Thanks to Running Wild/RIZE Press & NetGalley for this free ARC in return for my honest review

WOW!!!! This is one of the most compulsively readable books I have had he pleasure to read and review in years! Author Phillip Hampton takes us on a marvelous journey that combines a Thriller, with a story dealing with the Paranormal and Voodoo, and I truly could not put this one down. We follow the fortunes of Aaron Langford and his family who have moved from Washington, DC to Seattle in order for Aaron, who is a doctor, to continue his research on Sickle Cell Anemia.. He is so caught up in this challenge that he does not really pay attention to his wife and children who have a longing to return to DC. A few months after their move to Seattle, Aaron's friend Otis comes to the house a Divination Tray as a housewarming present. They joke that is is sort of like an African Ouija Board, but nobody really wants to "play" with the Divination Board but eventually agree to ask a few questions of the Board. Unfortunately, nobody knew that this board can activate a portal to the land of the light, the dead, and that gray area in between known as the Shadowlands. Days later strange sounds are heard in the house, and both children are frightened by ghosts. Again, Aaron pays not attention, and eventually both children disappear. Where did they go, are they alive or dead, and only later does Aaron come to realize they were taken by forces into the Shadowlands, and now it is up to Aaron with the help of Voodoo Princess, Urbi, to find the children and try to retrieve them to the world of the living.. This style is book is not one that I usually enjoy but Hampton first of all captures us with some of the most realistic dialogue that I have read, and which continues throughout thew entire book. We learn much about the West African (Yoruban) people and their fables, and the book just keeps us on the edge of our seats the entire 340 pages of this book. I began this book hoping to learn a bit about West African culture and the Divination Board, and yet this book is so much more. A hearty 5***** rating for this book and a hope that there will be more to come from not just Phillip Hampton, but also more books based on some of the characters in this book!

P.L. Hampton’s Shadowland is also set in the real world in a story that blends literary fiction and horror, with an unreliable narrator who doesn’t even trust himself. Aaron Langford blames himself for the death of his parents when he was a child. He’s worried about the future of his teenage son, who has sickle cell anemia, and he has dedicated his life to finding a cure. His research has taken him from their family home in Washington, D.C., to Washington state, a move no one in his family really wants—not Langford’s wife, not their teenage son, and not even their cheerful daughter, who idolizes her father.

When the family is given a Yoruba Divination Board as a housewarming gift, they’d prefer to swiftly forget about its existence, as none of them want to mess with powers they don’t understand. The disappearance of both children from inside their locked home makes Langford question himself—did he kill them, like he killed his parents?—before he realizes that there’s more to the board than divination magic. It opens a portal into the Shadowland, and leads Langford into a journey that makes him confront both his beliefs and his past before he can reclaim his children. Though this one gets off to a slow start, the edge of terror is present from early on, giving a creeping sense of dread to the novel even before the demons arrive.

Shadowland by Phillip Hampton was a different kind of horror I am not used to reading. Combining culture, the supernatural, and a doctor who is faced with beliefs other than science, this story is well rounded, especially for those who want to escape the mainstream ghost story. Learning about different cultures and their systems of magic was intriguing as well as interesting.

Phillip is a detailed writer and I found myself not wanting to skip ahead to see what’s happening next. The story was intriguing, but I felt at times the dialogue was a bit too long and what could be said in a paragraph or so was done in two pages. The husband and wife were in a tumultuous relationship exchanging blows since a move to the West Coast. Both Doctors, I hope a resolve or compromise would come easier than pages of fighting. Though comical and interesting at times, I felt it was a little too much for me. Donna, the wife, felt a bit dramatic.

This was not overy gorey or scary. It remained at a solid pacing until the last 20% until we reached high octance on the closing of the book. I can say I did enjoy the ending.

3.5, overall!

Thank you Netgalley and Black Chateau for this refreshing story!

The protagonist is a professor and a doctor, researching Sickle Cell Anemia as his son suffers with it. The family move across the country for research opportunities and chasing grant money. He is a no-nonsense man of science in the beginning. He came from a poor family, encouraged by his grandmother to spend his time on newspaper puzzles not expensive games. He did well. A lot is explained that goes with black culture in the US, and the reality of living their lives. This includes the realities of caring for someone with Sickle Cell.

A housewarming gift of a West African Divination Tray changes everything. No longer a logical, predictable world, there are ghosts under the bed, a deceased grandmother makes her appearance, mysterious people are seen, police suspect the parents in children’s disappearance. Allegation of sexual child abuse are brought up. A horrific mental hospital is depicted. Demons possess detectives. Several murders happen – some are real, some are not. Possessions happen, along with exorcisms. A main character is hospitalized with a slit wrist. Reality is not what it once was.

Ah, the Divination Tray opened a door between incompatible realities! Now, it must be closed. The way to do that is old and traditional, and how will modern people who embrace science do this? One cannot find a “witch doctor” in the phone book! By the end, they are convinced of the truth of the reality of the dead, of the invisibles, of Shadowland, and real reality. This all brings up the age-old question of what is reality, anyway?


I read this book as a pre-release e-book obtained through NetGalley, provided by the publisher.

Ever heard of the term "at the edge of your seat"? That's what I felt while reading through Shadowland by P.L. Hampton. To say it's riveting is an understatement! It's like going on the journey with Aaron and being beside him all the way! P.L. Hampton showcases a masterful imagination in creating a magical system centered around shadows. The concept is unique and well-executed, enhancing the sense of wonder and enchantment throughout the story. Every aspect of the world-building is meticulously crafted.

A really interesting approach as this book brings together many aspects which readers of different genres will love. I enjoyed the blending of the supernatural with the strong characters and relationships built through the story. I also liked the sense of history which was brought into the mix. Something a bit different and definitely worth reading,

this was interesting. the way everything happened and the paranormal dynamics made me like this. sadly it's not my usual type of book so I did not like it as much. regardless, it was a bit fun

This is an engaging and suspenseful read that takes you on a journey into the unknown. As Aaron Langford fights to find his missing children and clear his name, the story unfolds with gripping mystery and human determination. The book's blend of supernatural elements and a father's unwavering determination makes for an enjoyable and compelling experience that I couldn't get enough of. I highly recommend.

Shadowland is a skillful blend of adventure and mystery, driven by a series of interconnected quests that keep the reader engaged and invested. The pacing is well-managed, with moments of intense action balanced by quieter moments of introspection and character development. The plot twists are executed with finesse, often defying expectations and keeping the readers on the edge of their seats. Definitely a masterpiece by P.L. Hampton.

I had high hopes for this story, and it has a lot of potential, but sadly I didn’t feel it hit the mark. The story itself is a generic horror trope, and instead of elevating that trope or utilizing it in a creative way the story just followed every beat as expected. The characters were also very thinly drawn, and none felt like more than generic place holders. The main character has a backstory that is infused with childhood trauma, mental illness, and addiction/recovery, but those all just felt like buzzwords thrown around but I never felt like they informed anything meaningful about him. Perhaps worse, it didn’t really feel like there was any sort of growth or change regardless of this life-altering, traumatic event that was being experienced, and while he does end up somewhere at the end that is different than where he started, it doesn’t feel earned. That kind of feeling pervades the book, events happen and characters react in all sorts of ways, often flip-flopping between total denial and perfect acceptance, and it just doesn’t feel like it is connected or makes sense, it feels like it just happens because the story needs to move on to the next part of the outline. Add on top of that what felt like a haphazard treatment of addiction and mental health, as well as confusing and amalgamating various African cultural ideas and identities (for instance, Vodun is practiced in a few west African countries, whereas persecution of people with albinism has historically occurred in a few east African countries, and those two were conflated, as well as Vodun rituals and beliefs being presented in a way that felt very much Orientalist and not handled with intentionality or concern). It felt like these bits and pieces were cobbled together to be salacious and mystifying, but there wasn’t enough authenticity to every feel like it was more than parody. Even a generic horror trope and unconvincing characters can be saved if the writing was really stellar, but it was also quite rough. The book is very dialogue heavy, more of a screenplay than a novel, but it was never convincing or lifelike, it all felt very stilted and produced. This is actually where the book suffered most, the clunky writing made poor pacing even more apparent and made it nearly impossible to be immersed in the story.

So, obviously I did not have a good time with this novel. I will say that the idea of the Shadowland, or the Land of the Invisibles, as presented here, was intriguing. We weren’t introduced to it until more than halfway through the book, and it really should have come earlier. It was such a great opportunity to build deep suspense and suspicion, as a concept it could have forced the main protagonist into deeper and deeper paranoia and simultaneously forced the reader to question the reliability of the narrator, digging us deeper into the mystery and making us complicit…. But it didn’t do any of those things. It was an intriguing take on a common idea, but it didn’t live up to its potential.

I want to thank the author, the publisher Running Wild/RIZE Press, and NetGalley, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Shadowland by P.L. Hampton is the new horror thriller I have been waiting for. I can't believe how good this book is. In it you will find a gripping tale that masterfully explores the line between a typical family life and the dark paranormal forces that threaten that life The book is an examination of the human character under conditions of extreme duress, and the enduring power of hope and determination.

Hampton draws us into a deeply relatable, yet chilling universe where Aaron Langford's world gets turned inside out when a housewarming gift spirals his life into unanticipated chaos. The plot is intense and paced well, blending elements of horror, mystery, and suspense. Hampton's decision to explore the supernatural through the use of a divination tray lends an originality to the storyline, making it stand out in the realm of paranormal fiction.

P.L. Hampton's foray into the world of supernatural fiction is welcome in my opinion, His new voice adds layers to the horror genre. It's a book that stays with you, challenging your perceptions of reality and the unknown. I am going to re-read it this fall during Halloween time as it is perfect for spooky season!

It's the kind of story that grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go until the very end. The plot revolves around Aaron Langford, whose life takes a crazy turn when his kids disappear into thin air. From there, things spiral out of control, and you're thrown into this eerie mix of family drama and ancient supernatural powers.

The characters feel so real, especially Aaron, who's just trying to make sense of this crazy world. You really connect with his emotions and struggles. It is a rollercoaster of dark fiction and family secrets that keeps you guessing. If you're into gripping mysteries with a touch of the supernatural, this book is definitely for you.

P. L. Hampton's captivating paranormal novel "Shadowland" transports readers to a world where ancient powers are hidden by darkness and where shadows carry secrets. It provides a riveting and engaging read with its evocative backdrop, compelling characters, and captivating narrative.

The novel takes place in Shadowland, a place where the line separating the physical world from the shadow world is hazy. Young and reluctant hero Aaron Langford is sucked into a supernatural struggle that threatens to consume both worlds. The protagonist learns their personal link to the enigmatic Shadowland as they negotiate perilous alliances, confront evil monsters, and learn the truth about themselves. Incorporating a tale of mystery, magic, and self-discovery, Hampton captivates readers from start to finish.

The colourful and atmospheric backdrop that P. L. Hampton is able to create in "Shadowland" where shadows dance and mysteries lurk around every corner in the author's rich and engrossing world, which is painted in vivid prose. The storyline is given depth and mystery by the ominous and eerie atmosphere, which heightens the sense of wonder and peril that permeates the entire story.

Each of the characters has their own aspirations, anxieties, and internal conflicts, making them all complex and relatable. The protagonist, Aaron Langford, is an intriguing one who struggles with their destiny and newly discovered skills. The story's supporting cast, which consists of allies, foes, and mysterious beings, adds complexity and depth, resulting in a varied and engaging ensemble.

This book's brilliant design, which is jam-packed with action, suspense, and reflection, allows for quiet thought and character development in between the thrilling confrontations. The author's ability to create tension and suspense keeps readers engaged in and engrossed in the protagonist's journey.

The movie "Shadowland" explores themes like self-worth, inner tenacity, and the struggle between good and evil. Hampton focuses on the character's growth as a person and the choices they have to make as they confront their fears and acknowledge their unique talents. Other topics explored in the book include the duality of human nature and the significance of accepting one's darkness in order to find harmony and power.

Even though "Shadowland" is an engaging paranormal tale, some readers might feel that the world-building or plot could have used a little more work. The narrative relies on well-known genre clichés, which seasoned fantasy readers may find predictable. The paranormal fantasy "Shadowland" will take the readers to a world of magic and darkness. "Shadowland" is a book that will capture your imagination and keep you turning the pages if you like imaginative realms, magical abilities, and journeys of self-discovery.