What do you think?
Rate this book
Shadow and Light #1
Into Shadow
She’s nineteen. The President’s daughter. They want her dead.
Poppy’s father may be the President of the North American Alliance, but that just makes her a target for those wishing to topple the regime.
Barely escaping with her life, she must travel across a country ravaged by war and climate change to seek safety amongst a people who only recently opposed her. There she must use every skill learned from her military upbringing to survive terrifying beasts, deadly plant life, and lawless gangs before finally finding a group willing to accept her.
But her peace soon proves to be illusory. It’s not only the government that wants her dead now.
Into Shadow is the first book in the young adult dystopian Shadow and Light series. Fast-paced with great world-building and a fantastic female lead, T.D. Shields has created a book all lovers of young adult dystopian novels will enjoy.
Poppy’s father may be the President of the North American Alliance, but that just makes her a target for those wishing to topple the regime.
Barely escaping with her life, she must travel across a country ravaged by war and climate change to seek safety amongst a people who only recently opposed her. There she must use every skill learned from her military upbringing to survive terrifying beasts, deadly plant life, and lawless gangs before finally finding a group willing to accept her.
But her peace soon proves to be illusory. It’s not only the government that wants her dead now.
Into Shadow is the first book in the young adult dystopian Shadow and Light series. Fast-paced with great world-building and a fantastic female lead, T.D. Shields has created a book all lovers of young adult dystopian novels will enjoy.
Paperback
First published January 4, 2015
47 people are currently reading
762 people want to read
About the author
T.D. Shields
4 books26 followersPeople who know me have asked how on earth I find time to write. After all I have a full-time job, weekend contract work, a husband and four kids to take care of, so where does time to write fit in? Luckily, I'm a bit of an insomniac and my most productive hours are between midnight and five a.m. - It's the perfect time to write! If I tried to go to sleep I'd just be laying there writing a story in my head to entertain myself; so why not just write it down instead?
I have been writing stories in my head for as long as I can remember. I'm an avid reader, but if I find myself without a book handy I can pass the time by just writing a new story (or continuing an old one). Even though I've had the stories in my head for all these years, I never quite took the plunge into writing them down to share with others. The idea of letting other people into that private world in my imagination was just too scary. What if they're bored? What if they laugh? Worse, what if I'm trying to be funny and they DON'T laugh?
My sister finally convinced me to give it a try and I first wrote this book just for her. It was months before I expanded that audience to include some more beta readers. But having run the book through a few test audiences now, I finally feel like it's ready to share with rest of the world. Even though I wrote the book, I'll tell you honestly that I still love to read it; it's just a really fun read. I hope you'll read it and enjoy it, too!
I have been writing stories in my head for as long as I can remember. I'm an avid reader, but if I find myself without a book handy I can pass the time by just writing a new story (or continuing an old one). Even though I've had the stories in my head for all these years, I never quite took the plunge into writing them down to share with others. The idea of letting other people into that private world in my imagination was just too scary. What if they're bored? What if they laugh? Worse, what if I'm trying to be funny and they DON'T laugh?
My sister finally convinced me to give it a try and I first wrote this book just for her. It was months before I expanded that audience to include some more beta readers. But having run the book through a few test audiences now, I finally feel like it's ready to share with rest of the world. Even though I wrote the book, I'll tell you honestly that I still love to read it; it's just a really fun read. I hope you'll read it and enjoy it, too!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 18, 2018
Wow, great story
Into Shadow by TD Shields is a book that starts out one way then flips and goes another. I didn't expect except it. This was a great book of political intrigue and murder than jumps to survival mode with packs of people in ruined and abandoned cities, mutated plants and animals, and some crazed people. This is the story of the President's daughter as she tries to survive. Great science fiction, action, adventure, political thriller, and a touch of romance.
Into Shadow by TD Shields is a book that starts out one way then flips and goes another. I didn't expect except it. This was a great book of political intrigue and murder than jumps to survival mode with packs of people in ruined and abandoned cities, mutated plants and animals, and some crazed people. This is the story of the President's daughter as she tries to survive. Great science fiction, action, adventure, political thriller, and a touch of romance.
February 1, 2015
Okay, full disclosure here, I wrote the book. (No wonder I gave it five stars!) But completely honestly, I think it's a lot of fun and I think you should give it a try! There’s action, excitement, politics, drama… and just a touch of (clean) romance. Enjoy!
“Into Shadow” takes a look at what the world could be like in another 200 years or so. There are high points (incredible advances in technology)… and low points (cities in ruins after years of world wars and climate change). In the middle of that we drop Poppy Walker and watch as she deals with both the highs and the lows.
It’s 2259 and the entire planet has been changed by the melting of the polar ice sheets. As the land was overrun by water, some countries were running out of room for their populace. The need for more land eventually led to the 3rd World War – a global conflict that lasted for thirty years and drastically changed the political landscape along with the physical environment. Many countries banded together for protection and power, including the former countries of Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America, which are now collectively known as the North American Alliance.
The North American Alliance is led by President Walker: a war hero, a widower, and a father. With no wife to act as First Lady, his twelve-year-old daughter Poppy takes on the job and helps her father restore order to the chaotic new world they live in.
As we join the story, Poppy is now nineteen. Without warning, she finds herself caught in the middle of a government takeover and dodging assassins. She is forced to go on the run without her father and is completely on her own for the first time. To survive, she must call on all the skills she had learned from her safety-conscious, military-minded father.
Running from robotic soldiers (mechs) who are trying to capture her in the streets, Poppy finds an ally who helps her make her way to the war-torn ruins of Denver. Due to several military installations in the area, the city was bombed extensively during the war and largely reduced to rubble. The destruction was so complete that the area, like many cities attacked during the war, was deemed uninhabitable and the evacuated citizens never returned. But what few people know is that the neglected cities are not empty after all. Poppy will have to learn to survive the terrifying beasts, deadly plant life, and fierce rebels who now live in the shadows of the abandoned city.
“Into Shadow” takes a look at what the world could be like in another 200 years or so. There are high points (incredible advances in technology)… and low points (cities in ruins after years of world wars and climate change). In the middle of that we drop Poppy Walker and watch as she deals with both the highs and the lows.
It’s 2259 and the entire planet has been changed by the melting of the polar ice sheets. As the land was overrun by water, some countries were running out of room for their populace. The need for more land eventually led to the 3rd World War – a global conflict that lasted for thirty years and drastically changed the political landscape along with the physical environment. Many countries banded together for protection and power, including the former countries of Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America, which are now collectively known as the North American Alliance.
The North American Alliance is led by President Walker: a war hero, a widower, and a father. With no wife to act as First Lady, his twelve-year-old daughter Poppy takes on the job and helps her father restore order to the chaotic new world they live in.
As we join the story, Poppy is now nineteen. Without warning, she finds herself caught in the middle of a government takeover and dodging assassins. She is forced to go on the run without her father and is completely on her own for the first time. To survive, she must call on all the skills she had learned from her safety-conscious, military-minded father.
Running from robotic soldiers (mechs) who are trying to capture her in the streets, Poppy finds an ally who helps her make her way to the war-torn ruins of Denver. Due to several military installations in the area, the city was bombed extensively during the war and largely reduced to rubble. The destruction was so complete that the area, like many cities attacked during the war, was deemed uninhabitable and the evacuated citizens never returned. But what few people know is that the neglected cities are not empty after all. Poppy will have to learn to survive the terrifying beasts, deadly plant life, and fierce rebels who now live in the shadows of the abandoned city.
Want to read
March 15, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (3/15/2018)!💝
February 5, 2015
With the verbal brush-strokes of a Renaissance artist, T.D. Shields crafts a vivid picture of a world two centuries in the future. Thousands of books are given such a setting, but it takes a skilled author to immerse us in that world without weighing the story down in descriptions.
Set in heart of the former United States after decades of global war and economic change, Into Shadow pulls you in immediately as we are introduced to nineteen-year-old Poppy Walker, the First Lady and daughter of the President, whose life takes a turn for the tragic after a violent coup leaves her without a home and running for her life.
But Poppy is no soft, spoiled aristocrat. Possessing a toughness and a resilience that belies her diminutive height, Poppy not only escapes to but is able to survive on her own in the shattered remnants of the city of Denver, a land beset by nasty animals, lethal vegetation and vicious street gangs.
I love stories with strong female characters, and Poppy is such a character. She's tough, fiercely loyal, and takes crap from NO ONE. But she also displays a shy awkwardness and vulnerability that teenage girls will easily identify with and root for.
I would highly recommend Into Shadow to anyone who loves YA fantasy. The second half of Poppy's story, Into Light, cannot come fast enough for me.
Set in heart of the former United States after decades of global war and economic change, Into Shadow pulls you in immediately as we are introduced to nineteen-year-old Poppy Walker, the First Lady and daughter of the President, whose life takes a turn for the tragic after a violent coup leaves her without a home and running for her life.
But Poppy is no soft, spoiled aristocrat. Possessing a toughness and a resilience that belies her diminutive height, Poppy not only escapes to but is able to survive on her own in the shattered remnants of the city of Denver, a land beset by nasty animals, lethal vegetation and vicious street gangs.
I love stories with strong female characters, and Poppy is such a character. She's tough, fiercely loyal, and takes crap from NO ONE. But she also displays a shy awkwardness and vulnerability that teenage girls will easily identify with and root for.
I would highly recommend Into Shadow to anyone who loves YA fantasy. The second half of Poppy's story, Into Light, cannot come fast enough for me.
October 6, 2015
Imagine being betrayed by the very people claiming to love you. What would you do? I can tell you what Poppy, the main character, didn't do. She sure didn't whine about it. She stood up, dusted herself off, and made the best of an awful situation.
Based in the post World War III era, Into Shadow vividly displays how life is like living in the new North American Alliance.
From mutant animals to destroyed cities and corrupt government, this book has it all. And best of all... a strong female character.
I was drawn into the story from the very beginning. Right away the action started, and I couldn't wait to see how the scene played out. The beginning was so good, it carried me through until the end.
I would've liked to have seen a tad more dialogue between certain characters. I think the overall pacing through the middle section would have benefited, which is the only reason I lowered a star because this book is amazing. I cannot wait to find out what happens next. I have a feeling the next installment will be action packed, and I am looking forward to see how Poppy handles everything.
Based in the post World War III era, Into Shadow vividly displays how life is like living in the new North American Alliance.
From mutant animals to destroyed cities and corrupt government, this book has it all. And best of all... a strong female character.
I was drawn into the story from the very beginning. Right away the action started, and I couldn't wait to see how the scene played out. The beginning was so good, it carried me through until the end.
I would've liked to have seen a tad more dialogue between certain characters. I think the overall pacing through the middle section would have benefited, which is the only reason I lowered a star because this book is amazing. I cannot wait to find out what happens next. I have a feeling the next installment will be action packed, and I am looking forward to see how Poppy handles everything.
January 22, 2015
This is a wonderful futuristic story for young adult and adult readers or anyone who likes a great book. The author created a place I have never thought of. Her descriptions are very good and she makes it easy to picture plants, animals, people, and places I have never imagined before. It was easy to get involved with the characters right from the very beginning of the book and soon the characters felt like acquaintances. I am excited for the next book to come out so I can see what happens to everyone. I'm also interested to see what form the government takes next as these characters rebel against corruption
January 19, 2015
Well written start to a post-apocalyptic era of the world, author has a good grasp of people's emotional structure.
The story line is very believeable and will satisfy sci-fi readers and readers that like believeable heroes!
The story line is very believeable and will satisfy sci-fi readers and readers that like believeable heroes!
February 5, 2015
This is a great book. I am a senior and enjoy YA books. This is such a good read. I loved the cover and the story I found inside did not disappoint. The main character is great. The book is well written and a real page turner. Do read this book!! I look forward to more from this author.
April 27, 2015
Perfect Poppy grew up as the “First Lady” of the newly formed government of the North American Alliance; the government that took reign after global warming caused wide flooding, and war decimated half of the USA.
Alongside her father, President Walker, Poppy’s days were filled with publicity events, photo ops and political meetings.
Poppy never understood why her father was so paranoid, why he trained her to be a lethal fighter, or why he installed secret passageways and safe rooms in the White House. That is, until a political dinner they’re both attending is ambushed.
Poppy escapes and is alone for the first time in her life. From being waited on hand and foot, to living in sub-par standards, Poppy is left to defend herself and her territory against things she didn’t even know existed.
In a world where dogs have evolved into scaly, red eyed monsters and snakes have grown to mutant size, the world is one that Poppy and us as readers are unfamiliar with. Not surprisingly, cats are still the same – they’re still entitled bastards.
The world building is immense and takes up the greater part of the story, leaving little room for character development and plot. This isn’t a bad thing in this instance though. It is clear from the beginning that Poppy is a strong and independent girl, someone who would be a great role model for young readers. The plot consists of Poppy learning to live in a brand new world, one she’s not used to.
There’s an element of romance, which I would’ve liked to have been explored in more depth (but I am a sucker for a love story). There is a bit of a cliff-hanger ending, which is some cases can be annoying, but in “Into Shadow”, it satisfied me enough to have closure but still made me want more of the story. I will be hanging on the edge of my seat for the sequel.
Alongside her father, President Walker, Poppy’s days were filled with publicity events, photo ops and political meetings.
Poppy never understood why her father was so paranoid, why he trained her to be a lethal fighter, or why he installed secret passageways and safe rooms in the White House. That is, until a political dinner they’re both attending is ambushed.
Poppy escapes and is alone for the first time in her life. From being waited on hand and foot, to living in sub-par standards, Poppy is left to defend herself and her territory against things she didn’t even know existed.
In a world where dogs have evolved into scaly, red eyed monsters and snakes have grown to mutant size, the world is one that Poppy and us as readers are unfamiliar with. Not surprisingly, cats are still the same – they’re still entitled bastards.
The world building is immense and takes up the greater part of the story, leaving little room for character development and plot. This isn’t a bad thing in this instance though. It is clear from the beginning that Poppy is a strong and independent girl, someone who would be a great role model for young readers. The plot consists of Poppy learning to live in a brand new world, one she’s not used to.
There’s an element of romance, which I would’ve liked to have been explored in more depth (but I am a sucker for a love story). There is a bit of a cliff-hanger ending, which is some cases can be annoying, but in “Into Shadow”, it satisfied me enough to have closure but still made me want more of the story. I will be hanging on the edge of my seat for the sequel.
October 21, 2015
This book was right up my alley. I am one of the millions of people who are no longer a young adult but who still love YA books. “Into Shadow” did not disappoint. Poppy is acting first lady of the country that was created to combine the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Her father is the president- until he is betrayed and killed right in front of his hiding daughter. Poppy was suddenly thrust into the world with no family, no friends, and a new president that was trying to hunt her down.
She escapes to Denver with the help of a new friend and rebel. Denver has long since been destroyed and the people live together in packs to protect each other and keep each other alive. Poppy is separated from her new friend and must survive on her own for months before finally reuniting and joining a pack.
Her new life is complicated because of these people’s views on government. She still feels the sting of the man who betrayed her father and therefor feels the need to defend her father at every turn- while letting very few people know who she actually is.
I really liked this book. My favorite part was the characters. Poppy, Rivers, Lucas, and so many more. There was enough depth to each one that I could feel for them and root for them.
The writing is good and fast paced which is perfect for this type of book. It’s the kind of book that leaves you wanting- or needing more. I can’t wait to read book 2 to see Poppy get her revenge.
The only reason this is 4 instead of 5 stars is because it lost me for a while in the middle of the book when she was on her own. I thought that dragged on especially compared to her pack life that was so interesting.
I’d still recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Young Adult fiction. You won’t be disappointed. I know I wasn’t!!!
She escapes to Denver with the help of a new friend and rebel. Denver has long since been destroyed and the people live together in packs to protect each other and keep each other alive. Poppy is separated from her new friend and must survive on her own for months before finally reuniting and joining a pack.
Her new life is complicated because of these people’s views on government. She still feels the sting of the man who betrayed her father and therefor feels the need to defend her father at every turn- while letting very few people know who she actually is.
I really liked this book. My favorite part was the characters. Poppy, Rivers, Lucas, and so many more. There was enough depth to each one that I could feel for them and root for them.
The writing is good and fast paced which is perfect for this type of book. It’s the kind of book that leaves you wanting- or needing more. I can’t wait to read book 2 to see Poppy get her revenge.
The only reason this is 4 instead of 5 stars is because it lost me for a while in the middle of the book when she was on her own. I thought that dragged on especially compared to her pack life that was so interesting.
I’d still recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Young Adult fiction. You won’t be disappointed. I know I wasn’t!!!
July 21, 2015
This is my sort of novel—the futuristic aspect, the action scenes, the excellent descriptions of settings, and the character portrayal.
As a young main character, Poppy doesn't tolerate fools, and takes people as she finds them. Neither does she complain when fate deals her a hard blow, but tackles challenges thrown her way with determination and courage.
The faultless writing style sweeps you into a survival story and leaves no reason to ponder how certain events occurred in this incredible adventure. Tackling bullying and inequality between the sexes, pointing out corruption in government officials, and veering between kindness and cruelty, this novel covers all the human conditions. People are the same in the future as they are in the present. This novel is well worth the read.
As a young main character, Poppy doesn't tolerate fools, and takes people as she finds them. Neither does she complain when fate deals her a hard blow, but tackles challenges thrown her way with determination and courage.
The faultless writing style sweeps you into a survival story and leaves no reason to ponder how certain events occurred in this incredible adventure. Tackling bullying and inequality between the sexes, pointing out corruption in government officials, and veering between kindness and cruelty, this novel covers all the human conditions. People are the same in the future as they are in the present. This novel is well worth the read.
April 28, 2015
Great Story
This post-apocalyptic story has a great heroine. Poppy is bright, enterprising and resilient. When her life disintegrates within five minutes, she adapts, and what's more thrives. I really liked that neither the plot nor the writing was over-egged and the relationship discussions sounded very realistic to me. Especially as Poppy's pre catastrophe life had kept her isolated from normal, teenage experiences. Really looking forward to the sequel.
This post-apocalyptic story has a great heroine. Poppy is bright, enterprising and resilient. When her life disintegrates within five minutes, she adapts, and what's more thrives. I really liked that neither the plot nor the writing was over-egged and the relationship discussions sounded very realistic to me. Especially as Poppy's pre catastrophe life had kept her isolated from normal, teenage experiences. Really looking forward to the sequel.
February 22, 2015
I really liked this book. I downloaded it for free on Amazon so I wasn't sure what to expect. I'm a huge dystopian fan so thought I'd try it. It was a great quick read and I liked the fact that the story kept moving without any unnecessary filler. I will definitely read book two. I'll spread the word about this book as I love the fact that this is a new writer.
February 21, 2015
I loved this book! Once I started reading it, I could not put it down! The plot moved perfectly along and there was never a moment that I felt it moved slowly. The characters were well developed and I found myself living in the story. Excellent read! I will definitely read the next book!
November 21, 2015
This is not my usual genre.I really enjoyed the adventure.Poppy was easy to relate to. The plot moved fluidly with well developed characters. Looking forward to next book.
August 2, 2018
Meh. 2.5 stars. Premise was good but the story itself was dragged out in a slow fashion. I presume that was so it could be a series. There's a lot of useless information about daily goings on, while a lot of the politics and technical stuff was glossed over. Probably because the author didn't want to tackle the complex details. While the 2nd book sounds like another good premise, I don't think I'll read it. I was just bored most of this book. Didn't feel connections between any of the characters and I just didn't care about the MC, Poppy.
March 1, 2018
Preachy and weird
Too many oddball decisions compounding to make a mess. Combat Robots wear helmets, because Dr Who, but can’t handle a taser in the hands of a 5ft tall teenage girl. She is a complete Mary Sue, who just happens to run into a resistance member after escaping the killer robots. Enemy bombers flew over the middle of the country to bomb cities on the coasts, because...nope, I can’t figure out why.
Just a mess of confused political dogma and no character.
Too many oddball decisions compounding to make a mess. Combat Robots wear helmets, because Dr Who, but can’t handle a taser in the hands of a 5ft tall teenage girl. She is a complete Mary Sue, who just happens to run into a resistance member after escaping the killer robots. Enemy bombers flew over the middle of the country to bomb cities on the coasts, because...nope, I can’t figure out why.
Just a mess of confused political dogma and no character.
February 28, 2017
I enjoyed this book. Another look into what our future government might be. What and how the world will work later on down the line. Was so into the story I didn't realize I was at the end. Will definitely read Into Light just to see how Poppy and Lucas figure things out.
March 11, 2017
This book was amazing! It had a great plot and storyline, and I loved it. I read it in less than 24 hours, and I couldn't wait to read the 2nd one. I've now read the second one, I read it, too, in less than 24 hours, it was great. Thank you T.D. Shields!!
April 14, 2018
Politically and apocalyptic headed a new way
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well thought out and almost believable. Plot lines were smooth and action credible. I highly recommend this book. Now to get the next one...
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well thought out and almost believable. Plot lines were smooth and action credible. I highly recommend this book. Now to get the next one...
March 13, 2017
Almost from the headlines
This was a very good read. Poppy is fantastic. One of the best dystopian books I've read in a while.
This was a very good read. Poppy is fantastic. One of the best dystopian books I've read in a while.
September 30, 2017
A great coming og age story
A future filled with devious and snarky leaders and a young woman growing into her ability to reshape the future. Good plot. Interesting characters.
A future filled with devious and snarky leaders and a young woman growing into her ability to reshape the future. Good plot. Interesting characters.
January 14, 2020
Interesting tale with a futuristic setting...
May 31, 2017
I have so many feelings that I want to convey in words that will best describe my love for this book. One of the best dystopian novels I've read. The tension, suspense, conflict, pace, character development are crafted so well. It was full of twists, surprises and situations that left me breathless. Absolutely.... read this!
August 9, 2016
"Into Shadow" has it all.
Memorable characters, murder, betrayal, romance, and enough action to keep a Jason Bourne fan happy; author T.D. Shields has crafted a dystopian novel that pulls you in and doesn't let you go until the last page.
Shields has a strong narrative voice and uses it to push this story of a young woman fighting to stay alive in treacherous times along at a rapid pace. The plot is fairly straightforward - we know early on who the bad guys are and what they have done - but that doesn't detract from this very well written book. In fact, it may well enhance the story because instead of throwing red herrings around right and left, Shields is able to devote time to fleshing out some very interesting characters.
Chief among them: Poppy Walker, the First Lady of the White House even though she is just a teen. Her father, a highly decorated soldier, is a widower who has been President for a decade and she has filled in as First Lady for much of that time. She is attuned to the nuances of the political arena and - at her father's insistence - a highly trained martial artist. Early in the book, she's not sure why he has been so insistent in making sure that she knows how to defend herself but those skills are about to come in very handy.
Poppy is a great protagonist: A media darling as First Lady, she is gracious, well mannered, and very pretty. It is only later that we learn she is also fierce, willing to go to the wall to protect her friends, possessed of a very high IQ, and that she can be - at times - stubborn as a mule.
Shields has also taken care to round out the other major characters in her novel, including the leader of a rebel faction, Poppy's friends and fellow fighters, her enormous tomcat Roomie (he has an interesting role in the narrative), and even the villains.
I should note here that this is not a standalone novel but the first of a two-book series. "Into Shadow" doesn't end on a cliffhanger per se, but there is clearly more to the story and if you want to know what ultimately happens to Poppy and her friends you have to buy the second book. If you're like me, you're a little disappointed by that fact but since that's the trend in modern fiction I've accepted it and won't mark this book down because of that.
A well-deserved 5 stars.
Memorable characters, murder, betrayal, romance, and enough action to keep a Jason Bourne fan happy; author T.D. Shields has crafted a dystopian novel that pulls you in and doesn't let you go until the last page.
Shields has a strong narrative voice and uses it to push this story of a young woman fighting to stay alive in treacherous times along at a rapid pace. The plot is fairly straightforward - we know early on who the bad guys are and what they have done - but that doesn't detract from this very well written book. In fact, it may well enhance the story because instead of throwing red herrings around right and left, Shields is able to devote time to fleshing out some very interesting characters.
Chief among them: Poppy Walker, the First Lady of the White House even though she is just a teen. Her father, a highly decorated soldier, is a widower who has been President for a decade and she has filled in as First Lady for much of that time. She is attuned to the nuances of the political arena and - at her father's insistence - a highly trained martial artist. Early in the book, she's not sure why he has been so insistent in making sure that she knows how to defend herself but those skills are about to come in very handy.
Poppy is a great protagonist: A media darling as First Lady, she is gracious, well mannered, and very pretty. It is only later that we learn she is also fierce, willing to go to the wall to protect her friends, possessed of a very high IQ, and that she can be - at times - stubborn as a mule.
Shields has also taken care to round out the other major characters in her novel, including the leader of a rebel faction, Poppy's friends and fellow fighters, her enormous tomcat Roomie (he has an interesting role in the narrative), and even the villains.
I should note here that this is not a standalone novel but the first of a two-book series. "Into Shadow" doesn't end on a cliffhanger per se, but there is clearly more to the story and if you want to know what ultimately happens to Poppy and her friends you have to buy the second book. If you're like me, you're a little disappointed by that fact but since that's the trend in modern fiction I've accepted it and won't mark this book down because of that.
A well-deserved 5 stars.
March 16, 2017
Into Shadow is a must read for anyone who enjoys stories of politics, strong female characters, and post-war worlds. T.D. Shields created this vastly unique and vivid world where the government controls more than it should in certain areas of the world and, yet, knows nothing about the packs of people living in the city ruins. From the beginning we are thrown in to a world of betrayal and danger and are taken on a journey of survival and basic instinct. The title, "Into Shadow," not only signifies the situation in which our main character has to leave her cozy, privileged lifestyle to escape to a darker, more dangerous world, but it also signifies the change from always being in the spotlight to having to keep herself hidden from everyone, as well as the change in herself as far as her mannerisms, appearance, and attitude.
After devouring this book, I have to say that I LOVE Poppy Walker! Her character is bold, courageous, intelligent, and beautiful! She is thrown in to this incredibly dangerous and terrifying situation and, instead of giving up, she fights to survive. She undergoes this incredible transformation from "Perfect, First Lady Poppy" to Bad-ass, Leather Sporting Poppy! She uses survival training given to her by her father, along with her brains, to keep herself alive and forms interesting friendships along the way.
I enjoyed the connection between Poppy and Sharra. Sharra has the amazing characteristics of wild hair, intense eye makeup, and a punk rock attitude to go with it all, and she proves to be a loyal friend and ally to Poppy. Even though they became separated for a period of time, Sharra had a positive impact on Poppy, which helped to shape her and guide her on her journey.
Roomie was my favorite character in the book. Being an animal lover, and firmly believing in the intelligence of cats and their abilities to understand humans and have their own personalities, Roomie spoke to my heart. Cats are notorious for being able to seek out the good in us and are able to spot evil. This makes the relationship between him and Poppy that much more special.
I cannot wait to find out what happens in the next book! I think the ending of Into Shadow was perfect. This is definitely a 5 star book with 5 star characters!
Thank you to Net Galley for providing this e-book in exchange for my honest review.
After devouring this book, I have to say that I LOVE Poppy Walker! Her character is bold, courageous, intelligent, and beautiful! She is thrown in to this incredibly dangerous and terrifying situation and, instead of giving up, she fights to survive. She undergoes this incredible transformation from "Perfect, First Lady Poppy" to Bad-ass, Leather Sporting Poppy! She uses survival training given to her by her father, along with her brains, to keep herself alive and forms interesting friendships along the way.
I enjoyed the connection between Poppy and Sharra. Sharra has the amazing characteristics of wild hair, intense eye makeup, and a punk rock attitude to go with it all, and she proves to be a loyal friend and ally to Poppy. Even though they became separated for a period of time, Sharra had a positive impact on Poppy, which helped to shape her and guide her on her journey.
Roomie was my favorite character in the book. Being an animal lover, and firmly believing in the intelligence of cats and their abilities to understand humans and have their own personalities, Roomie spoke to my heart. Cats are notorious for being able to seek out the good in us and are able to spot evil. This makes the relationship between him and Poppy that much more special.
I cannot wait to find out what happens in the next book! I think the ending of Into Shadow was perfect. This is definitely a 5 star book with 5 star characters!
Thank you to Net Galley for providing this e-book in exchange for my honest review.
August 6, 2016
You know how a book makes you smile all the way through? Into Shadow is one of those books that catches you from the get-go, Following the nineteen-year-old First Lady of the North American Alliance Poppy, you are thrust into 2259's political world. Her father is the President of North America. T.D. Shields does an excellent job world building here without being drab. Revealing history through Poppy's conversation with schoolchildren, I was caught up very quickly - which is good because the 'present' is about to get messy. When the White House is ambushed, Poppy witnesses the execution of many major political leaders while staying hidden herself. Declared dead, she tries to disappear. I also want to interject that some of the best writing in the novel is done in that single, amazing scene. So good, you guys. So good!
So where are the smiles? Well, first, designers STILL have not figured out that they should put pockets in dresses in 2259. A little later, Poppy states that no one has referred to her as skinny and reveals her five foot stature. There are Doctor Who references, Tupperware, and a cat becomes her best friend while she is on the run. These little details, the tone of the novel, and Poppy's dynamic change leaves you wanting book 2! Luckily for me, it was just an arm's reach away!
T.D. Shields has a unique writing style - concise, precise, and emotional. I enjoyed her word choice and pacing. Of course, the references sprinkled in felt like an inside joke just for me! As soon as I finished, I passed this book off to my 11 year old daughter who enjoyed the Divergent movies but won't crack open the Divergent books because they are so huge! A good choice for ages 11 (mature 11) on up!
So where are the smiles? Well, first, designers STILL have not figured out that they should put pockets in dresses in 2259. A little later, Poppy states that no one has referred to her as skinny and reveals her five foot stature. There are Doctor Who references, Tupperware, and a cat becomes her best friend while she is on the run. These little details, the tone of the novel, and Poppy's dynamic change leaves you wanting book 2! Luckily for me, it was just an arm's reach away!
T.D. Shields has a unique writing style - concise, precise, and emotional. I enjoyed her word choice and pacing. Of course, the references sprinkled in felt like an inside joke just for me! As soon as I finished, I passed this book off to my 11 year old daughter who enjoyed the Divergent movies but won't crack open the Divergent books because they are so huge! A good choice for ages 11 (mature 11) on up!
September 15, 2016
An interesting and absorbing post-apocalyptic tale. Following a coup, the assassinated President's daughter has to flee civilisation, change her appearance and learn to live in the ruins of the old world.
Here she encounters various packs and gangs, other outcasts struggling to survive, plus some of the dangerous flora and fauna that has emerged in the aftermath of the wars.
This first volume of a two book set deals primarily with Poppy's escape and her struggle to simply survive in this hostile environment, leading up to a finale where she is ready to consider organising a response to the coup, which will presumably be the focus of book two.
It's certainly an interesting and engaging tale and Poppy is a good lead character. If I had one criticism, it would be that the early chapters don't really seem to convey the emotion of the events quite enough. All of the information is there, but it just doesn't quite engage fully (or it didn't with me). However, as I got into the story, this didn't seem to be the case with the later chapters, the book definitely picks up and draws you in as it continues.
It's definitely good enough for me to want to read the second volume, and that's the important measure, isn't it?
Here she encounters various packs and gangs, other outcasts struggling to survive, plus some of the dangerous flora and fauna that has emerged in the aftermath of the wars.
This first volume of a two book set deals primarily with Poppy's escape and her struggle to simply survive in this hostile environment, leading up to a finale where she is ready to consider organising a response to the coup, which will presumably be the focus of book two.
It's certainly an interesting and engaging tale and Poppy is a good lead character. If I had one criticism, it would be that the early chapters don't really seem to convey the emotion of the events quite enough. All of the information is there, but it just doesn't quite engage fully (or it didn't with me). However, as I got into the story, this didn't seem to be the case with the later chapters, the book definitely picks up and draws you in as it continues.
It's definitely good enough for me to want to read the second volume, and that's the important measure, isn't it?
May 20, 2017
This is one of the best I have read in a while! I was hooked from the first page!! The characters are very likeable and the story very believable! It keeps you engaged through the whole story! I can't wait for the next one!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews