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The Shadow #2
Circle of Death: A Shadow Thriller
When a ruthless killer seeks to overturn the world order, our only hope is vigilante justice.
Since Lamont Cranston - known to a select few as the Shadow - defeated Shiwan Khan and ended his reign of terror over New York one year ago, the city has started to regenerate.
But there is evil brewing elsewhere. And this time the entire world is under threat.
Which is why Lamont has scoured the globe to assemble a team with unmatched talent.
Only their combined powers can foil an enemy with ambitions and abilities beyond anyone's deepest fears.
As their mission takes them across the globe and into the highest corridors of power - pushing them beyond their limits - can justice prevail?
Since Lamont Cranston - known to a select few as the Shadow - defeated Shiwan Khan and ended his reign of terror over New York one year ago, the city has started to regenerate.
But there is evil brewing elsewhere. And this time the entire world is under threat.
Which is why Lamont has scoured the globe to assemble a team with unmatched talent.
Only their combined powers can foil an enemy with ambitions and abilities beyond anyone's deepest fears.
As their mission takes them across the globe and into the highest corridors of power - pushing them beyond their limits - can justice prevail?
346 pages, Paperback
Published July 3, 2023
1046 people are currently reading
9273 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
955 books355k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
July 8, 2023
The first half of the book seemed good to me. From there it became more bizarre; yet, I did want to finish this novel.
I guess if you enjoy science fiction, you’d like this story more than I did.
I was disappointed.
I probably won’t read the next “Shadow” book.
Please check out the other reviews for other opinions and more information on this book.
I guess if you enjoy science fiction, you’d like this story more than I did.
I was disappointed.
I probably won’t read the next “Shadow” book.
Please check out the other reviews for other opinions and more information on this book.
August 28, 2023
This is the second Shadow novel by Sitts and Patterson, and it's not great, but it's fun. I enjoyed it more than their first story, simply titled The Shadow, in which The Shadow and Margo Lane (who's identified as his wife) are resurrected in 2087 by Maddie, one of their descendants, to carry on the fight against one of their old enemies, who has taken over the world. It's a reboot of the pulp magazine hero from the 1930's, who became even more famous as a radio hero, and has continued off and on over the years in films, comics, and other prose offerings. I've read a lot of the old Shadow novels and listened to a lot of the old radio recordings, so I've probably got a lot more of a preconceived idea of the character than most modern readers. This Shadow (who's Lamont Cranston, unlike the magazine version) has the ability to turn himself into different animals and travel in time, but aside from that I was okay with him. There are two different challenges in this book, a series of murders at the World's Fair, and a new mastermind of evil causing problems in the far reaches of the world. Lamont gathers together a group of descendants of many of his former associates to aid in opposing the evildoers, all of whom are remarkably similar to their long-ago ancestors and even have the same names. It's all a little predictable (spoilery hint: remember Shatner's famous line from ST2), but it all comes together pretty well and sets up a third volume. Walter Gibson (who wrote over three hundred (!!) of the original Shadow novels under the Maxwell Grant pseudonym) probably wouldn't have approved of all of the twists and turns (Maddie likes girls?!), but he probably would like the story well enough, and the idea that when the weed of crime bears bitter fruit The Shadow is still there, still knowing what evil lurks in the hearts of men. Bwahahaha....
July 29, 2023
Disappointed. Didn’t feel like a very cohesive story. Characters and events seemed to just be added for effect or nostalgia rather than as in integral part of the lackluster plot. The ending was very underwhelming.
December 22, 2025
Well the miracle that I actually finished the book actually happened. Many times I had had it with the book. I’ve always liked James Patterson’s books but those had always been without assistance from another author. At least I didn’t lose any money buying it, it was a book borrowed from my Library. I don’t think I will be checking out any more of their books. I’m returning it today and looking for something more interesting (I hope).
June 4, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy on this book.
I have not read the first The Shadow #1 book; however, upon reading this book I did not feel it necessary to read the first one. I do not think I will go back and read the first book. This book does a good job of recapping what happened in the first book so that the reader can understand the characters and roughly their relationship to each other. While storyline was interesting with the murder at the Worlds Fair and chasing after the Destroyer of the World, this book lacked a sense of urgency for me. The Worlds Fair murders end predictably with the murder being a simple distraction from the real threat the Destroyer of the World, even though the Worlds Fair murders seemed to be glossed over. There were interesting sections throughout; however, as a whole the book lacked continuity. The switching between characters every couple of chapters is fine; however, the two storylines of the Worlds Fair and the Destroyer of the World could have blended better.
If there are more books in the series I do not think I will read them. While this was a good book, I definitely think it should be left as a comic book.
I have not read the first The Shadow #1 book; however, upon reading this book I did not feel it necessary to read the first one. I do not think I will go back and read the first book. This book does a good job of recapping what happened in the first book so that the reader can understand the characters and roughly their relationship to each other. While storyline was interesting with the murder at the Worlds Fair and chasing after the Destroyer of the World, this book lacked a sense of urgency for me. The Worlds Fair murders end predictably with the murder being a simple distraction from the real threat the Destroyer of the World, even though the Worlds Fair murders seemed to be glossed over. There were interesting sections throughout; however, as a whole the book lacked continuity. The switching between characters every couple of chapters is fine; however, the two storylines of the Worlds Fair and the Destroyer of the World could have blended better.
If there are more books in the series I do not think I will read them. While this was a good book, I definitely think it should be left as a comic book.
September 29, 2023
-better than the first book
-thriller/dystopian
-i feel bad that maddy lost her best friend deva
-i liked that they traveled around the world
-interesting that khan pretended to be a female (the destroyer of worlds)
-loved jericho, burbank, moe, hawkeye and tapper (all of them make a great team)
-jericho reminded me of john sampson from alex cross!
-curious if khan is back since eels came out of his dead body… will there be a book 3?
-margo and lamont are couple goals
-didn’t feel like i was reading when i read the last 150 pages (prob bc of no distractions)
-thriller/dystopian
-i feel bad that maddy lost her best friend deva
-i liked that they traveled around the world
-interesting that khan pretended to be a female (the destroyer of worlds)
-loved jericho, burbank, moe, hawkeye and tapper (all of them make a great team)
-jericho reminded me of john sampson from alex cross!
-curious if khan is back since eels came out of his dead body… will there be a book 3?
-margo and lamont are couple goals
-didn’t feel like i was reading when i read the last 150 pages (prob bc of no distractions)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2023
Prolific James Patterson continues with his resurrected old-timey heroes. He revived “The Shadow” (same name as the first novel) a 1930s radio character, and then did “The Perfect Assassin,” another new series featuring the great-grandson of Doc Savage, a 1930s pulp fiction hero. I was fairly certain a recharged The Phantom Detective might be next, but instead we get the enjoyable Shadow sequel, “Circle of Death.” James Patterson thrillers are my popcorn and it’s time for another. This one has Brian Sitts as co-author, who deserves credit as well.
To recap: Only two people in the 1930s knew society man Lamont Cranston was the Shadow, a crusader for justice. One is his greatest love, Margo Lane, and the other is fiercest enemy, Shiwan Khan (last descendant of Genghis Khan). Khan ambushes the couple, and the story continues in the future. A century and a half later, Lamont awakens and meets Maddy Gomes, a teenager with her own mysterious powers, since she’s actually the Shadow’s great-great-great -great granddaughter.
Anyway, Patterson and Sitts know how to capture your imagination and the first chapter begins with maniacal bloodsuckers. As the story progresses, we’re in the late 21st century, where New York City is still recovering from the anti-tech Khan regime (which the Shadow defeated). Cranston gathers the great-great-great grandsons of his former colleagues and reveals that a truly evil global organization, the Command, led by the Destroyer of Worlds (I agree with Maddy: the name is over the top) is murdering innocents in other parts of the world. No doubt that a team of genetically blessed descendants of 1930s heroes will need to conquer the Command aided by the Shadow and his 4x-great granddaughter.
I guess I really don’t share my secret Patterson obsession with a lot of people, but, as always, his standard book structure is short, thrilling chapters, and always about a 100 chapters. Any other author couldn’t get away with that, but it makes Patterson books unique to me. There is no chance of a long, droning middle part. Of course, I loved “Circle of Death” — it truly took me away to another world while I was reading it. 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Also, once you’re caught up with why Lamont and Margo are in the future, you can read this as a standalone action adventure.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO Not a lot of eye colors are described — it’s almost at the halfway point that Margo’s blue eyes are mentioned and later we find out that Maddy is a blue eyed blonde, too (but, of course…)
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO There is a transplanted jungle in the middle of NYC that becomes an unfortunate murder scene.
To recap: Only two people in the 1930s knew society man Lamont Cranston was the Shadow, a crusader for justice. One is his greatest love, Margo Lane, and the other is fiercest enemy, Shiwan Khan (last descendant of Genghis Khan). Khan ambushes the couple, and the story continues in the future. A century and a half later, Lamont awakens and meets Maddy Gomes, a teenager with her own mysterious powers, since she’s actually the Shadow’s great-great-great -great granddaughter.
Anyway, Patterson and Sitts know how to capture your imagination and the first chapter begins with maniacal bloodsuckers. As the story progresses, we’re in the late 21st century, where New York City is still recovering from the anti-tech Khan regime (which the Shadow defeated). Cranston gathers the great-great-great grandsons of his former colleagues and reveals that a truly evil global organization, the Command, led by the Destroyer of Worlds (I agree with Maddy: the name is over the top) is murdering innocents in other parts of the world. No doubt that a team of genetically blessed descendants of 1930s heroes will need to conquer the Command aided by the Shadow and his 4x-great granddaughter.
I guess I really don’t share my secret Patterson obsession with a lot of people, but, as always, his standard book structure is short, thrilling chapters, and always about a 100 chapters. Any other author couldn’t get away with that, but it makes Patterson books unique to me. There is no chance of a long, droning middle part. Of course, I loved “Circle of Death” — it truly took me away to another world while I was reading it. 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Also, once you’re caught up with why Lamont and Margo are in the future, you can read this as a standalone action adventure.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO Not a lot of eye colors are described — it’s almost at the halfway point that Margo’s blue eyes are mentioned and later we find out that Maddy is a blue eyed blonde, too (but, of course…)
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO There is a transplanted jungle in the middle of NYC that becomes an unfortunate murder scene.
July 3, 2023
James Patterson and Brian Sitts return to their Wold Netwon meets Batman Beyond take on The Shadow with another entertaining installment in the series. Like most of Patterson's latter-day novels, the chapters are short and the book moves at a breakneck pace, which makes for a fun, and exciting reading experience. I hope that we'll get another book relatively soon, as I can't wait to see where the authors go next.
Special thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
Special thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
May 11, 2023
I'll go on record as saying this one is about as implausible as they come, but it didn't take long before I jettisoned my "Awww, c'mon, you can't be serious" attitude and enjoyed the heck out of it. It doesn't hurt, of course, that I'm old enough to have been a huge fan of "The Shadow" radio broadcasts, which ran from 1937 to 1954 (never mind where I fit into that timeline). This book is the second in the series featuring The Shadow's alter ego, Lamont Cranston; it's a first for me, but it won't be the last.
The year is 2088; a lot has happened since those old radio shows came to a halt. The Shadow, needless to say, didn't; in fact, it seems he's been rather active for way longer than we ever suspected. These days, he lives as Lamont Cranston in New York with his wife, Margo Lane (remember her??), his "youngest living descendent" Maddy and Maddy's grandmother Jessica; the city is just starting to recover after devastation caused by a baddie named Shiwan Khan before The Shadow brought him down. Margo has a few powers of her own, honed from years earlier, and Maddy, well, is a prodigy. The world, it seems, is divided into two major sections, with each "ruled" by a leader. As part of New York's recovery, the city is hosting a World's Fair - a blatant attempt at boosting goodwill and good feelings amid an overall atmosphere of despair.
But the powers-that-be are so consumed with maintaining a feel-good atmosphere that they sweep some nasty incidents under the rug - incidents that don't go unnoticed by Lamont and Margo nor, when they hit "home," Maddy - a headstrong girl who's just beginning to grow into awareness of her heritage and capabilities. Beyond that, it appears there's a ne'er-do-well who seems to be trying to destroy the world as it exists - known only as Command - and it's up to Lamont to put the kabosh on his mission (encouraged by the President of the Americas). To do that, Lamont calls in the troops - descendants of his trusted colleagues from the past, like Jericho, Moe, Burbank, Hawkeye and Tapper.
From this point on, you're on your own; I won't spill the beans except to say that there's fodder left for the next adventure (but really, who knows what lurks?). I'm already salivating; meantime, I'll thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for letting me read and review a pre-release copy of this one.
The year is 2088; a lot has happened since those old radio shows came to a halt. The Shadow, needless to say, didn't; in fact, it seems he's been rather active for way longer than we ever suspected. These days, he lives as Lamont Cranston in New York with his wife, Margo Lane (remember her??), his "youngest living descendent" Maddy and Maddy's grandmother Jessica; the city is just starting to recover after devastation caused by a baddie named Shiwan Khan before The Shadow brought him down. Margo has a few powers of her own, honed from years earlier, and Maddy, well, is a prodigy. The world, it seems, is divided into two major sections, with each "ruled" by a leader. As part of New York's recovery, the city is hosting a World's Fair - a blatant attempt at boosting goodwill and good feelings amid an overall atmosphere of despair.
But the powers-that-be are so consumed with maintaining a feel-good atmosphere that they sweep some nasty incidents under the rug - incidents that don't go unnoticed by Lamont and Margo nor, when they hit "home," Maddy - a headstrong girl who's just beginning to grow into awareness of her heritage and capabilities. Beyond that, it appears there's a ne'er-do-well who seems to be trying to destroy the world as it exists - known only as Command - and it's up to Lamont to put the kabosh on his mission (encouraged by the President of the Americas). To do that, Lamont calls in the troops - descendants of his trusted colleagues from the past, like Jericho, Moe, Burbank, Hawkeye and Tapper.
From this point on, you're on your own; I won't spill the beans except to say that there's fodder left for the next adventure (but really, who knows what lurks?). I'm already salivating; meantime, I'll thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for letting me read and review a pre-release copy of this one.
January 11, 2025
DNF. Dang was this disappointing. I enjoyed the first Shadow novel from this pair (Check my review.) and was looking forward to a sequel.
Ugh. I read the first chapter I was immediately turned off by the writing style. It seems like/ sounds like first person juvenile writing Patterson (or Sitts) might have done for grade school fan fiction.
Incredibly disappointed.
Ugh. I read the first chapter I was immediately turned off by the writing style. It seems like/ sounds like first person juvenile writing Patterson (or Sitts) might have done for grade school fan fiction.
Incredibly disappointed.
August 2, 2025
Fresh off my disappointment in the first book, I thought perhaps now that the world had been established, the story might get a little more interesting. Boy was I wrong.
This is garbage. I didn't finish.
This is garbage. I didn't finish.
April 20, 2023
While this entry is much better than the first, it still is somewhat disappointing. The story feels much more like a Shadow story (despite the future setting), but the people shape-shifting into animals and time travel elements feel completely out of place and took me out of the book unfortunately. This entry at least gives hope that the series can live up to its promise, it still falls short.
August 28, 2023
weird story??? started off great but so much happened so fast it just felt like it was too much info in a short amount of time. it was meh
July 22, 2023
Circle of Death, by James Patterson and Bian Sitts is an homage to The Shadow character who rose to fame in the early 1930’s in the pulps and on the radio. For those of you are not familiar with the character, he is the alter ego of Lamont Cranston, a well-to-do man of the world. As The Shadow, he seeks out and destroys those who have evil in their hearts. The love of his life, Margo Lane assists him in his never ending battle against the powers of evil. They have the help of various henchmen in their ongoing fight to save the world. In this latest installment we find that Lamont and Margo have been restored to life in 2087 by their granddaughter, Maddy, who is beginning to develop her own powers. Unfortunately , Shiwan Khan, who was The Shadows nemesis in the past, has managed to continue his reign of terror in the future. There is plenty of action in this current rendering of a classic tale of good versus evil. Who better to take on this fight than The Shadow, who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men. A fast moving story with plenty of action. This book was provided for review by NovelSuspectsInsiders.
July 4, 2023
A mysterious thriller that will take you from one century to the next while reminding you nothing is ever what it appears in a Patterson novel.
The ability of our main character to jump not only timelines but appearances kept me on my toes and guessing what would happen next and I loved it.
I've always wondered what it would be like to have a superhero alter ego and this story gave me a really good look at what that would be like and how hard it would be to balance everything, have the knowledge most people dont, and try to keep the people you love safe without everyone finding out who you are.
I can honestly say I didn't know what to expect with this one but the blurb drew me in and I'm so glad I read it, my brain is still processing what happened and to me, that is the definition of a great book.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this E-Book, I have voluntarily read and reviewed it and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
The ability of our main character to jump not only timelines but appearances kept me on my toes and guessing what would happen next and I loved it.
I've always wondered what it would be like to have a superhero alter ego and this story gave me a really good look at what that would be like and how hard it would be to balance everything, have the knowledge most people dont, and try to keep the people you love safe without everyone finding out who you are.
I can honestly say I didn't know what to expect with this one but the blurb drew me in and I'm so glad I read it, my brain is still processing what happened and to me, that is the definition of a great book.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this E-Book, I have voluntarily read and reviewed it and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 25, 2023
What I appreciated about this book is the style of the first book in the series. What I didn't love was the add-ons of new characters - who were older characters re-united - that were not fully developed. It was a shorter book that went fast but I felt as if there was a better book to be had.
Read
October 6, 2023DNF
October 1, 2024
I did a review of this a few days ago. I liked this book because I felt like I was with the people in the story. Nice twist at the end.
July 15, 2023
Back to the future! Taking place 60+ years in our future, we see friends and allies fight to protect and avenge .
Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men...
The Shadow knows!
Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men...
The Shadow knows!
July 12, 2023
Review of Circle of Death by James Patterson and Brian Sitts. This the second in the series and doesn’t disappoint. The Shadow thriller captures the old time radio show with a modern twist. Definitely a summer read, like a summer movie blockbuster. I really enjoyed this book and hope there will be a third one. I give this 5 stars
July 29, 2023
I didn’t read a synopsis of this book before purchasing it. My bad. It is NOT the classic Patterson writing I’m used to. I typically plow through books I actually paid money for…couldn’t do it this time.
Read
July 11, 2023Did not like the ending
January 3, 2024
Terrible. I stopped reading on page 32.
July 15, 2023
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing, NetGalley, and James Patterson and Brian Sitts for the chance to read an advance copy of Circle of Death The Shadow #2. This is an exciting read for fans of both new and old series of The Shadow. The Shadow dates back to the 30’s and this takes place during 2088 after being awoken by his and Margo Lane’s descendant Maddie and following the events of book 1. This time they are facing The Destroyer of Worlds as well as having to solve a series of strange murders taking place at the World’s Fair. Who knows how thing will turn out for our intrepid heroes? Only the Shadow knows! I highly recommend this book it is a lot of fun and very nostalgic as well.
March 26, 2024
I’ve been a lifelong fan of The Shadow radio series. When I started this book, I didn’t know it was a related story but as soon as I figured that out, I was so excited!
That didn’t last long. The writing was sub-par and the narration was abysmal. If you have any love for the radio series, do yourself a favor and do not listen to the audiobook.
That didn’t last long. The writing was sub-par and the narration was abysmal. If you have any love for the radio series, do yourself a favor and do not listen to the audiobook.
August 1, 2023
About 20% in and lost interest.
June 9, 2024
I love Maddy, but Dache is annoying. Intriguing, but disturbing!
June 24, 2024
It read like someone vaguely knew about superhero movies and wrote fanfiction. Very cringy, never read anything by Patterson so bad
July 22, 2023
In 1930, Walter B. Gibson created a fictional superhero who quickly became a national sensation via a serialized radio show. That character was none other than Lamont Cranston, also known as The Shadow. The introductory line from that radio show has become the stuff of legend: “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!”
The world’s most popular novelist, James Patterson, along with television writer Brian Sitts, team up for the second novel in The Shadow series, this one entitled CIRCLE OF DEATH. The year is 2088 and Lamont and his wife Margo, who possess many different powers including time travel, jump ahead 150 years from 1930 to this future time. They are living in the same home and oversee a College Freshman named Maddy who most think is their daughter when she is actually a grand-grand-daughter. Hope I have enough grands there!
In the first novel in the series, THE SHADOW, Lamont was able to stop the threat of a former fellow ‘student’ and now adversary named Shiwan Khan. With that threat thwarted, you would think Lamont and his family could rest easily. This all comes to a crashing halt when the President of the Americas comes to him for help with a global threat from a villain calling themselves the Destroyer Of Worlds. For a threat of this magnitude, the Cranston’s are going to need a few friends.
That help comes in the form of Jericho Druke, Moe Shrevnitz, and Burbank --- all of whom are direct descendants and spitting images of their long-deceased relatives who fought with The Shadow back in the 1930’s. They each have a particular skill-set and will be put to the test --- especially Burbank who is a communications/technology specialist that is much needed in this strange new world Lamont now inhabits. At the same time tragic attacks are occurring around the world, there is a rash of serial murders happening right in NYC and specifically at the 2088 World’s Fair. Lamont recognizes that this is somehow connected and so they divvy up their team to tackle both issues.
Lamont and Margo decide to visit the World’s Fair and while they are trapped on the stalled ‘Invisible Wheel’ Ferris Wheel --- whereby passengers appear to be floating in mid-air --- another murder happens on the ground. A visit to the United Nations ends with the Cranston’s being sent on a top-secret flight to Paris in search of the enemies lair. This particular prototype jet gets them there in 2 hours. When the doors open they are met by a flying drone that drops an envelope with an invite for them to dine with The Destroyer Of Worlds who was expecting them. They are then each struck by tiny darts that knock them out.
Lamont and Margo wake up in a bed within their foe’s mansion. A French woman comes in the room to greet them and they quickly put together that she is their enemy. They are invited to dine with her and find out more about her evil intentions for the rest of the planet. Meanwhile, two more ancestors of former Shadow team members --- Tapper and Hawkeye --- show up and are lending their assistance to the fight. Alas, not every member of the team will make it out of this deadly conflagration.
Their initial meeting ends with Lamont and Margo being sent to the finest restaurant in Paris, all financed by their new rival, and it is there where an attack happens intended to kill Margo. Thankfully, Lamont and Margo both escape, but Lamont decides they need to make it try and appear that Margo was killed so that he can shape-shift into one of a myriad of animals he can replicate and spy on their enemy to find out her intentions behind this. This is all easier said than done as she always seems to be one step ahead of them. Worse than that, she has created a weapon that can wipe out thousands of people in mere seconds and demonstrates this for Lamont with attacks on some highly populated areas around the world.
The Destroyer of Worlds has a couple of huge surprises for Lamont in addition to a few other jaw-dropping plot twists, which make for an exhilarating reading experience. CIRCLE OF DEATH reads like classic noir pulp comic fiction combined with the essence of the legendary radio program. Patterson and Sitts do a fine job of keeping things fun and with a futuristic sense of unbelievability that helps to keep this creation constantly moving forward at break-neck speed. If you enjoy the thrill of action comics then this read will have you squealing with joy!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
The world’s most popular novelist, James Patterson, along with television writer Brian Sitts, team up for the second novel in The Shadow series, this one entitled CIRCLE OF DEATH. The year is 2088 and Lamont and his wife Margo, who possess many different powers including time travel, jump ahead 150 years from 1930 to this future time. They are living in the same home and oversee a College Freshman named Maddy who most think is their daughter when she is actually a grand-grand-daughter. Hope I have enough grands there!
In the first novel in the series, THE SHADOW, Lamont was able to stop the threat of a former fellow ‘student’ and now adversary named Shiwan Khan. With that threat thwarted, you would think Lamont and his family could rest easily. This all comes to a crashing halt when the President of the Americas comes to him for help with a global threat from a villain calling themselves the Destroyer Of Worlds. For a threat of this magnitude, the Cranston’s are going to need a few friends.
That help comes in the form of Jericho Druke, Moe Shrevnitz, and Burbank --- all of whom are direct descendants and spitting images of their long-deceased relatives who fought with The Shadow back in the 1930’s. They each have a particular skill-set and will be put to the test --- especially Burbank who is a communications/technology specialist that is much needed in this strange new world Lamont now inhabits. At the same time tragic attacks are occurring around the world, there is a rash of serial murders happening right in NYC and specifically at the 2088 World’s Fair. Lamont recognizes that this is somehow connected and so they divvy up their team to tackle both issues.
Lamont and Margo decide to visit the World’s Fair and while they are trapped on the stalled ‘Invisible Wheel’ Ferris Wheel --- whereby passengers appear to be floating in mid-air --- another murder happens on the ground. A visit to the United Nations ends with the Cranston’s being sent on a top-secret flight to Paris in search of the enemies lair. This particular prototype jet gets them there in 2 hours. When the doors open they are met by a flying drone that drops an envelope with an invite for them to dine with The Destroyer Of Worlds who was expecting them. They are then each struck by tiny darts that knock them out.
Lamont and Margo wake up in a bed within their foe’s mansion. A French woman comes in the room to greet them and they quickly put together that she is their enemy. They are invited to dine with her and find out more about her evil intentions for the rest of the planet. Meanwhile, two more ancestors of former Shadow team members --- Tapper and Hawkeye --- show up and are lending their assistance to the fight. Alas, not every member of the team will make it out of this deadly conflagration.
Their initial meeting ends with Lamont and Margo being sent to the finest restaurant in Paris, all financed by their new rival, and it is there where an attack happens intended to kill Margo. Thankfully, Lamont and Margo both escape, but Lamont decides they need to make it try and appear that Margo was killed so that he can shape-shift into one of a myriad of animals he can replicate and spy on their enemy to find out her intentions behind this. This is all easier said than done as she always seems to be one step ahead of them. Worse than that, she has created a weapon that can wipe out thousands of people in mere seconds and demonstrates this for Lamont with attacks on some highly populated areas around the world.
The Destroyer of Worlds has a couple of huge surprises for Lamont in addition to a few other jaw-dropping plot twists, which make for an exhilarating reading experience. CIRCLE OF DEATH reads like classic noir pulp comic fiction combined with the essence of the legendary radio program. Patterson and Sitts do a fine job of keeping things fun and with a futuristic sense of unbelievability that helps to keep this creation constantly moving forward at break-neck speed. If you enjoy the thrill of action comics then this read will have you squealing with joy!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
July 24, 2023
In 1930, Walter B. Gibson created a superhero who quickly became a national sensation via a serialized radio program. That character was none other than Lamont Cranston, also known as The Shadow, and the show’s introductory line has become the stuff of legend: “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!”
James Patterson and Brian Sitts have teamed up for the second entry in their Shadow series, CIRCLE OF DEATH. Lamont and his wife, Margo --- who possess many different powers, including time travel --- jump ahead 150 years from 1930 to 2088. They are living in the same home and oversee Maddy, a college freshman who most people think is their daughter. She is actually their great-great-great-great granddaughter.
In the first installment of the series, THE SHADOW, Lamont was able to stop the threat of a former fellow student and now adversary, Shiwan Khan. But any peace that he and his family may get to experience is short-lived when the President of the Americas comes to him for help with a global threat from the Command, an evil organization led by the Destroyer of Worlds. For an undertaking of this magnitude, the Cranstons are going to need a few friends.
That help comes in the form of Jericho Druke, Moe Shrevnitz and Burbank, all of whom are direct descendants and spitting images of their long-deceased relatives who fought with The Shadow back in the 1930s. They each have a particular skill set and will be put to the test --- especially Burbank, a communications/technology specialist who is much needed in this strange new world that Lamont now inhabits. At the same time, fatal attacks are occurring around the world, and there is a rash of murders happening right in New York City, specifically at the 2088 World’s Fair. Lamont recognizes that this is all somehow connected, so they divvy up their team to tackle both issues.
Lamont and Margo decide to visit the World’s Fair. While they are trapped on a stalled ride, where passengers appear to be floating in mid-air, another murder happens on the ground. A trip to the United Nations ends with the Cranstons being sent on a top-secret flight to Paris in search of the enemies’ lair. When the doors open, they are met by a flying drone that drops an envelope with an invite for them to dine with the Destroyer of Worlds, who is expecting them. They are then struck with tiny darts that knock them out.
Meanwhile, two more ancestors of former Shadow team members --- Tapper and Hawkeye --- show up to lend their assistance to the fight. Alas, not every member of the team will make it out of this deadly conflagration.
The Destroyer of Worlds has a couple of huge surprises for Lamont, in addition to a few other jaw-dropping plot twists, all of which make for an exhilarating reading experience. Patterson and Sitts do a fine job of keeping their story constantly moving forward at breakneck speed. If you enjoy the thrill of action-filled comics, then CIRCLE OF DEATH will have you squealing with joy.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
James Patterson and Brian Sitts have teamed up for the second entry in their Shadow series, CIRCLE OF DEATH. Lamont and his wife, Margo --- who possess many different powers, including time travel --- jump ahead 150 years from 1930 to 2088. They are living in the same home and oversee Maddy, a college freshman who most people think is their daughter. She is actually their great-great-great-great granddaughter.
In the first installment of the series, THE SHADOW, Lamont was able to stop the threat of a former fellow student and now adversary, Shiwan Khan. But any peace that he and his family may get to experience is short-lived when the President of the Americas comes to him for help with a global threat from the Command, an evil organization led by the Destroyer of Worlds. For an undertaking of this magnitude, the Cranstons are going to need a few friends.
That help comes in the form of Jericho Druke, Moe Shrevnitz and Burbank, all of whom are direct descendants and spitting images of their long-deceased relatives who fought with The Shadow back in the 1930s. They each have a particular skill set and will be put to the test --- especially Burbank, a communications/technology specialist who is much needed in this strange new world that Lamont now inhabits. At the same time, fatal attacks are occurring around the world, and there is a rash of murders happening right in New York City, specifically at the 2088 World’s Fair. Lamont recognizes that this is all somehow connected, so they divvy up their team to tackle both issues.
Lamont and Margo decide to visit the World’s Fair. While they are trapped on a stalled ride, where passengers appear to be floating in mid-air, another murder happens on the ground. A trip to the United Nations ends with the Cranstons being sent on a top-secret flight to Paris in search of the enemies’ lair. When the doors open, they are met by a flying drone that drops an envelope with an invite for them to dine with the Destroyer of Worlds, who is expecting them. They are then struck with tiny darts that knock them out.
Meanwhile, two more ancestors of former Shadow team members --- Tapper and Hawkeye --- show up to lend their assistance to the fight. Alas, not every member of the team will make it out of this deadly conflagration.
The Destroyer of Worlds has a couple of huge surprises for Lamont, in addition to a few other jaw-dropping plot twists, all of which make for an exhilarating reading experience. Patterson and Sitts do a fine job of keeping their story constantly moving forward at breakneck speed. If you enjoy the thrill of action-filled comics, then CIRCLE OF DEATH will have you squealing with joy.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
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