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Portals #1
Shadow Path
Paperback book
- GenresFantasy
202 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2008
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
P.L. Blair
7 books34 followersBorn and grew up in Texas, have lived in Sheridan, Wyo., for 20-plus years. After playing Winter Texan down in Rockport (where I used to live) for a while, I am now a full-time Sheridanite. I am companion to three dogs, and slave to one cat.
Spent most of my life writing for newspapers, but in 2006 decided it was time to write the fantasy/detective novels that were nagging at me. Shadow Path was the first, followed by Stormcaller, Deathtalker and Sister Hoods. More books are in the works.
I love series books, because I hate to give up characters that have become old friends.
Spent most of my life writing for newspapers, but in 2006 decided it was time to write the fantasy/detective novels that were nagging at me. Shadow Path was the first, followed by Stormcaller, Deathtalker and Sister Hoods. More books are in the works.
I love series books, because I hate to give up characters that have become old friends.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 13, 2013
Okay, I picked this up mainly because I couldn't stop staring at the dude's hands around that "sword." Look how they aren't actually closed around it. But they're closed around something.
I get all sympathetic when I see comically bad covers.
As far as the story, I enjoyed the concept very much (that of "fairies" being out in the open and amoung us, and how that came to be.) I enjoyed the setting of Corpus Christi---not a town I've ever been to. And I got some glee out of the trip to Scarborough Faire and references to the SCA.
It needed more development. A lot more development. Depthening. (Is too a word. Now.)
Points to Blair, though, for making me question whether or not my doubts about the police procedures were founded. Gut reaction was all, "No, that's not right." But hell, the confidence in which such things were written made me wonder.
I liked the two main characters, but I realized, too, I was filling in a lot of their characterization myself. Not a bad thing, necessarily, except when it is.
But I'll definitely go seek out the other books in the series. Suppose that's the main point.
I get all sympathetic when I see comically bad covers.
As far as the story, I enjoyed the concept very much (that of "fairies" being out in the open and amoung us, and how that came to be.) I enjoyed the setting of Corpus Christi---not a town I've ever been to. And I got some glee out of the trip to Scarborough Faire and references to the SCA.
It needed more development. A lot more development. Depthening. (Is too a word. Now.)
Points to Blair, though, for making me question whether or not my doubts about the police procedures were founded. Gut reaction was all, "No, that's not right." But hell, the confidence in which such things were written made me wonder.
I liked the two main characters, but I realized, too, I was filling in a lot of their characterization myself. Not a bad thing, necessarily, except when it is.
But I'll definitely go seek out the other books in the series. Suppose that's the main point.
March 6, 2013
Two cops in Corpus Christi are investigating a murder. Pretty routine – except one of the cops is an elf, and the murder victim is an ogre. It seems an ancient portal has opened and all the mythological creatures we read about as children are real, and they have crossed over into our world. Only some of them are a little different from what we pictured.
A mix of Greek mythology, fairy tales, folklore, and fantasy with a twist, Shadow Path takes us on an adventure to the ‘Otherside’ and the world in ‘Between’, where the elf detective must fight a former lover to save our world. Thrilling and suspenseful, Ms. Blair has used her genius imagination to present a fabulous story. She has a talent for dialog and description, and puts the reader into the scene with her characters. Storytelling at its best!
A mix of Greek mythology, fairy tales, folklore, and fantasy with a twist, Shadow Path takes us on an adventure to the ‘Otherside’ and the world in ‘Between’, where the elf detective must fight a former lover to save our world. Thrilling and suspenseful, Ms. Blair has used her genius imagination to present a fabulous story. She has a talent for dialog and description, and puts the reader into the scene with her characters. Storytelling at its best!
September 23, 2020
If you like fantasy and suspense, you’ll love this book. P.L. Blair combines these two genres and it’s great. Magic and crime definitely go together.
I was hooked from the first page. Wizards, elves, ogres, and other magical creatures inhabit this book. P.L. Blair brings the magic world, the “Otherside” to life. The two main characters, Kat Morales (human) and Tevis McLeod (Elf), are detectives on the police force. They take us on a journey of mystery and magic. P.L. Blair brings them to life. You feel like you are right beside them helping them solve a case. You will be hooked as soon as you start reading it.
I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
I was hooked from the first page. Wizards, elves, ogres, and other magical creatures inhabit this book. P.L. Blair brings the magic world, the “Otherside” to life. The two main characters, Kat Morales (human) and Tevis McLeod (Elf), are detectives on the police force. They take us on a journey of mystery and magic. P.L. Blair brings them to life. You feel like you are right beside them helping them solve a case. You will be hooked as soon as you start reading it.
I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
January 10, 2012
Elves and ogres and hobgoblins, oh my!
Can you imagine a world where a door is opened up to the "Otherside," which is a magical place that mythical creatures and beings from folklore actually exist, then enter our world to live and work among us? I couldn't, at least that is until I picked up P.L. BLAIR'S first novel in her PORTALS SERIES, SHADOW PATH.
SHADOW PATH is a combination fantasy, suspense novel that I fell in love with from the very first line. I dare you! Download a sample and read it! You'll be hooked. I couldn't put it down. The storyline of Shadow Path takes place in our world with the readers following the main characters, Corpus Christi police detective Kat Morales and her elven partner, Tevis McLeod, in a murder investigation of an ogre who has been slain at the edge of an alley. I truly enjoyed the interaction between Kat and Tevis, and I'm looking forward to reading more of the Portals series to see where P.L. Blair's imagination takes them and me.
I am amazed at the creativity of P.L. Blair and the beautiful writing style that picked me up and carried me away into the lives of Kat and Tevis as well as other creatures I hadn't given any thought to since childhood. Ms. Blair with her excellent story telling made them all come alive for me. This is absolutely a MUST READ!
Kudos to P.L. BLAIR and SHADOW PATH for being nominated by the PARANORMAL ROMANCE GUILD as one of the best reads in the YA Category for 2011! Congratulations!
Can you imagine a world where a door is opened up to the "Otherside," which is a magical place that mythical creatures and beings from folklore actually exist, then enter our world to live and work among us? I couldn't, at least that is until I picked up P.L. BLAIR'S first novel in her PORTALS SERIES, SHADOW PATH.
SHADOW PATH is a combination fantasy, suspense novel that I fell in love with from the very first line. I dare you! Download a sample and read it! You'll be hooked. I couldn't put it down. The storyline of Shadow Path takes place in our world with the readers following the main characters, Corpus Christi police detective Kat Morales and her elven partner, Tevis McLeod, in a murder investigation of an ogre who has been slain at the edge of an alley. I truly enjoyed the interaction between Kat and Tevis, and I'm looking forward to reading more of the Portals series to see where P.L. Blair's imagination takes them and me.
I am amazed at the creativity of P.L. Blair and the beautiful writing style that picked me up and carried me away into the lives of Kat and Tevis as well as other creatures I hadn't given any thought to since childhood. Ms. Blair with her excellent story telling made them all come alive for me. This is absolutely a MUST READ!
Kudos to P.L. BLAIR and SHADOW PATH for being nominated by the PARANORMAL ROMANCE GUILD as one of the best reads in the YA Category for 2011! Congratulations!
March 23, 2013
I loved this book. It had action, adventure and magik and flowed easily throughout. I love the relationship between Tevis (an elf) and Kat (a human). It is clear that their relationship is one of trust and genuine friendship. They are detectives dealing with unusual events connected to beings from the other side.
I love the concept of portals being opened so the two worlds merge. The bringing together of humans and other worldly beings, such as ogres, Djinn, elves etc. Tevis although working as a detective taps back into his abilities as a wizard to go ‘Between’ to save the day.
I particularly loved the cats and the fact that they go ‘Between’. It certainly explains where my cats go when I can’t find them.
This was a very easy book to read keeping me on the edge of my seat so to speak. I love the writing of PL Blair and look forward to reading more
I love the concept of portals being opened so the two worlds merge. The bringing together of humans and other worldly beings, such as ogres, Djinn, elves etc. Tevis although working as a detective taps back into his abilities as a wizard to go ‘Between’ to save the day.
I particularly loved the cats and the fact that they go ‘Between’. It certainly explains where my cats go when I can’t find them.
This was a very easy book to read keeping me on the edge of my seat so to speak. I love the writing of PL Blair and look forward to reading more
March 22, 2020
this book is so bad that it is helping me learn that I don't have to finish books. I am writing this so I won't accidentally ever try to read it again. Please please have one character be very stupid so that the other one has to explain everything in great detail over and over again. so many cliches. so hard to read through the over explaining. no one cares about your characters cats and their history! I am more confused about how she is dressed professionally yet has so much crap in her pockets. so bad.
June 27, 2011
http://ismellsheep.blogspot.com/2011/...
This is a wonderful beginning to promising Urban Fantasy series. I want to make it clear that this is a UF, not a paranormal romance. This first book in her Portal series is a stepping off point for future books. It spends a lot of time world building. Blair does this in a very clear manner, you don’t feel like information is dumped on you. I think Shadow Path is a must read if you want to understand any future books.
Long ago there was a portal between our world and the “otherworld” or Realms, as its inhabitants call it. All the magical creatures of human myth and legend came from there. I love how Blair included all our favorite mythical creatures, giving a new twist to why and how they became part of our history.
You have everything from the Greek/Roman gods and goddesses to the Celtic elves, pixies, banshees and dwarves along with many more unpleasant magical beings. Wizards from the Realm decided to close the portal to protect humans from Othersiders who wanted to pass themselves off as gods.
It has been 4 years since the portal was opened again, though no one knows why or how. Many creatures came through and are coexisting with humans without incident. Kat Morales is a human detective and has been paired with a very private and good looking Elf named Tavis. I really liked how his character is slowly developed. There is much Kat doesn’t know or understand about him even though they have worked together for a few years. Tavis has the potential to be a powerful practitioner of magic, but turned his back on magic for reasons we discover later on. He has a tendency to downplay his strengths and his importance over in the Realms. There is an air of mystery about him that is very sexy. I look forward to learning more about him ;)
Some humans have the ability to become practitioners of magic, but they must carry the P-gene. Kat tested negative for it, but there is more to her than we discover in this story. Kat is smart and logical and has the makings of a kick-butt heroine.
While there aren’t any romantic interactions between the two, he is very protective of Kat and there is a subtle attraction between them. I can’t wait to see if it turns into something else over the course of the series.
There is a large cast of well developed secondary characters that I think we will see in future books. Arvandus is a Wizard from the Realms that now works with the FBI helping to eliminate creatures from the Realms that are out to harm humans. He is a good friend and mentor to Tavis. I especially liked Maeve, a Banshee who runs a magic store in town. There is also a Djinn named Achmed, who is bound rather reluctantly to Arvandus, and Gairth, Arvandus’s nephew, a Lovetalker/Wizard. I am not sure what he can do, but he seems to have Cupid like tendencies.
My only complaints are the lack of action through most of the book, but the climatic magical battle at the end is top notch. The other thing is the price. The ecopy is priced higher than most paperback books.
One last thing…have you ever wondered where your cat goes when it disappears for a while? I now know where they go .
4 “don’t mess with the Pixies” Sheep
This is a wonderful beginning to promising Urban Fantasy series. I want to make it clear that this is a UF, not a paranormal romance. This first book in her Portal series is a stepping off point for future books. It spends a lot of time world building. Blair does this in a very clear manner, you don’t feel like information is dumped on you. I think Shadow Path is a must read if you want to understand any future books.
Long ago there was a portal between our world and the “otherworld” or Realms, as its inhabitants call it. All the magical creatures of human myth and legend came from there. I love how Blair included all our favorite mythical creatures, giving a new twist to why and how they became part of our history.
You have everything from the Greek/Roman gods and goddesses to the Celtic elves, pixies, banshees and dwarves along with many more unpleasant magical beings. Wizards from the Realm decided to close the portal to protect humans from Othersiders who wanted to pass themselves off as gods.
It has been 4 years since the portal was opened again, though no one knows why or how. Many creatures came through and are coexisting with humans without incident. Kat Morales is a human detective and has been paired with a very private and good looking Elf named Tavis. I really liked how his character is slowly developed. There is much Kat doesn’t know or understand about him even though they have worked together for a few years. Tavis has the potential to be a powerful practitioner of magic, but turned his back on magic for reasons we discover later on. He has a tendency to downplay his strengths and his importance over in the Realms. There is an air of mystery about him that is very sexy. I look forward to learning more about him ;)
Some humans have the ability to become practitioners of magic, but they must carry the P-gene. Kat tested negative for it, but there is more to her than we discover in this story. Kat is smart and logical and has the makings of a kick-butt heroine.
While there aren’t any romantic interactions between the two, he is very protective of Kat and there is a subtle attraction between them. I can’t wait to see if it turns into something else over the course of the series.
There is a large cast of well developed secondary characters that I think we will see in future books. Arvandus is a Wizard from the Realms that now works with the FBI helping to eliminate creatures from the Realms that are out to harm humans. He is a good friend and mentor to Tavis. I especially liked Maeve, a Banshee who runs a magic store in town. There is also a Djinn named Achmed, who is bound rather reluctantly to Arvandus, and Gairth, Arvandus’s nephew, a Lovetalker/Wizard. I am not sure what he can do, but he seems to have Cupid like tendencies.
My only complaints are the lack of action through most of the book, but the climatic magical battle at the end is top notch. The other thing is the price. The ecopy is priced higher than most paperback books.
One last thing…have you ever wondered where your cat goes when it disappears for a while? I now know where they go .
4 “don’t mess with the Pixies” Sheep
March 3, 2013
What happens when creatures of legend manage to come through portals to earth after being gone for many centuries? The story in Shadow Path begins a few years after magical portals opened, allowing such beings to come through from the "Otherworld". It isn't just humans anymore. Now you may find elves, sorcerers, Ogres, Pixies, and many others wandering around the streets. Not all of them are bad, but the ones that are have created quite a problem for law enforcement. Now they must adapt to magical races that can't be handled in the same way as humans.
Kat Morales is one detective that has been partnered with an elf, Tevis Mcleod, who crossed over soon after the portals opened. Despite their working together for three months, there is a lot she still doesn't know about him. That all changes when his former lover comes to town and begins a slew of murders to draw him out. Now his past has come back to haunt him, and it will put his human partner at risk. Kat is no shrinking violet, though, and she is up for the challenge. Together, they will have to search for one of the most powerful black magic users either of their worlds has seen. It will be the most dangerous investigation of their careers and one they may not survive.
This story proved to be a lot of fun to read. While it certainly has fantasy elements, I loved that the author put the setting in the modern world. Not only that, but she managed to conduct her world building in a way that felt very believable. All the necessary explanations are given, but done in a way that doesn't bog the reader down in details. Instead, it came in bursts as the information was needed. That allowed the story to keep moving quickly so people can stay engaged in the tale. The further I got into Shadow Path, the more entranced I became. This is one author that has no lack of imagination or creativity.
There weren't many issues I found with the novel. I did see a few typos and awkward sentences, but they were not frequent. In fact, the story caught me in its grip so well, I hardly noticed the ones I saw. On the positive side of things, I loved the author's inclusion of cats and their possible mystical connotations. The further into the novel you go, the more they played a role I have not seen anyone use before. This put a welcome twist on an already great story. There are many other interesting elements which will delight the reader, but I don't want to spoil things too much. I can honestly say this is one book that I don't regret picking up. In fact, I implore the author to put her other books in the series out on Kindle as soon as possible so I can read them as well. Particularly the one that comes after Shadow Path.
I highly recommend this novel to people who enjoy fantasy, police procedural, or suspense novels. There is a little something for everyone!
Kat Morales is one detective that has been partnered with an elf, Tevis Mcleod, who crossed over soon after the portals opened. Despite their working together for three months, there is a lot she still doesn't know about him. That all changes when his former lover comes to town and begins a slew of murders to draw him out. Now his past has come back to haunt him, and it will put his human partner at risk. Kat is no shrinking violet, though, and she is up for the challenge. Together, they will have to search for one of the most powerful black magic users either of their worlds has seen. It will be the most dangerous investigation of their careers and one they may not survive.
This story proved to be a lot of fun to read. While it certainly has fantasy elements, I loved that the author put the setting in the modern world. Not only that, but she managed to conduct her world building in a way that felt very believable. All the necessary explanations are given, but done in a way that doesn't bog the reader down in details. Instead, it came in bursts as the information was needed. That allowed the story to keep moving quickly so people can stay engaged in the tale. The further I got into Shadow Path, the more entranced I became. This is one author that has no lack of imagination or creativity.
There weren't many issues I found with the novel. I did see a few typos and awkward sentences, but they were not frequent. In fact, the story caught me in its grip so well, I hardly noticed the ones I saw. On the positive side of things, I loved the author's inclusion of cats and their possible mystical connotations. The further into the novel you go, the more they played a role I have not seen anyone use before. This put a welcome twist on an already great story. There are many other interesting elements which will delight the reader, but I don't want to spoil things too much. I can honestly say this is one book that I don't regret picking up. In fact, I implore the author to put her other books in the series out on Kindle as soon as possible so I can read them as well. Particularly the one that comes after Shadow Path.
I highly recommend this novel to people who enjoy fantasy, police procedural, or suspense novels. There is a little something for everyone!
June 26, 2011
Take a generous blend of mystery add to it a healthy dose of fantasy set in our world in the near future and you will find the “Shadow Path”.
Author P L Blair….has succeeded in writing a book that will appeal to both the lovers of a damned good crime mystery, and those who are officiandos of the fantasy genre...Yet her voice remains unique, she has successfully introduced two new and very vivid characters in this her first book in the ���Portals” series.
Meet Kat Morales, detective, human, gutsy and warmly drawn, there are no insipid characters in this book, Author Blair has given breath and life to each characterization on these pages; through the use of fast paced dialogue and descriptions that make these individuals highly visible, yet her touch is gentle enough to allow the reader’s imagination to add more flesh, this is storytelling at its best.
Meet,Tevis. Tevis is an Elf. A clever, intelligent and powerful being. Yes I did say “ELF”… For the author has changed the world as we know it. She has cleverly crafted a place where the myth and legends of ancient times have become real, the alleged imaginings and tales of the ancients have finally allowed themselves to become visual…they have come through the open portal from the ‘otherside’ at last…
However not all that come through are for the power of good. The author introduces us to Goblins, Djinns, Dwarfs, and Elves, Ogres, Banshee’s, and Wizard’s from the ‘Realm’.
The murder of an Ogre… send Tevis and Kat on a journey. A journey that will see them threatened by powers of darkness, an overwhelmingly powerful force in the shape of a female Elf known as Coira …. Malevolent and determined to destroy. Who is it she seeks? And more importantly…why? I will not spoil the book for you by giving away any more.
Suffice it to say…it’s a fine read. I have no hesitation recommending it to lovers of fast paced and intriguing fiction. I look forward to reading the rest of the “Portals” series.
Author P L Blair….has succeeded in writing a book that will appeal to both the lovers of a damned good crime mystery, and those who are officiandos of the fantasy genre...Yet her voice remains unique, she has successfully introduced two new and very vivid characters in this her first book in the ���Portals” series.
Meet Kat Morales, detective, human, gutsy and warmly drawn, there are no insipid characters in this book, Author Blair has given breath and life to each characterization on these pages; through the use of fast paced dialogue and descriptions that make these individuals highly visible, yet her touch is gentle enough to allow the reader’s imagination to add more flesh, this is storytelling at its best.
Meet,Tevis. Tevis is an Elf. A clever, intelligent and powerful being. Yes I did say “ELF”… For the author has changed the world as we know it. She has cleverly crafted a place where the myth and legends of ancient times have become real, the alleged imaginings and tales of the ancients have finally allowed themselves to become visual…they have come through the open portal from the ‘otherside’ at last…
However not all that come through are for the power of good. The author introduces us to Goblins, Djinns, Dwarfs, and Elves, Ogres, Banshee’s, and Wizard’s from the ‘Realm’.
The murder of an Ogre… send Tevis and Kat on a journey. A journey that will see them threatened by powers of darkness, an overwhelmingly powerful force in the shape of a female Elf known as Coira …. Malevolent and determined to destroy. Who is it she seeks? And more importantly…why? I will not spoil the book for you by giving away any more.
Suffice it to say…it’s a fine read. I have no hesitation recommending it to lovers of fast paced and intriguing fiction. I look forward to reading the rest of the “Portals” series.
April 29, 2011
Kat Morales and her Elf partner, Tevis, are police detectives in Corpus Christi, Texas, assigned to solve the mystery of the dead ogre found stabbed with an enchanted sword. The world isn't the same since the portals opened between our world and the "Otherside" few years back. Seeing an elf with his pointy ears is a normal thing, maybe not accepted by all, but normal nonetheless. However, crimes now (sometimes) involve magic and a good portion of--what was called before the portals opened--the supernatural.
Although "Shadow Path" is book one in the fantasy adventure Portals Series by P.L. Blair, it is the third book I read in the series. Luckily, each book was written to stand alone, with enough hints to drive you back to read the other books but without missing the story you're reading at the time.
Shadow Path has some enlightening moments when mythology met P.L. Blair's imagination half way. An intriguing read, indeed. It was quite entertaining to research Greek mythology to find out where Blair's creativity sparked and changed things or even added to them. Reading how Arvandus and Gairth met Kat and Tevis was like meeting old friends after a long time; I had goosebumps all over my arms. I smiled.
Dragons, elves, pixies, and many other creatures I haven't heard of make an appearance in this book. If you are a teen or older, interested in fantasy and its fantastical creatures, myths, and whodunit mysteries, then Shadow Path is for you.
Although "Shadow Path" is book one in the fantasy adventure Portals Series by P.L. Blair, it is the third book I read in the series. Luckily, each book was written to stand alone, with enough hints to drive you back to read the other books but without missing the story you're reading at the time.
Shadow Path has some enlightening moments when mythology met P.L. Blair's imagination half way. An intriguing read, indeed. It was quite entertaining to research Greek mythology to find out where Blair's creativity sparked and changed things or even added to them. Reading how Arvandus and Gairth met Kat and Tevis was like meeting old friends after a long time; I had goosebumps all over my arms. I smiled.
Dragons, elves, pixies, and many other creatures I haven't heard of make an appearance in this book. If you are a teen or older, interested in fantasy and its fantastical creatures, myths, and whodunit mysteries, then Shadow Path is for you.
September 30, 2013
Wow! I'm in love with this book! I love the writing and everything about this book. Descriptions are good enough you feel like you're actually there without boring you to tears with detail - that is a great talent! As a Texan, I love hearing about a fantasy world happening in our very own Corpus Christie, TX. I should also add that for me personally I'm glad I didn't "judge a book by its cover" because let's be honest: the cover is kind of lame. So glad I picked this up!
June 18, 2011
review coming to ismellsheep.blogspot.com on June 22
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews