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Prof Croft #10
Shadow Deep
Discovering the shadow realm was only the beginning
I’ve taken on my first ever apprentice. A mage of my bloodline, Alec is as headstrong as he is powerful, his magic bolstered by a shifty trickster god.
If that weren’t enough, I’ve been recruited into an NYPD task force on missing persons. Cases in the city are exploding, a little girl among the most recently disappeared. As a soon-to-be father, this one cuts close to the heart.
But just as I uncover a bizarre lead, I’m yanked back to the shadow realm—a darker, more dangerous New York—where a nefarious entity has targeted Alec in order to get to me. Hunted and on the run, our one ally may be Detective Vega. Only she’s not my wife there, and I’m on her department’s shoot-to-kill list.
As disappearances in my city climb and dangers in the shadow realm deepen, I’m a wizard caught between realities.
And I’m getting desperate…
I’ve taken on my first ever apprentice. A mage of my bloodline, Alec is as headstrong as he is powerful, his magic bolstered by a shifty trickster god.
If that weren’t enough, I’ve been recruited into an NYPD task force on missing persons. Cases in the city are exploding, a little girl among the most recently disappeared. As a soon-to-be father, this one cuts close to the heart.
But just as I uncover a bizarre lead, I’m yanked back to the shadow realm—a darker, more dangerous New York—where a nefarious entity has targeted Alec in order to get to me. Hunted and on the run, our one ally may be Detective Vega. Only she’s not my wife there, and I’m on her department’s shoot-to-kill list.
As disappearances in my city climb and dangers in the shadow realm deepen, I’m a wizard caught between realities.
And I’m getting desperate…
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2021
232 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Brad Magnarella
50 books382 followersBrad Magnarella writes urban fantasy for the same reason most read it – to explore worlds where magic crackles from fingertips, vampires and shifters walk city streets, cats talk (some excessively), and good prevails against all odds. It’s shamelessly fun.
His three main series, Prof Croft, Blue Wolf, and Maddy Deeds, make up the growing Croftverse, with nearly a half-million books sold to date and an Independent Audiobook Award nomination.
Hopelessly nomadic, Brad can be found in a rented room overseas or hiking America's backcountry.
To learn more about the Croftverse, and download two free prequel novellas, visit his website at bradmagnarella.com
His three main series, Prof Croft, Blue Wolf, and Maddy Deeds, make up the growing Croftverse, with nearly a half-million books sold to date and an Independent Audiobook Award nomination.
Hopelessly nomadic, Brad can be found in a rented room overseas or hiking America's backcountry.
To learn more about the Croftverse, and download two free prequel novellas, visit his website at bradmagnarella.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 2, 2022
Fantastic
I love this side of Croft. It's gritty and real. Absolutely love the shadow world, the other aspects of familiar friends.
I love this side of Croft. It's gritty and real. Absolutely love the shadow world, the other aspects of familiar friends.
January 24, 2022
Living up to the standard of excellence I expect from the Croft series.
Everson Croft is not the most powerful mage around, but he is quite intuitive.
He is recruited once again by the mayor to assist the NYPD in an alarming increase in missing persons. Also crossing over into the shadow NYC where his apprentice's mother has been taken.
It's a balancing act between the two Earths while his wife is coming close to full term with her pregnancy
Everson Croft is not the most powerful mage around, but he is quite intuitive.
He is recruited once again by the mayor to assist the NYPD in an alarming increase in missing persons. Also crossing over into the shadow NYC where his apprentice's mother has been taken.
It's a balancing act between the two Earths while his wife is coming close to full term with her pregnancy
March 11, 2022
It seems my ability to love this series more is infinite.
I absolutely adore this author and this series. Additionally, since I listen while reading along, I can share that the narrator brings his own special complementary magic to everything he reads. James Patrick Cronin breathes life into the Croftverse, and he deserves to be lauded for every contribution.
Unlike many longer series that end up inadvertently diluting the quality of the story after the first few novels, the Prof Croft series only gets better with each new installment. The author deftly develops his extremely magical and entertaining world with every word he writes. Magnarella repeatedly proves himself a capable and worthy steward of the entire Croftverse by always paying special attention to the details that show the growth and progression of each storyline, situation, and character. His delightful foreshadowing continues to grow more elegant and subtle, enhancing one’s enjoyment of it exponentially; in the same vein, his artful allusions to other series within the Croftverse are just as commendable.
Indisputably very lovable, the Prof Croft protagonist Everson Croft is someone any good person would be honored to know. However, the author masterfully balances that extreme goodness with characters who run the gamut from acting angelically to irrevocably evil (and every stage in between), so there’s someone in this series for every taste. I am personally quite enraptured by his redemptive character arcs (e.g. Hoffman)!
Shadow Deep shines not only by drawing one in as the story just keeps getting better, but also by truly showcasing Everson’s growth as a wizard and as a person; every fan will cheer each new benchmark. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Thank you for your work, Mr. Magnarella! It’s a desperately needed light in an ever darkening world, and I am eternally a member of Prof Croft’s Strange Brigade. I invite any newbies to join us there, it’s a heck of a fun ride.
I absolutely adore this author and this series. Additionally, since I listen while reading along, I can share that the narrator brings his own special complementary magic to everything he reads. James Patrick Cronin breathes life into the Croftverse, and he deserves to be lauded for every contribution.
Unlike many longer series that end up inadvertently diluting the quality of the story after the first few novels, the Prof Croft series only gets better with each new installment. The author deftly develops his extremely magical and entertaining world with every word he writes. Magnarella repeatedly proves himself a capable and worthy steward of the entire Croftverse by always paying special attention to the details that show the growth and progression of each storyline, situation, and character. His delightful foreshadowing continues to grow more elegant and subtle, enhancing one’s enjoyment of it exponentially; in the same vein, his artful allusions to other series within the Croftverse are just as commendable.
Indisputably very lovable, the Prof Croft protagonist Everson Croft is someone any good person would be honored to know. However, the author masterfully balances that extreme goodness with characters who run the gamut from acting angelically to irrevocably evil (and every stage in between), so there’s someone in this series for every taste. I am personally quite enraptured by his redemptive character arcs (e.g. Hoffman)!
Shadow Deep shines not only by drawing one in as the story just keeps getting better, but also by truly showcasing Everson’s growth as a wizard and as a person; every fan will cheer each new benchmark. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Thank you for your work, Mr. Magnarella! It’s a desperately needed light in an ever darkening world, and I am eternally a member of Prof Croft’s Strange Brigade. I invite any newbies to join us there, it’s a heck of a fun ride.
November 23, 2021
The Professor Croft books just get better and better!! I never ever want the series to end!!! I LOVE the characters!! SO MUCH. I can't pick a favorite but Tabitha is a CAT so I'll eliminate her. She is a LARGE (pun intended) part of the series always got some scathing remarks. Bree-Yark is becoming my favorite. He's a loyal friend to Everson. THIS BOOK!!! OHMYGOSH!!! there are so many mysteries going on at the same time!!! Croft get's them separated and then the "FUN" and excitement and my FEARS begin!!! I GUESSED ONE THING correctly in this book. ONE!! And I am so happy !!! I hate it when I can figure out most of the mystery. NOT with the Croft Series though!! NOOO . I won't spoil the MYSTERIES for you dear reader but they are SPECTACULAR!! to say the least!! There is ONE character in the shadow present that made me BUST out laughing when it was revealed who it was!! GOTTA LOVE THAT ONE!!! There is no cliffhanger but there is plenty of potential for future books that are left to their own devices--which in this case spells T R O U B L E!!! Can't wait to see what Brad Magnarella makes with those characters in the next book!!!
November 23, 2021
Vega is nearing her due date and Croft is still fighting evil. Finding Alex is his shadow son by a shadow him, he is drawn to the fifteen year old and offers to train him in magic. A tablet that is the god Cronus has bonds that attach Cronus to Alex and amplifies his magic. He needs training and Croft knows he is the one to do it. Vega worries about him especially after the shadow Vega shot him in the shadow world. Croft is looking forward to training Alex, but there are missing people multiplying in his city and the mayor wants them found. Croft also has to save Alex in the shadow world and an ancient evil has awakened. A dark and sometimes violent, but always exciting new book faces us readers who love to delve into the life of our hero. Old friends greet us, Gods and their games they play on humans shock us and evil is ever present. Another fine addition to the Professor Croft series and I for one couldn't wait to see what was up for Croft, his family and side kicks in the quest to save the world and themselves. Highly recommended . I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book.
November 22, 2021
This picks up right after the last, and I loved every word. So many things going on for Croft in this story. Alec is back, and that means the Hermes tablet is too. So many things to figure out, so many potential problems, but does the shadow present affect Croft's decisions is a big question. I loved every second of this book. The last chapter is my absolute favorite, though. Everything is resolved, for this particular story, but there's definitely more that will be coming. I can't wait to see how Croft handles it, what Alec, Ricki, and and especially Tabitha are going to be doing, too! Loved the world, the characters, the story arc continuation, and the plot for this story. Such a great series!
November 22, 2021
The fallout from discovering the Shadow present and the Hermes tablet continue to change Everson's life in unforeseen ways, but that is just one of the many situations he has to deal with at a rapid fire pace in the tenth Prof Croft volume. The characters continue to evolve and relationships deepen as his family, both blood and found, grows larger and he leans on others to solve the expanding god-sized problems constantly thrown his direction. The story has really hit a fast-paced stride seeding another massive confrontation in the future while allowing Croft and friends to continue doing the hard work of saving the city and its people from its magic underbelly full of rats, gods, and mysterious disappearances.
December 8, 2021
Another Everson Croft hit!
I love this series. Everson Croft has gone from wizard nerd to wizard hero. He has a family and friends and his magic wielding cane plus his potions rock the supernatural world. This book continues Ever son's involvement in the Shadow World. A parallel to our world but much more dark and dangerous. Trying to help friends there, solve disappearances here, and negotiate his ever more complex family life including Tabitha his diva succubus cat...well Everson has a full plate. Really well paced, great characters and first rate creativity make Brad Magnarella one of my favorite authors. Take a chance on this series. You are going to love it.
I love this series. Everson Croft has gone from wizard nerd to wizard hero. He has a family and friends and his magic wielding cane plus his potions rock the supernatural world. This book continues Ever son's involvement in the Shadow World. A parallel to our world but much more dark and dangerous. Trying to help friends there, solve disappearances here, and negotiate his ever more complex family life including Tabitha his diva succubus cat...well Everson has a full plate. Really well paced, great characters and first rate creativity make Brad Magnarella one of my favorite authors. Take a chance on this series. You are going to love it.
April 14, 2022
An excellent addition to the Prof Croft series. It is the 10th book in the series, and the second book in the quadrilogy that introduces Croft's teenage son from the shadow present. The story has flashbacks, alternate realities, characters and their shadow present counterpoint. And, of course, tons of action, great snark, perfect proofing and editing. Best of all, even though there are two more books to go in this quadrilogy, there is no cliffhanger ending. Yes, it is obvious that this plotline will continue, yet the specific issues of this novel have reached a conclusion, albeit a short-lived one.
Great read!
Great read!
November 24, 2021
Just like finding your favourite winter coat as the weather is turning cold, starting this
book was comfortingly familiar and welcome. Characters we know and love, and a few new
ones to learn about.
Everson has taken on an apprentice, one eager to learn and in need of guidance. As always
when one teaches, it hones his own skills too, and he's going to need them.
As is often the case, Croft must save his beloved city.
Beautifully fast-paced (but not overly racing), wonderfully descriptive and a totally immersive
story.
Bring on book 11 please.
book was comfortingly familiar and welcome. Characters we know and love, and a few new
ones to learn about.
Everson has taken on an apprentice, one eager to learn and in need of guidance. As always
when one teaches, it hones his own skills too, and he's going to need them.
As is often the case, Croft must save his beloved city.
Beautifully fast-paced (but not overly racing), wonderfully descriptive and a totally immersive
story.
Bring on book 11 please.
November 26, 2021
Book 10, Shadow Deep, is the sequel to Professor Croft's new life challenges which began in book 9, Shadow Duel. Brad Magnarella has written an engaging story with multiple plots that keep you guessing, who, what, when and where to the very end. Brad, as usual, has given a lot of attention to his characters, making sure that every one of them are fleshed out and strong in their own characteristics, but they are never over-the-top in their peculiarities.
Shadow Deep is at the top of my list of favorite stories in the Prof Croft series.
Shadow Deep is at the top of my list of favorite stories in the Prof Croft series.
December 5, 2021
Great entry to the series!
Professor Croft is back again, and with a really interesting new story. The shadow world is a stark contrast to our reality, and makes for some really inventive and engaging scenes. The growth of the characters is great to see. Definitely recommend, but would suggest reading in order- there is a lot of world building and character development that happens through the series.
Professor Croft is back again, and with a really interesting new story. The shadow world is a stark contrast to our reality, and makes for some really inventive and engaging scenes. The growth of the characters is great to see. Definitely recommend, but would suggest reading in order- there is a lot of world building and character development that happens through the series.
March 24, 2022
CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER. EVERSON CROFT IS THE BEST!!!
Like the old Timex commercial (is anyone that old besides me?), Croft takes 'a lickin' and keeps on tick in' ' Croft has grown in strength in his power and relationships. The research for the entities is still amazing. The ethos of the CROFTVERSE is so rewarding. Everson , working two worlds now, with a maturing teen partner/god vessel is going to be worth waiting to read Magnarella' next gift. Thank you! Brad
Like the old Timex commercial (is anyone that old besides me?), Croft takes 'a lickin' and keeps on tick in' ' Croft has grown in strength in his power and relationships. The research for the entities is still amazing. The ethos of the CROFTVERSE is so rewarding. Everson , working two worlds now, with a maturing teen partner/god vessel is going to be worth waiting to read Magnarella' next gift. Thank you! Brad
November 23, 2021
Our good Professor now has a new student to teach, in magic no less, and this student is just full of surprises. We revisit the shadow realm where much of the story and action takes place and which offers an interesting alternate take on many familiar series characters and settings. An excellent addition to the Professor Croft series!
December 7, 2021
Love Professor Croft !!!
I'm loving this tangled web that is Everson Croft!! I miss not getting more of Rickie but it's fun that Everson finally had someone to believe in him. Bringing on Alec is really cool and the turns this one took were a lot of fun. Can't wait for the next one!!
I'm loving this tangled web that is Everson Croft!! I miss not getting more of Rickie but it's fun that Everson finally had someone to believe in him. Bringing on Alec is really cool and the turns this one took were a lot of fun. Can't wait for the next one!!
December 11, 2021
Another great read from Bran Magnarella. Professor Croft gets better and better. Darker, grittier, but still sweet and loving moments. I am concerned with Tabitha. She's gonna get diabetes or worse if he doesn't get her on a diet and exercise program! The twists and turns of this story arc kept me on the edge of my seat. Can't wait until the next one!
February 6, 2022
Exploring the Shadow Present
Shadow Deep by Brad Magnarella continues Professor Croft’s excursion into the Shadow Present. The usual characters are shadows of themselves in this alternative dimension. Of course this doubles the danger, his enemies, the mysteries to be solved and reduces his timeframes as Everson learns to control his shifting magic in another dimension. This book is definitely worth reading if you’re already invested in these characters.
Shadow Deep by Brad Magnarella continues Professor Croft’s excursion into the Shadow Present. The usual characters are shadows of themselves in this alternative dimension. Of course this doubles the danger, his enemies, the mysteries to be solved and reduces his timeframes as Everson learns to control his shifting magic in another dimension. This book is definitely worth reading if you’re already invested in these characters.
March 11, 2022
Not the best.. *spoiler*
I love Prof Croft. I lie that these books still stay pretty close to what he is and what he does vs going on some tangent...mostly. I had an omg eye roll moment when he became Iron Man. Totally not needed and kind of made that part of the book silly.
My question is ...the shadow present real or does the shadow past think they are real?
I love Prof Croft. I lie that these books still stay pretty close to what he is and what he does vs going on some tangent...mostly. I had an omg eye roll moment when he became Iron Man. Totally not needed and kind of made that part of the book silly.
My question is ...the shadow present real or does the shadow past think they are real?
November 22, 2022
The best of the series
In this episode Magnarella has become a stor
y teller equal to his stories. No more passages that sound like a kid reading the dungeon master's lines. Dialogue and depth of emotion all fill in what I felt was missing. Now I'm REALLY looking forward to the next episode!
In this episode Magnarella has become a stor
y teller equal to his stories. No more passages that sound like a kid reading the dungeon master's lines. Dialogue and depth of emotion all fill in what I felt was missing. Now I'm REALLY looking forward to the next episode!
January 16, 2024
Ancient beings awakening
The shadow universe has us in it's grip as the author shows us an eerie parallel world. Without magic, life is much darker here & sometimes it's only your wits keeping you alive. Chaos magic is quickening & the struggles in the shadow world are seeping into the light.
The shadow universe has us in it's grip as the author shows us an eerie parallel world. Without magic, life is much darker here & sometimes it's only your wits keeping you alive. Chaos magic is quickening & the struggles in the shadow world are seeping into the light.
November 23, 2021
Another exciting addition to the Prof Croft series!! Once again, Brad Magnarella brings us a fantastic book, complete with action and adventure!! This is a great series and I can't wait for the next book!!
November 26, 2021
I really enjoyed this installment. I think the shadow realm as a whole is pretty interesting. I like the two different versions of Vega. I also can’t wait to see how much hold Hermes has. Jack is an interesting character. There’s so many unanswered questions.
December 8, 2021
Brad Magnarella has grown tremendously as an author, this book is great.
Tight storylines drawing from the series, easy world building that remembers its own rules and a neat plug for a centurion tie in.
I hear they destroy monsters, and that its a good time to invest in their stock.
Tight storylines drawing from the series, easy world building that remembers its own rules and a neat plug for a centurion tie in.
I hear they destroy monsters, and that its a good time to invest in their stock.
December 21, 2021
10th book in the series that keeps getting better.
I love this series. Great characters, action, magic, monsters, what more could I want? Read this series, and checkout Brad Magnarellas Blue Wolf series as well.
I love this series. Great characters, action, magic, monsters, what more could I want? Read this series, and checkout Brad Magnarellas Blue Wolf series as well.
October 22, 2022
Keep getting better
I have read all to this point. I have read hundreds of this genre and enjoyed this. It was fun seeing both the characters and the author really develop as the series progressed. Would recommend and I don't review many.
I have read all to this point. I have read hundreds of this genre and enjoyed this. It was fun seeing both the characters and the author really develop as the series progressed. Would recommend and I don't review many.
May 5, 2024
Very good read.
I was looking for something akin to The Dresden books and just like my encounter with Butchers writing kept wanting for more I find myself feeling the same with Magnarella's writing.
I was looking for something akin to The Dresden books and just like my encounter with Butchers writing kept wanting for more I find myself feeling the same with Magnarella's writing.
July 12, 2025
Another Winner
This book goes further into the story that explains more of the Hermes box that Alec, Craft's puedo son from the Shadow Realm. Croft also has straddle two realities in hopes to finding what ties the two together. A good read.
This book goes further into the story that explains more of the Hermes box that Alec, Craft's puedo son from the Shadow Realm. Croft also has straddle two realities in hopes to finding what ties the two together. A good read.
July 22, 2025
Good Read
This was a good read. It’s nice to see when an author can introduce a wife to an action hero where the action hero doesn’t turn into a blazing idiot. Fantastic blend of husband and wife teamwork.
This was a good read. It’s nice to see when an author can introduce a wife to an action hero where the action hero doesn’t turn into a blazing idiot. Fantastic blend of husband and wife teamwork.
November 22, 2021
Excellent as always picks up right after the last book couldn't put it down
November 27, 2021
A fun Professor Croft book. As his life evolves I am looking forward to stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews