What do you think?
Rate this book
The Shadow Enforcer #3
The Shadow Paradox
To fight the darkness, sometimes you have to become the darkness.
Damian Blake may have found himself a home in Paradise Manor, but that doesn’t mean all is well. Far from it. When he receives a late-night call to investigate a suspicious domestic violence report, he once again finds himself involved in a chain of quickly escalating supernatural events.
Witches are disappearing all over the state, provoking the wrath of The Sisterhood of the Sun. Now, the slayers are breathing down his brother’s neck, and to add to Damian’s aggravation, a mysterious Supernatural PI appears in his city, sticking her nose into his investigation.
As the situation grows darker and more dangerous, a formidable adversary, who’s been lurking in the shadows for centuries, now demands Damian’s services, holding the lives of people he cares about over him. But his superiors have a different agenda, putting him into a no-win situation.
The only way out of this nightmare is for Damian to break all the rules, cut all the corners and cross all the lines… no matter the consequences.
Consequences that might prove deadly.
If you like a fast-paced, action-packed Urban Fantasy novels with dynamic characters, intense action, and breathtaking suspense, then you'll love this edge-of-your-seat series, with a touch of Slavic mythology.
Damian Blake may have found himself a home in Paradise Manor, but that doesn’t mean all is well. Far from it. When he receives a late-night call to investigate a suspicious domestic violence report, he once again finds himself involved in a chain of quickly escalating supernatural events.
Witches are disappearing all over the state, provoking the wrath of The Sisterhood of the Sun. Now, the slayers are breathing down his brother’s neck, and to add to Damian’s aggravation, a mysterious Supernatural PI appears in his city, sticking her nose into his investigation.
As the situation grows darker and more dangerous, a formidable adversary, who’s been lurking in the shadows for centuries, now demands Damian’s services, holding the lives of people he cares about over him. But his superiors have a different agenda, putting him into a no-win situation.
The only way out of this nightmare is for Damian to break all the rules, cut all the corners and cross all the lines… no matter the consequences.
Consequences that might prove deadly.
If you like a fast-paced, action-packed Urban Fantasy novels with dynamic characters, intense action, and breathtaking suspense, then you'll love this edge-of-your-seat series, with a touch of Slavic mythology.
- GenresUrban Fantasy
462 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2021
31 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
N.M. Thorn
27 books46 followersN.M. Thorn currently lives in South Florida with her husband and son. Owner of a digital marketing agency by day and a writer by night, she loves spending her times creating new worlds, paranormal planes of existence and anything that could be described as supernatural.
When she is not busy working with everything digital or exploring fantasy worlds, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, painting and martial arts.
Connect with N.M. Thorn
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nmthornauthor
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/nmthornauthor/
Join Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/autho...
When she is not busy working with everything digital or exploring fantasy worlds, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, painting and martial arts.
Connect with N.M. Thorn
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nmthornauthor
https://www.instagram.com/nmthornauthor/
Join Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/autho...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 24, 2025
Absolutely fantastic!
Absolutely fantastic book! From beginning to end non-stop action. Everyone needs to get on the shadow enforcer series! Looking forward to the next book
Absolutely fantastic book! From beginning to end non-stop action. Everyone needs to get on the shadow enforcer series! Looking forward to the next book
July 9, 2021
Where do I begin?
I guess I'll start with the good.
This story, the third about Damian Blake, A Shadow Enforcer, and his life in the not so quiet little town of Blue Creek, Arizona.
The challenges facing him and his vampire brother, Cole Adams are greater than ever and this time, they’re separated by a mysterious individual who holds Cole captive — of sorts — to ensure Damian carries out the task of retrieving something from an unknown place. Yes, it's vague. Actually, it's even more vague than that as you'll find out when you read it.
Of course, things are never that easy, even in relative terms as things are never easy for the Enforcer, but this time the lives of many — if not the entire world — are at stake. Not to mention Cole’s life and the life of the woman Damian loves.
Thorn’s world and characters are exceptionally well created and there are layers upon layers in everything. The good characters have their flaws to make them perfectly imperfect and most of the bad ones have a smidgen of good, or at least benevolence, in them which makes them relatable and hard to altogether dislike. Of course, there is one or two entities that you will wish had never come into Damian’s life as he never comes away unscathed from an encounter with them.
The historical elements and Slavic mythology woven into the web of the story adds even more depth and flavor, making it intriguing as well as exciting, gripping and thrilling.
There are lies, disguises, glamors and deep loyalty in generous amounts in this story, but also laughs, banter, ribbing and jokes to satisfy the tastes of every palate, and a little smidgen of romance.
Whether you’re a High Fantasy loyalist, Romantic Dreamer or Urban Fantasy stalwart, this book, and indeed the whole series, will entertain and entice you till the very last page. Now for the not so good.
Hmmm.
Ehmmm.
Uhmmmm.
Huh.
I honestly can’t say a bad word about this book. Not a single one. I absolutely, truly and utterly loved it. Possibly even more than the previous two books. I honestly don’t think this author is capable of writing a bad story. I might have go do some badgering to get the next one as soon as possible.
I guess I'll start with the good.
This story, the third about Damian Blake, A Shadow Enforcer, and his life in the not so quiet little town of Blue Creek, Arizona.
The challenges facing him and his vampire brother, Cole Adams are greater than ever and this time, they’re separated by a mysterious individual who holds Cole captive — of sorts — to ensure Damian carries out the task of retrieving something from an unknown place. Yes, it's vague. Actually, it's even more vague than that as you'll find out when you read it.
Of course, things are never that easy, even in relative terms as things are never easy for the Enforcer, but this time the lives of many — if not the entire world — are at stake. Not to mention Cole’s life and the life of the woman Damian loves.
Thorn’s world and characters are exceptionally well created and there are layers upon layers in everything. The good characters have their flaws to make them perfectly imperfect and most of the bad ones have a smidgen of good, or at least benevolence, in them which makes them relatable and hard to altogether dislike. Of course, there is one or two entities that you will wish had never come into Damian’s life as he never comes away unscathed from an encounter with them.
The historical elements and Slavic mythology woven into the web of the story adds even more depth and flavor, making it intriguing as well as exciting, gripping and thrilling.
There are lies, disguises, glamors and deep loyalty in generous amounts in this story, but also laughs, banter, ribbing and jokes to satisfy the tastes of every palate, and a little smidgen of romance.
Whether you’re a High Fantasy loyalist, Romantic Dreamer or Urban Fantasy stalwart, this book, and indeed the whole series, will entertain and entice you till the very last page. Now for the not so good.
Hmmm.
Ehmmm.
Uhmmmm.
Huh.
I honestly can’t say a bad word about this book. Not a single one. I absolutely, truly and utterly loved it. Possibly even more than the previous two books. I honestly don’t think this author is capable of writing a bad story. I might have go do some badgering to get the next one as soon as possible.
July 12, 2021
Thorn Does it Again!!
This is the third book in N.M. Thorn’s The Shadow Enforcer Series — and it is every damn bit as good as the first two books in the series, and more!
Thorn has applied her particular magick in finding yet another event in Russian history to tie into this series and make that event somehow relevant in the lives of her protagonist who is living in modern-day Arizona.
This rip-roaring adventure has all of Thorn’s hallmarks:
Everyone’s favorite immortal misanthrope, Damian Blake, is his usual hard-headed and determined yet still somehow lovable self as he faces an impossible task that will take him those who travel with him into new and amazing locales that are often literally beyond this world!
His brother Cole, shines like you would expect for Arizona’s Most Eligible Bachelor and the bright and shining vampire star that he is!
There are meddling gods, impossible odds, and Slavic legends and beasts come to full-fledged life!
This book had me shorting myself on sleep for several days running! If you are a fan of N.M. Thorn’s work, you have got to get and read this book!
The real paradox, though, is how Thorn can find so many new interesting ways to raise the stakes with every installment of her series! I don’t know she does it, but I want to grow up to be like her as an author and storyteller!
Full Disclosure: I was a Beta reader for this book, but loved it so much I purchased a copy!
This is the third book in N.M. Thorn’s The Shadow Enforcer Series — and it is every damn bit as good as the first two books in the series, and more!
Thorn has applied her particular magick in finding yet another event in Russian history to tie into this series and make that event somehow relevant in the lives of her protagonist who is living in modern-day Arizona.
This rip-roaring adventure has all of Thorn’s hallmarks:
Everyone’s favorite immortal misanthrope, Damian Blake, is his usual hard-headed and determined yet still somehow lovable self as he faces an impossible task that will take him those who travel with him into new and amazing locales that are often literally beyond this world!
His brother Cole, shines like you would expect for Arizona’s Most Eligible Bachelor and the bright and shining vampire star that he is!
There are meddling gods, impossible odds, and Slavic legends and beasts come to full-fledged life!
This book had me shorting myself on sleep for several days running! If you are a fan of N.M. Thorn’s work, you have got to get and read this book!
The real paradox, though, is how Thorn can find so many new interesting ways to raise the stakes with every installment of her series! I don’t know she does it, but I want to grow up to be like her as an author and storyteller!
Full Disclosure: I was a Beta reader for this book, but loved it so much I purchased a copy!
July 8, 2021
When my Kindle alerted me that NM Thorn had a new story available, I got it immediately. I started reading and didn't put it down until I finished the last page.
The Shadow Paradox picks up where Shadow Deception ended, with Ace's warning for Damian to be wary of his mentor. This new book continues the story of Damian and his friends, especially his relationship with his brother Cole. You can't help but feel for the two of them, parted for centuries only to face new challenges when they are still getting to know each other. Add into the mix, his burgeoning relationship with River, we see him fighting against his instincts developed over a millennium to work alone and stay as isolated as possible.
While Paradox does provide some answers, Damian is left at the end of the book with new questions. And most importantly what is coming? An old evil taunts him at the end. Knowing NM Thorn's gift of storytelling, I can almost bet there is something coming in the sequel that will bring all characters together.
The Shadow Paradox picks up where Shadow Deception ended, with Ace's warning for Damian to be wary of his mentor. This new book continues the story of Damian and his friends, especially his relationship with his brother Cole. You can't help but feel for the two of them, parted for centuries only to face new challenges when they are still getting to know each other. Add into the mix, his burgeoning relationship with River, we see him fighting against his instincts developed over a millennium to work alone and stay as isolated as possible.
While Paradox does provide some answers, Damian is left at the end of the book with new questions. And most importantly what is coming? An old evil taunts him at the end. Knowing NM Thorn's gift of storytelling, I can almost bet there is something coming in the sequel that will bring all characters together.
July 9, 2021
Hold on tight, you’re in for a heck of a roller-coaster ride!
This is the third book in the Shadow Enforcer Series and they just keep getting better. This time, Damian and Cole, two immortal brothers, each have their own challenges to face.
Damian has to carry out a quest on behalf of a cloaked individual who will hold Cole captive until Damian returns with an unnamed object, which this person claims belongs to him. The difficulties facing Damian could easily end his life, but if he doesn’t succeed, Cole’s life is forfeit. Something which Damian can’t and won’t accept.
While Damian is on his mission, Cole faces challenges of a different nature, but still as tricky to navigate while keeping keep his dignity and morals intact. Yes, this vampire has plenty of both.
These characters and their world are so compelling and fascinating I devoured the book in short order. The author never ceases to amaze and enthrall me, and I can’t wait for book 4!
This is the third book in the Shadow Enforcer Series and they just keep getting better. This time, Damian and Cole, two immortal brothers, each have their own challenges to face.
Damian has to carry out a quest on behalf of a cloaked individual who will hold Cole captive until Damian returns with an unnamed object, which this person claims belongs to him. The difficulties facing Damian could easily end his life, but if he doesn’t succeed, Cole’s life is forfeit. Something which Damian can’t and won’t accept.
While Damian is on his mission, Cole faces challenges of a different nature, but still as tricky to navigate while keeping keep his dignity and morals intact. Yes, this vampire has plenty of both.
These characters and their world are so compelling and fascinating I devoured the book in short order. The author never ceases to amaze and enthrall me, and I can’t wait for book 4!
July 7, 2021
N.M. Thorn’s urban fantasy series continues in spectacular fashion with Paradox, the third book in the series. There is not much more I can say that I’ve not said about all the Thorn books I’ve read; but every time I return to this world, and these characters, I am not disappointed—the stakes are real, the central characters human as they are supernaturally inclined, and the supporting cast full of gems.
Thorn is an author with both grit and grace, and I am always happy to return to the universe of her unique folklore and fantasy.
Thorn is an author with both grit and grace, and I am always happy to return to the universe of her unique folklore and fantasy.
July 16, 2021
Saving friends and family.
Damian will go on a journey to other realms to save the supernatural beings held against their will and forced to participate in brutal gladitorial style competitions.
Well written, fascinating, and unique characters fighting to protect the world from an evil witch, and her unknown master. Another exciting and action packed read. Fantastic book, and series.
Damian will go on a journey to other realms to save the supernatural beings held against their will and forced to participate in brutal gladitorial style competitions.
Well written, fascinating, and unique characters fighting to protect the world from an evil witch, and her unknown master. Another exciting and action packed read. Fantastic book, and series.
July 7, 2021
Once again, a stunner of a book! N.M. Thorn did not disappoint, keeping to the things I love so well from them. A bit of history mixed in with the usual supernatural, and the two immortal brothers, and you have a plot that keeps you awake well past your bedtime! I swore and cried and laughed, and I just cannot wait for book 4
July 19, 2023
The Book of Deals, lol.
Every chapter seemed to have them, wherever the eyes roamed over the pages.
Absolutely loved this book in this amazing series!!
Didn't see any of the twists coming.
Maybe that's just my reasoning for reading: I don't read for the twists, just for the worldbuilding, the ways of magic, etc.
Another winner for sure!
Every chapter seemed to have them, wherever the eyes roamed over the pages.
Absolutely loved this book in this amazing series!!
Didn't see any of the twists coming.
Maybe that's just my reasoning for reading: I don't read for the twists, just for the worldbuilding, the ways of magic, etc.
Another winner for sure!
July 7, 2021
You just know that when you pick up a book by N.M. Thorn, it has elements that you have come to love. For me that's the history lesson at the start of every book and while I'm reading, I cannot wait to see it unfold; to see where it connects. The Shadow Paradox did NOT disappoint.
December 4, 2021
worth it
A good read an continues to improve as the universe expands that the author created at the beginning with the zane burns series. I prefer the zane burns (fire salamander ) character but this is a worthwhile addition too.
A good read an continues to improve as the universe expands that the author created at the beginning with the zane burns series. I prefer the zane burns (fire salamander ) character but this is a worthwhile addition too.
August 10, 2021
Thrilled by this story you cant put it down.
It was exciting, all though out the story. Scary and intriguing funny and full of endearment. I love it can't wait for the next one.
It was exciting, all though out the story. Scary and intriguing funny and full of endearment. I love it can't wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews