Shadow Walker (Stormwalker #3) by Allyson James
Urban Fantasy
June 7, 2011
Paperback
Berkley
Reviewed by Tori
Favorite Quote: “I thought my girl was gone. I thought I’d be all alone again.”
When Janet Begay and Nash Jones falls into a sink hole, Janet isn’t prepared for the events that follow. Janet and Nash are saved by Janet’s boyfriend, Mick, but something touches Mick while he’s down there. Janet will have to accept help from the most unlikely of people if she hopes to save Mick and the town.
The third installment of Allyson James’s Stormwalker series, Shadow Walker, starts out fast and furious and never slows down. Fast pacing and a dynamic storyline will have you sitting on the edge of your seat till the end. I have to say this is my favorite so far out of the series.
When Janet is out running Nash when she is caught in one of his speed traps, she falls into sink hole only to have Nash land on top of her. As Jane tries to dig her and Nash out, she sees mysterious skeleton hands that are trying to grab her and Nash. Janet brings forth her Beneath magic, which only seems to escalate the hands. Mick comes to the rescue and brings help. When Janet arrives back at her hotel she is met by Ted Wingate. He is a new hotel inspector in town and informs Janet that her hotel is not up to code and she has one week to get it all fixed or he’s shutting her down. Janet had the hotel completely brought up to code a few months ago but her own inspection shows faulty wiring, disintegrating exterior, and more. Her wards remain strong around the hotel so she cannot figure out how her hotel has gone so bad so fast. As she tries to save her hotel, Mick suddenly becomes distant and is seen in the company of another woman. Janet discovers he has been enslaved by a witch. And his first command is to kill Janet.
This is a fast paced read filled with suspense, romance, magic and a well blended humor. Janet and Mick ‘s relationship remains strong and hot with plenty of steamy bed play but also some incredibly romantic moments. I found this one was very emotional for Janet and Mick. This is the book I have been waiting for. We see some major changes in their relationship. I felt Janet really grew more adult and more secure of herself. Her family has all shown up to help her (whether she wants it or not) and she has to learn to let go and accept in order to save Mick. It’s a battle of the heart rather then the mind. I did think it took her a little to long to worry about Mick. She knows something is not right but still doesn’t trust her own judgment. I still feel that the relationship between Janet and Mick is unbalanced. He still uses their attraction and sex to some what control her.
The supporting characters are fantastic. All of them deep, intense, and personable enough for each to have their own books within the series. We see more of the secondary characters taking stronger stances in here. The premise is that Janet NEEDS help to battle this enemy and she gets it from some unlikely sources. Nash and Maya are still circling each other but when Maya feels threatened-the gloves come off. Janet’s flamboyant bi sexual magic mirror is as helpful, sexually charged, and hilarious as always. Coyote true to form, helps without helping, in battling this new foe and we hear something VERY interesting about him in the end. Janet’s grandmother, along with the dragons, and Janet’s sister, are all viable presences in this story and we learn a lot about the past, the present, and the future.
The two main story lines build independently of each other yet blend perfectly; building to nerve racking levels within the main arc for a climatic finish that was off the charts in tension and suspense. I enjoy the continuing arc that builds around Janet’s magic and the conflicts that are a result. I found Shadow Walker to be an exciting and gripping installment in the series and look forward to my next journey into this series-book four title to be announced.
Rating: B
Recent Reviews:
That’s What I’m Talking About – 5/5
Demon Lover’s Books and More – 5/5
Goodreads
Author’s Website l Series Listing
Hey Tori-sounds so good! Lots of action! Interesting world!
Its a fun series.
I’m always on the look out for a new Urban Fantasy series, and I am so going to have to remember this one, because everyone seems to like it. Great review Tori!
It’s a good one. She also has a PNR ands a historical series.
The first book in the series has recently found my doormat, waiting for the other two to start reading this series. I love this author, and also her books under her other penname, Jennifer Ashley. Have you read those?
I <3 <3 <3 her historical series. Lord Ian=YUM
Skimming to the end.
And you liked it. Good to know because after Hexed I want to try this series
I think you’ll like it.
….have I read this series before…? Must check online bookshelf.
Nice review T.
LOL Thank you. :)
Argh!!! I’m so behind. I have this on the shelf waiting for me. Taunting me!! Argh!!!
LOL Read it…QUICK!
This series has quickly worked its way into my heart and soul. I cannot say enough great things about it. Your review was awesome and I agree – this book was my favorite so far. Thanks for the review!!
Thank you. All I need is for Janet to get a little more backbone with the people she loves and stop allowing them to blame her for everything. But she’s getting there.