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From the Shadows
They did not think she would survive when they left her in the forest, gasping after what they assumed would be her last breaths. They did not believe she could ever survive the injuries they inflicted to her back. But they were wrong, and Valora will make sure the girls she once thought of as allies—as friends—pay the price.
Her ability to bend shadows should give her the upper hand, but soon Valora finds herself facing obstacles she did not anticipate when she first planned her mission. With the help of her obnoxiously charming firebender companion, Ryker, Valora sets out for vengeance.
One life at a time.
Her ability to bend shadows should give her the upper hand, but soon Valora finds herself facing obstacles she did not anticipate when she first planned her mission. With the help of her obnoxiously charming firebender companion, Ryker, Valora sets out for vengeance.
One life at a time.
- GenresFantasy
344 pages, Paperback
Published September 21, 2021
About the author
McKenzie Burns
16 books88 followersMcKenzie Burns is a multi-genre author from the suburbs of Chicago with a passion for writing stories that involve diverse cultures, witty banter, and women who don’t take no for an answer. Her spare time is spent drinking copious amounts of coffee and scouring Spotify for obscure music.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 2, 2021
From the Shadows is gripping story of betrayal, and the journey of learning to trust again. Shadowbender Valora is on track to become the Master's apprentice, but her world shatters when she is brutally attacked by her so-called friends and left for dead in the forest. Rescued by runaway firebender Ryker, Valora commits to revenge. But Ryker is determined not to let her go down that dark path alone.
I was so hurt and shocked for Valora when her 'friends' turned on her in such a horrific way. It was fascinating to see how Valora's quest for revenge unfolds, alongside Ryker's determination to heal her in more ways than one. Thematically, I really loved what the forest represented for Valora and Ryker, which made how their story ends all the more touching. I loved to think of the two of them hidden away in their house in the forest, waiting until they were 'ready' in their own ways to try approaching others again.
I was so hurt and shocked for Valora when her 'friends' turned on her in such a horrific way. It was fascinating to see how Valora's quest for revenge unfolds, alongside Ryker's determination to heal her in more ways than one. Thematically, I really loved what the forest represented for Valora and Ryker, which made how their story ends all the more touching. I loved to think of the two of them hidden away in their house in the forest, waiting until they were 'ready' in their own ways to try approaching others again.
September 21, 2021
Four years later, it’s time for the world to enjoy this little story of mine. I hope that you all enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
September 28, 2021
Had me hooked from the beginning. Well constructed plot and characters, I enjoyed every twist and turn and couldn't put it down.
November 10, 2021
I could honestly read an entire series of just Ryker and Val together. I caught myself smiling every time they were together which was the majority of the book lol.
The story itself was one I’ve never come across before and it was truly remarkable to see it all unfold. It went beyond all of my expectations and I was actually sad when I got to the end.
Now that I know more about Aurelia and what she can do, I can’t wait to read it again.
The story itself was one I’ve never come across before and it was truly remarkable to see it all unfold. It went beyond all of my expectations and I was actually sad when I got to the end.
Now that I know more about Aurelia and what she can do, I can’t wait to read it again.
September 21, 2021
“From the Shadows” follows the story of a young Valora Bellemore as she learns that while friends may not always be what they seem, if you stay true to yourself, you will never be more powerful.
Fantasy is not my typical book genre that I choose to read - but I am SO glad that I picked up a copy of “From the Shadows”! Valora and Ryker’s journey to finding themselves and becoming warriors was an inspiring story to read. The book has adventure, combat, romance, humor… what else could you want?!
This story captivated me from the first page. It’s light-hearted and witty, yet serious and haunting all at the same time. The book also made me both laugh and cry at multiple occasions!
It’s and easy read with relatable characters and a relatable story. I wish I could read it again for the first time. I highly suggest picking up a copy of this story!
Fantasy is not my typical book genre that I choose to read - but I am SO glad that I picked up a copy of “From the Shadows”! Valora and Ryker’s journey to finding themselves and becoming warriors was an inspiring story to read. The book has adventure, combat, romance, humor… what else could you want?!
This story captivated me from the first page. It’s light-hearted and witty, yet serious and haunting all at the same time. The book also made me both laugh and cry at multiple occasions!
It’s and easy read with relatable characters and a relatable story. I wish I could read it again for the first time. I highly suggest picking up a copy of this story!
November 2, 2021
McKenzie Burns has an addictive writing style and a narrative you won't soon forget.
From the Shadows is a dark tale of revenge. Gruesome and lovely, each twist and turn carves a path of beauty and destruction. Within the shadows, Burns crafts a pulse of hope that connects readers to the story. Valora and Ryker are both such strong characters I'll be dreaming of long after the last page.
From the Shadows is a dark tale of revenge. Gruesome and lovely, each twist and turn carves a path of beauty and destruction. Within the shadows, Burns crafts a pulse of hope that connects readers to the story. Valora and Ryker are both such strong characters I'll be dreaming of long after the last page.
October 7, 2021
From the Shadows was such a fun book that is exquisitely written! From the first chapter, I was hooked. I loved the description of the setting, the development of the characters, and the scenes that are packed with action! McKenzie Burns is such a talented author and I can’t wait to read what she publishes next!
June 12, 2022
I savored this one! McKenzie’s writing style and story-building take you to an entirely new world—one I didn’t want to leave by the end.
March 14, 2022
From the Shadows was BRILLIANT!
Took me by surprise super early and I was hooked!!!! Definitely no holding back in this book 😂
The different powers the characters had were cool and creative, especially that one at the end if you know what I mean 👀😮 The main characters power was the most interesting, and not one I've read about before! So it was very refreshing following the main characters story and seeing how she handled and transforms those powers 😎
Now, let me tell you about Ryker 🔥🔥🔥🔥 it was really him I was reading the book for 👀😂 he was a BIG hype and definitely worth it 🔥 I love how Ryker and the main character were basically light and dark, opposites but the same in so many ways ❤
Such a good fantasy book! Easy to read and enjoy! Big 5 stars from me! Go read it! If not for me, or Kenzie the brilliant author, then read it for Ryker 👀🔥😂
Took me by surprise super early and I was hooked!!!! Definitely no holding back in this book 😂
The different powers the characters had were cool and creative, especially that one at the end if you know what I mean 👀😮 The main characters power was the most interesting, and not one I've read about before! So it was very refreshing following the main characters story and seeing how she handled and transforms those powers 😎
Now, let me tell you about Ryker 🔥🔥🔥🔥 it was really him I was reading the book for 👀😂 he was a BIG hype and definitely worth it 🔥 I love how Ryker and the main character were basically light and dark, opposites but the same in so many ways ❤
Such a good fantasy book! Easy to read and enjoy! Big 5 stars from me! Go read it! If not for me, or Kenzie the brilliant author, then read it for Ryker 👀🔥😂
January 15, 2022
Where do I even begin about this book. For those who want a quick review, the book was one of my favorites of 2021 and I will read it again and again for years to come. So I 100% recommend to anyone who enjoys a strong, badass female lead.Now if you are someone who needs more detail than that, please keep reading :)
First, I’ll talk about the world building. A lot of stand alone fantasy novels that I have come across do too much world building that it becomes lengthy and unnecessary. “From the Shadows” does the exact opposite in the best way possible. We are invited into this world due to McKenzie’s fantastic ability to build this world but still go along with the plot. It’s to the point without leaving out any details that are pertinent to the plot.
Next, we can talk about Ryker. I love him. That is all.
Third, can we talk about what an absolute badass Valora is? I think we all look for a character that we can relate to. Valora (even though she has special powers) is someone I think everyone can see themselves in. You would think since Valora is supposed to have this amazing warrior she would be cocky and have a god-complex however, she’s down to earth and sensitive. She becomes relatable due to her ability to remain humble even through success. I also find it hard to relate to some fantasy female leads when they are so over the top badass (like yes I would love to be like them however that is just not the case). Valora is the exact right amount of awesomeness.
Finally, the message that comes across in this story that McKenzie has created is beautiful. My favorite lines in the novel are, “She was finally safe, she was finally home.” To me, this gives the reader this incredibly sense of hope that things can get better. Is it going to be easy? No. You have to fight small battles before you reach the final one to find your peace.
If you’ve read this far of my review, thank you. I can only praise this book and the work that McKenzie created. Thank you for giving readers the sense of hope we all need in our lives
First, I’ll talk about the world building. A lot of stand alone fantasy novels that I have come across do too much world building that it becomes lengthy and unnecessary. “From the Shadows” does the exact opposite in the best way possible. We are invited into this world due to McKenzie’s fantastic ability to build this world but still go along with the plot. It’s to the point without leaving out any details that are pertinent to the plot.
Next, we can talk about Ryker. I love him. That is all.
Third, can we talk about what an absolute badass Valora is? I think we all look for a character that we can relate to. Valora (even though she has special powers) is someone I think everyone can see themselves in. You would think since Valora is supposed to have this amazing warrior she would be cocky and have a god-complex however, she’s down to earth and sensitive. She becomes relatable due to her ability to remain humble even through success. I also find it hard to relate to some fantasy female leads when they are so over the top badass (like yes I would love to be like them however that is just not the case). Valora is the exact right amount of awesomeness.
Finally, the message that comes across in this story that McKenzie has created is beautiful. My favorite lines in the novel are, “She was finally safe, she was finally home.” To me, this gives the reader this incredibly sense of hope that things can get better. Is it going to be easy? No. You have to fight small battles before you reach the final one to find your peace.
If you’ve read this far of my review, thank you. I can only praise this book and the work that McKenzie created. Thank you for giving readers the sense of hope we all need in our lives
December 23, 2021
It would’ve taken me less than a day to read this if I started it on the weekend and not during the middle of a work week.
It’s a story about betrayal, revenge, love, and healing. This book is an easy, quick, captivating read that had me wondering what was next at almost every chapter, especially because the author tends to hide motivations of her main characters until they’re ready to open up to the reader about it.
If you’re looking for a little lighthearted, yet serious fantasy novel, I think this balances between the line perfectly.
It’s a story about betrayal, revenge, love, and healing. This book is an easy, quick, captivating read that had me wondering what was next at almost every chapter, especially because the author tends to hide motivations of her main characters until they’re ready to open up to the reader about it.
If you’re looking for a little lighthearted, yet serious fantasy novel, I think this balances between the line perfectly.
November 26, 2025
This book deserves more stars than 5! I could not put this book down! I truly enjoyed devouring this book! The small twists towards the end I didn’t see coming and I was only able to predict what would happen next a page or two before it was revealed. I will be reading more from this author! The relationship that develops between the characters is witty and highly entertaining. What more could you want? You get murder, fight scenes, magic powers, yearning, and revenge! I will be recommending this book to anyone and everyone!
August 24, 2023
This book needs more people to read it. It grips you from the first page and won't let go until finish. Well written with well-built characters to enough action and twists to keep you turning pages and promising yourself to read just one more chapter before bed. I read it even while cooking dinner🙈 now I just hope that the story will continue but I'm scared to check in case of getting heart broken instead🙈
October 27, 2021
This is an excellent debut by a promising young author. This fantasy details a plot by a “shadow bender” to seek revenge on other warriors she thought were her friends but tried to kill her.
The story is well written with multi-dimensional characters, exciting plot twists, and a sweet but not sappy love story.
It was hard to put the book down each night! Recommended!
The story is well written with multi-dimensional characters, exciting plot twists, and a sweet but not sappy love story.
It was hard to put the book down each night! Recommended!
November 30, 2021
Okay I absolutely LOVED Ryker and Valora. 🥺❤️ I enjoyed this book immensely and loved the authors character and relationship development throughout. Rykers sarcasm and the way he always found time to throw in a witty comment, even in the worst moments, had me laughing out loud a few times. 🤣 What a great read!
July 15, 2022
Absolutely amazing. I am not usually one for revenge stories but this one really hit the mark. Valora was a well developed character that I could sympathize with, the romance was adorable, and the mysteries that the author presented kept me engaged and grasping for more. This will definitely be joining my shelf of favorites and I cannot wait to read the accompanying short story.
June 10, 2025
"From the Shadows" is an entertaining and a great way to get back into reading. It was a little cliche at a few points, in the sentence structure and wording, and it felt a little fast moving. The book did encompass everything it said it would, and everything I wanted it to. It won't be taught in school 100 years from now, but all in all, Burns has written a satisfying read.
December 4, 2024
I struggle with revenge arcs generally, but enjoyed this vacation / book club fantasy read overall! The main characters and their motivations were relatable, and the story itself read very easily and was entertaining on a few long plane rides.
March 26, 2022
I loved this book! It kept me engaged and gripped me from start to finish while tackling themes of betrayal and trusting again.
November 17, 2024
Another fab book club pick — Not the normal genre I go for but loved the characters and the little world created!
July 22, 2026
Fun & cute!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews