The day has finally arrived!
I have never worked so hard or lost so much sleep over a single manuscript; nor have I ever been so proud of a finished book. This story REALLY pushed my limits, both as a writer and as an empath. There were days I had to push hard just to get ANY words on paper, not because I had writer's block, but because I was so far out of my usual comfort zone.
That said, while SHADOWS is unlike anything I've ever written before, you'll find quite a few of my call signs: found family, science-based magic, (mild) romance, redemption, and yes, a happy ending! So if spooky fantasy isn't your usual go-to, be sure to check the trigger warnings, but rest assured: this story is well worth it.
If you haven't already preordered your copy, the ebook is available on Amazon, FREE on Kindle Unlimited, and signed copies are available in my shop along with some cool swag!
And now, without further ado, I present to you....
💀 ⌛ THE BOY WHO LURKS IN SHADOWS⌛💀
.....The thrilling sequel 𝐚𝐧𝐝 prequel to The Girl Who Talks to Ashes!
SYNOPSIS
It’s been three years since Lilah Quinn stumbled upon the bones of her biological mother, thereby solving the mystery of Willow’s long-forgotten disappearance. Since then, Lilah has been working off-book as Sheriff Reid’s star detective, solving decades-old cold cases with the help of those closest to the crimes – the victims themselves.
But when Lilah’s newest case hits a dead end, she’s forced to do something she’s never done before: speak to the murderer himself. Unfortunately, his “ghost” isn’t interested in helping her, nor is he willing to play by her rules. Because, unlike all the others, this ghost is able to exist apart from his bones, untethered even by time.
And now that he’s been freed, he’s got a bone to pick.
***
ADVANCED REVIEWS
"Honestly, I admit, I had a little trepidation…a little uncertainty…a little bit of anxiety…that The Boy Who Lurks in Shadows would not live up to the awesomeness of The Girl Who Talks to Ashes, which is one of my absolute favorite standalone novels ever. BUUUUUUUUT…NOT ONLY DID IT MEET THOSE LOFTY EXPECTATIONS BUT IT COMPLETELY BLEW THEM OUT OF THE WATER!" - Melinda Cater
"Well now. WELL. NOW." - David Green, Author
"By the end of this book, not only was I smiling but the tears were streaming down my face, tears of the sheer beauty of this dazzlingly splendacious freaking awesome story! Thank you Rachel! THANK YOU for your brilliance!" - Beba Andric
"This book grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. I put it down to sleep and that’s about it. It’s dark in places, beautiful in several others and got me thinking about the themes a lot deeper than I meant to." - Chris Matthews
"Rachel Rener! Woman, you’re scary smart. This book took a lot of planning and research to make it believable. The Boy is a great follow up to Lilah’s story[;] complex with a rich world(s) that will make you think." - Suzy Ostapower
"Wowwwwwww, this book! I was kind of worried because I loved the first book SO MUCH, but Rachel absolutely outdid herself on this one. I think this one might even be better than the first! I teared up so many times.. both happy tears and sad." - Phi Pilgrim
"Read this in four hours. Devoured it, I should say. A fantastic mystery which unravels on the page, tragic, touching and delving right into the heart of love, loss, longing and belonging." - Becky James, Author
"I love how the lives of the characters are interwoven, it makes for a very intriguing book. Set yourself some quiet time when you pick this book up because you aren’t going to want to put it down until you have finished." - Terry Steinke
"I am obsessed with this book! Rener's ability to write both a prequel and sequel in the same book is masterful! Buckle up, there are so many twists and turns, and surprises you won't see coming!" - Linda Mundorff, biased-yet-brilliant Jewish mother
Will you be reading TBWLIS? If so, what are you looking forward to most?