Deep Shadow

The Deep Series, Book 1

By: Nick Sullivan

Narrated by: Nick Sullivan

Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

In the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, something lethal is on the move. 

Scuba divers travel from all over the world to visit the little island of Bonaire, with its crystal clear waters and a host of beautiful marine life. After three years in the “Diver's Paradise”, divemaster Boone Fischer thought he’d seen it all, but on a routine afternoon dive, he spots something that will turn his tranquil life upside down.

From the arid shores of the ABC Islands to the tropical jungles of Venezuela, and from the ocean depths of the Southern Caribbean to the lush islands of the Northern Leewards, Deep Shadow takes Boone and the listeners on an action-packed adventure filled with danger and suspense.

"Every damn sentence in Deep Shadow vibrates with authenticity — whether it’s diving at the edge of an abyss, pushing an open fisherman to its limits in a rough sea, or detailing a claustrophobic smuggler submarine. You can smell the sweat on the bad guys, and the good guys (and girls) never seem contrived. Deep Shadow is accurate, paced like an anxious thoroughbred, and highly entertaining. I can’t wait for the next one." - Michael Reisig, best-selling author of The Road to Key West series.     

"The age old adage of write what you know, becomes very important when you write about a technical subject like scuba diving. When you get all the details right, and throw in just the right amounts of action, humor, romance, and suspense, you have a novel like this." - Wayne Stinnett, best-selling author of Fallen Out.    

“Deep Shadow has it all—Suspense, Thriller… and a little bit of love. Sullivan is obviously a fan of the culture, climate, and diving in the Caribbean. The way he described each island and each dive that they made is painted in this amazing color that I felt like I was there. Overall, Deep Shadow will probably be up there with my Best of 2018 books. 5 out of 5 Stars.” - Brian’s Book Blog.     

“I was immediately drawn into the Clancy-esque storyline, but was equally turned on by the romance at the center. Props to this writer for giving us both a male and female heroine, and a romance that works within and amplifies the storyline. A delicious, sexy, action packed maritime adventure that will keep you turning the pages well into the night!" - Gabra Zackman, author of “The Bod Squad” series.     

“If you’re planning to island-hop the Caribbean by boat or plane, you couldn’t have a better guide than Nick Sullivan, a great storyteller and a spout of knowledge about (to list a few) craft large and small, sea life, scuba diving, weaponry, hydraulics, geography, navigation, island history, food and drink. But he doesn’t hit you over the head with the research, and it enhances rather than interrupts the tale.”- Peter Johnson, author of Grant’s Indian.

©2018 Nick Sullivan (P)2018 Nick Sullivan

Critic reviews

"Deep Shadow has it all - Suspense, Thriller… and a little bit of love. Sullivan is obviously a fan of the culture, climate, and diving in the Caribbean. The way he described each island and each dive that they made is painted in this amazing color that I felt like I was there. I can also tell that a ton of research (and non-fiction elements) went into Deep Shadow… everything felt incredibly plausible. The characters were likable and easy to root for (especially Boone) - you just wanted them to do well and to come out on top. Overall, Deep Shadow will probably be up there with my Best of 2018 books. 5 out of 5 Stars.” (Brian’s Book Blog)

"Nick Sullivan is the real thing. Every damn sentence in Deep Shadow vibrates with authenticity — whether it’s diving at the edge of an abyss, pushing an open fisherman to its limits in a rough sea, or detailing a claustrophobic smuggler submarine. You can smell the sweat on the bad guys, and the good guys (and girls) never seem contrived. Deep Shadow is accurate, paced like an anxious thoroughbred, and highly entertaining. I can’t wait for the next one." (Michael Reisig, best-selling author of The Road to Key West series)

"The age-old adage of write what you know, becomes very important when you write about a technical subject like scuba diving. When you get all the details right, and throw in just the right amounts of action, humor, romance, and suspense, you have a novel like this." (Wayne Stinnett, best-selling author of Fallen Out)

Diving, Drugs, and Deep Shadows

I received an advance audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Deep Shadow: Caribbean Dive Adventure by Nick Sullivan is a pulse pounding adventure with a divemaster even though most of the action takes place on land. That isn't to intimate that there is no action in the ocean's water, there is but we do get a lot of the story on dry land. One thing that most impressed me was Sullivan's knowledge required to make this story believable. It really makes me wonder if he has been diving for a while or is just one hell of a researcher. His descriptions of the Caribbean Islands is so detailed that I am assuming that he spent a serious amount of time there (probably while diving). Just to be exact, his descriptions only enhance the story. The technical details are there or the smell of the vendors is described accurately, but not in a way that it bogs down or slows the story. It serves more like a great spice, and is meant to flavor the tale not overwhelm your meal.
His ability to write in such detail actually isn't so shocking, because he has written one of my favorite books, Zombie Bigfoot, which is a homage to those old B-Movies, and he makes it feel like he spent some time with bigfoot, and had fought zombies hand to hand somewhere in his storied past. So, making a realistic and plausible story that revolves around a drug cartel and terrorists is probably child's play for him. You have to love the way he gives it to the Venezuelan cartel, too. Bad guys on bad guys is always fun to watch.

A stolen sub is the impetus for this story. Not to give things away, but if the thieves have their way, a lot of people are going to die. Boone Fischer (I see what he did there) is our intrepid hero who is really the best hope for stopping the commandeered submarine. Along the way he finds a lot of action and a little love (sorry Nick, did we need a romance on top of everything else?), and I will say that just when you thought this baby was over you are hit by a total tidal wave that sweeps you off in another unforeseen direction. Boone is treat to hang out with; he is one salty dog, and if he were real I'd buy him a round and let him regale me with some sea stories, but I wouldn't join in on any shanties. Emily is well rounded, and I can see Boone's interest in her (OK, making up for the romance quip right here). She was just as fun as Boone, and you realize that there is more to her than you realize as the story goes on.

Sullivan has the ability to create some very deep characters, and you can see them grow and change as the story progresses. You very quickly become attached to them, and when it is all over you will miss them. I have to admit, I am more of a Monster mangling magic kinda mook, but I can enjoy a great action and suspense tale as well as anyone else. I could easily see this becoming a film, but then I feel the same way about Zombie Bigfoot. That's because Sullivan's writing is so cinematic. His descriptions bubble and burst with vibrancy, and you can see the pictures so clearly in your head that it makes me think of that lyric from Miss Saigon, the Movie in My Mind. The writing spools off like line from a fishing reel, or a projector's reel, flying at breakneck speed always moving the story forward. This is one of those, "I can't put it down until it's over" type of books. You are always biting your lip in anticipation of what is coming next. By the way, I have to commend Sullivan for not giving us the typical diver in trouble, there is treasure to be salvaged, or sharks are all over the place that I was expecting since that is what we typically get. To me that is what most sea stories with divers entails. So Kudos for coming up with a new concept in the genre.

Finally, did I mention that Nick Sullivan narrates his own book? Oh, yeah, this is the best part because you know when he was writing this that he created characters whose accents he could do without breaking a sweat, and this makes the dialogue all the more realistic and believable. I can really appreciate it when a man narrates his own work because, who, better than he knows the emotion that is on the page, or when to kick into action mode? Sullivan is a serious veteran narrator, he has over 200 books to his credit, and so it is pretty obvious the guy knows how to tell a story. So sit back, and let him wow you with his writing and his narration, you will be so very glad you did. Oh, and while I am impressed with this book, I do hope he goes back that B-movie monster series he started with Zombie Bigfoot!!!!


Even though I did receive a promo code for this review it in no way influenced my considerations of the material, and in fact, inspired me to be more honest. In fact, getting a code generally makes me harsher as a reviewer as I am more often concerned what someone like Me will decide based on my review.


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Nice start to the Caribbean Dive Adventure series!

There are approximately two dozen audio books narrated by Nick Sullivan in my Audible library. Sullivan is a Broadway and TV actor who is also one of the best male audio book narrators. He is now also an author. His first novel was Zombie Bigfoot which is of a genre I simply will not ever read. Deep Shadow is his new suspense mystery release and first of a series. Sullivan has narrated all of Wayne Stinnett's Jesse McDermitt and Charity Styles thrillers. He gives Stinnett credit for providing him advice in writing Deep Shadow as he should because this novel is very similar to the Jesse McDermitt series.

Deep Shadow is an excellent first novel in a series. Nick Sullivan narrates his own novel and does so with his wonderfully clear voice and ability with accents.

Poor narration by the author

There are times when an author should narrate their own book, and times when they shouldn't. This was one of the latter.

I bought this book because I really enjoyed Zombie Bigfoot, which was written and narrated by the same author. It was a clever, funny story that perfectly matched the author's jocular performance. Unfortunately, as much as that attitude worked there, it was simply out of place in this work. The author just cannot match the serious tone the atmosphere of this book requires.

I saw another review that compared this book to Sphere and The Abyss. Well, I LOVED both of those, but they are both somber, eerie, and suspenseful works. The author's speaking voice is pure tongue-in-cheek humour, and nothing else. It's a jarring mismatch.

Also, the accents are a little difficult to listen to, with the supposed 'south London' being more Australian, etc. But that's a pet peeve of mine.

I really do want to know what happens in the book, but I think I will have to look for the Kindle version. I can't concentrate on the story through this narration.

Better than expected!

This book was much better than I expected. Narrator and author Nick Sullivan skillfully brings to life the very characters he created. First off, Sullivan has a rich depth to his voice that emanates through every word he pronounces. Second, the type of voices, accents he commanded were exceptional. Russian, Venezuelan, American, British, Jamaican-like accent. When you have a narrator with a great voice, and the skills to match, the book is a winner.

The book itself was very entertaining, adventurous, with an underlying tone of humor that made me laugh out loud.

Loved It ...

I wasn't really familiar with mr. Sullivan as a narrator. But I am definitely a fan of him as an author. So much so that I'm going to go back and try to find all of his other work just to hear his voice again. I loved the story, The Great characters, the awesome attention to detail, and especially his fantastic performance. I recommend this to anyone who loves action adventure, humor, or just a well-written well performed audiobook. I cannot wait for the second one. Seriously. I can't wait, give it to me, now...

first in what I hope is a long series

Boone Fischer is a divemaster on the Bonaire island.  Living the life, he teaches scuba diving and enjoys the Divers Paradise.  Until one day out on a typical dive he captures a photo of a camouflage sub.  Of course, it is believed to belong to the drug Cartel but what is inside is way more explosive than drugs!  Boone’s world just got tangled up, tossed upside down, and completely out of whack in a terrifying tale that is extremely realistic.  Action packed, the edge of your seat thriller!

The author and narrator, Nick Sullivan is very thorough and provides graphic details in an accurate and engaging style.  Sullivan is a powerful wordsmith which allows the listener to actually visualize the islands and beauty he is describing.  His plot is well executed with no holes, his character development is complete.  Sullivan’s powerful writing makes the story flow.

As the narrator, Sullivan has “personal” insight (as the author) and projects each character and storyline in such a way that makes the listening even more captivating.  He moves the story along with the use of his voice eliciting excitement and wonder.  His voice is strong and resonates.  As a narrator turned writer, Sullivan knows just how to work a nuance thus capturing his audiences attention!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I am not one for terrorism stories but this one was very well done! This is just the first in what I hope is a long series!

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Audiobook was provided for review by the author.

Please find this complete review and many others at my review blog.

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Sullivan Hits It Big With Deep Shadow

Deep Shadow has it all – Suspense, Thriller, Terrorists, and even a little spark of love? If you’re not familiar with Sullivan’s work as a fiction author – that’s because you missed one of the most enjoyable books I read in the last few years – Zombie Bigfoot. But, you might know Sullivan because he’s been an audiobook narrator for hundreds of titles in a ton of genres.

A tale about a SCUBA instructor and divemaster who sees something that he shouldn’t have – and is taken for a ride into the deep and dark world of narco subs and a terrorist plot?

First and foremost – you can tell that this is a love-letter to the Caribbean. Sullivan is obviously a fan (which he does state at the end of the book) of the culture, climate, and diving in the Caribbean. I can also tell that a ton of research (and non-fiction elements) went into Deep Shadow. The way he described each island and each dive that they made is painted in this amazing color that I felt like I was there. I’ve only ever been to Jamaica and I’ve never SCUBA’d before (outside of once in the high school pool). But I felt like I was on these dives with the characters. Sullivan’s expertise allowed me to live it instead of just feel like I was watching it from ashore.

The narco sub that he talks about that plays a major role in the entire novel – weaving itself in and out – hiding in the shadows is based on a real sub – he mentions this at the end of the book too, but I remember hearing about a narco sub that was found in the rivers of South American a couple years ago and I thought that was the craziest thing. I love when an author can weave non-fiction elements (adding to them as they please) with fiction. It makes the story even more believable.

The best part about Deep Shadow is that everything felt incredibly plausible. So much so that I felt like we should be watching out for terrorist plots similar to what Sullivan wrote about. It felt that real. The characters were likable and easy to root for (especially Boone) – you just wanted them to do well and to come out on top.

Overall, Deep Shadow will probably be up there with my Best of 2018 books. I can say this – I hope that Sullivan has more books in this series planned – and I hope that they are all as good as Deep Shadow was. Nick, go back to one of these islands and get inspired for another novel!

A thrilling and action packed ride

“Deep Shadow” is the latest action-packed suspense adventure novel, both expertly written and narrated, by Nick Sullivan; also, the famed author of “Zombie Bigfoot” which I also reviewed. If you are someone who enjoys a good Tom Clancy story, 24 the TV series, or deep-water adventure like that found in both The Sphere or The Abyss movies, I really think you will be able to sink your teeth deep into this book. The story takes the listener on a journey not only to many of the most beautiful Caribbean islands, but also into the depths of the ocean which are a very different and unforgiving environment. If you are looking for an exceptionally well written and narrated book of adventure, pirates, terrorists, corrupt governments and drug runners, you will be happy when you dive (pun intended) into Deep Shadow.

I enjoyed that the author not only took me to one of the most stunning places in the North Western hemisphere, but he also added a level of action and intrigue reminiscent of an Indiana Jones story. What happens when an out of work Russian sub designer is approached by a successful drug cartel to build them a mini-sub needed to aide them in their distribution? This alone would make for a great story, but Deep Shadow is so much more. Add to this the people hunting the drug runners and a terrorist plot to bring fear and death to a large number of people; something needs to be done to stop them both. Here is where our band of explorers gets intertwined in all the events, and this is where the book really begins to shine.

The author paints this exciting world with big broad colorful strokes, yet one can also see the subtle and fine detail left by his inclusion of tidbits of information filling in and outlining the full painting. Not only are we given this detail of the world topside, but we are also privy to the undersea world and even to the harsh realities of riding in a mini-sub. The author uses chapter breaks to switch between the various groups of people, so the listener is able to see the activities of the searchers, drug dealers, and terrorists. I enjoy when book provide such well-defined story breaks. The main characters in the book all had depth, breadth, and unique personalities. There were characters I loved, some I liked, and others I hated which means the author brought them to life vividly. Instead of giving me a world made of cardboard, I’m presented with well thought out and developed world and characters.

Even though the book is mainly action-based, the author includes elements that make it feel real. We are given views into some quite scary and emotional scenes and even a few glimpses of romance. Even with all the very serious and powerfully emotional aspects, the author is able to weave in bits and pieces of humor along the way. Similar to the scene from Michael Keaton in Mr. Mom when he refers to voltage being “220 or 221 volts, whatever it takes”, the author has his “AK whatever” scene when one of the characters is referring to an assault rifle; AK-47. I also like the jab where one of the characters said, “boys and their toys”. There is a good balance of emotion but don’t get me wrong, this is primarily an action novel.

As with Zombie Bigfoot, I think Mr. Sullivan did a wonderful job in both strong writing and professional narration. I also thought the afterward chapter, found at the end of the book, to be informative and welcomed once the story was finished. For me, I find the reasoning and understanding of why a book was placed in a given location or based on actual people quite fascinating. It really helps me better understand the author’s intent and, in some ways, it feels like the author is opening himself up and leaving himself a bit vulnerable. The book’s detailed use of technology, diving, and the drug trade makes me believe that the author spent a period of time researching prior to writing the book. We learn about regulators, air mixes, active and passive sonar, sub steering controls, along with so much more, and at no time did I feel the author used technical terms to simply sound technical. I almost feel like wanting to go and get my diving certificate after listening.

Again, like with his Zombie Bigfoot work, the audiobook’s narration was professionally done. I like Mr. Sullivan’s smooth and rich voice, no matter the character he is narrating. Not only was he able to voice female characters quite well, but he was able to also give one a believable UK accent. It was fun to hear words common to a UK speaker also used by this character. The recording quality, I was provided with a pre-release copy, was better than many of the audio book I have reviewed in the past. The recording was clean of any audio artifacts and the narration flowed at a good rate. One can tell the years of experience Mr. Sullivan bring to his narration.

For parents and younger readers, the book’s subject matter dealing with drugs, terrorists, along with some light romance may suggest it be targeted at a mature audience. There was one innuendo I can recall and a few references to more indirect sexual topics. The book contains some profanity; however, the author does not use it in excessively nor was it a surprise when I heard some based on the books plot. Lastly, the book involves kidnapping and some quite graphic scenes of violence.

In summary, Deep Shadow is a fulfilling action-packed thriller with depth and dimension. It was quite an exciting ride and I look forward to future work from Mr. Sullivan. If you enjoy action movies or TV shows, I recommend you put them down and instead pick up Deep Shadow and give it a listen.

Disclaimer: I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.

DIVERS must read new fun series

I have over 5,000 dives and this is the only novel i'v found where the author does not butcher the diving realities. It even captures the fun little real things like an u/w photographer so focused on a macro shot that they miss a sub pass by them. I've seen photographers miss whale sharks while focusing on a macro shot.
The only weak spot, but it is a new series, is the 'heroin' is portrayed too flakey; however she is fun and has potential to mature. The plot potential for this series i unlimited, nad they can also be truer than readers will believe.
If Nick is not careful in a few years, people will be saying Clive Cussler and NIck Sullivan are.....

Immerse Yourself in the Caribbean

I'll start by saying that one of the best things about this audiobook is the fact that it is narrated by the author himself which of course adds to the suspense of the storyline as no one can tell it the way is it should be as he does!! The tension throughout this listen and the twists and turns keep you glued to your listening device. The worldbuilding is done beautifully and you find yourself immersed in the Caribbean that holds many dangerous turns.

A great story

this is a great story and i look forward to listening to many more when you can squeeze the time to write them inbetween narrating for other great story tellers

Amazing escape

I’ve used the deep series time and time again as a use of winding down and escaping from some struggles in my own life and the stories have truly took me away from my anxieties on multiple occasions. The books are fantastic and Nick is the best narrator I have listened to by a mile. You won’t regret this book!

Wonderful adventure

I must admit, I thought this was a creature horror so was mildly disappointed to discover it wasn’t. Nevertheless it’s an amazing book and narrated to perfection. Bravo!

Muslim terrorists (again)?

I believe that constantly plotting Muslims as a terrorists in literature leads to worse world.