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Secret of the Shadow Beasts
For fans of Dragon Pearl and the Lockwood & Co. series comes a swift-moving contemporary fantasy about a young girl tasked with destroying deadly shadow creatures.
In Brannland, terrifying beasts called Umbrae roam freely once the sun sets, so venomous that a single bite will kill a full-grown adult--and lately, with each day that passes, their population seems to double. The only people who can destroy them are immune children like Nora, who are recruited at the age of seven to leave their families behind and begin training at a retrofitted castle called Noye's Hill. But despite her immunity, Nora's father refused to let her go. Now, years after his death by Umbra attack, Nora is twelve, and sees her mother almost killed by the monsters too. That's when Nora decides it's time for her to join the battle. Once she arrives at Noye's Hill, though, she and her new friends are left with more questions than answers: Where are the Umbrae coming from? Could the government be covering up the true reason their population has whirled out of control? And was Nora's father, the peaceful, big-hearted man who refused to let Nora fight, in on the treacherous secret?
In Brannland, terrifying beasts called Umbrae roam freely once the sun sets, so venomous that a single bite will kill a full-grown adult--and lately, with each day that passes, their population seems to double. The only people who can destroy them are immune children like Nora, who are recruited at the age of seven to leave their families behind and begin training at a retrofitted castle called Noye's Hill. But despite her immunity, Nora's father refused to let her go. Now, years after his death by Umbra attack, Nora is twelve, and sees her mother almost killed by the monsters too. That's when Nora decides it's time for her to join the battle. Once she arrives at Noye's Hill, though, she and her new friends are left with more questions than answers: Where are the Umbrae coming from? Could the government be covering up the true reason their population has whirled out of control? And was Nora's father, the peaceful, big-hearted man who refused to let Nora fight, in on the treacherous secret?
336 pages, Hardcover
Published June 14, 2022
6 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Diane Magras
3 books103 followersDiane Magras (she/her) is award-winning author of the NYT Editors' Choice
The Mad Wolf's Daughter
, as well as its sequel,
The Hunt for the Mad Wolf's Daughter
, and the upcoming
Secret of the Shadow Beasts
An unabashed fan of libraries (where she wrote her first novel as a teenager), history (especially from cultures or people who’ve rarely had their story told), and the perfect cup of tea, Diane lives in Maine with her husband and son. She uses the pronouns she/her.
An unabashed fan of libraries (where she wrote her first novel as a teenager), history (especially from cultures or people who’ve rarely had their story told), and the perfect cup of tea, Diane lives in Maine with her husband and son. She uses the pronouns she/her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 15, 2022
➵ so good. i always enjoy middle-grade books that actually go all out and this one gave some pretty strong characters that made an absolute perfect squad. rtc.
January 15, 2023
I'm the author, so it's easy enough for me to say this book is good, but I really mean it. This is a fast-paced narrative filled with heroic kids, supportive adults, monsters that are in their world for a reason, and questions about the impact of the stories we're always told about our history. I'm very proud of this book, which is the result of a year's work with my amazing editor, Rosie Ahmed. I'm grateful for the questions she asked throughout that time. Thanks to those, this is the tightest plot I've ever written (and I specialize in tight plots), with solid world-building woven in along the way, and characters who feel real. I hope readers enjoy seeing Nora and her Order challenge themselves and grow. This is my most ambitious work to date.
January 20, 2022
An epic journey of imagination and world-building down to the last syllable. Magras's ability to spin a story completely her own is more than evident here, as we see vibrantly original monster lore as well as unique, intriguing characters who show both bravado and humanity. And paced so quickly that young readers will absorb the pages without wanting to stop. I look forward to seeing more Magras adventures in the very near future!
December 20, 2021
The terrific cover and title does not disappoint. This is a creature story that did remind me a little of Lockwood and Co. and was suggested by, I think, Goodreads because the creatures terrorize adults but have weaknesses that can only be exploited by children. Also, each of these series have their own world building, character backstories, and feature the importance of working together in defeating enemies.
What shines through in the first of this series is how well characters are being developed, and how the Order of the Hawks, a group of modern knights who take on creatures after the gloaming begins, support each other so well. In fictional Brannland, hideous beasts that resemble giant wolves, and spiders among other terrors, can produce enough venom to kill full grown adults, but some children have immunity and are trained to fight them. Nora, seems to be different from the other children, and her initial "duties" are filled with more battles and creatures than even the high performing Hawks are used to. She also seems to be at the center of a secret that helps to explain why the problem has been getting worse.
There are lots of great details about how this organization of knights is run, how society views them, and how the pressure to train and perform drains on them. Hopefully, this is just the start of a really great series.
What shines through in the first of this series is how well characters are being developed, and how the Order of the Hawks, a group of modern knights who take on creatures after the gloaming begins, support each other so well. In fictional Brannland, hideous beasts that resemble giant wolves, and spiders among other terrors, can produce enough venom to kill full grown adults, but some children have immunity and are trained to fight them. Nora, seems to be different from the other children, and her initial "duties" are filled with more battles and creatures than even the high performing Hawks are used to. She also seems to be at the center of a secret that helps to explain why the problem has been getting worse.
There are lots of great details about how this organization of knights is run, how society views them, and how the pressure to train and perform drains on them. Hopefully, this is just the start of a really great series.
October 7, 2023
This was a wonderful middle grade novel. The fantasy world was very unique and the characters and their relationships were well developed. The action scenes were fast-paced with scary monsters. I also liked that there was a mystery in the background. All in all a very gripping and enjoyable read.
July 26, 2022
You can read my full review on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Den, here.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Overall
The moment I saw this cover, I knew I had to read this book. How could I not? Four diverse characters looking absolutely fierce with pointy weapons, with creepy shadow beasts in the background. If you can see that cover and not immediately want to read it, I question your judgment. It doesn’t hurt that the book sounds freaking awesome, too. So who could blame me?
Secret of the Shadow Beasts is a fantasy adventure packed with action, mystery, and with an unforgettable squad that readers will absolutely love.
I absolutely whipped through this book. Couldn’t put it down! Actually, I’m a little sad that there’s not more books in this series . . . and that it doesn’t appear to be a series? Boooo. This is one I’ll be highly recommending to the young readers at my library, and I look forward to more books from this author!
My Thoughts
- Meet Nora, a regular(ish) child of 12 who, oh, by the way, happens to be recruited to join a group of elite fighters who protect the common person against the worst scum of the universe. By which I mean Umbrae, which are dark shadow monsters. Of course. What were you thinking?
I confess that Nora is a little too good, in a way the author attempts to explain but never does so quite satisfactorily. If you’re able to set that aside while reading, though, she’s a rather interesting character. It isn’t just her uncanny ability to fight that makes her special, though. Nora is honestly a decent person who just wants to help, in a world that can use all the help it can get. Specifically from children, who are immune to the Umbrae’s venom. It’s a crap job, but someone has to do it. Except they really don’t, because it’s a volunteer position for the kids who qualify.
Nora is new to the position, has no formal training or knowledge of Umbrae, and is entirely naïve about what her new position entails, which makes her the perfect character for the reader to follow as we also discover the world.
- Enter Brannland, where humans are under attack by shadow beasts, whose bite is much deadlier than their bark. Mostly because they don’t bark. Not that I know of, at least. That’s not the point, though.
Sure, this world is maybe a little dark (and there are definitely off-screen character deaths mentioned), but that doesn’t bog down the story. Magras manages to write a book that is positive and uplifting despite the world being what it is. That doesn’t make it any less interesting, though. No one knows where the Umbrae came from or why they exist. No one knows why the clusters of them have been getting worse, harder to maintain and keep up with. All anyone knows is that they have to be stopped. Those other mysteries are pretty important, though, too.
- This is probably the healthiest squad I’ve ever read of in a middle grade book, and I absolutely love it. More squads like this, please. Yes, the world is dark, and these kids face some horrible nightmares. That’s pretty much a given. But they’re legit there for each other, no matter what. Every team member’s life depends on their other teammates—and not just their life but their happiness and their emotional well-being. It’s a connection and responsibility that they take seriously.
There are so freaking many displays of positive, healthy interactions amidst all the negative things that naturally occur in a darker fantasy world like this. Readers will come for the adventure and stay for the freaking awesome squad vibes. Nobody is left to deal with heavy emotions alone, and after a hard battle, every member is there for any other who’s struggling. It’s such a fantastic dynamic.
- Speaking of squads, even though it’s got a bit of a rocky start, this is one top-notch squad, with diverse characters and one heck of a fun dynamic. I mean, the squad that fights together, stays together, right? In the training facility/school they’re at, squads actually live together, so they spend a lot of time together. Plenty of time to get to know each other, whether they want to or not.
Not only are the characters obviously different ethnicities, they come from very different life situations, too. I won’t spoil anything about that, because learning more about them is part of the fun. Needless to say, though, this team has a little of everything. The biggest thing is that regardless of who they are individually, they are a team together. The other stuff doesn’t matter nearly as much as that fact.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Overall
The moment I saw this cover, I knew I had to read this book. How could I not? Four diverse characters looking absolutely fierce with pointy weapons, with creepy shadow beasts in the background. If you can see that cover and not immediately want to read it, I question your judgment. It doesn’t hurt that the book sounds freaking awesome, too. So who could blame me?
Secret of the Shadow Beasts is a fantasy adventure packed with action, mystery, and with an unforgettable squad that readers will absolutely love.
I absolutely whipped through this book. Couldn’t put it down! Actually, I’m a little sad that there’s not more books in this series . . . and that it doesn’t appear to be a series? Boooo. This is one I’ll be highly recommending to the young readers at my library, and I look forward to more books from this author!
My Thoughts
- Meet Nora, a regular(ish) child of 12 who, oh, by the way, happens to be recruited to join a group of elite fighters who protect the common person against the worst scum of the universe. By which I mean Umbrae, which are dark shadow monsters. Of course. What were you thinking?
I confess that Nora is a little too good, in a way the author attempts to explain but never does so quite satisfactorily. If you’re able to set that aside while reading, though, she’s a rather interesting character. It isn’t just her uncanny ability to fight that makes her special, though. Nora is honestly a decent person who just wants to help, in a world that can use all the help it can get. Specifically from children, who are immune to the Umbrae’s venom. It’s a crap job, but someone has to do it. Except they really don’t, because it’s a volunteer position for the kids who qualify.
Nora is new to the position, has no formal training or knowledge of Umbrae, and is entirely naïve about what her new position entails, which makes her the perfect character for the reader to follow as we also discover the world.
- Enter Brannland, where humans are under attack by shadow beasts, whose bite is much deadlier than their bark. Mostly because they don’t bark. Not that I know of, at least. That’s not the point, though.
Sure, this world is maybe a little dark (and there are definitely off-screen character deaths mentioned), but that doesn’t bog down the story. Magras manages to write a book that is positive and uplifting despite the world being what it is. That doesn’t make it any less interesting, though. No one knows where the Umbrae came from or why they exist. No one knows why the clusters of them have been getting worse, harder to maintain and keep up with. All anyone knows is that they have to be stopped. Those other mysteries are pretty important, though, too.
- This is probably the healthiest squad I’ve ever read of in a middle grade book, and I absolutely love it. More squads like this, please. Yes, the world is dark, and these kids face some horrible nightmares. That’s pretty much a given. But they’re legit there for each other, no matter what. Every team member’s life depends on their other teammates—and not just their life but their happiness and their emotional well-being. It’s a connection and responsibility that they take seriously.
There are so freaking many displays of positive, healthy interactions amidst all the negative things that naturally occur in a darker fantasy world like this. Readers will come for the adventure and stay for the freaking awesome squad vibes. Nobody is left to deal with heavy emotions alone, and after a hard battle, every member is there for any other who’s struggling. It’s such a fantastic dynamic.
- Speaking of squads, even though it’s got a bit of a rocky start, this is one top-notch squad, with diverse characters and one heck of a fun dynamic. I mean, the squad that fights together, stays together, right? In the training facility/school they’re at, squads actually live together, so they spend a lot of time together. Plenty of time to get to know each other, whether they want to or not.
Not only are the characters obviously different ethnicities, they come from very different life situations, too. I won’t spoil anything about that, because learning more about them is part of the fun. Needless to say, though, this team has a little of everything. The biggest thing is that regardless of who they are individually, they are a team together. The other stuff doesn’t matter nearly as much as that fact.
Read
March 4, 2022My favorite Diane Magras book yet! Richly imagined, action packed, and full of heart, this book is a page-turning escape that’s also deeply resonant and inspiring in current times. Highly recommend!
June 14, 2022
With a slight gamer flair, this is a quick adventure with interesting creatures, forming friendships, and more than a little action.
Nora's father died when attacked by a terrible beast, and Umbrae, and when she almost losses her mother in a similar attack, she realizes that she can and should do something to stop the beasts. While adults die from a single bite of these monsters, Nora and other children are immune. Despite her father's wish for Nora never to become one of the knights, she contacts the government and soon finds herself heading off to training. Nora has a talent for fighting the beasts and is quickly placed on a team and given a mission. But as she heads out to fight the beasts, secrets begin to emerge, which places more than a few things in a new and concerning direction.
Nora is an energetic and kind character, who cares quite a bit for her family, friends and team. Despite her fighting talent, she never comes across as arrogant or overly tough, and works very well with her team. But then, the relationship with the various members is positive and supporting as well. Her team members are there for each other and do what they can for one another. Even many of the adults offer their support and encouragement. So, there's a very positive atmosphere, in general, which is good because the plot itself has darker tones.
This read takes a rougher twist offering tenser moments and harsher fight scenes. The creatures are dangerous and the attacks brutal. So, while this maybe isn't for overly sensitive readers, it's nothing beyond the middle grade range, either. The tension stays high, but there's still a nice balance between action and slower moments.
At the beginning of each chapter, there's a cube with sayings, information, or thoughts which added a nice touch. The writing itself flows well and keeps the pacing high. There is, however, a little missing in the descriptions and background information, which made the world and setting a little unclear, at times. I hope that some of this will be explained and deepened in an upcoming book...which I'm saying, although I'm not sure there will be more or not and can only hope that more adventures are to come, since this would make a nice series.
I received an ARC and found it to be a gripping read.
Nora's father died when attacked by a terrible beast, and Umbrae, and when she almost losses her mother in a similar attack, she realizes that she can and should do something to stop the beasts. While adults die from a single bite of these monsters, Nora and other children are immune. Despite her father's wish for Nora never to become one of the knights, she contacts the government and soon finds herself heading off to training. Nora has a talent for fighting the beasts and is quickly placed on a team and given a mission. But as she heads out to fight the beasts, secrets begin to emerge, which places more than a few things in a new and concerning direction.
Nora is an energetic and kind character, who cares quite a bit for her family, friends and team. Despite her fighting talent, she never comes across as arrogant or overly tough, and works very well with her team. But then, the relationship with the various members is positive and supporting as well. Her team members are there for each other and do what they can for one another. Even many of the adults offer their support and encouragement. So, there's a very positive atmosphere, in general, which is good because the plot itself has darker tones.
This read takes a rougher twist offering tenser moments and harsher fight scenes. The creatures are dangerous and the attacks brutal. So, while this maybe isn't for overly sensitive readers, it's nothing beyond the middle grade range, either. The tension stays high, but there's still a nice balance between action and slower moments.
At the beginning of each chapter, there's a cube with sayings, information, or thoughts which added a nice touch. The writing itself flows well and keeps the pacing high. There is, however, a little missing in the descriptions and background information, which made the world and setting a little unclear, at times. I hope that some of this will be explained and deepened in an upcoming book...which I'm saying, although I'm not sure there will be more or not and can only hope that more adventures are to come, since this would make a nice series.
I received an ARC and found it to be a gripping read.
June 1, 2022
I quite enjoyed the Secret of the Shadow Beasts. Nora is a fun main character and I liked how the story emphasized some positives about her playing videogames, namely her quick reflexes and how playing the games developed her into this natural fighter. She's quite agile and despite being so skilled, she's also quite humble. She cares about her fellow team, as they too grow to care about her. The teamwork is one of my favorite aspects of the story. How they each cared and supported each other, there was a sense of vulnerability and love amongst the group, a family bond and deep sense of trust. How they would hug and encourage each other, such a wonderful caring group. The pacing of the story was also so spot on, there's plenty of battles against the Umbrae and quiet moments in-between to reflect and train. And the monsters of the story, well with them coming out at dusk, it really added a creepy vibe that I especially liked. Overall, this was a fun adventure and had a good resolution, although I'm hoping there will be more stories featuring Nora in the future. This will certainly appeal to fans of Magras' The Mad Wolf's Daughter and the sequel, The Hunt For The Mad Wolf's Daughter. Or perhaps even as a companion read to Lockwood and Company. **Thank you to Books Forward and the publisher for the ARC**
July 15, 2022
This felt very derivative of Lockwood and Co, but without many fun or loveable characters that carried Stroud's series when the story lagged, stretched credulity, or felt repetitive. This is only the first in the series, so I'll withhold judgement until there's more time to build, but more could definitely be done here.
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May 9, 2022Thank you to Edelweiss+ and Dial Books for an eARC of SECRET OF THE SHADOW BEASTS by Diane Magras (Release Date: June 14/22)
I’ve been anxiously awaiting a new book by the author of THE MAD WOLF’S DAUGHTER and its sequel, THE HUNT FOR THE MAD WOLF’S DAUGHTER. Fans of Drest will find a new heroine to love in Nora as she and her teammates set off on a mission to destroy the shadow beasts that come out at gloaming and threaten everyone in Brannland.
Nora is one of the lucky children who has a natural immunity to the venomous beasts called Umbrae. Most children with this gift train from the age of 7 to fight the different types of Umbrae, but Nora’s father refused to let her go. Umbrae eventually kill him, and when an attack almost kills her mother years later, Nora leaves home to join the government-run Noye’s Hill and prepare for battle. She is past the age for training, but with her natural talent (in addition to quick thinking and reflexes from years of playing video games), she joins a team of knights to figure out where the Umbrae are coming from and how to stop them.
Diane’s writing is fast-paced and adventurous, and she created a well-crafted world with unique creatures. There are secrets to uncover, which add to the novel’s suspense, and the reasonable chapter-length also keeps the story flowing well. I love that Nora shows such strength and bravery but is also sensitive and unafraid to be vulnerable. She’s a role model for young readers with her heart, brawn, and tenacity.
I would recommend this book for Gr. 4-7.
I’ve been anxiously awaiting a new book by the author of THE MAD WOLF’S DAUGHTER and its sequel, THE HUNT FOR THE MAD WOLF’S DAUGHTER. Fans of Drest will find a new heroine to love in Nora as she and her teammates set off on a mission to destroy the shadow beasts that come out at gloaming and threaten everyone in Brannland.
Nora is one of the lucky children who has a natural immunity to the venomous beasts called Umbrae. Most children with this gift train from the age of 7 to fight the different types of Umbrae, but Nora’s father refused to let her go. Umbrae eventually kill him, and when an attack almost kills her mother years later, Nora leaves home to join the government-run Noye’s Hill and prepare for battle. She is past the age for training, but with her natural talent (in addition to quick thinking and reflexes from years of playing video games), she joins a team of knights to figure out where the Umbrae are coming from and how to stop them.
Diane’s writing is fast-paced and adventurous, and she created a well-crafted world with unique creatures. There are secrets to uncover, which add to the novel’s suspense, and the reasonable chapter-length also keeps the story flowing well. I love that Nora shows such strength and bravery but is also sensitive and unafraid to be vulnerable. She’s a role model for young readers with her heart, brawn, and tenacity.
I would recommend this book for Gr. 4-7.
March 14, 2022
Don't go out after the gloaming!
That's the reality of life for the people of Brannland, lest they get bitten by one of the terrifying beasts known as Umbrae who roam the night. The only people who can fight these beasts are those few children who are immune to the monster's bites. But unfortunately, the beasts are multiplying faster than the children warriors (known as Knights) can vanquish them.
SECRET OF THE SHADOW BEASTS is the fast-paced, action-packed, non-stop adventure that follows Nora, who, at the age of 12 is called up to be a Knight. The regular order of things would have been for her to begin training at 7yo) But Nora's father refused to send her for training, and so now she finds herself thrust into a tight-knit unit of knights with no formal training. But that doesn't mean she doesn't have the skills to fight off the beasts with the best of them.
Tightly woven plotting, action, and vibrant relationships keep this book moving faster than a Umbrae attack! Yet it's filled with so much heart, love, and respect, it pulls you into the world of Brannland, and makes you never want to leave -- monsters and all!
MG readers are going to eat this adventure up, and be clamoring for more! And I am right there with them, hoping we will get to return to Brannland again and again!
I am grateful to the author for the opportunity to read an early ARC
That's the reality of life for the people of Brannland, lest they get bitten by one of the terrifying beasts known as Umbrae who roam the night. The only people who can fight these beasts are those few children who are immune to the monster's bites. But unfortunately, the beasts are multiplying faster than the children warriors (known as Knights) can vanquish them.
SECRET OF THE SHADOW BEASTS is the fast-paced, action-packed, non-stop adventure that follows Nora, who, at the age of 12 is called up to be a Knight. The regular order of things would have been for her to begin training at 7yo) But Nora's father refused to send her for training, and so now she finds herself thrust into a tight-knit unit of knights with no formal training. But that doesn't mean she doesn't have the skills to fight off the beasts with the best of them.
Tightly woven plotting, action, and vibrant relationships keep this book moving faster than a Umbrae attack! Yet it's filled with so much heart, love, and respect, it pulls you into the world of Brannland, and makes you never want to leave -- monsters and all!
MG readers are going to eat this adventure up, and be clamoring for more! And I am right there with them, hoping we will get to return to Brannland again and again!
I am grateful to the author for the opportunity to read an early ARC
July 20, 2023
The mention of Lockwood in the pitch grabbed my attention, as I'd loved the Lockwood books. This book is based on a similar idea in that there is a deadly foe roaming at night that only (certain) children can combat while adults are utterly helpless and vulnerable.
That is as far as the parallels go, for the author has built an original world (ok, it feels very similar to Scotland) with a lovely map at the start of the book, a vivid cast of characters, and an amazing storyline. I can't even tell who my favorite supporting character is between protagonist Nora's team members (featured on the beautiful cover).
I very much hope there'll be a sequel.
That is as far as the parallels go, for the author has built an original world (ok, it feels very similar to Scotland) with a lovely map at the start of the book, a vivid cast of characters, and an amazing storyline. I can't even tell who my favorite supporting character is between protagonist Nora's team members (featured on the beautiful cover).
I very much hope there'll be a sequel.
January 6, 2022
Secret of the Shadow Beasts is a dark fantasy for the upper middle grades. While it isn't YA, it is more mature than other middle grade books due to its violence and darker themes. For upper middle grade readers who are ready for books with more sinister plots, or young adult readers still interested in middle grade books but wanting a plot that's more intense, this story is a great transition. The main character, Nora, lives in a world made of familiar items such as school friendships and video games, yet Brannland is also a world in which monsters called Umbrae come out after dusk ("gloaming") and only certain children are the ones able to fight them. Nora shows the aptitude sought after by those who train these children to fight, but her parents, especially her father, refuse to let her be taken to Noye's Hill for this training. Noye's Hill resembles a boarding school, but when children go there to train, they are not allowed to return to their homes and families. Taken at a young age to be trained, students need several years to develop the reflexes and skills necessary to kill Umbrae. Nora eventually makes the decision herself to contact officials to undergo training when she witnesses her mother almost dying at the hands of the Umbrae. When Nora is the one to save her, she decides she needs to help protect others by learning to fight these creatures, even if it means going against her late father's wishes. The Umbrae are multiplying at an alarming rate, and Nora isn't given the luxury of years of training before she is thrown onto a team ready to go and do battle. This is an intense book that will have readers absorbed and fascinated. It's a well-told story that wraps up nicely at the end, though Magras could pull off a second book if she decides to. I appreciated that Nora isn't perfect, either. For all of her natural skill, she still struggles and has to gain self-confidence and the ability to rely on her teammates. Readers will need to infer on occasion as some of the vocabulary and setting will be unfamiliar to them, yet the story is engaging enough that they should find themselves turning pages to see how events resolve. This is one I will definitely be ordering for my students! Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Books for the chance to read this eGalley!
December 15, 2021
You'll be pulling for every one of the characters in Diane Magras's latest adventure novel. The characters are full of empathy, spunk, determination, and love. Discovering the secrets that threaten the lives of everyone in Brannland adds to the excitement and tension of the plot.
January 7, 2022
A school for knights, non-stop sword (and axe!) fighting scenes, and monsters galore: Secret of the Shadow Beasts is sure to be a hit with middle schoolers who are seeking a slightly darker edge to their fast-paced action/adventure books. Every night when the sun goes down, the umbrae come out in the gloaming, able to kill with a single bite. I loved the concept of young knights fighting ghostlike beasts in a modern-day world. Though the premise has an edge and the fighting is fierce, the book has a wholesome grounding in teamwork and support and I don't think it would be too much for the average pre-teen to handle.
July 22, 2024
Nora lives in Brannland, where shadow beasts called the Umbrae come out once the sun goes down. Adults who are bitten die, but there are children who are immune. These children become knights at the age of 7 when they train to destroy the shadow beasts. Although Nora Kemp’s blood was tested and proven to be immune, her father refused to allow her to become a knight. Knight's train hard and live away from their families and Owen Kemp wanted his daughter to have a normal childhood. Instead, Nora lives in the countryside on a farm where she has sheep and plays the fiddle. Her family has always known they have to be inside when the "gloaming" comes because that is when the Umbrae come out to attack anyone outside. But life on a farm doesn't always stop. It’s been over a year since the beasts got her dad and now Nora’s mother has been almost bitten by them (even being near them can make someone sick). Only Nora’s quick thinking saves them both. But this makes Nora think about being a knight and she calls up the school and talks to the person who tested her when she was seven. The umbrae have been getting worse and there are less people who are able to fight them, so the school agrees to have Nora come and try out. She missed five years of training but that doesn’t stop Nora’s natural instincts and abilities from shining through. Nora has a lot to learn about the school, which is divided into different orders. It takes a little bit of time for her to bond with her new order, but they are a team the first night they go to fight the Umbrea together. Unlike the video game Nora played at home, these battles are exhausting, dangerous, and extremely stressful, as she needs to protect herself, her order and the citizens. When someone from another order does something that puts the lives of everyone in Brannland in danger, Nora and her order try to come to the rescue. What they discover is even more dangerous and petrifying than they could’ve ever imagined. Can Nora and her order defeat the beasts? What secrets will Nora discover about her family? Why are the beasts multiplying? You’ll have to read this fast paced adventure to find out.
I own a hardcover copy of Secret of the Shadow Beasts by Diane Magras, but I was lucky enough to win a copy of the audiobook online. I am so glad I did. The narrator does an amazing job and I felt like I was right there in the store with Nora. The way the setting was painted made the scenes easy to imagine. Nora is a character that people can relate to because she seems like a regular kid who enjoys reading, playing video games, and spending time with her family. I like seeing how the relationships in the book change as Nora gets to know everyone. It’s dangerous for children to be out fighting the beasts, but the story explains why it needs to be children, not adults. I highly recommend this book to anyone in fourth grade or up who enjoys action, adventure, and characters who really make you care about them. I have read The Mad Wolf's Daughter by Diane Magras and I look forward to reading other books by her in the future.
I own a hardcover copy of Secret of the Shadow Beasts by Diane Magras, but I was lucky enough to win a copy of the audiobook online. I am so glad I did. The narrator does an amazing job and I felt like I was right there in the store with Nora. The way the setting was painted made the scenes easy to imagine. Nora is a character that people can relate to because she seems like a regular kid who enjoys reading, playing video games, and spending time with her family. I like seeing how the relationships in the book change as Nora gets to know everyone. It’s dangerous for children to be out fighting the beasts, but the story explains why it needs to be children, not adults. I highly recommend this book to anyone in fourth grade or up who enjoys action, adventure, and characters who really make you care about them. I have read The Mad Wolf's Daughter by Diane Magras and I look forward to reading other books by her in the future.
February 9, 2022
Un-put-down-able. This story burns bright and sweeps you along with brilliant action from the very first chapter. As a mom of two avid gamers who live on Discord and also love Magic the Gathering and D&D, I know fellow gaming readers will LOVE the idea of how a video game can prepare you to fight real-world Shadow Beasts. As TechnoLad messages in the story, it is POG!!!!
It's got fantasy and found family! Battles, bravery and bonding! If you love high-action fantasy with kids triumphing over massive odds, run—don’t walk—to your nearest indie bookstore to snap this one up come June 2022.
It's got fantasy and found family! Battles, bravery and bonding! If you love high-action fantasy with kids triumphing over massive odds, run—don’t walk—to your nearest indie bookstore to snap this one up come June 2022.
September 7, 2024
3.5⭐️-rounded up
I will forever be indebted to this book. After all, it inspired my WIP. Also, it’s the first book I ever got from my local library. **nostalgia comes**
I will forever be indebted to this book. After all, it inspired my WIP. Also, it’s the first book I ever got from my local library. **nostalgia comes**
November 2, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Nora and her mother live on a farm in Brannland, and narrowly survive an attack by Umbrae in spider forms, the likes of which had previously killed her father. Even though Nora is immune to the venom of these shadow beasts and could have been sent off to train as a knight who would fight them, her father wanted her to have a normal childhood. Since only children have immunity to the Umbrae venom, Nora is motivated by the attack to contact the government and volunteer to leave her mother and fight the beasts as a knight in the MacAskill order, even though it means leaving home and her best friend Wilfred. The government does provide help for her mother, and whisks Nora off to a castle to be trained and to join a group that will go on two week missions to fight the Umbrae that are devastating the countryside. The Umbrae haven't always been a problem, but humans disturbing their habitats have caused them to prey on humans, especially adults, although they pause slightly before attacking children. Even though she has had no formal training, Nora's skills are formidable, and she impresses the administration enough to be put on a team with Amar, Cyril, Tove, and Eve, who is very bitter about the death of a teammate and close friend. Most of the team is friendly and impressed with Nora's skill, including Murdo, who is older and leads the team on their first mission. Interestingly, the other teams who also fight Umbra keep to themselves, and Nora is chided for her friendly overtures to them. Two weeks of fighting Umbrae all night isn't easy, and since right before leaving, a woman named Nadia Bakari had mentioned to Nora that she knew Nora's father, Nora is a little distracted. Even though Nora fights well, it's clear that she needs some training. Not only does Nora reveal some secrets, but there are bigger secrets involving decades old abatement methods for the Umbrae that may have made the problem worse. Will Nora and her team be able to put this history of the knights into perspective, as well as survive the fights with the horrible creatures?
Strengths: Nora was an engaging character who was torn between making her parents happy, and doing the best for her community. It seems realistic that she would be motivated to join the knights, and her involvement with video games that she plays with Wilfred might explain her well developed fighting skills. There's a little bit of a Harry Potter feel to the castle where the group trains, which will appeal to fantasy readers who like "academy" tales. The cast is somewhat diverse, and the secrets add an interesting layer to the story, which has plenty of action and adventure. It was good to see that the adults in the story are all fairly supportive. This seems like it could have a sequel.
Weaknesses: While there was a little of the genesis of the Umbra and the history of Brannland, I still felt a bit unsure of the location and time period of the setting. There was technology, but also castles and bothys. Perhaps there will be more explanation in a subsequent adventure. Nora's extremely good fighting skills made it feel like she must have been trained when she was young, but this doesn't seem to have been the case.
What I really think: This is a good title for fans of this author's The Mad Wolf's Daughter , and its sequel, The Hunt for the Mad Wolf's Daughter, George's The Rose Legacy series (which this reminded me strongly of), Short's The Mutant Mushroom Takeover, Martin's The Monster Missions, and other fantasy adventure titles where only tweens can save the day.
Nora and her mother live on a farm in Brannland, and narrowly survive an attack by Umbrae in spider forms, the likes of which had previously killed her father. Even though Nora is immune to the venom of these shadow beasts and could have been sent off to train as a knight who would fight them, her father wanted her to have a normal childhood. Since only children have immunity to the Umbrae venom, Nora is motivated by the attack to contact the government and volunteer to leave her mother and fight the beasts as a knight in the MacAskill order, even though it means leaving home and her best friend Wilfred. The government does provide help for her mother, and whisks Nora off to a castle to be trained and to join a group that will go on two week missions to fight the Umbrae that are devastating the countryside. The Umbrae haven't always been a problem, but humans disturbing their habitats have caused them to prey on humans, especially adults, although they pause slightly before attacking children. Even though she has had no formal training, Nora's skills are formidable, and she impresses the administration enough to be put on a team with Amar, Cyril, Tove, and Eve, who is very bitter about the death of a teammate and close friend. Most of the team is friendly and impressed with Nora's skill, including Murdo, who is older and leads the team on their first mission. Interestingly, the other teams who also fight Umbra keep to themselves, and Nora is chided for her friendly overtures to them. Two weeks of fighting Umbrae all night isn't easy, and since right before leaving, a woman named Nadia Bakari had mentioned to Nora that she knew Nora's father, Nora is a little distracted. Even though Nora fights well, it's clear that she needs some training. Not only does Nora reveal some secrets, but there are bigger secrets involving decades old abatement methods for the Umbrae that may have made the problem worse. Will Nora and her team be able to put this history of the knights into perspective, as well as survive the fights with the horrible creatures?
Strengths: Nora was an engaging character who was torn between making her parents happy, and doing the best for her community. It seems realistic that she would be motivated to join the knights, and her involvement with video games that she plays with Wilfred might explain her well developed fighting skills. There's a little bit of a Harry Potter feel to the castle where the group trains, which will appeal to fantasy readers who like "academy" tales. The cast is somewhat diverse, and the secrets add an interesting layer to the story, which has plenty of action and adventure. It was good to see that the adults in the story are all fairly supportive. This seems like it could have a sequel.
Weaknesses: While there was a little of the genesis of the Umbra and the history of Brannland, I still felt a bit unsure of the location and time period of the setting. There was technology, but also castles and bothys. Perhaps there will be more explanation in a subsequent adventure. Nora's extremely good fighting skills made it feel like she must have been trained when she was young, but this doesn't seem to have been the case.
What I really think: This is a good title for fans of this author's The Mad Wolf's Daughter , and its sequel, The Hunt for the Mad Wolf's Daughter, George's The Rose Legacy series (which this reminded me strongly of), Short's The Mutant Mushroom Takeover, Martin's The Monster Missions, and other fantasy adventure titles where only tweens can save the day.
July 25, 2022
(Reposting because I deleted my review on accident like a dummy.)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this wonderful middle grade story!
In Brannland, terrible creatures come out at night. They maul adults, but hesitate momentarily in front of children, giving them a chance to kill them. Young children train for years to become knights and destroy them. Nora has had no training, but decides to become a knight due to her high aptitude. However, she learns that being a knight if different than what she expected.
I really loved reading this book! It’s filled with twists and turns, unique ideas, and some surprisingly dark reveals that kept me reading. I loved the relationship between Nora and the rest of her knights. I was surprised on where she was assigned and was very interested in how the relationships grew. I was especially invested in the fatherly relationship Murdo had with the rest of the knights… I love seeing a positive adult presence in MG lit, and I don’t see it nearly often enough!
I think this is a book young readers are going to love. The fighting, the secrets, the characters, and more all come together in a very charming way. And, while I was not personally in love with the video game aspect, I think readers will enjoy the breaks of online chatting between the chapters of drama. Overall, I highly recommend this book—one of my 2022 favorites!
The Supervillain’s Guide to Being a Fat Kid was a book I sort of picked up on a whim. With a title like that, how could I not? I didn’t know what to expect going it, but it really was a fun experience.
Max is the fat kid. He gets bullied at school, feels shamed for his passion of baking, and hates the superheroes that everyone adores. He reaches out to jailed supervillain Master Plan, a “gentleman of size” to ask for advice. He might get a bit more than he bargained for…
This is a funny yet still touchingly wholesome book. At first, I was put off by the fact Max and Master Plan don’t actually meet face-to-face, but instead talk over email. However, I quickly grew to like the emailing back and forth. It provided a break from the regular storytelling and was always fun to read. I liked watching the relationship between Master Plan and Max grow, too. I always love seeing adults who aren’t parents play a larger role in MG lit. The setting, too, is so cool. I love the “superhero casual” idea, where they are never really described in detail. It’s just part of the day-to-day world. Sometimes doing things like that is a confusing or frustrating, but I think the author knocked it out of the park here.
This is a great book for any young kid. It covers body image issues, bullying, crushes, friendship issues, and more, all against the cool backdrop of a kid conversing with a supervillain. It was a fun and quick read—I highly recommend it!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this wonderful middle grade story!
In Brannland, terrible creatures come out at night. They maul adults, but hesitate momentarily in front of children, giving them a chance to kill them. Young children train for years to become knights and destroy them. Nora has had no training, but decides to become a knight due to her high aptitude. However, she learns that being a knight if different than what she expected.
I really loved reading this book! It’s filled with twists and turns, unique ideas, and some surprisingly dark reveals that kept me reading. I loved the relationship between Nora and the rest of her knights. I was surprised on where she was assigned and was very interested in how the relationships grew. I was especially invested in the fatherly relationship Murdo had with the rest of the knights… I love seeing a positive adult presence in MG lit, and I don’t see it nearly often enough!
I think this is a book young readers are going to love. The fighting, the secrets, the characters, and more all come together in a very charming way. And, while I was not personally in love with the video game aspect, I think readers will enjoy the breaks of online chatting between the chapters of drama. Overall, I highly recommend this book—one of my 2022 favorites!
The Supervillain’s Guide to Being a Fat Kid was a book I sort of picked up on a whim. With a title like that, how could I not? I didn’t know what to expect going it, but it really was a fun experience.
Max is the fat kid. He gets bullied at school, feels shamed for his passion of baking, and hates the superheroes that everyone adores. He reaches out to jailed supervillain Master Plan, a “gentleman of size” to ask for advice. He might get a bit more than he bargained for…
This is a funny yet still touchingly wholesome book. At first, I was put off by the fact Max and Master Plan don’t actually meet face-to-face, but instead talk over email. However, I quickly grew to like the emailing back and forth. It provided a break from the regular storytelling and was always fun to read. I liked watching the relationship between Master Plan and Max grow, too. I always love seeing adults who aren’t parents play a larger role in MG lit. The setting, too, is so cool. I love the “superhero casual” idea, where they are never really described in detail. It’s just part of the day-to-day world. Sometimes doing things like that is a confusing or frustrating, but I think the author knocked it out of the park here.
This is a great book for any young kid. It covers body image issues, bullying, crushes, friendship issues, and more, all against the cool backdrop of a kid conversing with a supervillain. It was a fun and quick read—I highly recommend it!
September 5, 2022
I enjoyed Diane Magras' third novel, The Secret of the Shadow Beasts, so much! It has a lot to recommend it: LOTS of action, right from the get-go; truly scary beasts (the Umbrae); a protagonist to really root for in Nora; a wonderful dynamic between Nora and her friends in the Order of the Hawk; lots of excellent on-page representation of differing abilities and backgrounds, which are all shown to be part of a harmonious whole; fantastic use of gaming to enhance and enrich the backstory and inform the action of the plot, and a compelling family connection to the heart of the mystery in the book.
Nora lives in a place called Brannland, which is possibly modelled on modern-day Scotland. It's a world of technology, but one with castles and bothys, where people fight monsters with swords and axes too. She's a brave and principled girl whose father has died in the fight against beasts named Umbrae, Shadow Beasts who come out after gloaming (my absolute favourite word for twilight). Certain children in Brannland are recruited as fighters against the Umbrae because they appear immune to the venom the creatures have, venom powerful enough to kill an adult, and from the ages of 12 to 18 these children are the best defence Brannland has against the scourge of the Shadow Beasts. Nora is one such child, but her training as a Knight never began, because her father refused to allow it. Now that he's gone, and her mother has almost fallen victim to a similar beast, Nora takes her fate in her own hands and signs up to fight.
But what are the Umbrae? And why have their attacks intensified? Nora and her crew of Knights end up facing their frightening foe, their best weapon their unified front and their commitment to one another.
A little more world-building, or perhaps more detail in the background/existence of the Umbrae, would have been welcome, but overall this is a book which should appeal to fans of Rick Riordan and Jonathan Stroud, and which more than carries its own weight in the field of action-driven, monster-slaying, team-led middle grade.
Nora lives in a place called Brannland, which is possibly modelled on modern-day Scotland. It's a world of technology, but one with castles and bothys, where people fight monsters with swords and axes too. She's a brave and principled girl whose father has died in the fight against beasts named Umbrae, Shadow Beasts who come out after gloaming (my absolute favourite word for twilight). Certain children in Brannland are recruited as fighters against the Umbrae because they appear immune to the venom the creatures have, venom powerful enough to kill an adult, and from the ages of 12 to 18 these children are the best defence Brannland has against the scourge of the Shadow Beasts. Nora is one such child, but her training as a Knight never began, because her father refused to allow it. Now that he's gone, and her mother has almost fallen victim to a similar beast, Nora takes her fate in her own hands and signs up to fight.
But what are the Umbrae? And why have their attacks intensified? Nora and her crew of Knights end up facing their frightening foe, their best weapon their unified front and their commitment to one another.
A little more world-building, or perhaps more detail in the background/existence of the Umbrae, would have been welcome, but overall this is a book which should appeal to fans of Rick Riordan and Jonathan Stroud, and which more than carries its own weight in the field of action-driven, monster-slaying, team-led middle grade.
July 26, 2025
concept is quite cool. this reads like it's supposed to be the first book in a series but I can't find any information on whether that's true or not. and it's been 3+ years since publication. assuming there is no sequel, there are a lot of plot threads that get completely dropped in this book. we make a big deal about the origin of the shadow beasts but then never truly figure out the mystery. nothing really evolves from the whole bullying backstory thing. and the fight between the main character and her best friend is not resolved whatsoever.
it's very hard to stand the side characters. all the people nora meets in the order are highkey jerks. I guess they've had no normal social interaction but it's such a pain to read. i'm supposed to believe they're all one big happy family wayyy too soon after everyone was just throwing insults at nora, with nothing in the middle to make that change possible. and then they make such a big deal about someone getting bullied in the order in the past like guys. you are also bullies!! pot and kettle!! wilfred is the only slayer but then nora starts being rude & abandoning him in favor of the other knights and it was all just weird.
which brings me to what on earth was the main character supposed to learn in this. I can't for the life of me figure it out. she's ridiculously overpowered (another thing I thought would be explained but wasn't) the entire time, which is definitely a Choice. sure, you can still have good development in characters that are special and somehow always the best at what they do, but that usually means they're lacking in some other way that they need to overcome. nora essentially has no faults. she's the best fighter by a LOT despite no training, has ridiculously good luck, doesn't struggle much with self-confidence, and everyone loves her. (again, assuming this is not done on purpose for a future reveal). so where is her character arc??? hello
it's very hard to stand the side characters. all the people nora meets in the order are highkey jerks. I guess they've had no normal social interaction but it's such a pain to read. i'm supposed to believe they're all one big happy family wayyy too soon after everyone was just throwing insults at nora, with nothing in the middle to make that change possible. and then they make such a big deal about someone getting bullied in the order in the past like guys. you are also bullies!! pot and kettle!! wilfred is the only slayer but then nora starts being rude & abandoning him in favor of the other knights and it was all just weird.
which brings me to what on earth was the main character supposed to learn in this. I can't for the life of me figure it out. she's ridiculously overpowered (another thing I thought would be explained but wasn't) the entire time, which is definitely a Choice. sure, you can still have good development in characters that are special and somehow always the best at what they do, but that usually means they're lacking in some other way that they need to overcome. nora essentially has no faults. she's the best fighter by a LOT despite no training, has ridiculously good luck, doesn't struggle much with self-confidence, and everyone loves her. (again, assuming this is not done on purpose for a future reveal). so where is her character arc??? hello
July 27, 2022
Great monster-killing fantasy for middle grade/younger YA readers! And while there is a training school, the focus is on post-training protection of the nation of Brannland and the determined and talented young people who put their lives on the line to do that. Nora, who skipped the formal training and went straight into a fighting order, has incredible skill and finds a camaraderie she never expected with the Hawks, but also finds that there may be a human reason for why the attacks by the mutant and poisonous creatures they fight is increasing. Author Diane Magras builds a world that seems a blend of the past and the present by seamlessly including small town, agrarian aspects with swords and axes being used as weapons against the Umbrae with modern day gaming and some advanced medicine. The Hawk order members-Nora, Aram, Eve, Tove, Cyril-and their mentor Murdo are diverse in race, age, family backgrounds, and sexual identity and each have distinct and well-developed characters. The battle action starts fairly quickly and only gives the reader brief respite from the intensity in order to bring some need to know history of the island nation and secrets surrounding the MacAskill Orders to light. While the high energy resolution could mean that this is a stand alone novel, there is ample material for future installments which readers are likely to hope for.
Thanks for sending #BookAllies a finished copy of this excellent book to share, Penguin Random House.
Thanks for sending #BookAllies a finished copy of this excellent book to share, Penguin Random House.
May 8, 2025
Read-aloud w/ a 7yo.
My kid gives this 5 stars. LOVED it. Kept reading ahead without me long after bedtime. That alone is worth the purchase (or library check-out, in our case). I also found the story exciting and immersive. I looked forward to reading it night after night. That said, it felt a little unfinished. A lot of interpersonal conflicts were not satisfactorily resolved, but intentionally swept under the rug or dismissed by the main character. And it felt a bit like the author skimmed over or outright avoided some of the tougher themes: child abuse and was mentioned in passing, for instance. Bullying was given the zero-tolerance treatment, but with this target demographic, nuance is kind of necessary to help kiddos learn the different forms bullying can take. And where I *think* the author was trying for a band-of-misfits feel with the lead characters, it leaned a bit cultish at times.
But it was fun. The kid loved it. And if there is a sequel in the works, many of my points may be made moot or dismissed as setup for a larger arc. We will wait and see.
My kid gives this 5 stars. LOVED it. Kept reading ahead without me long after bedtime. That alone is worth the purchase (or library check-out, in our case). I also found the story exciting and immersive. I looked forward to reading it night after night. That said, it felt a little unfinished. A lot of interpersonal conflicts were not satisfactorily resolved, but intentionally swept under the rug or dismissed by the main character. And it felt a bit like the author skimmed over or outright avoided some of the tougher themes: child abuse and was mentioned in passing, for instance. Bullying was given the zero-tolerance treatment, but with this target demographic, nuance is kind of necessary to help kiddos learn the different forms bullying can take. And where I *think* the author was trying for a band-of-misfits feel with the lead characters, it leaned a bit cultish at times.
But it was fun. The kid loved it. And if there is a sequel in the works, many of my points may be made moot or dismissed as setup for a larger arc. We will wait and see.
March 20, 2024
The story is interesting and fast paced. Set in a world that feels like Ireland or Scotland, only kids can kill the beasts that come out after the gloaming. Nora has immunity but her parents won’t let her become a knight. After her father is killed and her mother almost killed, Nora decides to become a knight. She is fast, well trained and brave. Her fellow knights are a diverse cast of characters that bond with her over the dangerous job. The action is action packed and includes lots of fighting and violence, with the death of children. It isn’t described but it is part of the storyline. Fans of fantasy and knight stories will enjoy this book. No swears, some violence, and mention of child abuse in the past. 6th grade and up.
August 14, 2022
This is my first Diane Magras book, but it won't be my last! I really enjoyed the sci-fi/fantasy adventure story and the team dynamics that this one is built on. Nora is an inexperienced fighter who finds herself teamed up with an elite, trained-since-childhood, fighting force. She also happens to be a prodigy and her inexperience might turn out to be an asset to her and her team!
As a fan of the genre, I thought there was an excellent balance between the tropes with a fresh twist. When I finished the last page, I kept thinking about Brannland, the Umbrae, and the knights of the MacAskill Order. I hope this is the first of many featuring the Order of the Hawk!
As a fan of the genre, I thought there was an excellent balance between the tropes with a fresh twist. When I finished the last page, I kept thinking about Brannland, the Umbrae, and the knights of the MacAskill Order. I hope this is the first of many featuring the Order of the Hawk!
April 15, 2025
The story itself was interesting and compelling. However, I found the worldbuilding lacking, which made some things a bit confusing. The conversations were at times hard to follow, and I didn't find many of the characters behavior believable, especially the male characters.
Parents should be aware that this book contains plenty of LGTBQ ideas, so they can make an informed decision on whether or not they feel that is appropriate for their children to read.
Parents should be aware that this book contains plenty of LGTBQ ideas, so they can make an informed decision on whether or not they feel that is appropriate for their children to read.
September 21, 2022
This books grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go. Magras is fantastic at setting, character development, and plot. I was intrigued by the beasts in the book and loved her write-up on each one. I would love a prequel about Nora’s father and the backstory of the beasts. Hand this to any middle grade adventure or fantasy fan.
February 6, 2023
Book 1 of Shadow Beasts series. This was a fun read and is geared for the younger ages of the YA groups. There are a few messages I do not like in the series. I have never been a fan of the “instant hero” not needing the same training as the other people. Aside from that, it is a great read and your 9-12 years old will enjoy it.
Joseph McKnight
http://www.Josephmcknight.com
Joseph McKnight
http://www.Josephmcknight.com
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