In the Ghost’s Shadow (The Shadow Core Saga Book 1)
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About
Mason "Brick" Redstone has always been different, but the genetic abilities he's kept secret are only the beginning. Born with extraordinary powers after genetic experiments on his parents and sister, Brick has hidden some abilities even from those closest to him. When his science professor—secretly the twin of the enigmatic Zindriya—convinces his classmate Latisha "Tish" Owusu to partner with him on a project, the walls around Brick’s secrets begin to crumble.
Brick has secretly loved her for years. Though she initially resists, feeling conflicted about him, their time working together reveals sides of the man she never expected. Slowly, her feelings shift, and she finds herself falling in love. Before she can reveal her change of heart, Brick is kidnapped, and Tish works with Brick's sister, Mara, to find him.
Together again, Brick and Tish must unravel the conspiracy behind his kidnapping and the power behind the plot. As their bond deepens, they uncover shocking truths about his origins, all while navigating treacherous paths of love, betrayal, and hidden family legacies. Ultimately, they face an impossible entity that blurs the line between myth and science, the true power behind it all.
From secret labs haunted by ghostly whispers to clashes with beings that defy the laws of nature, "In The Ghost's Shadow" is a gripping saga where dark fantasy meets sci-fi, infused with high-stakes action, threaded with rigorous science and ignited by a pulsating romantic core. Will Brick and Tish's newfound abilities be enough to prevent a planetary apocalypse, or will the dark energy surging through them cause it?
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).