Blood in the Shadows

The Forgotten Divinity #1

by Kristy Centeno, Stephanie Keyes

Acclaimed author Kristy Centeno, and Bestselling author of The Star Child series, Stephanie Keyes, bring you two stories that prove love and light can overcome the pain and shadows. With secrets hidden in the night, and dangerous creatures prowling the woods, trusting the enemy can mean either life or death.
Two dark worlds...One night that will change their lives forever...Where evil lurks, only goodness can prevail.

125 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2015

About the author

Kristy Centeno loves to spin tales of creatures that go bump in the night, with a sprinkle of romance to top them off. Her passion for writing stems from a lifelong enjoyment of reading and the pleasure derived from the magical worlds created by authors like her. She prefers her female leads strong, independent, and stubborn who will stop at nothing to save their loved ones and protect those they care for.

Kristy currently resides in Pennsylvania with her five kids, a quartet of noisy parakeets, and a spoiled puppy. When she’s not working or writing, she juggles her free time between raising a handful of minions and pursuing other career goals.

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blood in the Shadows contains two paranormal novellas: Shadows by Kristy Centeno and The Boy in the Trees by Stephanie Keyes. Both contain otherworldly creatures and female main characters whose naivete threatens their very existence, so the inclusion of the two stories in one book makes sense.

Shadows features Daya Myers, a hunter of supernatural creatures who faces her biggest challenge to date. When Daya begins to question how her past fits into her present reality, will she find the answers she seeks?

The Boy in the Trees features Jemma, a young woman who past catches up with her when she least expects it. Will the mysterious boy in the coffee shop hold the key to everything?

Both novellas in Blood in the Shadows had promise, but the length of each prevented the authors from presenting complete stories. Daya's past, as well as Jemma's, were mainly mysteries, portioned out slightly as a teaser but never fully realized. My favorite part of the whole book was the cover art, as it does a good job of conveying both stories despite their apparent differences. Readers who are looking to get their feet wet in the paranormal world may find the two stories to their liking, but I would be hesitant to recommend either one. I would be curious to read full length novels by both author Kristy Centeno and Stephanie Keyes, as a novella is not always indicative of a writer's abilities.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains two stories both of which are dark stories that leave you wanting more.

1) Shadows by Kristy Centeno

Dana Myers is a hunter that goes after Supernaturals. Soon she finds herself being hunted and when she ends up with Mason McNeill she must decide if she can trust him with her life. Will he deliver her soul to evil or help her discover why she is being hunted?

This was a great introduction that left me wanting more. I thought Dana was kick-ass and I am seriously curious on why she is wanted by the underworld. I thought Mason was great and he definitely risks a lot by helping Dana.

Can't wait to read what happens next!

2) The Boy In the Trees by Stephanie Keyes

Jemma has always been drawn to a little boy who she has seen she was young. Yet she doesn't understand why she they are linked. She questions everything but then when Owen Augustine prevents her from making a mistake they are soon in a battle to save her life.

This was another great read and quite different than anything I have read before. I loved the interactions between Jemma and Owen and how he was trying to protect her. Jemma has no idea why she is drawn in and it's interesting why Balen is still after her.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was my first experience reading both Ms Centeno and Ms Keyes' writing and holy wow! I will certainly be reading more by both of them.
Shadows is full of fast paced action, supernatural creatures, cosmic destiny, and a smidge of romance. Daya's a kick ass heroine and Mason does well as the mysterious man we want to know more about. The ending is a cliff hanger so I'm dying for the next installment of their story. Highly recommended for fans of Supernatural.
The Boy In The Trees is a delightful YA paranormal action romance with mystery woven flawlessly throughout and plenty of humor along the way there's even a dash of horror here and there. Jemma, Owen, and the mysterious boy in the trees all bring something enthralling to the story be it humanity and normal teenage emotions, chilling powers, or vicious magic. While the story ended solidly, it did wet my appetite for more of Ms Keyes' stories.

[Tracey Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an anthology and has two stories within it. The first written by Kristy Centeno is based around Daya, who is a hunter of creatures of the night. She meets the mysterious, Mason and finds herself in a situation where she has to put her trust in a stranger. This story leaves you with a cliff-hanger which left the story lacking.
The second story is the better of the two. It’s called ‘The boy in the trees’ and is based around a young girl named Jemma who for years drew pictures of a young boy. Everyone believes he is a figment of her imagination, but in a coffee shop, years later, she meets a young man who reminds her of the boy. I don’t want to give anything away, but this story was very enjoyable. It’s full of magic and myth and doesn’t leave you wanting more. I really enjoyed this second story, and Stephanie Keyes certainly delivered. I would definitely read more of her work.

I was given an ARC by the author, for an honest review.

[Julie Gustafson-Monk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed on behalf of 2 Girls Who Love Books Blog
This was my first book by this author. I am certain it won't be the last.
Blood in the shadows picked my interest from the beginning of book one til the end of book 2.
Each story has its on unique touch that will certainly have you wanting more.
I enjoyed the first book more than the second. I am a fan of YA but it didn't peek my interest as much as the first one.
It wasn't anything the author did per se.
Both stories were good.
I would love to read more by this author. She certainly has an excellent way of grabbing the reader from page one.

5 stars.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book of two halves, it has 2 stories by two different authors. I only read the first story by Kristy Centeno and I really enjoyed it. The story is a prequel to the book Midnight, which I am diving straight into next. It features two long lost lovers who have been separated and had their memories taken away - or have they?

I found this an intriguing prequel looking forward to Midnight.

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadows is a fast paced paranormal novella. I was a little confused at times but you get a lot of information and action thrown at you. Daya and Mason both interest me and the story is unique enough for me to want to find out what happens next.

review by Raychel