This was an unusual read, it seems to have a strong sense of place, but to those from other countries, it does all seem rather sad. If it is meant to be historical fiction, I am left having no idea what time period it is meant to evoke. However, it was interesting, though not a very upbeat read.
It says this is part one of a saga, but was written 6 years ago and no sequels to be seen. I cannot imagine how the story could be furthered.

I've read lots of books and loved most of them. I've read all of Tess Collins' books and loved every single one. This one touched something in me. It's hard to put into words what this story does. It's a bit of magic, love, history, tragedy, loss, grief and some laughter too.
Strong female character for sure. Delta is a very strong woman doing what it takes to protect what is hers and protecting her son. The man she loves with all her heart is gone but she has faith he will return one day. Her son Lafette believes it too. He does not remember his dad but Delta tells him about him and his magic all the time. He is the watcher of the mountain. Shadow Mountain. Lafette is suppose to take over as the Watcher but so much happens that it may be hard for that to ever happen.
Delta waited many years for her man Arn to return and finally fell in love with another, Henry Kingsley. She didn't know whether to trust him many times but he finally proved he meant her no harm. It is a love story that will make you smile, cry and at times even laugh. Lafette was not that happy about their union and fought it in many ways. Tragedy brought them all together one night though and Henry learned that Henry could possibly be his friend.
This story was so good that I had a hard time putting it down. I read every second I had free. I cried through a lot of it, laughed at times and was on edge at times too. The descriptions of the mountain and towns were done so beautifully you felt like you was right there and could see it for yourself. It was done in a beautiful way. It was a wonderful story even though the end was somewhat tragic. Now I can't wait for the next book, Elisha Blue, to see what happens next. I know it will be every bit as good as this if not even better.
Great job Ms Tess Collins. Another 5 star book. LOVED IT!!!!

This was a long slow story but fascinating to pass through. A mix of mythology, history and magic, lots of different characters and a story running through. Some great descriptions and appreciation of the countryside where the story was based. Sad conclusion but with hope for the future

I'm not a big fan of historical fiction but this was a nice read. Set in the 1890's there is still a lot of racism and discrimination against women. Delta and her common law husband have a small cabin deep in the mountain and when he disappears she and their son must survive any way they can. This appears to be book one in a series and the ending of this story looks like an interesting beginning for book 2.

Shadow Mountain is an intense (yes intense!!!) book about a mother trying to hold on to a legacy of magic and mystery for her young son while waiting for his father, her common law husband, to come back. I say intense because Delta has stuff coming at her from all different directions and she is coping the best she can. Also, this book is set in 1899. A time where women and ex-slaves had zero rights and their lands/possessions could be taken from them just for being who they are and what color they are.

What I liked about this book is how vividly it was written. I could almost hear the bullfrogs croaking, smell the woods and see the Tyme trees standing on the mountain. Books that can do that are hard to find. I love it when I am able to read a book and get sucked in by the story. These are the kinds of books that stay with you.

The storyline (which I briefly mentioned above) was well written too. I really felt for Delta. She was being pulled in so many directions by so many people that she was forced to do what she did. I mean, she had King, Henry and Kate all telling her what to do. What she did, ultimately, was for the good of her son, Lafette. It was something that I would think that any mother in her circumstances would do. I will say that the twists right before the end of the 1st part of the story kinda shocked me. Only because I didn’t see them coming and they happened almost right on top of each other. Shocked the ever-living out of me.

King was a jerk. He was so slimy that I felt like taking a shower after reading his scenes. He was an abusive, manipulative man who got what he deserved….in my opinion. It’s just too bad that his behavior (and his greed, lets not forget that) cost people their lives.

Now Henry, I was kinda on the fence about. He let his father push him around and to be honest, I thought he didn’t have the stones to stand up to him. So, I was very surprised when he did. He ended up being probably one of the best characters in the book.

The second half of the book takes place 8 years after everything went down on Shadow Mountain. I really don’t want to get into this part of the book (because it will give things away). Lets just say that the events that happened during this part of the book surprised me. I actually didn’t see certain events coming and I was definitely floored. And the end of the book. Oh my, it was a tear jerker for sure!!! I cannot wait for book 2 to come out!!

How many stars will I give Shadow Mountain Saga: 4

Why: A well written, intense book that definitely sucked me into it. Like I said above, it was very vividly written and it just stays with you after you are done reading it.

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Older teen

Why: I was kinda on the fence with this and chose older teen. There really isn’t anything bad in this book. Maybe some mild violence but that’s it. I would feel safe in saying that anyone 16+ could read it.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

I enjoy fantasy and sagas like the Shannara Chronicles, The Hobbit, Stephen Donaldson, Terry Pratchett, Terry Brooks and David Eddings and requested this book based on the description and classification.

In my opinion, Tess Collins' book is not a standard example of the fantasy genre and instead lives as an interpretation of Native American and lesser educated people's explanations for the unknown. Don't let that take anything away from the novel, the story is strong and gripping and I will be purchasing the next book to continue experiencing the lives of Elisha Blue and Lafette, but approach the book knowing it is not an alternative fantasy world.

Tess Collins developed strong characters that engage the reader and leave one cheering for the good guys and booing the bad.

As someone new to Tess Collins, I will be making myself more familiar with her other books in addition to moving on to book two of this saga.