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Deadlock #2

A Place Without Shadows

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In REGULATION 19, Frank Hinkle and his friends fought to save their hometown; now they’ll have to fight for something much bigger.

Frank continues the search for his brother Jake, but when he meets a stranger with shocking information, he’s forced to face a familiar enemy.

A woman named Sophie Porter travels to Rook Mountain in search of her sister’s killer. What she finds there will draw her into the fight against Zed.

Jake Hinkle only wanted to save his family, but now he’s trapped in a strange forest where it’s only safe to go out at night. A book with the symbol of a broken world on the cover is his only chance at survival.

Zed waits in a forest of tall twisted trees planning his endgame against an enemy even he fears. The battleground will be A PLACE WITHOUT SHADOWS.

290 pages, ebook

First published October 22, 2014

143 people are currently reading
178 people want to read

About the author

P.T. Hylton

38 books172 followers

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5 stars
107 (35%)
4 stars
124 (41%)
3 stars
53 (17%)
2 stars
13 (4%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Connor.
709 reviews1,680 followers
January 7, 2016
[4 Stars] I really liked this second book in the Deadlock Trilogy. It had those same feeling of the first where I had about a million questions, and they were slowly answered throughout the novel. The plot in this one got weird. Way weird, but in a good way. I enjoyed seeing the world-building PT did for the world through the mirror. I was not expecting all of that after finishing the first book. I liked the characters a lot. Sophie was an awesome addition, but I missed seeing some of the characters from book 1. I'll definitely be looking up the deleted scene on his website to get to see them again before moving on to the third which I fortunately already own. If you want to read something unlike anything else you've read, I recommend this trilogy.
Profile Image for Kara.
195 reviews5 followers
June 1, 2018
Rather a disappointment after Deadlock trilogy book one but nonetheless an interesting read.

If I'm totally honest I wanted the series to follow Christine and Trevor yet these are nearly none existent within this book (hopefully they will make an appearance in book three). Instead it followed Sophie, a young woman whose sister had been brutally murdered and whose killer had recently escaped from jail.

Ultimately I wasn't convinced she was a strong enough character. However, the story worked and although a slight let down it was still definitely worth the read. Now onwards to book three to see if Frank can finally defeat Zed.
Profile Image for Patti.
480 reviews69 followers
August 13, 2015
Full Review (Spoiler Free): http://pattisbooknook.blogspot.com/20...

I was excited for fresh material as the mission to eradicate the enemy continues. We are introduced to a new setting called The Sanctuary in this installment, as well as some creepy new creatures to join the eery ranks of the Unfeathered. The title meaning was revealed in the second half and alluded to the ominous forest setting. We are also reunited with some old favorite characters from book one. I particularly appreciated that Hylton continued to draw strong female characters, with Sophie taking a strong position similar to Christine in the previous novel.

I like how Hylton plays with the changing laws in this society. In this case, we have the former Regulated days, and now the Unregulated system. It illustrates how tenuous judicial systems can be, and how a slight imbalance can tip a society into general chaos and lawlessness. The resulting uncertainty and unease made for a suspenseful second book. Going hand in hand with the legal system is the question of morality. The younger generation only knows the rough, unfair system that was in place with Zed, and wants to uphold the prior laws at any cost...unaware of how life was before. Many older folks realize the destructive nature and are warring against the "Zed Heads". This is fun for the reader as we get to see a complex power struggle.

Also, about time travel....this novel has highlighted that it can be tricky and troubling- don't think I would care to engage in it. Writers must have an interesting time outlining these types of stories, I'd love to see all the charts and notes! This was another fast-paced, action filled ending with crazy twists and turns. Looking forward to The Broken Clock, but will be sad when the trilogy ends.
Profile Image for Paul.
1,360 reviews195 followers
June 30, 2016
Video Review(2min): https://youtu.be/6xxsNrH47KI

Highlights:

P.T. Hylton delivers a great follow-up to Regulation 19, and gives us more mystery, and answers some questions about this very imaginative and weird world. A Place Without Shadows takes place in three different places during three different times and Hylton is able to jump between them with relative ease during the narrative. This is a stronger written book than the first with a tighter story that weaves the different scenes together to form a very engaging read. At the core of the book is the struggle between good and evil and survival.

Once again the reader needs to take a lot on faith while reading A Place Without Shadows. One of the best parts of this series is that the answers are being away from the reader. With that, though, the reader needs to just accept some things that happen, and that it'll make more sense in the future. That is not to say that there aren't a lot of answers being given in this second book because the world building that Hylton has created is becoming clearer.

Solid series and I can't wait to finish it off with The Broken Clock.

3/5

15/25 Possible Score

Plot - 3(Good)

Characters - 3(Good)

Setting/World Building - 3(Good)

Writing Style - 3(Good)

Heart & Mind Aspect - 3(Good)
Profile Image for Amy Jesionowski.
151 reviews9 followers
February 24, 2016
I am really into this series. It has been a highly original and entertaining story. It's four stars is based on the story alone (I say this because the writing style is good, not exceptional, but definitely good, and I think this author's style will definitely improve and evolve). It's extremely well thought out and plotted. There are so many ways that this could have been a disaster (time-travel, time-stoppage, a place outside of place - which I'm still trying to wrap my head around but somehow Hylton makes it work) but not once was I confused or in disbelief. I can't wait to get to Book 3!
Profile Image for [ J o ].
1,823 reviews552 followers
September 4, 2019
I spent my entire read-through of this thinking it was the last book and couldn't work out why it wasn't heading anywhere... End-y.

I still enjoy the story and the writing is fine but occasionally things crop up. It was a little tedious at times and even convoluted and pretty slow. Many typing errors as well, which means it either needs a better editor or even an editor if it didn't have one before.

Otherwise, I am enjoying the story. It's quite compelling and one of the more imaginative that I've read for a long while, though none of the characters really grab me, except maybe for Frank. A better review will probably follow soon.
Profile Image for Tamara Liggins.
19 reviews6 followers
October 7, 2018
Time in a place...removed

I’m loving the twist and plots. The ideal of taking a place out of time and into its own realm so to speak, seems far fetched but honestly the book makes you want to believe
Profile Image for Kimberly  Martin .
12 reviews
May 12, 2019
Interesting Series

Do you enjoy time travel? How about weird “Aw Shucks” despots determined to take over small town America? If so, these books are for you.
Basically I still have no idea what’s going on in this series but I’m enjoying the ride.
Profile Image for Kristina.
142 reviews
October 7, 2017
Very strange crazy imaginative read! Not sure how Hylton came up with the story-lines that he did.... you just have to remember to take you mind out of reality.
46 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2018
The second in the Deadlock Trilogy, and just as entertaining as the first. A great read.

Profile Image for Lisa Whitehead.
554 reviews5 followers
May 10, 2020
The crazy continues, albeit even more crazy.
I’m really hoping Zed gets it in the end.
Profile Image for Vicky Pearson.
3 reviews3 followers
October 2, 2022
Great Sci fi trilogy

Excellent second book, proving more depth and answers to the story. This trilogy has become a favourite of mine. Definitely recommended.
Profile Image for Brijesh Kartha.
105 reviews10 followers
October 24, 2015
A book by a friend but a fantastic book nonetheless. Having had a great debut there was a lot of live up to ... and I was all ready to be more critical of PT. However the book won me over with ease.

If I was to compare it to anything it would be to the Empire Strikes Back (in line with the contemporary analogies that PT has used in the series). There is a lot of setup happening and lot of complex things going on with respect to time and space. It is a very entertaining read, with a lot of content that pushes the story along at full speed.

At the end of it all we are left with some answers but a lot of questions, waiting with bated breath for the next installment of this story. Knowing PT's committed and disciplined approach I am sure we will not have to wait long.
Profile Image for Ben.
44 reviews8 followers
July 18, 2015
If you're looking for a fast paced mind bending series, you've found it!

The second installment in the Deadlock trilogy introduces a new character, Sophie, whose entire life revolves around seeing justice handed out to her sister's killer when suddenly he disappears from the Rook Mountain prison. Sophie decides to visit Rook Mountain, a decision that will forever change her life.

Curios where Jake Hinkle went after going for help? Was Zed really defeated? Will Sophie get justice for her sister? Where do The Ones Who Sing come from? This book answers all the questions, but for every question answered, two more take its place.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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