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Praesidium (Shadows in the Wind) Paperback – July 5, 2022

3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 72 ratings

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Kathryn Bek gets the chance of a lifetime: a job offer right out of college, and in New York City, where adventure lies around every corner. Believing she is recruited for her marketing prowess, she is excited by the prospect of her new job in the intelligence sector; but all is not what it seems. Before long, Kathryn and her new team are thrown into a world of mystery, murder, and magic. As the team rushes around the world, untangling the web of lies, she finds that her past may be the key to protecting her, and the world's, future.

Will she be able to confront her fuzzy past to unlock the secrets within herself? Can her team rise to the challenge and stop the Paolucci Crime Family before they unleash havoc upon the globe?

Who will endure, the Kathryn of the past, or that of the future?
"Layla" by Colleen Hoover for $7.19
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover comes a novel that explores life after tragedy and the enduring spirit of love. | Learn more

Editorial Reviews

Review

**BOOK ONE IN THE SHADOWS IN THE WIND TRILOGY**
PRAESIDIUM (pronounced pray-sid-eee-um) it means PROTECTION in Latin
Appropriate for K-12 Library / Appropriate for Creative Writing Curriculum
Available in Spanish
Action Adventure / Mystery / Urban Fantasy / Speculative / Adult and YA

AWARDS
ILLUMINATION AWARDS - 1st Place (GOLD MEDAL) FICTION 2022
(Special honor highlighted in the "enduring light" category as a book that is timeless.)

The BREW Award - 1st Place URBAN FICTION 2023
(Based in Australia, the BREW Book Excellence Award recognises exemplary literary pieces from all over the world.)

FIREBIRD AWARDS - 1st Place across multiple categories: ACTION ADVENTURE, MYSTERY, URBAN FANTASY, and BEST COVER DESIGN 2022
**************************************************************
KIRKUS REVIEW (excerpt):
A brisk, entertaining, tale of down-to-earth superheroes.
**************************************************************

READERS FAVORITE 5 STAR REVIEW AWARD
Reviewed by: Maria Victoria Beltran Review Rating: 5 Stars

It's easy to get wrapped up in McKinley Aspen's Praesidium (Shadows in the Wind). The first chapter immediately creates a feeling of suspense with a hint that things may not be as they seem. The main protagonists are interesting and well developed as they embark on an adventure into the unknown and face danger and excitement. I liked the pacing of the storyline as it determines the mood and gives the reader time to connect to the characters and the events occurring around them. You can also expect surprises along the way just when you think you have already figured out the plot. This is a detective story with a healthy amount of magic and mystery, and it is an engaging read.

Reviewed by: K.C. Finn Review Rating: 5 Stars

The characters and story of this book waste no time whatsoever in sinking their hooks deep into readers and keeping them on the edge of their seats as Kathryn delves deeper and deeper into the dangerous and fantastical world that awaits her. Author McKinley Aspen is a deft and clever storyteller, constantly finding new twists and turns to keep the narrative fresh with page after page as the lore designed reveals itself to character and reader alike. I was impressed by how narratively complete the events of the book were, telling a full and satisfying story whilst effectively setting the stage for a larger series to follow. Overall, Praesidium is an excellent adventure that creates a colorful cast of characters and pits them against a deep conspiracy in a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat right from the word go. I'm excited for the future of the series and I cannot recommend this book enough.

Reviewed by: Pikasho Deka Review Rating: 4 Stars

If stories featuring superheroes, mystery, and magic are your forte, you will absolutely love Praesidium. Author McKinley Aspen wastes no time dropping the reader into the story and, with a fast-flowing narrative, keeps them hooked until the end. Unlike most secret organizations in novels, FGS is working toward helping people and bringing hope to the world, employing humans with supernatural abilities, each unique to them. The characters are well-developed, and a couple of them even have fleshed-out backstories that give agency to their actions and motives. Kathryn's relationship with Scott is intense, making for some dramatic moments that are compelling to read. Overall, this is a book for readers who enjoy superhero stories or urban fantasy novels in general.

From the Author

To YOU, the reader,

For you alone was Kate, Ashley, Greg and Michael born.  It was for them to act, me to write, and you to read and love.  I am honored and humbled that you chose to pick this story up and enter into the world of HGS.

Don't let anyone treat you like free salsa.
You are guacamole baby.
You.Are.Guacamole.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Muse Literary (July 5, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1958714003
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1958714003
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 72 ratings

About the author

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McKinley Aspen
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McKinley Aspen is a writer who lives in the United States. In addition to the normal family shenanigans, McKinley has a busy schedule as the "Chief Dog Walker" to Otis the puppy dog. A graduate of both University of Chicago and Elmhurst University, McKinley enjoys exploring the world through family road trips, meals featuring Portillo's beef with mozz, and St. Louis Cardinals baseball.

Customer reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
72 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story captivating and intriguing. They describe it as an easy, compelling read with well-developed characters and a strong female protagonist. Readers praise the vivid descriptions and exciting dialogue. They appreciate the unique cover art and fast-paced narrative.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

13 customers mention "Suspenseful"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging with its mystery, action, and thrilling plot. They describe it as an imaginative adventure filled with magic, thrills, and angels. The world and idea are intriguing, with many twists and turns that keep readers hooked.

"...Overall, the book was captivating, suspenseful, and a great read. Excellent! We can wait for the #2 installment!!!" Read more

"...There are also big picture, thought provoking themes that offer good discussion points for the dinner table or your next cocktail party...." Read more

"...” coming of age, some Scooby Doo crime fighting college kids vibes, some action, and even some romance. It was decent!!..." Read more

"...expertly blends action, mystery, and espionage, making it an exhilarating read for fans of thrilling adventures and intricate undercover operations." Read more

9 customers mention "Readability"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, engaging, and well-written. They describe it as a quick, exciting read that pulls them in from the first paragraph. The book is described as a perfect summer read filled with mystery, magic, thrills, adventure, and excitement.

"...Overall, the book was captivating, suspenseful, and a great read. Excellent! We can wait for the #2 installment!!!" Read more

"I’m generally not one for fiction, but this pulled me in from the very first paragraph and then I couldn’t put it down from there...." Read more

"...It's a perfect summer read filled with mystery, magic, thrills, adventure and angels! What more could you ask for??" Read more

"...I will simply say this is a must read." Read more

7 customers mention "Character development"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed characters and strong female protagonist.

"...The character development was solid. The imagery and symbolism was vivid. Overall, the book was captivating, suspenseful, and a great read...." Read more

"...narrative filled with suspense, intricate plot twists, and well-developed characters, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final page..." Read more

"...I assume will be a multiple book series because the characters and story line are so compelling that they keep you engrossed in the story and..." Read more

"...The strong female protagonist was also a delight. It’s a mysterious adventure that is highly imaginative but sure could be a modern-day classic...." Read more

5 customers mention "Writing quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality and find it engaging. They praise the vivid descriptions and witty dialogue that make for an exciting read. The book is described as descriptive and a true page-turner.

"...The author’s imagination takes us on an exotic journey, rich with detail that makes you feel you as if you are there...." Read more

"...Excellent writing with its exceptional characters, vivid descriptions, and exciting dialogue about shapeshifting and magic...." Read more

"...Praesidium is a true page turner. This is one of those rare finds...." Read more

"...What an original and fun premise and a fast-paced, riveting read, one that left me thinking about these lovable characters long after...." Read more

4 customers mention "Cover art"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's cover art. They find it unique, beautiful, and vivid. The imagery and symbolism are described as original and fun.

"...The character development was solid. The imagery and symbolism was vivid. Overall, the book was captivating, suspenseful, and a great read...." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book! What an original and fun premise and a fast-paced, riveting read, one that left me thinking about these lovable..." Read more

"First off, the cover art on this book is beautiful! The way that the colors blend and create movement draws you to this book immediately...." Read more

"The ending of the first chapter will hook you in! Cover art by Zachary Fors is unique. Check it out..." Read more

3 customers mention "Pace"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's fast pace. They find it suspenseful and moving quickly.

"I’d round this up to a four, now that I’ve finished it! I loved the pace; super fast and high interest...." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book! What an original and fun premise and a fast-paced, riveting read, one that left me thinking about these lovable..." Read more

"...It was suspenseful and moved quickly. I can hardly wait to read the sequel! Dr. Sheryl Ramstad" Read more

Supernatural Scooby Doo-esque Crime Fighting Team
3 out of 5 stars
Supernatural Scooby Doo-esque Crime Fighting Team
I’d round this up to a four, now that I’ve finished it! I loved the pace; super fast and high interest. I started it just before dinner and then other than the breaks to cook and get the kids to bed I finished it in one sitting! I was wildly curious to know how it would end. This novel has a little bit of everything going on; some supernatural, some “new adult” coming of age, some Scooby Doo crime fighting college kids vibes, some action, and even some romance. It was decent!! I think the only thing I actively disliked was how confused and out of my element I felt in a couple scenes. (That’s more on me than the author; it was a good balance of all of the elements on her part.) The ending had me physically drop my jaw, and then honestly the funniest part of the entire book was the A+ acknowledgements. Although Aspen is a Cardinals fan, I think I’ll have to pick up Book Two!(Thank you, Red Clover Digital, for putting this one on my radar!)
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2022
    I started to read the book on Kindle, couldn't put it down and just had to buy the paperback so I didn't have to read it on my phone. :) Because I was raving about it, when the paperback arrived, my husband immediately started to read it and we both finished it this weekend! The character development was solid.
    The imagery and symbolism was vivid. Overall, the book was captivating, suspenseful, and a great read. Excellent! We can wait for the #2 installment!!!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2022
    Four young adults with supernatural skills they did not know they had nor how to control and use.
    Enter Raphael ( arch angel?) to train and mentor them in missions to suppress evil.
    What does their future hold as they survive deadly missions.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2023
    I’m generally not one for fiction, but this pulled me in from the very first paragraph and then I couldn’t put it down from there. The author’s imagination takes us on an exotic journey, rich with detail that makes you feel you as if you are there. There are also big picture, thought provoking themes that offer good discussion points for the dinner table or your next cocktail party. Looking forward to the sequel.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2022
    I’d round this up to a four, now that I’ve finished it! I loved the pace; super fast and high interest. I started it just before dinner and then other than the breaks to cook and get the kids to bed I finished it in one sitting! I was wildly curious to know how it would end. This novel has a little bit of everything going on; some supernatural, some “new adult” coming of age, some Scooby Doo crime fighting college kids vibes, some action, and even some romance. It was decent!! I think the only thing I actively disliked was how confused and out of my element I felt in a couple scenes. (That’s more on me than the author; it was a good balance of all of the elements on her part.) The ending had me physically drop my jaw, and then honestly the funniest part of the entire book was the A+ acknowledgements. Although Aspen is a Cardinals fan, I think I’ll have to pick up Book Two!

    (Thank you, Red Clover Digital, for putting this one on my radar!)
    Customer image
    A.B
    3.0 out of 5 stars Supernatural Scooby Doo-esque Crime Fighting Team
    Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2022
    I’d round this up to a four, now that I’ve finished it! I loved the pace; super fast and high interest. I started it just before dinner and then other than the breaks to cook and get the kids to bed I finished it in one sitting! I was wildly curious to know how it would end. This novel has a little bit of everything going on; some supernatural, some “new adult” coming of age, some Scooby Doo crime fighting college kids vibes, some action, and even some romance. It was decent!! I think the only thing I actively disliked was how confused and out of my element I felt in a couple scenes. (That’s more on me than the author; it was a good balance of all of the elements on her part.) The ending had me physically drop my jaw, and then honestly the funniest part of the entire book was the A+ acknowledgements. Although Aspen is a Cardinals fan, I think I’ll have to pick up Book Two!

    (Thank you, Red Clover Digital, for putting this one on my radar!)
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2023
    "Praesidium: Shadows in the Wind - Book One" is a riveting thriller that follows Kate and her team as they navigate a high-stakes mission involving a royal event, unexpected alliances, and a dangerous conspiracy. Aspen McKinley crafts a gripping narrative filled with suspense, intricate plot twists, and well-developed characters, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final page. The novel expertly blends action, mystery, and espionage, making it an exhilarating read for fans of thrilling adventures and intricate undercover operations.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2025
    I lamented this book from the start of chapter 2. I normally rate books quite highly and wanted to at least rate 2/5 but couldn't find enough positive about it to rate more than 1. The characters weren't even developed enough to like or dislike. They made choices that made no sense and constantly forgot things they had already been told. The dialogue was super unnatural and every resolution felt like a deus ex machina. I wanted to finish because I got this through giveaways but every minute I read this felt like robbing myself of joy.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2023
    The world and the idea were interesting. Unfortunately the MC, even though she should be in her twenties, acts immature and insecure more like a 14 year old. The whole story is written in a rather early young adult way. If this is the author’s first, it’s not that bad, but the MC acts very contradictorily and has as a lot to wish for, to be likable.

    Spoiler:
    The MC has a nice relationship with her boyfriend but they live in different towns. When she gets recruited by HRM, her BF is a bit afraid for her and she gets angry that he is not supportive. And when he comes to see her they sort of reconcile but when they find out that he has a talent himself, she gets angry (why?) and doesn’t want him on her team. (What… ?) Then he asks her to marry him and they get married immediately. (Oh?) But then on a mission she realizes that she doesn’t think about him at all. But thinks about having children with him. (Ouch!)

    Also when recruited, the MC decides she must become a leader of her four member group. Then she gets immediately jalous when another member of her group is active to threathen her plans, instead of being supportive like a real leader of a group should be. The whole leader intention feels forced and as if she doesn’t have enough of personality for it to be respected by her peers naturally.

    I wanted to like the book, but the demeanor of MC didn't match my idea about balanced and strong personality at all.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2022
    Praesidium is the first in what I assume will be a multiple book series because the characters and story line are so compelling that they keep you engrossed in the story and wanting more! This was my reward for a taxing week and I only wish that I had the next one already! I highly recommend it. You come to care about the characters and I was left wanting to know even more about them. It's a perfect summer read filled with mystery, magic, thrills, adventure and angels! What more could you ask for??
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling read...can't wait for the next one...and the TV series!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2022
    Praesidium is the first in what I assume will be a multiple book series because the characters and story line are so compelling that they keep you engrossed in the story and wanting more! This was my reward for a taxing week and I only wish that I had the next one already! I highly recommend it. You come to care about the characters and I was left wanting to know even more about them. It's a perfect summer read filled with mystery, magic, thrills, adventure and angels! What more could you ask for??
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
    4 people found this helpful
    Report