The Shadows We Make

Shadow Journey Series

By: Jo Allen Ash

Narrated by: Mary Hildebrandt

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

A war-torn world. A desert warrior, a con-artist, a mystic, a thief. Destiny.

War has come to Citadel, threatening the desert provinces. I, 16-year-old warrior, have made an enemy of a powerful man. I'm not alone. Duncan Oaks, teenage member of the Grif-Drif Con-Artist Guild, has also made one bad choice too many in his dealings.

Now we are both remanded to an off-world juvenile facility with lifetime sentences. Yes, you heard me right. Lifetime. Still, we are determined. Even now, we plot an escape into the horrific environment outside these walls in order to save Duncan's sister from the embattled planet below.

There's only one question, the only one that matters, I suppose. Will we survive? The Shadows We Make, Book One in the Shadow Journey series, is a blend of science fiction and fantasy in a dystopian alien world and told in the first person in three distinct, separate voices. Grace, the desert warrior, and Duncan Oaks, the boy who betrayed her seek to escape the inescapable prison planet to which they have been condemned in order to rescue Duncan's gifted sister from the man who condemned them both. They are not alone, however. Together, they and their companions set out to find Duncan's troubled, powerful sister, encountering hardship, danger, and the horror of a world not their own.

©2022 Robin Maderich (P)2023 Robin Maderich

Captivating Dystopian Novel

Grace Irese has crossed the wrong person and as a result is banished to a juvenile center on the planet, Emerald. Once there she encounters and befriends others who have been unjustly sentenced to life there. Together they escape into the hostile world of Emerald. Not only does Grace have to fear the unknown but also the young man who has joined her and her friends. The very one who gave false witness led to her imprisonment.

The author, Jo Allen Ash, crafted a captivating dystopian novel for young adults. It is a timeless storyline for all ages with rich and vivid characters as well as being action-packed. While it is a darkish-tinted storyline, it is filled with adventure and emotion. Grace is placed into a situation that requires her to challenge who and where she places trust as well as forcing her self-reflection despite her age and inexperience. The author highlights the universal and age-old struggle for trust.

The narrator, Mary Hildebrandt delivers a fascinating and mesmerizing performance. Her voice is strong and flexible providing unique sounds for each character. Her projection of emotion for each situation and character is spot on. She spoke clearly and with a passion for her work and the work of the author.

This was an engaging listening experience!

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