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Physics major Dieter Lindemann is perfectly content living in a world where the Shadows he sees and hears are nothing but hallucinations. But when one attacks him, he's forced to confront the fact that maybe he isn't the only witch in the room. He meets Necromancer Alistair Cudmore and discovers that the Shadows are not only real but dangerous.

Though Alistair offers to help him, Dieter quickly realizes that what he and Alistair want are two very different things, and it's a difference that could cost him his life. Controlling and possessive, Alistair pushes him further and further into blood magic. Dieter tries to resist but when an incident at a club forces him into Necromancy, he has no choice but to be dragged down into a world he never wanted any part in. As the spirits and Alistair grow more and more violent, Dieter realizes he must break away from his mentor and learn to control the Shadows on his own before they destroy him. And Alistair isn't about to let him go without a fight.

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 25, 2016

54 people are currently reading
194 people want to read

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Amir Lane

53 books40 followers

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5 stars
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24 (28%)
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25 (30%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Myriam.
645 reviews26 followers
July 26, 2018
I've been looking for a book like this for a long time, and I had it all along but didn't get to reading it until now. I wish I had because it is an incredible book, written by an incredibly talented writer and story teller.
The main character is magically inclined Dieter, one of the most resilient characters invented. He is an incredibly multilayered and complex character with an overwhelming amount of stuff happening in his life, in addition to numerous personal issues. And when I say personal issues, I am not just referring to the shadows and misdiagnosed invented disorders, but with his way of dealing with himself, his loved ones, shadows, and the world. The author managed to convey all of the above and more, with the writing style which is fresh, slightly unusual, and somewhat eclectic in a way that draws the reader in and keeps the reader interested with its unpredictability.
I always get impressed when the author is capable of portraying the character's pain and emotions, and even more so in this case, because at times, I could almost feel the physical pain the character was experiencing, the author is that good. The same goes for the shadows, I could almost see them. In that sense, the author could not have done a better job in portraying them.
There are several other characters in the story Lindy, Dieter's twin sister (whose story is told in ad Omen), Ekkehardt, their father (whose story was told in Rise), Lenna, their friend and roommate (and whose story is hopefully coming at some point), Alistair, Steven, the Professor, Sandra,Yassir and Selima, and they are all amazing regardless of their imperfections or intentions. I find it incredible how the author managed to have Dieter involved with several of these characters, and yet there is not a hint of a romance in the story. Absolutely amazing.
Most importantly, the author writes about nearly all aspects of human sexuality and includes culturally diverse characters, which was a nice change from usual mainstream approach to romance. I think it is worth mentioning that there are not many authors who can write a good story without romance taking over, as is the case here. And although there are some not so explicit love scenes here, they are not the focus, but just a normal occurrence in a story based on a really good complex and original plot.
Overall, an amazing book that I did not want to stop reading, and at the same time did not want to finish. I really wanted to spend more time with Dieter. 
Reading order of the series is: Rise: Morrighan House Witches Book Zero, Shadow Maker: Morrighan House Witches Book One, and Bad Omen: Morrighan House Witches Book Two. I hope there will be more.
Profile Image for Claudia.
2,988 reviews39 followers
October 19, 2020
Mmmm... I liked this one a lot less than the first, mostly because I really didn't sympathize with Dieter. As a matter of fact, I think he is pathetic, sorry.

The storyline was interesting, though, and I like this Universe. And, as the next book has Lindy as the main character, I'll keep reading. She, I liked.

Profile Image for Mel.
341 reviews3 followers
May 20, 2017
A good book but it could be better.

I actually liked the storyline, good characters but the names doesn't fit the characters somehow. The story is very slow and on some parts confusing, like; Lenna shifted, a brown eye cracking open. “Time’s it?” she croaked. “Uhm—six-forty. Hey, is that a roll of quarters, or are you just happy to see me?” Lenna rolled onto her stomach, flipping him off. “I’m gay, asshole. My dick thinks you’re a chick.”
So It seems that Lenna is a Men? I know that's not the case, but it was a weird answers or not to hear from a Girl.

End of chapter 5)
Dieter wondered when he had given Alistair his number. He got the first txt message from him.
And chapter 6) starts: ALISTAIR’S HANDS were large on Dieter’s hips and spotted with pinpoint marks. There was an outline of muscle beneath his skin, not jutting out, but definitely there. His skin was mostly smooth, interrupted by the periodic pull of one scar or another.

Um...how did they end up in Dieters bed? No details how that happened? There just met for the first time at the party after he went home with Sandra. And sat down with Alistair outside where Dieter ask him if there can meet later. So I found that there is something missing.

Same again at chapter 7) End of 6 was that he fell asleep. And than standard with;
DIETER RESTED his head in Steven’s lap. Large fingers stroked through his hair, pushing his bangs from his face.
To jump from on thing to something completely different, was putting me a bit of.

I think it started to get a better development at chapter 9.
But then again after Dieter and Alistair had the fight and Dieter fell into a coma. There is so much missing what has happened. His dad killed Alistair and then the epilogue is that his father died? What has happened where is the story.....And Lindy is blind? How? When? I found it quite confusing, the best is all missing how Dieter has to learn to cope with his ability. It really could be a fantastic storyline, but I guess it needs a bit more work, for that only three stars. Sorry! But I would like to find out more on the second book, maybe there are improvements.
Profile Image for LisaMarie .
469 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2016
This was an OK read. I gave it 3 stars for originality and it did have a few suspenseful moments.
Dieter is a troubled teen with issues and mostly seeks physical attention in all the wrong places. He see and hears shadows which leads him to believe he's schizophrenic (with the help of his father, of course). Even with these issues he tries to project the outward appearance of normalcy...he goes to college, runs track & holds down a job. But all of this disappears when he crosses paths with a Necromancer who in the beginning seems to be helping Dieter with the shadows. But is he good for Dieter...You will have to read to find out.
There are some editing errors throughout this book...(i'm not talking about spelling)...misuse of pronouns and past/present tense errors.

Profile Image for Susan  Burgess-Ryan.
717 reviews13 followers
January 16, 2017
This is my first book by Amir Lane. I normally steer clear of anything that will scare me. (Nightmares). But despite that, I pushed through and read the book. It got a little dicey for me, but it was a good book. Dieter Lindeman is a physics major who is living in a world where he sees and hears Shadows. He thinks they are just hallucinations until one attacks him. Is there another witch close by? He thinks he has found help in the form of Necromancer Alistair Cudmore. But he soon realizes that Alistair is more dangerous than helpful. So, he must go it alone to learn how to control the shadows. But will he?

No Spoilers. Advanced Reader Copy read voluntarily.
Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,830 followers
March 18, 2017
‘Shadows danced across the walls and ceiling, unattached to anything.’

Canadian author Amir Lane is an engineer by trade and a ‘writer of supernatural and urban fantasy novels and short stories, a voice actor, a chronic procrastinator, and actually a bird. ‘It is not clear why Amir refers to self as they unless the book is a joint writership. But sensing the humor that abounds in the book we likely will at some point discover more about this talented author. Amir is defined as a masculine name.

Amir’s novel deals with (among other things) a character who is a necromancer. For those unfamiliar with the term, according to Wikipedia ‘Necromancy is a supposed practice of magic involving communication with the deceased – either by summoning their spirit as an apparition or raising them bodily – for the purpose of divination, imparting the means to foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge, to bring someone back from the dead, or to use the deceased as a weapon, as the term may sometimes be used in a more general sense to refer to black magic or witchcraft.’

Amir’s stylish prose opens an invitation to follow the journey established in the opening sentences - ' Shadows danced across the walls and ceiling, unattached to anything. Nobody but Dieter seemed to notice them. Raspy whispers echoed off the walls of the small lecture hall and drowned out the professor’s voice. Diederich Lindemann looked up from his notebook, his mouth twisted in annoyance. ‘Shut up,’ he almost hissed, ‘I’m trying to listen here, you ***holes.’ But nobody’s lips were moving. Everyone’s heads were bowed over the long tables, scribbling in notebooks or on tablet screens, or tapping away at keyboards, or dicking around on phones. They’d called it paediatric schizophrenia when it first started, and regular schizophrenia as he got older. It was the easiest explanation for the Shadows and the Voices that no-one else saw or heard. Medication didn’t help much, but the therapy wasn’t bad. He could tune them out most of the time now. Key word being ‘most’. Dieter tried to turn his attention back to the lecture. Easier said than done when all he could hear was nails scraping against wood. It was as if the Shadows were trying to claw their way through the dark paneling on the walls. He ignored it as much as he could, but the scraping just wouldn’t stop. It was all around him, practically inside his skull. His stomach twisted into an anxious knot. He was three seconds from puking. If he had to listen to it for another minute, he was going to scream.’ That is a fine overture to where this talented writer is taking us.

The story is distilled on Amir’s website – ‘Physics major Dieter Lindemann is perfectly content living in a world where the Shadows he sees and hears are nothing but hallucinations. But when one attacks him, he's forced to confront the fact that the Shadows are not only real, but dangerous. Though Necromancer Alistair Cudmore offers to help him, Dieter quickly realizes that what he and Alistair want are two very different things, and it's difference that could cost him his life. Controlling and possessive, Alistair pushes him further and further into blood magic. An incident at a club forces him into Necromancy, and he's dragged down into a world he never wanted any part in. As the spirits and Alistair grow more and more violent, Dieter must break away from his mentor and learn to control the Shadows on his own before they destroy him. Only, Alistair isn't about to let him go without a fight.

This is act one of an ongoing series that almost guarantees that after finishing SHADOW MAKER the reader will be addicted. Very fine sci-fi fantasy with a solid footing in psychosocial variations and a refreshingly comfortable integration of same sex feelings and actions and responses.
Profile Image for Kirsty McManus.
Author 27 books188 followers
July 19, 2017
I don't have a huge history of reading paranormal fiction, but I really enjoyed this. The storyline was unique and the whole vibe was suitably creepy and disturbing.

I loved learning about Dieter and the people in his life - and how everything isn't quite what it seems. I'm really keen to check out Book 2, so I can see how the new-found understanding of his abilities develops even further.

I'm not sure I fully got what it meant to be a 'familiar', 'sensitive' or 'empath' but that could just be because I'm pretty new to the genre. And I don't know if this is a spoiler, but I was so glad Dieter finally met some positive influences, because his world was pretty dark until that point.

If you're after something a little different and a bit dark, definitely check this out.
Profile Image for Simon.
1,489 reviews8 followers
February 13, 2018
This felt at times like a hot mess of a book, but a fascinating and satisfying one. Huge leaps in time that were hard to believe, given how painful things were for Dieter (how on earth was he surviving and keeping up at school?) and that some relationships didn't seem to progress in between the scenes. I felt I was only getting the world in fragments, same with the story. But there were so many threads set out that caught my interest and I'd love to see explored in the next book, and I felt so much for Dieter - and appreciated that he was a messy character and the book didn't try to fix or resolve that, survival came first. So overall, a compelling and heart-breaking read with the promise of better.
4 reviews
June 24, 2017
Awaiting the other books in the series!

Amir has a well-paced, snappy style of writing that fits this kind of urban fantasy genre well. The book's characters are interesting and diverse, and I hope to discover more of them in the future.

The story itself is captivating; I tend to only read a chapter or two of a book to finish my day, but I had a hard time stopping myself from reading all of Shadow Maker in one go. I'm usually rather queasy when it comes to descriptions of anything gruesome, but the few that were in the book flowed nicely and did not cause problems for me.

Also, Lenna is a blessing.
33 reviews
July 21, 2017
Interesting storyline

The only reason I made it through this book was because it's storyline and premise was intriguing. The fact the main character was told he was schizophrenic in a world where magic seemed common place to him was intestine enough. The main character himself was fun to read about. Unfortunately I could tell you next to nothing about any of the other characters including the main antagonist. There is tons of potential in this book it just needed so much more detail and time building up what was going on especially between characters. Yet at the same time I had figured out what was happening half way thru before any big reveals.
598 reviews6 followers
July 19, 2018
Gay romance, pathetically weak main character.

When I purchased this book, either there was no reference to the homo-etotic aspects of O missed said reference. Though I find gay romances to be unpleasantly jarring, it is the sadsack weakness in the main character that I find most disappointing. Bella from the Twilight series was a pillar of strength in comparison. I have no interest in any further writing from Amir Lane. For those who like the styling described in the previously mentioned book, the for news is that it is indeed cleanly written, the plot follows a reasonable arc.
Profile Image for Julia Stephanie.
2,118 reviews6 followers
September 7, 2017
This would have been 5 stars if not for the total rushed/nonexistent ending. There's this huge gap in time before it's over and it just made me tilt my head and go wtf. This is the most eclectic interpretation of magic that I've come across so far, and while I did find it intriguing and even thrilling, I would have enjoyed a little bit more background. Look forward to book 2 and hoping for some more delving into the magical properties.
Profile Image for Kristine Schwartz.
Author 5 books29 followers
January 19, 2018
Amir did a wonderful job with this book. The voice of Dieter was refreshing to read. The characters unique and eccentric. And the storyline? It was well paced, held enough hooks to keep the reader reading, and quite a few plot twists. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
Some mature themes fill this novel. I’d recommend this to any reader of mature urban fantasy accepting of darker themes written fictionally. (Open sexuality, mental health, self harm, etc)
47 reviews5 followers
August 11, 2017
I spent most of this book confused about the world we are reading about. The world and its rules are never explained. You get no real incite into the characters or their motivations. The MC is weak, and so emotionally damaged as to be sad and pathetic. I couldn't like any of the characters, from the MC's to the side characters.
37 reviews
May 19, 2018
Different kind of witch story than I normally read.

Twins that are for the most part astranged from their father. There dad is calling the mentally ill or that tgey have brian defects instead of telling them what the really are and helping them to deal with the magic that they have.
Profile Image for Alayna.
173 reviews6 followers
May 6, 2018
I...need to go back and re-read this sometime. The writing style really got in the way of what I think is a truly interesting story, and I need to go back and try again sometime when I'm not as distracted and coming down off the end of a long-time series. But for now it remains a solid 3*.
Profile Image for Barb VanderWel.
1,819 reviews30 followers
January 3, 2023
I love this book.
I can't wait for more.
I will be leaving reviews on AMAZON & GOODREADS!
And letting everyone know about it.
So I gave it FIVE STARS!
Profile Image for L. Rambit.
Author 4 books19 followers
January 2, 2019
"The cold silence that left Dieter with the constant feeling that he'd done something wrong. He hadn't, though, at least he didn't think he had. All he'd done was become a Necromancer, and that wasn't even his fault."

How odd a feeling it is to learn that one of your friends writes professionally! And how wonderful to read their work and find that you LOVE it!

This was an exciting story; full of queer characters both relatable and, somehow, familiar finding that their world is not what it seems... A tale of a young man's follies and missteps in the world of magic. Enter the world of the pansexual physics-major necromancer, his asexual 911-operator twin, and their trans roommate with a jaguar living in her skin.

I'm generally wary around books with a " 'CRAZY' PEOPLE ARE JUST SECRETLY MAGICAL" plotline... as someone who has spent time in a hospital for mental illness, they tend to veer into the 'wee bit offensive' category IMHO. But I didn't really get that vibe from this book, though. Even before the research and care put into Dieter's 'schizophrenia' makes it clear from the start that that's not really what his problem is, and he's being horribly misled and misdiagnosed.

The mystery unfolding is satisfying and delicious. The reader remains just half a step ahead of Dieter's mistakes all the while, building dread and frustration. (FIGURE IT OUT BUDDY! YOU'RE IN DANGER!)

I cared for all these broken characters more than I had any right to. JUST LET ME PROTECT THEM, PLEASE.

Also, my crush on Lenna knows no bounds. Someone give her my number and tell her I'm newly single.

To properly read this series, put on a 'Big Bad Voodoo Daddy' album, pour some wine, and prepare to be seduced by some blood magic. Can't wait to read the sequel!

***Reread January 2019***

On reread, after having read all the other Morrighan House books, I can say all of my questions I'd had on first read-through were answered. I liked it even more on a second read.

Profile Image for Kate Clark.
76 reviews3 followers
October 26, 2016
“Shadows danced across the ceiling, unattached to anything. Nobody but Dieter seemed to notice them. Raspy whispers echoed off the walls of the small lecture hall and drowned out the professor’s voice. Diederich Lindemann looked up from his notebook, his mouth twisted in announce. ‘Shut up’, he almost hissed, ‘I’m trying to listen you a$$holes.’ But nobody’s lips were moving. Everyone’s heads were bowed over the long tables, scribbling in their notebooks, or on tablet screens, or tapping away on keyboards, or dicking around on phones.”
Thus begins “Shadow Maker, (Morrighan House Witches Book One)” written by Amir Lane; a combination of Urban Paranormal, Fantasy, and Horror with a Twist! This fast-paced story is full of suspense, fully-developed characters, contemporary college life, and a plot that keeps the reader guessing. I could not put it down, a Fascinating Read! Voluntary review of Advance Reader Copy; I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher.
668 reviews3 followers
October 20, 2016
This book is not my ordinary read. There are not a lot of sexy times, the story is dark and twisted, and the story involved something I was not familiar with - shadows, seers and more. But you know what, I really enjoyed the thrill this book gave me, as a matter of fact, I read it in one sitting, I couldn't stop. The fact that this is not my usual genre, nor this is my regular trope, it worked for me. The action and suspense is gripping.

I know we haven't heard the last of Dieter ad Lindy, at least I hope we haven't, because I would love to hear more of their journey and their roles together.
Profile Image for Catherine Griffin.
Author 11 books26 followers
Read
March 11, 2021
A college student discovers he isn’t schizophrenic: he’s a necromancer.

Student Dieter, despite having magic in the family, thinks the weird stuff he sees and hears is just hallucinations until he meets necromancer Alistair, who starts teaching him the trade. Unfortunately Alistair is a bit of a psycho (who could have guessed).

Told in first person, this is an interesting, dark take on urban fantasy, very engaging, and well written with few editing errors. The story is pretty much standalone but left a few loose ends, which I assume is because there’s a sequel (also in KU).

Includes a lot of casual sex: not terribly explicit, there’s just a lot of it. Also scenes of self-harm.
Profile Image for Nessa.
1,858 reviews21 followers
January 19, 2017
This was a very creative and imaginative read. I did enjoy it, especially since I've never read about shadows before. The characters were interesting, with the main character, Dieter, being a necromancer. I really loved Aldo, although I didn't understand totally how he came about. I just love Jaguars. :) There were some aspects of the story that could have used a bit more clarity (at least to me), or depth. The style of writing was okay and the story did have me titillated from the beginning. :)
Profile Image for Treena Beavers.
623 reviews2 followers
September 29, 2016
Takes a bit of getting into, very fast paced, it's a good a mixture of psychological thriller bordering into horror. The deep dark emotion of Dieter comes through well, almost as if it's a constant nightmare he's suffering while he's awake.
Confusing at times as it jumps around alot, however I thought it was an intriguing idea.

I received this book free via instafreebie in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Wendy Thorpe.
97 reviews22 followers
October 15, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I was pleasantly surprised as to how it evolved into the story. I believe there is room for more story lines to be written off this book. The characters were fun but not enough back story, so I hope to read more on this.
227 reviews6 followers
October 27, 2016
pretty good, there were some irritating moments but all in all it was a great read
Profile Image for anie.
1,142 reviews46 followers
February 4, 2017
I like the idea of story and the world, magic system. What I don't like the execution so much... Lead male character is a bit to whiny and let people push him around...
Profile Image for Michelle.
1 review
March 30, 2017
Decent

The story itself was good and the characters were interesting. I enjoyed the diversity in sexual orientation and how it really wasn't an important​ factor even though we saw a lit of relationships. However, the ending was rushed and sort of lukewarm.
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