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Shadow People #1
Shadow Games
The novel Shadow Games occurs in and near Jamestown, Kentucky, a rural town in the heart of the state. Beneath the small town backdrop, danger lurks for Paris and Alexandra Fox, identical twins. The sudden death of their parents in a suspicious accident has brought with it some painful revelations. The first is that the person who they called mother is not their birth mother, and therefore they possess an unknown genetic inheritance. The second is that their father held a dangerous secret, one that caused their parent's death, and it looks like the Fox twins may be next. To complicate matters, they meet two wonderful people, Elizabeth and Caesar Rowan, brother and sister, who may be the soul mates they have always desired. However, their attraction poses a danger for the Rowans and a vulnerability for themselves. A race of people called Shadows who have the natural ability to hide in plain sight, want their father's secret and are willing to kill for it. They need to learn how to use their innate talents and the secret holds the key. Unfortunately the twins can't find it, and the Shadows are drawing closer. The twins must discover the the secret, protect the Rowans, and find the ability and the courage to confront the Shadow people. Their lives and the lives of the ones they love depend upon it.
922 pages, Nook
First published October 28, 2010
25 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 13, 2011
I enjoyed the book very much the only thing I wish you could have done with the book is maybe bounced between the twins instead of it all being from Paris's point of view. I really would have liked to know what was going on with Alex a little more. But all in all it was a good book!!!
July 17, 2012
On Amazon I gave it 3 stars, which was "it was okay". It told a good story, and I liked the characters more than a bunch of the reviewers on Amazon did. The cover was pretty good, and though it suffered from some typos and mistakes that should have been caught by a good proofreader, they didn't overly distract.
But there were problems. The dialogue was overdone. Characters made speeches at each other, they didn't just converse. They all sounded the same, too. At times the things they said made no sense. (Example: You're holed up in a house under seige by your enemies, and you're worrying about sleeping arrangements?) And some parts of the book were really overwritten. Scenes lasted way too long, and there was way too much extraneous narrative in there. Too much stuff that didn't advance the story, just added volume. This was one of the first self-pubbed books that I've read that was in totally obvious need of editing. Real editing. The author has a good storyline going here, but needs some guidance on how to really "tell" it.
So...I can't really recommend it, even though I found the plot interesting and thought the characters had potential.
But there were problems. The dialogue was overdone. Characters made speeches at each other, they didn't just converse. They all sounded the same, too. At times the things they said made no sense. (Example: You're holed up in a house under seige by your enemies, and you're worrying about sleeping arrangements?) And some parts of the book were really overwritten. Scenes lasted way too long, and there was way too much extraneous narrative in there. Too much stuff that didn't advance the story, just added volume. This was one of the first self-pubbed books that I've read that was in totally obvious need of editing. Real editing. The author has a good storyline going here, but needs some guidance on how to really "tell" it.
So...I can't really recommend it, even though I found the plot interesting and thought the characters had potential.
August 27, 2011
OK, I have to say, I did not know this was the author first attempt at a book until the end and you can't tell that this was while you were reading it at all! I loved the book. The only thing I didn't like was there was way too much unrealistic affection between the twins and between Beth and Paris. IT irritated me to no end every time I heard him call her darling. People don't talk like this. I DO realize that the whole book is unrealistic and that is the point, but the mushy stuff was just too much IMHO. I know they were supposed to fall fast for each other, but Paris doesn't need to tell her every little thing on his mind. Its annoying, and I am a romantic! Other then that I loved the book! I loved the length, I loved it was free or nearly free I can't remember now if I paid a little something for it or not. It was worth it I can tell you that and I would pay for Shadow Spies without a doubt! I hope he keeps writing even after the series is complete!
January 16, 2015
Thanks to the author for the great story telling. I truly enjoyed reading this book. I found myself wandering " why didn't the character ask a question". But the questions were always asked at a perfect time. This book takes you from normal living to paranormal to true love and romance as well as protecting those you love. This book will have you wandering who to trust. Try reading for yourself, your opinion matters too. (Smiling)
March 3, 2012
This book was so exciting to read. I loved the mystery and learning right along with paris and alex. Not to mention the romance! I recommend that everyone read this series it is my new favorite!
February 19, 2015
Hmmm..not sure if this book was right for me. My bestie loved it but I just couldn't get into it. I may go back later and try again.
June 24, 2012
Ah, what to say about this book? Well, I thought the premise was very interesting. Shadow people. People who are human but are basically invisible to the regular "normal" person. Now, what if you were half Shadow and you didn't know it... then you figure it out after your parents death through a series of events?
This book was partly mystery, part action, part horror. Overall, I thought it was pretty good... until the ending. It was a little too quick for me. We had all this detail and drama then all of a sudden in a couple of pages, it was over. And it really didn't seem that hard of a fight for Paris, the male main character. I wish there was more with the sister, Alex. Especially sicne the deceased father had written that she would be the best at the shadow mind games. Why didn't the author explore it? I don't know.
The next issue I had with the book was the undercurrent of sexual tension between the brother-sister twins. Who calls there sister honey? Who tells their sister that he thinks she is sexy? That was just weird. Who compares every woman they date to their sister- finding that none of their girlfriends even come close to their sister? Again weird.
So, if you can put the odd comments from the brother to the sister aside and don't mind a fast ending, then this book was really good. I had to lower the star level because those two things really bugged me. However, I loved the story overall.
This book was partly mystery, part action, part horror. Overall, I thought it was pretty good... until the ending. It was a little too quick for me. We had all this detail and drama then all of a sudden in a couple of pages, it was over. And it really didn't seem that hard of a fight for Paris, the male main character. I wish there was more with the sister, Alex. Especially sicne the deceased father had written that she would be the best at the shadow mind games. Why didn't the author explore it? I don't know.
The next issue I had with the book was the undercurrent of sexual tension between the brother-sister twins. Who calls there sister honey? Who tells their sister that he thinks she is sexy? That was just weird. Who compares every woman they date to their sister- finding that none of their girlfriends even come close to their sister? Again weird.
So, if you can put the odd comments from the brother to the sister aside and don't mind a fast ending, then this book was really good. I had to lower the star level because those two things really bugged me. However, I loved the story overall.
December 6, 2012
The book "Shadow Games" by Douglas R. Welch is an interesting story for me. The book is fiction and the seems to be fit for a teenager. It is a descriptive book that tells a story about twins whose parents had died in a car crash. Now they are finding out more about themselves in an interesting and mysterious way.
The story begins telling about Paris and Alexandra Fox digging through their parents house for different valuable items such as birth certificates, deeds, social security cards and what not. They find a trunk with notes inside describing their father in a dangerous situation in which he believes someone is out to take his life. After finding no proof of their own identity (the twins) went to town to find out from the police and other local officials more details about their parents.
One thing in particular that I found made this book seem more into the science fiction category was the pendents/medallions that the twins had found in the trunk that their father had left for them. He told them through his note that they would know which one belonged to whom. Paris and Alexandra pick up one of each of the medallions and found themselves disgusted with them. After a trade they felt at peace which confused and scared them.
I would recommend this book to any person who enjoys fiction and a mystery to go along with it. Though I am not finished with this book, or even far into it, I can tell it will be a good read. Hopefully it will turn out great!
The story begins telling about Paris and Alexandra Fox digging through their parents house for different valuable items such as birth certificates, deeds, social security cards and what not. They find a trunk with notes inside describing their father in a dangerous situation in which he believes someone is out to take his life. After finding no proof of their own identity (the twins) went to town to find out from the police and other local officials more details about their parents.
One thing in particular that I found made this book seem more into the science fiction category was the pendents/medallions that the twins had found in the trunk that their father had left for them. He told them through his note that they would know which one belonged to whom. Paris and Alexandra pick up one of each of the medallions and found themselves disgusted with them. After a trade they felt at peace which confused and scared them.
I would recommend this book to any person who enjoys fiction and a mystery to go along with it. Though I am not finished with this book, or even far into it, I can tell it will be a good read. Hopefully it will turn out great!
September 1, 2012
The whole premise of Shadow Games is interesting enough and Doug Welch does a decent job developing the story and characters. I was enjoying reading the book until the very end... that is, the last few chapters. The author seems to be in a hurry to wrap up the story by then. Perhaps, Welch's focus was already on the second book and wanted to bring Shadow Games to an end. Regardless of the reason, the ending feels rushed. I was left wanting more action... more detail... more substance.
On a side note, the authors in many of these free books make it a point to say "this is my first book"... many of them do anyway. I don't think that should be used as an excuse... as it sounds like it is at times. One of these says... sooner rather than later is my hope... I will publish something and some of you may decide to pick it up. When that day comes, I will welcome all feedback and, hopefully, learn from it and get better. I will not use the first-book excuse. Because, it doesn't really maatter. Either people will like what I've written and go looking for other titles or they won't and move on.
Which brings me back to Shadow Games. It was a decent enough timewaster, but it didn't make me want to continue reading the series.
On a side note, the authors in many of these free books make it a point to say "this is my first book"... many of them do anyway. I don't think that should be used as an excuse... as it sounds like it is at times. One of these says... sooner rather than later is my hope... I will publish something and some of you may decide to pick it up. When that day comes, I will welcome all feedback and, hopefully, learn from it and get better. I will not use the first-book excuse. Because, it doesn't really maatter. Either people will like what I've written and go looking for other titles or they won't and move on.
Which brings me back to Shadow Games. It was a decent enough timewaster, but it didn't make me want to continue reading the series.
August 8, 2013
The last 30 pages of this weren't terrible, but in general the dialogue was repetitive and unimaginative. I get that Alex and Paris were siblings, but you didn't have to beat me over the head with it every sentence for hundreds of pages:
"Brother, I'm scared."
"Don't be scared, sister."
"But I am, big bro."
"Little sis, I'll protect you."
ARGH! People don't talk like that. And people aren't that dumb that they won't figure it out if you only mention the fact that they are siblings once a chapter rather than 60 times a page. But given how you gave them a weird sexual tension, maybe that's why you felt you had to remind us that they are related? I don't know. It was weird.
And it was weird and predictable that they'd become obsessed with another set of siblings as equally attracted to and dependent upon each other as Alex and Paris.
I really hope I didn't pay for this one.
"Brother, I'm scared."
"Don't be scared, sister."
"But I am, big bro."
"Little sis, I'll protect you."
ARGH! People don't talk like that. And people aren't that dumb that they won't figure it out if you only mention the fact that they are siblings once a chapter rather than 60 times a page. But given how you gave them a weird sexual tension, maybe that's why you felt you had to remind us that they are related? I don't know. It was weird.
And it was weird and predictable that they'd become obsessed with another set of siblings as equally attracted to and dependent upon each other as Alex and Paris.
I really hope I didn't pay for this one.
May 25, 2012
From chapter two onward this book was captivating. The author skillfully creates characters that one can easily sympathize with throughout the entire novel. This was the first time in a long time that I've read a book that I had a hard time putting down. The conspiracy theory aspect to this novel coupled with the sci-fi thriller mixed in with a little bit of romance makes this story move along very quickly. I just downloaded the second book in the series and am looking forward to reading it.
September 28, 2011
Blah. This started out feeling like a thriller-type book, but then the "shadow people" were brought in and it felt like it was trying to have some fantasy-ish or sci-fi aspect to it? I couldn't gage a feel on the book. The writing was lacking, things that would happen seemed awfully convenient or fake and I had a hard time "buying into" the relationships they had. It was just odd.
There was just enough mystery to it to keep reading but I felt like it was a waste of time when I was done.
There was just enough mystery to it to keep reading but I felt like it was a waste of time when I was done.
March 15, 2013
I liked the story line, of "shadow people". Very interesting. With that said, to make this brief, the relationships between all the people, Paris & Alex ( brother & sister), then their respective love interests, (Caesar & Elizabeth, also brother & sister) was way too corny. Their dialogue to each other was way too corny. However I found I wanted to finish the book because I wanted an ending. I did enjoy it!
March 21, 2017
To be honest not my type of read but the story line did keep me intrigued. I was a bit disappointed with the fastness to the conclusion at the end of the book after reading the long eventful run up and I did think Caesar, Elizabeth and Edward's history would be more involved in the story line after all the coincidences, I must admit this did keep me in suspense but in the end it left me feeling flat.
May 9, 2012
OMG! I loved it. It was awesome. It was alright to begin with but as the story progressed it got a lot better. I'd never expected something like this book. I recommend people read it, it's different and interesting.
It was different reading it from a male perspective, especially in the intimate parts, but I surprisingly enjoyed it none-the-less.
It was different reading it from a male perspective, especially in the intimate parts, but I surprisingly enjoyed it none-the-less.
January 10, 2013
I should have been able to tell by the cover that this book wasn't going to be great.
I really just didn't care for it. I found it strange and difficult to keep going.
It seemed to rely heavily on the topic of sex
I'll pass on the second book.
I really just didn't care for it. I found it strange and difficult to keep going.
It seemed to rely heavily on the topic of sex
I'll pass on the second book.
April 4, 2012
A very well written book, could not put it down. The concept is different then any Ive read so far. theres a bit of mystery, suspense, and some romance. There is a bit of adult content so I wouldnt recommend for younger readers.
June 1, 2012
Interesting. The storyline was fluid enough to keep me going throughout the entire text. Not my favorite, but certainly no real complaints. Most importantly, I will be reading the sequels, that should say something.
Well done.
Well done.
March 4, 2013
This was my first try at an e-book by an independent author. Interesting story idea but the writing style was simplistic and, at times, downright corny. The idea of the 'shadow people' had promise but I'm not likely to continue on with the series.
February 21, 2011
I loved this book. Great characters that were engaging and kept me reading it. Looking foward to following what happens next to Paris and Alex. Keep up the great work.
April 15, 2011
The only thing that kept me reading this book was curiosity... I just wanted to know how it all worked out. Loosely written, but irritatingly kept me glued.
July 2, 2011
Good Read. Great first effort from this new author, I was surprised and pleased with this fantasy. Great first effort!
December 8, 2011
I was able to read this on my down time during a hunting trip. Decent book for a free ebook.
September 20, 2011
Truly a unique story. I will be reading the next in the series. I cannot wait.
October 11, 2011
Well written. There are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and interested. I highly recommend if you like sci fi / fantasy.
September 25, 2011
I could not even finish reading this one. An interesting idea that I really wanted to like. Sadly it slogged along far too slowly.
February 5, 2012
I liked this book. I could not put it down. My only complaint, I did like how the siblings addressed each other as darling.
January 11, 2012
Interesting story line. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
March 2, 2012
I thought that the idea of this book was wonderful. I have been reading a decent amount of Fay books recently and this one had all the good makes of a new fairy tale.
April 14, 2012
This was the authors first book and i didn't even knew till the end! Amazingly written! Its not a good book for young people... Like me even... But other parts were amazing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews