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Shadow Walker

4.39 of 5 stars 4.39 · rating details · 174 ratings · 26 reviews

Set in a post-apocalyptic world following the Armageddon, in Shadow Walker, the teenage children of the world’s Guardians of the Light must learn to hone their extra-sensory talents to one day join in the battle with their parents.

While they are secreted away in the Temt Tchaas Academy, (aka Neteru Academy), these students must learn to fight evil as well as learn to resis...more

Paperback, 560 pages

Published November 11th 2010 by St. Martin's Griffin

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Jan 11, 2011 Tamara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-urban-fantasy, kindle, 2011

No worries, this is totally spoiler free. It's been a while since I wrote a review...but L.A.Banks has pulled me out of my review writing funk! I LOVED this book. It threw me back to the Vampire Huntress series. It was so well told and I was excited to see the characters we loved so much from that series make cameos in the new book. I loved the kids too, the new generation of guardians are so fun to read. Even though they are too defending the world from evil, they all have their own unique pers...more

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Feb 24, 2011 Ruby rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: angels, fantasy, private, school, series, shifter, teen, vampires, werewolf, young

This review was first posted on http://www.rubysreads.com.

Many of you are already familiar with my obsession with Private School Paranormals. It was that, as much as a desire to try out the renowned L.A. Banks' writing style, that led me to give this book a try. The weighty description gives you an idea of the way Shadow Walker rolls. It's a meaty tome. There's lots going on in it, though the events of the book occur in a relatively short amount of time. Most of the story is told from Sarah's p...more This review was first posted on http://www.rubysreads.com.

Many of you are already familiar with my obsession with Private School Paranormals. It was that, as much as a desire to try out the renowned L.A. Banks' writing style, that led me to give this book a try. The weighty description gives you an idea of the way Shadow Walker rolls. It's a meaty tome. There's lots going on in it, though the events of the book occur in a relatively short amount of time. Most of the story is told from Sarah's perspective, although the p.o.v. is not first person. As a narrator, Sarah is believably conflicted. I can't imagine how incredibly hard it must be to be the children of two people who have saved the world. I mean, how are you supposed to improve on that one? How are you supposed to feel like you've ever done anything with your life, even if you join the Peace Corps, Doctors Without Borders and The Red Cross? The potential for an inferiority complex is huge here.
But Sarah is the heroine so, while she does deal with some feelings of inadequacy, she's destined for her own acts of greatness. In the beginning of the story, Sarah is uncertain of her powers and jealous of her twin, who is already demonstrating the greatness of their parents. The major symbol of this fact is that Sarah has been named a "Blend." Being a blend means that you have no particular talent. Or, that it's yet to be discovered. By the epilogue, Sarah has learned what she needs to know--about herself, and others--that will lead her to be the kind of great leader her mother was.
Shadow Walker didn't grab me right off. To be honest, Sarah wasn't my favorite kind of character. She has flaws--like getting an enormous zit the day she starts at the Academy--but she always does the right thing. She stands up to bullies, she defends the weak, and doesn't let her best-friend run her down. Which, okay, should all be positive stuff but, honestly--all that perfection becomes irritating. Sarah's loyal. Sarah's kind. Sarah's attractive to two boys. She doesn't like guys who are jerks. When you find yourself hoping that the main character will just mess something up for once, you know you've got a problem.
I also felt a lot lost whenever the book returned to the events that must have taken place in the Vampire Huntress books. I'd thought that Banks would assume that, like me, her YA readers probably haven't read her adult fiction, and fill us in a little. I suspect, however, that the only way to truly be filled in is to have read the books. The description of paranormal creatures, people and family relationships would have been better placed at the front of the book. Still, it only tells a small portion of the story--a great deal more is half-related in the course of Shadow Walker.
I was also underwhelmed by Sarah's romantic entanglements. Neither Wil nor Val did much for me. They're both good-looking, but kind of interchangeable. Which doesn't make sense, because Sarah's known Val all her life. And pretty much every guy who wasn't Wil or Val was a jerk. So, that came off as another one of Sarah's perfections: she knows how to pick the good guys.
Having finished Shadow Walker, I have a feeling of apathy. I don't really care about the next stage in Sarah's journey. I was unimpressed with the story-telling and the world-building. Banks probably did all that in the Vampire Huntress books, so that's another thing I missed. Half the time I had some sort of image in my head that the Compound was like a space station. The school, too. Whenever they went off campus, I'd be wondering if they didn't need spacesuits or something. This is what happens to me when I read a book that lacks a resonating setting. I don't think I'm going to be reading anything else by Banks.(less)

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Feb 07, 2011 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

In this world, several beings from the light fight creatures from the dark. Even though this world sounds very simplistically black and white, it is far from that. In fact, easy labels are discouraged within the academy that these future guardian's of the light attend and friend and foe are not easily recognized by human sight. This, of course, made me fascinated by the world L A Banks has created. It is also a mixture of mythologies which includes religions of new and old as well as schools of...more In this world, several beings from the light fight creatures from the dark. Even though this world sounds very simplistically black and white, it is far from that. In fact, easy labels are discouraged within the academy that these future guardian's of the light attend and friend and foe are not easily recognized by human sight. This, of course, made me fascinated by the world L A Banks has created. It is also a mixture of mythologies which includes religions of new and old as well as schools of thought like physics. It is a fascinating mixture of cultures.

Within this world, one major fight during Armageddon has been won and they are preparing for the next biggest fight. The gardians speculate the war they are awaiting is the true Armageddon, since the earlier fight was forced ahead of schedule. The story follows Sarah's POV so things are revealed as she learns about them. She is the daughter of the two highest ranking guardian's of the light. Her gifts have not come to full fruition and she seems scared of everything. However, once in the academy, things start to change. Oh, and I knew I was going to like Sarah as soon as she met bullies at the academy.
Nothing got her blood boiling like bullying. She might not fight for herself all the time, but seeing some weaker kid being picked on made her snap and go ballistic.
Of course when I read this line, I knew I'd be connected to Sarah and enjoy the world through her eyes.

I will admit, however, that at times you knew that something was going to happen, and you wanted the book to just get on with telling that exciting part of the tale. At other times I was seeing the wonder of the academy through Sarah's eyes and just wanted to linger and enjoy that part of the book. As for what happened, what had happened before they got to the academy, and how it ended... well, my *evil laugh* should explain that I won't reveal anything. I will tell you that I give this book 4 stars and recommend it to those that enjoy a YA UF where there is a small side of romance. It is more about Sarah's journey and I am curious as to where she takes us next.(less)

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Mar 21, 2011 Wenj rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: for-review, read-2011

Review provided by Black Lagoon Reviews:

From the world of L.A. Banks’ popular world of the Vampire Hunter Legends, comes a new young adult series following in the adult versions footsteps. Shadow Walker, the debut novel in the Neteru Academy series is an imaginative and enthralling novel that foretells of the epic battle between Light and Dark, introducing the new breed of Guardians who will protect humanity. Told with truly captivating prose, this novel brought to life a world and cast of chara...more Review provided by Black Lagoon Reviews:

From the world of L.A. Banks’ popular world of the Vampire Hunter Legends, comes a new young adult series following in the adult versions footsteps. Shadow Walker, the debut novel in the Neteru Academy series is an imaginative and enthralling novel that foretells of the epic battle between Light and Dark, introducing the new breed of Guardians who will protect humanity. Told with truly captivating prose, this novel brought to life a world and cast of characters that were instantly endearing and one of a kind showing exactly why this author’s work has been so hugely successful.

The world building is initially what drew me in. While this was my first time stumbling into Banks’ writing, I was instantly drawn into the history and lore of the Vampire Huntress Legens series. Down to the smallest details, this world is brought to life with epic battles and fascinating creatures that haven’t been dreamt of since Harry Potter, and if ever there was a series capable of matching that particular franchise, this could quite possibly be it. The blending of mythologies and science was truly captivating as Banks describes a world left in chaos after the ascension of the Darkness. Everywhere danger may be lurking, which is only made more palpable by students going missing out of one of the most well guarded buildings left in all of the world. This sets a fast paced tone that propels the characters on a mission not only to save their fellow students, but the school as well.

The characters themselves were instantly identifiable, with a group dynamic that was wonderfully written which truly made this into a spectacular ensemble read. The group dynamics mirror the angst of the main characters which only serves to make the story more compelling as you root for the characters to come together and work out their growing differences. While all of the characters are highly developed and engaging, the story follows Sarah Rivera, a smart and compassionate protagonist who cares deeply for those around her. The daughter of famous warriors Demali and Carlos Rivera, she is thrust into the limelight to suffer through the embarrassment and inner pain of simply having to endure a place within their shadow after being prophesized to become one of the predominant warriors in the next apocalyptic battle. The feelings of inadequacy plague her as she endures being sent into the new environment of the academy which ultimately sets up a fount of emotions as she deals with feelings such as exclusion, lust, and self worth. Likewise, many of her compound siblings also suffer with the feelings of fitting in within a new environment as well as coming to terms with their own individuality outside of their accepted ‘familial’ group. Peer pressure and budding romance serve as only a few of the underlying messages the author tries to impart to readers, making this novel not only dramatic but relevant as the attributes of kindness and consideration are presented to the reader.

The romance development within the novel also deserves quite a bit of mention as well because there is no doubt that Banks’ knows how to write it. From almost the beginning chemistry is brought into play as Sarah is put in the position of experiencing her first feelings of desire for not only her compound brother Val, but for Wil, a friendly and encouraging ally in the social minefield of the Academy. With two amazing suitors that she feels strongly towards, Sarah is drawn into an angst ridden battle between her heart and soul as she tries to decide how to deal with her feelings towards the two equally alluring males in her life.

But, underlying all of this is a great sense of adventure in a world where nothing is ever truly as it seems. The masterfully created action scenes within were colorfully written making them vivid and quite visceral as the students and Guardians alike struggle to find the missing students. The surrounding mystery was full of some amazing twists that I never saw coming and some realizations that made encompassed the phrase ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’. The steady buildup through out the novel is perfectly led into a quick but creative climax and left the world ripe for yet another round of drama within the next installment which I can’t wait to read!

Overall, this was a great heart warming novel that kept me enthralled with its imagery and world development. The characters were interesting and endearing and the romance was maddening. With so many things left to explore it can easily be surmised that the following novels will be equally if not more amazing then the first. Fans of urban fantasy, paranormal romance and young adult novels with a heavy focus on a character’s journey will absolutely love this!

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Dec 26, 2010 L.M. Preston rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wow! The main character, Sarah is likeable,and begins to grow on you as she discovers her way in school, her worth, and her powers. But she isn't the only interesting character, this book has many and they are all given just enough depth for you to either like them or not. There is never a dull moment, although there is a lot of information given throughout regarding the world that is being built. This world includes a multitude of races, mixes of paranormal beings gifts/curses in many of the ch...more

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Mar 06, 2013 Nakeshia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Even though this is a YA title, I really enjoyed this book. If you follow the Vampire Huntress series by L. A. Banks, then you will be pleasantly surprised to see that the main characters are the children of the vampire huntress, Damali Richards.

This story puts me in the mind of Harry Potter...only better. The main characters are twins, Sarah and Al. This is their first year at the Neteru Academy. They were sent here in order to strengthen their supernatural talents. The school is in jeopardy of...more

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Feb 02, 2011 Teri rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, bookitforward

Are you the teen kids of the Guardian's of Light? Well then we have a school for you! Looks like a pyramid, has a sordid past, punky other students with a hard on to get back at you for having hidden powers and powerful parents, then come on down. Location not provided.

Picking up from LA Banks extensive Guardians of Light series, we come into Shadow Walker into the realm of the kids POV. With school peer drama, hot romance and angst, to some rapid action, Shadow Walker is filled with its own tee...more

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Jun 30, 2011 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Come into the Light! I have to admit that when the Vampire Huntress series ended I was sad. I read every book as soon as they came out, even had the final 2 signed, in person, in Chicago. So, when I discovered Banks had continued the series but with the children, I was excited.

All of the old guardians return along with their children, 16 years after Armageddon. At first, I wasn't sure I was going to make it. The first part of the book was a challenge. Sarah was this big, whiney, naive baby. And...more

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Apr 25, 2011 Destiny Revealed rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved it. I thought it was a nice continuation of where the Neteru series left off. It's nice to see how the original guardians as well as their children have grown. The kids' lives are just as action packed as their parents' were, and I love seeing how the new generation of Neterus and Guardians have turned out and are still growing. I'm looking forward, as always, to the next in the seriesssss.

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Mar 06, 2011 Brandi Kosiner added it

I couldn't get into this book. I highly encourage everyone to give it a chance though because the synopsis really intrigued me.
There was nothing wrong with the writing style, it just doesn't fit what I usually read. I think that I may have been in the wrong mood for something this plot driven, and I usually tend towards character driven.

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Jul 28, 2011 Krisy Campbell rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved this book, it took me back to the Vampire huntress legends series, it was great to see all my favorite characters in here..I'm not sure if we will see another one as Leslie banks is very very ill fighting an uphill battle with Cancer...I really hope she can beat it.

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May 05, 2013 Ang Hansen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It was so very wonderful to have the old characters back,even if for a short time, felt so familiar. And getting to know their children...wow! Couldn't put it down. Laugh out loud. Now all I have to do is PRAY that she writes the next one!!!

1 like · like · see review

Jan 27, 2011 "Z" rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya-vampires

Wow. What can I say. I LOVED IT. I read the entire Vampire Huntress series. Damali and Carlos are one of the best characters ever written. This book is following in their foot steps. Can't wait for the next one.

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Aug 04, 2011 Renee rated it 3 of 5 stars

Definitely a shoot off of the Vampire Huntress novels. This is a good read for young adults. All books that involve paranormal / magic and teenagers will be compared to the Harry Potter novels, but this is a completely different story. Sadly, we won't find out what happens to the Guardian kids due to Ms. Banks' death.

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Jul 18, 2011 BCPL Youth Services Librarian added it · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, vampires

Click to see book in BCPL's online catalog

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Jul 07, 2012 Nicole rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

RIP L A Banks. Your characters are alive, I hope you left a manuscript lying around!
I really enjoyed this book!

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Jan 01, 2013 Angel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great author, great books, great series...I will miss her writing!

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Mar 08, 2011 Deva rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: african-american-paranormal

Maybe more like 2 1/2 ... Full review at urbanparanormal.blogspot.com

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Mar 28, 2013 Tameka rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was an excellent spin-off to the Vampire Huntress series. It picks up years after the last Vampire Huntress book and focuses on the Neteru Guardians trials and tribulations of attending the Neteru Academy. It's great to see the kids come out of their parents shadows and develop their own talents. I can't wait for the next installment!

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Aug 10, 2011 Hope rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was my first time reading a "vamp" novel by Ms. Banks. I enjoyed this story, which fits squarely into the YA paranormal genre. Ms. Banks spent a sufficient amount of time laying the foundation for this story and developing the new characters in this series. All in all, a well-told, enjoyable story.

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Feb 11, 2013 Linda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

I loved the first book of the spin-off from the Vampire Huntress Legend series. I know the series will not continue due to L.A Banks' untimely death in Aug 2011. I was disappointed that the second book of the series Shadow Seeker was targeted to be released in 2011 as noted in Book #1. Unfortunately she never finished for publication. This worlld has lost an amazingly imaginative, and incredibly detailed storyteller.

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Jan 13, 2011 Lyn E Love rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Good book. Just a little too tame for me as the characters are in high school. They are the children of the Guardian Team from the Vampire Huntress Series. I was not very impressed as the level of action was not there for me.

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Jul 09, 2012 Teresa marked it as to-read

I really liked this book allot read like two days couldn't put down. Think all the kids should have been involved more but it was great. Can't wait for next one to come out in December.

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Dec 30, 2010 Elissa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-ya, 2010-reads, ya-read

I love getting to read alittle about the parents I love in the vampire huntress series & getting to know their kids...cant wait for shadow seekers!

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Jul 26, 2012 Tiffany rated it 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyed. Definitely nice to see what the neterus and their children are like all grown up. So sorry we lost L.A. Banks.

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Oct 09, 2012 K. Williams marked it as to-read

Shelves: stopped-reading

Yes, STILL reading...

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May 21, 2013 Tammy marked it as to-read

May 21, 2013 Katrice J rated it 5 of 5 stars

May 19, 2013 Miranda Kemshall added it

May 19, 2013 Antionette marked it as to-read

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About L.A. Banks

A pseudonym used by Leslie Esdaile Banks, she also wrote under the names:
Leslie E. Banks
Leslie Esdaile
Leslie Esdaile Banks
Leslie Banks
Alexis Grant

L.A. Banks, a native Philadelphian, was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton undergraduate program. With many awards to her credit, Banks also held a masters of fine arts degree in film and media arts from Temple University. She lived in...more

More about L.A. Banks...

Books by L.A. Banks

The Awakening (Vampire Huntress Legend, #2)

The Hunted (Vampire Huntress Legend, #3)

The Bitten (Vampire Huntress Legend, #4)

The Forbidden (Vampire Huntress Legend, #5)

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Quotes from Shadow Walker

“Carlos,” her mother said, her voice soothing, and Sarah wondered how her mom managed to sound so calm. “I know you wanted to smoke the beast’s heir before he claimed power over the world, but you just might have to accept the fact that maybe it’s our children’s destiny to handle that, not ours.” — 2 people liked it

“the gift given for no reason is the purest gift of all.” — 2 people liked it

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