Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep

Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep
Series: Of Monsters and Men (Book 1 of 2)
Publisher: Barbour Fiction
Publication Date: June 1, 2023

Review by Mae Clair

A shout-out to Kelly J. Goshorn who’s review of Of Gold and Shadows led me to discover this book.

The time period and setting drew me immediately, but it’s the author’s skill that kept me glued to each page. Not only did she bring the surroundings vividly to life, but her grasp of social etiquette and dialogue for the era made me feel like I was breathing each scene. Her characterizations are exquisite. Both hero and heroine are people a reader can get behind, cheer for when things go right, and ache for when circumstances take upsetting turns.

Rosa Edwards is a fish out of water, a career-minded worker in her father’s library during an era when women are expected to make a good match, marry, and raise a family, content to follow a path predetermined by societal norms.

Sir James Morgan is a baronet from Transylvania, a man with a shadowy lineage who inspires whispers and rumors of vampires the moment he arrives to reclaim his ancestral manor. His mother—a woman shunned and feared by locals—is dying. James has returned with hopes of finding a cure for her, knowing her affliction will one day claim him as well.

In addition to the two main characters, there are plenty of secondary people who move in and out of their orbits, contributing to the obstacles they face. Some grated like nails on a chalkboard, others were a welcomed breeze, and one completely surprised me. Bram Stoker even makes several appearances!

The romance between Rosa and James unfurls like a slowly blossoming flower. I loved the pace and how realistically it unfolded. Although there were times I grew frustrated with Rosa’s actions, I understood her motives. I also loved that James held tight to his belief in God despite how others viewed and treated him. His faith is a net that underlies many scenes and chapters, but Rosa is not without her own trust and understanding (as in this exchange with James).

“I see.” Rosa’s face folded. “So Many troubles beset you, my friend, that mine pale in comparison.”

He pushed to his feet, a smirk twitching his lips as he rose. “I suppose standing next to a Job has a way of putting things into perspective, eh?”

 Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep

This is a deliciously immersive novel with strong characters and an edifying message of faith that is woven intricately throughout without being intrusive.

I give Man of Shadow and Mist five wonderful fish!

five fish

I purchased the Kindle version of Man of Shadow and Mist.

31 thoughts on “Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep”

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  1. It sounds atmospheric and eerie. I wonder what this affliction is that both James and his mother have. The quote you pulled … it’s a little humorous (James as Job), but it’s a serious observation, too, because we tend to realize how good we have things when we’re aware of other people’s severe suffering. Intriguing review, Mae!

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    1. Priscilla, the author used the superstition of numerous townspeople to great effect in creating mystery and atmosphere. Then along came Rosa, the voice of sanity and reason. I loved witnessing that seesaw in relation to James and his mother (the illness was quite interesting).

      I agree with you about putting our own problems in perspective, when we view those of someone else. James delivered that line with a wry sense of humor that dug deep beneath the surface.

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    1. Yay! It was a wonderful read, Grant.

      I originally headed to Amazon to purchase Of Gold and Shadows after reading Kelly’s review, but then stumbled over this book by the same author in the process, LOL.

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    1. Staci, Something Wicked This Way Comes is one of my all-time favorite books. I still have my original (beat-up) paperback copy from high school!

      Bram Stoker pops up several times in this novel. I love how the author wove in the references to Dracula!

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  6. This is a powerful review. Dracula comes to mind, so it’s surprising to read of references to God. It’s too bad he waited so long to try to find a cure for his mother’s illness. This sounds like a book that would be hard to put down.

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    1. Hi, Marsha. Yes, this one was definitely hard to put down, and the vampire myth is front and center in the book through the superstition of the townspeople. The author handled the balance of folklore and faith beautifully. Rosa was one of very few in her town that wasn’t caught up in the hysteria of superstition!

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      1. A friend of mine gave me her Kindle before I started buying them – so a long time ago. On it she must have had 30 vampire romances loaded into it. I read every one even though I was not a vampire kind of person. She called them mind candy, and that they were.

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  8. Pingback: Reblog – Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep – Helping You To Succeed

  9. I like that the social etiquette and dialogue are authentic to the time period, Mae. That makes a big difference for me. And Bram Stoker showing up? How cool is that? The rumors of vampires intrigued me – but that probably doesn’t surprise you. Great review!

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    1. Hi, Olga.! Glad to hear you’re intrigued. This was a new-to-me-author, and I found the book to be throughly engrossing. Definitely one I would recommend adding to your TBR.

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    1. Hi, Sarah. If you enjoy historical fiction, I think you’ll find this book engrossing. I love a good historical too and this one really swept me away with its characters, time period, and atmosphere.

      Thanks for checking out my review!

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  13. Extraordinary review, Mae. Thank you for sharing your experience as you journeyed through the pages. I will certainly check out Man of Shadow and Mist.

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    1. Hi, Gwen. I’m so glad my review has tempted you to check out the book. I was truly drawn into this amazing tale. Should you give it a try, I wish you happy reading!

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