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Magic After Midlife #5
The Shade of Things
Miriam Feldman’s life has become Running Man with a side of Squid Game when she’d much prefer The Great British Bake Off.
When Miri partners up with her detective ex-husband on an off-the-books magical missing persons operation, she expects buddy cop adventures galore. Instead, she gets more than she bargained for, starting with a mouthy golem who’s forced onto the team. Their mission? Crash a secret—and deadly—competition targeting non-magic humans to rescue the young woman at the heart of their case.
So, a regular Thursday nowadays.
If that funhouse of horrors wasn’t enough, she still must fulfill her oath to a master vamp by locating the artifact bound up with her parents’ murders almost thirty years ago. He refuses to say why he wants it, but all signs point to “Danger Danger Will Robinson.”
All of that leaves no time in her schedule for sexy times with a certain wolf shifter. Which is probably just as well, seeing as he doesn’t know she’s been forced to keep secrets from him, too.
Laugh? Cry? Coffee!
The Shade of Things features a later in life romance, a heart-pounding mystery, and a magical midlife adventure.
When Miri partners up with her detective ex-husband on an off-the-books magical missing persons operation, she expects buddy cop adventures galore. Instead, she gets more than she bargained for, starting with a mouthy golem who’s forced onto the team. Their mission? Crash a secret—and deadly—competition targeting non-magic humans to rescue the young woman at the heart of their case.
So, a regular Thursday nowadays.
If that funhouse of horrors wasn’t enough, she still must fulfill her oath to a master vamp by locating the artifact bound up with her parents’ murders almost thirty years ago. He refuses to say why he wants it, but all signs point to “Danger Danger Will Robinson.”
All of that leaves no time in her schedule for sexy times with a certain wolf shifter. Which is probably just as well, seeing as he doesn’t know she’s been forced to keep secrets from him, too.
Laugh? Cry? Coffee!
The Shade of Things features a later in life romance, a heart-pounding mystery, and a magical midlife adventure.
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2022
275 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Wilde
42 books1,054 followersDeborah Wilde is a global wanderer and hopeless romantic. After twelve years as a screenwriter, she was also a total cynic with a broken edit button, so, she jumped ship, started writing funny, sexy, urban fantasy and paranormal women’s fiction books, and never looked back.
She loves writing smart, flawed, wisecracking women who can solve a mystery, kick supernatural butt, banter with hot men, and still make time for their best female friend, because those were the women she grew up around and admired. Granted, her grandmother never had to kill a demon at her weekly friend lunches, but Deborah is pretty sure she could have.
she/her
Smart (ass) heroines. Epic magic. Red-hot romance.
She loves writing smart, flawed, wisecracking women who can solve a mystery, kick supernatural butt, banter with hot men, and still make time for their best female friend, because those were the women she grew up around and admired. Granted, her grandmother never had to kill a demon at her weekly friend lunches, but Deborah is pretty sure she could have.
she/her
Smart (ass) heroines. Epic magic. Red-hot romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 7, 2022
I absolutely adore this series and eagerly look forward to each book and this latest addition is every bit as awesome as the rest and I was so happy to jump right back on this rollercoaster! This ladies life just keeps getting crazier and crazier with more twists and turns, secrets, shocks and a whole lotta fun then throw in the ex husband and a case of a missing person, a golem and a sexy werewolf and this fast paced read will grab you hook, line and sinker and you will not want it to end! Wowzer!
March 6, 2022
It’s always a wild ride with Miri! It gets even better when you add an ex husband, a golem, and a moody werewolf. Miri teams up with Eli to find a missing woman. Fast paced and fun till the very end. Oh, and some shockers too boot! Don’t miss this one!
March 14, 2022
3.5*
The fifth book in the series, and we're not done yet!! :D
Worldbuilding:
We pretty much continue where we left off in book 4, though it took me a short while to get back into the story and get my bearings. Again, scenes and environments were well described and clear enough for total immersion.
Character development:
Miri hates not knowing everything, and keeping things from her is the worst. So it's pretty safe to say she's majorly conflicted about keeping the Ascendant a secret from both Laurent and Tatiana. Zev's protection of her home and family is too important, however.
In this instalment, she really goes deep into her conscience; how far is she willing to go.
Laurent is his usual brooding and mysterious self :) Nothing new there, but he is hiding something that could have something to do with Miri's quest, bringing tension to a fragile relationship(?).
Pacing and flow:
The book starts with a bang! We get thrown into the special mission that Miri and Eli go on, and it doesn't stop. Of course, there were moments where we could catch our breath, but overall? Nope, a wild ride till the end :D And, as always, great balance between all the conversation and the action!
The book:
The book was well written with no (noticeable) errors. There is sex described (if that is important to you).
It has 332 pages, spread over 29 chapters and is told from Miri's point of view.
Final thoughts:
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book, and all in all, I liked it! It had so many twists and turns I didn't know who or what to believe anymore! That said, it felt a bit too drawn out, so I would say that I liked the previous instalment better. However, I'm really looking forward to book 6 (I think it's the final book), where all the puzzle pieces will come together!
The fifth book in the series, and we're not done yet!! :D
Worldbuilding:
We pretty much continue where we left off in book 4, though it took me a short while to get back into the story and get my bearings. Again, scenes and environments were well described and clear enough for total immersion.
Character development:
Miri hates not knowing everything, and keeping things from her is the worst. So it's pretty safe to say she's majorly conflicted about keeping the Ascendant a secret from both Laurent and Tatiana. Zev's protection of her home and family is too important, however.
In this instalment, she really goes deep into her conscience; how far is she willing to go.
Laurent is his usual brooding and mysterious self :) Nothing new there, but he is hiding something that could have something to do with Miri's quest, bringing tension to a fragile relationship(?).
Pacing and flow:
The book starts with a bang! We get thrown into the special mission that Miri and Eli go on, and it doesn't stop. Of course, there were moments where we could catch our breath, but overall? Nope, a wild ride till the end :D And, as always, great balance between all the conversation and the action!
The book:
The book was well written with no (noticeable) errors. There is sex described (if that is important to you).
It has 332 pages, spread over 29 chapters and is told from Miri's point of view.
Final thoughts:
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book, and all in all, I liked it! It had so many twists and turns I didn't know who or what to believe anymore! That said, it felt a bit too drawn out, so I would say that I liked the previous instalment better. However, I'm really looking forward to book 6 (I think it's the final book), where all the puzzle pieces will come together!
March 25, 2022
Just keeps getting better and better! ♥️
Wow, another amazing ride on the Miri-goround! More action, laughs, tears and twists and turns galore 😄 Although Miri’s still having to act and react on the spur of the moment, she’s settled into her magic now and seems to be dealing better with the mayhem her new life constantly throws her way - until it throws some emotional shocks in the mix by way of betrayals, manipulations and unexpected discoveries. . . We learn more about several characters backstories, get more answers to questions and see how things are starting to come together and connect re the continuing overall storyline - but that then leads to more questions! - whilst at the same time the storyline in this book is wrapped up nicely by the end of the book. I’m sure I’ve said before in reviews on the other books in this series, but I love Miri’s insights and depths of awareness re both herself and those around her - such superb writing again; I’m loving, living and feeling every moment along with my bestie Miri (sorry Jude, you’ll have to share bestie status now!) For me this is the perfect blend of urban fantasy and pwf/pnr, just Fabulous! 😄 Oh and the developments in Mitzi’s romance with Laurent? Yessssss! 😁
Wow, another amazing ride on the Miri-goround! More action, laughs, tears and twists and turns galore 😄 Although Miri’s still having to act and react on the spur of the moment, she’s settled into her magic now and seems to be dealing better with the mayhem her new life constantly throws her way - until it throws some emotional shocks in the mix by way of betrayals, manipulations and unexpected discoveries. . . We learn more about several characters backstories, get more answers to questions and see how things are starting to come together and connect re the continuing overall storyline - but that then leads to more questions! - whilst at the same time the storyline in this book is wrapped up nicely by the end of the book. I’m sure I’ve said before in reviews on the other books in this series, but I love Miri’s insights and depths of awareness re both herself and those around her - such superb writing again; I’m loving, living and feeling every moment along with my bestie Miri (sorry Jude, you’ll have to share bestie status now!) For me this is the perfect blend of urban fantasy and pwf/pnr, just Fabulous! 😄 Oh and the developments in Mitzi’s romance with Laurent? Yessssss! 😁
October 9, 2024
I unearthed my good reads to leave a review just for this one. I've invested a lot of time in this character, listening (audiobooks) to her deal with being abused, manipulated, and forced by the powers that be around her under the guise of coming into her own power. All while critically underestimating the risk to her family with almost no effort toward actually trying to properly equip them or protect them.
And Zev is somehow painted as somewhat sympathetic at times and not a villain, despite his blasé murder of anyone who gets in his way...
Tatiana. Tried. To. Kill. Her. And we're just supposed to empathize with her before she even had deigned to apologize, let alone make actual reparations? Ew.
I'm going to try to finish this, but... it's so incredibly frustrating. I feel actually mad- this tells me that there must be parts I like.
But it's like we're putting a bow on a lie and calling it female empowerment. I keep waiting on her to come into her own and put people in their place (instead of just "oh, I understand... you're a poor misunderstood vampire/employer... it's fine you mistreated me")
Am I the only one feeling this way? Is this a me problem?
And Zev is somehow painted as somewhat sympathetic at times and not a villain, despite his blasé murder of anyone who gets in his way...
Tatiana. Tried. To. Kill. Her. And we're just supposed to empathize with her before she even had deigned to apologize, let alone make actual reparations? Ew.
I'm going to try to finish this, but... it's so incredibly frustrating. I feel actually mad- this tells me that there must be parts I like.
But it's like we're putting a bow on a lie and calling it female empowerment. I keep waiting on her to come into her own and put people in their place (instead of just "oh, I understand... you're a poor misunderstood vampire/employer... it's fine you mistreated me")
Am I the only one feeling this way? Is this a me problem?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2022
In this episode; imagine Hunger Games with Magic.
Wow, Deborah did not disappoint with this book. Quite often you will find authors start to feel like they drag their feet after a certain number of books but it feels like Deborah still has plenty of stamina in this epic storyline.
We once again find Miriam jumping into the deep end in situations beyond her control and taking it in her stride. Her ex is her main sidekick in this book as they are on the hunt for a missing human. While it is nice to see them amicable with each other again there is still a hint of animosity that comes out under stress. Emmett has a sweeter role in this book- not quite the annoying, dramatic Golem. As for Laurent, it takes a while for these two to talk their issues out and come back together again. It really does feel like a mid-life relationship where responsibilities and emotions get in the way and it can take a while to discuss the issues. But these two are stubborn and will wait.
The twists and turns and plot lines left me laughing out loud and gasping in shock. I really didn’t expect some of these turns. I love that Deborah can leave me guessing and wishing for more. I can’t wait for the next one.
Wow, Deborah did not disappoint with this book. Quite often you will find authors start to feel like they drag their feet after a certain number of books but it feels like Deborah still has plenty of stamina in this epic storyline.
We once again find Miriam jumping into the deep end in situations beyond her control and taking it in her stride. Her ex is her main sidekick in this book as they are on the hunt for a missing human. While it is nice to see them amicable with each other again there is still a hint of animosity that comes out under stress. Emmett has a sweeter role in this book- not quite the annoying, dramatic Golem. As for Laurent, it takes a while for these two to talk their issues out and come back together again. It really does feel like a mid-life relationship where responsibilities and emotions get in the way and it can take a while to discuss the issues. But these two are stubborn and will wait.
The twists and turns and plot lines left me laughing out loud and gasping in shock. I really didn’t expect some of these turns. I love that Deborah can leave me guessing and wishing for more. I can’t wait for the next one.
March 7, 2022
Things were very much in the air at the end of "A Shade of Myself" and "The Shade of Things" not only brings a lot of those point to an end, but it does so in a way that clears the way well for what is still to come. In this read we get some tense high stakes thrill rides moments, where Miri's world is opening up even more not just with all of her people properly in the know about magic, but also in the way it allows for more her and other people in her world.
She and Eli team up on a case that is so much more than meets the mundane eye. For me it had a lot of those you need to look away, but you can't because then you won't know what comes next moments. INTENSE. There were some great Miri and Laurent moments, and just Laurent in general. Huff and puff has certainly come a long long way from the person we met in book one.
We're getting closer to solving the long running mystery, but along the way we're getting a hell of a great read.
*I'm a lucky fish and on the author's ARC team*
She and Eli team up on a case that is so much more than meets the mundane eye. For me it had a lot of those you need to look away, but you can't because then you won't know what comes next moments. INTENSE. There were some great Miri and Laurent moments, and just Laurent in general. Huff and puff has certainly come a long long way from the person we met in book one.
We're getting closer to solving the long running mystery, but along the way we're getting a hell of a great read.
*I'm a lucky fish and on the author's ARC team*
March 6, 2022
Another great addition to this series. More excitement, drama, humor, and steam to keep anyone thoroughly entertained. I could not put it down. Miriam is on a case with her ex, Eli to find a missing girl when they stumble across a game that if successful would doom sapiens (the non-magical), especially since the Lonestars refuse to do their job and get involved. As many secrets come into the light, Zev’s tolerance meets its end and if Miriam doesn’t come through her family will not only lose their protection, but Miriam could very well lose her life. Fortunately, all may not be hopeless for Sadie presents an amazing surprise, one of which you do not want to miss. You should definitely get this book you won’t regret it.
July 22, 2022
Book #5 - The Shade of thing: Fantastically thrilling
This has been a wonderful ride following this wonderful cast of characters. Deborah Wilde, in my opinion, is a marvelous writer. There are many parts that make me wish I was a faster reader because I'm like a kid being told I was going to Disneyland and every second is to slow until you get there. Fantastic writing, Ms. Wilde as written several wonderful characters and I love them all. I laugh out loud at parts and I'm enjoying read her story to a point I can't wait to read, what I'm guessing, is the last book in the series. I know I'll be sadden when it ends. But if your a reader and highly recommend you hop on board and enjoy the ride that will be a delight as it has for me.
Sincerely,
Greg Shank
This has been a wonderful ride following this wonderful cast of characters. Deborah Wilde, in my opinion, is a marvelous writer. There are many parts that make me wish I was a faster reader because I'm like a kid being told I was going to Disneyland and every second is to slow until you get there. Fantastic writing, Ms. Wilde as written several wonderful characters and I love them all. I laugh out loud at parts and I'm enjoying read her story to a point I can't wait to read, what I'm guessing, is the last book in the series. I know I'll be sadden when it ends. But if your a reader and highly recommend you hop on board and enjoy the ride that will be a delight as it has for me.
Sincerely,
Greg Shank
December 2, 2022
The Shade of Things is probably my favorite book so far in the series. Although it does depart in storyline from the rest of the series as Miri and her friends are pulled into a hunger game type scenario where humans are being hunted and force to fight for survival after being kidnapped. On top of this many plot lines from past books converge so we get resolution to many questions as well as sone epic surprises. Overall this is definitely a must read and I highly suggest getting the audio version it is incredibly well done an the narrator is perfect for the characters. I would give the book a 10 if possible. I can’t wait for the next installment.
March 7, 2022
Miri is back with snark to spare, she has been given a case to find a missing person along with Eli (her ex husband). What sort of troubles will Miri be stirring up this time? And what will Laurent think of Miri teaming up with her ex? I enjoyed this wild ride, it had plenty of secrets to uncover, magic, suspense and a great mix of interesting characters (who sometimes just don't seem to get along). I look forward what happens in the next book.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.
April 9, 2022
wow oh wow this was a fast trip with everything startling in it.
Got ten stars this story deserves it. It starts fast and keeps up the pace all through. Miri is paired with her ex to solve one mystery only to be thrown into several more that brings everyone she cares about into the mix and magic abounds and her wolf shifting lover helps to bring the world back in line before she is totally dead. Boy what scary fun and breath taking story. Definitely not a lightweight read her teen is involved also.
Got ten stars this story deserves it. It starts fast and keeps up the pace all through. Miri is paired with her ex to solve one mystery only to be thrown into several more that brings everyone she cares about into the mix and magic abounds and her wolf shifting lover helps to bring the world back in line before she is totally dead. Boy what scary fun and breath taking story. Definitely not a lightweight read her teen is involved also.
October 11, 2022
Miri has secrets but so does everyone else — a fact she has to reconcile with while she and Eli are in a dangerous mission to locate a missing person that turns out to be a nefarious race of survival. Not to mention a master vampire is playing her like a puppet. But what happens when a trusted ally turns murderous?
Here’s what I didn’t like: some proofreading issues and I’d forgotten what an esterie was or how significant it was.
Here’s what I liked: I really like the characters. They’re all well written and I can easily root for them.
Overall this was a great read and I immediately moved on to the next.
Here’s what I didn’t like: some proofreading issues and I’d forgotten what an esterie was or how significant it was.
Here’s what I liked: I really like the characters. They’re all well written and I can easily root for them.
Overall this was a great read and I immediately moved on to the next.
March 14, 2023
Another great book in the Magic after Midlife series - this time with a Hunger Games kind of twist.
There's not a lot I can say about this instalment that won't create spoilers for folks who are reading earlier books in the series. I'll just say that it's strong in all the things I've enjoyed about all of the books up till now, and doesn't contain most of the things I didn't enjoy earlier in the series.
Looking forward to finishing the series on the next book (at least, I believe Book 6 is the last one), and trying out one of Ms Wilde's other series.
There's not a lot I can say about this instalment that won't create spoilers for folks who are reading earlier books in the series. I'll just say that it's strong in all the things I've enjoyed about all of the books up till now, and doesn't contain most of the things I didn't enjoy earlier in the series.
Looking forward to finishing the series on the next book (at least, I believe Book 6 is the last one), and trying out one of Ms Wilde's other series.
March 21, 2022
This fifth instalment of the Magic After Midlife series did not disappoint, there was more excitement and intrigue than expected, with enough twists and turns to make a rollercoaster jealous. The action was non stop, with us also finding out so much, about so many… the backstories are revealed and the adventure is all consuming.
I cannot wait for the next instalment in this fabulous series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I cannot wait for the next instalment in this fabulous series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
February 20, 2022
This little gem of a thriller sends us on a gripping race to find a missing person who vanished into thin air. Eli, Miri, and Emmett literally race against time. So many great side story's packed into this book. Lots of answers and a stupendous twisty reveal that I loved so much. Cannot wait for the next book. This is a delicious series.
March 1, 2022
This is a hang on to the seats of your pants read. A real thriller. Miri has to work with the master vampire, her ex husband, boss, new love interest....... There is definitely no black or white in this one, we are very much into the shades of grey here. When one problem seems to clear up, it just becomes more complex.... Beautifully crafted and constructed this is a real winner of a series.
March 4, 2022
This is a wonderful thrill ride of a midlife story. Miri's life just keeps getting crazier and this story is a midlife must read. I feel this is another great addition to a series that just keeps on bringing it, more twists that I was not expecting, with each new book!
I received an ARC from the Author and I am Leaving this Totally Honest Review Because I Choose to and I Loved every page!!!
I received an ARC from the Author and I am Leaving this Totally Honest Review Because I Choose to and I Loved every page!!!
March 8, 2022
Will tickle your funny bone, Sassy deadly lady takes on more magical "people" than you can imagine!!
Nothing to dislike, fast, funny, deadly, intoxicating lead female and male counterparts. Exciting twists, you never know what's lurking in the shadows 😎😜
Brilliant writing that flows like silk, highly recommend reading all 3 of books. I devoured them in two days👹👿😍😍😍
Nothing to dislike, fast, funny, deadly, intoxicating lead female and male counterparts. Exciting twists, you never know what's lurking in the shadows 😎😜
Brilliant writing that flows like silk, highly recommend reading all 3 of books. I devoured them in two days👹👿😍😍😍
March 12, 2022
I loved this great addition to the Magic After Midlife Series. Miri and the gang continue with their adventures with plenty of steam, drama, magic, twists, and humor. The main characters are true to form and still wonderful, kickass, and sassy. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
March 14, 2022
Good book
I’m glad Miri and Laurant had more interaction in this book. And I liked that Miri’s worked with her and became more involved in the magical part of her life.without giving the details away, I will say I liked the twist and turns and enjoyed reading it. Looking forward to the next one
I’m glad Miri and Laurant had more interaction in this book. And I liked that Miri’s worked with her and became more involved in the magical part of her life.without giving the details away, I will say I liked the twist and turns and enjoyed reading it. Looking forward to the next one
March 27, 2022
The series continues to feel fresh and exciting!
If you liked the other books in this series, definitely read this one! We get to learn more about Miriam's family, more about Laurent's past, more about the KH gargoyle Pyotr, more about the world in general! Plus it's pretty much non-stop excitement! So much suspense while so fun to read.
If you liked the other books in this series, definitely read this one! We get to learn more about Miriam's family, more about Laurent's past, more about the KH gargoyle Pyotr, more about the world in general! Plus it's pretty much non-stop excitement! So much suspense while so fun to read.
April 22, 2022
This book has plenty of interaction with Miri and Eli which I enjoy. Sadie shines in this one as well. I must admit I am not a big Zev fan. But I love Miri and Laurent and am hopeful for their future. I am disappointed that I have to wait for the next book because I really want to read more now. Wonderful world building and complicated characters.
May 1, 2023
Could this have been my favorite yet? The premise was amazing (and also very movie-like -- I've been subjected to a ton of horror movies, and the bare bones plot would fit right in. That said, Wilde's writing is far superior to most movies of that ilk...). I love (clever) plays on words anyway, so this was spectacular.
March 15, 2022
My mitzvah
Love this series because it's as real and scary as life with so many twists and turns. Plus there are plenty of details that require me to reread the stories. Epic sagas of fun snarky magic and love w a splash of Jewish mythology for unique flavoring.
Love this series because it's as real and scary as life with so many twists and turns. Plus there are plenty of details that require me to reread the stories. Epic sagas of fun snarky magic and love w a splash of Jewish mythology for unique flavoring.
March 15, 2022
another score for Deborah Wilde
I just love Deborah Wilde’s Magic After Midlife series and The Shade of Things delivered! This series is enjoyable, quick paced, and snarky; the trifecta of fun reads. Todah rebah and tov mayot, Ms. Wilde!
I just love Deborah Wilde’s Magic After Midlife series and The Shade of Things delivered! This series is enjoyable, quick paced, and snarky; the trifecta of fun reads. Todah rebah and tov mayot, Ms. Wilde!
March 18, 2022
Wow
This tied up so many things that were left open but also left so much to be told later on. I can't wait for the next book to come out and see what happens to everyone. Don't stop writing Deborah; you are amazing!
This tied up so many things that were left open but also left so much to be told later on. I can't wait for the next book to come out and see what happens to everyone. Don't stop writing Deborah; you are amazing!
March 27, 2022
Favorite book so far in this series! The plot was the main focus and it was a good one with similarities to Squid Game. I love that Mitzi is coming into her own and spending a lot less time second guessing herself and her worth.
March 29, 2022
Serious!y good read
Much revealed, our heroes have slightly less perfect t crowns. But goals are mostly accomplished & secrets are banished for a time, at least. The future( August 2022) looks full of more adventures. It can be preordered!
Much revealed, our heroes have slightly less perfect t crowns. But goals are mostly accomplished & secrets are banished for a time, at least. The future( August 2022) looks full of more adventures. It can be preordered!
June 4, 2022
Snarky fun!
I love these characters! Even when Mitzi and Huff N Puff are running to save lives along with themselves, there's always a humorous undertone that has me laughing out loud.
I love these characters! Even when Mitzi and Huff N Puff are running to save lives along with themselves, there's always a humorous undertone that has me laughing out loud.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews