Shadow Runner by KJ Fieler, categorized as a Gaslamp fantasy, is a very well written story. First off, the quality of the prose is excellent. The author's use of metaphorical speech helps to create a lucid experience for the reader, bridging it from reality to fantasy, back and forth, rather seamlessly. What really stands out is the character development - and on that count it deserves 5 stars.
Ada, the main character, a young, coming-of age woman, raised in an Aristocratic household, facing a dull future where women of her stance are expected to marry a reputable man and start up the baby factory, has a different ideas about her future - but breaking away from the grip of a possessive and controlling family is a problem - that is, until one day when Ada is kidnapped. When she awakens, her kidnapper, who refers to herself as a Shadow, a secret league of sorts, of assassins, informs Ada that she has just saved her from a terrible future and will now personally train her to be a Shadow. Ada resists, but it is futile and the story that unfolds follows her development, the physical rigors, the discipline, the pain, the missions she engages. This remains the anchor of this story - the telling of a how a young, rather lost woman, finds her footing in the most unusual and unexpected of professions, and the hardships and challenges to her own principles which she must contend with along the way. Shadow Runner is a good read and certainly sets the pace for the next book.
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Customers enjoy this steampunk fantasy book, with one describing it as a stunning debut in the YA Fantasy genre. The narrative receives positive feedback for being well-written, and customers find it truly fun to read.
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7 customers mention genre, 7 positive, 0 negative
Gas Lamp Fantasy…I never heard of the term before. But once I looked it up, I found I was familiar with the style....Read more
...Set in Victorian England, this is a fabulous blend of steampunk, fantasy, and the coming of age of a headstrong, born to wealth child, snatched from...Read more
...back up, she needs to find the resolve to keep going in this solid gas-lamp fantasy. Early in the story she’s describing a toy horse. “...Read more
With the Victorian era as its backdrop and incorporating elements of steampunk, Shadow Runner tells the story of Ada, a young girl born to wealth...Read more
7 customers mention narrative, 7 positive, 0 negative
...Runner by KJ Fieler, categorized as a Gaslamp fantasy, is a very well written story. First off, the quality of the prose is excellent....Read more
Shadow Runner by K. J. Fieler is an inspiring tale of the journey of a nine-year old girl as seen through her eyes....Read more
I felt this story has a lot of potential, I mean who isn't interested in assassins, thieve and villains?...Read more
...Fieler weaves a fascinating narrative—one that explores the price of freedom and moral complexities....Read more
7 customers mention readability, 7 positive, 0 negative
...Shadow Runner is a good read and certainly sets the pace for the next book.Read more
...This was a truly fun read. The prose did not seem to come from a debut author. It was very well written. Can't wait for more from this author!Read more
...Worth the read.Read more
...I would recommend "Shadow Runner" to all age groups. It was a quite enjoyable, creative and a true page turner. Brava KJ Fieler!!Read more
A highly imaginative, well-told story with captivating characters.
With the Victorian era as its backdrop and incorporating elements of steampunk, Shadow Runner tells the story of Ada, a young girl born to wealth and privilege who yearns for a more exciting life than an arranged marriage to another member of the aristocracy—and gets far more than she wished for. When her family is enveloped in tragedy, Ada is abducted and thrust into an unforgiving world ruled by Shadows, a group of trained assassins and thieves who groom children to follow in their footsteps. Set in a world that is part reality and part fantasy, the book follows Ada’s journey through her early teenage years as she adapts to a life where only the fittest survive. Ada must draw upon a well of strength she didn’t know she had, while confronting moral dilemmas that could destroy her or those she has come to love. Beautifully written and immersive, Shadow Runner creates a world and characters I hope we’ll see again.
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2024
- Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2025
- Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2023
With the Victorian era as its backdrop and incorporating elements of steampunk, Shadow Runner tells the story of Ada, a young girl born to wealth and privilege who yearns for a more exciting life than an arranged marriage to another member of the aristocracy—and gets far more than she wished for. When her family is enveloped in tragedy, Ada is abducted and thrust into an unforgiving world ruled by Shadows, a group of trained assassins and thieves who groom children to follow in their footsteps.
A highly imaginative, well-told story with captivating characters.
Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2023
Set in a world that is part reality and part fantasy, the book follows Ada’s journey through her early teenage years as she adapts to a life where only the fittest survive. Ada must draw upon a well of strength she didn’t know she had, while confronting moral dilemmas that could destroy her or those she has come to love. Beautifully written and immersive, Shadow Runner creates a world and characters I hope we’ll see again.
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- Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2023
Top reviews from other countries
- Terri MorganReviewed in France on February 11, 2025
A gripping, atmospheric read with a fantastic female lead!
