What do you think?
Rate this book
His Dark Shadow: An emotional thriller about family, grief and revenge
Mike never expected to be in this situation.
He never expected the endless torment that plagued his days and invaded his dreams.
Moving back to his childhood home within a sleepy Shropshire village, Mike hopes to rebuild his shattered life.
However, shadowy figures lie in wait, watching, waiting to see him burn.
Has he forgotten what secrets the past still holds?
He cannot run forever
He never expected the endless torment that plagued his days and invaded his dreams.
Moving back to his childhood home within a sleepy Shropshire village, Mike hopes to rebuild his shattered life.
However, shadowy figures lie in wait, watching, waiting to see him burn.
Has he forgotten what secrets the past still holds?
He cannot run forever
360 pages, Paperback
Published August 4, 2022
14 people want to read
About the author
Phil Price
35 books224 followersPhil Price was born in Sutton Coldfield in 1974. He lived in various places in the UK until his family settled in Rednal, a suburb on the outskirts of Birmingham in 1979. Growing up with an older brother and sister, he always flirted with reading, his home always littered with books. Then in 1997, Phil embarked on a travel expedition that took him from Greece to Thailand, via East and Southern Africa. Sitting in dusty bus stations in Kenya, Tanzania and Malawi with Wilbur Smith and James Herbert accompanying him, his imagination was sparked into life. Since those far-off days, he has never been without a book to read.
Phil started toying with the idea of writing a book in 2009. After writing a few short stories, he caught a whiff of an idea in his head. It started to evolve in 2010 until he had enough to begin his writing journey. Marriage and two children came along, with the story being moved to the back burner for periods of time. However, during those periods of writing inactivity, the story continued to manifest until it just needed one thing. To be written down.
The story was littered with places that had influenced Phil's life. From the Lickey Hills in Birmingham to the Amatola Mountains in South Africa, with other many other locations, in-between and far beyond.
The book was finished sometime in 2014, left on his computer until a chance conversation with an author friend made Phil take the bold step to publish his story, Unknown.
From there, Phil’s love for the first book spurred him on, creating The Forsaken Series. A vampire/paranormal/horror saga, set in our world, and others too. His love of horror and all things supernatural, inspired by authors such as King, Herbert and others, helped create the epic series.
After venturing into science fiction with his fourth title, Zoo, he turned to thrillers, with Ashes of Innocence being published in 2020 and His Dark Shadow expected early 2021 and The Retreat in 2023. Returning to his dark roots, Nobody's Son was released in 2025.
Aside from his writing, Phil lives on the edge of a small town in Worcestershire, UK. A wife and two sons keep Phil happily occupied as he steers his way through life, playing the husband, dad, and world creator in equal measure.
Phil started toying with the idea of writing a book in 2009. After writing a few short stories, he caught a whiff of an idea in his head. It started to evolve in 2010 until he had enough to begin his writing journey. Marriage and two children came along, with the story being moved to the back burner for periods of time. However, during those periods of writing inactivity, the story continued to manifest until it just needed one thing. To be written down.
The story was littered with places that had influenced Phil's life. From the Lickey Hills in Birmingham to the Amatola Mountains in South Africa, with other many other locations, in-between and far beyond.
The book was finished sometime in 2014, left on his computer until a chance conversation with an author friend made Phil take the bold step to publish his story, Unknown.
From there, Phil’s love for the first book spurred him on, creating The Forsaken Series. A vampire/paranormal/horror saga, set in our world, and others too. His love of horror and all things supernatural, inspired by authors such as King, Herbert and others, helped create the epic series.
After venturing into science fiction with his fourth title, Zoo, he turned to thrillers, with Ashes of Innocence being published in 2020 and His Dark Shadow expected early 2021 and The Retreat in 2023. Returning to his dark roots, Nobody's Son was released in 2025.
Aside from his writing, Phil lives on the edge of a small town in Worcestershire, UK. A wife and two sons keep Phil happily occupied as he steers his way through life, playing the husband, dad, and world creator in equal measure.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 18, 2022
A story that you find moments that you want to look away, but can't! Mike travels back to his hometown of Shropeshire, UK after a horrifying life tragedy that brings to notice just how low a person can go. We read the story learning about the time spent with wife, Alina, then switching to him now, doing his best to heal, to live again. Amazing characters that you can not help but feel deeply for, like some, enjoy others, actually abhor one! I could not put this book away, too many emotions running through me as I read every page. This author was able to capture little moments that enhanced the story, but at times made it hurt even more. Can Mike actually heal enough to regain some of his former life, or has this incident destroyed what little hope he has in his fellow human?
This is a 5 STAR story that I did not expect, I thought it would be a harsh, scary story but found it to be so much more!
This is a 5 STAR story that I did not expect, I thought it would be a harsh, scary story but found it to be so much more!
June 26, 2022
Just WOW what a read, this gripped me at the first page and didnt let go till the very last page. A great storyline and very well written, a good author can evoke feelings from readers about their characters and boy this was the case with this book, I loved Mike but god I hated Alina, what a spoilt self centred brat. I won’t write about the storyline as I feel it’s the job of the blurb to draw you in and peak your interest, but if the blurb does that I can guarantee you are in for a great read.
June 5, 2022
Mike returns to Shropshire, UK from Marjorca after suffering from life changing tragedies.
The story plays out in a dual time line from when he first met Alina and his marriage to her in Majorca, and then when he returns to the UK, a broken man.
With extremely dodgy Romanian in-laws, can Mike ever be able to move on with his life and not have to look over his shoulder all the time?
This was an emotional story that brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion.
There are some larger than life characters throughout the story, some whom you can’t help but loathe.
A tale of love, lies, secrets and grief. Life isn’t just about happy endings.
The story plays out in a dual time line from when he first met Alina and his marriage to her in Majorca, and then when he returns to the UK, a broken man.
With extremely dodgy Romanian in-laws, can Mike ever be able to move on with his life and not have to look over his shoulder all the time?
This was an emotional story that brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion.
There are some larger than life characters throughout the story, some whom you can’t help but loathe.
A tale of love, lies, secrets and grief. Life isn’t just about happy endings.
June 2, 2022
Thrillers, mysteries, crime novels, a few years ago I would have shaken my head at you and refused to believe I would ever read them. Well, let me tell you, a few books have turned my head, and though I won't stop reading my favourite genres, these kinds of books definitely hold more interest, now too!
So, I received His Dark Shadow by Phil Price as an ARC from the Publisher, Spellbound Books, and the premise of the story immediately captured my attention!
Mike is a successful author, who has experienced one of the worst tragedies a person could face: losing his child (and his wife, but that is another matter, altogether!)
We follow his story, in a dual timeline, as we learn how he is coping without his child, as he settles back in the UK, as well as when he first met his wife, Alina, while living in Majorca.
The events of both eras read like the novels our fictional author Mike writes, as gangsters and attacks, vie with unsolved mysteries.
But there is extra heart in our main character. One thing I loved was how he was unafraid to show emotion. After all, a loss as big as that would affect anyone badly.
The cast of characters who join him on his journey is a colourful bunch, from the Romanian in-laws with sinister connections to the wonderful community and book club in his new hometown in Shropshire.
And there may be the hope of a brighter future, too... just don't take my word for it. Go and read!
So, I received His Dark Shadow by Phil Price as an ARC from the Publisher, Spellbound Books, and the premise of the story immediately captured my attention!
Mike is a successful author, who has experienced one of the worst tragedies a person could face: losing his child (and his wife, but that is another matter, altogether!)
We follow his story, in a dual timeline, as we learn how he is coping without his child, as he settles back in the UK, as well as when he first met his wife, Alina, while living in Majorca.
The events of both eras read like the novels our fictional author Mike writes, as gangsters and attacks, vie with unsolved mysteries.
But there is extra heart in our main character. One thing I loved was how he was unafraid to show emotion. After all, a loss as big as that would affect anyone badly.
The cast of characters who join him on his journey is a colourful bunch, from the Romanian in-laws with sinister connections to the wonderful community and book club in his new hometown in Shropshire.
And there may be the hope of a brighter future, too... just don't take my word for it. Go and read!
June 24, 2022
This is a powerful and brave book and one everyone needs to read. Just wow!!
I was thinking about this book when I wasn’t reading it. I wanted to get back to Mike and his story. How he was coping, and what the heck was going to happen next.
At first, I felt for Alina, at first… it didn’t last long. I’ve not felt so much anger, revulsion and upset caused by one character as her. It’s just shocking, absolutely shocking.
I stayed up until the witching hour to read this as I couldn’t let it go. I wanted to see the depths one character would go, the depravity, it just wouldn’t hit home, I was aching for the story to change. Although, how could it, we knew the outcome already. The entire book you are on a knife-edge, as you are sucked into Mike’s life, but on the other hand, you know nothing is going to last.
I’ve not read anything by Phil before but have a few of his books, so I had no idea what to expect. This was such a powerhouse of a book, tackling some huge and relevant topics, all handled with care. Nothing was gratuitous. Just wish that none of it had happened. Urgh!!
The writing captured me from the beginning and I was completely absorbed by the story snd rhe words in front of me. Nothing was getting in my way! Just blown away by everything.
I was thinking about this book when I wasn’t reading it. I wanted to get back to Mike and his story. How he was coping, and what the heck was going to happen next.
At first, I felt for Alina, at first… it didn’t last long. I’ve not felt so much anger, revulsion and upset caused by one character as her. It’s just shocking, absolutely shocking.
I stayed up until the witching hour to read this as I couldn’t let it go. I wanted to see the depths one character would go, the depravity, it just wouldn’t hit home, I was aching for the story to change. Although, how could it, we knew the outcome already. The entire book you are on a knife-edge, as you are sucked into Mike’s life, but on the other hand, you know nothing is going to last.
I’ve not read anything by Phil before but have a few of his books, so I had no idea what to expect. This was such a powerhouse of a book, tackling some huge and relevant topics, all handled with care. Nothing was gratuitous. Just wish that none of it had happened. Urgh!!
The writing captured me from the beginning and I was completely absorbed by the story snd rhe words in front of me. Nothing was getting in my way! Just blown away by everything.
June 30, 2022
Another fabulous book from this very talented author!
What I really enjoyed about this book is the way it goes back and forth over 2 timelines to gradually build the scene for you, and how I instantly felt drawn to Mike and his story. I did find that this book was a slightly slower pace than I expected after reading books by this author before, and it made me a little frustrated as I needed to know what was going to happen!
The are some scenes that contain unpleasant acts (not saying what as I don’t want to give spoilers) and these are quite upsetting and disturbing which definitely adds to this story and how it makes you feel towards a certain character, which only intensifies things even more.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
What I really enjoyed about this book is the way it goes back and forth over 2 timelines to gradually build the scene for you, and how I instantly felt drawn to Mike and his story. I did find that this book was a slightly slower pace than I expected after reading books by this author before, and it made me a little frustrated as I needed to know what was going to happen!
The are some scenes that contain unpleasant acts (not saying what as I don’t want to give spoilers) and these are quite upsetting and disturbing which definitely adds to this story and how it makes you feel towards a certain character, which only intensifies things even more.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
June 21, 2022
I am a huge fan of Phils writing, and I have been looking forward to reading this from when I first saw the cover.
Again I have been completely blown away.
The basic premise is Mike meets Alina and falls in love. They have a son, Max, then things seem to fall apart between the couple.
Mike has moved to a new village and is embraced by the residents, no doubt helped by his celebrity status and good looks. One of my favourite characters was Amanda, I loved the banter and the lack of awkwardness from the very first chat. She became a great friend to Mike. I know the author based the character on a real person, who really is that amazing.
The story flicks between the present day in Shropshire and 2 years previous in Majorca.
Alina is a Romanian and is close to her family, who are rich and powerful in their home country. From the very beginning I didn't like her, she was a spoilt madam and frankly a nasty b*tch! I had no idea quite how bad she was until later on.
One of the best things about this story was the relationship Mike has with his parents. It was so loving, supportive, relaxed and jokey. Something I imagine is common but rarely portrayed in fiction but it added such an extra layer to Mike's personality.
I think I'm a little bit in love with Mike, he's an author, he's sweet, loving, honest, honorable, loves his parents, good looking apparently, with a lopsided smile. I wanted him to come out on top throughout.
The action really ramps up in the second half of the book, and it made me cry towards the end, twice, no mean feat.
This has taken a place in my top reads of this year, it's going to be a book hangover book, going to take me a while to be able to read anything else.
Again I have been completely blown away.
The basic premise is Mike meets Alina and falls in love. They have a son, Max, then things seem to fall apart between the couple.
Mike has moved to a new village and is embraced by the residents, no doubt helped by his celebrity status and good looks. One of my favourite characters was Amanda, I loved the banter and the lack of awkwardness from the very first chat. She became a great friend to Mike. I know the author based the character on a real person, who really is that amazing.
The story flicks between the present day in Shropshire and 2 years previous in Majorca.
Alina is a Romanian and is close to her family, who are rich and powerful in their home country. From the very beginning I didn't like her, she was a spoilt madam and frankly a nasty b*tch! I had no idea quite how bad she was until later on.
One of the best things about this story was the relationship Mike has with his parents. It was so loving, supportive, relaxed and jokey. Something I imagine is common but rarely portrayed in fiction but it added such an extra layer to Mike's personality.
I think I'm a little bit in love with Mike, he's an author, he's sweet, loving, honest, honorable, loves his parents, good looking apparently, with a lopsided smile. I wanted him to come out on top throughout.
The action really ramps up in the second half of the book, and it made me cry towards the end, twice, no mean feat.
This has taken a place in my top reads of this year, it's going to be a book hangover book, going to take me a while to be able to read anything else.
June 23, 2022
Oh wow!! Such a tragic story of jealousy and revenge.
Mike, a successful author living in Spain, has everything he could wish for except a loving partner. When he meets Alina it seems he has it all, except we know from the very first page that Alina kills herself and even worse she takes Mike’s much loved baby son, Max, with her.
The story is told in the present as a broken Mike attempts to build a new life in Pennington, an idyllic village with a close knit and very compassionate community and his past life in Spain, from the day he met Alina and how it all went so tragically wrong. There are a host of interesting characters in Spain, in Pennington, where he hopes to heal and not forgetting his Romanian in laws who are hell bent on revenge, blaming Mike for the death of their daughter/sister. Will Mike ever be able to leave his past behind?
Mike, the author is such an authentic character. I know his description of life as an author is completely true to life (but I suppose it would be as it is written by an author!) Mike the man comes over as a kind, compassionate human being, maybe a little naïve but even that makes him so likeable. I was really invested in this story, in Mike and his friends and family and so wanted a happy ending. Whether I got my wish, you’ll only find out by reading the book.
Mike, a successful author living in Spain, has everything he could wish for except a loving partner. When he meets Alina it seems he has it all, except we know from the very first page that Alina kills herself and even worse she takes Mike’s much loved baby son, Max, with her.
The story is told in the present as a broken Mike attempts to build a new life in Pennington, an idyllic village with a close knit and very compassionate community and his past life in Spain, from the day he met Alina and how it all went so tragically wrong. There are a host of interesting characters in Spain, in Pennington, where he hopes to heal and not forgetting his Romanian in laws who are hell bent on revenge, blaming Mike for the death of their daughter/sister. Will Mike ever be able to leave his past behind?
Mike, the author is such an authentic character. I know his description of life as an author is completely true to life (but I suppose it would be as it is written by an author!) Mike the man comes over as a kind, compassionate human being, maybe a little naïve but even that makes him so likeable. I was really invested in this story, in Mike and his friends and family and so wanted a happy ending. Whether I got my wish, you’ll only find out by reading the book.
June 27, 2022
Another fantastic book by this author who really knows how to stir you up emotionally.
The book is set mainly between Majorca and UK 2018-2020. Mike is a successful author who has returned to the UK due to extremely tragic events after marrying Alina.
What has happened to Mike and what are the tragic events that unfold for him?
Who is Florin and what became of him?
What impact does Alina’s family have on Mike?
This author has sublime simplistic writing and in this book has really pulled at the heart strings emotionally. Mike is a lovable character who comes across as warm, successful but humble and loves his family. Alina wow what a character. The author has captured a character who is extremely vindictive but knows how to be Mrs nice when needed.
A story of love, domestic violence, and tragedy.
Another outstanding 5 star book from this author who never fails to deliver quality writing.
The book is set mainly between Majorca and UK 2018-2020. Mike is a successful author who has returned to the UK due to extremely tragic events after marrying Alina.
What has happened to Mike and what are the tragic events that unfold for him?
Who is Florin and what became of him?
What impact does Alina’s family have on Mike?
This author has sublime simplistic writing and in this book has really pulled at the heart strings emotionally. Mike is a lovable character who comes across as warm, successful but humble and loves his family. Alina wow what a character. The author has captured a character who is extremely vindictive but knows how to be Mrs nice when needed.
A story of love, domestic violence, and tragedy.
Another outstanding 5 star book from this author who never fails to deliver quality writing.
June 20, 2022
OMG! What an emotional read this was. Author, Phil Price, doesn’t shy away from tackling big themes and at times, I found myself tensely biting my nails.
Poor Mike! That was all I kept thinking. I loved this mix of psychological thriller, crime and heavy drama. Mike’s character was totally likeable and I rooted for him throughout. As for the settings - absolutely stunning. The story mostly takes place in an English village and the island of Mallorca.
I loved Mike’s salt-of-the-earth parents and his editor. The cast of characters were so well developed, I felt I knew them. And Liz’s story touched my heart too.
I read this book in a day as I simply couldn’t put it down. It kept whispering, ‘one more chapter,’ and it didn’t shut up until the last page. I’d wholeheartedly recommend it. Bravo!
Poor Mike! That was all I kept thinking. I loved this mix of psychological thriller, crime and heavy drama. Mike’s character was totally likeable and I rooted for him throughout. As for the settings - absolutely stunning. The story mostly takes place in an English village and the island of Mallorca.
I loved Mike’s salt-of-the-earth parents and his editor. The cast of characters were so well developed, I felt I knew them. And Liz’s story touched my heart too.
I read this book in a day as I simply couldn’t put it down. It kept whispering, ‘one more chapter,’ and it didn’t shut up until the last page. I’d wholeheartedly recommend it. Bravo!
June 20, 2022
Mike is a successful author who has left Majorca and returned to live in the quiet village of Pennington in Shropshire, to be closer to his parents after a tragedy that tore his world apart ..Having been through so much , he is trying to rebuild his life .When he ventures into the village he meets Amanda , a kind and gentle soul , who in time introduces him to Liz and Jules and they invite him to their reading group ..But just as his healing process is beginning..the shadows of the past he finds are never far behind ..And what is straight ahead will change everything and everyone around him ...His Dark Shadow is a soul searing read spanning over 4 years ..with different people , different countries...It will take you to a place where darkness lurks within the shadows ..The truth in life is Grief is the price we pay for love .. 5 stars ... A Gutwrenching Soul Searing read
June 27, 2022
A book where you want to stop reading as the subject is dark , emotional and tough as a parent but the writing drew me in and I needed to finish.
Even through the subject is tough to read the author is clever to draw you in and keep you engaged. You need to know why, you need to know how and you need to see what causes a mother to take that action.
I would definitely read more from this author
Even through the subject is tough to read the author is clever to draw you in and keep you engaged. You need to know why, you need to know how and you need to see what causes a mother to take that action.
I would definitely read more from this author
December 19, 2022
First time I am reading a book from this author. In this mystery thriller, the basic character is Mike, a successful author who moves to another city after a family tragedy. Tails of his past are following him, and he can't get rid of the hard burden. Trying to get his pieces together, Mike will face new troubles.
At the beginning of the book, I thought that will be drama, but later actions are going faster and it turns into an exciting thriller. I empathize with the main character who did the wrong choice with his life partner, but how he could know the truth about Alina?
With every line, I was thinking about what will be next, and what is the key to a tragic event that happened in Mike's past.
At the beginning of the book, I thought that will be drama, but later actions are going faster and it turns into an exciting thriller. I empathize with the main character who did the wrong choice with his life partner, but how he could know the truth about Alina?
With every line, I was thinking about what will be next, and what is the key to a tragic event that happened in Mike's past.
June 5, 2022
A gripping read that alternates really well through two different periods of time.
The story revolves around Mike, a famous author. He has returned to his home town after suffering a loss of the worst kind. Hoping to re-build a life he finds this not so easy as others want to ruin his plans, and secrets from his past won’t let him run forever!!
The story revolves around Mike, a famous author. He has returned to his home town after suffering a loss of the worst kind. Hoping to re-build a life he finds this not so easy as others want to ruin his plans, and secrets from his past won’t let him run forever!!
July 9, 2022
Oh, Wow!!! My emotions were all over the place when I was reading this story. I loved Mike, I wanted to hug him and tell him everything will be ok. Alina was like an irritating itch you couldn't scratch, she drove me mad. This is an emotional, gut wrenching story that will pull at your heartstrings. A must read in my opinion.
March 3, 2023
I really felt sorry for Mike. Everything he has to put up with would bring tears to you're eyes. I'm very happy with the way everything turns out in this book. So happy to have read it. Even tho it made me want to cry. Such a gripping plot with lot's of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Such a good job the author did with the whole book.
July 15, 2022
Parts of this book had me wanting to race to the end to see what was going to happen and parts had me wanting to reach in and shake some sense into Mike and tell him to get a grip. I had envisaged a different ending so was surprised at how it did finish up .
July 18, 2022
This book is so emotional charged it should come with a warning!
Well written with a gripping storyline and excellent characters
A really engaging read
Well written with a gripping storyline and excellent characters
A really engaging read
June 19, 2022
This book was terrifying! The thought of anyone having to go through what Mike was put through is heart-wrenching. He suffers a loss of the worst possible kind and then has to piece together his life and try to move on.
The characters were well written. Mike was portrayed as a great character. He was friendly and caring and not afraid to show emotion. There were some lovely people in his little village and what seems like a highly enjoyable book club. Mike’s in-laws came across as pleasant at first but there was always something ominous about them.
I was really invested in this story and found myself sincerely hoping for a happy ending for a lovely character.
A fabulous read!
The characters were well written. Mike was portrayed as a great character. He was friendly and caring and not afraid to show emotion. There were some lovely people in his little village and what seems like a highly enjoyable book club. Mike’s in-laws came across as pleasant at first but there was always something ominous about them.
I was really invested in this story and found myself sincerely hoping for a happy ending for a lovely character.
A fabulous read!
July 2, 2022
So this was a change from my normal thrillers and was a good read.
Is she evil? Is the family after him for revenge? Will he find happiness after all his grief?
Hopefully it’s not this author writing about himself as a fictional author as I wouldn’t wish what happens to him on anyone.
Jolly good read.
Is she evil? Is the family after him for revenge? Will he find happiness after all his grief?
Hopefully it’s not this author writing about himself as a fictional author as I wouldn’t wish what happens to him on anyone.
Jolly good read.
December 27, 2022
What can I say, other than Wow. From the very beginning reading the prologue I was hooked on this book. Brilliantly written, as I knew It would be. I'm slowly catching up on Phil's books. This is a winner.
I really like the idea of an author writing about an author. This is similar to something im working on at the moment.
The awkwardness in relationships and a thought of what might be coming up is really good writing. I'm hooked and want to carry on straight away.
This book was so well written. It's definitely an emotional thriller which gave me goosebumps. The relationships throughout the book are intriguing and it was a great read.
I really like the idea of an author writing about an author. This is similar to something im working on at the moment.
The awkwardness in relationships and a thought of what might be coming up is really good writing. I'm hooked and want to carry on straight away.
This book was so well written. It's definitely an emotional thriller which gave me goosebumps. The relationships throughout the book are intriguing and it was a great read.
September 9, 2022
A THRILLING READ
This is a story told in two alternate time frames, with the past being set in Majorca and the present in the Shropshire village of Pennington. It centres around the character Mike, a successful author who falls in love with a Romanian lady called Alana. As time progresses, cracks start to develop within their relationship and tensions between the couple escalate. It culminates in a shocking act which alters Mike’s life forever.
His Dark Shadow is a very well written book that keeps you guessing. The reader wonders what’s going to happen as the story slowly unravels. The emotion within the narrative is palpable and there are some truly heart wrenching scenes. I was hooked from the first page and thought Mr Price did a great job creating tension and sustaining interest. I liked the descriptions of Majorca – some beautiful imagery there. The insight into Mike’s and Alana’s relationship was very well crafted. Mike is placid and easy going whereas Alana is hot headed and temperamental. They seem so mismatched you just know it’s not going to end well between them. I felt so much sympathy for Mike and felt like screaming at him to get away from her. I was completely absorbed in the plot and the strong characters. Alana I thought was brilliant: scheming, manipulative, completely bonkers and full of secrets. Mr Price does a fantastic job conveying their volatile relationship and the book is compelling from start to finish.
His Dark Shadow is a tale of mystery, heartbreak and grief, but it is also a story of family bonds, love and resilience. I thought it was a brilliant read and would highly recommend this fantastic book.
This is a story told in two alternate time frames, with the past being set in Majorca and the present in the Shropshire village of Pennington. It centres around the character Mike, a successful author who falls in love with a Romanian lady called Alana. As time progresses, cracks start to develop within their relationship and tensions between the couple escalate. It culminates in a shocking act which alters Mike’s life forever.
His Dark Shadow is a very well written book that keeps you guessing. The reader wonders what’s going to happen as the story slowly unravels. The emotion within the narrative is palpable and there are some truly heart wrenching scenes. I was hooked from the first page and thought Mr Price did a great job creating tension and sustaining interest. I liked the descriptions of Majorca – some beautiful imagery there. The insight into Mike’s and Alana’s relationship was very well crafted. Mike is placid and easy going whereas Alana is hot headed and temperamental. They seem so mismatched you just know it’s not going to end well between them. I felt so much sympathy for Mike and felt like screaming at him to get away from her. I was completely absorbed in the plot and the strong characters. Alana I thought was brilliant: scheming, manipulative, completely bonkers and full of secrets. Mr Price does a fantastic job conveying their volatile relationship and the book is compelling from start to finish.
His Dark Shadow is a tale of mystery, heartbreak and grief, but it is also a story of family bonds, love and resilience. I thought it was a brilliant read and would highly recommend this fantastic book.
September 30, 2022
His Dark Shadow: by Phil Price
I can read a book and instantly forget the contents, but this book really left a lasting impression on me. What I loved was the unexpected twist that the poor, hard-done-by, abused, main character was a man rather than a woman.
Mike is such a likeable guy, that you can’t help but warm to him, and as the story progressed, I wanted to reach into the pages, give him a hug and drag him out of there.
The story is told in two time frames, (past and present) and in three countries, Spain, England and Romania. Mike is a successful author when he meets the Romanian beauty called Alana. Unfortunately, as their relationship develops, we learn that her beauty is only skin deep. A dark festering heart and a deeply troubled mind lies beneath.
The festering relationship between the pair slowly builds until it’s so volatile, it deteriorates to the point of no return, and we learn of Alana’s vicious revenge on her husband. The arguments and confrontations were so well written and totally believable.
This book grips you from the beginning and clasps you tight until you can’t put it down.
A fantastic read. I Highly recommend it. The best book I’ve read this year!
I can read a book and instantly forget the contents, but this book really left a lasting impression on me. What I loved was the unexpected twist that the poor, hard-done-by, abused, main character was a man rather than a woman.
Mike is such a likeable guy, that you can’t help but warm to him, and as the story progressed, I wanted to reach into the pages, give him a hug and drag him out of there.
The story is told in two time frames, (past and present) and in three countries, Spain, England and Romania. Mike is a successful author when he meets the Romanian beauty called Alana. Unfortunately, as their relationship develops, we learn that her beauty is only skin deep. A dark festering heart and a deeply troubled mind lies beneath.
The festering relationship between the pair slowly builds until it’s so volatile, it deteriorates to the point of no return, and we learn of Alana’s vicious revenge on her husband. The arguments and confrontations were so well written and totally believable.
This book grips you from the beginning and clasps you tight until you can’t put it down.
A fantastic read. I Highly recommend it. The best book I’ve read this year!
March 26, 2023
Please don't read this book if you are cooking, as you will have to order a takeaway! I couldn't tear myself away to check my Bolognese...
Mike, a successful author, returns to the UK from Majorca, and it is evident that he has experienced something dreadful. A gentle, caring man, he has been destroyed by what happened to him in Majorca. The timelines flit between 2015 in Majorca, when he first meets the alluring Alina, and the present day, culminating in a horrifying climax. The characters, especially his down-to-Earth parents and his saucy editor, Bev, are believable, warm and as shocked by what transpires as I was. Phil Price explores dark themes of mental instability, domestic violence and death with care. I was rooting for Mike throughout and felt quite ill with trepidation at what might befall him by the time I reached the end of the book. An excellent read and highly recommended.
Mike, a successful author, returns to the UK from Majorca, and it is evident that he has experienced something dreadful. A gentle, caring man, he has been destroyed by what happened to him in Majorca. The timelines flit between 2015 in Majorca, when he first meets the alluring Alina, and the present day, culminating in a horrifying climax. The characters, especially his down-to-Earth parents and his saucy editor, Bev, are believable, warm and as shocked by what transpires as I was. Phil Price explores dark themes of mental instability, domestic violence and death with care. I was rooting for Mike throughout and felt quite ill with trepidation at what might befall him by the time I reached the end of the book. An excellent read and highly recommended.
September 6, 2023
This is another great storyline from Price, who always manages to get the reader emotionally involved with his lead characters. There are twists & turns, drama & turmoil, all written with care & dedication to the plot. However, I can’t help feeling in this one that the ending was a little too predictable & the characters drawn from acquaintances rather than the author’s imagination.
May 25, 2023
Wonderful characters. Interesting plot. A good, solid read.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews