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Harker and Blackthorn #8
The Shadow and the Soul
Harvest, noun
1) The process or period of gathering, usually crops.
2) See also ‘offering’.
Bruised in more ways than one after Harker & Blackthorn’s most recent misadventure, Amy is restless and frustrated with unasked, unanswered questions. A call for help from a housing developer in Northumberland could be just the diversion she needs – especially since it includes mysterious reports of a giant lizard-like creature.
Rebekah laughs off the suggestion that they might have found a true dragon. Nothing is more biologically improbable. But even she has to admit there’s something odd going on.
The picturesque town of Briarley is too perfect, too prosperous. Instead of encountering the small town clannishness she expects, Amy finds herself enthusiastically welcomed by the Local Council. And Steve is definitely acting strange.
Could the town’s perfect exterior conceal a dark and malevolent heart?
As tensions boil within Harker & Blackthorn and further acts of increasingly nasty sabotage occur, Amy is forced to confront a truth she has been running from. Only facing her fears can avert the coming disaster. If it’s not already too late.
If there’s one thing a physicist can spot, it’s a pattern. The Petty Harvest draws near -will everything end in fire and blood?
The Shadow & the Soul is the eighth book in the gripping Harker & Blackthorn series. If you like snarky heroines, thrilling mysteries, shadowy scientific organisations and enigmatic creatures, you may enjoy this kickass urban fantasy adventure series.
1) The process or period of gathering, usually crops.
2) See also ‘offering’.
Bruised in more ways than one after Harker & Blackthorn’s most recent misadventure, Amy is restless and frustrated with unasked, unanswered questions. A call for help from a housing developer in Northumberland could be just the diversion she needs – especially since it includes mysterious reports of a giant lizard-like creature.
Rebekah laughs off the suggestion that they might have found a true dragon. Nothing is more biologically improbable. But even she has to admit there’s something odd going on.
The picturesque town of Briarley is too perfect, too prosperous. Instead of encountering the small town clannishness she expects, Amy finds herself enthusiastically welcomed by the Local Council. And Steve is definitely acting strange.
Could the town’s perfect exterior conceal a dark and malevolent heart?
As tensions boil within Harker & Blackthorn and further acts of increasingly nasty sabotage occur, Amy is forced to confront a truth she has been running from. Only facing her fears can avert the coming disaster. If it’s not already too late.
If there’s one thing a physicist can spot, it’s a pattern. The Petty Harvest draws near -will everything end in fire and blood?
The Shadow & the Soul is the eighth book in the gripping Harker & Blackthorn series. If you like snarky heroines, thrilling mysteries, shadowy scientific organisations and enigmatic creatures, you may enjoy this kickass urban fantasy adventure series.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2022
5 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Ironside
59 books355 followersUrban fantasy and historical fiction author J.A. Ironside masquerades by day as member of the county library service, which strangely enough has less to do with books than you would think.
Jules grew up in Dorset in a house full of books, which probably explains a lot about how her mind works. You might think that folklore, fringe science, history, physics, magic and supernatural mystery wouldn’t go all that well together, but she’s hell bent on proving they do. Her urban fantasy series Harker & Blackthorn is now ten books long and counting. It features a sentient museum because someone needs to keep track of what’s going on. Unveiled – another UF series set in the same universe – is now complete.
Jules is also determined to show that historical fiction can be both factually correct and funny. The King’s Knight series is set during the tumultuous reign of Richard II, while the sweeping Oath and Crown Duology – co-authored with Matthew Willis – follows the events leading up to and around the Battle of Hastings.
When pried her away from her books, Jules enthusiastically engages in martial arts and playing the piano, although never at the same time. At least not yet. She lives on the edge of the Cotswold way with her boyfriend creature and two hell’s kittens. Find out more at www.jaironside.com
Jules grew up in Dorset in a house full of books, which probably explains a lot about how her mind works. You might think that folklore, fringe science, history, physics, magic and supernatural mystery wouldn’t go all that well together, but she’s hell bent on proving they do. Her urban fantasy series Harker & Blackthorn is now ten books long and counting. It features a sentient museum because someone needs to keep track of what’s going on. Unveiled – another UF series set in the same universe – is now complete.
Jules is also determined to show that historical fiction can be both factually correct and funny. The King’s Knight series is set during the tumultuous reign of Richard II, while the sweeping Oath and Crown Duology – co-authored with Matthew Willis – follows the events leading up to and around the Battle of Hastings.
When pried her away from her books, Jules enthusiastically engages in martial arts and playing the piano, although never at the same time. At least not yet. She lives on the edge of the Cotswold way with her boyfriend creature and two hell’s kittens. Find out more at www.jaironside.com
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 30, 2022
I found this series late and it’s fast becoming a huge favorite of mine. I can honestly say I read the first two books as arcs and quickly requested the entire series. I admit I jumped straight to this one to help promote the series and it worked well for me. To be honest despite knowing I’ve missed backstory all it does is invest me more to return to my place at book three to catch up on what I’ve missed. I love Harker & Blackthorn series and the Angle of fringe science. This is such a cool Angie and the books are fresh original and hard to put down. I highly recommend this series!
June 19, 2022
This one lived up to my expectations! I’ve been not-so-patiently waiting for a new Harker&Blackthorn adventure after reading the previous ones basically back-to-back. I stayed up til 2am finishing the book… and then woke up sad that I had finished it. The crew is on a mission to find an unknown creature that might just be a dragon and friendships are in the process of evolving. The entire book was satisfying, and I’m ready for the next one!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 30, 2023
Eerie and sinister under a shining sun full of harvest and bounty is the vibe here and channels every good horror out there. Amy, Steve and Rebekah have their group dynamic boiling to a head and every bit of strained relationship is stretched with the heightened tension of magic permeating the air in this perfect seeming village. Oh and Evergreen? Always there rumbling in the background. I did get slightly cross with our adventurous trio, miscommunications, secrets and strangling along abound here but thanks in part to the surprise presence of Eddie and Meghan, Amy starts to see more clearly and sees her way out. I won't spoil this but to say that this was the at the same the most frustrating and satisfying book so far would be an understatement. As ever this series is truly excellent and now a firm favourite of mine.
July 6, 2022
Amazing!
It’s a dragon! The cryptid is a dragon and I’m so happy. Loved it. Nice to see all the characters getting on and working well as a team and Eddie maturing a bit.
Amy and Steve finally! I wasn’t sure at the beginning because she’s been slow at realising things but finally.
I also really liked the character of Stuart. I felt like his arc was very nicely done and unexpected.
Just a brilliant book. Can’t wait for the next one!
It’s a dragon! The cryptid is a dragon and I’m so happy. Loved it. Nice to see all the characters getting on and working well as a team and Eddie maturing a bit.
Amy and Steve finally! I wasn’t sure at the beginning because she’s been slow at realising things but finally.
I also really liked the character of Stuart. I felt like his arc was very nicely done and unexpected.
Just a brilliant book. Can’t wait for the next one!
July 4, 2022
Disclosure; I was provided with an advanced review copy of this book
One of the things which struck me about this book, is how J. A. Ironside is able to give each entry in the Harker & Blackthorn their own distinct feeling, and that after 8 main entries, that ability is showing no sign of wavering.
If you think "The Wicker Man" or "Hot Fuzz" you will have some idea of the vibe of this book. Not only has Ironside crafted another pair of effective villains, she makes the setting of the story itself feel like another antagonist. It's as oppressive as it is pleasant. As threatening as it is welcoming. Ironside manages to walk the line between the twin natures of the village perfectly. The same can be said for the balance between the mystery elements, the folklore, and the cryptozoology, though Irsonside has proven capable of juggling those elements many times over already.
As for the plot, Ironside once again gives us enough progress in this entry while keeping the focus on the story of the moment. As a writer, she really is very good at making her world feel fleshed out. It's clear by now that she has decided to give this series 15 books plus spin offs because the world she is making truly needs that much room to breathe.
Another solid entry in the series. Well worth picking up.
One of the things which struck me about this book, is how J. A. Ironside is able to give each entry in the Harker & Blackthorn their own distinct feeling, and that after 8 main entries, that ability is showing no sign of wavering.
If you think "The Wicker Man" or "Hot Fuzz" you will have some idea of the vibe of this book. Not only has Ironside crafted another pair of effective villains, she makes the setting of the story itself feel like another antagonist. It's as oppressive as it is pleasant. As threatening as it is welcoming. Ironside manages to walk the line between the twin natures of the village perfectly. The same can be said for the balance between the mystery elements, the folklore, and the cryptozoology, though Irsonside has proven capable of juggling those elements many times over already.
As for the plot, Ironside once again gives us enough progress in this entry while keeping the focus on the story of the moment. As a writer, she really is very good at making her world feel fleshed out. It's clear by now that she has decided to give this series 15 books plus spin offs because the world she is making truly needs that much room to breathe.
Another solid entry in the series. Well worth picking up.
June 25, 2022
I was looking forward to this new adventure and was not disappointed. The same likeable characters with new intresting villains. The plot as always is gripping with several twists to keep you guessing. I definitely recommend this book as part of the series or as a standalone read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
July 5, 2022
I probably say this with every new release but this is my favourite one yet. I really liked the cosy, idyllic village setting, as well as the folk traditions. This book had some great character development for Eddie and also for Amy. This one had a great ending too, and I enjoyed every second reading it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
July 30, 2022
This was fantastic, Ironside really nailed the eerie 'wicker man' vibe, it felt quite sinister even though everything was picture perfect.
Eddie had a great role in this book and the ending was a long time coming!
Really loved this book, can't wait for the next one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Eddie had a great role in this book and the ending was a long time coming!
Really loved this book, can't wait for the next one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 8, 2022
This is a brilliant take on the western dragon. There's a wonderful, dark old mood in this most folk horror book in the series so far. Briarley has a too-pleasant mask and a creepy face. The obsessive humans are far worse than the out-of-sight cryptid.
July 21, 2022
Every time a new book in the Harker & Blackthorne series comes out it immediately becomes my new favorite after reading. This series just keeps getting better & better!
and all I can say about this book is 'FINALLY!!!' :p
also after the goings on in this story, I'm REALLY looking forward to that Eddie/Steve short story!!!
+ yay, DRAGON!!!
(and the bad guy gets his in a very satisfying manner!)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
and all I can say about this book is 'FINALLY!!!' :p
also after the goings on in this story, I'm REALLY looking forward to that Eddie/Steve short story!!!
+ yay, DRAGON!!!
(and the bad guy gets his in a very satisfying manner!)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews