What a stunning debut for this author. I never would have guessed that this was his first book. This was perfectly written, had A+ editing, and the cover is amazing!
The story was unique and I loved the MC, Hans. I hope to read more from this author in the future!
I recommend this one for everyone!

First off this is an incredibly impressive book for a first time author from a small publisher. The cover looks professionally done, the editing is up to par. Reading as many random kindle freebies and Netgalley things as I do, those things really stand out. But mainly the writing itself, it’s accomplished, mature, with really strong characters. It drew me in from the first sentence. The first chapter had a distinct noirish tone to it, tough guy dialogue and all that, but then it turned into an action driven vehicle. And the main guy isn’t really all that tough as we find out, he’s just an old school dude in a futuristic dystopian world where the country’s been split up into tightly government controlled city states and the more unruly libertarian surroundings. But he tries to do the right thing, which is pretty heroic in itself, as he gets involved in a power play between dangerous shadowy potentates behind the scenes. Decent world building, but this is very much an actioneer, which isn’t exactly my thing. It read well, only somewhat slightly overwritten at times and featured a terrific supersentient AI, who becomes all inartificial in his choices and emotions to walk away unscathed. Great character writing, tons of action, original intriguing plot…this book has tons to recommend itself to science fiction fans. The page count on GR lists 257 or so, but that doesn’t seem right. By no means am I a slow reader and going by how long this book took to get through, it’s more like 357. It did tire me out somewhat toward the end, but then again there was so much going on. Not a quick read, but an interesting and an entertaining one. Thanks Netgalley.

Small independent publishers can be hit or miss on quality.  There are times however that you find a gem. Jason Mather’s Shadow Life is one such gem.  It is a suspenseful science fiction thriller with plenty of fast paced action. Mather does a bang up job of keeping the reader’s attention while only slowly revealing the novel’s secrets.  And then there are the characters. Each is flawed, damaged in some way, but they have a nobility that makes you care about them. The villains, particularly Brigham (who may remind you of the orange cheeto in office) are detestable.  Brigham is the misogynist who leads the strictly religious Salt Lake City, where women are property and population growth is out of control.


The novel begins with the death of Hans and his reawakening.  Technology allows for the rebuilding of the human body, but the mind is another question entirely.  The situation that got Hans killed continues to have consequences. Someone is powerful is targeting him, and his sister Grit, a military leader, is revealing little.  Attempts to minimize collateral damage lead Hans to the headquarters of a criminal mastermind, forcing him into a dangerous quest where what makes a person human is of central importance.


Shadow Life is an amazing novel.  I was thoroughly impressed by Mather’s skilled writing and plotting.  Jason Mather is definitely an author to watch.


5 / 5


I received a copy of Shadow Life from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.


Crittermom