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Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
From the Shadows: The Complete Series is a young adult science fiction series written by KB Shaw. It contains two volumes: Separate Paths and Convergence. Cameron Rush and Rosa Costas are best friends and fellow geeks, but they've never really seen each other. He lives in Wisconsin and she's a cowgirl on a ranch in New Mexico. They've gotten to know each other through GundTech's multiCom technology, which comes equipped with AI personalities. Cameron's AI is named Sam, and he's got the program ready as Cameron rushes into his bedroom after school. He and Rosa have been waiting all day to hear GundTech's news conference, and they've arranged to listen to the announcement together. GundTech's spokesperson presents the results of some revolutionary strides the company's made in the field of quantum computing, and, even better, they're announcing the formation of the IHT International Academy, which will offer free tuition and is accepting applications effective immediately.
KB Shaw's young adult science fiction series, From the Shadows: The Complete Series, is filled with action, adventure and technology -- the perfect recipe for an enthralling and exciting read. Shaw's characters are well-defined and intriguing, especially the AI personalities who turned out to be quite a bit more individualized than I ever thought they could be. The Academy is a virtual one, and it makes for an interesting mix of home and regular school with the challenging and futuristic demands on the young tech wizard-trainees. Shaw has Easter eggs pop up in the plot and plants a few of his own in the storyline; including those found during a marvelous time travel adventure that Rosa designs to celebrate Cameron's birthday. Sometimes I could see a glimpse of Philip Pullman's classic fantasy series, His Dark Materials, in the AI companions each student has, as well as the more obvious ties to Rowling's magical rather than techie, Hogwarts, but From the Shadows is much more than a reflection of these influences. While the author may, purposely or inadvertently, cause readers to think of these authors when reading the book, the world presented in this story is in a class by itself, and its marvels would promise a fascinating future indeed. From the Shadows: The Complete Series is most highly recommended.