2014 Reader's Favorite International Book Awards Finalist YA Paranormal
Reagan thought one night changed her life forever, but her fate was written long ago.
Merging creature and white blood, One of flame, one of night, At eighteen years it will commence, Spiritual warrior and power, Will bring an end to the lawless ones.
A war looms: One that pits brother against brother for werewolf supremacy. Angels and demons will each have a say before a victor is chosen.
With her eighteenth birthday only six months away, time is running out. Reagan must find a way to harness the two powerful, ancient bloodlines coursing through her: Werewolf and Wiccan. Then, she has to figure out her role in the century-old prophecy foretold by her great-grandmother.
However, if Reagan can’t save her family from her most vicious rival, Rafe, the forces of Hell will be unleashed and the war will be over before it starts.
Tia Silverthorne Bach has been married to her college sweetheart for twenty-four years, has three beautiful girls, and adores living in the beautiful state of Colorado. Her daughters were born in Chicago, San Diego, and Baltimore; and she feels fortunate to have called many places home. She believes in fairy tales and happy endings and is an avid reader and rabid grammar hound.
She is an award-winning, multi-genre author and an Editor for Indie Books Gone Wild. From an early age, she escaped into books and believes they can be the source of healing and strength. If she’s not writing, you can find her on the tennis court, at the movies, reading a good book, or spooning Jif peanut butter right out of the jar.
I read this after reading Chasing Forgiveness - the companion novella. Overall a good read with an interesting storyline. I put it down a few times, so the pace is the only reason it didn't get a five star review.
Chasing Shadows continues right were Chasing Memories leaves off. After escaping a mental hospital and finding out that a family member that was presumed dead is very much alive is the start of her journey of learning what she truly is. From being told that you have witch blood and now werewolf blood coursing through you veins is one thing, but learning that there’s a prophecy involving the fate of the world is something else entirely and Raegan has a hard time wrapping her head around it.
Running for her life and living in very decked out caves is all she can do until her training is completed. She might be powerful with the mixture of blood she possesses but Rafe, the son of the devil himself, is stronger. The story grows more complicated when her mother, father and brother get more involved. There are certain points within the story that say blood is thicker than family, especially if who you thought was family isn’t blood. Then there are certain scenarios where blood isn’t thicker than family, a new family that is.
Where there is heartbreak there is love and a not quite romantic but slowly growing relationship grows between Raegan and a man whose been fighting against this so called evil since he was a child. The relationship between them is not totally defined and you are trying to figure out if these two will even end up together.
The new characters that are introduced are good and each of them has their own story of how they are connected to Rafe. There is one character that Reagan becomes fond of, which is Madeline who has a very troubling past that is closely related to Rafe. Rowan is another character that has faced terrible things head on all do to Rafe as well. One thing that is stated multiple times from different perspectives is how evil Rafe is, but yet very cunning and persuasive. Lots of people have fallen for him and each of them have been scorned by him as well.
What it comes down to is Raegan against Rafe, but a surprise character is thrown in the mix that hopefully puts the odds in Raegan’s favor. The prophecy names one of fire and one of night, those are assumed to be Raegan and her brother. I’m not one for giving away spoilers, but I’ll let you ponder on that.
The sequel seems to go by slowly and by the end of it all questions aren’t given answers to. The pieces are falling together but yet another cliffhanger ending keeps you waiting for what you really want to see. Who is going win, good or evil.
Yet again, I can’t find any major criticisms besides the fact that some of the characters seem to love too quickly and fall out of love too easily. It was an entertaining read and I’ll definitely be looking out for book three. FOUR moons out of FIVE!
I received this book from Bit'N Book Promoters. Thanks Tia!
Chasing Shadows was a great sequel! It was a gripping read and I was glad to see the action started early on in the book and never stopped. Reagan continued to grow on me in this book and I really enjoyed her character arc.
Reagan reads like a true teenager. Her emotions are all over the place and she desperately tries to make sense of her new reality. At times, in the first book, she annoyed me and I was glad to see she grew as a character. She became stronger despite having the burden of being associated with a prophecy at the heart of a supernatural war.
I loved the side characters in this one. Since we were introduced to most of them in the first book, I enjoyed getting to know them better. I liked the new additions too and how they added more intrigue to the plot. There are some huge reveals associated with a few new characters and I was truly surprised by the revelations.
The pacing was stronger in this book. Since the world building was already done, the author jumped right into the plot. The book picked up where book one concluded. Typically, I find myself lost after there has been a break between reading books in a series, but Bach did a great job of giving the reader the background they needed without an info dump.
The climax was exciting and I thought the author picked a good point to end the book. The ending also built up my anticipation for the next book in the series. The Tala Prophecy series is a great set of paranormal books for teens.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of the novel for review!
Author Tia Silverthorne Bach is a master at weaving a story full of unexpected twists. Everytime I think I know what's coming next, she throws in something that totally takes me by surprise. Chasing Shadows is full of action, heartache and suspense. I cannot get enough!
The characters powers and strengths continue to grow, as does the need to find a way to win the impending battle that lies ahead. The evil they are going to face is much worse than they initially expected and so much pain has already been dealt. My heart pounds with each new revelation and I cannot even fathom what new secrets will be revealed.
Chasing Shadows is brilliantly written and I am sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the third book. If you haven't started this series, I suggest you grab book 1 and get comfortable because you will not want to put it down.
One of the things that I liked most about this book was some of the twists and turns that it took. Once it had been revealed, it made perfect sense and completely fit into the story, but I didn't see it coming. Definitely helped keep me interested in wanting to find out what happens next. It does have a little bit of what I like to call "second book syndrome" -- most of the book involves dealing with the first book and setting up the third book, but with the reveals and other developments it was a solid book in its own right.
I read this after the companion novella, and I am completely gripped by this story. This is a really good YA story. This is Reagan's story, and all in all, the series will keep you wanting to read...I find myself wanting to see how Rafe progresses and what is the outcome for him. A gripping story that leaves you wanting more.
Chasing Shadows continues right were Chasing Memories leaves off. After escaping a mental hospital and finding out that a family member that was presumed dead is very much alive is the start of her journey of learning what she truly is. From being told that you have witch blood and now werewolf blood coursing through you veins is one thing, but learning that there’s a prophecy involving the fate of the world is something else entirely and Raegan has a hard time wrapping her head around it.
Running for her life and living in very decked out caves is all she can do until her training is completed. She might be powerful with the mixture of blood she possesses but Rafe, the son of the devil himself, is stronger. The story grows more complicated when her mother, father and brother get more involved. There are certain points within the story that say blood is thicker than family, especially if who you thought was family isn’t blood. Then there are certain scenarios where blood isn’t thicker than family, a new family that is.
Where there is heartbreak there is love and a not quite romantic but slowly growing relationship grows between Raegan and a man whose been fighting against this so called evil since he was a child. The relationship between them is not totally defined and you are trying to figure out if these two will even end up together.
The new characters that are introduced are good and each of them has their own story of how they are connected to Rafe. There is one character that Reagan becomes fond of, which is Madeline who has a very troubling past that is closely related to Rafe. Rowan is another character that has faced terrible things head on all do to Rafe as well. One thing that is stated multiple times from different perspectives is how evil Rafe is, but yet very cunning and persuasive. Lots of people have fallen for him and each of them have been scorned by him as well.
What it comes down to is Raegan against Rafe, but a surprise character is thrown in the mix that hopefully puts the odds in Raegan’s favor. The prophecy names one of fire and one of night, those are assumed to be Raegan and her brother. I’m not one for giving away spoilers, but I’ll let you ponder on that.
The sequel seems to go by slowly and by the end of it all questions aren’t given answers to. The pieces are falling together but yet another cliffhanger ending keeps you waiting for what you really want to see. Who is going win, good or evil.
Yet again, I can’t find any major criticisms besides the fact that some of the characters seem to love too quickly and fall out of love too easily. It was an entertaining read and I’ll definitely be looking out for book three.
FOUR moons out of FIVE!
Reviewed for Bit'N Book Promoters - View it on our blog
I was the editor from INDIE Books Gone Wild for Chasing Shadows; so, needless to say, I've read it. I wasn't sure what to expect out of this second book in the series, because the first one was unbelievably awesome. Tia still manages to make me gasp with revelations I never see coming (and I see pretty much everything). Anyway, it released yesterday, and I snagged a copy over on Amazon so I'd have it forever in my digital library. Enough about that, let's move on to the meat of the review.
From a Reader's Perspective: You're gonna get everything you're looking for if you're a fan of teen werewolf stories. There's anger, cool abilities, lots of bacon eating (uh, yum!), and teen crushes run amok. In this book, you're introduced to a prophecy released on humanity by Reagan's great-grandmother. It has to do with the end of the world and two wolves: a red one and a black one (or so we believe from the words - prophecies are shady things). Well, if you read book one in the series, you know Reagan has flaming red hair and shifts into a wolf with a red pelt. You'll also know she has a brother. Both youngsters play key parts in book two. A lot of the dangling questions from book one got answered, while more questions arose in book two that I hope get answered in book three (or four, maybe?).
I'm still a huge fan of Reagan's character. She's tough, but has her emo moments where she breaks down and allows herself a temper-tantrum or two. Those were some of my favorite scenes. Watching a person fall apart after they've been strong for so long makes me root for them harder. Heck, I was even deeply vested in the secondary characters. I can't wait to read more about the other members of the pack in future books. Mom, Susie, redeemed herself in this book, and we see where she was coming from in Chasing Memories.
I adore the love interest (he's a good guy, not a bad boy), and can't wait to see where the tide rolls him and Reagan. There's a big cliffhanger in this book that left me gasping for air and screaming when I couldn't turn the page to read more. It was awesome.
From an Editor's Perspective: Gosh, I hope we caught all the little errors. If you see something we missed, kindly let us know. There should be very few, if any.
Rating: +1 Star for answering questions I had about stuff that happened in Chasing Memories +1 Star for surprising me again and again +1 Star for showing me so much about werewolf culture and making my jaw drop in the end +1 Star for giving me likeable characters I could root for +1 Star for editing. I suppose you could say I'm giving this to myself, but you'll see. Overall, 5 out of 5 stars. Recommended for fans of YA Paranormal who love twists and turns.
There is no second book slump in CHASING SHADOWS, book 2 in Tia Silverthorne Bach’s Tala Prophecy series!
What we do get is MORE… more action, more character development, more questions answered, and more of the story. The author refreshes our memory quickly and then dives right into the action.
This is exactly how I like my middle books to read. No slumps, more interest, great progression of story line, and an ending that leaves me anxious for MORE.
Another aspect of the author’s (Tia Silverthorne Bach) writing that I enjoy is the consistency of her characters. Most of them act how you would expect them to act based on their history and their development in the story.
For instance, Reagan, the narrator and main character, is great. She is discovering many things about herself, her history, and her role in the prophecy. She is loyal, forgiving, accepting and has had to deal with a lot of crap in her 17 1/2 years of life. I admire that even though she is young she is able to focus on the bigger picture instead of being consumed by her own emotions. Not to say that she doesn’t allow herself a few well deserved breakdowns but she quickly recovers, puts them behind her, and moves on to what needs to be done. I think that her past experience with her mother, psychiatrists, and hospitalizations enables her to accomplish this with what seems to be little effort but you know it is in the background waiting to be dealt with later.
Summary: Chasing Shadows has….
More of everything (action, secrets, werewolves, magic, prophecies, anticipation) Build up to the fast approaching war Love on the back-burner but it’s definitely simmering at the end….
It left me anxiously awaiting book 3. What you need to know….
This is a trilogy. The story continues from book to book. Read book one, CHASING SHADOWS, first. If you enjoy young adult paranormal series with a strong non-annoying female protagonist then you should definitely give this series a try. It’s earned a spot on my to keep and read again paperback shelf and I will be marking my calendar for book 3.
Chasing Shadows is the second book in a three-book series. Many times the second book is slow, or draggy, but not this one. I had hoped to reread the first book before starting this one, but never got around to it. I was not lost or confused, though, since even though the action picks up right where Chasing Memories ends, enough detail was given to refresh my memory. So much happens in this book, and the plot is well developed and sets up the third and final book nicely.
What I liked: Reagan has matured quite a bit, although she is still refreshingly seventeen. She is a strong character, and fits well as the heroine of a YA novel. I loved the new characters we meet, and I even loved when they made me cry. It was so touching to get glimpses through Reagan's eyes of her grandparents interacting with each other, also. I like that Reagan has a new love interest, even though she is wise enough not to pursue a relationship on the brink of a war, it's sweet to see her teenage thoughts about the subject.
What I didn't like: Only one minor point didn't ring true with me. Reagan learns a shocking truth right on top of another shocking truth. (I'm trying not to give spoilers as this is a big one). I know she has matured a lot since the beginning of the first book, but she is still a 17 year old kid. She learns a secret that should shake her sense of identity, and she seems to think about it for a minute, shrug it off, and move on, accepting it as is. Her father has a much more realistic reaction to the news.
I was engrossed in this book right away, and read it in one day. I couldn't believe it was finished when I got to the last page - I needed more! I am anxiously awaiting the third installment in this series.
I loved Chasing Memories, so I was ecstatic to learn that Bach was writing the follow up. When I got a chance to read it, I was happy to see that this second book is as riveting as the first.
This book picks up immediately where the first left off. Reagan is escaping from an institution with her strange new acquaintances, and still coming to terms with her newly minted wolf status. As the plot unfolds, we realize exactly how complicated her situation is... and exactly how much is at stake.
As with the first, her voice is the true strength of the novel. Her perfect teenage-ness carries readers through some action, some sadness, a blossoming love story with grace and humor. Because of the excitement of the story, I just couldn't put this book down! If you love YA, you will love Chasing Shadows! Truly a must read.
Chasing Shadows by Tia Silverthorne Bach is the second book in the Tala series. When Reagan feels her life is over and has lost not only her family, but her mind. Everything starts to become clear. In finding answers, she also finds her way back to her family. Secrets come out and with her future so uncertain, she doesn't realize that everything is coming together. Fate is bringing her life back to her and the love of her life to her. , even if its not the life she once knew.
The second book is just as memorizing and wonderful as the first. This author has amazing talent and that talent continues to shine brighter with every book I have read in this series. Its never dull and I feel that it just couldn't get better with every page I turn, and yet she proves me wrong on every page. I can't wait to see what this author will come out with next. I just love this series.
I had a hard time getting into this book, but once I did, I was carried away by the plot. Reagan is trying to figure out her role in the prophecy. The prophecy that her great-grandmother foretold. With the help of her family and friends Reagan stumbles along, learning all she needs to know. But is it enough? Can she overcome and can she figure out her place? Is it enough and in enough time? Reagan really steps up in this book, she is stronger, she is growing, understanding.
I hadn’t read the first book, when I received the ARC for this book. So I quick grabbed it before reading this. This is a good strong YA Paranormal series. The characters are likable, there is angst, romance, action, all wrapped up into this book.
I did receive this book as a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review that is my own.
This is the 2nd book in the series. This was a good second book. It did follow up with the 1st book quite well.
There were more characters added, in this follow on book. We did learn more of the past of the characters. Reagan & her family have an interesting tale. Reagan is now aware of her 'were wolf' side. She has learned how to transform herself. She and Rowen do like each other, but, have not acted upon anything. They are to involved in hunting down Rafe.
The story is of Reagan's new were wolf family hunting down Rafe and the bad were wolves.
The Tala Prophecy series is definitely worth reading
I have really been enjoying this series of books . The only thing I have to say is everything inns in a cliffhanger that you want an answer to . This book brings us to the characters for whom the prophecy was written we hope . How Reagan can keep holding on to her family and hoping not only to help them heal from the death of her brother but also to mend the relationship between her mother and her grandmother and aunt . I am not sure that is fine had to have the things that happened to her at the hands of her parents that I could be as forgiving . Oh and my hatred for Rafe grows greatly with every book.
Wow, I thought this book was AMAZING! Once I got started it was hard to put the book down. I had to keep on reading to find out what was happening next. Things are starting to heat up with some questions being answered, but more surprises come with those answered questions. I still think that Reagan is such a great main character with her determination and love for her family she is trying to fight someone who is trying to tear her family apart even more. I can not wait to read if things heat up between Reagan and Rowan. He seems to be her rock outside her family. I can not wait to read the third book in this series.
I loved the book. It was just as good as the first. I loved the character of Reagan and how she would do anything for the ones she cared about. Reagan shows true strength in protecting her loved ones and in learning about her new found abilities.The book keeps you hooked from the first page to the very last. I can't wait to read the third book and see how everything plays out with Reagan and the prophecy about her. This is definitely a series I would recommend reading.
This story is so intriguing. I brings you and keeps a hold of you until the end. The character building is wonderful. The writing is strong for a Young Adult novel and it has quite a few moments that made me laugh too. I can't wait for Book 3 and the Novella for this series. It's a great twist on the Paranormal Romance genre. It's got romance, but it's not overdone. Just enough to keep you wanting more and more!
Tia Silverthrone Bach is a master of description and twisting the plot to the point you have no idea what is going on and then leaves it with a cliffhanger! So evil! She is absolutely brilliant.
Chasing Shadows makes you not want to put the book down and then new surprises that blow your mind needing to continue reading until one finds out what happens. Can't wait to read the next book. Luckily I don't have to wait since already out.
So much happens to Reagan she loses almost everything but slowly gets her family back. There is new folks go care about folks to save and things to learn Can she do all that is needed in time to make a difference or is the evil going to win I give this a 5 grudgingly I really want to give it a 10
Tia does a wonderful job with this story. More twists and turns with each chapter. I hope this young girl can fulfill the prophecy and good will out do evil. Rafe sounds like a horrible guy and I am hoping for some redemption. Can't wait to read the next story!
No interruptions between books- it picks up immediately where book 1 ends at full speed. Some interesting developments along the way... Nothing about Rafe's family from book 1, but a lot more is revealed. If you liked book 1 then you will absolutely like this one just as much, maybe more.
Oh my!! The pace of the book picked up...I really had a hard time putting the book down. Very interesting couple of twist. I can't wait for book 3! Hurry, hurry, hurry. Lol
I liked the first book enough to get passed the rocky storyline and confusing way of writing the story, but I couldn't get passed it in the next book.
Spoiler!
Her mom and dad put her in a mental hospital and orderlies have to drug her and drag her out of the house, yet when she sees her mom she's all I love you and her mom is giving her a necklace that's enchanted like her nana did?
It just didn't add up. I needed in this book for things to flow better than the first and be less patchy and all of the place.