SHADOW RUN
AdriAnne Strickland, Michael Miller
Series: Kaitan Chronicles #1
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pages: 400
Release date: March 21st 2017
“It’s not about winning; it’s about doing the right thing.”Nev has just joined the crew of the starship Kaitan Heritage as the cargo loader. His captain, Qole, is the youngest-ever person to command her own ship, but she brooks no argument from her crew of orphans, fugitives, and con men. Nev can’t resist her, even if her ship is an antique.
As for Nev, he’s a prince, in hiding on the ship. He believes Qole holds the key to changing galactic civilization, and when her cooperation proves difficult to obtain, Nev resolves to get her to his home planet by any means necessary.
But before they know it, a rival royal family is after Qole too, and they’re more interested in stealing her abilities than in keeping her alive.
Nev’s mission to manipulate Qole becomes one to save her, and to survive, she’ll have to trust her would-be kidnapper. He may be royalty, but Qole is discovering a deep reservoir of power—and stars have mercy on whoever tries to hurt her ship or her crew.
Shadow Run is a delightful YA Sci-Fi novel with an engrossing plot, great writing, and developed characters. It is the kind of novel that hooks you in right from the start, delivering a story filled with action and witty dialogue as well as twists and turns that leave you on the edge of your seat.
AdriAnne Strickland and Michael Miller are a duo definitely worth keeping an eye on. Their writing is engaging and easy to follow, and the action scenes are exciting and very well-paced. The dual shift in POV from Nev to Qole in this book also works wonderfully, with each character having an unique voice and layered personalities.
The very beginning is a little slow, but things pick up with a twist, a reveal, and some amazing action scenes right in the first few chapters. The world-building also takes a little while to fully understand, but it’s done in a way that we get information little by little, without it overwhelming the rest of the story — no info-dump!
Along with the spaceships, fights, and shadow, there is also royal schemes and intrigue. There are quite a few attempts at backstabbing and betrayal, and all contribute to the novel’s tense atmosphere. The focus of this story is very much on the adventure and action, but it also gives readers some wonderful moments built on friendship and families of choice. There’s also very little romance, but it’s done in a way that’s believable and sweet.
Qole, one of the main characters, is a badass and has no problem calling people out on their shit, which we see a lot whenever someone tries to control or patronize her. She doesn’t let people get away with their problematic behaviors, and it is amazing to read about her standing up for herself. Nev is also great, and his character development throughout the story is so much fun to read about, especially as he learns some very harsh lessons along the way.
As for others character, like I said above, everyone has an unique voice and is developed. Side characters are developed and provide some added mystery to the plot. It’s very interesting learning a little bit about them as things progress, and have secrets be revealed along the way. Even more so when said secrets directly impact the plot.
Overall, Shadow Run is a super fun read! It has lots of action and twists and amazing characters, all packed into some great writing. YA Sci-Fi fans should definitely pick this up!
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