The Dead Shadow

by Céline Domenech, Paul Newman

This hilarious magical adventure has it all, from an owl mad for rodent snacks to a clairvoyant with raging ADHD. Perfect for fans of Terry Pratchett and Jonathan Stroud who are looking for a new comedic YA fantasy to sink their teeth in to!

“She wasn’t going to let a little thing like not knowing what she was up against put her off.”

Magical troubles are out of control all over the world, injuring magicians and Earthlings alike. But these instances keep being covered up and denied by the authorities.

When an influential Nekros magician and his magical Shadow disappear while trying to uncover the truth, an unlikely crew are drawn an Earthling teenager, a secretive woman known as ‘the clairvoyant’, and a Shadow, who spends most of his time bragging to his magician – he’s just like that.

Driven by revenge, shiny things, and sarcasm, the group slowly converge, and when they meet, they will change the world – if the authorities don’t get to them first.

Genres: Fantasy

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2025

Reviews

[Megan Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 for Céline Domenech and Paul Newman’s The Dead Shadow

I will start off as always by stating this review is my personal opinion, yours may differ.

First of all, you’ve made me fall in love with a purple shadow… the way he is written is just perfection! He is sarcastic, witty, and I had real fun reading his perspective!

I love every single character in this book and how the authors have managed to use words to create this fully formed image of each of them in my head is just amazing…

Somethings I did feel confused about, but the Epilogue put everything into place and had me in a chokehold.. that kind of cliffhanger should be ILLEGAL!

I really enjoyed the style of writing, it was very Pratchett-esk, especially mixed with the humour. I just love this book! I need to know if there is a second one because I need my HEA!

This is a real fantasy quest! No romance, no spice, just a pure world of fantasy of magic, magicians and shadows! I loved the unique magic narrative with the shadows as a part of it! We also have an ancient prophecy of sorts, like a myth that comes to light the more you read.

It’s been a while since I read a purely fantasy based book, and I enjoyed every second!

[Claire Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

"She wasn't going to let a little thing like not knowing what she was up against put her off."

The Dead Shadow is an imaginative, cosy fantasy that thrives on its sharp contrasts—dark threats collide with humour, and unlikely companions find themselves pulled into a world-shaking conspiracy. Celine Domenech and Paul Newman have crafted a story that is both entertaining and multi-layered, with magicians, Shadows, and Earthlings tangled together in ways that feel fresh.

One thing I especially enjoyed was the eccentric cast: the purple Shadow provided comic relief against the darker backdrop of vanishing magicians and dangerous truths. The clairvoyant was enigmatic and compelling, and the Earthling teenager brought a grounding note, reminding us of the vulnerability at stake when magic spills over into the ordinary world. Together, they made for a bizarre but endearing crew.

The Dead Shadow is an engaging and original story, one that blends humour, heart, and danger in a way that makes it hard to put down. It’s a strong start with plenty of promise, and I’ll be watching eagerly to see where the shadows lead next.

Final verdict: A clever, quirky fantasy that balances danger with wit—uneven in places but ultimately rewarding.

[ByakuRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time getting a review copy of this book, and I am excited to devour it. (Yayy!!)

We are invited to dive into the world of magic with various clans. Each clan has its own characteristics, namely magic with representative colors, along with its Shadow. What is a shadow? Shadow is an intermediary entity for magicians to perform illusions and magical powers. Only magicians who are bound by a contract with a shadow can see and hear, but there are exceptions such as Helena, who is able to communicate with various shadows from various clans.

The story begins with the mysterious disappearance of Andronikos while handling a case. Alexis, Pamphilos, Helena and Rhode, assisted by Andronikos' butler, Chares are working together to look for clues.

Will they succeed?

Honestly, the plot is interesting and kinda reminds me of the Bartimaeus trilogy, and I can say the sassyness of Alexis's Shadow is entertaining(?).

My favorite character here is Alexis. I like characters that everyone can rely on, and don't act rashly (although his shadow is a bit rash).


Good job with the debut novel.

[Bethreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all thank you so much in trusting me with your book, I have absolutely loved every second of it and I am so grateful.

This is a cosy fantasy read with Terry pratchett vibes which you will love.

I loved the style of writing, easy to follow and I didn't want to put it down.

This book gives you a whole world of fantasy, magic and shadows. There are alot of characters but they are easy to follow and so fun there is humour and comedy especially from the purple shadow. There is so much mystery to keep you wanting more.

This book is about a group of magicians which form a group (alliance) and bringing magical strands, but one of the group goes missing, this is when the mission begins. As they are investigating they find a girl with magical powers but she's very mysterious and strange.

The group ends up in fights, with mysteries along the way. The story is focusing on the shadow which is someone who passed away and now guides future generations of magicians. For me the shadow was my favourite character with humour, and being so sarcastic.

But Oh My Gosh what an ending please tell me there is going to be a book 2 because I need it like right now 😂

[literary_simone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was on the slower side at first and it took me a little while to get into the story and figure out who was who. But then this is something I often experience with fantasy.

The world-building was really interesting to me and felt quite original. We’re dropped into a world of magicians and earthlings, where every magician is tied to a Shadow that grants them power. The plot follows a group on the search for a missing magician. Along the way they rescue a special girl who can wield magic without the help of a Shadow.

What makes the book especially fun is that it’s told from the perspective of a Shadow. One who’s sarcastic, cocky, and pretty hilarious. That unique POV added a fresh twist and definition drew me in.

Overall this was a fun read with a creative concept. I only wish it had drawn me in quicker.

So therefore:
3.75/5 ⭐️

I received a free ARC of this book. All all thoughts are my own.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dead Shadow is a wild and imaginative fantasy adventure that grabbed my attention straight away. Between magical chaos, secret plots, and a band of unlikely allies, the story keeps you guessing while delivering plenty of humor along the way.

The characters are what make this shine—each one has their quirks, but the Shadow’s sharp wit and playful arrogance stole the show for me. There are a lot of personalities to keep track of, yet they balance each other well and bring real energy to the journey.

The story slows down in places, but I didn’t mind because it gave me more time to enjoy the world and the characters. It’s a mix of adventure, humor, and a little bit of heart, and it left me smiling. If you like quirky magic and a found family vibe, you’ll enjoy this one.

[Lorna Bromwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A group of magicians form a guild, bringing together one of each of the magical strands. When one of the group goes missing, they try to investigate, and along the way, they rescue an unusual girl with magical powers. They get up to some shenanigans, get into some fights, and follow some mysteries with a bit of a twist at the end. The story is told from the POV of a magician's shadow (essentially the ghost of a magician who now guides future generations). The shadow is sarcastic and comedically cocky, providing a humourous narration. There are quite a lot of characters to follow, but they are all quite different and provide a variety of personalities to the story. If you're looking for a slower paced cosy fantasy read with in-depth descriptions and a laid-back style (Terry pratchett vibes), then give this a try.

Themes
✨️Unusual Magic System 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒Found Family
👻Shadow Spirits 😂Comedic Value
🌀Magical Misadventures

with thanks to the authors for access to this eARC

[Zia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very unique, original and funny story. I really enjoyed the characters and the lore but felt it lacked some important world building. I would definitely be excited to read book 2 and see where the story goes.

[Cecilie Jøhnk · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far enjoying it! It's got that Pratchetty way of interrupting itself, and a loudmouthed mind reader reminds me in the sudden trouble she creates of Don Rosa.

[Ashley (ashbash_92) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, the character build was awesome. Shadows, magic, humans and a clairvoyant what else do you need or want ☺️

Loved the characters and the build of the story