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The Shadows: Halo's Rag Doll
There's some smoke rising in the distance, do you think we should check it out?
A powerful Shadow has called out to the ASH and Mark realizes he’s not the only Shadow of fire. Not sure whether this is a legitimate cry for help or another trap, he’s reluctant to take the lead on a hike out to Old Rag where the smoke is coming from.
Mark’s one concern is keeping everyone safe, getting answers comes second to that. It is debatably a welcome change. However, with Sil struggling with his mental health, and Kip hiding his deteriorating physical health, Mark is stretched too thin to lead them on his own, and his father, January, might be on the brink of finally getting his memory back.
Not sure how to be a leader, Mark accepts help from the innocent and empty-headed New—the first Nova!
The exciting third installment of The Shadows: Halo's Rag Doll takes a deep dive into recovering from trauma, dealing with anxiety and recognizing when to accept help.
A powerful Shadow has called out to the ASH and Mark realizes he’s not the only Shadow of fire. Not sure whether this is a legitimate cry for help or another trap, he’s reluctant to take the lead on a hike out to Old Rag where the smoke is coming from.
Mark’s one concern is keeping everyone safe, getting answers comes second to that. It is debatably a welcome change. However, with Sil struggling with his mental health, and Kip hiding his deteriorating physical health, Mark is stretched too thin to lead them on his own, and his father, January, might be on the brink of finally getting his memory back.
Not sure how to be a leader, Mark accepts help from the innocent and empty-headed New—the first Nova!
The exciting third installment of The Shadows: Halo's Rag Doll takes a deep dive into recovering from trauma, dealing with anxiety and recognizing when to accept help.
487 pages, Paperback
Published February 20, 2022
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
E. Kathryn
4 books14 followersWriter, Graphic Designer, Artist, Humanesque creature who doesn’t get enough sunlight and lives solely on tea, E. Kathryn started writing The Shadows at thirteen years old. When not writing incessantly, E. Kathryn enjoys drawing, playing the violin, and collecting and consuming way more tea than any one person needs.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 17, 2022
Wow - even compared to Laevatein's Choice, the second book in the series, Halo's Rag Doll is incredibly complex and ambitious. The story follows a set of kids with superpowers - well, it's more complicated than just superpowers, but roll with me for a hot second - as they take a journey in search of a powerful fellow Shadow. It's a powerfully plot-centered book, but in this one the main characters (Mark, Sil, Kip, Emilie, January, and a couple brand new characters) start to get more adult emotions, drives, and personalities. The plot is what'll hook you, but the characters are what you'll remember. The huge cast starts to come together more in this book, and their personalities more distinct.
As you might suspect, the journey becomes one of self-discovery and growth. The delve into the wilderness becomes both literal and figurative. I like how the sort of Moses leading the Israelites feeling/analogy that I read into the first book in the series continues here, especially as the main characters navigate using their powers. This is the first book in the series where the characters reveal some of the deep aspects of the worldbuilding that connect the entire series together. The book, like the other two, wraps up the major plot threads at the end, but I'm really, REALLY hoping E. Kathryn comes up with a fourth book. (WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING, KIMBERLY!? ALSO THAT LAST LINE IN THE BOOK IS KILLING ME!)
Something I think was handled very well was continuing the story from book 2. (Spoiler for book 2 ahead) In Laevatein's Choice, pretty much all the characters get disturbed by some rather violent events. Main character Mark was left physically handicapped. That mental disturbance and physical disability isn't just handwaved away in Halo's Rag Doll - no, the characters are still working through that, even though the book takes place two years following the events of Laevatein's Choice. The kids also respond to everything in a more kid-like manner, and the adults can have more adult viewpoints. I think Keller in this book is exactly as steadfast and reliable as we want him to be, even if he's not as present as he was in prior books.
Also, in Laevatein's Choice, we got a peak into Mark's romantic life with Rita. That love story makes for a great b-plot, and I think the underlying messages about abusive relationships, growing up, forgiveness, and letting go are major parts of this.
There are two major flaws with this book. One is that you absolutely, positively must read both Fire's Hope and Laevatein's Choice before you read this one. While there's enough refresher at the front end that someone who read the books a while back can re-acclimatize to the world, I fully believe there's simply no way a reader new to the series would enjoy this. You go straight into the deep end with some really complex world mechanics here, and it includes everything you've learned in books 1 and 2, then adds some things.
If you don't read the first two books, the character named "New" will make no sense. Novas will seem like they're out of nowhere. Kimberly's infusion will be pure witchcraft. If you have read the first two books, you can enjoy the build, the new ideas, and the characterization that go along with a straightforward (though FILLED WITH GREAT TWISTS) plot.
Caveat: I received this book as an advanced review copy in return for an honest review.
As you might suspect, the journey becomes one of self-discovery and growth. The delve into the wilderness becomes both literal and figurative. I like how the sort of Moses leading the Israelites feeling/analogy that I read into the first book in the series continues here, especially as the main characters navigate using their powers. This is the first book in the series where the characters reveal some of the deep aspects of the worldbuilding that connect the entire series together. The book, like the other two, wraps up the major plot threads at the end, but I'm really, REALLY hoping E. Kathryn comes up with a fourth book. (WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING, KIMBERLY!? ALSO THAT LAST LINE IN THE BOOK IS KILLING ME!)
Something I think was handled very well was continuing the story from book 2. (Spoiler for book 2 ahead) In Laevatein's Choice, pretty much all the characters get disturbed by some rather violent events. Main character Mark was left physically handicapped. That mental disturbance and physical disability isn't just handwaved away in Halo's Rag Doll - no, the characters are still working through that, even though the book takes place two years following the events of Laevatein's Choice. The kids also respond to everything in a more kid-like manner, and the adults can have more adult viewpoints. I think Keller in this book is exactly as steadfast and reliable as we want him to be, even if he's not as present as he was in prior books.
Also, in Laevatein's Choice, we got a peak into Mark's romantic life with Rita. That love story makes for a great b-plot, and I think the underlying messages about abusive relationships, growing up, forgiveness, and letting go are major parts of this.
There are two major flaws with this book. One is that you absolutely, positively must read both Fire's Hope and Laevatein's Choice before you read this one. While there's enough refresher at the front end that someone who read the books a while back can re-acclimatize to the world, I fully believe there's simply no way a reader new to the series would enjoy this. You go straight into the deep end with some really complex world mechanics here, and it includes everything you've learned in books 1 and 2, then adds some things.
If you don't read the first two books, the character named "New" will make no sense. Novas will seem like they're out of nowhere. Kimberly's infusion will be pure witchcraft. If you have read the first two books, you can enjoy the build, the new ideas, and the characterization that go along with a straightforward (though FILLED WITH GREAT TWISTS) plot.
Caveat: I received this book as an advanced review copy in return for an honest review.
January 27, 2022
I was privileged to work with E. Kathryn again on this series as a proofreader. The ensemble cast in this book (and the series) is so fun and unique, with ample character development throughout. Mark's development is the most pronounced. He has come so far (and continues to progress in this book), but still remains flawed and human.
Without spoiling too much, I really enjoyed the Recluse and the mystery surrounding him. Also, the constant distrust among Shadows continues in this book, leaving you often wondering who is friend or foe. I also enjoyed the frequent twists and revelations throughout the book. It was a lot of fun to read.
I'm really excited to see where this story goes from here and will eagerly await book four!
Without spoiling too much, I really enjoyed the Recluse and the mystery surrounding him. Also, the constant distrust among Shadows continues in this book, leaving you often wondering who is friend or foe. I also enjoyed the frequent twists and revelations throughout the book. It was a lot of fun to read.
I'm really excited to see where this story goes from here and will eagerly await book four!
March 2, 2022
I had quite an adventure reading this book! It was great to be with Mark and the rest of the Shadows back at the Ash - Hold on to your seats readers- This is one wild ride!
Spoilers!
My favorite parts 😊
Meeting New
Mark getting Wings
Shadow peace and Sil ( my fav)
Kip - fav cinnamon roll ( also he gets a better handle on his powers which is nice to see -he deserves a break
Meeting the Novas
William!
For adventure,heartache,love, and secrets .. Read on!
Spoilers!
My favorite parts 😊
Meeting New
Mark getting Wings
Shadow peace and Sil ( my fav)
Kip - fav cinnamon roll ( also he gets a better handle on his powers which is nice to see -he deserves a break
Meeting the Novas
William!
For adventure,heartache,love, and secrets .. Read on!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2022
I’m one book in right now & so excited that the third book was just released!! Reading Fire’s hope really has you on the edge of your seat especially with Mark. Being as he’s such a mystery and such a different story than all the other shadows. Definitely would recommend, I’m excited to finish this one and start Lævatein's Choice.
This author was awesome about dropping the books in a timely matter & the illustration the author does for the characters is by far one of my favorites. Also the giveaway they did was awesome. I like reading from authors who are really involved in their characters & you can really see it in the book, in their development & in her art work regarding the book.
This author was awesome about dropping the books in a timely matter & the illustration the author does for the characters is by far one of my favorites. Also the giveaway they did was awesome. I like reading from authors who are really involved in their characters & you can really see it in the book, in their development & in her art work regarding the book.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews