Kindle Edition Amazon CW Schutter Amazon Category:  Young Adult/Teen Publisher: River Ranbch Press ISBN-10:  1492872881 Pages: 249 Copyright: Juyly 8, 2012 Price: $2.99 (eBook) YA/NA Paranormal romance, first of a coming of age fantasy trilogy with apocalyptic themes featuring Nephilims (the children of angels). Someone or something is stalking Destiny at Shadow Academy. Plunged into a world of magic and a paranormal romance with a sorcerer at her mysterious new school, Destiny discovers Shadow Academy is a portal for spirits. Drawn to super-hunk Liam the first day, she wonders why he seems so familiar to her. Although Destiny has long-forgotten her imaginary playmate, Liam is haunted by the paranormal romance they shared as children. But Liam's deadly secret turns their dream of love into a nightmare. Destiny is targeted by fallen angels bent on snatching the astonishing secret her murdered mother left her. A secret that could release imprisoned dark archangels and raise up a Nephilim army to seize control of the world. As Destiny's ability to see into the spirit realm grows, she becomes increasingly suspicious that Liam is not only stalking her, but he means to kill her. Tormented by the forces of good and evil warring inside him, Liam knows he must obey the fallen angels order to turn the girl he loves to the dark side or kill her. To stay together, the teen lovers must trick or defeat a terrifying worldwide network of evil spirits and demons. Riveting, and romantic, The School of Shadows pits love against destiny, duty against desire, and calls for the ultimate sacrifice.     Excerpt PROLOGUE My father wanted me dead. I'm not crazy and I wasn't dreaming. I heard my parents talking about it even though I never met dear Dad. My dad visited us when I was seven. Fast asleep at the time, I woke up hearing Mom arguing in a whispered shout with someone. I never heard her hiss like that before; she was the gentlest person ever. "Don't lie to me. You tried to kill your own daughter!" Mom's anger vibrated with the same fear when she snatched me from the man who saved me from drowning a week ago. "You think I'm responsible for the undertow that swept her out to sea?" a man's mocking voice replied. "Knowing about the undertow tells me a lot," Mom snarled. "Besides, I know what you're capable of." "You give me too much credit." The man chuckled. "From the beginning, you insisted I abort Destiny." "It's not a matter of what I want. You know allowing her to live dooms us." "I don't care," Mom lashed back. My heart pounded. I jumped out of bed, tiptoed to the door and opened it a crack. Never having met my father, I wanted to see what he looked like. The room was dark. Only one small table lamp with a grayish-colored shade glowed, throwing most of the room into shadow. Mom sat on the edge of her chair, twisting the fabric of her skirt. All I could see of Dad was his right hand rhythmically drumming the glass-topped surface of the end table directly under the lamp. The lamplight revealed long, elegant fingers, and rounded, perfectly cut nails painted with clear, but shiny, polish. I couldn't even see his hair color because he wore a hat. A truck rattled by on the uneven streets below, breaking up the dead quiet just before his ice-cold serpentine voice coiled around my heart. "If she lives, we both die. It's her destiny." I shuddered; tears filled my eyes. Surely he was lying. Mom pleaded. "Give her a chance. If you meet her, you'll fall in love with her. She's so sweet." "Nevertheless, you know I'm never wrong. Never." Cruel certainty laced his voice. He rose from the chair to stand, stiff and erect. He was very tall and muscular, but slim. "Please," my mom begged and stood. "Don't kill her." My father sighed as if defeated. "Do you think I want to? She's my child, too. But, it concerns more than just the three of us. Her death has been ordered." "Can't you convince them to spare her?" Mom sobbed. "You may not believe this, but I did all I could to save her." He reached out and wrapped his arms around my mother. His hand trembled as he stroked her auburn hair. Seeing so much tenderness in his gesture, I felt suddenly awkward, as if I had just witnessed something intimate. "We'll have another child." "No!" Mom shoved him back. "More children? So you can threaten them, too? I won't let you or anyone else kill my baby! You'll have to kill me first!" My father stiffened. He tipped his hat and walked to the door. As he walked past Mom, he stroked her face. She slapped his hand away. "I'm sorry," he said. "Destiny must die."

Expect the Unexpected
I loved this book. I usually can predict what the characters in a book or movie will do and what's going to happen next. Not this book. The plot has so many twists and turns it keeps you on edge. The characters are fascinating, unpredictable, and unique. I felt very involved with them. The villains were sinister, but magnetic. I've read this author before and her characters are strong and unforgettable. Can't wait for book two.

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School of Shadows
Destiny is charming, full of spunk and sass. It is not hard to like her from the very beginning. She is smart, down-to-earth, easy-going and completely out of her element at this new school. She is immediately drawn to Liam and soon learns that this is no ordinary school. The small group that she is placed in are far more special than the rest of the students though, they are an elite group with special skills that need refining as they each come into their own.

This is a complicated story with a lot of theology and mythology woven into the plot that is set on a contemporary earth that gives it a very real feeling. The characters are well developed, the dialogue and the interactions between the students on a human level is palatable. The demonology and history of angels in this story as it relates to the students is unnerving, I am sure there are truths woven in here. The author has done a good amount of research to make her story seem possible.

I was intrigued by the possibilities and a bit scared for their future as well as our own. The plot is well paced and the implications in the story-line are huge. This story is not finished, there is room for more. Unless the author is leaving the end for us to finish on our own, choosing what we are most comfortable believing. That is an interesting thought that I hadn't realized until now. Hmmmm...

Format/Typo Issues: I found no significant editing errors.

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Suspenseful Page Turner
I just finished reading "School of Shadows" yesterday evening. I couldn't put it down. I seldom read a whole book—typically I read nonfiction and scan for specific info— but this book drew me in with strong characters and a suspense-filled plot. Under girding the plot is intriguing paranormal information dealing with demonology and the study of angels: but the theological and known historical background gives the tale an uncomfortable ring of authenticity that will leave the reader asking, "Could this be true? Could this be the explanation for the charisma and talent of certain individuals?"

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