The Shadow Aspect (The Harvesting Series Book 3)

By: Melanie Karsak

Narrated by: Kristin James

Length: 6 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's Summary

When Layla took the final step through the labyrinth, she thought she was saving the ones she loved.

She couldn't have been more wrong.

Layla and the other survivors now find themselves caught in a war for our world, the unwitting victims of a grudge seething for eons. Surviving the zombie apocalypse has become the least of their worries as they come up against vampires, shapeshifters, and fae. When she uncovers an unspeakable horror, whom can Layla trust? The carnie girl? The doctor searching for a cure? The tarot reader? The stranger with alluring gold eyes? Or the man she loves?

The wrong choice could doom them all.

When the world burns, mankind's shadow side rises. Do we deserve to survive?

©2015 Clockpunk Press (P)2015 Clockpunk Press

LAYLA STILL KICKS BUTT LIKE A PRO!

What did you love best about The Shadow Aspect (The Harvesting Series Book 3)?

That Layla and Cricket's group finally joined forces...I really like both of them!!!

What other book might you compare The Shadow Aspect (The Harvesting Series Book 3) to and why?

This is a unique zombie series, there are not only zombies...there are vamps, fairies, shape shifters...really a cool concept!

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked many, but especially when Layla frees the Zombie mom, and gives her her baby...and Zombie mom gets her due justice!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I could have....I did listen to it in 1 day though...

Any additional comments?

** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **

I loved book 1, and 1.5, and this one was pretty good too....This one picks up after the group has escaped the vamps...and is on the run...Well Cricket finds them with a tip from her card reading friend...they come back to a university where people have been surviving for awhile...Well there is a Doctor there up to no good...and as things always happen in a Z-Poc they barely escape, but now they have help....I love Cricket...and her and Layla are going to make a great team!

Thanks Melanie!!!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

a whisper of fantasy in dark zombie fiction

Another strong installment in Karsak's The Harvesting zombie series. I've had the pleasure to read the accompanying novellas as well as the books, so that's how I can say that about book supposedly #2. As usual, Karsak writes deftly and smoothly, with good dimensional characters that speak and act like real people - and she puts those poor souls in so much danger! She's not above killing off a character. It IS a zombie series, after all.

This book starts immediately where The Harvesting left off, so I had to go back and re-read my review to catch up with who was who. The book starts right into peril and action, so I feel jealous of those that come to the series able to read straight from Book 1 to Book 2 as they won't lose the emotional ties to the characters as I did over the wait for this book. Layla is there and fiercely protecting her band of survivors. They are offered shelter, but are leery of help and unsure who to trust. Cricket and Tristan are here (from the novella Midway). More magic is revealed, and the zombies are not as simple as we thought at first. Karsak doles out the hints and foreshadowing deftly, edges the to high tension with the zombie fighting and mistrust, and then knows when to relieve the tension with a bit of sweet romance or childhood innocence. I love the bit of fantasy that she weaves into this series that is elevating it from just a zombie survival tale into something richer and far more interesting.

Sadly, this book ends on another cliffhanger... off to the novella Witch Wood, then to wait for the final book in the Harvesting series!

NOTE: This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Unique epic post apocalypse world

The author and narrator create and bring you to an epic new post apocalyptic world. The prior novels set up different groups, areas and challenges. The world is a whole new place. This chapter brings groups together, reveals ancient enemies, betrayals are shocking, be ready for some serious action and some serious loss. Love this series! Very refreshing and new in its views! I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Exciting!

This starts off right where The Harvesting ended, so we are quickly brought back into Layla's world. Layla, along with the survivours of the island, thought they were finding safety but have ended up smack bang in the middle of a hoard of zombies. An intense scene follows but Layla and most of her group are found by Cricket and Tristan (whom we met in Midway). The are brought to a sanctuary where strong magic is helping to shield them. Will this be enough to hide them and keep them safe from the zombies, vampires and bad shifters?

Holy batman!! This was one heck of a ride, filled with action, adventure, and plenty of things happening that kept my attention throughout. The author has created a world that is impressive and captivating. She weaves a tale of, not only zombies, but a battle that has been raging for decades. One where mankinds very existence is on the edge. I loved her take on how and why the virus came to be. The world is one that I loved and adored!

The characters were once again well written and developed. Each one was genuine and authentic. They were easy to like and I loved everyone of them as they are so varied and surprising.

The plot was amazing too. Layla and Cricket come together and have to deal with Zombies, Vampires, Fairies and a crazy ass doctor who thinks she can find the antidote by injecting some unsuspecting people. It's an action packed, addicting and thrilling series and one I can't recommend enough. Amazing!!

Once again, Kristin James nailed the narration. She really knows these characters and understands the world. Loved her narration.

*I received a free copy of this but voluntarily reviewed it. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.*

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Kristin James

WOW....JUST WOW KRISTIN JAMES CAN REALLY BRING THIS AMAZING STORY TO LIFE!! Her voice is amazing at different accents!! Melanie Karsak Wrote a story that kept me on the edge of my seat!! I love every single one of these characters!! the storyline is AWESOME!! DEFINITELY WORTH A CREDIT!!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

There is a so much packed into Karsak's books.

Wow, I did not expect the outcome of the labyrinth. This book starts right off where The Harvesting left off and takes you on a race. Layla and her group meet up with Cricket and her group, plus new people. Layla and Cricket discover more enemies and discover more about themselves than ever before. And like in The Walking Dead no one is immune to being killed off. Now there are two types of zombies, the mindless eating machines and then the others that are smarter ones that can communicate with Layla. This story was exciting and I enjoyed it immensely, I will definitely be reading all of this series. Especially since like the first book, this leaves you craving the next chapter of the story. Narrator is good and I would also listen to anything she read and be happy.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Such an Awesome Series!

The Shadow Aspect picks up right where The Harvesting leaves off, with Layla leading her people out of the labyrinth into a new and hopefully safer area. Karsak puts us right back into the fray and doesn’t pull any punches…in fact she damn near ripped my heart out towards the end of this one and that takes some effort.

In this book we have two POV’s to follow: Layla, our main character from the first book, and Cricket, the new character introduced in the novella Midway. While reading Midway is not necessary, I would definitely recommend it because there are some things that you won’t really ‘get’ unless you have…plus it’s a damn good novella. These two women are both badasses but completely unique and approach things in their own way. After the horrific events of The Harvesting Layla is slow to trust again and much more aware of the other world that is threatening their very existence . We get a lot more of her learning about her ability to see the ‘other’ side and I really like the direction it went, it certain sets it apart from the other zombie books out there even more. We see her grow and become a better leader, able to stand up for herself and others..even when it doesn’t necessarily make sense to other people. While Layla has become the backbone of the group, Cricket has become it’s heart of sorts. She works hard to make sure everyone is alright, even putting herself in the line of danger to do so, and she genuinely cares for the people around her. These two make for a great duo!

The world building still continues as we get more info on the other inhabitants of the world and what exactly caused the downfall of humanity. I love what Karsak has done with the mythology to make it stand out despite the same overall idea being used in many other books. I don’t want to go into detail about the new players in this game, but they are pretty cool and I’m really looking forward to seeing how their newly discovered involvement comes to a head in the next two books in the series.

Kirsten James is excellent yet again as the narrator, as she effortlessly switches between all the voices she’s created for the entire cast. I’m thoroughly impressed with her and though I’m sad that this series is coming to I do look forward to listening to her other work. I’ve actually bought an audio I didn’t really intend on buying because she was the narrator…and for me that is enough.

If you enjoy urban fantasy as told by an author who knows how to make you feel but pull no punches then this is definitely a series to get in to. It’s well written and fun, and if you listen to the audio you get the added bonus of KJ reading to you.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Danger is always present,but there might some hope

Would you listen to The Shadow Aspect (The Harvesting Series Book 3) again? Why?

Absolutely! Not only for the characterization brought to life through Kristin's voice, but also for the story being told. Melanie walks us through the next expansion of the world here. We saw the undead and vampires in the first book. We learn about the thin places and fog here, along with some of the natural spirits. Each growth of the world in each book is placed to explain and grow the stories. We even start to get a look into why this is happening along with how. And, to Layla and a few other observers, there is a difference in the undead as well.

Have you listened to any of Kristin James’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've continued listening to the series as I love Kristin's voice acting. She slips into each and every character, becoming them in voice. She does the breathless moments when in dialog. She does several accents through the story for Cricket, Tristan, and many others along with deeper and different tones for male and females. All this makes it so easy for the listener to differentiate the characters. I love how Kristin knows what words to put an accent on, to show there is more meaning behind the word.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I had a constant fear from the moment Layla and her friends walked into Claddagh-Basel college. I worried the whole time that something was going to happen. This was one of my biggest reactions. But there were a few as I started to feel for the undead... Hard to believe!

Any additional comments?

This book brings Cricket and those from her novella together with Layla and her friends from Hamletville.

I know the characters are in constant trouble with the danger of the undead and vampires, but it doesn't feel high strung fast. I really like this. People need rest, even if not 100% trusting of those around them. That comes through yet the stories moving to keep us interested. The grown of the world helps balance the pacing and action. Not to fast. Not to slow. Just right.

Really can't wait to continue in this series with the next novella and novel!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

What's not to love!!!

Loving this series so much! I know it sound strange to have zombies, fae people, psychics & vampires all in one story but this works! It works so well that I'm listening to the entire series straight through. The narrator is great, the store is fantastic, the writing is really good. The characters are likable & relatable. Give this series a try, I promise you'll enjoy it.

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

It’s all fun and games until someone ends up undea

Would you try another book from Melanie Karsak and/or Kristin James?

I liked Layla a lot. Though her age is never mentioned, I put her around late 20’s. She managed to escape her small town upbringing, but didn’t hesitate to return and then take up the leadership position when it was necessary. She’s also a badass with the swords and other weapons, and I always appreciate that in a female main character.

Would you be willing to try another book from Melanie Karsak? Why or why not?

It’s hard for me to talk about the things I didn’t like in the second half of the book without giving away anything, but I’ll just say things went in a completely different direction than I would have imagined from reading the first part. I’m not 100% sold on the inclusion of the other supernaturals in this zombie novel, but this is a series. I also didn’t really get the last chapter.

Do you think The Shadow Aspect (The Harvesting Series Book 3) needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I was completely engrossed in the zombie part, but the other parts I could take or leave. I love the author’s writing style, though, and I plan on continuing with the series!