Shadow of a Human (The Human Cycle)

This is a very intriguing keep you on your toes story! If you liked the first book Only Human you have to read this one. I honestly can't wait for the next one.

Excellent book!

It's a rare thing when a book takes your breath away, but J.D Estrada has done just that with his latest book Shadow of a Human (book 2 in the Human Cycle). I read and absolutely loved book 1 - Only Human and have waited 'impatiently' for book 2 desperate to discover what happened next. For those uninitiated into the amazing and powerful events that change Nathaniel Runnels life forever let me give you a brief glimpse (no spoilers you have to read book 1 it's incredible) Nathaniel is a disillusioned journalist who feels his life is going nowhere fast, but that all changes the day he's kidnapped by a vampire called Daniel and tasked with saving the world as we know it. The ensuing book sees him encounter Demons, Angels, Vampires, Photogeni, Therians ( whatever you do don't call them werewolves or things will get ugly!) and so much more in a quest that takes him all over the world and to places he never dreamed existed. Shadow of a Human finds Nathaniel two years on from the explosive finale of book 1 and his world has now become a much darker place. No longer the naive, awestruck person he was, he is now a battle seasoned fighter, scarred by tragedy and events have taken a catastrophic and deadly turn. A battle between Angels and Demons and the imminent destruction of everything we know and dare not imagine hangs in the balance… my lips are sealed as to what happens next, but it will blow your mind! This is an epic book in every sense of the word. Intelligent and thought provoking, the pace of the story will leave you breathless. There isn't a page that doesn't captivate, thrill or move you, with characters so real they could be plucked from the page and exist in our reality. J.D Estrada is without a doubt one of the finest writers I have ever read. I know with absolute certainty that he is destined for great things in the future.

This second book in the Human Cycle series does not disappoint. Some reads are meant to sooth the soul. This, however, is not. Shadow of a Human is not meant to help a person unwind after a long day. There just isn’t any time for relaxing. Elliot has a plan of attack. Allies are coming together. Zero hour draws near. As with the first book, “Easter eggs” are spread throughout the book. I was excited every time I made a connection between Shadow and real life. Some instances are subtle while others are more blatant. I love the flow of the story. Secrets of the Calico, and how Jane came about owning her, are revealed. I was intrigued by the relationships between many of the immortal characters. I was intrigued by the various non-worlds we visited. I was angered by some of the actions unleashed by demons and their Master. I was appalled by some revelations, including the origination of egnalem. I was saddened by the outcomes of certain actions. Everyone is on their own road, and as we know, all roads eventually lead to Rome…The final twist was a shocking surprise. I’m still not sure how severe the repercussions will be.

As sequels go, it was the one of most thrilling read ever. I think I finished it in three days. Skip a line and you’ll miss something. I promise that you will not be able to put it down, I know I couldn’t.

Shadow of a Human delves deep into the psyche, with nods to Jung along the way. It is a book for rereading to catch all the references, as well as appreciating scenes that rush by the first time because the pacing is lightning fast. I am eagerly anticipating the next book in this series!

There are things known and there are things union, and in between are the doors of perception - Aldous Huxley This is the thought I would have continuously through Only Human and now again in Shadow of a Human. JD Estrada's brilliant reception and creator of both favour all the senses. Seeing(reading) is believing becomes quite relevant, and as I proceeded through book 2 it became clear what one inherits and encounters. Taste, touch, smell (yes even smell) and sounds with spikes of surprise :) I truly enjoy JD’s text and thoughts, not only because he is a dear friend but because he is an intensified writer who truly puts it out there. Who relates to personal struggles and trials which then sends one onto an adventure of thoughts, feelings, wonder and explosiveness beyond ones imagination. You start to become cautiously involved with the circumstances developing in the main character, Nathaniel Runnels. His deep dark encounters which in fact, breaks away from Only Human into an even better storyline with heart racing! Imagine that! If you’ve read Book 1 you’d understand what I mean and if you haven’t then well, go do that! JD Estrada once again engages and makes the reader awestruck but always remember one thing - Never call therians werewolves ;) Go on the Only Human/Shadow of a Human expedition and be ready for a flammable quest!

Saying that this book was great would not be enough. It was more than a book, more than a plot, more than characters. It was an experience, a journey through worlds, minds and feelings, and it is an experience you definitely want to have, I promise! J.D. Estrada's writing is incredible and captivating just as it was in Only Human (I could write way more on his amazing writing style but I already did in my previous review, here it is). In this one tho I felt the pacing was more gripping and even if it was just as a deep read as the previous book this felt easier to go through, there's so much happening, so much character change and growth, so manny worlds and creatures and magnificent unique details... you just get sucked into that surprising reality and wanna find out everything you can. The level of creativity and immagination that the autor has and put into this novel are otherworldy. He was able to blow my mind basically every other page with the concepts he created. It is complex, everything is detailed and unique, nothing is obvious. This level of world, plot and character building is seriously impressive: it requires not only a very skilled writer to pull it off, but also a creative, imaginative, curious, inquisitive mind willing to experience more, learn and grow. And this is exactly who I think J.D. Estrada is. In my previous review I said that I was confused by the great number of characters, it didn't happen this time. Altho there are always a lot of character it appears really clear who are the ones you need to focus one the most and you really, really get to know them. I also said that I wished female characters like Jane had a more active part in the story and here it happened and I loved it! My only issue with this book is that I wish I could give it 6 stars. The Uman Cycle is an incredible book series, definitely a must read!

It's a rare thing when a book takes your breath away, but J.D Estrada has done just that with his latest book Shadow of a Human (book 2 in the Human Cycle). I read and absolutely loved book 1 - Only Human and have waited 'impatiently' for book 2 desperate to discover what happened next. For those uninitiated into the amazing and powerful events that change Nathaniel Runnels life forever let me give you a brief glimpse (no spoilers you have to read book 1 it's incredible) Nathaniel is a disillusioned journalist who feels his life is going nowhere fast, but that all changes the day he's kidnapped by a vampire called Daniel and tasked with saving the world as we know it. The ensuing book sees him encounter Demons, Angels, Vampires, Photogeni, Therians (whatever you do don't call them werewolves or things will get ugly!) and so much more in a quest that takes him all over the world and to places he never dreamed existed. Shadow of a Human finds Nathaniel two years on from the explosive finale of book 1 and his world has now become a much darker place. No longer the naive, awestruck person he was he is now a battle seasoned fighter, scarred by tragedy and events have taken a catastrophic and deadly turn. A battle between Angels and Demons and the imminent destruction of everything we know and dare not imagine hangs in the balance… my lips are sealed as to what happens next, but it will blow your mind! This is an epic book in every sense of the word. Intelligent and thought provoking, the pace of the story will literally leave you breathless. There isn't a single page that doesn't captivate, thrill or move you, with characters so real they could be plucked from the page and exist in our reality. J.D Estrada is without a doubt one of the finest writers I have ever read. I know with absolute certainty that he is destined for great things in the future.