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Witch & Wolf World #10
Shadowed Flame
Matia Evans has it all, except for one thing: she can’t see color. With an adopted family who loves her, a company she helps her father run, and more prospects than she knows what to do with, she’s in no place to complain that her world is limited to shades of gray, black, and white.
Her inability to perceive color isn't the only strange thing about her: all souls have shadows, and she can see them. Unfortunately, there are humans who are worse than monsters. Worse, there are real monsters in the world, and they view humans as prey or as mates.
If Matia doesn’t want to become a victim, a pawn, or a trophy bride of the supernatural, she must use every bit of her strength and cunning. Her freedom and survival depend on embracing the darkest parts of her soul, but if she does, she risks becoming the newest—and most dangerous—monster of all.
Her inability to perceive color isn't the only strange thing about her: all souls have shadows, and she can see them. Unfortunately, there are humans who are worse than monsters. Worse, there are real monsters in the world, and they view humans as prey or as mates.
If Matia doesn’t want to become a victim, a pawn, or a trophy bride of the supernatural, she must use every bit of her strength and cunning. Her freedom and survival depend on embracing the darkest parts of her soul, but if she does, she risks becoming the newest—and most dangerous—monster of all.
304 pages, ebook
First published May 14, 2016
123 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Blain
84Ìýbooks1,297ÌýfollowersRJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 15, 2019
If you put your nose in a book in an effort to increase the grey matter knocking about in your skull - or to prove your grey matter is better than someone else’s - then R.J. Blain books are not for you.
These are simple fun escapist reads and are not designed to be a shred more. Tropes galore, everyone likable is gorgeous, wealthy and capable.
I do mind that there are minor editing errors in most books, but appreciate the push to publish so that one can pay the bills.
I recommend reading the series /book/show/4... FIRST as later books in the Witch and Wolf world build without the repetition that would drive those of us who read in order mad. This isn’t the best of the series but was entertaining enough.
These are simple fun escapist reads and are not designed to be a shred more. Tropes galore, everyone likable is gorgeous, wealthy and capable.
I do mind that there are minor editing errors in most books, but appreciate the push to publish so that one can pay the bills.
I recommend reading the series /book/show/4... FIRST as later books in the Witch and Wolf world build without the repetition that would drive those of us who read in order mad. This isn’t the best of the series but was entertaining enough.
October 28, 2019
“Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence.� - Leonardo da Vinci
"Find beauty not only in the thing itself but in the pattern of the shadows, the light and dark which that thing provides." - Junichiro Tanizaki
Matia Evans knows the strength of silence. A sword and a cudgel, silence is the friend that never leaves her side. And in her world of shades of black, white, and gray, silence is the truth that delves past the face of glamour. She has never seen blue, yellow, or green. But when terrorists blow up La Guardia Airport while she and her father are waiting for their plane to Boston, that particular shade of charcoal announcing the color others call ‘red�, the supposedly vibrant crimson of blood, splashes, drips and pools. And Matia Evans will never be the same. For, after hours of pushing and bullying the other survivors into searching the ruins for survivors alongside her, in a devastated and blocked off Terminal B, Matia is dying. Funny. After hours on end of brutal, bloody labors, finding endless corpses, but at times the joy of the forms of the living, Matia is dying in the lap of a stranger, of smoke inhalation and the chemical funk which permeates the air. And she’s OK with that. Lives were saved, her life ends on a positive note, and at least if her father really is dead, he will have gone before her. He won’t have to mourn her loss.
But sometimes, unlike taxes, the shadow of Death may be turned away. And when Matia wakes up in hospital, her life is about to change in ways she would have, could have, never expected.
I first read and reviewed Ms. Blain with “Beneath the Blood Moon� and though I really did enjoy it, I was disappointed that her work could have benefited from a content editor to make sure she tied up all her loose ends and kept her story focused. That isn’t the case with “Shadowed Flame.� This is, by far, one of the better written stories in the YA/Paranormal genre. And while there is a romance, it is so well written I hate to call it "Paranormal Romance." Yes, it is there, but it is only a portion of a rich tapestry of story, character and world. (Oh, and it is 'clean' too. We don't have to know exactly 'how' the bedroom calisthenics are carried out - only that they occur - and they are only a small part of the overarching story line.) I was surprised, and incredibly pleased, to follow the story of Matia, her struggles, losses and pain, but also her deep conviction and drive to do the right thing, no matter the pain it caused her. Ms. Blain has written a story with solid character development and world building, two of the most important things I look for in books. Her writing is focused and crisp, and her development of Matia, especially, is probably the best representation of a driven, dedicated, loving young woman of character and strength. Only eighteen, she has taken the gifts she was given and blossomed into a woman who others respect. And when she actually opens her mouth and speaks, well, people do tend to listen.
This isn’t a silly book by any means. A good portion of the story comes before the La Guardia explosion, and builds your understanding and care for Matia and her father, as well as the more minor players in her life. Her father is a hoot, I truly enjoyed his character as well. To be honest, at first I wasn’t sure I was going to like Matia.
“For the third time since arriving at work two hours ago, Dad tripped over his own feet and smacked face first into the carpet. The thump of him hitting the floor drowned out my sigh. I debated whether to get up and help him or stay at my desk and observe his efforts to restore his dignity.�
Of course, by the second page I had grasped their relationship, sighing and rolling my own eyes over the incident. Between Ralph’s apparent ‘Clumsy Curse� and Matias parsimonious use of words, their relationship has a comedic balance that is apparent throughout the book, always showing up at unexpected times. There is a deep love and understanding between the two that made the whole book worthwhile on its own.
Once Ms. Blain begins the ‘paranormal� portion of the book, there is a maturity and dignity to the characters that I much admired. There isn’t the ‘wham-bam� sort of presentation of other, less developed books in the genre. ‘See woman. Take woman. HEA. The End.� Instead, Ms. Blain turns the paranormal romance portion of the book on its head, in a most interesting way. I would have read the book just for that fact, but it is so much more that I simply couldn’t put it down.
I am impressed, and very pleased, that I picked up Shadowed Flame, and am anxious to learn how you like it as well. Though I wasn’t able to give Beneath the Blood Moon a more than moderate rating, I am very happy to say I give this one full marks! You can pick up Shadowed Flame here. It is on Kindle Unlimited, so you can read for free, or purchase the book for your library.
March 21, 2017
The word "bitch" was used more than necessary for this species in this book. Fenerecs wants to be labeled differently from wolves genetically, but rejects being labeled a dog as a subspecies of a wolf. Yet, use the word "bitch" to label a female fenerec, which is called a female dog. Very confusing and just plain inappropriate to the species in supernatural or human form. Even got the female witches calling them bitches too, like wtf! The main character is a witch too, so is she really such a degrading word for the supernatural? Matia is a fenerec and witch, and she saved her mate... But she's just a bitch in heat to the author! Sorry not sorry I'm offended by alot of the lack of tact in the language when speaking of women in the book! Besides getting on my feminine nature's nerves, the book was a good and funny as well!
November 14, 2016
This was ok, but just a bit too "young adult" for my preference. So the heroine is color blind - its certainly not the end of the world. I know tons of people that cant see color. The plot was overly cliché and predictable. I appreciate it being offered as a kindleunlimited but this wont be a series I continue.
January 8, 2020
Shadowed Flame is a Wolf and Witch World book centering around Matia Evans. Matia has a vision disorder that causes her to see only black, white, and shades of gray. Also, for unexplained reasons, the book begins with her refusing to speak unless absolutely necessary. This is demonstrated as she responds in grunts and shrugs when spoken to. She is the adopted daughter of Ralph Evans a successful businessman. She sees shadows around people that a normal person would see as auras.
The book focuses on her becoming a Fenerec, or werewolf, and developing as a powerful fire witch as evidenced by the auras. During an early terrorist act that she is a victim of she works with a man named Ryan who eventually turns her into a Fenerec. This act is potentially a major crime according to the Inquisition, the overshadowing organization that polices the W&W world of supernaturals.
Her romance with Ryan happens too quickly and easily. The manifestation of her powers as a fire witch occurs with alarming ease and her recovery, both mental and physical, are not believable.
The overriding lack of respect from other people in the book is infuriating. I don't mean bowing and scraping. I mean everyday, common courtesy, respect. Despite the repeated statements that she is rare and unique the Fenerec leaders and agents treat her as an unintelligent and rude elder that is a borderline outlaw. Not once does an elder take the time to sit with her and give a history of the Fenerec, or explain why shifting hurts, or even share their own experiences. She is first, used as bait and then later, taken to a compound to "keep everyone safe" if her fire witch abilities manifest. While this is supposed to benefit her, in reality it is just another hurdle to get over.
After learning that all Fenerec suffer extreme injuries from silver she is then housed in a room with silver in the walls and on the windows. Still in the compound, she displays a mild manifestation of her fire witch power. She receives no aid from any of the staff who are supposed to help her. Ultimately, she suffers severe injuries to her hands when she melts the silver on the windows to escape. This wasn't supposed to be a prison but I can't think of any other name for being locked in a room that is hazardous to your health and left there.
Last, after escaping from the compound and fighting a sorcerer, she is restrained using a muzzle and harness made of silver and leather. The restraint isn't because she did something wrong but because she might have a bad reaction to the injuries of her mate and the treatment he needs.
I enjoy RJ Blaine's Magical Romance with a Body Count world. In this world, everyone knows what they are if they are shifters. When they are treated as dangerous it is because they are and they can prove it.
The W&W world might be a good read for some people but not for me. Especially not this book.
The book focuses on her becoming a Fenerec, or werewolf, and developing as a powerful fire witch as evidenced by the auras. During an early terrorist act that she is a victim of she works with a man named Ryan who eventually turns her into a Fenerec. This act is potentially a major crime according to the Inquisition, the overshadowing organization that polices the W&W world of supernaturals.
Her romance with Ryan happens too quickly and easily. The manifestation of her powers as a fire witch occurs with alarming ease and her recovery, both mental and physical, are not believable.
The overriding lack of respect from other people in the book is infuriating. I don't mean bowing and scraping. I mean everyday, common courtesy, respect. Despite the repeated statements that she is rare and unique the Fenerec leaders and agents treat her as an unintelligent and rude elder that is a borderline outlaw. Not once does an elder take the time to sit with her and give a history of the Fenerec, or explain why shifting hurts, or even share their own experiences. She is first, used as bait and then later, taken to a compound to "keep everyone safe" if her fire witch abilities manifest. While this is supposed to benefit her, in reality it is just another hurdle to get over.
After learning that all Fenerec suffer extreme injuries from silver she is then housed in a room with silver in the walls and on the windows. Still in the compound, she displays a mild manifestation of her fire witch power. She receives no aid from any of the staff who are supposed to help her. Ultimately, she suffers severe injuries to her hands when she melts the silver on the windows to escape. This wasn't supposed to be a prison but I can't think of any other name for being locked in a room that is hazardous to your health and left there.
Last, after escaping from the compound and fighting a sorcerer, she is restrained using a muzzle and harness made of silver and leather. The restraint isn't because she did something wrong but because she might have a bad reaction to the injuries of her mate and the treatment he needs.
I enjoy RJ Blaine's Magical Romance with a Body Count world. In this world, everyone knows what they are if they are shifters. When they are treated as dangerous it is because they are and they can prove it.
The W&W world might be a good read for some people but not for me. Especially not this book.
February 12, 2020
I usually rate a book on how it leaves me feeling at the end, in this case whilst I did stay up late to finish it, when I was done I just turned over and went to sleep. Compared to the rest of the witch & wolf family, this one fell a little short. Although I was expecting Richard or one of the others to pop up, so probably a little disappointment tossed in there.
I liked the grey sight. It was interesting and I liked how quick on her feet Matia is. Ryan was sweet. Favourite character was Dalton, but he doesn't quite match up to Yellow knife or Seattle. If I did read it again, I'd like it more just going along with the ride. As expected dark themes, wolves and chaos.
I liked the grey sight. It was interesting and I liked how quick on her feet Matia is. Ryan was sweet. Favourite character was Dalton, but he doesn't quite match up to Yellow knife or Seattle. If I did read it again, I'd like it more just going along with the ride. As expected dark themes, wolves and chaos.
November 19, 2016
Okay
I liked it when the story was about the heroine running the business with her adopted father. I was able to relate and enjoyed the heroine badass attitude. I think the transition from the h being human to a wolf turned me off. It was a b I t abrupt. It felt like the plot switch to learning about werewolves and the inquisitors i. Much detail. Didn't care for the heroine after that. She became annoying and her being mated with a submissive and not an alpha just made me lose interest. I think the author spent too much explaining how a wolf learns to live like one. The part where the h wolf hides away while she was a wolf was unbelievable. I thought it would be the opposite where her human part would be the one to hide. That confused me. I feel like I was being lectured instead of being absorbed into the story. I didn't want to l earn how every single minute the heroine reacts to being a wolf. Finally, the romance was weak. The sex was non existent. Disappointed...I was really getting into the story too before the wolf part. The wolf plot ruined the book. This was my first werewolves book with the weak romance and without sex scenes. I don't mind the lacking the sex part but the chemistry between the h was weak too. I still recommend this if you don't mind learning every minute of how becoming a wolf being explained with the weak romance. Definitely not a mc steamy werewolf book.
I liked it when the story was about the heroine running the business with her adopted father. I was able to relate and enjoyed the heroine badass attitude. I think the transition from the h being human to a wolf turned me off. It was a b I t abrupt. It felt like the plot switch to learning about werewolves and the inquisitors i. Much detail. Didn't care for the heroine after that. She became annoying and her being mated with a submissive and not an alpha just made me lose interest. I think the author spent too much explaining how a wolf learns to live like one. The part where the h wolf hides away while she was a wolf was unbelievable. I thought it would be the opposite where her human part would be the one to hide. That confused me. I feel like I was being lectured instead of being absorbed into the story. I didn't want to l earn how every single minute the heroine reacts to being a wolf. Finally, the romance was weak. The sex was non existent. Disappointed...I was really getting into the story too before the wolf part. The wolf plot ruined the book. This was my first werewolves book with the weak romance and without sex scenes. I don't mind the lacking the sex part but the chemistry between the h was weak too. I still recommend this if you don't mind learning every minute of how becoming a wolf being explained with the weak romance. Definitely not a mc steamy werewolf book.
Read
August 29, 2022DNF bc it was beyond OTT. I pushed past the fact that an 18 year old is the executive VP of a large company, even though she has no college degree. I pushed past the fact that she seemingly has no clue how the company is run. I pushed past the fact that she miraculously survived a bombing at the airport, that she went back to work 3 days after said bombing, and that she was kidnapped and tortured by the now former VP of her company in order to “teach her father (who is the president of the company) a lesson�. What I couldn’t push past was that the same guy who “saved� her at the airport, also came to her rescue when she was kidnapped. Unknown to her, he had turned her into a werewolf at the airport, and even though he could have been killed for this, the council overlooked it bc she was apparently also a fire witch (also unknown to her). I’m all about fantasy, but this was ridiculous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2020
This was basically two stories that were shoved together with only the thinnest of strings tying them together. Matia is the main focus throughout the story. But we start with her in the corporate world. We have a detailed account of her actions and days. So far as to account for the housing, salary, clothing and schooling programs their company provides to a destitute secretary that was hired but did not have the qualifications. Then it switches gears and we never hear about this poor girl again instead we focus on Matia's new life as werewolf. Honestly who would want to be one if you had to follow all of those pack rules?
Over all I liked the story. but it wasn't her best.
Over all I liked the story. but it wasn't her best.
February 5, 2022
Awesome!
This book in the Witch and Wolf series is unique in that we see a newly made Fenerec where the wolf and the human don’t necessarily get along or even like each other at first. It’s interesting to see how they come to terms as the story progresses. It’s also interesting to see a submissive male who is truly submissive instead of being forced to become an alpha like Richard was. This is also one of the only Witch and Wolf world books where we don’t hear about/from the Shadow Pope, the Desmonds, or the Murphys. Like all other books by this author, I loved it!
This book in the Witch and Wolf series is unique in that we see a newly made Fenerec where the wolf and the human don’t necessarily get along or even like each other at first. It’s interesting to see how they come to terms as the story progresses. It’s also interesting to see a submissive male who is truly submissive instead of being forced to become an alpha like Richard was. This is also one of the only Witch and Wolf world books where we don’t hear about/from the Shadow Pope, the Desmonds, or the Murphys. Like all other books by this author, I loved it!
April 22, 2018
What a great storyline! I enjoy the world Blain has built for her Wolf and Witch series, and she didn't disappoint with this standalone story introducing Matia and Ryan- two excellent protagonists. Fast-paced, well written, and full of plenty of twists and turns to hold reader interest, Shadowed Flame was an excellent story, and this pair are worthy of their own offshoot series. Great job!
August 21, 2019
Another Winner!
No matter what name she writes under, RJ Blain creates stories that are impossible to put down. Romance is a part of it, but a strong plot and storyline are what keeps me buying her books. The Witch and Wolf universe is fascinating and I love how she continues to bring new players into the world.
No matter what name she writes under, RJ Blain creates stories that are impossible to put down. Romance is a part of it, but a strong plot and storyline are what keeps me buying her books. The Witch and Wolf universe is fascinating and I love how she continues to bring new players into the world.
February 6, 2018
Don't miss this! I couldn't put it down.
This story was so very interesting. Inside the business world then on to the Fenerec world. Romance is very much included. Don't miss any of RJ Blains books or you'll be sorry.
This story was so very interesting. Inside the business world then on to the Fenerec world. Romance is very much included. Don't miss any of RJ Blains books or you'll be sorry.
March 3, 2018
Pretty basic
While well written, this is pretty formulaic. I loved Matia in the first half, but once she starts developing as a wolf she loses some of her fire and smarts. Not as strong as some of this author's other works.
While well written, this is pretty formulaic. I loved Matia in the first half, but once she starts developing as a wolf she loses some of her fire and smarts. Not as strong as some of this author's other works.
April 17, 2018
Great read
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoy her smart, strong, female leads. I like this one especially because of the way the heroine is continually underestimated. Many mouths hang open from clueless men!
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoy her smart, strong, female leads. I like this one especially because of the way the heroine is continually underestimated. Many mouths hang open from clueless men!
January 12, 2019
Amazing
The interaction amongst the characters is well done, the storyline is well written, of course, I want to be a part of their world. The business world was seamless in the adaption of the wolf world.
Looking forward to delving deeper in the world of The Witch and the Wolf
The interaction amongst the characters is well done, the storyline is well written, of course, I want to be a part of their world. The business world was seamless in the adaption of the wolf world.
Looking forward to delving deeper in the world of The Witch and the Wolf
February 23, 2019
Definitely a favourite
I absolutely love this book. Sharp, funny and completely unpredictable. Keeps you right on the edge of your seat all the way through. And characters you just love. Unbeatable.
I absolutely love this book. Sharp, funny and completely unpredictable. Keeps you right on the edge of your seat all the way through. And characters you just love. Unbeatable.
February 5, 2024
Not my kind of book. The beginning of the book was very good but I lost the interest as soon as the main character turns into a wolf. Too many details on that and the story lost all the interest. It was the first book I read from the author so I dont know if I am going to give her another try.
January 1, 2025
For the love of god get a new narrator. I swear RJ Blaine and Kiera Grace are the same person and authors should never ever narrate their own books.
This is also YOUNG ADULT not adult like the tags currently state. I’m convinced all these books are the same.
This is also YOUNG ADULT not adult like the tags currently state. I’m convinced all these books are the same.
May 25, 2017
i really like the style of writing and the stories are engaging
September 3, 2018
I liked it more when it was just a young girl helping her dad run a business. She doesn't say much, and it's interesting. Then suddenly she's talking heaps, and one thing I had enjoyed was gone
November 15, 2018
Wonderful
Just a great story set in an interesting world with quirky, yet realistic, characters. A strong entry in the Witch and Wolf world.
Just a great story set in an interesting world with quirky, yet realistic, characters. A strong entry in the Witch and Wolf world.
November 13, 2019
Compelling, absorbing, exciting, intense, interesting, and yeah, compelling. Stands alone well.
March 6, 2020
I have enjoyed all of R J Blains books; but this is probably one of my favorite. A little different but very engaging, keeping me completely interested.
December 15, 2020
Fun and exciting
Another wonderful adventure in the witch and wolf world, with an entirely new cast of characters. Full of mystery, danger, and adventure. 5 stars.
Another wonderful adventure in the witch and wolf world, with an entirely new cast of characters. Full of mystery, danger, and adventure. 5 stars.
January 27, 2021
It was ok, I am glad i read it
Story was ok and will probably re read when reading over the series but it not a book to start off on the Wolf and Witch series
Story was ok and will probably re read when reading over the series but it not a book to start off on the Wolf and Witch series
April 11, 2022
Lovely!
I love R.J Blain books. They have been very entertaining and I really enjoy her creations. Would love more on Maria and Ryan.
I love R.J Blain books. They have been very entertaining and I really enjoy her creations. Would love more on Maria and Ryan.
October 9, 2023
I love Matia she is such a fun character!!
January 1, 2024
I enjoyed this story, but it felt like two books merged together!
January 10, 2025
So good!
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