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The Shadow Watch #1-4
The Shadow Watch Saga
Dive into the complete saga. Over 1800 pages of epic fantasy!
The world was once ruled by magic and monsters, but after a cataclysmic war, the chancellors of old eradicated these curses and ushered in a New World. One where sorcerers are hunted, and lowborns are sent to their deaths fighting the wars of nobles.
In this world, a young slave reveals magical power before an empire. This revelation may be enough to spark a revolution, if Tori can escape the magic hunters pursuing her.
An idealistic soldier fights to maintain his soul in the infamous Night Legions, but as Darien begins to show promise, the lure of power threatens to turn him into the type of monster he once despised.
And a lordling rebel with a dark past journeys to a turbulent nation in search of a mythic weapon. Kale is soon thrust into a game of power that could upend the world.
As sorcerers rise and monsters rage, the fate of all hangs in the balance.
Will magic save the world, or bring it to ruin?
The world was once ruled by magic and monsters, but after a cataclysmic war, the chancellors of old eradicated these curses and ushered in a New World. One where sorcerers are hunted, and lowborns are sent to their deaths fighting the wars of nobles.
In this world, a young slave reveals magical power before an empire. This revelation may be enough to spark a revolution, if Tori can escape the magic hunters pursuing her.
An idealistic soldier fights to maintain his soul in the infamous Night Legions, but as Darien begins to show promise, the lure of power threatens to turn him into the type of monster he once despised.
And a lordling rebel with a dark past journeys to a turbulent nation in search of a mythic weapon. Kale is soon thrust into a game of power that could upend the world.
As sorcerers rise and monsters rage, the fate of all hangs in the balance.
Will magic save the world, or bring it to ruin?
- GenresFantasy
1875 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2022
855 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
S.A. Klopfenstein
14 books127 followersChildren of the Gods out Sept. 30.
Author of the Shadow Watch Saga, and the Rogue System trilogy.
Author of the Shadow Watch Saga, and the Rogue System trilogy.
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 7, 2023
Twists and turns and world building
Klopfenstein weaves a brilliant tapestry in this epic series. Twists and turns keep you on your toes as you follow Tori and friends through betrayal, friendship, hardship, sorrow, love, loss, and life on an every changing world.
Klopfenstein weaves a brilliant tapestry in this epic series. Twists and turns keep you on your toes as you follow Tori and friends through betrayal, friendship, hardship, sorrow, love, loss, and life on an every changing world.
August 29, 2025
engaging story
These books are well thought out with complex societies and characters. I had a hard time putting them down! Entertaining and engaging, wish there was more.
These books are well thought out with complex societies and characters. I had a hard time putting them down! Entertaining and engaging, wish there was more.
August 17, 2022
A truly well written adventure
The author did a extraordinary job in created this world with believable characters. You have epic battles and mythic creatures. This was a totally believable world that was created. This epic fantasy would not disappoint. Very well done and the pace of the series will keep you enthralled. Very hard to put down. Thank you very much for such a incredible reading adventure
The author did a extraordinary job in created this world with believable characters. You have epic battles and mythic creatures. This was a totally believable world that was created. This epic fantasy would not disappoint. Very well done and the pace of the series will keep you enthralled. Very hard to put down. Thank you very much for such a incredible reading adventure
January 16, 2023
AWESOME!!
Long, but worth every minute. Tori, Misha, Alec, Darien and the rest of the watchers are challenged with their friendships, betrayals and love lives coupled with protecting their people form overbearing rulers. I read/ listened to the whole series and recommend it to those who love fantasy and coming of age books.
Long, but worth every minute. Tori, Misha, Alec, Darien and the rest of the watchers are challenged with their friendships, betrayals and love lives coupled with protecting their people form overbearing rulers. I read/ listened to the whole series and recommend it to those who love fantasy and coming of age books.
February 13, 2023
A journey full of chaos and love!
A fantasy series that hasn't been told before
New characters some with magic, some without
Good, Evil..It's all here ..so take off your shoes,
Relax and take a journey...your going to love!
A fantasy series that hasn't been told before
New characters some with magic, some without
Good, Evil..It's all here ..so take off your shoes,
Relax and take a journey...your going to love!
September 25, 2023
Amazing!
Loved all the books. Twists,turns,surprises on every page. It kept me hanging on for more until the end. Well written, amazing story. Riveting.
Loved all the books. Twists,turns,surprises on every page. It kept me hanging on for more until the end. Well written, amazing story. Riveting.
April 11, 2025
The Shadow Watch Saga was a solid and enjoyable read. It kept me entertained and definitely helped pass the time. The world-building was engaging, and the magical elements were fun to explore. It wasn’t a story that left me emotionally overwhelmed, but it was definitely an enjoyable experience. As I got closer to the end, I did find myself slowing down a bit, trying to stretch out the enjoyment since I didn’t want it to be over too quickly.
The main character was interesting, though I questioned some of her decisions. For example, her trust in a certain ally, even with the clear signs of deceit, made me wonder if I would’ve acted the same way. There were also moments when her impulsive actions felt risky, like when she faced a dangerous enemy without a solid plan. At those points, I thought I would’ve approached the situation differently. It got me thinking—was it just because of my personal perspective, or was it because of my gender that I saw things in a different way? Would I have made the same choices if I were in her shoes?
The pacing wasn’t always smooth. I did get bored at times and had to take breaks, but I was determined to finish it, and by the end, it didn’t disappoint. The story did what it set out to do—provide an entertaining fantasy read that didn’t require too much emotional investment but still managed to hold my attention.
The main character was interesting, though I questioned some of her decisions. For example, her trust in a certain ally, even with the clear signs of deceit, made me wonder if I would’ve acted the same way. There were also moments when her impulsive actions felt risky, like when she faced a dangerous enemy without a solid plan. At those points, I thought I would’ve approached the situation differently. It got me thinking—was it just because of my personal perspective, or was it because of my gender that I saw things in a different way? Would I have made the same choices if I were in her shoes?
The pacing wasn’t always smooth. I did get bored at times and had to take breaks, but I was determined to finish it, and by the end, it didn’t disappoint. The story did what it set out to do—provide an entertaining fantasy read that didn’t require too much emotional investment but still managed to hold my attention.
May 10, 2024
Heartless.
I started reading with high hopes, but it became too dark for me, this hopelessness that is too much at the moment a siren song of life that we are now living with greed and the power hungry, raping the world for their own benefit. I read to escape that world, there is no relief, no thread of hope to it. With no joy to be found, why torture myself and continue reading. Sorry, the real world is miserable enough, I want some good, not more misery heaped on misery. It may have ended with maybe a win, but not enough of one to persevere with the angst. Could not be bothered to read it. Wouldn't recommend it I'm close enough to despairing thankyou.😢
I started reading with high hopes, but it became too dark for me, this hopelessness that is too much at the moment a siren song of life that we are now living with greed and the power hungry, raping the world for their own benefit. I read to escape that world, there is no relief, no thread of hope to it. With no joy to be found, why torture myself and continue reading. Sorry, the real world is miserable enough, I want some good, not more misery heaped on misery. It may have ended with maybe a win, but not enough of one to persevere with the angst. Could not be bothered to read it. Wouldn't recommend it I'm close enough to despairing thankyou.😢
July 19, 2025
A well done version of young adult fantasy. The trope of the "chosen one" is getting tiresome, but it is done well in these books, as the main hero has a bit more spice to her. Still, I founf the ending the of last book a bit rushed. The characters were quite ok, and the story was not boring, but it lacks a bit of flare - I think the depth of the chacters could have been better explored and thus the story would have had a better impact on me as a reader. It's a 3.7 for me
December 19, 2025
for a first time, author… This was fantastic!
It is really very difficult to describe this four book series. It is difficult to believe this was the authors first series. The depth of the characters and the relationships and the world is a whole we fully described. You kept wondering throughout all four books who is right and who is wrong. This book is amongst the best I’ve ever read. I think you’ll enjoy it so give it a spin.
It is really very difficult to describe this four book series. It is difficult to believe this was the authors first series. The depth of the characters and the relationships and the world is a whole we fully described. You kept wondering throughout all four books who is right and who is wrong. This book is amongst the best I’ve ever read. I think you’ll enjoy it so give it a spin.
May 19, 2024
Absolutely Brilliant
I have enjoyed the 4 books in the Shadow Watch series. What a journey, Astoria had with her band of misfit friends! The adventures reminded me of Bilbo Baggins 's journey through Middle Earth!
I have enjoyed the 4 books in the Shadow Watch series. What a journey, Astoria had with her band of misfit friends! The adventures reminded me of Bilbo Baggins 's journey through Middle Earth!
June 19, 2024
Wonderful new worlds to explore
The main characters are well written , multi faceted, & believable. The lands and worlds are described in intricate detail. A truly enjoyable reading experience.
The main characters are well written , multi faceted, & believable. The lands and worlds are described in intricate detail. A truly enjoyable reading experience.
May 7, 2025
A Great Series
I truly enjoyed this series. I'm hoping you are not done with it and will have more stories created from it. I would love to see if Tori and Alyk are reunited. And how everyone else move on with their new lives.
I truly enjoyed this series. I'm hoping you are not done with it and will have more stories created from it. I would love to see if Tori and Alyk are reunited. And how everyone else move on with their new lives.
June 23, 2025
If you read any fantasy series this year...read this one. It's one of the most complex sagas I have ever read...but let me caution you. If you are looking for a clear good guy/bad guy story, this isn't it; here are so many facets and complexities hat it's impossibly to categorize this series.
November 13, 2025
A very good read
I Simply the most enthralling tale of magic and humanity I have ever read. A super plot with many twists and turns and a surprising ending. Read this book it is well worth your time and commitment.
I Simply the most enthralling tale of magic and humanity I have ever read. A super plot with many twists and turns and a surprising ending. Read this book it is well worth your time and commitment.
November 23, 2025
Over 30 characters to try and track
A jumbled mess. Kept repeating the same thoughts and it seems everyone is a traitor to their so called allies. Didn't even get half way through it was so bad.
A jumbled mess. Kept repeating the same thoughts and it seems everyone is a traitor to their so called allies. Didn't even get half way through it was so bad.
May 18, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed the series.
June 26, 2025
What a ride
Incredible story, full of characters that have good and bad, trials, failures and successes. It's a story that is faithful to its characters and riveting.
Incredible story, full of characters that have good and bad, trials, failures and successes. It's a story that is faithful to its characters and riveting.
July 11, 2025
Disappointed
With 4 books to create a lasting story; it was more like rinse & repeat with each book. The ending was depressing.
With 4 books to create a lasting story; it was more like rinse & repeat with each book. The ending was depressing.
August 13, 2025
The 4 linked stories flowed from start to finish. There were several times the action would speed up in each volume to keep my interest not to put the books down
September 29, 2025
First book was a thrill. Following books were good and not the direction I thought it would go. Not my fav series ever but decent
December 1, 2022
This was okay. The concept of the world was interesting, and on the whole it was an enjoyable read with some slow patches. I had some issues with the characters and how they were presented. While there was obviously an attempt to make the characters fallible and complex, the execution could have been better. A lot of the plot hinges around people betraying each other to the point that it becomes predictable and also tiring. This is not enough to make the books unenjoyable, but it does dull what would have been an enjoyable read otherwise. Others might find this type of thing their cup of tea, but it just felt a little too contrived for my tastes. Having said that, I would recommend the books for those who like epic fantasy and are waiting for their favorite series to come out with the newest book. It should tide you over until your next book comes out.
October 6, 2022
mostly good
I really liked the setting of the story. Myth, magic and mayhem. There’s plenty of evil people and monsters and it really seems like the world could just end with the death of everything. I liked the MC and the main villains, especially Cyrus who is a terrifying mix of evil, ambition and power. I wish I better understood how his persuasion magic works. I didn’t really like the Darien character. He goes from a nice and dumb farm slave to some brutal mind washed mastermind because of the persuasion magic? He’s both too capable and too stupid and doesn’t really make sense. I certainly had no sympathy for him by the end of Book 1 and from then on, I just found him boring.
I really liked the setting of the story. Myth, magic and mayhem. There’s plenty of evil people and monsters and it really seems like the world could just end with the death of everything. I liked the MC and the main villains, especially Cyrus who is a terrifying mix of evil, ambition and power. I wish I better understood how his persuasion magic works. I didn’t really like the Darien character. He goes from a nice and dumb farm slave to some brutal mind washed mastermind because of the persuasion magic? He’s both too capable and too stupid and doesn’t really make sense. I certainly had no sympathy for him by the end of Book 1 and from then on, I just found him boring.
November 24, 2022
Power and struggle trying to compromise.
An epic read! The Righteousness, the Wronged, the Meek and the Powerful all wrapped into so many twists and turns. This was a very hard saga to take a break from!
An epic read! The Righteousness, the Wronged, the Meek and the Powerful all wrapped into so many twists and turns. This was a very hard saga to take a break from!
April 10, 2023
A very developed story
I just feel I to this series and enjoyed many a sleepless night with this story. The ideas and character development was very interesting to me and I believe if given a chance I believe you'll find the same!!
I just feel I to this series and enjoyed many a sleepless night with this story. The ideas and character development was very interesting to me and I believe if given a chance I believe you'll find the same!!
December 1, 2023
The Shadow Watch Saga
Excellent storyline. I couldn't put these books down.
The books were emotional and adventurous. Never knew what was going to happen next.
Loved these and would highly recommend them.
Excellent storyline. I couldn't put these books down.
The books were emotional and adventurous. Never knew what was going to happen next.
Loved these and would highly recommend them.
July 10, 2022
A great story
Loved all the adventures,the characters,the story and the plot.
Right from the beginning I was transported to great worlds, great characters and adventures
Loved all the adventures,the characters,the story and the plot.
Right from the beginning I was transported to great worlds, great characters and adventures
February 7, 2023
Interesting read, some slow spots, but not too bad
March 17, 2023
Brilliant, the story had everything I love magic monsters, good and evil, I felt sad when Tori has to go off on her own
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2023
dnf, seemed rushed and I just couldn't get into it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews