The Phantom Archer

The Phantom Archer #1

by Natalie Shaw, N.A. Shaw

“Fables and fairytales are for silly hearts and children...”
Gwendolyn’s mother always told her there was no such thing as monsters, but she was wrong. Monsters are very real and when Gwen’s friend is killed she finds herself on the run and hunted. She gains an unusual ally in a ghostly vigilante, the Phantom Archer. He offers her protection if, in return, she can help him solve his own mystery.

Genres: Fantasy

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2012

Reviews

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: The Phantom Archer
Author: N.A. Shaw

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 4/5

Of the 15 readers:
13 would read another book by this author.
12 thought the cover was good or excellent.
12 felt it was easy to follow.
13 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
12 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
13 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
“I liked that it was a mix of mystery and supernatural. I thought that worked well. I also liked Gwen as she’s an interesting character and seems sort of determined and strong-minded. A good adventure story.” Girl, aged 12
“I loved this book but, saying that, it’s very long, and I think teenagers might enjoy it the most. The story is complicated, but I enjoy a challenge.” Boy, aged 11
“This book is set in the past which is interesting. The plot is clever, and Gwen is a cool protagonist. The Phantom Archer is also cool. I thought this story was exciting with a good ending.” Girl, aged 12
“This is a clever mystery story. I enjoyed it. I thought the writing was very good as the author helped me to get to know the historical setting.” Boy, aged 11 – with a little help from his teacher
“A bit scary but I enjoy scary books, so that was good.” Girl, aged 10

To Sum It Up:
‘A cleverly plotted mystery/adventure packed full of twists and turns. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Marion Norindale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even remember how I found this book, but I’m glad I stumbled across it.

It was so quaint, charming, and adventurous. I was intrigued by the mysteries of both the creatures and the identity of the Phantom Archer.

I loved Gwen as a narrator. She’s so likable and relatable. She acts her age, but her actions always make sense. Even when she’s being impulsive, it doesn’t feel irritating. She’s the perfect balance of understandably fearful of her situation, yet determined to help the others out.

Gwen’s friends are also incredibly charming. I loved Katherine’s spunk, Will’s mischievous nature, and Sarah’s loyalty and care. Together, they make a great team.

I loved the Phantom (though I do have a disposition for a mysterious rogue who sweeps in to help at the last minute, so…). His mystery unraveled at just the right pace. His identity made perfect sense, and added a nice emotional layer to the story. (I didn’t necessarily guess who he was ahead of time; though I’m kind of hit-or-miss on whether or not I figure out a plot twist, so take that as you will.)

I got just enough of a taste of the magic to understand what was happening, but also to leave me wanting some answers.

Needless to say, I’ll definitely be picking up the next installment.

[Charlotte Gallagher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll be honest I found it hard to get into, not sure if it was my mood or the timing, but I found it a little slow but once it started boy did it have me hooked! if you read this I recommend sticking with it as the short story and the 2nd book which follow lead on and the overall plot is brilliant, it's super interesting 😀

[Stephen Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe this was the author’s debut! The story follows Gwen, on the run for allegedly murdering her best friend, who finds protection with the Phantom Archer. The prose is crisp, polished, and perfectly paced. The mystery wonderfully layered. The cast unforgettable—especially the Phantom Archer, my favorite new character in a long time.

Imagine Sleepy Hollow x The Princess Bride!

[Lee-Anne McAulay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so cleverly woven. Historical fantasy with elements of fairy tales and. mythology. It is fast paced and well written. I couldn't wait to get back to it for the next installment. It reminded me of the His Dark Materials books because the world was totally immersive and I was rooting for Gwen.

I will be moving on to the next in the series.