Shadows On The Wall

The Immortal World #2

by Shannon A. Hiner

Her memories are missing. She doesn't even know her own name. her master calls her Cameo, but it has never felt right. Her body is held as a slave, forced to hunt her own kind The depraved vampire who has taken her freedom has also convinced her she is weak, and has no where else to go. Over the years, Anthony's bloodlust has strayed into the forbidden: other immortals. When Anthony sends Cameo after a shape shifter named Daniel it becomes clear that he has chosen the wrong victim. Daniel is surrounded by his vampire friends, one called David in particular. Besides being very protective of his friend, David also develops a disconcerting interest in Cameo. As the web of lies spun around Cameo starts to unravel, it isn't only her memories she finds, but her strength and something new too: her anger.

406 pages, Paperback

First published May 27, 2014

About the author

Shannon A Hiner lives in the mountains of Northern California where, she claims, there is a vampire city, a pack of werewolves, and plenty of faeries. She occupies a small parcel of land with her trusty cat, Pangur Ban and a computer fondly known as Raphael. She does not travel without pen and journal.

She has an Associates Degree in Language Arts from Butte College, in Oroville CA.

Upon publishing her first novel, Submerged In Darkness, in 2009, Shannon discovered that she had written the last book in an epic series. Since then, she has embarked upon a quest to write and publish all preceding books.

Reviews

[Krystle Kwiatkowska · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm able to do this review thanks to the author sending me a free copy

Once again, Shannon Hiner impresses with the unique stories she can craft using these classic immortal creatures. This time, with a book focusing on Cameo--who hardly remembers the past week, let alone who she actually is (or was). All she knows is that she is a shape shifter forced to hunt others by a vampire who she calls "master." Things become chaotic, however, when her latest target ends up being friends with another vampire from her past: David. Slowly from there, the truth of everything begins to unravel.

Cameo's story hits you as you watch her become free of the vampire abusing her for some time. The portrayal of how abuse affects not only the victim but those around, as well, is one of the best I have seen and provides an understanding that many may not previously have. Shannon explores the emotional journey of Cameo that is painful but crucial. Even though I haven't been in Cameo's shoes, her story somehow manages to still hit home, which makes me have a deep appreciation for this book.

While the writing isn't as strong as it is later on in "The Immortal World Series," it is still well-done and provides quite a few powerful moments. You see the talent that's within all these books whilst getting to see the progression through each and every one. It's also fun, too, to see characters we're familiar with pop in at times--and catch glimpses of characters we'll get to know in the future.

All-in-all, Shadows On The Wall is a book that I enjoyed reading and was quite moved by. I wasn't anticipating how much Cameo and David would impact me. I came out at the end with my heart full for these characters, and despite it being a serious situation it doesn't leave me feeling hopeless. It leaves me with knowing that even if you believe you are weak, there is a strength in you that can help you beat any adversary.

[Coco.V]

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[OneGirlAThousandLives · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started off really liking this book. I like that the protagonist was very well developed and that you didn't know what her "original look" was until the middle of the book. I enjoyed the layout of the story and its non-linear structure. The author has an ability to play on the readers assumptions.
Cameo & David's story line begins enjoyable, her real identity is right in front of him but he just doesn't see it. There was a lot of room to write more about their relationship and it wasn't pursued. I think the author should have went more in depth with the background of the characters. I also think what exactly happened to Cameo should have been explained a bit more.
The main reason for my low rating on this book was because the last half of the book seemed very rushed. It jumped from one thing to the next without context. There should have been just as much details in the second half of the book as there was in the first half. The fight scenes were built up but ultimately under developed and lacked grandiosity. In my opinion these parts could have been a lot larger in scope and ultimately left the reader wanting more explanation.

[Shannon Hiner]

Rated PG13 for Emotionally Damaged MCs, Betrayal So Deep It Cuts, Morally Ambiguous Love Interests & Unintended Consequences of Revenge Plots.

Amnesiac Shape Shifter seeks the truth of her existence. Vampire tries to mend the mistakes of the past by saving her. Both find the truth more horrible than the lies.

Reader beware, here there be no happy endings.

[Aizlynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and I'm really loving it. The world building setup by Ms. Hiner is really great. The relationships between the different types of immortals are intriguing. Why would there be laws made by vampires protecting shifters? Obviously some mutual gain. The ground work that the author did in the prequel as well as book one really sets Genocide (by the way, who picks Genocide as the name for their town? Hadrian Venaygo, apparently) up as a vampire and immortal utopia.

The controlling relationship between Anthony and Cameo is really messed up. She is kept in a state of subservience that is unnatural for anyone, let alone such a powerful shifter. The way she breaks free from Anthony and ultimately deals with him is very satisfying. There is love and heartbreak a plenty in this book. There is no happily ever after for anyone, yet. Hoping to see some bright light coming in the rest of the series.

There were small editing mistakes but nothing that took me out of the story.

[Sarah Green-Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so much enjoy The Immortal World's characters. They drive me crazy and make me want to punch them, then they make me happy again. Such human characters (which is funny, since none of them are actually... well... human.)

I absolutely loved the premise of this story. It sucked me in quickly!

[Susan Klipp · Rating 4 out of 5]

All dark and achy in the best way.

[Mel Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two has so many interesting shadows and secrets that it’s a great read. It was great to have a new perspective and to see into the vampire/shifter dynamics more. I can’t help but sit back in awe as the layers of this world slowly unfold to the reader.

Shapeshifter Cameo is not everyone’s cup of tea (not that she tries to be), but her journey to self discovery is one that makes you cheer for her success. It’s impossible not to sympathise with her as she tries to unravel the web of lies and betrayal.

There is love, fight scenes and so much more. Highly recommend.

But be warned... that ending gave me so many emotions.

[Michelle Hauser · Rating 5 out of 5]

So to start off the book is completely amazing, however the ending was a tad bit depressing and seemed as if it was rushed at the end. The second installment to Shadows on The Wall is a must read for any teen or adult. Cameo's story is a true discovery of herself and what lies within her new world.

[Haley Lausier · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second of this series, I personally found myself having trouble connecting to our main character, Cameo. (Should note that I have a friend who just loves her.) But, the author writes such a compelling story, with twists, turns, and endless second-guessing that I honestly hardly noticed. Not to mention she gives beautiful side characters that are just to die for, whom you can’t help but love and want to know more about. I think my most favorite part of this installment of the series would be that the author clearly demonstrates her ability to wrap you up in an adventure with giving you JUST enough to keep you guessing.