Shadow Warrior

April 29, 2019
Feehan gracelessly dives back into a world filled with family, suspense, and eroticism with the overheated fourth Shadow Riders novel (after Shadow Keeper). The Ferraro family has a secret: they ride tangible shadows and dispense their own brand of vigilante justice. Vittorio Ferraro is a rich playboy, devoted brother, and broody gothic hero. Enter Grace, a good-hearted event planner who has succeeded despite her difficult upbringing in an abusive foster home. When Grace’s foster brother tries to shoot Vittorio and Grace jumps in front of the bullet, Vittorio’s interest is piqued, even though getting involved with her means dragging her into a brewing war with a rival family. Feehan works in a heavily glorified depiction of sensual power play, complete with Vittorio emphasizing his alpha dominance by using his “gift” of a compelling voice to manipulate Grace against her will, and focuses intensely on the couple’s kinky dynamic. The suspense subplots are well-written, but completely eclipsed by the book-length sexual fantasy. Agent: Steve Axelrod, Axelrod Agency.

Listeners return to the world of the Ferraro family, who are portrayed by Jim Frangione. When Grace Murphy risks her life by jumping in front of a bullet meant for Vittorio Ferraro, Frangione has listeners feeling the tension of the situation. The Ferraro family has the ability to move from place to place via the shadows. They use this ability to dispense justice. Vittorio knows immediately that Grace's shadow connects with his. His protective instincts kick in when he realizes that Grace's foster brother is a serial killer and is stalking her. Frangione gives Vittorio a deeply masculine voice, making it easy for the listener to understand why Grace falls for him. S.B. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine