Man of Shadow and Mist is book two in the Of Monsters and Men series that is written by super talented Michelle Griep. I always love reading anything that this author releases because I know that I will find myself lost in the story immediately. This story reminded me of a cross between Dracula and Beauty and the Beast.

Sir James Morgan does not like England. He does not like anything about it. However, he returns because his mother is ill and he is trying to find a cure for her. This has led to a lot of gossip that he is cursed . Rosa Edwards who is a local librarian does not believe all the vampire hype and rumors that surround James. She wants to help clear his name.

I loved James and Rosa. They are well written and they made me smile. I loved all the historic details that went into this story. I love this gothic feeling series.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

I am ashamed to admit that this is the first book by Michelle Griep I have ever read. I’ve heard so many good things about her and her writing and even own The Thief of Blackfriar’s Lane and have yet to read it. It’s not that I never wanted to, I just haven’t yet. And I am sad that I have waited so long, because Michelle Griep more than lives up to the hype I’ve heard about her.

Man of Shadow and Mist is a novel filled with suspense, faith, and love. The town of Whitby believes that Sir James Morgan is a vampire–and truly, there is much to back up these rumors, including Morgan’s disease and the fact that livestock are being brutally murdered when he arrives into town. Honestly, Morgan’s character intrigued me from the very start and I just had to know what happened to him. Will he be able to fight back against these rumors? Will he be able to save his mother–and even himself–from this terrible disease they both suffer from? These questions kept me turning the pages.

I also loved Rosa’s character. She refused to believe whatever rumors the town made up, and made it her life goal to educate the townspeople so they would stop believing in such tales, such as vampires. I commended her for this noble goal and for not shying away or being afraid of Morgan.

There is so much more about this novel that I loved–the side characters, including Bram Stoker himself making an appearance here and there; the way Griep masterfully weaves gothic with Christianity; and the setting itself, and the way Griep describes it in such a way that I feel that I am actually there.

What I liked most about the novel is that the romantic subplot did not overshadow the main plot. While it was there, and there were times that I felt it did get to be too much for my own liking, it did not take over, and I very much appreciated that.

Overall, I would highly recommend this novel and I will not wait too long to read another book by Michelle Griep.

I had received a copy of the book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.

Will superstition destroy or bring them together...

There are a few authors out there who consistently deliver fiction with the most delightfully eerie Gothic flavor to them. These are authors that I will read their books simply because I see their name on the cover – and Michelle Griep is one of them. With Bram Stoker's Dracula as the inspiration and the misty mysterious shores of Whitby, England as the backdrop, Man Of Mist And Shadow has all of the angst and creepiness that you could hope for in a good Gothic historical romance.

Michelle Griep had me intrigued and absorbed from the very first page of this second Of Monsters And Men novel, in fact, I think that Man Of Mist And Shadow may just be my favorite of the two. I genuinely liked Rosa and James and couldn't help but root for them to find a way through the lies, superstition, and mistrust surrounding them – and that doesn't even address the dangers that can be found in old castles at midnight...

Whether you are a longtime fan of Michelle Griep like I am or you are new to her Of Monsters And Men series of standalones, Man Of Shadow And Mist will not disappoint you. It's a great – not to mention spooky – way to spend a few hours on the shores of England where folklore and fact just might meet on a foggy night...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

I wanted to really love this book, but found it difficult to engage. I've read other Michelle Griep books and have loved them. I love her writing style and her ability to make me care about the characters, but this didn't happen for me in Man of Shadow and Mist.

My 3 Star rating surprises me and isn't my final decision. I will pick up the first book, Lost in Darkness, read it and then reread Man of Shadow and Mist. I may have missed some important background information which would connect me more to this second book.

Who doesn't love a book that is filled with love, romance, mystery, history, fear and inspiration? Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep is the second book in the Of Monsters and Men series and a must read if you love all those things wrapped up in one page turning story.
Fear and rumors strike back up when the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to the place he hates the most because his mother is dying and it is the same illness that he will die from if a cure can not be found.
In her quest to find answers and to hopefully stanch the gossip and superstitions, librarian Rosa Edwards discovers more questions than answers. How can she accept what she has discovered and can't explain? Now Rosa and James find themselves not only dealing with the fear of the townspeople, but that of the unsettling attraction that they have come to feel for each other.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

3.5 Stars

MAN OF SHADOW AND MIST is a Gothic story full of twists and turns with a fun play off of Bram Stoker's Dracula. It's about a woman who wants to change minds through books and a man who cares for his ailing mother and battles superstition from those who are ignorant. It's about a man who must figure out if he will be a puppet and continue in his uncle's path or find his own. Overall, a deliciously Gothic tale with relatable characters and sweet romance.

I love Gothic stories so I was excited to see how Griep took Dracula and made her own tale, which she definitely does. The Gothic aspects of this story were fabulous from the misty weather, to the old manor on the hill with the gargoyle that sits in its entrance, to the ill mother, to the superstitious townspeople, to the dark hero himself. I thoroughly enjoyed the first third where all of this takes center stage and there is a delightful meet-cute with charged chemistry and subsequent meets where the heroine and hero start to get to know and aide each other. I enjoyed getting to know the two main characters as well as a couple of the side characters. The religious aspect of this story is very prevalent and, so something to not if that's not your thing. The romance slowly builds and is full of chemistry, and I appreciated that the author didn't make it overly strong or the only focus in the story as there is quite a bit going on. The story starts to gain intensity about two-thirds to the end and grows to a couple of climatic moments.

I did have some misgivings with this story as well. The side characters were very one dimensional and I would have liked more development with their personalities, especially as some of them play fairly important roles. The religious aspect of the story felt forced quite a bit instead of being naturally weaved through. There are several chapters towards the end where it's a religious lecture and the characters are told what to think instead of a few key lines or thoughts that prompt the character's own insights. There were also things that were overdone and overly dramatic or unrealistic, although if you suspend belief and just go with it those pieces don't influence the enjoyment of the story. Finally, things are almost too perfectly tied up in the end.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I enjoyed the Gothic aspects of this story as well as the two main characters who are quite likable. Those who have enjoyed this author's previous books or who enjoy romantic Gothic stories with a strong Christian aspect will enjoy this one.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Transylvania 1890 and Whitby England same year.
I did not want this story to end! It was so good and I had invested time and emotions into these wonderful characters. Sir James Morgan has traveled from Transylvania to Whitby, England to care for his dying mother. He hates being here because the superstitious townsfolk believe him to be a vampire and treat him as such. Rosa Edwards is a librarian along with her father and thinks the citizens are ignorant because they believe such a crazy notion. It lends to a bit of mystery and a touch of spookiness. Turning the pages to see what trials would come up next kept me throughly interested and entertained. An added bonus was quotes from Bram Stoker’s Dracula at the beginning of each chapter. Michelle Griep never fails to write a novel that does not disappoint. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.

Michelle Griep isn't known for writing ordinary romantic books and Man of Shadow and Mist is an unusual story! I loved how Rosa Edwards wants even the poor people to have access to library books so they can be educated and learn that many of their superstitious beliefs such as vampires are not real! My heart went out to Sir James Morgan who townspeople believe to be a vampire! I admired Sir James for caring for his ailing mother and trying to find a cure for her illness which he believes he also has. Man of Shadow and Mist shows how people can be convinced to go along with the crowd! I recommend Michelle Griep's latest book to others. I won an e-book through Goodreads and also received one through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

Prepare to be captivated by Michelle Griep's latest masterpiece, "Man of Shadow and Mist." Griep's exceptional storytelling talent is on full display in this enthralling historical fiction novel that seamlessly blends mystery, romance, and adventure. What's not to love about a gothic vampire story? I found myself transported to a bygone era, where secrets lurked in the shadows and danger hid in plain sight. Griep's ability to bring characters to life is truly remarkable; their authenticity and depth are portrayed with wonderful detail. The author's prose is a work of art in itself, painting vivid landscapes and evoking a wide array of emotions. I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This was an excellent read. Just enough romance, intrigue, gothic vibes, and creepiness all wrapped up in an addicting story that was so hard to put down. I have always had a weird fondness for vampire stories, and author Griep hit this one out of the park. The atmosphere of Whitby in midsummer had me shivering just a bit. That fog must be something to see.

Sir James Morgan has dedicated his life to finding a cure for his mother and himself. He knows the rumors that swirl about him and his family. He understands that he will forever be alone except for a few faithful servants. He knows that not only will he live life alone but die alone as well. Until one day a bit of sunshine enters his life in the form of Rosa Edwards.

Rosa is a librarian who wants a bit more out of life than what her mother has planned. Her mother blames it on all the books her father, the library owner, has allowed her to read. Rosa just wants to make the poor lives better, and to help them stop believing in all of the old superstitions and see that there is an explanation for things, most of the time anyway. But people themselves can turn into monsters when the mob mentality awakens, and Rosa would like to prevent that from happening with her newfound friend.

Rosa and James have an interesting relationship. They do both try to hide their attraction for one another. Rosa is also well aware of the many secrets James is hiding. Could she be just his friend so that he might trust her, even though she would like to be so much more? Could they make a life together no matter his dreaded secrets?

With an atmosphere of eeriness and trouble just around the corner, this tale of forbidden love had me caught in its snares. The notes the author provides at the end were enlightening as well.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

I’ve read one Griep before Man of Shadow and Mist, The Noble Guardian, and enjoyed it immensely. Therefore, I expected to do the same with the second in the “Of Monsters and Men” series. There was much to look forward to in its premise: its nod to Stoker’s Dracula, a novel I love, a librarian heroine, and a mysterious, tall, dark, and handsome hero. And Griep’s novel made good on its promise: I found the same “where angels fear to tread” heroine, honourable, admirable hero, and much suspense. The blurb will fill in the details for us:

England, 1890

Vampires are alive and well in North Yorkshire, leastwise in the minds of the uneducated. Librarian Rosa Edwards intends to drive a stake through the heart of such superstitions. But gossip flies when the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to his shadowy manor. The townsfolk say he is cursed.

James hates everything about England. The weather. The rumours. The scorn. Yet he must stay. His mother is dying of a disease for which he’s desperately trying to find a cure—an illness that will eventually take his own life.

When Rosa sets out to prove the dark gossip about James is wrong, she discovers more questions than answers. How can she accept what she can’t explain—especially the strong allure of the enigmatic man? James must battle a town steeped in fear as well as the unsettling attraction he feels for the no-nonsense librarian.

Can love prevail in a town filled with fear and doubt?

While I enjoyed the banter between James and Rosa, I found Griep’s Man of Shadow and Mist uneven. I’m not sure Griep got her setting, historical context, and the themes she wanted to encompass together in a coherent, plausible fashion. Rather, the novel felt like a hodge-podge of medieval superstitious peasantry with the burgeoning modernism of the 1890s, like the lending librarian heroine and her bicycle deliveries. Moreover, and this is purely my own distaste, I found the descriptions of Lady Dorina’s, James’s mother’s, fits and starts and bloodied attacks distasteful, unappealing. As were the bad peasants and pitchforks scenes. I think the notion of Rosa fighting against the villagers’ superstitions an interesting theme and laudable one, but I don’t think it worked in this context. And Rosa, with her intrepid attitude and going after ignorance was fine and well, but she behaved like a TSTL heroine most of the time. James was constantly saving her from raging rivers, mad bulls, and constant falls.

And how well did Griep pull off the Gothic vibe? I’m not sure she did. Gothic romance, whether à la Charlotte Brontë or Bram Stoker, relies on some mystique being preserved, even when the “mad woman in the attic” is revealed, it isn’t explained away. And everything felt “explained away” here. James isn’t the mysterious, nuanced, flawed Rochester or Maxim de Winter, he’s a man trying to save his mother and himself from porphyria (I’m not spoiling anything here, we learn this from chapter one). I would think Griep couldn’t write a hero such as Rochester or de Winter, because: a. romance, I guess (though I think Jane Eyre is at least partially a well-executed romance) and b. inspirational. Even more the latter: James is a man of blood and sorrow and the pitch-fork-yielding peasants have more in common with the painting “Christ Carrying the Cross” (attributed to a follower of Hieronymous Bosch) than late-ninteenth-century English farmers.

Griep’s messages are laudable: to love others and God, to not isolate yourself, to give of yourself, to admit you’re wrong, to redress wrongs, to take part in life. They’re truly lovely ideas and James and Rosa are wonderful together. (I also liked how she redeemed the villain.) Griep shows physical attraction and banter between the two and this was one of the reasons I continued to read a narrative I thought could have used a good pruning. Miss Austen would agree, Griep’s Man of Shadow and Mist is “almost pretty,” Northanger Abbey.

Michelle Griep’s Man of Shadow and Mist is published by Barbour Publishing. I received an e-ARC from Barbour Publishing via Netgalley. This does not impede the free expression of my opinion.

I loved this book by Michelle Griep. I loved the Gothic vibe that the story had. I also loved learning about an illness that I didn’t know much about. I also loved how the romance between James and Rosa develops. I love how she doesn’t buy into the superstition and knows that James is not a vampire and wants to help him. I love how James tries to push her away but he can’t stop falling in love with her. I loved the mystery element that was in this story and how things played out. I really just loved this story and it kept me engaged the whole time. I would highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Is there redemption for a vampire?
Man of Mist and Shadow tapped right into my love for old ghoulish stories without worrying about whether or not I was reading something that would keep me up at night (which it did, but for a different reason). I love being able to read some of my favorite gothic novels with a twist.
I was just as captivated by this story as Rosa was by James as I stayed up much later than I should have, devouring each page. Once these two characters began to at least internally acknowledge what was happening to their hearts, I was “bewitched”.
I also loved the story of redemption that was laced throughout the story. Whether it was the accusations against James, Rosa’s ability to leap before thinking, or even Andre’s foolish behavior to get what he wanted–it was all masterfully put together. The way Michelle Griep used commons scenes to explain behaviors that filled the assumptions of the townsfolk was beautifully wrapped up by the end.
I am proud to say, that just like Lost in Darkness, Man Of Shadow and Mist, has found a home on my shelf and I will be glad to loan it out to lovers of dark gothic novels with a Godly twist.

Step back in time to a place where rumors of vampires run rampant. I loved how the author gives us a look at how rumors and gossip can lead to shunning of a person. I loved Sir James instantly and thought his character was very easy to like. As you read the story you will find that he is not trusting of others and stays to himself. With so many people spreading lies about him and his family, it is no wonder he doesn’t want to get close to anyone.

Rosa is a sweet character who works as a librarian with her father. Oh she adores books and has this heart to bring books to those who can’t pay the fee to read them. When Rosa and James meet it is a bit funny but it sure did open my eyes to how Janes so desired to be accepted. Their encounters grow into a friendship that upsets some but Rosa feels like he is a good man. Her dream to be a secretary is not received well by her parents. They want to marry her off but she stands her ground.

With a feel of chills going down my spine and a nod to Bram Stroker I devoured every word as James has a urgent need to find a cure for his mother as people surround me with threats and danger. Rosa is his constant along with faith that is evident throughout the story. I have to say this story is one that has a deep message that shows how God is ever present in our times of need. To find out what happens to James and Rosa, grab a copy and get ready for a must read, heart pounding adventure where rumors can harm people and faith withstands lies.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

If you enjoy historical fiction combined with elements of beloved classics, be sure to add Michelle Griep’s Of Monsters and Men series to your TBR! I really enjoyed this twist of Dracula—this book is so well researched and thoroughly unique while still paying homage to the original story. I’m excited for more books (hopefully) in this series. 4/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Author Michelle Griep has become well known for her historical fiction, most often set in Regency England. Her characters are often those not thought about; the poorest of the poor. The ones society despises. And in Man of Shadow and Mist, that continues.

We meet Sir James Morgan who hides from the people of the town who believe he is cursed. Except for Rosa Edwards, who will not tolerate such nonsense. Both are strong, likable characters with strengths and weaknesses. Desires and fears. But what do a vampire and a librarian have in common?

Griep, ever the master storyteller, even finds a way to write Bram Stoker, author of Count Dracula, into her story. That was so much fun to read!

Throughout the entire story there is a thread of hope. When things look the bleakest, when my heart ached for all of the characters, God was still present and active. I highly recommend reading Man of Shadow and Mist.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

I DNFed at 20%. The writing style and characters were not gripping my interest. I think I was expecting something spookier and less sweet romance. I suggest people give it a try since my hangups might not affect your enjoyment of the book.

“I am an outsider. I have always seen things differently, and it puts people on edge. Makes them nervous when their long-held beliefs are challenged.”

“How do I love thee? Let count the ways.” No, I am not talking about the relationship between the heroine, Rosa Edwards, and either of the possible love interests, Sir James Morgan or Albin Mallow. Rather, I speak of the wonder of the novel that is Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep. Spooky, inviting cover!! Spell-binding. Mesmerizing. Unpredictable. Full of true faith. Great Quotes. Masterful. Griep is a Wordsmith Extraordinaire. ( ie: “A few more word grenades launched from Mallow and the situation would explode Miss Edwards’s reputation to shreds.” or
“Morgrave Manor was as pleasant as a cold slap to the cheek.” (Can’t you just feel that one?!! ) And so many other great visual word pictures I want to share but will save for you to discover!!

How can two solitary individuals fight ugly, local superstitions and rumors that villanize a rich, transplanted family? As evil happenings increase and coincide with either the appearance of Sir James Morgan or ill weather, gossip runs rampant and feelings get out of hand.

I loved that Rosa Edwards is brave enough to stand against public opinion and defend her new friend against ridiculous, unfounded claims. I also love to see that while her parents are eager to marry her off, she maintains a special connection and understanding with her father. This is not true in most books in the time of arranged marriages.

Sir James is tall, good looking, and underneath all his frightening demeanor, the kindest, most thoughtful, caring man I’d ever want to meet. With an amazing faith that doesn’t require God to answer prayers in his favor.

The parson and Mrs. Hawkins are both secondary characters whose influence is greatly needed and freely bestowed, without being judgmental. Will James and Rosa take their timely words to heart?

I love how Griep inserts Bram Stoker himself and his manuscript into the novel. Talk about an Easter egg. This has got to be a Fabergé! Each chapter begins with quote from Dracula by Bram Stoker.

I recommend this extraordinary novel for historical fiction lovers, faith quote lovers, possibly Jaime Jo Wright readers, and Dracula lovers.

I received a complimentary copy from the author through Barbour Books, and also through Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought a 3rd copy to give away. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Lady Dorina hails from Transylvania, the historical birthplace of such monsters.” Mrs. Edwards sniffed. “My family roots tie back to Ireland, sir, but that doesn’t make me a leprechaun.”

“If God wor so small tha’ thou could understan’ ‘im, ‘e would not be good enuff ta stand wi’ thou in all that ye face. Every one of us needs a God who is bigger than we credit, else ‘e ‘ood not be God.”

“Expect the good Lord ta give thou a glass o’ water when yer parched, ta grant thou rest when weary, ta gi’ miracles ‘n mercy ‘n a regular dose o’ comfort when thou needs. But the one thin’ thou shouldn’t expect—ever—is for ‘im ta show up lookin’ like thou might imagine.”


‘Tis the moment thou lets go of thy expectations tha’ God can fettle wi’ ye. ‘Til then, ye’ve not surrendered, thou see?”

“It’s not what goes into the body that makes one an infidel, but what comes out of the heart.”

“Ye can trust that God will grow each of His true children into His likeness in His own time and in His own way.”

This is a review for NetGalley of Michelle Griep's latest book titled Man of Shadow and Mist.  I am a huge fan of Michelle Griep because her stories are amazing and very engaging, and this story was right up her alley! I also highly recommend Lost in Darkness, the book she wrote previous to this, as it is a great story, but you don't need to read if to understand this at all!!

For Man of Shadow and Mist, I was engaged from the onset, and as I read, the story kept getting more and more exciting, finally ending with a climax that left me wanting to read more of her books, but very satisfied as the ending was completely unpredictable, which is what I like in a story!  This is not one genre, but includes the regency era, mystery, suspense, romance, and as always, a story of faith and grace, and repentance that will warm the heart!  I can't say that about many books, but with all those genres wrapped in one, the story flowed nicely, and the characters blended together in great ways, which really made me love this story!  It has a Dracula feel to it, but not in a way Dracula is normally portrayed, and actually Michelle does include Bram Stoker in the story, but that only adds to the story, not takes away! I actually bought Dracula as a result of reading this book, and I can't wait to read it!  But again , I loved this book, and this author!  I highly recommend this book, and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

The story takes place in 1890 in England, where vampire lore is rampant, superstition is very much alive! Rosa Edwards, a local librarian isn't having any of it! She wants to stop the superstition, as she sees it is doing way more hard than good to her whole community. But the gossip mill kicks superstition into high gear as Sir James Morgan returns to his manor that seems to be shadowed in darkness!

Sir James is not happy to be back in England, because he hates the weather, the rumors and the suspicion that he sees in the eyes of his superstitious neighbors.  But he is forced to stay due to his mother who is dying of an illness that he is desperately trying to find a cure for because it also affects him!  He believes this illness will very soon claim his mother, and eventually take his own life!  As a result of the illness, Sir James is unable to go into the sun because it causes welts to occur on his skin, but the gossip mongers think it is because he is a vampire!!

Rosa wants to refute these rumors, so she befriends Sir James, in hopes of quelling said rumors, and she finds herself drawn to him, but there seem to be more questions than answers  they as their relationship develops.  James has to fight the rumors and superstition, which eventually leads to violence, and Rosa must !ale the choice whether to follow the people she grew up with, or stand up for a very mysterious man who she seems drawn to!  But you must read the story to find out what happens!

This is an exciting book! I was captivated from the start!  I loved it, and highly recommend it!  Michelle Griep continues to be one of my favorites, and this is  the 6th book of hers that I read!

There is a nice blend of the dark Gothic themes along with the positivity and hope of Christianity. It's an interesting take on Dracula. The creep factor is definitely there and engages the reader. Thankfully, the romance angle was minimal. Occasional lulls in the middle of the book did pull me out of the story, and the ending wrapped up a bit too neatly, but it was an enjoyable read overall.