Secret Shadows

by J.J. Otis

Her sister’s death wasn’t an accident.

Armed with a family journal full of secrets and wielding a newfound ability to see the dead, visually impaired, Nori joins a supernatural secret society at her university to unearth answers. But as she endures dangerous trials to join the Order of the Shadows, Nori becomes the new target of her sister’s killer. Now, evading attacks from vengeful spirits, hellhounds, a demonic giant owl, and vampires are a daily battle for Nori. Not to mention, avoiding an enigmatic half angel who opposes her initiation into the Order.

However, Nori’s attempts to elude the half angel fail as escalating campus threats thrust them together. Soon he not only becomes someone she can depend on, but the one who could help her uncover the truth.

Unfortunately, time is running out for Nori to unravel all the puzzles hidden in the journal. To make matters worse, her sister’s secrets bind Nori to an ancient artifact that, if left in the wrong hands, will allow demons to rise and consume the world.

Afraid she’s not good enough to protect the world, Nori resists her destiny. But when a demon brutally attacks her and her best friend vanishes, Nori confronts her deepest fears and resolves to prove her worth, no matter the cost.

Check out Secret Shadows today if you crave strong female protagonists like Bree in Legendborn by Tracy Deonn and the mystery and secret societies of Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. Secret Shadows is a Paranormal Fantasy that delivers a captivating blend of disability representation, mystery, secret societies, slow burn romance, and supernatural intrigue

Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2025

About the author

J.J. is a visually impaired Michigan based author. In 1999, J.J. received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with an emphasis on creative writing from Western Michigan University. When she’s not writing, J.J. loves escaping into the fantastical world of books, listening to music, and spending time with her family.
CONNECT WITH JJ
Website: www.jjotis.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jjotisauthor/

Reviews

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Due to recent events and lack of accountability, this will be the last ARC I’ll pull from BookSirens.

——-

I think I’ve said it enough but I’ll say it again. I love secret societies especially when in elite academic settings. This book has not only one, but two! Say less.

This book follows Nori (which isn’t that an adorable nickname for Eleanor?) as she navigates this world of Secret Shadows while trying to figure out her powers - being about to see spirits and the mystery of what *really* happened to her sister. Nori isn’t your typical hero/chosen one, she has a low vision disability known as Aniridia which is when there is partial or complete absence of an iris and she experiences light sensitivity. But not only that, people of this world (and by the author’s note at the end in irl) call her demonic because of her eyes.

It’s an interesting perspective since the author does her best to explain the world through Nori’s eyes. I don't think I’ve read a book that featured a FMC with Aniridia. Blind, yes, wears glasses, yes. But not this. I can’t say enough how much I loved learning about this. Nori gives a great explanation.

But also. This is a mundane current world with magic, magical creatures exist and they kind of interact with the human world. My obscure knowledge of Demon Princes came in handy 😉. My goodness, the twists and turns! Just when I thought I knew what was going on, the plot would take a hard left.

Thank you to JJ Otis for the ARC, I can’t wait to see where this goes!

[Lynette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nori is a college student with a condition that affects her eyesight. If that isn't enough of a challenge, she's also grieving the death of her sister. It was a car accident, or was it? Someone anonymously gives her evidence that it may have been murder, and now she has even more to deal with. Oh, and ever since her sister's death she can see ghosts and other supernatural beings. Secret societies, ancient journals, mimic demons who can appear as anyone, a deadly disease infecting the supernaturals, and the handsome, but enigmatic Asher just pile on more and more complications.

I would have liked to give this one 3 1/2 stars. My main reason for that is because the book is in serious need of editing. There were lots of misspelled words and missing words. Also, there were some continuity issues and timeline issues. I had to turn back several pages multiple times because the characters would be in one location, having a conversation. Then, all of the sudden, they were either somewhere completely different or the main character was suddenly alone and elsewhere.

However, all of the editing issues aside, it was a decent story. It does read a bit like a YA novel. I don't usually read YA books (I'm over 50). But, I enjoyed the story enough that I want to read the second book in the series. The author did a great job of keeping me guessing about who the mimic is. I honestly still have no idea. I guess I'll find out in the next book. I also appreciated the fact that it was a "clean" story. Meaning, no real swearing, graphic sexual content, etc. There was violence and death but not much in the way of gory descriptions. It goes to prove that you can write a good book without including large amounts of adult-type content and gore.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good story about a secret society, supernatural creatures and a kick a$$ heroine! This urban fantasy series was such a book. I learned about the various ranges of eye blindness and that the person is capable of extraordinary actions. I read through this book like a movie. I could picture the fighting scenes, I felt Nori’s fear when they were about to be attacked by another supernatural creature and when she felt sadness over the reminders of her sister’s deaths. I felt there was no one Nori could trust. Even when the person proved themself it was easy to doubt their sincerity. I still have many questions after finishing this book and I will be on the lookout for more of this series.

[Kreah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read a paranormal book in a while, and this was delightful. It starts slow, but pacing picks up about halfway through. I do wish there was more resolution, but I understand that this is the first in a series, so ending on a cliffhanger is necessary to keep readers interested. It was also interesting learning about Aniridia Syndrome throughout the book. There are some typos, but nothing that makes the book unreadable. Overall, it’s a 4 star read for me.

I received an advance review copy for free and am reviewing it voluntarily.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret Shadows is Book 1 in the Order of the Shadows Duology by JJ Otis. I thought it was perfect having a main character that is not "perfect" by the world's standard, she has limited vision and is fantastic. I also thought it was great that her "abilities" started after her sister died. In my opinion, this is a very good fantasy although it is a longer book. Nori grows and changes while making friends with supernatural abilities. This is definitely a good versus evil story but, I can't wait to see what happens next. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Briana Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a hidden gem this was. This book sucked me right in, and I devoured it from start to finish. The characters are incredibly multi-faceted, and the story and world it is set in are both incredibly original. I absolutely cannot wait for the next one in this series. Fans of Discovery of Witches will absolutely LOVE this book - like I did!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sanela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a real page turner. Great book, good world and story bulding. Kept me Looking forward for part two.

[Angela Hoehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an advanced readers copy through book sirens.

I had mixed feelings about this book but the last half of the book kind of saved it, in my opinion. I was leaning toward a 3/3.5 but the last 30% of the book changed my mind.

The biggest issue was that I had just finished Legendborn and seeing as how this book said if you liked books like Legendborn then you’d like this book I immediately picked it up. However, the first half of the book, especially, felt very similar. The magic system is different and the secret societies are kind of different but I just couldn’t help comparing the two. I am not deducting stars for this though because had I not just read the other book I know I would have really enjoyed this one on its own merit. Just maybe to other readers don’t read them back to back ;)

Another issue I had was the romance, again, especially the first half, felt really awkward and forced. I really couldn’t relax into that part of the storyline at all, even at the end it just felt a little weird to me.

The last issue I had I didn’t deduct anything for because I got an ARC and I expect there to be some typos and stuff but this copy had a lot of typos and missing words and awkward sentences and it really took away from the story. Hopefully when this book comes out those little issues are cleaned up.

Overall I did enjoy the story and am looking forward to seeing what happens next. It was a fun, quick, read and I think anyone who enjoys mystery and fantasy reads about secret societies would enjoy this book.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
No Spice

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book is an “Oh my Goodness! What else could happen?!?” book. I was on the edge of my seat for most of it. It’s packed full of magic and mystery and turmoil. The MFC doesn’t know who to trust. It’s a constant gut-churning read.

The MFC doesn’t have a very high opinion of herself when it comes to her abilities, but she is strong, determined, and brave. Eleanor’s sister, Val has died and she is trying to deal with her grief. Eleanor (Nori) also has a visual impairment, which she’s learned to navigate quite nicely through life with, but it still is a disadvantage for her. She’s borrowed this impairment from the author. I love it when an author pulls in parts of their real life to add depth to a character. You can trust that their facts are accurate.

I also liked how the author shared pieces of Val’s journal throughout the book, giving the reader knowledge about certain creatures/beings/magic in the book as the MFC learns it. Nori finds that Val may not have died the way she was told and will stop at nothing to find out what happened to her. As she navigates her way through the clues Val has left her, and learning who she can trust, Eleanor learns more than she bargains for and is faced with HUGE decisions that will alter the course of her life.

As previously mentioned, there’s no “spice” in the book, however there is some angst and heavy kissing.

The book also ends on a HUGE cliffhanger!! I can’t wait to read book 2!!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret Shadows by JJ Otis is a thrilling ride that seamlessly blends paranormal adventure with rich, authentic disability representation. As a medical professional, I was especially impressed by how the book portrayed Nori’s experience with Aniridia syndrome and Oscar’s hearing impairment. It’s rare to see such nuanced, accurate depictions of these conditions in fiction, and it was both refreshing and rewarding to see a story that educates as much as it entertains.

Nori herself is an absolute standout—tough, clever, and undeniably badass. The world Otis builds is expansive and filled with all the supernatural creatures you could hope for: ghosts, angels, demons, hellhounds, fae, werewolves, vampires, and more. The pacing is fantastic, and I was constantly on the edge of my seat as the suspense built. Just when I thought I had the plot figured out, a twist would come along and leave me reeling.

And did I mention there are not one but two secret societies? Otis has crafted a story that’s not only fast-paced and fun but also layered with intrigue and mystery. I can’t wait for the next book already! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a gripping, diverse, and thoroughly entertaining paranormal fantasy read.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Baddiewitabook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nori is such a badaxx! Although she had her own struggles she stayed resilient and focused on getting the answers she needed and deserved. The author jumped right into, no long drawn out unnecessary information. She set the tone from the first page and left me wanting more. I empathized with Nori. No two people are alike, so despite someone’s outward appearance, everyone deserves to be treated fairly and with kindness. I love how she was always willing to educate people when it came to what makes her different instead of just accepting their ignorance. Things that would have earned the fifth star: I would have liked to read about how the women in Nori’s family obtained their gifts. Was it genetic? Or a curse put on one of her ancestors hundreds of years ago? I’d love to see Nori and Asher’s relationship develop into more. There’s clearly an unspoken attraction! I want to know more about the order as well. How far back does it go? Adding more suspense and intense interactions with the supernaturals would make this a better read as well. Besides that, the author did a great job and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you for giving me a great paranormal body of work while also educating me!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tales with Atticus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secret Shadows is a thrilling paranormal fantasy full of mystery, danger, and supernatural intrigue. From the very first chapter, I was pulled into Nori’s story, a visually impaired college student grieving her sister’s death while being thrust into a hidden world of ghosts, demons, and secret societies. The disability representation is authentic and adds real depth, making Nori a standout heroine who is brave, determined, and relatable.

The action never lets up, between mimic demons, hellhounds, and secret trials, the suspense kept me hooked. I loved how her sister’s journal was woven into the narrative, slowly revealing pieces of the puzzle and adding layers to the mystery. The worldbuilding is expansive and imaginative, filled with everything from angels to vampires, and it always kept me guessing about who could be trusted.

This is a captivating start to a series that blends high-stakes supernatural battles with heartfelt character moments. If you enjoy strong heroines, slow-burn romance, and secret societies with plenty of twists, Secret Shadows is absolutely worth picking up. I’ll be eagerly awaiting the sequel!

[Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the story. The different creatures/characters and magic system(s) were well thought out and intriguing. Loved the challenges the characters were put through as well. I will say the "woe is me" attitude the FMC had towards the end of the book was a bit tiring but I also feel like I can relate with my personal mental status sometimes. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop or for there to be a crazy twist so for it to end the way it did was a little lackluster.

I personally had difficulty keeping track of the relationships between characters and how they related to the FMC, however that could definitely be intrinsic to me as a reader.

I would have loved to see more twist and turns in the end and not new information that was provided prior in the text. I also predicted a few of the events that occurred. I am very excited to see more development of the character relationships and how FMC steps into the role she entered at the end of the book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Molly Persson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret Shadows - J.J Otis
5✨
I am in love with this book! I can’t find a single thing I disliked no matter how hard I try. I love the show Supernatural and this book gives those vibes! Except I can’t tell you who the bad guys are, I don’t know who to trust! Anyway, I love that Otis is giving awareness to Aniridia Syndrome and educating us on it. And the fact that Otis herself has Aniridia Syndrome makes is “chef’s kiss” Because who better to explain how to live with it, than someone who does?
The lore in this book is so in depth! I loved the parts from the Hattaway House Journal, it gives us an insight into the lore and we don’t have to leave confused and with millions of questions about all the creatures. Now here is what you can expect from this book,
🔮 Supernatural vibes
🔮Secret societies
🔮Trials
🔮Demons and other monsters
🔮SLOW burn
🔮Disability rep
🔮Journal entries
🔮Strong FMC
🔮He falls first
So go get this book NOW on amazon 💕
Thank you Booksirens and J.J Otis for this ARC, I am leaving this review voluntarily💕

[Shelly Neinast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paranormal secrets

I usually don't read books about witches, werewolves, and demons, but the synopsis sounded interesting. The book surprised me and even though it started out as a slow burn, it did pick up the pace about midway through.

I did like the storyline as it was different than the usual urban fantasy books.

The characters were presented in a strong expressive realism especially the protagonist Nori.

I liked the fact that she was written in the story having a real life eye disease which made her more real as a character.

Explaining the disease at the end of the book was helpful as I had never heard of that disease.

The protagonist worked around her problem and got through the day.

The Book ended with a Cliff hanger and I would like to read the next book in the series as this one was book 1.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lyndi (mibookobsession) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading about a string female protagonist, and Nori struggles with even more than most. She's visually impaired but gains the ability to see the dead after losing her sister. Left with a family journal full of secrets and an ancient artifact she must protect, she endures the trials to enter her university's secret society, the Order of Shadows. At every turn, she's thrown together with the man who didn't want her in the order, Asher.
This story is unique and full of action, I honestly couldn't put it down! The pacing stared out a bit slow with the world building, but then it was non-stop gripping action. I like seeing the interactions between Nori and Asher change as the story continued and I can't wait to read the next book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kendra M Layden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! What a wild ride. Supernatural Secret Societies? Count me in! I love the concept of the story, and I had a hard time finding a stopping point when I needed to sleep or do other tasks. I suggest blocking out a good chunk of time before reading this book, as you will not want to stop. I thought the writing and world building were so creative and intriguing. The pacing was very steady. It was hard to find a lull, and as a said before, a stopping point. In turn, I could barely put this book down. And now that it's a duology, I am sad that I have to wait for the next book! I will be anxiously waiting for the next one in the series.

I definitely recommend this book, and even though I received this book for free, I want to buy copies for my friends and family. I definitely want to read more from this author as well.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[T.J. Kash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Nori is just like every urban fantasy FMC, special and for the first time in a long while (and oh so many books) it worked to me. I loved black coloured eyes growing up, until I learned it meant visual impairment (still love them though.) so reading about someone with them was beautiful. I can't believe people think of them as demon eyes.

Anyway , I loved how the author incorperated her struggles so naturally in the book. Loved the world setting and we'll thought out magical system. Some things were predictable but what isn't these days. The story was good and so was the pacing. I couldn't put it down.

[Robert Foland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret Shadows is a well-crafted paranormal mystery that crosses over into romance as well. Author J. J. Otis created an amazing world where the paranormal clashes with the "normal." This world filled with strong women and men who fight to keep the best of both groups safe from harm. The task is a large one. The storyline is captivating. Though a lengthy book, it never becomes bogged down with superfluous details. J. J. Otis makes every word have meaning. Enjoyable, intense, and loaded with an amazing cast of characters. Every page is an enjoyable addition to the story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book from the start. There are so many mysteries and twist and turns! Full of magic and secret societies! This book is paranormal, supernatural, action packed, romance and drama all wrapped up in one and it was perfect executed. An addictive read from start to finish. I caught myself thinking about this book throughout my day. Ready to get home to get more reading done. If witches, werewolves, demons, angels, mimics and so much more, is your thing. You will absolutely love this book. I cannot wait for the next book. I NEED to know who the mimic is!! I NEED to get book two asap!!

[Andra Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret Shadows is the first book in the Order of the Shadows series. The storyline is captivating the characters are unperfect, believable, and engaging. With paranormal supernatural action, drama, a budding romance that feels like fate, suspense, twists, and more, it is such a compelling story that I did not want to put it down. A girl has to sleep. Saying more would include spoilers. There is a bit of a cliffhanger ending, so on to the next book in the series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sabrina Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret Shadows is book 1 from the series of Order of the Shadows. When reading this book it didn't seem like it was the first book of the series as it starts where it seems like it has ended from another book. It covers the murder mystery of Nori's sister and she gift in magic. College life, murder, magic, and being almost blind what else could happen to her? I look forward to reading more from this series as it had drawn me into the book where I do not want to let it down. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic storyline! I read a lot of paranormal stories and this one is different from the rest. I really enjoyed it, couldn't put it down actually. Lots of branches, I could see this going into a big series if the author wants to. Clear storyline with lots of options to branch off into other areas. I had not read anything by this author but I am going back now and see what I can find. I never give 5 stars because I don't believe anyone is perfect but I really wish I could give 4 3/4 stars on this one!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Keisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was a slow start, but it does pick up around midway. I enjoyed reading a book with a character that was not "perfect", due to a condition. Nori grew and changed as the book progressed and I love to see character progression in a book. I was not expecting a book in the supernatural/paranormal category to keep my attention but I was sucked in. I will be looking forward to more!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sooo good! Ghost, vampires, werewolves, demons, hellhounds, fae; it has it all. World building is great. Great suspense building...it sucked me in and held me to the end. Cannot wait to the second book! Thank you, Ms. Otis, for a wonderful time.

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! From start to finish, I couldn't put it down! If you enjoy supernatural and a sense of humor, you'll be thinking the same thing. The mysterious storyline and attention to detail engroses the experience. It is a must read, I'm looking forward to reading more!!

[Galina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was definitely a decent book, young adults trying to find their way in the world mixed with magical secret societies. Also provided some insight into a disability that I never knew existed so that is pretty cool. Curious to see what happens in book 2.

Thank you Booksirens for the ARC!

[Babs Fernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the storyline. The characters building was wonderfully made. Just imagine waking up one morning and suddenly you can see spirits. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.