The Paladin's Message

by Richard Crofton

The exciting sequel to the supernatural thriller Agents of Shadow, a 2017 SIBA Award Winner! A DARK YEAR is upon the world... They are the Agents of Shadow, and they are one Cycle closer to completing their series of thirteen rituals. If they are successful, they will obtain limitless power and dominion over all humankind. They are the Keepers of White, an underground order of noble men and women charged with protecting humanity and nature from supernatural forces of evil, but they have been systematically hunted down and eliminated by those who serve the darkness. The few who have survived remain in hiding after having been given a message to never interfere with the Shadow Agency's affairs again. Yet one man, a former Keeper of White, broken and shattered from the wake of their destruction, casts aside his moral code of the past and embarks on a vengeful, rebellious mission against a foe greater than he can hope to contend with, refusing against all odds to live in fear any longer. His only to send the Agents of Shadow a message of his own. He is the Paladin. His wrath has no limit.

409 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2017

About the author

I'm a husband and father of five, currently living in Pennsylvania as a teacher/martial arts instructor. I've been writing stories since I was a kid, but only well into adulthood did I ever have the guts to try actually publishing my work.

In my spare time, I enjoy cooking Italian, and I love backpacking in the great outdoors! I'm also a baseball fan (go Phillies!), and am into strategy games, camping, reading, and having adventures with my wife and kids.

Reviews

[Richard Klu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the second book of this series. My primary reservation of the series was that the first book didn't feel like a full book because it didn't really end. So many things weren't finished that I kind of felt lost. Thankfully at the end of that book there was a message explaining why and this book as proven that the wait was worth it. Crofton crafts a story that twists and turns and leaves you wanting the 3rd book so that we can inch closer to what will be a thrilling conclusion.

[K.J. Simmill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Year is in full momentum, Megan, having vanished without a trace, is being held awaiting the appropriate time in May when she will be forced to fulfil the role expected of her. She had been a good girl, a church goer, and even helped with the outreach to assist those down on their luck. Megan's father, journeys to the town his daughter was last seen, hoping to see something, uncover a clue, anything that could help him find his daughter. They had been growing apart since his wife's death, he had missed the development of the wonderful young woman she had become. Using his skills from his time as Military Police he thought about how he could find her, the police were doing everything they could, but it seemed there is something he can do that no one else could. The dark have their minions, so too does the light have its devotees, but their numbers aren't what they used to be and those who survived dare not act. Only one will set aside everything, risk everything, to ensure The Agents of Shadow do not win, he is a Keeper of White, but he cannot do it alone.

Having read Agents of Shadow I really couldn't wait to get my hands The Paladin's Message, and it did not disappoint. We see the return of familiar characters from the first book, new ones, and the mystery surrounding others slowly dissolve. Dark and haunting with a undertone of hope. Richard Croton once again displays his talent for atmospheric and descriptive writing with brilliant scene setting. I couldn't help but be drawn into the pages. This is certainly a gritty read with dark twists and action that will leave you with a strange disquiet and a desire for more. A brilliant occult horror with the constant clash between good vs evil at its core. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.

I initially read this on KU, but couldn't resist picking up a copy.

[E.M. Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Incredible! The Keepers of White saga continues and should not be missed. This book picks up where the first book, Agents of Shadow left off. This is the ultimate story of good vs evil, and boy does he have some evil characters. Crofton is an incredible writer and the way he wields a story and its characters are a testament to his craft and talent. You are drawn in and left wanting more. His writing is a cross between Stephen King and Lee Child. I just finished reading it last night and I already purchased the 3rd book. If you're looking for an amazing series, well, you just found it. I highly recommend it.

[Amanda Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved book 1 of this series and couldn't wait to get started on book 2. This is a supernatural thriller with a battle between good and evil. If you enjoy occult books this is definitely for you. In book 2 we learn more about The Keepers of White and how they are battling against the Agents of Shadow. The story flows and you find yourself immersed in the scenes and rooting for the good guys to come out on top. It's a page-turner and a book you won't want to put down. It's very hard to write this review without giving away any spoilers but I will say you won't be disappointed and will be itching to read book 3 straight away. This story of good versus evil pulls you in and it doesn't let you go. I was enthralled right to the very end and can't wait to read more about the Paladin and the Keepers of White in book 3.

[C.A. King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crofton is truly a Master of all things unnerving. I suggest readers begin with book 1. That will get you hooked and then just when you thought things couldn't get much darker, book 2 will be waiting.

There are some disturbing scenes that warrant a warning - rape, incest, torture and murder. They all come hand in hand with the power of evil.

I've already bought book 3. 5/5 stars.