To Kill a Shadow

This young adult fantasy novel introduces Jude Maddox, a stoic commander known as the Hand of Death, tasked with leading his Knights into a perilous realm teeming with shadow beasts. His life of grim duty is challenged when he meets Kiara Frey, a defiant and resilient outcast. The story explores themes of survival, duty, and the unexpected emergence of love and connection in a dark world. Parents should be aware of moderate fantasy violence, peril, and a developing romantic subplot suitable for the 12-18 age range.

"Jude Maddox knows nothing of love or even light. He knows only his grim duty as the Hand of Death, to lead the Knights of the Eternal Star into a land filled with nightmares and certain demise. It's only when he sees her--a young woman with wild, amber eyes who's as fierce, defiant, and swift as the shadow beasts themselves--that he feels the warmth of life in his blood. The other Knights may fear their lethal commander, with his hard, merciless demeanor. Outcast Kiara Frey sees only a leader, a man who knows how to survive. Someone like her. But wanting him is as treacherous as the shadows themselves--and just as seductive"--