A thrilling new Victorian-era urban fantasy for fans of Kevin Hearne’s Iron Druid Chronicles, the Showtime series Penny Dreadful, and the Sherlock Holmes movies featuring Robert Downey, Jr. They are the realm’s last, best defense against supernatural evil. But they’re going to need a lot more silver.
As fog descends, obscuring the gas lamps of Victorian London, werewolves prowl the shadows of back alleys. But they have infiltrated the inner circles of upper-crust society as well. Only a handful of specially gifted practitioners are equipped to battle the beasts. Among them are the roguish Simon Archer, who conceals his powers as a spell-casting scribe behind the smooth veneer of a dashing playboy; his layabout mentor, Nick Barker, who prefers a good pub to thrilling heroics; and the self-possessed alchemist Kate Anstruther, who is equally at home in a ballroom as she is on a battlefield.
After a lycanthrope targets Kate’s vulnerable younger sister, the three join forces with fierce Scottish monster-hunter Malcolm MacFarlane—but quickly discover they’re dealing with a threat far greater than anything they ever imagined.
Praise for The Shadow Revolution
“Team Griffith creates a number of really compelling characters whose exploits will keep readers glued to the pages! Terrific!”—RT Book Reviews
“A fast-paced, action-filled dark fantasy that is just sheer fun to read . . . The Shadow Revolution kicks off the Crown & Key series in spectacular fashion!”—Fresh Fiction
“Werewolves, mad science, and plenty of smiting. Pass the popcorn.”—Emma Jane Holloway, author of The Baskerville Affair series
"A thrilling read! Clay and Susan Griffith have crafted a gritty, action-packed Victorian-era fantasy world full of dark creatures, mystery, and magic—a must read for steampunk fans!”—Shawntelle Madison, author of the Coveted series
“What happens when you kick off a new urban fantasy series with a fantastic setting and unique characters, and you throw in some dangerous, supernatural creatures, evil madmen, murder and mayhem? You get a kick-ass book to read. . . . I want more, please!”—Book Swoon
“If summer blockbuster action movies existed back in the Victorian era, they would look a lot like The Shadow Revolution. This book doesn’t mess around. . . . Highly recommended.”—The BiblioSanctum
“One hell of a read . . . [With] unforgettable characters and magic around every bend, this truly was a breath of fresh air.”—My Guilty Obsession
“The story is pretty fast-paced, the mystery intriguing and refreshingly surprising, and the action thrilling. [The Shadow Revolution] pulls you in and barely lets you up for air, and I love the intensity of that kind of storytelling.”—Refracted Light
“So good that I won’t be surprised if this book series is opted to be a TV show or movie with an accompanying video game! Great storytelling, great plot and most of all great book!”—Marienela
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I really enjoyed this book. All the characters were well-developed, even the more minor, not central characters. The story was descriptive, giving you a good idea of what everything looked and sounded like, without being over-detailed. The world was fully-fleshed out and believable. I liked the magic we were introduced to, and would love to learn more about Scribes and the key.
I loved Simon. He was funny and quick-thinking, without falling into the 'too perfect' role a lot of main characters end up in. Kate I didn't care for at first, but she quickly grew on me. I also loved Charlotte, I wish we knew what happened to her for sure.
There is quite a bit of violence, blood and gore in the book. It didn't bother me at all, but those who are squeamish or just don't like reading about that sort of thing will want to skip this book.
The banter between Simon and Nick reminded me a bit of the Sherlock Holmes movie. It was funny, and you could tell there was a strong bond of friendship between the two. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
If you haven't read this book yet, and you like mysteries, action and magic, with a paranormal twist, you need to try this book.
