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The Shadow Changeling #1
Shade Cursed
When a shadow wizard with a dark past uncovers a supernatural conspiracy, he'll stop at nothing to get revenge on the Fae who enslaved him!
I go by Crowley, no last name. The Fae took that from me when they tore me from my crib and turned me into a creature of blood and shadow.
My kidnappers raised me, taught me magic, and made me their Hound. For years I served them, venturing out from Underhill to do their bidding, stealing magical artifacts, hunting down their enemies, and spying on humankind.
But a cur can only be brought to heel for so long. I've broken my chains by betraying my adoptive mother, the powerful sorceress Fuamnach. Since then her assassins have been hunting me, and if I'm captured I'll be taken back to Underhill to face a crueler fate than death.
So, I spend my days in my tower, conducting magical experiments to help me control the dark entity that Fuamnach grafted onto my soul. As for my nights, they’re spent capturing the deadliest of supernatural creatures. I must have ingredients for my research, after all.
Now, one of those creatures claims he witnessed my abduction. Yet, the supernatural races are a treacherous lot, and there’s little to convince me he’s telling the truth.
But if there’s even a remote chance that my family is alive and well…
I’ll cut a swathe of destruction through an army of Fae, if it means gaining back a piece of the humanity they stole from me.
My name is Crowley, and if I can’t have my life back, then vengeance will have to do.
Shade Cursed is the first entry in The Shadow Changeling Series, a Colin McCool Junkyard Druid spin-off series set in M.D. Massey's Druidverse urban fantasy setting.
If you enjoy dark urban fantasy books featuring haunted antiheroes in the tradition of Snape, Walker Boh, and Constantine, you'll love this story about a human changeling prince fighting to overcome the tragedy of his tortured past.
Grab your copy of the first novel in this urban fantasy trilogy today!
I go by Crowley, no last name. The Fae took that from me when they tore me from my crib and turned me into a creature of blood and shadow.
My kidnappers raised me, taught me magic, and made me their Hound. For years I served them, venturing out from Underhill to do their bidding, stealing magical artifacts, hunting down their enemies, and spying on humankind.
But a cur can only be brought to heel for so long. I've broken my chains by betraying my adoptive mother, the powerful sorceress Fuamnach. Since then her assassins have been hunting me, and if I'm captured I'll be taken back to Underhill to face a crueler fate than death.
So, I spend my days in my tower, conducting magical experiments to help me control the dark entity that Fuamnach grafted onto my soul. As for my nights, they’re spent capturing the deadliest of supernatural creatures. I must have ingredients for my research, after all.
Now, one of those creatures claims he witnessed my abduction. Yet, the supernatural races are a treacherous lot, and there’s little to convince me he’s telling the truth.
But if there’s even a remote chance that my family is alive and well…
I’ll cut a swathe of destruction through an army of Fae, if it means gaining back a piece of the humanity they stole from me.
My name is Crowley, and if I can’t have my life back, then vengeance will have to do.
Shade Cursed is the first entry in The Shadow Changeling Series, a Colin McCool Junkyard Druid spin-off series set in M.D. Massey's Druidverse urban fantasy setting.
If you enjoy dark urban fantasy books featuring haunted antiheroes in the tradition of Snape, Walker Boh, and Constantine, you'll love this story about a human changeling prince fighting to overcome the tragedy of his tortured past.
Grab your copy of the first novel in this urban fantasy trilogy today!
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2021
About the author
M.D. Massey
53 books544 followersI write urban fantasy, paranormal suspense, and dark fantasy novels.
My first series, THEM, is a jaunt through a post-apocalyptic central Texas where the dead walk, and vampires, werewolves and other unsavory creatures roam the night. It has elements of the zompoc genre, dark fantasy, and military survival fiction. My goal with this series was to give readers the same excitement I get from reading books by Larry Correia, Jonathan Maberry, and J.L. Bourne.
On the other hand, my Colin McCool series falls squarely between urban fantasy and paranormal suspense. Colin's world is full of magic, mystery, and folklore come to life. I wrote this series because I love reading books by authors like Patricia Briggs, Kevin Hearne, Jim Butcher, and Neil Gaiman. And, like most authors, I try to write stories that I would enjoy reading.
I currently live in the Hill Country near Austin, Texas, which is where much of my fiction is set. Most days you can find me in a local coffee shop or in my office working on my next book, or in my garage pummeling inanimate objects. If you'd like to find out more about my work and get a FREE book, visit my website at MDMassey.com.
My first series, THEM, is a jaunt through a post-apocalyptic central Texas where the dead walk, and vampires, werewolves and other unsavory creatures roam the night. It has elements of the zompoc genre, dark fantasy, and military survival fiction. My goal with this series was to give readers the same excitement I get from reading books by Larry Correia, Jonathan Maberry, and J.L. Bourne.
On the other hand, my Colin McCool series falls squarely between urban fantasy and paranormal suspense. Colin's world is full of magic, mystery, and folklore come to life. I wrote this series because I love reading books by authors like Patricia Briggs, Kevin Hearne, Jim Butcher, and Neil Gaiman. And, like most authors, I try to write stories that I would enjoy reading.
I currently live in the Hill Country near Austin, Texas, which is where much of my fiction is set. Most days you can find me in a local coffee shop or in my office working on my next book, or in my garage pummeling inanimate objects. If you'd like to find out more about my work and get a FREE book, visit my website at MDMassey.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 17, 2022
Adds surprising backstory
I am rewriting all my reviews, since they were very unclear and to undo my my previous self censorship. I occasionally mentioned other helpful reviews but can no longer, since a (rogue, of course) Goodreads tech has blocked my seeing them. 🤔 A year ago, a (rogue, of course) Goodreads tech also masked the ID's of all my commenters. 🤔 Complaints are forwarded to a (rogue, of course) Goodreads tech who has not responded in over three years. 🤔
I closed my pages to comments and removed all lurkers but one about six months six months ago. Goodreads will not allow me to remove a Dr Susan Hamilton (Maths professor at University of Tennessee ?). 🤔 She had posted nothing over more than years after her friend request and she will not remove me after four requests. 🤔 If she is that fascinated with my poor pages, that is sad. I am just not that interesting. 🤗
It seems that since I wrote a little brutally honest negative review of "a poorly written salute to the January 6, 2021 hero", a (rogue, of course) Goodreads tech suddenly finds my being a communist to be a bad thing. It's a mystery. 🤗
For more of Goodreads, see my review of "Stowaway", a sad attempt at space adventure or Powers of the Earth (a poorly written salute to the January 6, 2021 hero)) and the comments by a Claes Rees, Jr/cgr710 (a self-identified NeoNazi and US patriot).
To Claes Rees, Jr/cgr710
Don't be a numpty. Be a smarty. Come and join the Communist Party.
These US patriots (Tucker Carlson, Claes Rees Jr and US Republican Party, for example) seem to have an unhealthy admiration for Putin and Russia's fascistic regime. In any case.
GLORY TO UKRAINE !!
This is a background story of an important recurring character in the Druidverse. He presents differently here than in the main novels which is expected. The insight into his worldview and past add additional depth to the series. I was surprised to see a novel devoted to him and it was appreciated. There may be more.
If this is your first Druid book you will discover things about the Necromancer that none of the major characters know for most of the earlier books. This might add a new perspective to the early books' interactions and crises.
If you are a veteran of the series, this book contains a wealth of unexpected background not just of the necromancer but a number of others. This series has so many layers of relationships that surprises appear regularly. It adds a feeling of the real world, in that we do not really know very much about the people that we know the best. That the acquaintance is opaque, is often forgotten
His relationship with the Druid and his supernatural love, changed my understanding of all the other characters. This book about the necromancer explains more of the history of the factions in the world of the Druid and his interactions with Colin and the other factions in the universe.
If you are new to the series, you will find yourself in a world of great loss, betrayal, obligation, threat, death and sometimes love. Even rarer there are books and chapters that remind me of the times that the Doctor celebrates those moments when "Today, everybody lives".
The books are dark on the sunniest days, reminiscent of the X-Files. No matter how bright the sun, there is an aura of darkness and foreboding embedded throughout the series.
This is a good standalone novel, if you haven't read the series. It should have a fair impact, when you begin to read earlier books in the series. You probably do not need to start at book one to enjoy this book.
There are some other very good new and old fantasy worlds and this series is as good as any of them. The low end urban fantasy on Amazon is pretty bad. The free steampunk novels for instance, are unappealing poorly written romance novels with a background airship or two. Still this writer, Butcher and Rachel Aaron do make the hunt worthwhile. There are book channels with good fantasy recommendations and there are some good choices about.
For science fiction, I look at Netflix and other streaming services because their stories have better quality writing than the bulk of low end science fiction print stories. The fantasy on the other hand can be very sketchy on the screen. Even very good fantasy stories can be twisted in odd directions by studios and show runners. It is an odd world but at least good fantasy print still lives. 😊
I wandered onto YouTube more than 2 years ago in search of science fiction (news, commentary and such). I found all manner of interest area channels, including science fiction but the real treasure was the Book Tube. These are the book channels on YouTube that cover all aspects of the world of bookish things. 😍😍 The reader communities are fun, intense, relaxed ,varied and focused and above all love the entirety of the bookish experience. It is the mirror universe version of Goodreads. I recommend a visit to several book channels for every reader and have listed some below.
At some point, I found the dedicated documentary sites that besides documentary series, include some YouTube channel video and also include material that YouTube might de-monetize or whatever. I first subscribed to Curiosity Stream/Nebula at a cost of about $15 USD for a yearly subscription. I like it and I think thst any of the sites are worth a look.
About Goodreads, please protect yourself and treat it as a potentially hostile site.
Minimize information on your profile, beware the messaging (exchange email addresses) and remove all lurkers. 🙂
My YouTube picks of the moment.
Mythology and Fiction Explained, Knowing Better, Reading Wryly, Rebecca Watson, Rowan J Coleman, Tom Nicholas, Crecganford, A Cup of Nicole, Tibees, Engineering with Rosie, The Armchair Historian.
Some of my favorite channels are.
Books and Lala, Double Down News, Tara Mooknee, Some More News, Munecat, Novara Media, Lady of the Library, Philosophy Tube, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, The Narrowboat Pirate, The Templin Institute, Camper Vibe, Jessie Gender, Alice Cappelle, Alize, Jessica Gagnon, France 24, The Mindful Narrowboat, Ben and Emily, DW News, The Juice Media, The Shades of Orange, Austin McConnell, Sarah Z, Kathy's Flog in France, Tom Nicholas, Book Odyssey, Karolina Zebrowska, Tulia, Katie Colson, Mythic Concepts, Sabine Hossenfelder, Enby Reads, Elliot Brooks, Jack in the Books, Noelle Gallagher, Lilly's expat life, Nerdstalgia Rekaslute, Savage Daughter, SandRhoman History, Ryan Chapman, AstronautX, Crecganford, Daniel Rubin, We're in Hell, Make Better Media, MWG Studios, Channels Television, Celtica, Cruising Alba, Cruising the Cut, Natasha's Adventures, With Olivia, History the Universe, Emmie, Lady knight the Brave, Mala Armia Janosika, Caucasian sword dance, Dead Good Books, Quinn's Ideas, Books with Chloe, Between the Wars, The Great War, Practical Engineering, Lily Alexander, Noah Samsen, What Vivi did next, Adult Wednesday Addams, A Life of Lit, Brittany the Bibliophile, Nerdstalgia, Bookleo, Petrik Leo, Patrick is a Navajo, Three Arrows, Second Thought, Ana Psychology, Rowan J Coleman, Dan Davis History, Mike's Book Reviews, Hello Future Me, Prime of Midlife, Joe Scott, 2 Steps from Hell, Tibees, Renegade Cut, Mrs Betty Bower, Richard Wolff, Kent, Avalishvili, Fate and Fabled, IzzzYzzz, Nerd of the Rings, Perun, Jake Tran, Thirdworld Booknerd, Hailey in Bookland, Juliette Wade, History Marche, Hindustan Times, Cruising Alba, WION, Books with Emily Fox, Face Culture, Alayna Joy, The Welsh Viking, Maximillien Robespierre, A Different Bias, History Line, Military Aviation History, John Michael Godier, Books and Quills, UA Courage, Art by Annamarie, Overly Sarcastic Productions.
I wish you a sunny morning, a smashing afternoon, a relaxed evening, a superb night and may we all keep learning.
Censorship is criminal. Self-Censorship is tragic.
Joseph Stalin
I am rewriting all my reviews, since they were very unclear and to undo my my previous self censorship. I occasionally mentioned other helpful reviews but can no longer, since a (rogue, of course) Goodreads tech has blocked my seeing them. 🤔 A year ago, a (rogue, of course) Goodreads tech also masked the ID's of all my commenters. 🤔 Complaints are forwarded to a (rogue, of course) Goodreads tech who has not responded in over three years. 🤔
I closed my pages to comments and removed all lurkers but one about six months six months ago. Goodreads will not allow me to remove a Dr Susan Hamilton (Maths professor at University of Tennessee ?). 🤔 She had posted nothing over more than years after her friend request and she will not remove me after four requests. 🤔 If she is that fascinated with my poor pages, that is sad. I am just not that interesting. 🤗
It seems that since I wrote a little brutally honest negative review of "a poorly written salute to the January 6, 2021 hero", a (rogue, of course) Goodreads tech suddenly finds my being a communist to be a bad thing. It's a mystery. 🤗
For more of Goodreads, see my review of "Stowaway", a sad attempt at space adventure or Powers of the Earth (a poorly written salute to the January 6, 2021 hero)) and the comments by a Claes Rees, Jr/cgr710 (a self-identified NeoNazi and US patriot).
To Claes Rees, Jr/cgr710
Don't be a numpty. Be a smarty. Come and join the Communist Party.
These US patriots (Tucker Carlson, Claes Rees Jr and US Republican Party, for example) seem to have an unhealthy admiration for Putin and Russia's fascistic regime. In any case.
GLORY TO UKRAINE !!
This is a background story of an important recurring character in the Druidverse. He presents differently here than in the main novels which is expected. The insight into his worldview and past add additional depth to the series. I was surprised to see a novel devoted to him and it was appreciated. There may be more.
If this is your first Druid book you will discover things about the Necromancer that none of the major characters know for most of the earlier books. This might add a new perspective to the early books' interactions and crises.
If you are a veteran of the series, this book contains a wealth of unexpected background not just of the necromancer but a number of others. This series has so many layers of relationships that surprises appear regularly. It adds a feeling of the real world, in that we do not really know very much about the people that we know the best. That the acquaintance is opaque, is often forgotten
His relationship with the Druid and his supernatural love, changed my understanding of all the other characters. This book about the necromancer explains more of the history of the factions in the world of the Druid and his interactions with Colin and the other factions in the universe.
If you are new to the series, you will find yourself in a world of great loss, betrayal, obligation, threat, death and sometimes love. Even rarer there are books and chapters that remind me of the times that the Doctor celebrates those moments when "Today, everybody lives".
The books are dark on the sunniest days, reminiscent of the X-Files. No matter how bright the sun, there is an aura of darkness and foreboding embedded throughout the series.
This is a good standalone novel, if you haven't read the series. It should have a fair impact, when you begin to read earlier books in the series. You probably do not need to start at book one to enjoy this book.
There are some other very good new and old fantasy worlds and this series is as good as any of them. The low end urban fantasy on Amazon is pretty bad. The free steampunk novels for instance, are unappealing poorly written romance novels with a background airship or two. Still this writer, Butcher and Rachel Aaron do make the hunt worthwhile. There are book channels with good fantasy recommendations and there are some good choices about.
For science fiction, I look at Netflix and other streaming services because their stories have better quality writing than the bulk of low end science fiction print stories. The fantasy on the other hand can be very sketchy on the screen. Even very good fantasy stories can be twisted in odd directions by studios and show runners. It is an odd world but at least good fantasy print still lives. 😊
I wandered onto YouTube more than 2 years ago in search of science fiction (news, commentary and such). I found all manner of interest area channels, including science fiction but the real treasure was the Book Tube. These are the book channels on YouTube that cover all aspects of the world of bookish things. 😍😍 The reader communities are fun, intense, relaxed ,varied and focused and above all love the entirety of the bookish experience. It is the mirror universe version of Goodreads. I recommend a visit to several book channels for every reader and have listed some below.
At some point, I found the dedicated documentary sites that besides documentary series, include some YouTube channel video and also include material that YouTube might de-monetize or whatever. I first subscribed to Curiosity Stream/Nebula at a cost of about $15 USD for a yearly subscription. I like it and I think thst any of the sites are worth a look.
About Goodreads, please protect yourself and treat it as a potentially hostile site.
Minimize information on your profile, beware the messaging (exchange email addresses) and remove all lurkers. 🙂
My YouTube picks of the moment.
Mythology and Fiction Explained, Knowing Better, Reading Wryly, Rebecca Watson, Rowan J Coleman, Tom Nicholas, Crecganford, A Cup of Nicole, Tibees, Engineering with Rosie, The Armchair Historian.
Some of my favorite channels are.
Books and Lala, Double Down News, Tara Mooknee, Some More News, Munecat, Novara Media, Lady of the Library, Philosophy Tube, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, The Narrowboat Pirate, The Templin Institute, Camper Vibe, Jessie Gender, Alice Cappelle, Alize, Jessica Gagnon, France 24, The Mindful Narrowboat, Ben and Emily, DW News, The Juice Media, The Shades of Orange, Austin McConnell, Sarah Z, Kathy's Flog in France, Tom Nicholas, Book Odyssey, Karolina Zebrowska, Tulia, Katie Colson, Mythic Concepts, Sabine Hossenfelder, Enby Reads, Elliot Brooks, Jack in the Books, Noelle Gallagher, Lilly's expat life, Nerdstalgia Rekaslute, Savage Daughter, SandRhoman History, Ryan Chapman, AstronautX, Crecganford, Daniel Rubin, We're in Hell, Make Better Media, MWG Studios, Channels Television, Celtica, Cruising Alba, Cruising the Cut, Natasha's Adventures, With Olivia, History the Universe, Emmie, Lady knight the Brave, Mala Armia Janosika, Caucasian sword dance, Dead Good Books, Quinn's Ideas, Books with Chloe, Between the Wars, The Great War, Practical Engineering, Lily Alexander, Noah Samsen, What Vivi did next, Adult Wednesday Addams, A Life of Lit, Brittany the Bibliophile, Nerdstalgia, Bookleo, Petrik Leo, Patrick is a Navajo, Three Arrows, Second Thought, Ana Psychology, Rowan J Coleman, Dan Davis History, Mike's Book Reviews, Hello Future Me, Prime of Midlife, Joe Scott, 2 Steps from Hell, Tibees, Renegade Cut, Mrs Betty Bower, Richard Wolff, Kent, Avalishvili, Fate and Fabled, IzzzYzzz, Nerd of the Rings, Perun, Jake Tran, Thirdworld Booknerd, Hailey in Bookland, Juliette Wade, History Marche, Hindustan Times, Cruising Alba, WION, Books with Emily Fox, Face Culture, Alayna Joy, The Welsh Viking, Maximillien Robespierre, A Different Bias, History Line, Military Aviation History, John Michael Godier, Books and Quills, UA Courage, Art by Annamarie, Overly Sarcastic Productions.
I wish you a sunny morning, a smashing afternoon, a relaxed evening, a superb night and may we all keep learning.
Censorship is criminal. Self-Censorship is tragic.
Joseph Stalin
March 6, 2021
I beta read this for M D Massey. And in case someone questions my rating, I do not give 5 stars indiscriminately to the authors I beta read for. They have to earn it!
Shade Cursed is an excellent off shoot story of a character from the Junkyard Druid series. Of all the characters in the Druidverse from which Massey could have chosen to write about, I think Crowley is the most interesting. Mr. Massey does an excellent job in defining Crowley's complex character in the process of giving the reader Crowley's background of an extremely dark childhood which invested him with unique magical abilities and many psychological problems.
If you have not read the Junkyard Druid books you can read this independently of that series. There are characters from that series making appearances here, and you get enough of their history to understand who they are. I fully believe that if you like this book, you will be reading Junkyard Druid soon.
Shade Cursed is an excellent off shoot story of a character from the Junkyard Druid series. Of all the characters in the Druidverse from which Massey could have chosen to write about, I think Crowley is the most interesting. Mr. Massey does an excellent job in defining Crowley's complex character in the process of giving the reader Crowley's background of an extremely dark childhood which invested him with unique magical abilities and many psychological problems.
If you have not read the Junkyard Druid books you can read this independently of that series. There are characters from that series making appearances here, and you get enough of their history to understand who they are. I fully believe that if you like this book, you will be reading Junkyard Druid soon.
March 15, 2021
I love the Colin McCool books and have always been intrugued by Crowley. Now, I have some answers!
The story moves along with well, never leaving you bored or skipping paragraphs. M.D. Massey weaves a tale which makes you want to stay up all night to finish the story.
What I appreciated the most, was Crowley has an entirely different voice to Colin - with some authours, their different characters can all sub in for each other - this is not the case here. Crowley is distinct and very much his own character.
Can't wait for the next one.
The story moves along with well, never leaving you bored or skipping paragraphs. M.D. Massey weaves a tale which makes you want to stay up all night to finish the story.
What I appreciated the most, was Crowley has an entirely different voice to Colin - with some authours, their different characters can all sub in for each other - this is not the case here. Crowley is distinct and very much his own character.
Can't wait for the next one.
March 19, 2021
Love the new series
The haunted anti hero is a Concept that this author knows well. I really liked the new series and character arch that allows us to explore a different side of the characters we know and love, even if it’s darker than imagined.
The haunted anti hero is a Concept that this author knows well. I really liked the new series and character arch that allows us to explore a different side of the characters we know and love, even if it’s darker than imagined.
March 14, 2021
As a baby, Crowley was abducted by the fae, a changeling taken to Underhill and given to the powerful sorceress Fuamnach to raise and train. Now a powerful shadow mage, he has escaped the fae and, despite being on the run from Fuamnach, has settled in Austin, Texas, from where he occasionally aids the druid, Colin McCool, at the behest of his ex-lover, Belladonna. When he stumbles upon a plot that may be related to his own abduction, Crowley has to investigate, even though doing so may put him back in the fae’s crosshairs again.
Moving on from the Colin McCool Junkyard Druid series, Massey has switched to a new series within the Druidverse, this time centring on the shadow mage, Crowley. Having read the full dozen Colin McCool novels, plus all the related prequels, novellas, and short stories, I’ve come to know the characters pretty well, and I have to admit that Crowley is probably the last character I would have chosen as a leading role candidate.
Unfortunately, Shade Cursed hasn’t changed my mind. I get the impression that the Shadow Changeling series (which might be just a trilogy, depending on where you look for information) is supposed to be more serious. Massey’s blog suggests that he considers Crowley to be comparable to Walker Boh (Terry Brooks’ Shannara druid), Severus Snape (JK Rowling’s darkish wizard professor) and John Constantine (the cynical, chain-smoking, sweary, sorcerer anti-hero from the Hellblazer comics). Spoiler alert: he’s not. Not remotely.
Crowley is morally ambiguous and moody. Just in case we weren’t aware of this, we are constantly reminded of it throughout the narrative, to the point that I was rolling my eyes every time it came up. He has none of the depth of the three characters he’s being compared with, and definitely none of the wit of Constantine; instead, he’s self-obsessed and a bit of a dick. The other Druidverse characters who crop up seem out of true, too, which doesn’t help.
Sadly, I was rather underwhelmed by this new addition to the Druidverse. I just hope there’s more meat to the second instalment.
Publication date – 8th March 2021
Moving on from the Colin McCool Junkyard Druid series, Massey has switched to a new series within the Druidverse, this time centring on the shadow mage, Crowley. Having read the full dozen Colin McCool novels, plus all the related prequels, novellas, and short stories, I’ve come to know the characters pretty well, and I have to admit that Crowley is probably the last character I would have chosen as a leading role candidate.
Unfortunately, Shade Cursed hasn’t changed my mind. I get the impression that the Shadow Changeling series (which might be just a trilogy, depending on where you look for information) is supposed to be more serious. Massey’s blog suggests that he considers Crowley to be comparable to Walker Boh (Terry Brooks’ Shannara druid), Severus Snape (JK Rowling’s darkish wizard professor) and John Constantine (the cynical, chain-smoking, sweary, sorcerer anti-hero from the Hellblazer comics). Spoiler alert: he’s not. Not remotely.
Crowley is morally ambiguous and moody. Just in case we weren’t aware of this, we are constantly reminded of it throughout the narrative, to the point that I was rolling my eyes every time it came up. He has none of the depth of the three characters he’s being compared with, and definitely none of the wit of Constantine; instead, he’s self-obsessed and a bit of a dick. The other Druidverse characters who crop up seem out of true, too, which doesn’t help.
Sadly, I was rather underwhelmed by this new addition to the Druidverse. I just hope there’s more meat to the second instalment.
Publication date – 8th March 2021
January 8, 2022
This seems to be a spin-off from the Junkyard Druid series...or some tie-in at least. I gave up on the Junkyard Druid very quickly as I have a low tolerance for gratuitous, pointless profanity. The main character in this series is quite pretentious, somewhat pompous and rather archaic on occasion. I'll take pretentious over vulgar any day. Still, I could't really get into this story. It was the sort of thing where the blurb should read "for fans of..." fill in any number of urban fantasy series, because there really wasn't anything new here; except, perhaps, for the MC being a Changeling. I finished the book, but don't care enough about any of the characters or plot to bother reading book 2. Sorry. Just don't care.
June 6, 2021
I liked this a bit less than the Colin McCool books. Still, Massey has the touch for writing stories that move compellingly forward. As always, the plot is in constant motion and Crowley's story has some compelling points that fit into the whole druidverse. After the finish of the first McCool arc with the introduction of the trickster saga and this shadow saga, I may be separating from the whole thing. We'll see.
June 6, 2021
Great fun from a character that i have wanted to know more about from the beginning. Here we have a character that everything was a black and white world now you get to see what happens when he starts to see color in his world. And yet finds somethings are just better black and white. new magic, more world building, more growth and view points of supporting characters. I can already tell when the trilogy is over i will need more.
March 24, 2022
ok
I was not a big fan of this book. It started off boring and stayed boring throughout pretty much the whole book. The only time it really got interesting is close to the end and even that was still a little bit boring. Crowley mostly talked and sometimes there was some action. Most of the action in this book was close to the end. I don’t think I’m going to read any more books in the series.
I was not a big fan of this book. It started off boring and stayed boring throughout pretty much the whole book. The only time it really got interesting is close to the end and even that was still a little bit boring. Crowley mostly talked and sometimes there was some action. Most of the action in this book was close to the end. I don’t think I’m going to read any more books in the series.
April 17, 2021
This is a side story of the Junkyard Druid series featuring shadow mage Crowley. Quite a bit darker than Colin McCool's world, I enjoyed the depth and a bit of a deeper dive into Crowley's life.
For years the Fae have been taking human children to be raised there or used as food by some of their darker servants. Since this happened to Crowley as a child he takes this personally.
For years the Fae have been taking human children to be raised there or used as food by some of their darker servants. Since this happened to Crowley as a child he takes this personally.
April 30, 2021
Fabulous
I want sure i would like Crowley I his own book without Colin. I was wrong. This book gives us a glimpse into Crowley's dark past and hope it shaped who he is today coupled with some of his more recent exploits with Colin and Belladonna. We see his darkness, but we see why and we see the possible future he could have depending on his choices. Well worth the read.
I want sure i would like Crowley I his own book without Colin. I was wrong. This book gives us a glimpse into Crowley's dark past and hope it shaped who he is today coupled with some of his more recent exploits with Colin and Belladonna. We see his darkness, but we see why and we see the possible future he could have depending on his choices. Well worth the read.
May 26, 2021
Great start to this Spin off!
Crowley is a very interacting character and has plenty to work with imaginatively by Massey. As always this and every other book off his is both well thought off, planned, and executed. The magical world off the druidverse is well described and readily understood. Love the the ins in between the series.
Crowley is a very interacting character and has plenty to work with imaginatively by Massey. As always this and every other book off his is both well thought off, planned, and executed. The magical world off the druidverse is well described and readily understood. Love the the ins in between the series.
July 30, 2021
Love this author!
I adore this author, his writing style is similar to Orlando Sanchez ot the Montague/Strong series. A series involving a battlements, a cursed immortal and an ever hungry he'll hound. Excellent premise and storyline. Give anything Massey writes a try, you will not be dissapointed.
I adore this author, his writing style is similar to Orlando Sanchez ot the Montague/Strong series. A series involving a battlements, a cursed immortal and an ever hungry he'll hound. Excellent premise and storyline. Give anything Massey writes a try, you will not be dissapointed.
March 9, 2021
I was intrigued at the insight to Crowley...fascinating! He’s a different character than I expected . I eagerly read chapter by chapter not wanting to put the book down until the end. A great read! Can’t wait for the next book. Well done, Mr Massey, well done.
March 10, 2021
Wasn’t sure
When I selected this book I was unfamiliar with the Character but as I continue to read I noticed multiple tie ins to folks from previous books I had read and quickly settled in. Looking for the next installment.
When I selected this book I was unfamiliar with the Character but as I continue to read I noticed multiple tie ins to folks from previous books I had read and quickly settled in. Looking for the next installment.
March 12, 2021
So happy!
Glad we're now discovering Crowley more deeply.
He may not think he's human, but his humanity is starting to show in this book.
Glad we also bring other characters, Bells and Hemi 😁😁
Can't wait for more.
Glad we're now discovering Crowley more deeply.
He may not think he's human, but his humanity is starting to show in this book.
Glad we also bring other characters, Bells and Hemi 😁😁
Can't wait for more.
March 21, 2021
Unexpected and exciting!
This was one of my favorite spin offs ever! Following a character you love to hate in the original stories and gaining an understanding of his motivations. A great story! I couldn't put it down.
This was one of my favorite spin offs ever! Following a character you love to hate in the original stories and gaining an understanding of his motivations. A great story! I couldn't put it down.
March 23, 2021
Love looking into Crowley’s complicated story. Lots of familiar faces make an appearance and thank goodness for Hemi. Action packed story with dangerous creepy critters and deadly adversaries. I can’t wait to read the next books.
March 23, 2021
Great Story
This is an excellent start to what I believe will be a great story. A little darker than Collen, Crowley makes for a good character. Love the story, the character development. Nice move, bringing in a character from the McCool series. Keep them coming.
This is an excellent start to what I believe will be a great story. A little darker than Collen, Crowley makes for a good character. Love the story, the character development. Nice move, bringing in a character from the McCool series. Keep them coming.
March 23, 2021
Different but the familiar
Very similar to junkyard Druid but also different. Crowley is very uptight and precise so the narrative is very different while the world is still the same. It’s also funny getting other people’s perspective of Colin McCool.
Very similar to junkyard Druid but also different. Crowley is very uptight and precise so the narrative is very different while the world is still the same. It’s also funny getting other people’s perspective of Colin McCool.
April 9, 2021
Great start to the series.
This series is a bit darker than the Colin McCool series, because the main character is darker. However, the story is no less entertaining. The writing is clever as ever. Will be joining Crowley in his next adventure, and I can't wait to get started.
This series is a bit darker than the Colin McCool series, because the main character is darker. However, the story is no less entertaining. The writing is clever as ever. Will be joining Crowley in his next adventure, and I can't wait to get started.
April 9, 2021
Great new set of stories
Crowley has always been an interesting character and I'm really glad he's got a series of his own. This one's off to a good start. Exploring his history, his upbringing, and his future with Belladonna promises to be an exciting ride.
Crowley has always been an interesting character and I'm really glad he's got a series of his own. This one's off to a good start. Exploring his history, his upbringing, and his future with Belladonna promises to be an exciting ride.
April 27, 2021
Great tie in to The Junkyard Druid series
It was great to learn more about Crowley. I love how the story enter twine briefly with a junkyard drew it. It give us a different point of view for Crowley. I’m looking forward to the next book.
It was great to learn more about Crowley. I love how the story enter twine briefly with a junkyard drew it. It give us a different point of view for Crowley. I’m looking forward to the next book.
September 12, 2021
A reading joy
Very well written. No typos or poor sentence structure. The author is very intelligent or very good at searching information. I had to stop severe times to look up words I was not familiar with. I can not wait for number two.
Very well written. No typos or poor sentence structure. The author is very intelligent or very good at searching information. I had to stop severe times to look up words I was not familiar with. I can not wait for number two.
December 18, 2021
Another Great Series
I really enjoyed this book. Getting to know one of my favorite characters. All I can say is 2 big thumbs up. 👍👍Now it’s time to purchase the next one and continue on reading. Thanks to M.D. Massey for another great read.
I really enjoyed this book. Getting to know one of my favorite characters. All I can say is 2 big thumbs up. 👍👍Now it’s time to purchase the next one and continue on reading. Thanks to M.D. Massey for another great read.
March 11, 2021
Loved it!!
Loved this book and I can't wait for the next one. It is so great to focus on Crowley and understand more of his back story.
Loved this book and I can't wait for the next one. It is so great to focus on Crowley and understand more of his back story.
April 12, 2021
wonderful book ... a darker hero angsty but not whiny ... ive been waiting for this book for awhile and it lived up to expectations
April 12, 2021
wonderful book ... a darker hero angsty but not whiny ... ive been waiting for this book for awhile and it lived up to expectations
April 15, 2021
Great
I love this type of book. The hero has flaws but has a soft side for children and the abused.
I love this type of book. The hero has flaws but has a soft side for children and the abused.
April 29, 2021
Well written as always.
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