This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In Gypsy McKnight’s Escape from the Shadows, Lola Ward was raised in a mountain cabin by Dr. Preston Ward, the scientist who taught her to pass for human before telling her she was built in a secret government lab. When Agent Rowena Thorne resumes the hunt for escaped androids, Lola runs with Luther Brave, another synthetic survivor carrying his own hidden past. Their new identities take them to Dagerton, where a murdered technology aide left clues that could clear an innocent man. As Lola and Luther search for proof, the local coverup draws them closer to Thorne’s operation. Every choice risks exposing what they are, yet silence could leave their new friends in danger. To stay alive, they must decide whether hiding is safer than fighting back.
Gypsy McKnight’s Escape from the Shadows is an exceptional near-future science fiction novel, and the android elements feel uniquely plausible. This is aided in no small part by the author's ability to humanize Lola, who is really easy to like and have empathy for. I love her turn as Dani Austin and the use of things like her enhanced hearing to suss out details and get stuff done. Thorne is a formidable antagonist, but will also elicit a modicum of sympathy from readers. At least until she tries to shock the heck out of us, and others. Dagerton is hardly a safe haven, and turning civilians into bait amplifies the thrills. Where the narrative really shines is in the setting descriptions, the standout being Grandma Ballard’s old Victorian property in Dagerton and its trusty coal bin, making the house itself a critical piece of a brilliant scene. Readers who appreciate sharp and intelligent science fiction with a little mystery and a lot of heart will adore this book.
