Title: Shadow of the Sun (Timeless #1)
Author: Laurie Kreitzer
Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing
Publication Date: February 2010
Pages: 320
My Copy: Book Lovin’ Bitches eBook Tours
Gabriella’s past is a mystery, but that never stopped her from achieving her goals. As a supernatural specialist, and far more intelligent than anyone her age, she has always been ignored by her peers. Because of the isolation she has always felt, she put her life and soul into her job. Being a supernatural specialist hasn’t given her the divine intervention she always longed for, until one day a shipment arrives from Italy containing three dead bodies with an uncanny ability to regenerate. Gabriella is frightened and intrigued, but not as scared as she becomes when a dark creature attacks her.
As the bodies come back to life, the plot takes an unexpected twist that you won’t see coming. The supernatural world only begins to unfold before her as angels appear, her dreams start to haunt her, and the very past she has forgotten comes back with startling clarity. Romance blooms, escape plans are made, an assassin is out to kill her, and death is only around the corner. But what is more terrifying than all of it is the fact she is the chosen one, the Illuminator, the one who will save them all.
When I saw that this book was next up on my to-be-read pile I started berating myself over accepting yet another book for review before researching it properly. It’s a bad habit of mine that I’m trying to correct. This novel has all of the warning signs that I usually try to avoid; it’s long and self-published. Fortunately for me, there are exceptions to the rule and Shadow of the Sun is definitely one of them. I loved this book! In fact, after finishing it I’m tempted to request the sequel, Soul Stalker, sooner rather than later. Laura Kreitzer’s unique approach to angels paired with her superior world-building skills make this novel an instant favorite.
The entire book will have you at the edge of your seat, eagerly turning page after page to see what happens next. You can almost cut the constant tension in this story with a knife. There’s always something new being added to the fate-of-the-world plot. But at the same time, the novel is easy to keep up with. I adored Kreitzer’s approach to angels. The hierarchy is still there but with a new spin and their origins undergo a makeover that brings these ethereal beings down to a more earthly level. I really enjoyed the way the story unfolds. Gabriella has dreams of the past throughout the book and these are key to the angels’ history. Important facts are gradually added and the characters are constantly modifying their course of action based on what information is available to them.
Joseph was a secondary character in the book but I immediately took a liking to him. He added some comic relief but not intentionally. He’s the lowly FBI agent who all of a sudden finds himself in the middle of a war between angels. Despite being human, he manages to hold his own and takes whatever is thrown at him with a grain of salt. I liked how the angels would search for him on the battlefield, worried that he was outmatched only to find him winning a fight against a supernatural being. Gabriella meets him before anyone else and there’s immediate chemistry between them. Unfortunately, that kinda gets squashed once her guardian angel shows up. Normally I’m the first one to jump on board the soul-mate train but in this case I was rooting for Joseph, the underdog, the whole time. There was just something about him that flat out did it for me.
Gabrielle’s story is a captivating one. She’s thrown from one reality into another and handles it as best as anyone could in her situation. She has no memory of the first 5 years of her life but through her dreams she manages to fit a couple of the pieces together. Ella is such a strong and courageous character. I sympathized with her from the very beginning. There are some real heart-wrenching moments in this book that will tug at your emotions. It’s rare that I cry while reading but I came close a few times! This story will take you on an emotional roller-coaster ride so be prepared!
Shadow of the Sun has is all: a tale of epic proportions, battles of good VS evil and a sprinkle of romance. There’s no toe curling action but I barely felt its absence. This story will have you so enthralled that you won’t need any yummy diversions. In fact, if there were any you might feel the urge to skip them so that you can get back to the action. Yeah, this book is that good! I’m eager to see where the story goes from here. I expect great things from Soul Stalker. Laura, if you’re reading this please feel free to contact me! Subtle aren’t I?
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About the Blogger
I review Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance books with a focus all things werewolf. Based out of Ottawa, Canada
Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
I’m glad you enjoyed it so much. Just goes to prove that not all self-published books are complete nonsense.
I was wondering what you though wasn’t it amazing I can’t wait to read Soul Stalker it is just that darned good :).
I loved Joseph too, he was just so funny and helped Gabriella (I love that name by the way) when she had not a clue was going on around her.
I’ve been dying to get my hands on this one. The cover is absolutely stunning. Glad you liked it 🙂
Vivien
deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com
I really want to read this one! The cover is beyond beautiful and though I’m wary of angel YAs, this one promises a unique take as you say. Great review!
Wow! This is a pretty glowing review Carmel! I will have to check it out!
PS. I tweeted about this post!
averys.book.nook@hotmail.ca
Another great rating for this book. I think I should have read this books A.S.A.P. I should have not made the a lil bit confusing epub format become the reason why I postpone reading it.
aleetha.ally at gmail dot com
Supernatural specialist sounds good 🙂 I didn’t hear about this book yet but cover is really interesting.
Syki
sykorova.p@gmail.com
@aussieinengland Yup. I’ve been having a stream of bad luck with indie authors lately so I was happy that this one turned out to be good!
@BLHmistress It was amazing! Glad there’s another Joseph fan out there. 🙂
@vivien I wasn’t a fan of the cover at first but it’s grown on me.
@Kat This one’s not YA. I hope you get around to reading it soon. 🙂
@Avery It’s so much easier to write a glowing review than a negative one. LOL
@Aleetha Download Calibre. It’s free and converts eBook formats easily.
@Syki Thanks for stopping by!
The story sounds really good. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Have to say though I am not in love with the cover.
tweet – http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/51138696992407552
bacchus76 at myself dot com
Miss not subtle! ::waves:: Feel free to contact me about Soul Stalker. 😀
w00t! It’s always an exciting day when I find another Joseph lover out there! I adore that boy. And, pst, he gets much more page time in Soul Stalker!
I loved your review! Beautifully written!