Shadows In Light

Book One of The Hidden Rims Saga

Fiction - Fantasy - General
292 Pages
Reviewed on 08/22/2021
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Paula and Paul have been writing together for over 25 years, but mostly for other people. They are together responsible for over 400 documents including short stories, articles, blogs, scripts and screenplays, along with seven published books and a novel. "Shadows in Light" is their first team-effort in fantasy fiction, and was inspired based solely on a dream Paula once had, of riding shotgun with a handsome man with silver hair along a deserted city street. The image never left her and she started writing the next day. Soon, Paul was swept up in the story and began making changes to enhance it.

    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Shadows In Light is a work of fiction in the fantasy genre and serves as the first book in the Hidden Rims Saga. It is aimed at the adult reading audience and was penned by P. M. Amaras and Paul Driggere. Set in the magical world of Nysi Afallon, the book follows Maia Anemois and Lord Kai Eurus as they investigate a serial killer set loose in their world. Sparring and exchanging barbs as their hunt begins, the two must learn to work together if they are to stop the killer from claiming more victims. A task that becomes even more high stakes when their very lives are put on the line.

Shadows In Light follows would-be detective Maia Anemois as she is recruited to hunt down a prolific killer threatening the kingdom, and this is only the beginning of the fantastic action therein. I particularly enjoyed how imaginative and unique the plot was, setting itself apart from other books in the same genre without losing the core concepts. The decision to set the murder mystery in a fantasy world with mythical creatures paid off, adding intrigue and depth to the mystery itself. All of the characters felt well thought out and easy to invest in. I especially enjoyed the dynamic between Lord Kai and Maia. Authors P.M. Amaras and Paul Driggere do a brilliant job of developing flawed characters who are likable despite their mistakes. The world was crafted beautifully and was easy to envision, making you feel like you were exploring every facet alongside Maia. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Shadows In Light to fans of the fantasy or mystery genres and those looking for a well-written and character-driven story.

Scott Cahan

Shadows In Light by P.M. Amaras and Paul Driggere is a murder mystery set in a world of magical and mythical beings. At the same time, the story is also a hot steamy romance about a girl and a guy from two different worlds who find each other and fall in love. A serial killer is loose in the magical world, and the investigators need help. They search for a human with the DNA they suspect has hidden magical capabilities that might track down the killer. Maia is her name, and her magical abilities far exceed what anyone expected, including herself. As soon as she joins the hunt for the killer, she instantly falls in love with the chief investigator, Kai. Together, they track a heartless killer by day, and at night they explore their passion for one another.

Shadows in Light by P.M. Amaras and Paul Driggere succeeds as both a murder mystery and a hot steamy romance. The hunt for the killer is intelligent and unpredictable. The investigative team applies an equal dose of their wits and magic to follow the killer. Although I would not ordinarily read a steamy romance, I enjoyed this book and I believe fans of that genre will be pleased with the sparks of passion that happen every time Maia and Kai are in the same room. There are more characters in Shadows In Light I haven’t mentioned. The story includes colorful characters with distinct personalities and intriguing backstories. I highly recommend Shadows in Light for readers who like a well-crafted combination of romance, magic, murder, and mystery.

Ruffina Oserio

Shadows In Light is the first book in the Hidden Rims Saga by P. M. Amaras and Paul Driggere: a wonderful blend of sleuth, fantasy, romance, and adventure set in a magical world. A serial killer from Earth-Prime is on the loose and goes on a killing spree around the land of Nysi Afallon. When an up-and-coming detective, Maia Anemois from The E, is hired to track the killer, she is uncertain of what to expect when she meets the brilliant investigator, Lord Kai Eurus. The connection between the two is enriched by the wit they share. As Maia Anemois navigates this fascinating world, she eventually discovers a deeper connection between Kai and Nysi Afallon. Can they stop the killer in time to avoid more destruction on the island kingdom?

Shadows In Light is masterfully written. The prose flows gracefully; it is immaculate and crisp. I enjoyed the world into which authors P. M. Amaras and Paul Driggere plunge their readers: it is one where humans co-exist with monsters, demigods, and other magical creatures. But what will captivate readers most is the suspenseful rendering of the story. I was fascinated by the deft handling of characters, and the key figures in the story are well-explored. The connection between them deepens as readers follow them from one scene to the next. While they investigate murders, they must also fight to stay alive in a world that is both intriguing and filled with danger. Shadows In Light presents an intricate plot, an engaging work of detective fiction, and a colorful world to absorb readers. It is an immersive read indeed.

Vincent Dublado

The Hidden Rims Saga kicks off with Shadows in Light. Authors P.M. Amaras and Paul Driggere offer a heart-pounding cross-genre of fantasy and crime fiction. Welcome to Nysi Afallon, the hub of several realms and rims, a home for refugees from Earth-prime or The E, and the population is as diverse as its joys and problems. This magical open city is disturbed by a lurking serial killer, a human-mixte capable of crossing over between The E and Nysi Afallon. Among the murder victims is an entire family in Olmstead Falls, where the only surviving member, the youngest son, is missing. Maia Anemois is the best detective for the job because of her special skill set. She joins forces with the enigmatic Lord Kai Eurus and, in the process, discovers not only the killer’s identity but an affinity that she has with the world she tries to protect and the one that she falls in love with.

A novel like Shadows in Light revels in atmosphere and apprehension. Authors P.M. Amaras and Paul Driggere give you just enough violence to make you understand the motivation of both hero and villain. I do not want to mention the serial killer’s name, but they are someone that you should meet on the pages personally because they are a compelling villain that pushes the envelope of creepiness. The murders in this tale are what sets the chills in the bones, yet the story does have its relaxing moments when it explores the intimacy between Maia and Kai. Hints in the novel assure the reader that the killer will be identified and possibly apprehended, but at what cost? There is violence, strong language, and a little sexual content, but there is a carefully constructed plot as you enter the fascinating world of Nysi Afallon.