Umbrate Review

 

Writer: A. D. Jones

Price: $10.99 paperback, $3.80 Kindle, Free with Kindle Unlimited

Release Date: October 13, 2023

 

Vanic Bradley didn't have an early childhood. His mother died in a bus accident when he was six. Five years later, desegregation policies forced him to attend a new school. A dome covered the school buildings to shield the Umbral children from daylight. But who would protect Vanic from the larger and stronger Umbral bullies?

 

Despite his difficult upbringing—or perhaps because of it—Vanic chose a life of public service. His dedication to protecting the citizens of his community cost him his marriage to Sarah. But he gets to spend time with his son Noah on his days off and evenings with his new girlfriend, Roma. Vanic relies on his longtime friend Josh for support. But while Roma fears for his safety, Josh worries about Vanic’s distrust of other species.

 

Vanic finds dwarves without beards unsettling. Cylanorr, the upbeat Elven forensic pathologist, gets on his nerves. As for Visp, the naturally superior Umbral officer wears hazmat gear with a mirror face mask anytime he goes outside. Visp may take on risky assignments like bomb disposal, but he’s no hero! Whenever danger threatens, Visp can take off his mask. Then the sunlight will touch his obsidian skin, and like any Umbral, Visp will disappear and reappear unharmed after sunset. But then, Vanic tends to freeze up around Umbral, and those he apprehends arrive at the precinct worse for wear.

 

 

 

 

In Umbrate, A.D. Jones introduces readers to a contemporary world shared by Humans, Elves, Dwarves, and Umbral. While Dragons no longer haunt the skies, the panther-like Vilgore amazes zoo attendees with its batwings and insectile features. Prejudice and intolerance still trouble Vanic Bradley's society, but the police officer tries to accord everyone respect, regardless of species. Still, Vanic must reevaluate his feelings and opinions when circumstances force him to protect his son--and nearly two hundred civilians--from homicidal Umbral that don't care how many people they kill, provided they hurt Vanic Bradley.

 

Thanks to A. D. Jones, Black Phoenix Book Tours, and Henry Roi PR for providing a copy for review.

 

Umbrate is available at Amazon.com

 

About the Author

A.D Jones lives in the North of England; where he spends his time favouring books over people and can be found writing or devouring said books to review online. He loves Cola, Twin Peaks, cult movies and all things horror. He dislikes the movie ‘The Karate Kid’ with a passion that burns brighter than the sun.

You can find him on Instagram - the_evergrowing_library

https://www.instagram.com/the_evergrowing_library