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Shadow Train
Middleburg's teen martial artists scramble to reunite the broken shards of the powerful and mysterious Shen ring, in an effort to locate their missing friend Raphael and avert worldwide disaster but it won't be easy.
A pack of government agents, a secret order of Chinese kung fu masters, and a family of vengeful fallen angels stand in their way. Amid the struggle, tensions between the two teen gangs flare once again when one of the Flats kids gets jumped and put in the hospital. Zhai and Ignacio, the leaders of the rival factions, struggle to maintain peace and continue their quest for the ring shards amid the rising tide of confrontation.
Meanwhile, Middleburg's leading ladies Maggie and Dalton put their differences aside in an effort to wrest their friend Aimee from the clutches of the sultry and seductive Nephilim, Orias. But when a powerful fallen angel learns that Orias has imprisoned his father Oberon, a new supernatural menace is unleashed on Middleburg, one that threatens to bring all the conflicting factions together in one final, deadly conflagration.
The only hope is that Middleburg's missing teen hero will somehow reappear and find a way to set things right but he's been gone for over two months, without leaving a single clue as to his whereabouts. As the situation grows more dire, all of Middleburg wonders: where is Raphael Kain? With mighty doses of kung fu, eastern mysticism, and star-crossed love, "Shadow Train" is the most poignant, romantic and explosive book in The Tracks series thus far!
A pack of government agents, a secret order of Chinese kung fu masters, and a family of vengeful fallen angels stand in their way. Amid the struggle, tensions between the two teen gangs flare once again when one of the Flats kids gets jumped and put in the hospital. Zhai and Ignacio, the leaders of the rival factions, struggle to maintain peace and continue their quest for the ring shards amid the rising tide of confrontation.
Meanwhile, Middleburg's leading ladies Maggie and Dalton put their differences aside in an effort to wrest their friend Aimee from the clutches of the sultry and seductive Nephilim, Orias. But when a powerful fallen angel learns that Orias has imprisoned his father Oberon, a new supernatural menace is unleashed on Middleburg, one that threatens to bring all the conflicting factions together in one final, deadly conflagration.
The only hope is that Middleburg's missing teen hero will somehow reappear and find a way to set things right but he's been gone for over two months, without leaving a single clue as to his whereabouts. As the situation grows more dire, all of Middleburg wonders: where is Raphael Kain? With mighty doses of kung fu, eastern mysticism, and star-crossed love, "Shadow Train" is the most poignant, romantic and explosive book in The Tracks series thus far!
- GenresYoung Adult
452 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2013
300 people want to read
About the author
J. Gabriel Gates
15 books216 followersAuthor J. Gabriel Gates is a native of Marshall, Michigan. The son of an English teacher, his passion for the written word began at a young age. During college, another passion – for performing – led him to get his B.A. degree in theater from Florida State University.
During his years in Los Angeles, he appeared in a dozen national TV commercials and penned several screenplays while laying the groundwork for his career as a novelist.
J. Gabriel now lives in Michigan, where he is on the city council of his small town and is the executive director of a prominent arts organization.
His novels include horror novel "The Sleepwalkers," and dystopian sci-fi epic "Blood Zero Sky" as well as the YA fantasy books "Dark Territory: The Tracks Book 1," "Ghost Crown: The Tracks Book 2," "Shadow Train: The Tracks Book 3."
Look for his new urban fantasy novel "Girl of Hearts" coming in June of 2022!
During his years in Los Angeles, he appeared in a dozen national TV commercials and penned several screenplays while laying the groundwork for his career as a novelist.
J. Gabriel now lives in Michigan, where he is on the city council of his small town and is the executive director of a prominent arts organization.
His novels include horror novel "The Sleepwalkers," and dystopian sci-fi epic "Blood Zero Sky" as well as the YA fantasy books "Dark Territory: The Tracks Book 1," "Ghost Crown: The Tracks Book 2," "Shadow Train: The Tracks Book 3."
Look for his new urban fantasy novel "Girl of Hearts" coming in June of 2022!
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 16, 2013
When I won this book off of a goodreads giveaway I decided that to give it a proper review I needed to read the entire series first. I picked up the first book and I groaned. What had I gotten myself into? It looked like the cover of a teen romance novel, but despite this I decided to soldier on and push through. As I started the series it was playing out how I imagined; it was a love story and a teenage one at that. Teenage love is the worst. As I continued on I started sensing a change in the tone of the book and I was not disappointed when the supernatural elements I had been promised slipped in.
As the series started I was almost determined not to like it. I knew what the book was going to be and I knew what I wanted. I will have to admit that I was won over despite myself. The authors manage to bring to life the characters and I began to care for their welfare. In my opinion this book should not be lumped in with all of the other paranormal young adult fiction. It is a series with depth and with action that you would be hard pressed to find elsewhere in that genre.
I won’t say that the series was perfect. At times I found myself getting angry at the emotions and the actions of several of the characters in their respective romances. In a real world setting I don’t see how it could have gone down that way and it took me out of the book at times.
The book was well written and I found myself fully engaged and at no time did I find it hard to willingly suspend my disbelief at what I was reading, at least in regard to the paranormal elements. The series starts a little lovey but by this third book the action is fast paced and it is a fun read. I will be looking to see what books will be forthcoming from these authors
As the series started I was almost determined not to like it. I knew what the book was going to be and I knew what I wanted. I will have to admit that I was won over despite myself. The authors manage to bring to life the characters and I began to care for their welfare. In my opinion this book should not be lumped in with all of the other paranormal young adult fiction. It is a series with depth and with action that you would be hard pressed to find elsewhere in that genre.
I won’t say that the series was perfect. At times I found myself getting angry at the emotions and the actions of several of the characters in their respective romances. In a real world setting I don’t see how it could have gone down that way and it took me out of the book at times.
The book was well written and I found myself fully engaged and at no time did I find it hard to willingly suspend my disbelief at what I was reading, at least in regard to the paranormal elements. The series starts a little lovey but by this third book the action is fast paced and it is a fun read. I will be looking to see what books will be forthcoming from these authors
June 18, 2013
J. Gabriel Gatesyou saved the best for last I was completely blown away. Once I reached the second half of the book I just couldn't put it down I was determined to finish it. I just loved however everything turned out for everyone and it was full of unforgettable moments. This book we got explore more into the other characters other than Raphael. The ideas were brilliant and no loose ends. In the end all I have to say "I do love happy endings!!!"
August 21, 2013
A story just like I love it... didn't want it to end ;-)
September 12, 2013
I’ve immensely enjoyed reading J. Gabriel Gates and Charlene Keel’s YA series, The Tracks and I’m sad to see it ending. All the kung fu action, romantic entanglements, supernatural thrills, and captivating mystery come to an explosive head in this awesome conclusion. Picking up a few months after the events in Ghost Crown, the rival gangs of Middleburg find themselves in the middle of what could be a world disaster in Shadow Train. The Flats gang is desperate to find their missing leader Raphael and when one of their own is put into the hospital by a member of their rivals, the two gangs are out for each other’s blood. Meanwhile, Aimee is under Orias’ spell and barely remembers her true love Raphael. The Flatliners, the Toppers, Orias, a group of fallen angels, a pack of government agents, and a mysterious and dangerous ancient Chinese order are all on the search for the shards of the mystical Shen ring and its power. One final showdown could be the end of or the salvation of Middleburg.
Over the span of three books, Gates and Keel have crafted a wonderfully layered and endlessly exciting story full of kickbutt characters, addicting romance, and cool supernatural elements. I always walk away from these books completely entertained and impressed!
Like books one and two, Shadow Train has fantastic world-building and enthralling storytelling. Gates and Keel are a great writing duo, who has seamlessly and cohesively blended their talents. In this third book we are taken, not only to the magical and mystical areas of Middleburg, but to the depths of Hell, 19th century America, early 20th century Ireland, and an eerie, deliciously chilling in between world, and each of these settings is laid out with rich, vivid details and feel so real. The mystical and supernatural elements are a fun blend of refreshing originality and cool re-imagining. There’s such a well-crafted atmosphere in these books that feels both darkly whimsical and chilling.
One of the things I love most about this series is the diverse, eclectic cast of characters. Over the span of this series, Raphael; Aimee; Nass; Dalton; Zhai; Kate; Maggie; and the other characters have kept me entertained, charmed, and on my toes. These are all likable, believable, relatable characters with such organic and great character growth and development. I’ve come to be completely vested in their journeys, relationships, and individual stories, and they’ve come to feel like old friends.
At almost 500 pages, Shadow Train is a longer book, but thrillingly fast paced and never boring. The last quarter of the book is especially exciting and had me anxiously turning pages. And the explosive and electrifying final showdown is big and epic and makes for a hell of a satisfying ending.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: I couldn't have asked for a more epic and enthralling conclusion to The Tracks Series! Shadow Train is explosive, entertaining, and full of chills and thrills. I'm sad to see this series ending, but have enjoyed the exciting ride and definitely think it's a must read series!
Over the span of three books, Gates and Keel have crafted a wonderfully layered and endlessly exciting story full of kickbutt characters, addicting romance, and cool supernatural elements. I always walk away from these books completely entertained and impressed!
Like books one and two, Shadow Train has fantastic world-building and enthralling storytelling. Gates and Keel are a great writing duo, who has seamlessly and cohesively blended their talents. In this third book we are taken, not only to the magical and mystical areas of Middleburg, but to the depths of Hell, 19th century America, early 20th century Ireland, and an eerie, deliciously chilling in between world, and each of these settings is laid out with rich, vivid details and feel so real. The mystical and supernatural elements are a fun blend of refreshing originality and cool re-imagining. There’s such a well-crafted atmosphere in these books that feels both darkly whimsical and chilling.
One of the things I love most about this series is the diverse, eclectic cast of characters. Over the span of this series, Raphael; Aimee; Nass; Dalton; Zhai; Kate; Maggie; and the other characters have kept me entertained, charmed, and on my toes. These are all likable, believable, relatable characters with such organic and great character growth and development. I’ve come to be completely vested in their journeys, relationships, and individual stories, and they’ve come to feel like old friends.
At almost 500 pages, Shadow Train is a longer book, but thrillingly fast paced and never boring. The last quarter of the book is especially exciting and had me anxiously turning pages. And the explosive and electrifying final showdown is big and epic and makes for a hell of a satisfying ending.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: I couldn't have asked for a more epic and enthralling conclusion to The Tracks Series! Shadow Train is explosive, entertaining, and full of chills and thrills. I'm sad to see this series ending, but have enjoyed the exciting ride and definitely think it's a must read series!
December 21, 2013
I didn't realize that this was the third book in a series. Oops. I must have missed out on a lot too. As much as I liked the action, and all the other stuff in this book, I really couldn't get into it very well. I don't know if that's because I missed the first two books, or because of the book itself, but there was just too much going on sometimes, especially with so many characters to switch back and forth with. Which i didn't like. It's like you start reading one character, get into what's happening with them, and then you're yanked away from them, and you have to start reading another character. That's not fun. Maybe I'm just not used to it.
I didn't really get to know any of the characters very well in this book, and that's probably because it was the end of the series(?). And that's cool and everything, but still. I'd love to have been able to get to know the characters better. They seemed pretty cool. The story line was good, like I said before, full of action, but again, I couldn't get into the book because of all the character switches. Maybe if I find the first two books for free somewhere, I'll read them, I'd like to do that, but whatever. If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen.
I didn't really get to know any of the characters very well in this book, and that's probably because it was the end of the series(?). And that's cool and everything, but still. I'd love to have been able to get to know the characters better. They seemed pretty cool. The story line was good, like I said before, full of action, but again, I couldn't get into the book because of all the character switches. Maybe if I find the first two books for free somewhere, I'll read them, I'd like to do that, but whatever. If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen.
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June 19, 2013MUST READ!!!!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews