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Shadows in the Wind #2
Cogitatio
Kathryn Beck’s life was forever altered when she was recruited out of college into an elite, top-secret organization whose members possess supernatural weapons and which takes on challenges that no other group is equipped to handle. But, her next mission in Alaska turns her world upside down all over again, when she’s framed for a terrible crime and tossed helplessly into prison.
Severed from her team and unable to use her supernatural gifts, Kathryn must navigate the cruel and arbitrary caprices of the criminal justice system as she struggles to free herself, while forming alliances with other inmates and battling a sinister conspiracy behind the operation of the remote prison—a conspiracy that threatens to ensnare not only her, but dozens of other innocent women caught in its clutches.
In a place where enemies become friends and friends become monsters, Kathryn will face her biggest challenge yet.
Severed from her team and unable to use her supernatural gifts, Kathryn must navigate the cruel and arbitrary caprices of the criminal justice system as she struggles to free herself, while forming alliances with other inmates and battling a sinister conspiracy behind the operation of the remote prison—a conspiracy that threatens to ensnare not only her, but dozens of other innocent women caught in its clutches.
In a place where enemies become friends and friends become monsters, Kathryn will face her biggest challenge yet.
- GenresFictionSupernatural
152 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2023
3 people are currently reading
977 people want to read
About the author
McKinley Aspen
3 books97 followersMcKinley Aspen is a writer who lives in the United States. In addition to the normal family shenanigans, McKinley has a busy schedule as the “Chief Dog Walker” to Otis the puppy dog.
A graduate of both University of Chicago and Elmhurst University, McKinley enjoys exploring the world through family road trips, meals featuring Portillo’s beef with mozz, and St. Louis Cardinals baseball.
A graduate of both University of Chicago and Elmhurst University, McKinley enjoys exploring the world through family road trips, meals featuring Portillo’s beef with mozz, and St. Louis Cardinals baseball.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 9, 2023
was so excited when this book became live because I couldn't wait to see what Catherine
Beck was doing now and all of her friends. They cultivated this magical world that I just wanted another peek into and the story did not disappoint. The characters came to life once
Beck was doing now and all of her friends. They cultivated this magical world that I just wanted another peek into and the story did not disappoint. The characters came to life once
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August 24, 2023Cogitatio is Book Two in the Shadows in the Wind series by @mckinleyaspenauthor. The second installment more or less picks up where part one, Praesidium, left off, following the young Kathryn Beck and her adventures after her recent recruitment into a classified organization.
This time around Kathryn is taken to Alaska. But things quickly take a downward spiral when a couple in her complex inexplicably frame her for a crime she didn’t commit. Now she’s serving time in a women’s prison, trying to clear her name. But as she gets to know some of the other prisoners, she learns they all share similar fates. Banding together, the women hope to take whatever force that’s working against them. But unfairly branded criminals, is it too late for justice to be served?
Cogitatio is a short story I’d recommend to readers of thrillers with a supernatural tinge to them. Some series you can read out of order, but in this case I’d recommend reading them in sequence to keep up with the story. In fact, I found myself looking back at my review of the first book to jog my memory. And if you end up enjoying this book, you’ll be happy to know the ending makes it feel like there are more installments to come.
Thank you to Red Clover Digital for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
This time around Kathryn is taken to Alaska. But things quickly take a downward spiral when a couple in her complex inexplicably frame her for a crime she didn’t commit. Now she’s serving time in a women’s prison, trying to clear her name. But as she gets to know some of the other prisoners, she learns they all share similar fates. Banding together, the women hope to take whatever force that’s working against them. But unfairly branded criminals, is it too late for justice to be served?
Cogitatio is a short story I’d recommend to readers of thrillers with a supernatural tinge to them. Some series you can read out of order, but in this case I’d recommend reading them in sequence to keep up with the story. In fact, I found myself looking back at my review of the first book to jog my memory. And if you end up enjoying this book, you’ll be happy to know the ending makes it feel like there are more installments to come.
Thank you to Red Clover Digital for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
August 25, 2023
Thank you Red Clover Digital for the gifted copy of the book @mckinlayaspenauthor @museliterarychicago Congratulations on a wonderful second book in this engaging series!
𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐄: 𝐂𝐎𝐆𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: 𝐌𝐜𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧
𝐏𝐔𝐁 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝟎𝟕.𝟎𝟓.𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞
𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄: 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐔𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐲
I love a fast paced urban fantasy adventure novel and this follow up to the Shadows in the Wind Series was a wild ride. I read Praesidium last year where Kathryn’s story begins when she was recruited for Hope and Global Support (HGS) on what looks like the perfect job. In Cogitatio we continue Kathryn’s journey as she finds herself in Alaska, in a remote prison when she was framed for drug charges. In prison she works to bring to justice a crime syndicate.
Another great installment and I can only hope for more books in the series. I cannot wait to see what Kathryn will be up against next.
𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐄: 𝐂𝐎𝐆𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: 𝐌𝐜𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧
𝐏𝐔𝐁 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝟎𝟕.𝟎𝟓.𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞
𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄: 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐔𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐲
I love a fast paced urban fantasy adventure novel and this follow up to the Shadows in the Wind Series was a wild ride. I read Praesidium last year where Kathryn’s story begins when she was recruited for Hope and Global Support (HGS) on what looks like the perfect job. In Cogitatio we continue Kathryn’s journey as she finds herself in Alaska, in a remote prison when she was framed for drug charges. In prison she works to bring to justice a crime syndicate.
Another great installment and I can only hope for more books in the series. I cannot wait to see what Kathryn will be up against next.
September 25, 2023
Fun fast paced read. Enjoyed it. Pretty much a continuation from the first book. Some novellas I’ve read “review “ who the characters are and what happened in the last book which , to me, is just filler. Cogitatio does not do that, thank goodness. So read Praesidium first! Looking forward to the 3rd.
September 6, 2023
Outstanding - book two has me anxious waiting for book three ... a great read for ages 14+!
August 30, 2023
Very Good Follow Up
Wasn't sure if I wanted to dive further into this series, but I am very glad I did. Not nearly as confusing as I feared it would be and I found myself easily following these characters and their mission easier than anything Tom Cruise recently put on screen. Great job.
Wasn't sure if I wanted to dive further into this series, but I am very glad I did. Not nearly as confusing as I feared it would be and I found myself easily following these characters and their mission easier than anything Tom Cruise recently put on screen. Great job.
August 17, 2023
From adventure author McKinley Aspen comes the second book in the Shadows in the Wind series entitled Cogitatio. In this story, we are reunited with our heroine Kathryn Bek as she is sent on her most challenging mission yet with the elite, secret organization Hope & Global Support (HGS).
Aspen wastes no time in getting the action started in her latest book as the prologue of the story opens with Kathryn finding herself in jail in Alaska after being framed for a crime she didn’t commit. The early part of the story explains how Kathryn wound up in Alaska. She is taken aside privately by Raphael from HGS, who gives her keys for an apartment in Alaska and tells her that this mission will be challenging and she will be going it alone. She has many questions, most of which are only vaguely answered. Above all, she is directed to blend in, remember that she is undercover and to not let anyone know who she really is. She is also surprised to find out that the mission will be a long-term one, approximately a year. Although she is wary of all the unknowns and sad at the thought of having to leave her husband behind, she does as she is instructed and embarks on her journey to Alaska, completely unaware of what is waiting for her there.
Once in Alaska, Kathryn meets her downstairs neighbors, Tom, his wife, Jessica, and their twin girls. At first, Kathryn is a bit unsure about Tom. Certain things about him seem a bit off and he asks her many prying questions, which Kathryn tries her best to evade. However, after a while, Kathryn decides that maybe Tom is just being neighborly and she should give him a chance, so she accepts his invitation to a family dinner one night. From this point on, Kathryn and Tom’s family become real friends and help each other the way friends do. This continues until the day that police officers show up at Kathryn’s door with a warrant for her arrest. She is hauled off to jail where she later learns that she has been charged with selling drugs and $3 million worth of cocaine has been found in her condo.
Before long, Kathryn discovers that a fellow HGS team member, Ashley Harrington, is in jail with her. It is then that the puzzle pieces begin to come together for Kathryn and Ashley, and they realize that the mission is to be completed within the jail in which they have been incarcerated. Together, Ashley and Kathryn begin forming alliances with fellow inmates as they discover a disturbing conspiracy behind the operation of the prison. Kathryn, Ashley and their new friends at the prison must work together as they face a truly evil enemy and try to free dozens of innocent women who have been caught in this ominous web of malevolence.
Aspen truly has a gift for writing that keeps the reader entertained. Cogitatio is a fast-paced, thrilling, action-packed and, put simply, exciting read. There were no parts of the story that seemed unnecessary or moved too slow. Every incident in the book helped to do something to push the plot along, even a scene so simple as Kathryn having dinner with her new neighbors.
The emotions run high in this story, understandably, as Kathryn fights for her freedom and the freedom of dozens of other women. It is easy for the reader to root for Kathryn as she quite literally, puts her life on the line to save others. I did not have the pleasure of reading and reviewing book one in the Shadows in the Wind series, Praesidium, but if it was anything like the electrifying ride of Cogitatio, I am most definitely going to grab myself a copy!
Quill says: Aspen has written an outstanding follow-up to her first book in the Shadows in the Wind series with Cogitatio. This story is full of suspense, twists, turns and excitement, and the ending will leave the reader craving more adventures with Kathryn Bek.
Aspen wastes no time in getting the action started in her latest book as the prologue of the story opens with Kathryn finding herself in jail in Alaska after being framed for a crime she didn’t commit. The early part of the story explains how Kathryn wound up in Alaska. She is taken aside privately by Raphael from HGS, who gives her keys for an apartment in Alaska and tells her that this mission will be challenging and she will be going it alone. She has many questions, most of which are only vaguely answered. Above all, she is directed to blend in, remember that she is undercover and to not let anyone know who she really is. She is also surprised to find out that the mission will be a long-term one, approximately a year. Although she is wary of all the unknowns and sad at the thought of having to leave her husband behind, she does as she is instructed and embarks on her journey to Alaska, completely unaware of what is waiting for her there.
Once in Alaska, Kathryn meets her downstairs neighbors, Tom, his wife, Jessica, and their twin girls. At first, Kathryn is a bit unsure about Tom. Certain things about him seem a bit off and he asks her many prying questions, which Kathryn tries her best to evade. However, after a while, Kathryn decides that maybe Tom is just being neighborly and she should give him a chance, so she accepts his invitation to a family dinner one night. From this point on, Kathryn and Tom’s family become real friends and help each other the way friends do. This continues until the day that police officers show up at Kathryn’s door with a warrant for her arrest. She is hauled off to jail where she later learns that she has been charged with selling drugs and $3 million worth of cocaine has been found in her condo.
Before long, Kathryn discovers that a fellow HGS team member, Ashley Harrington, is in jail with her. It is then that the puzzle pieces begin to come together for Kathryn and Ashley, and they realize that the mission is to be completed within the jail in which they have been incarcerated. Together, Ashley and Kathryn begin forming alliances with fellow inmates as they discover a disturbing conspiracy behind the operation of the prison. Kathryn, Ashley and their new friends at the prison must work together as they face a truly evil enemy and try to free dozens of innocent women who have been caught in this ominous web of malevolence.
Aspen truly has a gift for writing that keeps the reader entertained. Cogitatio is a fast-paced, thrilling, action-packed and, put simply, exciting read. There were no parts of the story that seemed unnecessary or moved too slow. Every incident in the book helped to do something to push the plot along, even a scene so simple as Kathryn having dinner with her new neighbors.
The emotions run high in this story, understandably, as Kathryn fights for her freedom and the freedom of dozens of other women. It is easy for the reader to root for Kathryn as she quite literally, puts her life on the line to save others. I did not have the pleasure of reading and reviewing book one in the Shadows in the Wind series, Praesidium, but if it was anything like the electrifying ride of Cogitatio, I am most definitely going to grab myself a copy!
Quill says: Aspen has written an outstanding follow-up to her first book in the Shadows in the Wind series with Cogitatio. This story is full of suspense, twists, turns and excitement, and the ending will leave the reader craving more adventures with Kathryn Bek.
August 28, 2023
Kathryn's journey into the enigmatic world of the HGS (Hope & Global Support) takes a dramatic turn in Cogitatio, the second installment in McKinley Aspen's riveting "Shadows of the Wind" series. A life once unfamiliar to Kathryn suddenly takes on new meaning as she embraces the fabulous opportunity to impact the world in a positive way. However, her commitment to the cause brings unforeseen challenges, including an assignment that leads to incarceration without trial, charges, or explanation.
This perplexing circumstance unravels as part of the greater HGS mission, offering Kathryn a glimpse into the labyrinthine path she must tread. The seemingly insurmountable task of stopping the Paolucci crime family’s expansion is compounded by a deeply personal connection: the syndicate's leader is part of her family.
Aspen's storytelling prowess shines in Cogitatio. Though not a direct continuation of its predecessor, Praesidium, the narrative quickly immerses readers in Kathryn's new high-stakes situation without needlessly rehashing prior events. The pace is measured and deliberate, occasionally dwelling on details but never at the expense of reader engagement. The synergy among Kathryn and her team pulsates through the pages, their shared discovery of abilities and purpose forging a conspiratorial bond with the reader.
The battle lines in Cogitatio are sharply drawn, with the timeless theme of good versus evil at its core. The familial connection introduced here enriches the story, adding an emotional layer that heightens investment in the unfolding drama. This installment not only builds on the foundation laid in the first book but also sets the stage for what promises to be an epic conclusion.
Aspen has managed to breathe fresh air into the well-worn genre of apocalyptic good-versus-evil narratives, maintaining originality and anticipation for what lies ahead. Both fans of the series and newcomers alike will find much to savor in Cogitatio. Its unique blend of intrigue, action, and personal stakes make for a compelling read.
The "Shadows of the Wind" series has thus far proven to be a thrilling literary adventure. I eagerly look forward to the future of Kathryn and the HGS team, confident that whatever awaits them will be as gripping and thought-provoking as the journey thus far. Aspen’s talent in crafting suspense and innovation assures that the next entry will continue this engaging trend.
This perplexing circumstance unravels as part of the greater HGS mission, offering Kathryn a glimpse into the labyrinthine path she must tread. The seemingly insurmountable task of stopping the Paolucci crime family’s expansion is compounded by a deeply personal connection: the syndicate's leader is part of her family.
Aspen's storytelling prowess shines in Cogitatio. Though not a direct continuation of its predecessor, Praesidium, the narrative quickly immerses readers in Kathryn's new high-stakes situation without needlessly rehashing prior events. The pace is measured and deliberate, occasionally dwelling on details but never at the expense of reader engagement. The synergy among Kathryn and her team pulsates through the pages, their shared discovery of abilities and purpose forging a conspiratorial bond with the reader.
The battle lines in Cogitatio are sharply drawn, with the timeless theme of good versus evil at its core. The familial connection introduced here enriches the story, adding an emotional layer that heightens investment in the unfolding drama. This installment not only builds on the foundation laid in the first book but also sets the stage for what promises to be an epic conclusion.
Aspen has managed to breathe fresh air into the well-worn genre of apocalyptic good-versus-evil narratives, maintaining originality and anticipation for what lies ahead. Both fans of the series and newcomers alike will find much to savor in Cogitatio. Its unique blend of intrigue, action, and personal stakes make for a compelling read.
The "Shadows of the Wind" series has thus far proven to be a thrilling literary adventure. I eagerly look forward to the future of Kathryn and the HGS team, confident that whatever awaits them will be as gripping and thought-provoking as the journey thus far. Aspen’s talent in crafting suspense and innovation assures that the next entry will continue this engaging trend.
December 15, 2023
I swear I’m not being a hater just for the sake of being a hater, but this was such a slog to get through. The writing was sloppy and a key example of why you should show and not tell at least some of the time. There were so many instances where it was clear that Aspen did not trust the reader to read between the lines in the slightest which made it so frustrating to read. Once again, there was weird moral judgements and biblical allusions, with the Bible being mentioned in the first page and the only other woman main character getting married and pregnant with a guy she’d only just started dating the chapter before and has had maybe 0.5 conversations with. I did respect the critique of the military industrial complex and police, but even that was done in a tremendously surface level and uninspired way. There was also just general weirdness with someone’s teeth being described as “(possibly fake)” for no reason and a fake bomb in the prison reminding Kate of 9/11. Also this is a minor gripe, but one of the characters only referred to his mother as Mom and not my mom, which is a major pet peeve of mine. Also!!! Ashley’s hair, which being red is a huge aspect of, was described as blonde at one point randomly. Please get an editor!!
August 26, 2025
In Aspen's riveting second installment in the Shadows of the Wind series, covert operative Kathryn Bek’s latest assignment goes spectacularly wrong. Dispatched to Alaska by her handler Raphael, she is told to live quietly, blend in, and track a crime syndicate’s movements. Instead, she finds herself framed by the very neighbors who welcomed her, arrested for trafficking millions in cocaine, and condemned to a prison system where innocence means nothing.
Aspen writes with cinematic detail and psychological precision. Prison routines, whispered loyalties, and the sharp crack of confrontation create a cadence that mirrors real prison life. The supernatural elements, dialed down from the first book, remain as a hum beneath the narrative, suggesting Kathryn’s destiny is larger than the prison walls even if her immediate reality is bleak. By the close, Cogitatio transforms espionage into an indictment of systemic injustice. The novel raises difficult questions: How quickly can innocence be erased? How fragile are our freedoms when systems profit from captivity? A high-stakes tale of spies, deception, and the crushing weight of injustice.
Aspen writes with cinematic detail and psychological precision. Prison routines, whispered loyalties, and the sharp crack of confrontation create a cadence that mirrors real prison life. The supernatural elements, dialed down from the first book, remain as a hum beneath the narrative, suggesting Kathryn’s destiny is larger than the prison walls even if her immediate reality is bleak. By the close, Cogitatio transforms espionage into an indictment of systemic injustice. The novel raises difficult questions: How quickly can innocence be erased? How fragile are our freedoms when systems profit from captivity? A high-stakes tale of spies, deception, and the crushing weight of injustice.
January 11, 2024
I was intrigued by this book, and it took more time than I thought it would to get to why there was no due process. It seemed a little draggy and there were times I lost interest in the story. I did finish the book though and felt there were good things and not so good. My not so good was horrible grammatical errors throughout that a good line editor would have caught. If the author doesn't have one hire one for your next book. There is potential for other books just get to the heart of it and don't drag it out.
November 3, 2023
Thank You McKinley Aspen and BookSirens
I went into this series cold. There is a first novel that introduces the reader to the characters more in detail. This is the second book in the series. The characters are well developed especially the main protagonist. It's a Dark Action-packed Fantasy. It held my attention from beginning to end. I am looking forward to reading the third book.
Mission Impossible meets Supernatural
Supernatural
Whodunit
Crime Drama
Trigger Points
Alaska
I went into this series cold. There is a first novel that introduces the reader to the characters more in detail. This is the second book in the series. The characters are well developed especially the main protagonist. It's a Dark Action-packed Fantasy. It held my attention from beginning to end. I am looking forward to reading the third book.
Mission Impossible meets Supernatural
Supernatural
Whodunit
Crime Drama
Trigger Points
Alaska
June 20, 2025
This title was selected for IngramSpark's Indie Title Discovery Spotlight 2025!
The twisty, thrilling urban fantasy follow-up to Praesidium (Book 1). Fans of supernatural suspense, fierce FMCs, and action-packed adventure will devour this series!
The twisty, thrilling urban fantasy follow-up to Praesidium (Book 1). Fans of supernatural suspense, fierce FMCs, and action-packed adventure will devour this series!
August 12, 2023
I really liked book one so when I picked this up I already was a fan; however I had no idea how much I would LOVE book two! I cannot wait to see what comes next for this team. A must read!!!
December 16, 2023
What a fun read! Fantasy fiction, but I actually related to the protagonist, Kathryn Beck, a lot. Great pacing, and a strong, creative storyline. I’m looking forward to Book #3….
January 5, 2025
“Cogitatio: Shadows in the Wind – Book Two” by McKinley Aspen is the recipient of the BREW Fiction Book Excellence Award Thriller Fiction of the Year 2023 (Ref: https://thechrysalisbrewproject.com/b...)
and
a BREW Readers' Choice Award 2024-2025 Finalist (Ref: https://thechrysalisbrewproject.com/2...)
and
a BREW Readers' Choice Award 2024-2025 Finalist (Ref: https://thechrysalisbrewproject.com/2...)
November 15, 2023
A great read - I am excited to see what comes next!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews