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Shadowseer #1
London
Kaia, 17, an orphan coming of age in the Victorian London of the 1850s, yearns to escape her horrific orphanage, to discover who her parents were, and to understand why she can sense shadows when others cannot. Yet the streets of London are as brutal as the orphanage, and for Kaia, there is no easy way out.
When Kaia, arrested, faces an even worse punishment, Detective Pinsley, 45, notices a strange marking on her arm and thinks she might be the key in solving a peculiar, mysterious case. Bodies are turning up dead in London, and Pinsley wonders whether it’s the work of a deranged serial killer, or of something… else. The methods of murder seem impossible, as does the murderer’s ability to escape death.
Kaia is given a choice: help solve the case, or be shipped off to Bedlam, the notorious insane asylum.
Unlikely partners, each mistrusting the other, Kaia and Pinsley embark to scour the dark corners and cobblestone streets of 19th century London in search of clues.
Yet what they find may shock and horrify even them.
When Kaia, arrested, faces an even worse punishment, Detective Pinsley, 45, notices a strange marking on her arm and thinks she might be the key in solving a peculiar, mysterious case. Bodies are turning up dead in London, and Pinsley wonders whether it’s the work of a deranged serial killer, or of something… else. The methods of murder seem impossible, as does the murderer’s ability to escape death.
Kaia is given a choice: help solve the case, or be shipped off to Bedlam, the notorious insane asylum.
Unlikely partners, each mistrusting the other, Kaia and Pinsley embark to scour the dark corners and cobblestone streets of 19th century London in search of clues.
Yet what they find may shock and horrify even them.
186 pages, Hardcover
First published June 8, 2021
803 people are currently reading
1752 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Rice
584 books3,374 followersMorgan Rice is the #1 bestselling and USA Today bestselling author of the epic fantasy series THE SORCERER’S RING, comprising seventeen books; of the #1 bestselling series THE VAMPIRE JOURNALS, comprising twelve books; of the #1 bestselling series THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY, a post-apocalyptic thriller comprising three books; of the epic fantasy series KINGS AND SORCERERS, comprising six books; of the epic fantasy series OF CROWNS AND GLORY, comprising 8 books; of the new epic fantasy series A THRONE FOR SISTERS, comprising eight books (and counting); and of the new science fiction series THE INVASION CHRONICLES. Morgan’s books are available in audio and print editions, and translations are available in over 25 languages.
TURNED (Book #1 in the Vampire Journals), ARENA ONE (Book #1 of the Survival Trilogy), A QUEST OF HEROES (Book #1 in the Sorcerer’s Ring) and RISE OF THE DRAGONS (Kings and Sorcerers—Book #1) are each available as free downloads!
Morgan loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.morganricebooks.com to join the email list, receive a free book, receive free giveaways, download the free app, get the latest exclusive news, connect on Facebook and Twitter, and stay in touch!
TURNED (Book #1 in the Vampire Journals), ARENA ONE (Book #1 of the Survival Trilogy), A QUEST OF HEROES (Book #1 in the Sorcerer’s Ring) and RISE OF THE DRAGONS (Kings and Sorcerers—Book #1) are each available as free downloads!
Morgan loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.morganricebooks.com to join the email list, receive a free book, receive free giveaways, download the free app, get the latest exclusive news, connect on Facebook and Twitter, and stay in touch!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
November 14, 2022
Shadowseer:
London (Shadowseer #1)
by Morgan Rice
Wow, I didn't think I would like this book as much as I did. It had just the right blend of paranormal, historical fiction, young adult(ish) parts without the annoying angst that usually goes with those books, a smart old fashioned detective, and the unknown! Fast paced, a 17 year old girl depending on a fatherly detective, and a new power she doesn't understand. Shadows that take form into people and kill, especially people that can see them, like her. The girl and the detective have to work as a team, each doubting each other. Now I am on to the next book!
London (Shadowseer #1)
by Morgan Rice
Wow, I didn't think I would like this book as much as I did. It had just the right blend of paranormal, historical fiction, young adult(ish) parts without the annoying angst that usually goes with those books, a smart old fashioned detective, and the unknown! Fast paced, a 17 year old girl depending on a fatherly detective, and a new power she doesn't understand. Shadows that take form into people and kill, especially people that can see them, like her. The girl and the detective have to work as a team, each doubting each other. Now I am on to the next book!
January 6, 2022
This is a 4.5 star read.
This was a damn fine and altogether riveting read. The next in the series has made it onto my TBR list!
This was a damn fine and altogether riveting read. The next in the series has made it onto my TBR list!
September 25, 2023
This book was marketed as a fantasy mystery. This just happened to pop up in my BookBub ebook bargain email (of which I download everything free every day…). This was kind of closely following me making a comment about an idea I had to my fiancé about mixing fantasy with other genres (just an idea, I’m not a writer), so I pretty much flipped at this one being free.
The story follows Inspector Sebastian Pinsley, a Scotland Yard man of logic and rationale. As an Agatha Christie reader, he perfectly fit the general mold of what I expect from a murder mystery detective. As for the time period think of top hat wearing Victorian London, which coincidentally made me immediately think about Carnival Row, which also mixed the fantasy and mystery genre. Kaia, the books second perspective, is where the fantasy comes in. However, for 6/10th of the book you’re not exactly sure if that’s true or not, and even afterwards it wasn’t entirely certain. Especially with Pinsley shooting her down about it.
A lot of this novel worked really well for me, and I was excited to see that it’s actually a series. However, with the split genre I found that it’s not exactly a fantasy, nor is it exactly a murder mystery. Although there are more that can change the level in the mixture, I really desire something that is entirely integrated.
Personally a 4/5* for me, definitely interested in more.
The story follows Inspector Sebastian Pinsley, a Scotland Yard man of logic and rationale. As an Agatha Christie reader, he perfectly fit the general mold of what I expect from a murder mystery detective. As for the time period think of top hat wearing Victorian London, which coincidentally made me immediately think about Carnival Row, which also mixed the fantasy and mystery genre. Kaia, the books second perspective, is where the fantasy comes in. However, for 6/10th of the book you’re not exactly sure if that’s true or not, and even afterwards it wasn’t entirely certain. Especially with Pinsley shooting her down about it.
A lot of this novel worked really well for me, and I was excited to see that it’s actually a series. However, with the split genre I found that it’s not exactly a fantasy, nor is it exactly a murder mystery. Although there are more that can change the level in the mixture, I really desire something that is entirely integrated.
Personally a 4/5* for me, definitely interested in more.
May 27, 2025
wasn't too bad, i wouldnt read it again though
March 13, 2022
This is my third try with MR...I loved somethings, hated something...slow start...neat storyline! Not bad, not amazing! Will try out the 2nd novel in this series!
October 24, 2021
This is another read that I enjoyed the setting/setup for this story more than the overall read. I thought the main characters were interesting up until a point where it just felt like it wasn't going anywhere interesting. I understand the building of suspense within a story but there comes a point where the story is so busy building up the suspense or trying to, the story just feels it's staying in the same place without developing anything that's going on.
June 30, 2022
4,5 stars - English Ebook
The final line in the book is: “You have to save your sister.”
It is a book full of history and a little dark. As a inspector of the police investigates a murder in a mad house and accidentally meets Kaia, a run away orphan who has the same birthmark.
He involves her in the investigation but does not know she is a shadowseeker, and she does not know aswell.
A game of cat and mouse starts to take place. Will they discover he murderer and some understanding as if what is Karia and what can she do?
I loved the read, to wander in London, seeing London true the eyes of Kaia. There a lot of first times. Fist carriage taxi, first train ride. And why has the dead women have the same birth-mark. She sees shadows but is unawaer of her power!
Love this read. Love to read the next in the series!
The final line in the book is: “You have to save your sister.”
It is a book full of history and a little dark. As a inspector of the police investigates a murder in a mad house and accidentally meets Kaia, a run away orphan who has the same birthmark.
He involves her in the investigation but does not know she is a shadowseeker, and she does not know aswell.
A game of cat and mouse starts to take place. Will they discover he murderer and some understanding as if what is Karia and what can she do?
I loved the read, to wander in London, seeing London true the eyes of Kaia. There a lot of first times. Fist carriage taxi, first train ride. And why has the dead women have the same birth-mark. She sees shadows but is unawaer of her power!
Love this read. Love to read the next in the series!
October 23, 2021
Good paranormal historical suspense
MY RATING
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good
2 stars--didn't enjoy
1 star--didn't finish
Should I read books before this one: no
Cliffhanger: yes
SUMMARY
Inspector Sebastian Pinsley investigates a murder at Bedlam. He's methodical, logical, a speed reader, a veteran of the Crimean War, the widower of a brutally murdered woman, and he possibly has an eidetic memory. The guard has him sign the visitors log before he's escorted to the room of Tabitha Greene. The body is still there, looks clawed. Her roommate, Elsie, mutters about shadows. Pinsley asks about the knife. None found. Elsie claims she's innocent. But the room was locked and no one had been in or out.
Kaia escapes from the orphanage. Tomorrow is her 17th birthday, and she knows the Garrows have arranged a male "benefactor" for her. She runs for a long time. Eventually she gets hungry, won't steal from food carts. She approaches a man who just bought a lot of food to ask for an apple, the man yells Thief. A constable arrests her, tells her she'll be shipped to Australia.
Pinsley attends the autopsy. The doctor agrees the killing slices look like claw marks, but not from a domestic animal. Also, the blows are downward; Elsie is too short. Tabitha tried to defend herself with her fingernails; Elsie had no scratches. Pinsley sees a mark on Tabitha: an eye (oval with a dot and lines like stylized lashes). It's not a brand, a burn, or a tattoo, it's inherent like a birthmark.
Kaia waits in the cell, fearful. When she's being led to the magistrate, she makes a break for it, they rip her sleeve off, are about to beat her when Pinsley comes in. He invites her to his office.
He'd seen the mark on her arm. Just like Tabitha's. He asks her what orphanage she's from. Do you read minds? No, then he lists his observations. She asserts her innocence, he offers to help her in exchange for her help. He asks about the mark. My birth mark? “And what if I were to tell you that earlier, I saw the same mark on the body of a dead woman?” “I don’t know anything about a dead woman.” “I believe you. And yet, I also find it improbable that the two of you would be unconnected. Tell me, what do you know of your family?” Nothing. He takes her to see the corpse.
Kaia rides in her first cab. She thinks of escaping, but is too curious about the woman with the same mark. Maybe she'll find out something about herself. She's not scared of the corpse; she's seen worse. But a sense of wrongness comes over her. They have identical marks.
Pinsley takes her back to the station. A constable puts her in the cell while Pinsley thinks in his office. Kaia is the same age as his daughter would be. He needs to find someone who knows Kaia or who recognizes the mark; he feels it's the key. He asks for Kaia to be released into his custody. His boss, Superintendent Hutton, says OK. “If Commissioner Mayne were not such a friend to you, I would simply dismiss you. As it is, I must have cause, and I suspect that this fool’s errand will give me exactly that. If not, well, one of my men will have succeeded in catching a killer.”
They go to Bedlam. He makes her agree to not run. Bedlam feels wrong like the corpse did. A man comes out. He feels even more wrong.
The doctor doesn't know if she recognized what he is, but he certainly recognized what she is. He's the one who put Tabitha in Bedlam, even though she wasn't crazy; she was a shadow-seer. "No one looking would be able to tell where the doctor stopped and the shadow began, not even him. Except a shadow-seer." Even though the murder went as hoped, the doctor worries about that girl messing things up.
EVALUATION
A lot of thinking and narration, but it's also world building (historical and paranormal) and 2 characters who've been alone for a long time. Pinsley's use of a metronome to order his thoughts is unique and insightful. And sad.
The timeline is condensed and a lot happens; the pacing is well done.
Family is a strong theme in this book. Both Kaia and Pinsley have lost theirs; Bedlam relies on family disconnection, as do thugs.
It's set in the 1850s. Autopsies are newly legal, though only of criminals or insane. The police are under duress because of the Orsini incident (not clearly explained).
I enjoyed it, especially in October, enough that I'm tempted to buy book #2 so I find out what happens.
RECOMMENDATION
Anyone who likes paranormal, historical fiction, and/or crime suspense
FAVORITE QUOTES
People are far too often invisible to one another.
Humanity cared so much about the way things appeared. They didn’t look closer.
“You have to learn before they get to you. Avoid drunkenness, opium, hatred. They all open ways for the shadows. Focus on the light.”
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (SPOILERS)
Sex: none
Language: none
Violence: murder, report of rape, child abuse, possible sex trafficking, kidnapping, fights
MY RATING
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good
2 stars--didn't enjoy
1 star--didn't finish
Should I read books before this one: no
Cliffhanger: yes
SUMMARY
Inspector Sebastian Pinsley investigates a murder at Bedlam. He's methodical, logical, a speed reader, a veteran of the Crimean War, the widower of a brutally murdered woman, and he possibly has an eidetic memory. The guard has him sign the visitors log before he's escorted to the room of Tabitha Greene. The body is still there, looks clawed. Her roommate, Elsie, mutters about shadows. Pinsley asks about the knife. None found. Elsie claims she's innocent. But the room was locked and no one had been in or out.
Kaia escapes from the orphanage. Tomorrow is her 17th birthday, and she knows the Garrows have arranged a male "benefactor" for her. She runs for a long time. Eventually she gets hungry, won't steal from food carts. She approaches a man who just bought a lot of food to ask for an apple, the man yells Thief. A constable arrests her, tells her she'll be shipped to Australia.
Pinsley attends the autopsy. The doctor agrees the killing slices look like claw marks, but not from a domestic animal. Also, the blows are downward; Elsie is too short. Tabitha tried to defend herself with her fingernails; Elsie had no scratches. Pinsley sees a mark on Tabitha: an eye (oval with a dot and lines like stylized lashes). It's not a brand, a burn, or a tattoo, it's inherent like a birthmark.
Kaia waits in the cell, fearful. When she's being led to the magistrate, she makes a break for it, they rip her sleeve off, are about to beat her when Pinsley comes in. He invites her to his office.
He'd seen the mark on her arm. Just like Tabitha's. He asks her what orphanage she's from. Do you read minds? No, then he lists his observations. She asserts her innocence, he offers to help her in exchange for her help. He asks about the mark. My birth mark? “And what if I were to tell you that earlier, I saw the same mark on the body of a dead woman?” “I don’t know anything about a dead woman.” “I believe you. And yet, I also find it improbable that the two of you would be unconnected. Tell me, what do you know of your family?” Nothing. He takes her to see the corpse.
Kaia rides in her first cab. She thinks of escaping, but is too curious about the woman with the same mark. Maybe she'll find out something about herself. She's not scared of the corpse; she's seen worse. But a sense of wrongness comes over her. They have identical marks.
Pinsley takes her back to the station. A constable puts her in the cell while Pinsley thinks in his office. Kaia is the same age as his daughter would be. He needs to find someone who knows Kaia or who recognizes the mark; he feels it's the key. He asks for Kaia to be released into his custody. His boss, Superintendent Hutton, says OK. “If Commissioner Mayne were not such a friend to you, I would simply dismiss you. As it is, I must have cause, and I suspect that this fool’s errand will give me exactly that. If not, well, one of my men will have succeeded in catching a killer.”
They go to Bedlam. He makes her agree to not run. Bedlam feels wrong like the corpse did. A man comes out. He feels even more wrong.
The doctor doesn't know if she recognized what he is, but he certainly recognized what she is. He's the one who put Tabitha in Bedlam, even though she wasn't crazy; she was a shadow-seer. "No one looking would be able to tell where the doctor stopped and the shadow began, not even him. Except a shadow-seer." Even though the murder went as hoped, the doctor worries about that girl messing things up.
EVALUATION
A lot of thinking and narration, but it's also world building (historical and paranormal) and 2 characters who've been alone for a long time. Pinsley's use of a metronome to order his thoughts is unique and insightful. And sad.
The timeline is condensed and a lot happens; the pacing is well done.
Family is a strong theme in this book. Both Kaia and Pinsley have lost theirs; Bedlam relies on family disconnection, as do thugs.
It's set in the 1850s. Autopsies are newly legal, though only of criminals or insane. The police are under duress because of the Orsini incident (not clearly explained).
I enjoyed it, especially in October, enough that I'm tempted to buy book #2 so I find out what happens.
RECOMMENDATION
Anyone who likes paranormal, historical fiction, and/or crime suspense
FAVORITE QUOTES
People are far too often invisible to one another.
Humanity cared so much about the way things appeared. They didn’t look closer.
“You have to learn before they get to you. Avoid drunkenness, opium, hatred. They all open ways for the shadows. Focus on the light.”
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (SPOILERS)
Sex: none
Language: none
Violence: murder, report of rape, child abuse, possible sex trafficking, kidnapping, fights
August 1, 2021
I really enjoy historical settings, fantasy, police procedures and looked forward to a book filled with these items. However interesting the idea of the plot, I have to admit to being so bored with the book I pushed to finish it. This is not a series I will follow.
April 23, 2021
Shadowseer: London was a quick read - there wasn't alot of weaving back and forth in different storylines. But the story kept building from the beginning and kept me interested.
August 8, 2021
Another free book. Didnt really care about wanting to continue after this one.
August 20, 2021
entertaining? sort of
unique? no
will i read the next one? also no
unique? no
will i read the next one? also no
October 18, 2021
Would be good for a middle school reader.
July 2, 2025
Cute little story. Not the best I’ve ever read, but perfect for a free Apple ebook to listen to one walks! Enjoyed the premise and probably would enjoy the next books in the series. Not going to though because I’m on a book buying ban (again).
January 17, 2024
2024 52 Book Challenge - 26) Hybrid Genre
This is a really enjoyable book. I love the relationship between Pinsley and Kaia, and I love the setting of Victorian London.
The book is split between a fantasy and a detective murder mystery, and personally, I think the two genres sort of worked against each other, because I wanted to know more of each part. I wanted the book to investigate the poor relations within the police department, and I also wanted the book to investigate the Shadowseer aspect of the mystery, which for being the main plot around one of the main characters, feels poorly explained.
That being said, I enjoyed the book, I like the characters, and I'm really excited to read the rest of the series.
This is a really enjoyable book. I love the relationship between Pinsley and Kaia, and I love the setting of Victorian London.
The book is split between a fantasy and a detective murder mystery, and personally, I think the two genres sort of worked against each other, because I wanted to know more of each part. I wanted the book to investigate the poor relations within the police department, and I also wanted the book to investigate the Shadowseer aspect of the mystery, which for being the main plot around one of the main characters, feels poorly explained.
That being said, I enjoyed the book, I like the characters, and I'm really excited to read the rest of the series.
May 28, 2021
I was given an ARC of this story and I absolutely loved it! It's different from the usual fantasy stories by this author - this time it's in the realm of the paranormal.
The story is set in Victorian London and focuses on Kaia, an orphan girl who is particularly special.
This tale highlights cruelty, unkindness and poverty. It also tackles the abuse of power - which, I consider, is nothing new seen throughout the ages. It has a shuddering glimpse into the horrors of Bedlam, an asylum within the streets of London, where all manner of supposedly 'mad' people were housed. History shows that numerous women were placed there because of rich and powerful men who wanted wives out of the way or any other 'problems'.
The argument between logic and emotion demonstrates that imagination and open-mindedness are vital within the human condition.
Overall, this was a tense, chilling and atmospheric story, well-written and fast-paced.
Highly recommended.
The story is set in Victorian London and focuses on Kaia, an orphan girl who is particularly special.
This tale highlights cruelty, unkindness and poverty. It also tackles the abuse of power - which, I consider, is nothing new seen throughout the ages. It has a shuddering glimpse into the horrors of Bedlam, an asylum within the streets of London, where all manner of supposedly 'mad' people were housed. History shows that numerous women were placed there because of rich and powerful men who wanted wives out of the way or any other 'problems'.
The argument between logic and emotion demonstrates that imagination and open-mindedness are vital within the human condition.
Overall, this was a tense, chilling and atmospheric story, well-written and fast-paced.
Highly recommended.
November 16, 2021
There were an excessive amount of grammatical errors and typos in this book that made it feel unpolished. It truly read like a draft of a book, which is disappointing as I think a writer should have pride in their work and not allow it to be published until it’s ready.
I think this book could’ve been better. The characters were quite good and it was an interesting plot. Many of their discoveries were convenient however and I’m also not a huge fan of cliffhanger endings.
I think this book could’ve been better. The characters were quite good and it was an interesting plot. Many of their discoveries were convenient however and I’m also not a huge fan of cliffhanger endings.
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December 4, 2021Add Kaia
Add Kaia to your list of girls, teens, with plenty of agency. Victim of an orphanage, she escapes the day before she is to graduate to a life of service if she is lucky, men's toy if not.
Ah, but she can see things most people cannot, including the 45 year old, rational to the core, Scotland Yard Inspector. Who needs her help, although he doesn't know it, to capture a killer.
Add Kaia to your list of girls, teens, with plenty of agency. Victim of an orphanage, she escapes the day before she is to graduate to a life of service if she is lucky, men's toy if not.
Ah, but she can see things most people cannot, including the 45 year old, rational to the core, Scotland Yard Inspector. Who needs her help, although he doesn't know it, to capture a killer.
November 12, 2021
It was an ok read, but it didn't make me want to read more of the series.
November 26, 2021
One of a series but not a series I will be following through on
August 7, 2025
Bella l'ambientazione, intrigante la trama ma i personaggi sono un po' piatti, non evolvono. Non c'è conclusione ma non c'è neanche un approfondimento sul mistero sottostante ai poteri di Kaia. Avrei dato una possibilità ad una trilogia o meglio ancora ad un bel librone autoconclusivo ma non leggerò un incerto numero di libri (per ora 5), potenzialmente tutti uguali, a parte la città in cui si svolgono le vicende.
April 28, 2023
Unique and original story. I liked both Kaia and Detective Pinsley's characters I just wish the pace had picked up a little more. Kind of a slow start to a series but I'm hoping there will be more action as the series moves along and Kaia learns more about her powers and where she actually came from and actually learns more about the shadows and what shadowseers are.
June 30, 2024
Scaricato gratuitamente in digitale. Che dire, scorrevole lo è, ma non c'è nulla. Sconclusionato, senza capo né coda. Personaggi e storia imbarazzanti da quanto risultino solo abbozzati e "puerili". Non leggerò di certo i successivi. Che dire in estate mi piacciono i libri senza troppe pretese, ma qui non c'e nulla di interessante.
October 11, 2023
3.5 stars - pleasantly surprised for a free book but probably not enough to keep reading the series.
February 19, 2025
3.25. This is considered a fantasy/mystery. While I enjoyed the setting and time period, it felt like it wasn't really going anywhere. Available on KU
June 15, 2024
I have seen a lot of posts around this book and this author and I'm ashamed at how long it took me to read this book.
IT'S GREAT!
At first I was suspicious at how a 45 year old detective would pair up with a 17 year old and it not be weird, cringy or patronising, but these two are fantastic. Individually, they are completely different people, and the backstories you're provided are just so intriguing. I loved the suspense of unravelling the forces at work here, the little nuggets of people's backgrounds you discover throughout their investigation, and the unanswered questions that keep you strung along until the end.
AND THEN THE END?
I am going to be poor for the rest of my life if I keep reading books like this, because this is yet another series that I am fully prepared to dive into.
IT'S GREAT!
At first I was suspicious at how a 45 year old detective would pair up with a 17 year old and it not be weird, cringy or patronising, but these two are fantastic. Individually, they are completely different people, and the backstories you're provided are just so intriguing. I loved the suspense of unravelling the forces at work here, the little nuggets of people's backgrounds you discover throughout their investigation, and the unanswered questions that keep you strung along until the end.
AND THEN THE END?
I am going to be poor for the rest of my life if I keep reading books like this, because this is yet another series that I am fully prepared to dive into.
January 28, 2022
My rating: 2.5 stars
Stuff you might want to know:
- This book is clean except for some minor swearing (mostly damn yous).
- This book contains mentions of violence as expected in a typical crime story.
I'm sad that I didn't enjoy this book. I rather liked the premise and the whole vibe that this book was giving off. It did have the potential to be a good story; it just lacked good execution.
This story needed a lot more world building. By the end of the book, I didn't even know what Shadowseers really were or what they could do. At most, I've seen Kaia scream and things just went boom. It felt more like a preview rather than the first book to a series. The mystery aspect was alright, nothing mind-blowing.
The characters were okay. I liked Pinsley. He was realistic enough. But Kaia, she was very annoying and immature for seventeen considering the supposed horrors she's seen. I find it hard to be invested in a book where I don't even like one half of the main characters. Kaia and Pinsley didn't feel like they had very good chemistry either.
The blurb sounded much fancier than the actual book. The story described there was something I would have loved reading. This was a bit of a letdown, honestly. I've read and enjoyed The Dresden Files and The Mortal Instruments. This book, unlike what it claims, is nothing like them.
Do I recommend this book? Nope.
Will I read the sequel? Nope. I am a little curious about Kaia's background, but I'm not very keen on the thought of sitting through another of these books.
Stuff you might want to know:
- This book is clean except for some minor swearing (mostly damn yous).
- This book contains mentions of violence as expected in a typical crime story.
I'm sad that I didn't enjoy this book. I rather liked the premise and the whole vibe that this book was giving off. It did have the potential to be a good story; it just lacked good execution.
This story needed a lot more world building. By the end of the book, I didn't even know what Shadowseers really were or what they could do. At most, I've seen Kaia scream and things just went boom. It felt more like a preview rather than the first book to a series. The mystery aspect was alright, nothing mind-blowing.
The characters were okay. I liked Pinsley. He was realistic enough. But Kaia, she was very annoying and immature for seventeen considering the supposed horrors she's seen. I find it hard to be invested in a book where I don't even like one half of the main characters. Kaia and Pinsley didn't feel like they had very good chemistry either.
The blurb sounded much fancier than the actual book. The story described there was something I would have loved reading. This was a bit of a letdown, honestly. I've read and enjoyed The Dresden Files and The Mortal Instruments. This book, unlike what it claims, is nothing like them.
Do I recommend this book? Nope.
Will I read the sequel? Nope. I am a little curious about Kaia's background, but I'm not very keen on the thought of sitting through another of these books.
February 6, 2023
I was looking for another audiobook to listen to and this one was offered to me at a discounted price. I liked the blurb and the cover gave off a certain dark feel about it, so I decided to purchase it.
I haven't regretted that decision.
The story is set in Victorian England. The setting was enough to allow me to feel that's where I was while walking on my treadmill. It felt a little like I was actually walking the dirty streets. It was a bit eerie, to be honest.
Inspector Pinsley and Kaia make an unlikely team, but they fit well together for this murder mystery.
The inspector's boss is looking for a reason to get rid of him, and Kaia has run away from an orphanage the day before she was going to be handed over to a male benefactor. A murder in a locked room at Bedlam brings the pair together. The inspector knows that the mark on Kaia's arm associates her to the murder. And Kaia wants to find out why the dead woman has the same birthmark as her.
The storyline progresses smoothly along, giving little hints along the way. I felt the author captures the characters and the settings quite well. When we learn what is really happening, it's not surprising, but continues to be written in a captivating manner.
I liked the characters and wanted to know what would happen to them. I enjoyed the telling of the story by the narrator, who had the perfect voice for this particular book. He was easy to listen to.
In fact, I enjoyed listening to this book so much that I instantly looked for Book 2 and was pleased to find the audiobook at a reasonable price and purchased it too.
Recommended.
I haven't regretted that decision.
The story is set in Victorian England. The setting was enough to allow me to feel that's where I was while walking on my treadmill. It felt a little like I was actually walking the dirty streets. It was a bit eerie, to be honest.
Inspector Pinsley and Kaia make an unlikely team, but they fit well together for this murder mystery.
The inspector's boss is looking for a reason to get rid of him, and Kaia has run away from an orphanage the day before she was going to be handed over to a male benefactor. A murder in a locked room at Bedlam brings the pair together. The inspector knows that the mark on Kaia's arm associates her to the murder. And Kaia wants to find out why the dead woman has the same birthmark as her.
The storyline progresses smoothly along, giving little hints along the way. I felt the author captures the characters and the settings quite well. When we learn what is really happening, it's not surprising, but continues to be written in a captivating manner.
I liked the characters and wanted to know what would happen to them. I enjoyed the telling of the story by the narrator, who had the perfect voice for this particular book. He was easy to listen to.
In fact, I enjoyed listening to this book so much that I instantly looked for Book 2 and was pleased to find the audiobook at a reasonable price and purchased it too.
Recommended.
May 21, 2022
Victorian England was all about expectations—you know, the ones society placed on everyone. Men were expected to be strong, faithful, and devoted to their families. Women were expected to be proper and virtuous. So when they married, they raised the children and ran the household so men could do whatever it was men did.
Now, take a London detective with emotional baggage and zero people skills. Then, pair him up with a seventeen-year-old orphan who has barely seen the city she inhabits. Finally, throw in a madhouse, demonic forces, and strange powers the girl is unaware she possesses. Take all these, and you have Shadowseer: London.
This novel is supernatural thriller at its finest. I immediately fell in love with Kaia, the heartbreaking waif. Though inexperienced in matters of life, she manages to teach a crusty, science-is-everything policeman with a liking for metronomes that dangerous, unseen things exist all around us.
Shadowseer: London is an entertaining page-turner filled with action, drama, and pathos. Don��t miss it.
February 10, 2022
I'm not usually interested in paranormal fantasy, but it was a Hoopla Bonus Borrow, so I gave this book a try, and I enjoyed it more than I expected to.
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