The Shadow Games: A Dystopian Fantasy Novel

Alison Ingleby

May 2021 · Windswept Writing

About this ebook

Powers make her an outcast. Fear will get her killed.

At eighteen, Vesper is driven by one ambition—to live up to her family's expectations and win a place at the Royal Academy.

But when she fails an unexpected test, Vesper is taken from the white tower of New Vegas and dumped on the city floor—home to those the city outlaws. She quickly finds herself branded a slave in a shadow city where factions war and monsters terrorize the streets.

Most terrifying of all are the powers that Vesper and her new friends wield. Having killed once, Vesper is determined it won't happen again. To save her friends, Vesper must learn to control her power.

And that means facing her greatest fear—that her power could destroy her.

Ratings and reviews

This book is dystopian, but with dragons! and magic talents. I'd highly recommend anyone who enjoys well written, character driven tales pick themselves up a copy. It is YA with little swearing or adult situations, but fairly graphic violence... as expected in a dystopian world. I really hope she publishes the next book in the series soon! I received an ARC of this book, and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

While many elements are familiar from other books, Ingleby absolutely puts her own spin on it. Vesper, hopeful to get into the prestigious academy, ultimately fails a test and is exiled from New Vegas. Everything is not what it seemed and Vesper has to navigate understanding the truth of the world she grew up in and the world she's thrust into. Ingleby does a phenomenal job of developing this world and the characters in it.

Awesome start to the series. I loved the thought of powers coming back to the human race and can't wait to see how Vesper and crew learn how to deal with them. Add a pesky dragon (maybe the last of his kind?) And the story reels you in.

About the author

Alison Ingleby is a USA Today bestselling author of sci-fi and fantasy fiction. She loves writing cross-genre books featuring complex characters, twisting plots and fast-paced action with a dash of romance.

When not writing, Alison enjoys reading, drinking tea and spending time outdoors. She lives in Yorkshire, England, but her heart loiters by the sea in north-west Scotland.

You can find out more about Alison, sign up to her Readers' Club and get a free story by visiting her website: https://alisoningleby.com/