In the Ghost’s Shadow (The Shadow Core Saga Book 1)
About
I never thought a chance encounter in a college classroom would pull me into a world of dark secrets and intergalactic conspiracies—until Brick crossed my path. I’m Tish, and every moment with him feels like a battle between desire and destiny. As Brick grapples with a cursed lineage and forbidden power, our lives become entangled in a dangerous dance of love, betrayal, and survival against cosmic odds. In a universe where every whispered secret could ignite a war and every touch hides peril, we must decide: do we dare unlock the chaos within us, or succumb to the darkness that threatens to tear everything apart?
Praise for this book
Must read 🏆
Intelligently delicious! This story may live rent-free in my head. Brick is 'book boyfriend' material.
Mason “Brick” Redstone is a nerdy, Black, mathematical genius just trying to quietly get through college under the radar. But when Brick is unexpectedly thrust into a partnership with the stunningly intelligent Latisha “Tish” Owusu, under the guise of a joint science experiment, the threads of his shadowed past and uncertain future start unraveling his very soul.
The character development is phenomenal. I've never been a big romance fan, but watching the organic growth of the relationship between Brick and Tish was pure magic. Brick's chivalry is refreshing and authentic, a breath of fresh air in their dynamic.
“But Brick does, and he’s the first person I’ve been with who has shown me that I’m more than just an assortment of desirable body parts.”
One of the most refreshing aspects of this story is witnessing the character evolutions. Clifton Brown masterfully depicts Brick’s descent into madness while maintaining his core identity. As Brick endures harrowing moments, he’s forced to grapple with who he is, who he must become, and how this transformation will affect him permanently. Each character undergoes their own compelling metamorphosis, leaving readers to reflect on their own emotions and perspectives. The whole cast of characters felt real and believable.
The worldbuilding is extraordinary. Even a familiar setting, like a mansion in the West, comes alive with vivid imagery as Brick slips in and out of the Akashic Field—an ethereal plane connecting creation and chaos. You can almost feel the pain of tortured souls and smell the lingering garlic and grime around certain characters. The descriptions of his use of power resonate deeply. And every time Brick experienced the whump of his power, the reader felt the crackling pain that Brick endured.
This story is as riveting as it is poetic, thought-provoking, and immersive. I recommend this to anyone seeking an intelligently delicious read. Honestly, I’m looking forward to the next installment (Dear Clifton Brown, PLEASE write another one… sincerely, a new fan).