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A Dream of Shadows: Book One in the Shadow Bidder Series
"It is not often that a man steps through a doorway knowing that he has just made the best and worst decision of his entire life." So declares notorious criminal, Vazeer the Lash, at the start of A Dream of Shadows. Raised in Hell's Labyrinth, the corrupt city where crime and violence are the order of the day, Vazeer has lived on a knife's edge his entire adult life working as a contract smuggler. Having turned himself into an educated man, Vazeer longs to retire from his nefarious career, which has always been at odds with the more cultured side of his personality.
His chance comes when he is paid a fortune to bring down The Raving Blade, one of Hell's Labyrinth's most infamous and sadistic power brokers. Vazeer joins a rogue's gallery of expert Shadow Bidders, each a master of a unique set of unsavory skills, to complete one last contract. Among them are a brilliant actress who finds herself playing a key role in a criminal world where she doesn't belong, and a calm, mysterious assassin, who draws events ever forward towards a series of increasingly dire consequences.
With life and death hanging in the balance, a dangerous romance unfolds. Secrets are revealed and violence erupts, irreversibly blurring the line between good and evil.
Perfect for fans of George RR Martin, Joe Abercrombie, and Patrick Rothfuss, A Dream of Shadows marks the start of a thrilling new literary fantasy series from Peter Eliott.
His chance comes when he is paid a fortune to bring down The Raving Blade, one of Hell's Labyrinth's most infamous and sadistic power brokers. Vazeer joins a rogue's gallery of expert Shadow Bidders, each a master of a unique set of unsavory skills, to complete one last contract. Among them are a brilliant actress who finds herself playing a key role in a criminal world where she doesn't belong, and a calm, mysterious assassin, who draws events ever forward towards a series of increasingly dire consequences.
With life and death hanging in the balance, a dangerous romance unfolds. Secrets are revealed and violence erupts, irreversibly blurring the line between good and evil.
Perfect for fans of George RR Martin, Joe Abercrombie, and Patrick Rothfuss, A Dream of Shadows marks the start of a thrilling new literary fantasy series from Peter Eliott.
404 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2022
28 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Peter Eliott
4 books8 followersPeter Eliott melds his love of evocative writing with an intense interest in dark adventure stories. As a devotee of literary fiction, Peter renders exciting action stories in a highly vivid style. His earlier career in architecture and design informs his current novels, the Shadow Bidder Series, adding visual realism to the gritty urban setting.
A graduate of Skidmore College, Peter received Highest Honors and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Society. Peter Eliott lives with his wife in Amagansett, New York.
A graduate of Skidmore College, Peter received Highest Honors and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Society. Peter Eliott lives with his wife in Amagansett, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 25, 2025
3 stars for now. Waiting a few days before doing a complete review.
December 27, 2022
I downloaded several samples trying to find my next good read, but dismissed them all for contrived writing, poor attempts at self-effacing humor, simplistic characters, predictable plots, etc. Then I found this book. Peter Eliott's literary style immediately gripped me: his prose is poetic and mesmerizing without feeling ostentatious or contrived; his visual descriptions absolutely stunning and vivid; his characters complexly layered. I found myself even caring about the fates of minor characters to whom he dedicated only a paragraph or a few pages. The plot itself is full of unexpected twists, which the author allows the reader to discover for himself, without having to annoyingly resort to stating the obvious (like some authors do through characters' private musings) or being needlessly mysterious and inscrutable (like Frank Herbert's Dune novels). This was a perfectly "balanced" book in my opinion, with fantastic world building, characters I cared deeply about, a plot that was not overly complex yet not entirely predictable, wonderful wordsmithing, and beautifully elegant prose. Highly, highly recommend this read and I can only hope the subsequent books in this series are as good as the first!
January 24, 2023
Peter Eliott’s “A Dream of Shadows” is a heart-pounding battle of good versus evil set in the treacherous world of Hell’s Labyrinth, a city overrun with violence and cruelty. Infamous smuggler Vazeer The Lash must fulfill one final contract before he can walk away from a lifetime of crime. Gueritus, a sinister Count with a reputation for torturing people for his pleasure, has blackmailed the Countess of Odel into a sexual encounter. This devious act has the potential to cause war. Therefore, a hit is ordered to bring down Gueritus before he defiles the Emperor’s daughter. Vazeer joins members of The Shadow Bidders to devise a plan using each person’s distinct talents in a life-and-death battle to restore peace to the once respectable city of Sullward.
This mod podge group of experts consists of a brute that emits fear to whomever he encounters, an experienced locksmith, a seductress impersonator, a ruthless assassin, a lineman with a photographic memory, and Vazeer. The Shadow Bidders have 48 hours to devise a foolproof plan and complete the mission. They must time events perfectly and remain unnoticed. If caught, they are sure to be disfigured, maimed, and slowly tortured to death at the hands of The Raving Blade.
“A Dream of Shadows” is a literary masterpiece with scenes so eloquently described they seem real. Author Peter Eliott uses the senses to world build, allowing the reader to feel the fog roll in and smell the stench of death. An eerie foreboding feeling emits from every corner. In the world of criminals, there are levels of evil. Mr. Eliott builds suspense by dropping breadcrumbs of information about the inhumane actions which make Gueritus a force to be reckoned with.
Mr. Eliott’s writing style has a rhythmic hypnotizing tone that casts a spell upon its reader, transporting them into a world of darkness. The build-up to action is nail-biting. Once the mission starts to unfold, hold on tight for an action-packed plot twist that comes out of nowhere, leading to cliffhangers and side stories. I could not put “A Dream of Shadows” down. From the first sentence, I became invested. I felt bonded to the team of misfit criminals, praying they would survive and bring down the evil Raving Blade.
“A Dream of Shadows” is destined to be a bestseller. Netflix could easily make this a noteworthy mini-series. I cannot wait to read book 2 in The Shadow Bidder Series. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes fantasy, action adventures, and incredible plot-twists.
This mod podge group of experts consists of a brute that emits fear to whomever he encounters, an experienced locksmith, a seductress impersonator, a ruthless assassin, a lineman with a photographic memory, and Vazeer. The Shadow Bidders have 48 hours to devise a foolproof plan and complete the mission. They must time events perfectly and remain unnoticed. If caught, they are sure to be disfigured, maimed, and slowly tortured to death at the hands of The Raving Blade.
“A Dream of Shadows” is a literary masterpiece with scenes so eloquently described they seem real. Author Peter Eliott uses the senses to world build, allowing the reader to feel the fog roll in and smell the stench of death. An eerie foreboding feeling emits from every corner. In the world of criminals, there are levels of evil. Mr. Eliott builds suspense by dropping breadcrumbs of information about the inhumane actions which make Gueritus a force to be reckoned with.
Mr. Eliott’s writing style has a rhythmic hypnotizing tone that casts a spell upon its reader, transporting them into a world of darkness. The build-up to action is nail-biting. Once the mission starts to unfold, hold on tight for an action-packed plot twist that comes out of nowhere, leading to cliffhangers and side stories. I could not put “A Dream of Shadows” down. From the first sentence, I became invested. I felt bonded to the team of misfit criminals, praying they would survive and bring down the evil Raving Blade.
“A Dream of Shadows” is destined to be a bestseller. Netflix could easily make this a noteworthy mini-series. I cannot wait to read book 2 in The Shadow Bidder Series. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes fantasy, action adventures, and incredible plot-twists.
September 28, 2023
It has been quite some time now since I read an epic fantasy book of this nature.
In A Dream of Shadows, Peter Elliot weaves together a fantasy world reminiscent of A Game of Thrones, with just as lively writing. Elliot’s writing really has a smooth quality to it that seems to suck you in right from the beginning, keeping you on the edge of your seat as twists and turns are thrown at you.
I’ve always loved the idea of Hell’s labyrinth and the old stories that come with it, so I was immediately intrigued by Elliot’s creation of the Hell’s Labyrinth as a city filled with crime and violence. When Vazeer decided to walk away from his life of crime, he is charged with finishing one last contract.
There was a bit of a found family vibe coming on when Vazeer had to join the Shadow Bidders in order to compete the mission. I found myself rooting for the crew and wanting them to succeed — something I think is always a sign of good character development!
Elliot certainly has a way with words. It has been quite a while since I’ve read a book that felt as immersive that this. I found myself thinking back to Illborn by Daniel Jackson. I think Elliot will certainly find a home amongst some beloved epic fantasy novels and will fit right in.
Overall, Peter Elliot has weaved together a beautifully intricate, dark fantasy tale that I think will definitely appeal to a large audience given the chance.
In A Dream of Shadows, Peter Elliot weaves together a fantasy world reminiscent of A Game of Thrones, with just as lively writing. Elliot’s writing really has a smooth quality to it that seems to suck you in right from the beginning, keeping you on the edge of your seat as twists and turns are thrown at you.
I’ve always loved the idea of Hell’s labyrinth and the old stories that come with it, so I was immediately intrigued by Elliot’s creation of the Hell’s Labyrinth as a city filled with crime and violence. When Vazeer decided to walk away from his life of crime, he is charged with finishing one last contract.
There was a bit of a found family vibe coming on when Vazeer had to join the Shadow Bidders in order to compete the mission. I found myself rooting for the crew and wanting them to succeed — something I think is always a sign of good character development!
Elliot certainly has a way with words. It has been quite a while since I’ve read a book that felt as immersive that this. I found myself thinking back to Illborn by Daniel Jackson. I think Elliot will certainly find a home amongst some beloved epic fantasy novels and will fit right in.
Overall, Peter Elliot has weaved together a beautifully intricate, dark fantasy tale that I think will definitely appeal to a large audience given the chance.
October 23, 2023
This follows Vazeer the Lash, a Shadow Bidder, who is ready to be done being a Shadow Bidder and decides to take on one more job that will set him on his ways. He and five others are tasked to find a person, Gueritus the Raving Blade and end him.
This was a fun fantasy read for me! I don’t get to read adult fantasies like this often. I loved the detail in this book that helps see the world Vazeer lives in, and the people too. I really could see the world and the places Vazeer went to. I love details like that to help you visualize a world, especially a fantasy one.
You also really get to learn about Vazeer and the kind of person he is, a bit of an academic and posh for someone they call the Lash. He was such an interesting character and I loved the narration he did of his own life.
There are quite a few other characters that are on the job we learn about, and I’ll say that aside from Vazeer, Radrin Blackstar was my favorite. He was such a dark horse and I was trying to figure what’s his endgame and he was such a surprising character!
This book does start out rather slow. It was about halfway when it really started to get into more action and things happening, and when they happened, they happened fast! That last 30-40% of the book was just twist after twist and just so much going on, it was fantastic!
I do recommend this if you enjoy adult fantasies! I received a gifted copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a fun fantasy read for me! I don’t get to read adult fantasies like this often. I loved the detail in this book that helps see the world Vazeer lives in, and the people too. I really could see the world and the places Vazeer went to. I love details like that to help you visualize a world, especially a fantasy one.
You also really get to learn about Vazeer and the kind of person he is, a bit of an academic and posh for someone they call the Lash. He was such an interesting character and I loved the narration he did of his own life.
There are quite a few other characters that are on the job we learn about, and I’ll say that aside from Vazeer, Radrin Blackstar was my favorite. He was such a dark horse and I was trying to figure what’s his endgame and he was such a surprising character!
This book does start out rather slow. It was about halfway when it really started to get into more action and things happening, and when they happened, they happened fast! That last 30-40% of the book was just twist after twist and just so much going on, it was fantastic!
I do recommend this if you enjoy adult fantasies! I received a gifted copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 28, 2024
Uncaged Review: In this dystopian world, the metropolis known as Hell’s Labyrinth is run by Underworld bosses. Shadow Bidders are the criminals that take on bids for a living. Each Shadow Bidder has their own distinct skills, ranging from actress to lockpicker to assassins. Vazeer the Lash is a master smuggler, a type of pirate in this desolate city. Deciding to take on one last “sketch” (job) that pays overly well should set him up to retire. Unfortunately, it’s the most dangerous he’s ever embarked on. Along with five other Shadow Bidders, they plan to take out The Raving Blade, the cruelest power broker in the city.
This book was a very slow start, although if you make it to the 50% mark, the book takes off. There are so many twists and turns in this book, one minute you will be believing one thing, and the next that idea is stripped from your mind. This book is written well, I just wish it would have taken off a bit faster. This is an intensely dark book, and once it gets moving, you won’t put it down for long. Reviewed by Cyrene
This book was a very slow start, although if you make it to the 50% mark, the book takes off. There are so many twists and turns in this book, one minute you will be believing one thing, and the next that idea is stripped from your mind. This book is written well, I just wish it would have taken off a bit faster. This is an intensely dark book, and once it gets moving, you won’t put it down for long. Reviewed by Cyrene
June 11, 2024
The Shadow Bidders
I enjoyed reading this very much. It is an adaptable world that is similar but different from our own. By adaptable, I mean believable. I liked the main character. I liked no magic, I liked it wasn't military. I liked it was a mission based story. And lastly, I like a little romance in any genre. Tastefully presented. I first downloaded a sample and found it worth buying both in the series. On to book two.
Shdvs
I enjoyed reading this very much. It is an adaptable world that is similar but different from our own. By adaptable, I mean believable. I liked the main character. I liked no magic, I liked it wasn't military. I liked it was a mission based story. And lastly, I like a little romance in any genre. Tastefully presented. I first downloaded a sample and found it worth buying both in the series. On to book two.
Shdvs
March 27, 2024
This was a truly adult fantasy. It feels like so much fantasy right now Is young adult, which is okay I guess, but I really want something that's intelligent and sophisticated and multilayered, and that was this book. Plus it was as exciting as hell. This author knows how to write, and I felt challenged in the best way by the material. I'm really excited to read the next one!
November 27, 2022
Wow! Can’t wait for book 2!
Wonderful world and character building. Verbose at times but ultimately we’ll written. Moves fast. Unpredictable to the point of chaos but good chaos.
Wonderful world and character building. Verbose at times but ultimately we’ll written. Moves fast. Unpredictable to the point of chaos but good chaos.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews