a ghost who calls her a reaper. Syxe returns to find out what that means and meets a reaper team. The rest is her entry into the reaper academy. However, the Shadow Association that runs her orphanage wants her back to take the oath. Can she defy them and continue at her new academy where she has friends?
Great book with a great emotional pull. You can feel her isolation and wonder as she makes new discoveries.

[Shawnta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great well-written book. The author has done an amazing job with building this world and its characters. Syxe, an orphan who sees ghost, learns she is a reaper and the orphanage that took her in is not what it seems. As she navigates this new life at the Scythe Grove Academy she must deal with her past if she hopes to have a future as a Seer Reaper. This interesting story was a pleasure to read, and I look forward to reading the next installment. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[WILMA from the Netherlands · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully well written book. The author has created a great world with well-described characters. Syxe is an orphan who can see ghosts and discovers that she is a reaper and discovers that the orphanage that took her in, is not what it seems. As she navigates this new life at Scythe Grove Academy, she must deal with her past if she hopes to have a future as Seer Reaper. This interesting story was a pleasure to read and I look forward to the next part.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

An shady asociation and the people caught in their shadow

“I swear on the life of myself, and on those of my descendants”
What??? The Shadow Association appear all around the Obscure Worlds, and is always trouble.
And now, we get to find out about Syxe, one of the people caught in their web.
Twisted and also sweet, this story keept my attention and warm my heart (and my imagination).
A lot of questions, a multitude of possibilities.....
Can’t wait for the folowing books!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exploring Her Identity . . .

The world-building in this story is so well done and adds to the mystery as Syxe tries to find out about her past and why she is different. Syxe is an orphan and has always wondered why she can see ghosts. She finally learns that she is a seer reaper. She also finds out the orphanage that took her in is not really what it appears to be.

At least in her new life at the Scythe Grove Academy she has friends and help in dealing with her mysterious past. I look forward to the next book where we will learn even more about Syxe’s journey to awareness.

[Debbie Pierce]

Syxe is an orphan that sees ghosts. She keeps that to herself so as not to be thought crazy. She lives in a house with people and rules she just don't get. They want her to take an oath but have never told her what it is or anything about it at all. She is discovered by some reapers that tell her she is one of them. The story that unfolds is of a belief system and the truth behind supernaturals and the Shadow Association. This is a fast paced book that is definitely a page turner.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 in Greenwood's new series Scythe Grove Academy. A great start to a new series where we meet our main character Syxe who is an orphan who is coming into her own as she discovers more about who she is, her past and the deceptions surrounding her. Greenwood does an incredible job of transporting us into this new world with these amazing characters. Looking forward to finding out what will be next for our heroine!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Laura Greenwood; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the Scythe Grove Academy Series; it is a great start to a new series. Syxe is an orphan who just turned eighteen; now she is expected to take the Shadow Oath but she don’t even know what that is or if she should do it; she has no memories of who she really is or where she came from.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bluebyyou · Rating 1 out of 5]

Flat and simplistic.

1) The world-building was thin and without substance.
2) The settings were barely outlined.
3) The plot-driven storyline had no foundation, no explanation and no resolution and that's not how cults work .
4) The female lead was dull and a bit slow.
5) Every other character was either one dimensional or without any character/personality.
6) The character-driven storyline had no conflict, no drama, no humor and no interest.

Definitely do not recommend.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Syxe is an orphan who is raised with no knowledge of her parents or why she can communicate with the dead. It isn't until she goes to Scythe Grove Academy that she learns she is a reaper. She is paired with Mathias and they form a real close bond. The Shadow Association, who raised her, want her to attend the oath ceremony. What will happen if she declines? Will Mathias still part of her life?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Syxe Weston is an orphan and knows nothing of her background or her parents. She can see and hear ghost and because of this she is welcomed into the Scythe Grove Academy however the Shadow Association a secret cult still wants her. This was a good read and the beginning of Syxe time as a reaper. I look forward to reading more about her and Mathias.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a story of a young woman that finds out that she’s a Reaper. She grew up in an orphanage and as she tries to go back and find out about her life she’s finds that the orphanage isn’t what she thought it was! This was a wonderful story as she goes forward to find out her past so she can see her future!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.