A Slave of the Shadows

Book 1

By: Naomi Finley

Narrated by: Reagan Boggs

Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1850 Charleston, South Carolina, brutality and cruelty simmer just under the genteel surface of Southern society. In an era where ladies are considered mere property, beautiful and headstrong Willow Hendricks' father has filled her life with turmoil, secrets, and lies.

Her father rules her life until she finds a kindred spirit in spunky, outspoken Whitney Barry, a northerner from Boston. Together these Charleston belles are driven to take control of their own lives - and they are plunged into fear and chaos in their quest to fight for the rights of slaves. Against all odds, these feisty women fight to secure freedom and equality for those made powerless and persecuted by a supposedly superior race.

Only when they've lost it all do they find a new beginning.

Book 1 presents Willow and Whitney - and the listener - with the hardships the slaves endure at the hands of their white masters.

©2018 Huntson Press (P)2018 Huntson Press

Couldn't stop listening (spoiler alert)

This book was an honest and relatable account of a fictional character who mirrors the emotions and notions of pre-civil-war abolitionists. It may not be wholly historically accurate, but the spirit of a woman who, at the time, would have had no rights to an opinion of her own aside from which sandwiches she would like with her tea is refreshing. The narrator did a wonderful job of keeping the listener engaged and tuned in for more. There were some predictable moments (to anyone who is keen to pick up foreshadowing) and the "big reveal" at the end of the book was a bit lost on me, as I had surmised the outcome by about 1/4 of the way through the book. Overall, the story was heartwarming, even though some parts were mildly irritating (for example: Rita and James's roles in the endeavors of Mr. Hendricks, or lack thereof, was disappointing). I cannot elaborate more on my opinion of that matter without completely giving the book away, so we'll just leave it at that.

excellent read

The story the set up was very nice. excellent read. a must read and nice purchase.

good research shines through every time

so many good things to say about this book her research definitely shows. I attempted to to read the book Water dancer before this one and could not finish that book because of all the errors and fractured characters. This book I feel is much better written, better research, has foreshadowing and keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time of reading. not to mention it outlines the woman's struggle during this time period as well which few books do I personally I feel this book should have been awarded the Oprah book club book this is a jewel for sure

interesting story

I loved this story. It was interesting and I learned a lot from it. The part I like most about it was the compation they girls had. I could see myself being like that if I lived back then. Also the narrator was amazing. she used so muched emotion and did all the different voices so well. I think I'll be disappointed losten8to books in the future after listening to her.

Wonderful

Beautifully written. I can’t wait to see the movie version. Book 2 should be a great listen as well.

Great read

I was taken though so many emotions listening to the story. Must read story again

Love this story

No struggles to read. Very vivid. The author ability to characterize the aspects, made this hard to walk away from.

This was a very good read

This kept me interested all the way to the end. I recommend anyone to read listen.

Great Book to listen to when you're traveling

I traveled from MS to WI listening to this book and it kept me entertained the entire time and looking forward to each person story. It wasn't filled with drama which was refreshing and you could tell that the author really did some research on that time period and made the storyline 100 believable.

A compelling and hard to put down listen.

I was a bit skeptical when asked to review this audiobook as it is not a genre I listen to, but much to my surprise I enjoyed it immensly.
The author has skilfully woven a story of tyranny, suppression and obsession set in the deep south during a period in time when equality was unheard of and slavery was normal practice.
The main characters in the book, Willow and Whitney, are beautifully developed and portrayed.This is definitely a book that should be consumed in one sitting as it is difficult to put down.
With cliff hangers at the end of nearly every chapter the reader will be compelled to continue listening.
An extremely well written book and I look forward to the sequel.