Christine Feehan's Blog - Posts Tagged "shadow-rider-series"
The Laws of Attraction for Shadow Riders
Shadow Riders are assassins who mete out justice, using shadows to travel. The Ferraro family is one of a few “Riders” worldwide, so rare that it is the duty of a Shadow Rider to marry and produce more Shadow Riders. If a Rider hasn’t found someone to marry by the time they reach a certain age then the family will arrange a marriage to an appropriate Rider of another family.
Not all Shadow Riders are born knowing they have that rare ability. When Sasha and Giovanni meet there aren’t enough shadows in the club to realize she’s a Rider, but Giovanni feels pulled toward her anyway. Sasha has no idea what she is, but she does realize she can tell when someone lies. Giovanni has his work cut out for him when they meet. And on more than one level.
But, when two Shadow Riders meet, their shadows move like serpent-wraiths, reaching out for each other. They can feel one another; know when someone is a Shadow Rider. They can also feel a compatibility with another Rider. Often this potential compatibility can be triggered by the sound of that person’s voice. Combined with the reaching and intertwining of their shadows, a Rider will feel something deep within him or her click into place and they will know this person belongs with them. Or potentially does.
If a Shadow Rider claims a mate and that mate rejects them, things become disastrous for both of them. The same goes for divorce. Should two Shadow Riders divorce, it rips their entwined shadows apart leaving one partner without their memory and the other partner unable to ride the shadows ever again. So, choosing someone who will fully accept a committed relationship is imperative.
It’s different if a Shadow Rider is widowed. With the partner deceased, the entwined shadows fade away and are not violently ripped apart as it happens with divorce. Though the partner may be sad, they could still re-marry and they lose nothing. They keep their memories and their ability to ride the shadows.
A Shadow Rider could marry a non-Shadow Rider if that person has the riding gene. Some of the Ferraro’s extended family are “Greeters” or “Investigators” and they have different gifts and abilities. Other Shadow Rider families in the world have these gifts and abilities and may hold a recessive Shadow Rider gene, but not have manifested in that person. Instead, that person could have a child with a Shadow Rider and their child could also end up a Rider.
We find out in Shadow Reaper there are Shadow Rider families and extended families all over the world. Training is often done outside of the family. Ricco was trained in Japan and we learn of powerful Shadow Rider families there. Riders throughout the world look to pair up, with or without the benefit of love, in order to produce more riders. An actual love-match isn’t easy to find.
So every chance encounter for any of the Ferraros could lead them to find a Shadow Rider who will match them. A mate. Love. All they need is a lot of luck and a lot of shadows.
Not all Shadow Riders are born knowing they have that rare ability. When Sasha and Giovanni meet there aren’t enough shadows in the club to realize she’s a Rider, but Giovanni feels pulled toward her anyway. Sasha has no idea what she is, but she does realize she can tell when someone lies. Giovanni has his work cut out for him when they meet. And on more than one level.
But, when two Shadow Riders meet, their shadows move like serpent-wraiths, reaching out for each other. They can feel one another; know when someone is a Shadow Rider. They can also feel a compatibility with another Rider. Often this potential compatibility can be triggered by the sound of that person’s voice. Combined with the reaching and intertwining of their shadows, a Rider will feel something deep within him or her click into place and they will know this person belongs with them. Or potentially does.
If a Shadow Rider claims a mate and that mate rejects them, things become disastrous for both of them. The same goes for divorce. Should two Shadow Riders divorce, it rips their entwined shadows apart leaving one partner without their memory and the other partner unable to ride the shadows ever again. So, choosing someone who will fully accept a committed relationship is imperative.
It’s different if a Shadow Rider is widowed. With the partner deceased, the entwined shadows fade away and are not violently ripped apart as it happens with divorce. Though the partner may be sad, they could still re-marry and they lose nothing. They keep their memories and their ability to ride the shadows.
A Shadow Rider could marry a non-Shadow Rider if that person has the riding gene. Some of the Ferraro’s extended family are “Greeters” or “Investigators” and they have different gifts and abilities. Other Shadow Rider families in the world have these gifts and abilities and may hold a recessive Shadow Rider gene, but not have manifested in that person. Instead, that person could have a child with a Shadow Rider and their child could also end up a Rider.
We find out in Shadow Reaper there are Shadow Rider families and extended families all over the world. Training is often done outside of the family. Ricco was trained in Japan and we learn of powerful Shadow Rider families there. Riders throughout the world look to pair up, with or without the benefit of love, in order to produce more riders. An actual love-match isn’t easy to find.
So every chance encounter for any of the Ferraros could lead them to find a Shadow Rider who will match them. A mate. Love. All they need is a lot of luck and a lot of shadows.
The Rules of Shadow Riding
The ability to travel using shadows in order to bring justice to those who deserve it isn’t as easy as it may sound. Cool, yes. Easy? No.
As I began world-building for the Shadow Rider series I realized I’d have to make some things complicated in order to have conflict both internally and externally. That would make things harder on me as the writer, but the stories would be more compelling.
First of all, there wouldn’t be a lot of Shadow Riders, but there would have to be some or having two Shadow Riders marry would become very complex. By the end of Shadow Reaper, the second in the Shadow Rider series, you realize there are other Riders all over the world. Ricco had been sent to train in Japan and there you discover there are a few families who have Shadow Riders. There are leaders of those families and there are rules of conduct. Over those families is a council, but I don’t talk much about that. Not yet.
The Ferraros always had abilities, but it wasn’t until the Saldis tried to wipe out the entire family that those who survived went to America to start over.
Not everyone born into the Ferraro family, or their extended family, can Ride the shadows. Not all of them have special abilities. Some are normal people. But, a few do have other abilities like being a human lie detector, which comes in handy when you’re an investigator for the family, or a greeter.
The way it works is that someone from the outside comes in to ask for justice that they feel they wouldn’t get, or they didn’t get, through regular law enforcement. That person is greeted and assessed and if the Ferraros take their case two investigative teams are assigned; one to investigate the accusation, the other to investigate the accuser. If the investigator finds evidence of injustice then it is decided how that justice will be meted out. That’s when a Shadow Rider is called in. They ARE justice.
Shadow Riders can sense each other, especially if they can see someone’s shadow. Shadows touch and the two Riders can get an impression of each other. Sometimes they can tell if the other person would be a good match for them. They may even feel compelled to claim this person, which is both good and bad.
Claiming that other person means you’re together forever. The penalty for divorce is steep. Lost memory for one; loss of Shadow Riding ability for the other.
Then there’s the training and riding itself. Training starts at age two and begins in the home. At a certain age the child is sent to train with other Shadow Riders and remains there until it’s felt that the training is complete. A Shadow Rider, even after he/she returns from training, trains daily. Their body and mind must be kept in top shape because the act of riding the shadows is severe on them.
As a Rider enters into a shadow their molecules are torn apart. Those molecules travel down the “tubes” which connect shadows and as the person exits the tube they are instantly reassembled. This process can be painful, especially if they are traveling fast or at great distance. While they’re inside the tube, reaching the place where they wish to exit, they must mentally remain aware since they have to find an appropriate shadow to exit from and this means choices must be made in a split second. Often, before going on a mission, Shadow Riders will be given floor plans or photographs of the place in which they must exit. Even knowing where things are and that the likelihood of there being shadows to choose from when they arrive at their destination, there are no guarantees that there won’t be people already in that area. They could exit and be killed the moment they’re solid again.
The physical and mental demands of Shadow Riding means that not everyone born a Rider can actually ride the shadows. We know in Shadow Rider, the first book in the series, that the youngest of the Ferarro brothers, Ettore Ferarro, was killed when he was forced by his parents to ride the shadows. He was just 16 years old.
Shadow Riders have their own set of rules and processes. These are put in place to ensure the law never catches up with them. They use the paparazzi as alibis and are not allowed to take justice into their own hands. Justice and how it is dealt with is something that must be agreed upon by the family unless there’s imminent danger.
It becomes even more complicated within the family structure itself and how the family conducts business. For example, if it is determined justice must be dealt in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles family would not do it. They need to keep away from trouble in their own city unless they’re defending themselves. So, the Ferraros from Chicago or New York would be assigned. Several members of that family would visit Los Angeles, making sure the paparazzi see them. The Shadow Rider who does the actual assassination is never seen in the city. They slip in, do what’s needed, and wait for the rest of the family to go home. Their presence is masked and the rest of the family is given alibis.
I’m not finished with the world-building for this series, so rules and processes may evolve as new stories require. But, this was a base to start with and so far I’ve enjoyed this fictional kick ass world.
As I began world-building for the Shadow Rider series I realized I’d have to make some things complicated in order to have conflict both internally and externally. That would make things harder on me as the writer, but the stories would be more compelling.
First of all, there wouldn’t be a lot of Shadow Riders, but there would have to be some or having two Shadow Riders marry would become very complex. By the end of Shadow Reaper, the second in the Shadow Rider series, you realize there are other Riders all over the world. Ricco had been sent to train in Japan and there you discover there are a few families who have Shadow Riders. There are leaders of those families and there are rules of conduct. Over those families is a council, but I don’t talk much about that. Not yet.
The Ferraros always had abilities, but it wasn’t until the Saldis tried to wipe out the entire family that those who survived went to America to start over.
Not everyone born into the Ferraro family, or their extended family, can Ride the shadows. Not all of them have special abilities. Some are normal people. But, a few do have other abilities like being a human lie detector, which comes in handy when you’re an investigator for the family, or a greeter.
The way it works is that someone from the outside comes in to ask for justice that they feel they wouldn’t get, or they didn’t get, through regular law enforcement. That person is greeted and assessed and if the Ferraros take their case two investigative teams are assigned; one to investigate the accusation, the other to investigate the accuser. If the investigator finds evidence of injustice then it is decided how that justice will be meted out. That’s when a Shadow Rider is called in. They ARE justice.
Shadow Riders can sense each other, especially if they can see someone’s shadow. Shadows touch and the two Riders can get an impression of each other. Sometimes they can tell if the other person would be a good match for them. They may even feel compelled to claim this person, which is both good and bad.
Claiming that other person means you’re together forever. The penalty for divorce is steep. Lost memory for one; loss of Shadow Riding ability for the other.
Then there’s the training and riding itself. Training starts at age two and begins in the home. At a certain age the child is sent to train with other Shadow Riders and remains there until it’s felt that the training is complete. A Shadow Rider, even after he/she returns from training, trains daily. Their body and mind must be kept in top shape because the act of riding the shadows is severe on them.
As a Rider enters into a shadow their molecules are torn apart. Those molecules travel down the “tubes” which connect shadows and as the person exits the tube they are instantly reassembled. This process can be painful, especially if they are traveling fast or at great distance. While they’re inside the tube, reaching the place where they wish to exit, they must mentally remain aware since they have to find an appropriate shadow to exit from and this means choices must be made in a split second. Often, before going on a mission, Shadow Riders will be given floor plans or photographs of the place in which they must exit. Even knowing where things are and that the likelihood of there being shadows to choose from when they arrive at their destination, there are no guarantees that there won’t be people already in that area. They could exit and be killed the moment they’re solid again.
The physical and mental demands of Shadow Riding means that not everyone born a Rider can actually ride the shadows. We know in Shadow Rider, the first book in the series, that the youngest of the Ferarro brothers, Ettore Ferarro, was killed when he was forced by his parents to ride the shadows. He was just 16 years old.
Shadow Riders have their own set of rules and processes. These are put in place to ensure the law never catches up with them. They use the paparazzi as alibis and are not allowed to take justice into their own hands. Justice and how it is dealt with is something that must be agreed upon by the family unless there’s imminent danger.
It becomes even more complicated within the family structure itself and how the family conducts business. For example, if it is determined justice must be dealt in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles family would not do it. They need to keep away from trouble in their own city unless they’re defending themselves. So, the Ferraros from Chicago or New York would be assigned. Several members of that family would visit Los Angeles, making sure the paparazzi see them. The Shadow Rider who does the actual assassination is never seen in the city. They slip in, do what’s needed, and wait for the rest of the family to go home. Their presence is masked and the rest of the family is given alibis.
I’m not finished with the world-building for this series, so rules and processes may evolve as new stories require. But, this was a base to start with and so far I’ve enjoyed this fictional kick ass world.
The Shadow Rider Re-Read Wrap-up
I’m doing a re-read of the Shadow Rider series preparing for the release of Shadow Flight on Mary 5th. I invited readers to join me and wanted to talk about my experience, invite you to talk about yours and do a general wrap-up of the Shadow Rider re-read before I start reading Shadow Keeper.
Reading one of my books is like visiting an old friend. With Shadow Rider I love the feeling of family and community. I put so much into the research and set-up of the Ferraro family, knowing they would have a sort of mafia feel, but they’re not mafia. And I knew they would have to be a tight-knit family because of what they do.
I come from a big family so creating the closeness and camaraderie between the siblings was one of my favorite things when writing Shadow Rider. Going back to read the book again I’m still pleased with how the family came together, with Stefano at the helm and the complexities that cause them to rely so much on each other in so many ways.
My top three favorite scenes in Shadow Rider are-
#1. The very first scene when he sees her and they first interact. I love how they were both true to themselves and especially loved the chemistry they have.
#2. I love when all the family, including the cousins, come to hear her out and she realized they are there for her. The family would protect her. SHE was part of the family now.
#3. I really loved the scene in the nightclub with Francesca and Emme. Those three horrible women accost Francesca in the bathroom and Emme comes in all badass and puts them in their place. She stuck up for Francesca and that meant something to Francesca. Then, Val comes in and Francesca can see that something about Val makes Emme feel vulnerable and Francesca is there to support Emme.
This is part of the reason I love doing the Kindle Notes & Highlights. I get to see what scenes or sentences the readers liked. You can see all ten of the reader-chosen passages and my notes about writing those passage HERE
Here are the top three on Kindle Notes & Highlights. Be sure to go and read my behind the scenes explanation of the passage or feelings about the passage and the comments from readers!
My Kindle Notes & Highlights
Shadow Rider (Shadow Riders, #1)
My Kindle Notes & Highlights
Shadow Rider (Shadow Riders, #1)
by Christine Feehan
PASSAGE #1
The door opened and a blast of cold air swept into the shop, chilling her further. She turned her head and froze. She had never in her life seen a man more gorgeous or more dangerous. He was tall, broad-shouldered, tough as nails and totally ripped. His hair was jet-black and seemed messy, but artfully so, as if even it refused to disobey him.
PASSAGE #2
“Buy some shoes and wear the fucking coat. Put him in a good mood for a change.”
PASSAGE #3
Former Shadow Riders often took jobs as greeters when they retired because all were born with the ability to detect lies.
What are your favorite scenes in Shadow Rider? Did you do the re-read with me?
Feel free to ask questions about Shadow Rider or the Shadow Reader here on Goodread’s ASK THE AUTHOR!
Shadow Reaper Re-Read Recap!
Welcome to our wrap up of the Shadow Reaper re-read! Next week we'll be re-reading Shadow KeeperShadow Keeper!
It’s interesting going a long time without reading a book how things fade from my memory. It isn’t that I forget everything, I don’t. But, some of the details fade. So, re-reading Shadow Reaper was like adding color to a wonderful black and white picture. Everything becomes alive, vivid and detailed. I’m reminded of how much I enjoyed researching the art of shibari. I recalled them going to Japan, but not all the small details. It all came to life as I was reading it. It was a joy visiting those characters again. I love how Ricco was so willing to take a chance and I love how strong she was.
Three of my favorite scenes are-
1. There’s a scene in chapter three where Ricco has to tell his family about her and admit some secrets he’d been keeping from them. He knew Stefano might not be happy with the details of the woman Ricco had chosen, especially since that woman could be dangerous to him.
2. In Chapter 9 Ricco and Mariko had shared a past horror and it had drained them. Ricco was taking his emotions out on a punching bag as Mariko cried in the shower. I love that she realized he needed her and it was her own decision to go to him. To give herself to him. To be vulnerable to him.
3. I really enjoyed the chapter in which they go back to Japan together to face their demons. Chapter 17 shows the growth of their relationship and within themselves as well. And I enjoyed the change of scenery and culture, learning new things about shadow riders in another country.
I always like to see what passages readers choose as their favorite so I looked up on Kindle and took the top three passages. These are the most popular, most highlighted, in Shadow Reaper.
I thought it would be fun to comment on those as part of our re-read of Shadow Reaper this week.
Shadow Reaper Most Highlighted on Kindle
1. She was mixed—Japanese and American. Nothing. A nothing. A nobody. The kanji in her last name meant “female devil.” She didn’t even know what her real last name was because she’d dishonored the family simply by being born.
It’s heartbreaking for anyone who, especially when very young, has someone, who is influential in their life, degrade and debase us. Hurtful comments meant to make someone feel they are less, feel they are bad, they are unworthy, follow us even when we become adults.
Mariko was given over to a woman who hated her and who told her she was “bad” and unworthy, even giving her a name that meant “female devil”.
Every person who has ever had to endure and/or fight someone who tore them down can feel empathy for Mariko.
2. “The biggest problem is that she’s a shadow rider and I’m fairly certain she’s here to kill me.”
Ricco knew that telling his family, especially Stefano, was taking a chance. He knew Mariko was his. He needed the time to find out what she was there for, what her mission was. But, having her in his life was a high risk to him and would affect his entire family.
I love this scene. He showed his family his willingness to be vulnerable to a woman he wasn’t about to trust yet. It showed his commitment to winning her over and making her his. But, just as important as winning her was being honest and loyal to his family. He was in a precarious position, but determined to see it through because he needed her.
3. “It was Kenta Ito who killed Akiko’s father. He painted his face with her father’s blood and was dancing around Akiko and Nao. They wanted her to see that her family was dead. Nao had raped Akiko and he cut her to pieces. She was still alive, and Nao told her he was going to kill her little brother and sister. He told her he would violate her sister in front of her before he killed her. Her sister was three years old. Her brother was fifteen months.”
This was especially horrible on so many levels. What happened to the family was horrific. Nao was a leader who was able to turn his followers into these mindless, savage beasts that went into a frenzy of violence. All the while, Nao was completely cognizant of what he was doing. How he was manipulating and building everything around him to ensure maximum anguish and pain.
Throughout time there have been instances of mob/pack mentality resulting in elevated violence. Where one person may not cross a line into violence, add others to the group and someone to incite them you have cases of murder, torture or rape when, alone, it never would have happened. This family didn’t have to die. Nao orchestrated the annihilation of a family and directed his pack into a frenzy of hate.
To wrap up I thought I’d share the book trailer for Shadow Reaper and invite you to share with me what your favorite scenes were!
BOOK TRAILER LINK
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Forbidden Love- Shadow Flight’s Taviano and Nicoletta
She was too young when Taviano saved her from her uncles. Taviano and Stefano brought her back to Chicago and found her a home. They knew immediately Nicoletta was a Shadow Rider. Taviano knew immediately that she belonged to him, but he would have to wait for her.
Sometimes a love is forbidden because of circumstance, like Romeo and Juliet. Sometimes it has to do with culture or religion, ethnicity, or class. There are times a love or relationship is forbidden because of family objections or timing. In Shadow Flight , for Taviano and Nicoletta, it had to more to do with suspending the possibility of a relationship because Nicoletta had been traumatized and she was too young. But, there was always a chemistry between them. One that evolved as Nicoletta got older and more mature.
Once Nicoletta began to mature the issue became whether or not she was ready for a mature relationship. Her trauma made Taviano, and the Ferraro family, very careful with her. Even though Taviano knew not to press the issue of a relationship, Nicoletta wanted him, and she became more and more difficult to resist. Then, a small indiscretion ruined everything.
It's fun to write a fated love story against the backdrop of not knowing if it is the right time. To find a way to cross the line from forbidden to an explosive love affair when there were so many obstacles.
I always knew I wanted these characters to be together. I also knew it couldn’t be easy. And there would need to be a catalyst to throwing them together.
So, with the backdrop of danger and difficult positions, I threw them into a situation, shook it up with some adventure and family, and watched it all unfold. I really can’t wait for people to read this book. They are an amazing couple in so many ways.
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Re-Read Wrap up with Shadow Warrior!
Shadow Flight is out tomorrow! So we're wrapping up our re-read of the series with Shadow Warrior in preparation.
This was one of those books with lots of layers to the overall story. I’ve always loved this family and the family dynamics, but this one I thought really expanded the overall family story as you read about Grace and Vittorio.
Reading through it again I found several things that I enjoyed re-reading.
1. I really enjoyed the serial killer. LOL That sounds bad, doesn’t it? But, I did. He was creepy and scary and exactly as I wanted him to be. I always try hard to improve on something with every book and for this one, I worked on improving my villain.
2. I loved Grace. I love her quiet strength. She wasn’t going to beat someone up, but she was indomitable and courageous in her own way. She was fiercely strong and willing to sacrifice in order to keep others safe. She didn’t fold under pressure. She was an amazing woman and her strength was different in a lot of ways that maybe you didn’t recognize, but Vittorio did.
3. Of course, I love my hero, Vittorio. Each of the Ferraro brothers are so different from each other, each having their own alpha-strength and skills. Vittorio was considered the “peacemaker” of the group. He seemed calm, peaceful, but he was also the one you didn’t want to come up against. He could be unmovable. He was protective in HIS way, like she was in HER way. They complimented each other.
Those are the three things I thought about and enjoyed while re-reading Shadow Warrior. Then, I got to read the top three passages that the reader liked. These are highlighted in Kindle and I get the opportunity to read and respond to what readers like. These are the top three, but I’m going to include all ten over on Kindle Notes & Highlights and I hope you check those out, too!
1. “When Valentino, the now heir apparent, was eight, there was a car bombing. It killed his father, Fons, and mother, leaving him an orphan. Giuseppi and his wife, Greta, had always been in Val’s life. Supposedly, they adored him and were the favorite aunt and uncle. Greta has never had children, and there isn’t even a whisper of Giuseppi cheating on her. They took Val in and later adopted him legally. He was around ten when they made it legal.”
This passage is about Val’s past and shows he was actually the youngest brother’s son but the oldest brother legally adopted him and made him the heir to the Saldi family. That adjusted who would be direct heir to the throne.
Val’s adopted parents appear as though they love each other and him. He was accepted by them on a level that changed things on a family business level. Val’s actual mom and dad were killed, so you know there’s violence in his life. He has a very complicated life.
As a writer, I wanted to say as much as I could about Val in an abbreviated way. I thought this said a lot about his life.
2. “Miceli had one son, Dario, out of wedlock. He never married his mother, but Dario came to live with him when he was fifteen, after she died. Miceli has two sons with his current wife, Tommaso and Angelo. Because Giuseppi adopted Val legally, Val, who would have stood in line behind Miceli and his three sons, was now the official heir to the Saldi throne.”
Because Giuseppi legally adopted Val, Val became the official heir to Giuseppi’s territory. Miceli has a territory but he answers to Giuseppi. Should Giuseppi die, Miceli would have to answer to Val.
Had he not been adopted, Miceli, Giuseppis’ brother would have been the heir and his three sons, Dario, Tommaso, and Angelo would have all been in line so they would have owned both territories. You can see the complication and potential drama of the entire situation.
3. “Mia bella ragazza, sei cosi coraggiosa,” he murmured.
My beautiful girl, you’re so brave.
He tells her that a lot. He feels she is brave and is always telling her that. He praises her a lot because he feels like nobody ever has.
So much of this story helps lead up to some of Taviano and Nicoletta’s story in Shadow Flight. I enjoyed the re-read of the series and can’t wait to find out what everyone enjoys most about Shadow Flight when you read it.
In the meantime, let me know what you enjoyed most about Shadow Warrior.
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This was one of those books with lots of layers to the overall story. I’ve always loved this family and the family dynamics, but this one I thought really expanded the overall family story as you read about Grace and Vittorio.
Reading through it again I found several things that I enjoyed re-reading.
1. I really enjoyed the serial killer. LOL That sounds bad, doesn’t it? But, I did. He was creepy and scary and exactly as I wanted him to be. I always try hard to improve on something with every book and for this one, I worked on improving my villain.
2. I loved Grace. I love her quiet strength. She wasn’t going to beat someone up, but she was indomitable and courageous in her own way. She was fiercely strong and willing to sacrifice in order to keep others safe. She didn’t fold under pressure. She was an amazing woman and her strength was different in a lot of ways that maybe you didn’t recognize, but Vittorio did.
3. Of course, I love my hero, Vittorio. Each of the Ferraro brothers are so different from each other, each having their own alpha-strength and skills. Vittorio was considered the “peacemaker” of the group. He seemed calm, peaceful, but he was also the one you didn’t want to come up against. He could be unmovable. He was protective in HIS way, like she was in HER way. They complimented each other.
Those are the three things I thought about and enjoyed while re-reading Shadow Warrior. Then, I got to read the top three passages that the reader liked. These are highlighted in Kindle and I get the opportunity to read and respond to what readers like. These are the top three, but I’m going to include all ten over on Kindle Notes & Highlights and I hope you check those out, too!
1. “When Valentino, the now heir apparent, was eight, there was a car bombing. It killed his father, Fons, and mother, leaving him an orphan. Giuseppi and his wife, Greta, had always been in Val’s life. Supposedly, they adored him and were the favorite aunt and uncle. Greta has never had children, and there isn’t even a whisper of Giuseppi cheating on her. They took Val in and later adopted him legally. He was around ten when they made it legal.”
This passage is about Val’s past and shows he was actually the youngest brother’s son but the oldest brother legally adopted him and made him the heir to the Saldi family. That adjusted who would be direct heir to the throne.
Val’s adopted parents appear as though they love each other and him. He was accepted by them on a level that changed things on a family business level. Val’s actual mom and dad were killed, so you know there’s violence in his life. He has a very complicated life.
As a writer, I wanted to say as much as I could about Val in an abbreviated way. I thought this said a lot about his life.
2. “Miceli had one son, Dario, out of wedlock. He never married his mother, but Dario came to live with him when he was fifteen, after she died. Miceli has two sons with his current wife, Tommaso and Angelo. Because Giuseppi adopted Val legally, Val, who would have stood in line behind Miceli and his three sons, was now the official heir to the Saldi throne.”
Because Giuseppi legally adopted Val, Val became the official heir to Giuseppi’s territory. Miceli has a territory but he answers to Giuseppi. Should Giuseppi die, Miceli would have to answer to Val.
Had he not been adopted, Miceli, Giuseppis’ brother would have been the heir and his three sons, Dario, Tommaso, and Angelo would have all been in line so they would have owned both territories. You can see the complication and potential drama of the entire situation.
3. “Mia bella ragazza, sei cosi coraggiosa,” he murmured.
My beautiful girl, you’re so brave.
He tells her that a lot. He feels she is brave and is always telling her that. He praises her a lot because he feels like nobody ever has.
So much of this story helps lead up to some of Taviano and Nicoletta’s story in Shadow Flight. I enjoyed the re-read of the series and can’t wait to find out what everyone enjoys most about Shadow Flight when you read it.
In the meantime, let me know what you enjoyed most about Shadow Warrior.
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The Youngest Ferraro Steps Out of the Shadows
Taviano is the youngest brother and in Shadow Flight we really see how he’s grown as a man. All of the Ferraros are alphas, even Emme. Just because Taviano looked up to big brother Stefano didn’t mean he wasn’t a badass in his own right. He took missions. He delivered justice. He also had a unique love interest in that, Nicoletta had been rescued by the Ferraros and now lived in their sphere.I really enjoy writing this series. Most people know that I have a large family and that family means the world to me. It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that most of my books have that kind of theme running through them. The Shadow Rider series is about family and with Taviano and Nicoletta’s story you get several layers of it. From the love of siblings, to what makes up family we learn how family can save us in so many ways.
Taviano loves his family, but something from his past kept his apart. Because his secret could, in his opinion, harm the family, he couldn’t share it. But, something in Nicoletta gave him solace and he’d go to her to keep his demons at bay even though it wasn’t the right time for a romantic relationship.
Taviano is a bit of a hothead and the most like Stefano. He’s always been his own man. He’s not one to ask for permission. When things go sideways and he needs to protect Nicoletta, he makes the decision he feels will keep her safe, even though the cost to him is dear.
Taviano is willing to pay the price for his decisions, his mistakes and desires.
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Seven Scary Feehan Books - Celebrating Horror Week on Goodreads!
Since it's Horror Week here on Goodreads I thought I'd share my picks for my scariest books. Below is a list of books from each series and the title I felt was the scariest in the series.
My question for you is- Do you agree it's the scariest in the series? Which would YOU choose as the scariest?
Dark Series-Dark Carousel
GhostWalker Series- Murder Game
Leopard Series- Wild Fire
Shadow Rider Series-Shadow Warrior
Torpedo Ink- Reckless Road
Sea Haven/Sisters of the Heart-Air Bound
Drake Sisters- Hidden Currents
Now tell me your picks!
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Shadow Storm Word Search Puzzle!
Shadow Storm will be released on May 25th so we're gearing up for the celebration with a fun word search puzzle!
You can do the puzzle online here - SHADOW STORM WORD SEARCH PUZZLE
You can also download it as a PDF there as well and print it out.
If you missed the book trailer you can watch it HERE
I hope you enjoy the puzzle and trailer for Shadow Storm!
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The Move to New York- Shadow Dance
It's time for a Shadow Dance!
Moving the Shadow Riders stories to New York is exciting. Will I miss the Chicago Ferraros? Well, there really isn’t a lot to miss when they show up in New York. They’re there to help, especially Stefano who is close to his cousin Geno. It will be a great opportunity to show the bigger family dynamics as we see the Chicago Ferraro family alongside the New York Ferraros.
Of course, having two alpha males who are used to being the leader doesn’t always make for a smooth experience. What happens when they don’t agree? Especially with emotions high because someone is murdering shadow riders.
I am glad to finally be able to talk about Geno Ferraro’s past. You see how he grew up and why he is the way he is. And how he is with his brothers. Geno, like any of us, is both good and bad. What makes him one way or the other is complex and sometimes surprising. Like Stefano, loyalty is important to Geno. The fact that he believes other shadow riders are killing other shadow riders has a certain sharp edge of betrayal that Geno will be challenged with following the rules or giving into his need for his own brand of justice.
Amaranthe is such a different heroine. Her character is both soft and ruthless. It’s like she lives two different lives, but upon closer inspection they are actually very similar. As a worldclass ballet dancer she must train constantly, be strong and have incredible discipline. That’s how she became a famous dancer. And those traits are why she is an extraordinary shadow rider. One side is creative, beautiful and captivating. The other side is fearless, strong and ruthless.
As a couple Geno and Amaranthe have a rocky start. But once they join forces the only outcome they will accept is complete and total justice. Working together they are almost scary. It’s the emotions, the passion and newness of their relationship that make this dance challenging.
If you could choose between Chicago and New York, which city would you like to visit? I've been to both and love each city for different reasons. Let me know which you'd choose!
Moving the Shadow Riders stories to New York is exciting. Will I miss the Chicago Ferraros? Well, there really isn’t a lot to miss when they show up in New York. They’re there to help, especially Stefano who is close to his cousin Geno. It will be a great opportunity to show the bigger family dynamics as we see the Chicago Ferraro family alongside the New York Ferraros.
Of course, having two alpha males who are used to being the leader doesn’t always make for a smooth experience. What happens when they don’t agree? Especially with emotions high because someone is murdering shadow riders.
I am glad to finally be able to talk about Geno Ferraro’s past. You see how he grew up and why he is the way he is. And how he is with his brothers. Geno, like any of us, is both good and bad. What makes him one way or the other is complex and sometimes surprising. Like Stefano, loyalty is important to Geno. The fact that he believes other shadow riders are killing other shadow riders has a certain sharp edge of betrayal that Geno will be challenged with following the rules or giving into his need for his own brand of justice.
Amaranthe is such a different heroine. Her character is both soft and ruthless. It’s like she lives two different lives, but upon closer inspection they are actually very similar. As a worldclass ballet dancer she must train constantly, be strong and have incredible discipline. That’s how she became a famous dancer. And those traits are why she is an extraordinary shadow rider. One side is creative, beautiful and captivating. The other side is fearless, strong and ruthless.
As a couple Geno and Amaranthe have a rocky start. But once they join forces the only outcome they will accept is complete and total justice. Working together they are almost scary. It’s the emotions, the passion and newness of their relationship that make this dance challenging.
If you could choose between Chicago and New York, which city would you like to visit? I've been to both and love each city for different reasons. Let me know which you'd choose!
