Storm of Shadows

The Chosen Ones #2

by Christina Dodd

When the world was young, twins were born. One brought light to a dark world; the other, darkness and danger. They gathered others around them, men and women destined to use their powerful gifts for good or evil. Today, their descendants walk the earth as the Chosen, and the ultimate battle has begun.

Brilliant but proper and predictable, Rosamund Hill has lived her life buried in universities and libraries, discounting the legend of the Chosen as a myth. Until Aaron Eagle shows up at her door. Aaron both unsettles and enthralls her. But she can't resist his offers of clandestine visits to private museums, the hunt for a mysterious prophecy. or a makeover that unleashes her untamed soul. With the promise of a love that will defy fate itself, Rosamund is forced to confront the truth about the Chosen ... and the dangerous man who sweeps her into a world of dark secrets.

Genres: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Fantasy, Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Magic

374 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 2009

About the author

Upcoming:
— 6/30/26 TEACH THE TORCHES TO BURN: Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #3 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

New and Now!
—MUCH ADO ABOUT MISTLETOE: Daughter of Montague Christmas novella https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— THUS WITH A KISS I DIE Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #2
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA Historical Fiction Trade Paperback Once upon a time a young couple met and fell in love. You probably know that story, and how it ended (hint: badly). Only here’s the thing: That’s not how it ended at all…
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
— WELCOME TO GOTHIC: A Gothic novella in ebook (at last!) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— WHAT DREAMS MAY COME Daughter of Montague novella 1.5 "I’m the daughter of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, that Romeo and Juliet. No, they didn’t die in the tomb…" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— GIRL ANONYMOUS “Crackling sexual chemistry and a few love scenes guaranteed to scorch readers’ fingers as they turn the pages." — ⭐️ Booklist
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Readers become writers, and Christina has always been a reader. Ultimately she discovered she liked to read romance best because the relationship between a man and a woman is always humorous. A woman wants world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants a Craftsman router, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will make his bald spot disappear.
When Christina’s first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be?
Ha! It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before she was published. Now her suspense, paranormal, historical, and mystery novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 15 million copies in print. Praised for her “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd” (Booklist), her award-winning books have landed on numerous Best of the Year lists and, much to her mother's delight, Dodd was once a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where her 700 lavender plants share the yard with her husband’s various “Big Projects,” including a treehouse, zipline, and their very own Stonehenge.
Enter Christina’s worlds and join her mailing list for humor, book news and entertainment (yes, she’s the proud author with the infamous three-armed cover) at christinadodd.com. For more information on A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA, visit daughterofmontague.com. Her legions of fans know that when they pick up a Christina Dodd book, they'll find the story, "Wildly entertaining, wickedly witty!"
Christina is married to a man with all his hair and no Corvette, but many Craftsman tools.

(Source: http://www.christinadodd.com )

Reviews

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this wasn't perfect (but what is perfect in life?), I enjoyed it a lot. I liked the messages here, about grabbing onto love, even if nothing is guaranteed; facing your fears head on; choosing to do the right thing, even when walking away or being selfish is easiest; and finding value in something you might have overlooked. I could go on.

I feel that Ms. Dodd is finding her feet in the paranormal genre. I thought the first in this series, Storm of Visions, was rather awkward, the world-building taking precedence over the romance. I did not feel that way with this book. I felt there was a smooth integration of romance and paranormal storytelling here. Some things are still a bit shaky, but I think this series will become more solid with each book. Even still, I like the different sort of story she has here. The Chosen Ones, banding together to fight the Others. The pervasive presence of evil that the Chosen Ones face (both in human and supernatural form). I like how they were abandoned and unwanted, but have incredible gifts that can tip the balance of power. I'm still coming to know each Chosen One, yearning to know what their role will be, and that will keep me reading. I want the answers, and I want to see who they end up with!

Aaron was infectiously likeable as a hero, despite the fact that he didn't always come off as favorable in the narrative. He burned with raw intensity, but had a confidence, an urbane polish that allowed him to be utterly at home in high society and academia, even if he looked like a warrior in his GQ finery. However, he had some self-knowledge to face in this story. His beginning was heartbreaking and horrifying, and the path of his life wasn't an easy one by any stretch. He had to fight for everything he had in life, not always making the right choices. Aaron had to come to like and respect himself, and that journey made him so loveable. His chemistry with Rosamund was very appealing. Rosamund also did a lot of growing in this book, as well. I was glad that Ms. Dodd tricked me a little. I have some issues with makeover stories, and I was kind of worried this would turn into one where the heroine has to become a glamorous swan to be worthy of the hero. Not so. Long before her makeover, and long after, Aaron noticed the real Rosamund, the one he fell in love with, and it was kind of funny that he was annoyed that she seemed able to overlook him. Rosamund is a real, 100% bonafide nerd. I loved her for it. She is so immersed in her work and studies that she forgets about things like buying new clothes when her old ones get faded and frayed, she has no clue how to flirt, and I like how Aaron has to fight to earn her attention. It's a nice change. Deep down, though, Rosamund did notice Aaron, but it scared her, because her attraction to him had the power to rip away the barriers against hurt she had built when her mother and father died. It was easier to bury herself in the past, and to avoid love and emotions, but Aaron made that impossible for her. I love to read about intelligent, learned heroines, and that's definitely Rosamund. However, she is clueless about real life, and it was very endearing, others having to help her with the normal stuff, even though she is extremely smart about antiquities and ancient history. I liked that Aaron liked her knowledge and her intelligence. He didn't want to throw that away just for the outer package, although he did recognize the unpolished beauty she had from the beginning. So, with both the hero and the heroine in this book, I loved them, flaws and all. Like people in real life, I was able to care about them, even if they did things I didn't like. I thought they were a great couple together.

Dodd has a way of writing a delicious hero for this reader. Aaron wasn't so different. His layers appealed to me. I loved how protective he was of Rosamund, how she confounded him, how he was completely jealous of the other men who were all over her. He knew the real Rosamund, and that was the woman he wanted, and he wasn't afraid to fight for her. When Rosamund comes to accept how much Aaron means to her, in a pivotal, heartbreaking moment, I was completely plugged into this book, waiting to see what would happen next.

It's nice to read concise, straightforward writing, and that's Ms. Dodd's writing style. Even for its simplicity, the deeper levels were here. The mythology/lore was intriguing, and a little horrific at times. The story of the prophetess, and her ugly journey, where it led; the Sacred Cave, and how that related to Aaron from his birth, very fascinating elements. The people that Rosamund and Aaron encounter on their quest, and the dangers they faced. It kept me reading, even though the romance also appealed.

Although the paranormal aspects still need some polishing and developing (in my opinion), I thought this was a very enjoyable read, and the romance was wonderful. It's just short of five stars (because I am pretty picky about rating paranormal romance), but it definitely earned a 4.5/5.0 star rating.

[new_user · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in Christina Dodd's Chosen Ones series, Storm of Shadows exceeds expectations. After the Storm of Visions disappointment, I was wary. Dodd bounces back with Shadows, story of Aaron Eagle and Rosamund Hall.

What illustrious names, you say! Rosamund's archaelogical parents named her after an English king's famously beautiful mistress, but while Rosamund follows in her parents' scholarly footsteps, she hardly considers herself "The Fair." Plain and a little frumpy, "always thinking of what she read years ago, or what she's going to read next," glamour and soireés can never compete with Rosamund's books. (Did I mention this book is fanservice?)

She seems an unlikely target for the suave, dark, and hard-edged man who asks after her work one evening, but Aaron lies smoothly. After all, he's a professional. Aaron's competence manipulating people and escaping tight spots make him truly thief-worthy and reminded me of some favorite spy/assassin heroes. Dodd leans on stereotype in a few places -I would have liked "savage" stricken from the narrative- but Native American Aaron Eagle is fine in a suit. He also uses his superpower in new and interesting ways. Yeah, you wish Superman had thought of that.

Speaking of, Dodd's super with love scenes, as usual. They're frank, earthy, and creative without enumerating all the fluid- er, fine details. She also allows her hero and heroine healthy attitudes towards sex-- or if she doesn't, mentions that. This means that the heroine enjoys herself too, and without getting too sappy, it's sweet to see her blossom. We get two of these fine scenes.

Readers accustomed to Dodd's sexual tension may feel a bit cheated because she devotes more page time to the adventure and Rosamund and Aaron's relationship is a little more natural and down-to-earth, Aaron's narration, in particular, more human and less fantasy-perfect than Dodd's usual hero. Perhaps she is leaning a smidge towards urban fantasy, though her hero never approaches abusive, etc. If she is experimenting, however, her tight pacing remains the same. She never wastes pages on internal dialogue or exposition, passes adroitly from one scene and conversation to another and conveys to her reader as much information in as few words as possible without complicated rhetoric.

In other words, you can read this in one gulp.

Dodd also takes more care with her secondary characters in this series. She crafts team dynamics, and anyone interested in the "unlikely strangers thrown together to save the world" theme will eat The Chosen Ones up. I thought dreamy Viking Vidar was a good touch, I really want to know more about Aleksandr's mystery girl and Gary White. And will Samuel Faa ever find someone who can tolerate his punk behind? He's such a grinch, LOL. Dodd does not balk at making a flawed or troubled fellow the hero.

So, all in all I recommend Storm of Shadows as a fun adventure romance. You may miss out on the team dynamics and a few events if you do not read the first book, Storm of Visions, although that reads more like a series introduction about the group than a self-contained romance. Request that from the library. 3.5/4 stars.

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than the first book in the series, maybe because I just liked Aaron’s character much better than Jacqueline’s (heroine from the previous book). Rosamund is oblivious to a completely unbelievable level, though. Anyone with a functioning brain would think and/or react better than she does. Therefore the story just doesn’t make any logical sense much of the time.

Judging by the high ratings so many others gave this book at the time is was published, however, I’m wondering if my opinions are based on the years and years since. In the ensuing time, readers have had thousands upon thousands of other paranormal books published from which to hone their expectations. Maybe we were just much simpler in our tastes when we first discovered this new world. *shrugs*

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend reading this one IMMEDIATELY after the first one. It's been a few months and I felt almost lost. The time frame picks up the day the first book ends Storm of Visions
But this one was also a much better book. I wouldn't have continued on after the first book, if this one hadn't been given to me. I am surprisingly glad I did. It's not that Storm of Visions was bad, by any means, but it wasn't so fantastic I wanted to read more. I will now make it a point to finish the series. The two together are far better than either one alone, and you cannot read them out of order.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read although the series has yet to win the heart the way that the Darkness Chosen series did. That said, I'm still buying the books...

I liked Aaron and Rosamund He's all the 'gentleman thieves' we've loved from Robin Hood through the Saint. She's the 'absent mind professor' so wound up in her work that she'd miss Armageddon. When she manages to notice the real world she is socially clueless and can't figure out what the excitement is supposed to be about.

Although there is a lot of Indiana Jones style plot going on [along with the romance when the hero can get the heroine's attention:] most of it doesn't contribute hugely to the overall story arc.

Could you read this one without having read the first one? Probably not a good idea - the author has put almost all the backstory into the first book [although we get a few glimpses in this one also:].


Chosen Ones
1. Storm of Visions (2009)
2. Storm of Shadows (2009)
3. Chains of Ice (2010)
4. Chains of Fire (2010)
and more to come I'm sure

[Jamie ~ Bad Boy Inspector · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having not read the first book in this series I was surprised to be able to follow and enjoy this book. Even though the overall story arc started in the first book I was able to figure out what was going on and follow very easily. The story itself was pretty interesting and kept my interest till the very last page. The only reason I gave it a 3 star instead of 4 was because I don't really like the clueless, innocent, bookish type heroines. I like my heroines mouth and kick-ass but of course this just my preference.

[Anne-Marie Perreault · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contente que l'histoire continue avec un autre Élu comme personnage principal. C'est aussi sans flafla que le premier tome, direct à l'essentiel, mais l'histoire est très différente. Aussi captivant sans savoir exactement pourquoi. Heureusement, l'enchaînement n'est pas un copié collé du tome 1.
🌶

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book more than Storm of Visions, the first book of the series. The characters were more likable. Aaron and Rosamund make a good couple. It was frustrating how their assumptions and lack of communication kept them from realizing their love. The story was interesting and I liked having a smart heroine.

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Storm of Shadows takes place five days after Storm of Visions ended, it's a slow start to Storm of Shadows but slowly and surely the storyline does picks up.

Aaron Eagle has gone to speak to Dr Hill about prophies for the Chosen Ones but gets more than he bargains for as the previous Dr Hill has died and his daughter Rosamund has taken over from him. Aaron isn't the only Abandoned One to seek out Rosamund, the Others have beaten him to it. Now Aaron has to use his charm and skill to distract Rosamund from the Other she's going to date.


I liked Storm of Shadows, not nearly as much as Storm of Visions but it was still good enough for me. As I stated above, it did get off to a slow start but it was worth hanging in there and by the end I really did like the book. I really liked Rosamund and enjoyed seeing her character blossom with Aaron and how geeky she could be at times.

Favourite Quote: "I do care about real life. It's just not as interesting as what's in my books."


My dislikes for Storm of Shadows, there aren't many to be fair and they haven't got anything to do with the overall story but:-

- There wasn't alot of action in this book compared to Storm of Visions and I felt that although there was a lot of moving and going places, it still felt it took a while for the story to really unfold.

- Samuel and Isabelle are really annoying me, everyone knows something happened in their past. I'm just trying to wait patiently for there story which is book 4, which seems ages away because its not due out til September.

- Samuel, himself. He constantly seems to be so, angry and annoying. He doesn't seem supportive in the group and only seems to add to the tension and problems. I can't figure out if this is due to his past, his past with Isabelle or that's just the way he is and Ms Dodd has written him.

I enjoyed reading Storm of Shadows and I'm really looking forward to reading Chains of Ice.

[Angela Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am liking this series! Book Two focuses on Aaron Eagle, who is tasked with finding a linguistics expert to uncover a prophecy that will help the Chosen Ones in their battle against evil. Rosamund is the quintessential absent-minded professor who immediately and intensely aggravates Aaron. The measured revelation of their backstories, especially Aaron's dire circumstances, and Rosamund's personal evolution is paced well; however, Aaron seems to go from childishly self-involved to utterly enamored and heroically self-sacrificing in the blink of an eye. The info on Isaac and the Gypsy Travel Agency, as well as the subtle hints regarding first perceptions sprinkled throughout the book, will stand this team (and the reader) in good stead in the coming installments. Between enigmatic new players and high-intensity action, this reader looks forward to what Christina Dodd has in store next!

[Mollie *scoutrmom* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story, I just think the hero should have opened his mouth and told the heroine of his interest instead of assuming her feelings. He knows she's oblivious, and that he needs to be specific. So what took him so long?

Great plot, face-paced action, plenty of encounters with the opposition. A lot of trouble would have been saved if the boneheaded hero had just explained to the oblivious heroine that the other guy was the enemy.

Well, that's realistic, that's guys for ya.

Back to the keeper shelf as I go attack the new one in the series.

[L.W.]

I'm having a horrible time getting through this book...it's boring me to tears and I'm very disappointed....so far I haven't made it to page 100 because it's work to plow through it...I hope it picks up or this will be the first dud I've read from Ms. Dodd

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This romance did not do a lot for me. Rosamund is an archeologist/librarian unskilled in social interaction and unaware of her beauty. Aaron is a hunky Native American who raised himself in the mountains. He has fashion skills (how?), dresses well and is surprised that Rosamund is not particularly impressed by him.

There is good and evil. The secondary characters may have had more depth if I had read the first in the series recently. I have read it, but don’t remember it. This latest batch of Chosen are looking for a prophecy which will affect their ability to fight off the dark ones. Rosamund may have the key or be able to identify it. Aaron is with her to help her and guard her. The other Chosen are only peripheral.

There is drama in underground caves which provides a riveting opening and scary passages near the end. I have been much more involved in Ms. Dodd’s other work. This one just didn’t grip me or make me care. It’s OK as a light read.

Readalikes:
Heather Graham’s Krewe of Hunters series; Karen Robards – The Last Kiss Goodbye; Christine Feehan - Turbulent Sea; Jayne Ann Krentz – Sizzle and Burn; Linda Howard – Dream Man; Linda Lael Miller – Deadly Deceptions; Jayne Castle – Deception Cove; Cherry Adair – Night Fall; Kat Martin – The Summit.

Pace: Fast
Characters: Likeable for the most part, but unconvincing
Story: Plot-driven
Writing style:
Tone: Steamy; suspenseful
Frame: NYC; Europe; contemporary

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Setting: sacred cave in Idaho Mountains near Bear Creek tribe; Arthur W. Nelson Fine Arts Library and Shea’s protected mansion in New York; antiquities vendors in Casablanca and Paris; sacred cave Sacre Barbare, France in the FrenchAlps;

Theme: evil vs good; abandonment; special talents; love and lifemates

Characters:
Bitter Eagle / Cripple Eagle: last chief of his tribe; sacred cave always speaks to him and in his old age he answered its strident call – rescuing a newborn baby left as sacrifice to the gods of the cave; the cave angered, dropped rocks on him, snagging his leg – he pushed infant out of the cave and cut off his foot so as to get out – raised him to the age of 14, then died (along with his tribe) himself.

Aaron Eagle: an Abandoned One now a Chosen One; raised by Cripple Eagle, lived in the mountains for years after death of Cripple Eagle; then entered society and remade himself, a talented, handsome, thief of objects d’arte; he can become invisible/vapor to move in and out of places; reluctantly accepted his role as a Chosen One to fight the Others.

Dr. Rosamund Hall: pretty, unkept, distracted, bookish and focused on her studies; she followed in her father’s footsteps as librarian at the Fine Arts Library; mother and father researchers of books and in the field, linguists of ancient languages and artifacts; mother an Abandoned One, not selected to be a Chosen, but she was looking for a prophecy about the Chosen, and was killed right after sending home an artifact; father hurt and angry after her death, distanced himself from his daughter emotionally, and kept his daughter away from that side of things, and instilled a belief in science not the occult; isolated in the library basement for much of her day; studying the Mayan tablet her mother sent back, not being able to decipher it yet; last year, just before her father died, she got a text telling her that her mother was right, and to run, run, run.

Lance Mathews: an Abandoned One now an Other; sent to seduce Dr. Hall into giving him the prophecy; knew of the Other’s killing of her mother, and participated in the killing of her father. He is punished when he fails the first time, and killed instantly when failed the second.

Osgood: orchestrating the Others in their current tactics.

Irving Shea: 93 year old former CEO of the Gypsy Travel Agency; Had made the Chosen fiscally strong but perhaps made compromising choices that led to their current weak state of affairs; One of the only ones still alive knowing the history and procedures of the Chosen; guiding the six;

McKenna (butler) and Martha (servant): Irving’s butler and Martha a staff member who survived the explosion that killed 98% of the Chosen network.

Aleksandr Wilder: Chosen, next book?; his talent has not been revealed; a university student and tutor; is getting ensnared by a tutoree – Chosen or Other?

Charisma and Isabelle: 2 of the chosen; befriend Rosamund; background in this book

Samuel: a Chosen; background

Jacqueline Vargha and Caleb D’Angelo: from first book; Jacqueline the Chosen, and she foresees the future – a talent strengthened now she is with her lifemate Caleb;

Vidar Davidov: bartender; knows and helps the Chosen, though ‘something is not quite right about him’; connected to Irving’s house via underground passages; bringer of information, provider of tension relief at his bar.

Gary White: hmmm; a previous Chosen; has been in a coma for 4 years; Irving visited in 1st book, and seems to believe his is on their side; he awakens (when the center disseminated) and wants to eat – and his thoughts suggest he made a deal with the devil; see more of him in upcoming books.

Summary:
The Works of Sacmis, prophetess of Casablanca… vs prophetess of Otach Sak (mayan);
Rosamund and Aaron travel, following the steps of the prophetess of Casablanca, who meets Jacqueline’s prediction that they are looking for a woman prophet in a white house… they travel to Casablanca, then Paris, then France –
In Paris, Aaron’s gay designer friend redesigns Rosamund into a very sexy librarian and gains them invitations to a private collector’s home for a party – where Rosamund stuns them all, being herself, fascinated by the antiquities; and the collector (known to be a bit of recluse, very controlling, not above using his position to entice young women) is fascinated by Rosamund and shares her love of the antiquities – becoming friends – but Osgood orders his, Rosamund, and Aaron’s death – and he is killed (by his own bodyguard)… and Rosamund and Aaron are spared, because his prophetess’ book sent them to the cave, and he had arranged for one of his cars to take them… and R & A were in the cloak room overcome by their passion when the shooting began, and the Aaron was able to cloak her and take her out of the building unseen.

Aaron is surprised by the depth of his feelings for Rosamund, and realizes first that he loves her (and that she enhances/solidifies his powers)… Rosamund knows she loves him, but discounts his attraction as being part of his role, or his reaction to her being dressed up sexily or…

In France, they are led to another sacred cave, where Rosamund finds the prophecy/curse of their death – the cave falls around them, she gets out pulled a dead Aaron, who had covered her with his misty body, protecting her, and sacrificing himself; a former Chosen doctor takes his body from Rosamund – and he is restored to her in New York a few days later, alive and well. Hmmm?

She returns without him, realizes that the stone she was studying from her mother holds the true prophecy, and using the stone/diamond decipher that Irving supplied she is able to read the prophecy – the prophetess’ life, and her prediction that the Chosen had taken a wrong path, vanishing leaving only infant Chosen to defend the weak, then each of those Chosen must find their true love and sacrifice the greatest thing for that love – and then they would receive their full powers… but she didn’t get to the very last of the prophecy.

Story ends with some of the chosen going to rescue and abandoned one, and Aaron convincing Rosamund that he loves all of her, who she is… and they are going to continue to look for the rest of the prophecy…

Memorable scenes:

[Cait M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rosamund is a dorky ancient language expert, specialising in prophecies. She is called in by Aaron to help the Chosen discover an ancient prophesy to help guide them in their mission against the Others.

Aaron's gift is an ability to transform into mist and basically disappear. Up until recently he used his ability to steal precious antiques and other valuables, now he is using his gift for good against the evil plans of the Others.

The hero and heroine are definately opposites attract. He is well dressed, suave and handsome with plenty of street smarts. She is untidy and scatterbrained (although she cleans up very well and is pretty when she gets dressed up). She lives her work and is so totally focused on her translations that she can go hours without a thought for the outside world.

I thought the romance was pretty flat. Neither seemed to have a real reason to fall in love with the other, and yet it just happened. Aaron calls Rosamund 'Darling' a lot and it just didn't sound right to me.

The story has kind of a road trip element with the two MC's globe trotting to uncover the prophecy. The other Chosen barely feature in this book and I was wondering what they were doing the whole time Aaron and Rosamund were away.

The book contains descriptive love scenes.

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually read my books between 2 to 4 days, however, I had to push myself to finish Storm of Shadows. Although the story was interesting, it took too long to get to the goal of finding the prophecy. Not enough action or romance. Aaron is handsome, smart and able to turn into a shadow to complete his mission and to protect himself and Rosamund, the love of his life when necessary. She is plain, down to earth and oblivious to life around her. She almost sounds boring and not the right mate for Aaron. The ending is good because the prophecy is found and she agrees to marry him. Not one of my favorite books but good enough to get 4 stars.

[Susan Clair Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storm of Shadows

Aaron goes to see Dr Elijah Hall but instead finds Dr Rosamund Hall, the daughter. He recruits her to help the Chosen. She doesn't believe in the myth but as they fall in love her eyes are opened. The prophecy is a task to find and translate. This great tale is continued.

[Glenda Hitchcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series, lots of action and adventure!

[Danielle Nicholson · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much I could say, but won't. I'm SMDH over this one. Luckily I'm drawn to the storyline and will continue with this series since I bought the whole dern thing.

I hate to see a book go unread!

[Sheila Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the story of good vs. evil but could really do without the explicit sex.

[redmamameka · Rating 4 out of 5]

✔️4 stars Christina Dodd The Chosen Ones series is a favorite.

[Bethany Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great book with a strange twist, the main female character frustrated me through most of the book but eventually listened and believed what everyone was telling her to be true.

[Phyllis M. Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I KNEW this was going to be a good series as soon as I started reading the second book!

[R E C · Rating 3 out of 5]

The humor and camaraderie is fun and entertaining. Rosalind is not and she is an idiot.

[Paranormal Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a chosen one, the hero is on the hunt for a prophecy that predicts the end of the world. And he goes to his old friend who runs the antiquity library in hopes of finding the answers he seeks before the Others have a chance. Upon arrival however, he learns that the old man has died and name as his predecessor is his bookish daughter who at first horrifies the confident and quite vain hero. She is a complete mess. The frumpy dress she's wearing is falling apart, her red hair is in utter chaos and worse, he fears for her state of mind as she is obviously completely oblivious to him as a man. He's not sure what unnerves him most but all and all, she is a completely bizarre creature. The heroine has grown up surrounded by history. The search for knowledge and the quest of new discoveries keep her from paying any attention to her appearance or to men in general. She's not missing anything as far as she's concerned and even if she wanted to find herself a man, she's forgetful and socially inept so no decent man is expected to look at her twice. Sure, she can see the hero is a handsome man with his native American colouring and his expensive clothing but he has no business looking to her to that same attraction and so, he's not even on her radar. No, she's much more attracted to the man who came before to inquire about the prophecy, with his golden looks and easy smile, he's much more approachable and doesn't frown at her like the hero does. Still, despite her anticipation of her date with the man she calls Lance, she's still drawn in by the hero's offer to visit the private collection of his patron. There, she's immersed in the world of Chosen and Others and the prophecy and when she gets a lead on the answers, she and the hero set off on their adventure.

The hero started off as considering her inattention as a challenge but now, as she's still ignorant of all the signals he's sending, he's frustrated and getting possessive. This woman is not the dower librarian he thought she was. She is a stunning creature with a beautiful and intelligent mind and god damn it she will be his. He presses his seduction much to the heroine confusion and realizes she's as innocent in sex as she is in most human interactions. As their quest leads them deeper and deeper into the darkness, they realize they have only each other to rely on. The hero has fallen hard for the sexy librarian and he'll do anything he can to save her from the dangers they face.

The heroine was a sweet character and super funny. In most situation, if not talking about some historical artifact or myth, she was completely oblivious. The hero could basically tell her he wanted to fuck her and she would stare at him wide eyed and clueless. But when it came down to releasing that built up sexual tension, she was a tigress. But it took a lot for the hero to finally get her there and along the way it became less and less a challenge to his ego and more a challenge to get her to love him in return. See the hero was a vain creature at the start and was critical of the heroine's appearance. I imagine without her indifference to him in general, he would have completely dismissed her but because of it, she captured his attention and it allowed him to take a second glance.

I thought the adventure plot was sufficient if a tad lacking in overall excitement. It did drag at times and I found myself skimming a bit here and there. Over all, the characters were what drove this book. The heroine went from bookish and reclusive woman who didn't take a chance on her life to someone who could bash the enemy over the head with a priceless artifact. The hero went from a shallow man who took everything at face value to a man willing to sacrifice himself to the woman he loves, no questions asked. I'm intrigued with the series which I do have in my library but honestly don't remember a whole lot about. Could be worth a re-read down the road.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storm of Shadows
5 Stars

Synopsis
The Chosen Ones are in desperate need of a prophecy to guide them in their battle against the Others and Aaron Eagle is sent to enlist the aid of Dr. Elijah Hall, a linguist and expert in antiquities. However, the Dr. Hall he encounters is the old man's absent-minded and naive daughter, Rosamund, who has already been targeted by the Others. Will Aaron and Rosumand be able to locate the prophecy before it is too late?

Review
The first book was disappointing and it took me ages to decide to continue the series but am glad that I did because Storm of Shadows is a vast improvement on book #1 both in terms of the romance and the story.

The romance is captivating with a dark and mysterious hero and a naive heroine completely oblivious to her own beauty and to any and all social niceties. My inner nerd could not help but fall in love with her.

The character development is excellent as Aaron and Rosamund are both deeply flawed and have personal demons to overcome before they can acknowledge their love for each other. Rather than love/lust at first sight, their relationship is a slow build up of sexual tension and affection, which only adds to their characterization as individuals and as a couple. Aaron is able to see through Rosamund's frumpy and socially inept facade to the beautiful and intelligent woman beneath and Rosamund is able to chip away at Aaron's veneer of sophistication to the see the honorable man he truly is.

The plot is well written and developed. The quest for the prophecy and the lore surrounding the Chosen Ones is compelling. I enjoyed following the Prophetess's journey and encountering the various clues and people alongside Aaron and Rosamund - very Indiana Jones like. Moreover, the connections between this series and Dodd's previous paranormal books (Darkness Chosen) is becoming clearer - Ann Smith in "Scent of Darkness" is an Abandoned One, which explains her rose and serpent tattoo

There are some interesting twists and turns and intriguing hints at things to come, such as the enigmatic Davidov, Gary White's true intentions and Aleksandr's mysterious girlfriend. I look forward to finding out what happens next.

[Christie P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaron Eagle has been sent by the Chosen Ones to find Dr. Hill to work on some of the prophesies surrounding the Chosen Ones, the Others, and the battle that will decide their fates. He finds Dr. Hill, just not the one he was looking for.

Rosamund Hill has taken over her father's work since he passed. She has immersed herself in the world of ancient prophesies and myths and has always thought the Chosen Ones were a myth, until she meets Aaron.

Aaron quickly finds out he isn't the only one to recently visit Rosamund and she is in danger from the Others. He brings her to mansion the Chosen are living in not only to get more answers but to try to keep her safe.

The pair find themselves on a quest across the globe to find the answers to the main prophesy surrounding the Chose and work on why the Chosen still alive are starting to lose some of their abilities. Their journey is dangerous but the rewards far outweigh the risks and since they can't seem to keep their hands off each other this might give them the time they need to figure each other out.

Aaron and Rosamund's story picks up pretty quickly after Storm of Visions ended. Rosamund is NOTHING like a typical leading lady in any of the romance novels you read. She is incredibly intelligent, so dedicated to her work she rarely ever leaves the library, and is not described as a "looker" when she is first introduced. She is frumpy and her hair probably hasn't seen a brush or comb in years. But she is so very brave and strong.

Aaron was not supposed to be alive. He was born in a place that was meant to consume him but was saved by an old man who dearly wanted children. Aaron can turn himself into a vapor like substance and become undetectable, thus why he is known as quite the thief. He was caught by the Chosen and basically forced to work with them but that becomes easier the more time he spends with Rosamund. There is something about her that attracts him like no other woman and the more time they spend together the stronger he feels, emotionally and physically.

I was devastated by the twist thrown at toward the end of the book, cried like a small child, but in the end it worked itself out. I am really looking forward to more of the Chosen story's.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The goal was to find a reputable and learned antiquities and linguistic expert to help find a prophecy that their seer thought would give them an edge in the battle against the Others. Aaron Eagle had known Dr. Hall from previous dealings, but walking into the museum style basement of the library and finding a younger, female Dr. Hall and then finding out that one of the Others had already contacted her had put him in a difficult mood. Finally convincing Dr. Rosamund Hall to take a look at Mr. Irving Shea’s personal collection, the two made there way to the mansion where all of the new recruits were staying after an explosion wiped out most of the Chosen Ones. With a little bit of convincing, Aaron and Rosamund set out on a journey that would hopefully end with the information that they all needed to save the world from the Others, even if along the way they had to make some of the biggest sacrifices they ever thought they would.

Book 2 ….. I love a good series and this is turning out to be just that. While I didn’t enjoy the first book of this series as much as I did this one, it is still necessary to read it first. It is a true series - you probably (in my opinion) will not understand a lot of this one without the first one. The characters are all taking more shape and since the first book was heavy in the what and whys, this one can focus more on the who and whats. The prophecy is obvious especially after the search for it, but they do leave wondering if there is more to it. I am happy with Rosamund as an addition to their little group and the introduction of Davidov opens the door for so many more questions. The return of the main group is expected and the whole adventure of this book, while almost unnecessary, brings to light a lot of strengths and weaknesses to some of the individual as well as the group on a whole. I can only hope that this series keeps getting better, the better we get to know the characters. I am looking forward to the next of the series (according to Amazon.com it is: “Chains of Ice” - due out July 6, 2010 and “Chains of Fire” - due out September 7, 2010).

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosamund Hill lives her life in libraries, she is a expert in antiquities and knows how to properly treat them. Both her parents have passed away, and she is alone in the world. Then a handsome stranger comes in to visit her, Aaron Eagle, inquiring about a prophecy. Aaron Eagle is part of "The Chosen Ones" and in search of the prophecy. He brings Rosamund along with him to locations all over the world in search of it. But there is a evil force at work called the "Others" whose goal is to destroy the Chosen Ones. Its literally a fight between good and evil. Rosamund Hill never realized what she was getting into at first, but as they travel the world together and fight evil forces, she is drawn to the unsettling man beside her throughout the whole journey. There is also a passion that awakens between the both of them that neither anticipated. And a love that is so deep and strong can overcome any obstacle they face together.

This is the first book that I have read from the Chosen One Series, and I am really looking forward to the rest of the series. This was a surprisingly good read, I didn't know if I would like it as well as her other books that I have read. Most of what I have read from her were her historical's so this one was a good surprise to be sure. There were times that it didn't flow smoothly through the whole thing, but I really enjoyed reading most of it. I loved how even though Rosamund has no experience with men at all, and now she is faced with one and she doesn't know how to react most of the time, it was definitely at times very amusing. This definitely sounds like a intense and fun series, and looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Storm of Shadows" by Christina Dodd. Book 2 in the Chosen Ones series.

I liked this book. At first I was kind of annoyed with the main characters, Arron and Rosamund. In the beginning of the book, Arron comes off as very arrogant (ie: Rosamund doesn't give Arron the time of day when he's trying to charm her for information when any other girl would be falling all over themselves to just be near him) and Rosamund comes off as totally inept socially (ie: nose stuck in her books, not even looking at people when she's spoken to, total disregard for her appearance). But as I kept reading, the depth of each character is very well developed and you get to see each character grow emotionally.

The story line is very well thought out and flows very nicely. Arron is a Chosen One and he needs Rosamund's help as an expert in extinct languages to find a prophecy that will help the Chosen Ones win the war against the Others. A lot of action throughout the whole book, a lot of globe trotting around the world. Good chemisty between Arron and Rosamund. I also enjoyed the ending. You know in old TV shows, when they wanted suspence, cue the dramatic music..."dun dun daaaaa...tune in tomorrow"....well, that's what this ending of the book made me feel! LOL!

Can't wait to read the next one because I have no idea who it's going to be about! (At least, I didn't find any real set up as to which of the Chosen ones will get their story next) So, I'm excited to find out. I really liked this book.