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The Indigo Chronicles
Children of Shadows
Single mother Ella is struggling. About to turn forty, the last thing Ella needs in her life is more complications, but she suspects her brush with angels may not be over yet.
Ella’s daughter, Indie, is keeping a huge secret. But it's not until she meets the new kids at school that she begins to learn about her true powers.
Luci has been busy. With the help of her whisperers, she’s figured out how to destroy the Angelic Realm. The only problem is the one person who can help her secure the final ingredient won’t help.
As Indie explores her growing abilities, she enters a world of fate and power that Ella left behind sixteen years ago. She will soon discover that this world is on the brink of war, and that she may be the most powerful weapon of all.
For over two thousand years, Ella’s and Zac’s lives have been intertwined. When fate no longer exists and the past catches up to the present, will the bond of blood be enough to unite two worlds?
Ella’s daughter, Indie, is keeping a huge secret. But it's not until she meets the new kids at school that she begins to learn about her true powers.
Luci has been busy. With the help of her whisperers, she’s figured out how to destroy the Angelic Realm. The only problem is the one person who can help her secure the final ingredient won’t help.
As Indie explores her growing abilities, she enters a world of fate and power that Ella left behind sixteen years ago. She will soon discover that this world is on the brink of war, and that she may be the most powerful weapon of all.
For over two thousand years, Ella’s and Zac’s lives have been intertwined. When fate no longer exists and the past catches up to the present, will the bond of blood be enough to unite two worlds?
504 pages, Hardcover
Published July 8, 2021
About the author
N.J. Simmonds
5 books92 followersNatali is an accredited member of The Society of Authors and writes as N J Simmonds. She is a freelance brand consultant and lecturer, writes Manga comics, and has had her work published in various UK newspapers, websites and publications. In 2015 she co-founded The Glass House Girls, an online magazine for women who need to be heard. Originally from North London, Natali now divides her time between her two homes in the South of Spain and The Netherlands where she lives with her husband and two daughters. THE PATH KEEPER is her first novel from the series, the sequel SON OF SECRETS is out 28 May 2020, the the third book CHILDREN OF SHADOWS is due out 2021. Follow her writing adventures at njsimmonds.com.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 27, 2023
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Children of Shadows is the third book in this series and honestly, it's probably my favorite one. It's a little bittersweet though since now it's all over and I finally found something to like. The characters, and the overall storyline, just felt different this time around. Each twist revolving around Luci was nicely explained to me and definitely makes me want to reread this series all over again.
Other than that, I also really liked getting to know Indie. She's Ella's daughter and kind of reminded me of how Ella was in the first book (sort of but better). I'm also wondering if it's truly the end because I have some unanswered questions. Then again, maybe that future re-read of these books might help me create my own answer.
In the end, I was surprised to like this book more than the previous two. I'll be intrigued if my opinion changes the next time around as well.
Children of Shadows is the third book in this series and honestly, it's probably my favorite one. It's a little bittersweet though since now it's all over and I finally found something to like. The characters, and the overall storyline, just felt different this time around. Each twist revolving around Luci was nicely explained to me and definitely makes me want to reread this series all over again.
Other than that, I also really liked getting to know Indie. She's Ella's daughter and kind of reminded me of how Ella was in the first book (sort of but better). I'm also wondering if it's truly the end because I have some unanswered questions. Then again, maybe that future re-read of these books might help me create my own answer.
In the end, I was surprised to like this book more than the previous two. I'll be intrigued if my opinion changes the next time around as well.
July 4, 2021
How I read this: Free ebook copy received through NetGalley
I have been waiting to read the last book of The Indigo Chronicles series for a while now. Three years I’ve been following this series, and I can’t say l’ve followed any other one like this – one by one, as the books come out. It’s an experience like no other, and I certainly enjoyed it – incredibly. Children of Shadows was an amazing end to a truly epic series!
The book was a whirlwind. NJ Simmonds is amazing at writing family drama – that’s for sure. The series kept me on my toes, and in some places surprised me with its depth – the patriarchy issue being highlighted, the history of witches, and the complexity of some characters – ones you’d expect to be black or white, but instead, they’re a mixture of both, acting out on both sides, showing one or the other based on their histories. I got greatly attached to some of the characters and truly invested in their stories. These books were quite a ride and I would expect this series to become a best-seller. It will give you a great time!
Full review here:
https://avalinahsbooks.space/children...
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
I have been waiting to read the last book of The Indigo Chronicles series for a while now. Three years I’ve been following this series, and I can’t say l’ve followed any other one like this – one by one, as the books come out. It’s an experience like no other, and I certainly enjoyed it – incredibly. Children of Shadows was an amazing end to a truly epic series!
The book was a whirlwind. NJ Simmonds is amazing at writing family drama – that’s for sure. The series kept me on my toes, and in some places surprised me with its depth – the patriarchy issue being highlighted, the history of witches, and the complexity of some characters – ones you’d expect to be black or white, but instead, they’re a mixture of both, acting out on both sides, showing one or the other based on their histories. I got greatly attached to some of the characters and truly invested in their stories. These books were quite a ride and I would expect this series to become a best-seller. It will give you a great time!
Full review here:
https://avalinahsbooks.space/children...
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
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April 27, 20213.5/5
I just finished Children of Shadows, book 3 of Simmonds thrilling trilogy! I really enjoyed this book, and felt like it gave a magnifying conclusion to the Indigo chronicles, but this time, the whole story was from the point of view of Zac, the strongest angel to live.
For over 2 thousand years, Ella and Zac's lives have been intertwined in love. Now when Zac is miles away, living by himself, Ella is struggling to be a single mother to her daughter Indie, who might as well be keeping a huge secret, and learning to control her power.
Meanwhile, Luci has been busy, struggling for revenge, and with the help of her crew, she found a way to banish and destroy the Angelic realm, but there is one problem, that being the only person who cans secure an all mighty weapon ignored her plan.
When Indie discovers her powers, a world that her mother ran away from 16 years ago, she finds that the angelic realm is to burst from war, and that she is the key weapon, the most powerful weapon.
I enjoyed many aspects of this book, ranging from the authors writing to the plot.
The writing could literally steal you away to a world of wonder, revenge, adventure, magical powers, and archangels, and it is so enchanting that you won't ever want to leave.
Simmonds writing was really good, it was easy to read and understand the plot, yet she just kept you guessing and guessing what would happen next, and she really captured the essence of the scene and the action occurring.
As well as this, the characters were fabulous, and you can really see how they improved from the first 2 books and it was so cool to see Zac, Ella, and Indies adventures, and see them grow!
For me it is sometimes hard for me to read long chapters, dont get me wrong I can read them, except I can get bored easily. I enjoy chubby and short chapters which really just steal my breath away with the cliffhangers! It just gets me more into the book. Now I didn't really find many short chapters, and often when I read long chapters I like to count the pages till the chapter ends because I feel the longer the chapter the less interesting the plot could be. Now if you don't agree with me then I understand, this is just my opinion!
Regardless, I really enjoyed this book!!
I just finished Children of Shadows, book 3 of Simmonds thrilling trilogy! I really enjoyed this book, and felt like it gave a magnifying conclusion to the Indigo chronicles, but this time, the whole story was from the point of view of Zac, the strongest angel to live.
For over 2 thousand years, Ella and Zac's lives have been intertwined in love. Now when Zac is miles away, living by himself, Ella is struggling to be a single mother to her daughter Indie, who might as well be keeping a huge secret, and learning to control her power.
Meanwhile, Luci has been busy, struggling for revenge, and with the help of her crew, she found a way to banish and destroy the Angelic realm, but there is one problem, that being the only person who cans secure an all mighty weapon ignored her plan.
When Indie discovers her powers, a world that her mother ran away from 16 years ago, she finds that the angelic realm is to burst from war, and that she is the key weapon, the most powerful weapon.
I enjoyed many aspects of this book, ranging from the authors writing to the plot.
The writing could literally steal you away to a world of wonder, revenge, adventure, magical powers, and archangels, and it is so enchanting that you won't ever want to leave.
Simmonds writing was really good, it was easy to read and understand the plot, yet she just kept you guessing and guessing what would happen next, and she really captured the essence of the scene and the action occurring.
As well as this, the characters were fabulous, and you can really see how they improved from the first 2 books and it was so cool to see Zac, Ella, and Indies adventures, and see them grow!
For me it is sometimes hard for me to read long chapters, dont get me wrong I can read them, except I can get bored easily. I enjoy chubby and short chapters which really just steal my breath away with the cliffhangers! It just gets me more into the book. Now I didn't really find many short chapters, and often when I read long chapters I like to count the pages till the chapter ends because I feel the longer the chapter the less interesting the plot could be. Now if you don't agree with me then I understand, this is just my opinion!
Regardless, I really enjoyed this book!!
May 9, 2021
It's such a long time since I fell in love with the world Simmonds created in The Path Keeper that I almost didn't want to finish this book and know that I'd reached The End. Ultimately though, however much I might have liked to take my time with this one and savour each page to prolong the moment when it would all be over, Simmonds just doesn't let you. As with the first two books, I was grabbed and transported into a world of suspense, tension and intrigue which kept my eyes glued to the page.
There are a few different perspectives in this final instalment. Zac and Ella return, of course, along with Luci, and we are introduced to new character Indie, Ella's daughter. Something that I found interesting was that, although this is the culmination of Zac and Ella's 2,000 year relationship, it really didn't feel like this was their book. Much of it is seen from the perspective of Indie, who is reminiscent in some ways of her mother in the first book in the trilogy, and of course fierce and fiery Luci steals every scene she's in; it is her plan and her actions which drive the plot forward. The in depth view we were given of her time at sea fleshed her character out nicely and helped to explain her exploits in the present day.
Simmonds scatters surprises and red herrings throughout the novel to keep the reader on their toes and delivers a denouement which, whilst leaving the reader with some questions, is ultimately satisfying. I'll be nursing one hell of a book hangover after this one.
There are a few different perspectives in this final instalment. Zac and Ella return, of course, along with Luci, and we are introduced to new character Indie, Ella's daughter. Something that I found interesting was that, although this is the culmination of Zac and Ella's 2,000 year relationship, it really didn't feel like this was their book. Much of it is seen from the perspective of Indie, who is reminiscent in some ways of her mother in the first book in the trilogy, and of course fierce and fiery Luci steals every scene she's in; it is her plan and her actions which drive the plot forward. The in depth view we were given of her time at sea fleshed her character out nicely and helped to explain her exploits in the present day.
Simmonds scatters surprises and red herrings throughout the novel to keep the reader on their toes and delivers a denouement which, whilst leaving the reader with some questions, is ultimately satisfying. I'll be nursing one hell of a book hangover after this one.
July 4, 2021
Oh. My. Angels!
It's a rare book, and a rarer series, that makes me want more than I am getting, but The Indigo Chronicles is definitely one of them.
I have loved this trilogy, and it's characters from the start and while this book gives me the most deserving of endings, I would happily read more of Zac and Ella's story.
Move them forward, dip into their past, I want it all!
So, Children of Shadows...We pick up seventeen years from where Son of Secrets left us, with Ella marrying Josh and following her path, most of her memories erased of their wedding day, and completely unaware of her brief reunion with Zac, and boy has a lot happened since then.
If you've read the previous two books, you know how Ella's life was meant to go, you know about the turn it will take as we are given a peak into the future at the end of book two, and you just know that this isn't the end.
Children of Shadows will take you from the present, back in time to a crucial point in Luci's long life, and leave you hoping for the future.
I want to tell you all about it, but thats not fair on those who are yet to set off on this adventure (who need to go and pick up The Path Keeper and Son of Secrets NOW!) so I will say no more other than I am so happy with this whole series and with this ending...but if there is more of Ella and Zac on offer, or more of I and B, I'll take it!
Definitely recommended, highly relatable characters (even the angels), wonderful settings, with a twisty turny story and good pace!
5 🌟
It's a rare book, and a rarer series, that makes me want more than I am getting, but The Indigo Chronicles is definitely one of them.
I have loved this trilogy, and it's characters from the start and while this book gives me the most deserving of endings, I would happily read more of Zac and Ella's story.
Move them forward, dip into their past, I want it all!
So, Children of Shadows...We pick up seventeen years from where Son of Secrets left us, with Ella marrying Josh and following her path, most of her memories erased of their wedding day, and completely unaware of her brief reunion with Zac, and boy has a lot happened since then.
If you've read the previous two books, you know how Ella's life was meant to go, you know about the turn it will take as we are given a peak into the future at the end of book two, and you just know that this isn't the end.
Children of Shadows will take you from the present, back in time to a crucial point in Luci's long life, and leave you hoping for the future.
I want to tell you all about it, but thats not fair on those who are yet to set off on this adventure (who need to go and pick up The Path Keeper and Son of Secrets NOW!) so I will say no more other than I am so happy with this whole series and with this ending...but if there is more of Ella and Zac on offer, or more of I and B, I'll take it!
Definitely recommended, highly relatable characters (even the angels), wonderful settings, with a twisty turny story and good pace!
5 🌟
May 20, 2021
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( • . •)
/ > 4.5 ☆
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review! I was hooked immediately based on the cover and the synopsis. I actually went into this book without realizing it was the third book in the series... oops 🤭.
In all honesty, I wasn’t that confused while reading this book and I will definitely go back and read the first two! This book follows Zac and Ella, soulmates who’s story transcends 2,000 years, Luci, and Ella’s daughter, Indie. What I really liked about this book was the fact that Lucifer is a woman instead of a man. I found that to be really different and intriguing. This is a new concept to me since I unknowingly skipped the first 2 books in the series. (Doesn’t change the fact that I really enjoyed this book either way).
I LOVE the romance in this book. I’m a sucker for soulmates, especially ones that pan across centuries. I love Zac and Ella so much. It gives me Fallen by Lauren Kate vibes and I’m totally here for it!
The plot was very driven and kept me on my toes until the end. I love the way I was pulled into a wonderful world filled with revenge, archangels, magical powers and so much more. I really enjoyed the writing and pace throughout the book. This was my first Simmons book and definitely won’t be my last!
( • . •)
/ > 4.5 ☆
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review! I was hooked immediately based on the cover and the synopsis. I actually went into this book without realizing it was the third book in the series... oops 🤭.
In all honesty, I wasn’t that confused while reading this book and I will definitely go back and read the first two! This book follows Zac and Ella, soulmates who’s story transcends 2,000 years, Luci, and Ella’s daughter, Indie. What I really liked about this book was the fact that Lucifer is a woman instead of a man. I found that to be really different and intriguing. This is a new concept to me since I unknowingly skipped the first 2 books in the series. (Doesn’t change the fact that I really enjoyed this book either way).
I LOVE the romance in this book. I’m a sucker for soulmates, especially ones that pan across centuries. I love Zac and Ella so much. It gives me Fallen by Lauren Kate vibes and I’m totally here for it!
The plot was very driven and kept me on my toes until the end. I love the way I was pulled into a wonderful world filled with revenge, archangels, magical powers and so much more. I really enjoyed the writing and pace throughout the book. This was my first Simmons book and definitely won’t be my last!
May 28, 2021
Children of Shadows was not at all what I expected.
I was skeptical after reading the other reviews regarding the first two books in the series but thought I would give it a shot and I am very glad that I did because the ending to this book series blew me out of the water. It had me sitting on the edge of my chair waiting to see what would happen.
Children of Shadows begins 15 years after Ella's marriage. Ella is now 40 and is the overprotective mother to her daughter Indigo. Zac, having erased Ella's memory of him at her wedding, has kept his distance from her but the two are still soulmates. Everything changes when Zac's mother Luci kidnaps Indigo, realizing that she is Zac's and Ella's daughter and that Ella is immortal.
The ending of this novel proved to me that N.J. Simmonds must have mapped this entire storyline for years because every string that was loose ended up being nicely tied together. It had a beautiful ending and honestly, the entire series is a fantastic read. I would highly recommend it.
I was skeptical after reading the other reviews regarding the first two books in the series but thought I would give it a shot and I am very glad that I did because the ending to this book series blew me out of the water. It had me sitting on the edge of my chair waiting to see what would happen.
Children of Shadows begins 15 years after Ella's marriage. Ella is now 40 and is the overprotective mother to her daughter Indigo. Zac, having erased Ella's memory of him at her wedding, has kept his distance from her but the two are still soulmates. Everything changes when Zac's mother Luci kidnaps Indigo, realizing that she is Zac's and Ella's daughter and that Ella is immortal.
The ending of this novel proved to me that N.J. Simmonds must have mapped this entire storyline for years because every string that was loose ended up being nicely tied together. It had a beautiful ending and honestly, the entire series is a fantastic read. I would highly recommend it.
August 2, 2021
N.J. Simmonds has done a great job - Children of Shadows is all you would hope and expect for in this finale of her Indigo Chronicles trilogy. It is sexy, exciting and full of all your previous, favourite characters (plus a few new, fun ones). I particularly enjoyed the trans-generational element. This third book extends and intensifies the plot significantly and brings everything to a head in a huge “season finale”. The last part becomes a little manic and confusing (think epic battle overload with a little too much explaining) but mostly gives the reader the ending they might expect, along with a few surprises....
August 26, 2021
It's 20 years after the events of Son of Secrets and Zac thinks Ella's dead. Luci, as always, has her own ideas of how the world should look like and Ella is not dead (but her husband is). Instead, she lives in London with her teenage daughter, Indie who is a bit different than your regular teen.
A worthy finale to a great story. NJ Simmonds explains her characters' motivations perfectly and her description made even me see what was happening, even if I don't have much of a visual imagination.
The ending is very satisfying and ties up all the treads in the story perfectly.
A great tension-filled story that will leave you very happy at the end.
A worthy finale to a great story. NJ Simmonds explains her characters' motivations perfectly and her description made even me see what was happening, even if I don't have much of a visual imagination.
The ending is very satisfying and ties up all the treads in the story perfectly.
A great tension-filled story that will leave you very happy at the end.
June 9, 2021
I did quite enjoy the story overall, but there were a few things that let it down a bit. The first is Gabriel and the use of "bro". I just feel it was a bit weird for an archangel millenia old to say that. Also the constant "shouted". Is everyone really shouting all the time?
The flow for me was also a bit confusing with the way it went back and forward in time. I got lost in what was happening in a few bits before I realised we had gone back before all of what I had just read, and it really didn't add to the story at all.
The flow for me was also a bit confusing with the way it went back and forward in time. I got lost in what was happening in a few bits before I realised we had gone back before all of what I had just read, and it really didn't add to the story at all.
July 11, 2021
The excellent conclusion of an exciting series.
The characters, the world building and the plot are excellent and the story is gripping and entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The characters, the world building and the plot are excellent and the story is gripping and entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews