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Damian Connolly
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Shepherds: Awakening Kindle Edition

by Damian Connolly (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 49 ratings
Aisling Shepherd's life is permanently changed when she's thrust into a fantastical world that seems to parallel our own. One where the rules aren't quite the same and reality is what you make it. Hundreds and thousands of people live there - most of them blissfully unaware that they're already dead. And being fed on. Nevertheless, Aisling can see those dark parasites, and they can see her. She soon finds herself fleeing from a swarm of the creatures intent on draining her very existence. But will she succeed? Will her father, a man that disappeared from her life when he abandoned her years ago, save her? Can she come to terms with why he did what he felt he had to do? Blood is speaking and she now has to see if she has what it takes to live up to her name. If she accepts, it'll break her, and she'll have to sacrifice everything. But she's a Shepherd, and countless people are depending on her. All she has to do is open a door...
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  1. Print length
    210 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    June 21, 2016
  5. Reading age
    13 - 18 years
  6. File size
    391 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"The concept of Shepherds: Awakening by Damian Connolly is intriguing and ingenious. There's sincerity and other-worldliness in it that kept the story relevant and engaging to me, as Aisling reconnects with her father and learns about the world known as Limbo, as well as her duty as a Shepherd that has been passed down in the family. Following Aisling's self-discovery and learning about her new skills in addition to her responsibility is fascinating. Her ups and downs, her effort to balance her life in the Limbo world, and her life with her mother in the real world kept me wanting to read what happens next.

"On the whole, Shepherds: Awakening is a compelling and enjoyable read. This is a commendable literary work from Connolly and I'm very interested to see what he will come up with next. To be frank, I'm waiting for a sequel." - Readers' Favourite, 5 stars
"A fantastic book. Gut-wrenching in places, and very original" - Page Morgan, author of The Dispossessed series
"I simply love this book. I did not want it to end and hope the author plans on continuing the story. The heroine made me smile, laugh and cry and the plot is magical. Unique and engaging - easily five stars." - Naturebug, Amazon reader
"Beautiful...I thoroughly enjoyed the book" - Andie, early reader
"Great read. I could not put the book down" - Amazon customer
"Really good book" - Jake, early reader
"Completely intriguing" - CheryLynn, Amazon reader
"Loved the book. Just finished it, nearly in one session... Reminded me of a bit Ursula le Guin's work and a bit of Harry Potter" - Burak, early reader
"Excellent read. You're hooked from page one" - Amazon customer

From the Author

Hey! A massive THANK YOU for checking out and (obviously) buying the book and being a part of this. You are now officially A Very Nice Person Indeed. Feel good about yourself. Literally go out, buy yourself a huge bar of chocolate, and say "This is because I'm awesome."
Because you are.
You are awesome.
Bisous.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01HFORK6U
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Damian Connolly
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 21, 2016
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 391 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 210 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 18 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 49 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Damian Connolly

Damian Connolly

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Damian is a Science-Fiction and Fantasy author born in Ireland, but currently living in Bordeaux, France, where it's decidedly warmer.

His debut novel, Shepherds: Awakening, has won multiple awards, including the 2016 Lyra Fantasy Award. You can find all his books on his website at https://damianconnolly.com

When he's not writing, he also makes video games. Like, the *best* ones.

When he's not doing that, he's on one side project or the other, which generally results in not enough sleep.

He loves hearing from people. Like what he writes? Get in touch. Hate what he does? Definitely get in touch. No idea who he is? Find out, and get in touch. Outside of email, you can find him on Twitter (@divillysausages), or on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DamianConnollyAuthor/)

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
49 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's storyline interesting, with one mentioning a real twist at the end. Moreover, the book is compelling from start to finish, and customers appreciate the well-developed characters.

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StorylineReadabilityCharacter development
7 customers mention "Storyline"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, describing it as interesting and beautiful, with one customer highlighting the real twist at the end.

"...It's compelling from start to finish with a real twist at the end...." Read more

"...The heroine made me smile, laugh and cry and the plot is magical. Unique and engaging - easily five stars." Read more

"This was an interesting storyline.... The story revolves around the family shepherd and how they are actually shepherds in the limbo between life..." Read more

"...It's a great story for any young adult trying to find her way through loss and bullying to a sense of self - with some fantasy thrown in for good..." Read more

5 customers mention "Readability"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable, with one mentioning they finished it in one sitting.

"Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Read it in one sitting. It's compelling from start to finish with a real twist at the end...." Read more

"I simply love this book. I did not want it to end and hope the author plans on continuing the story...." Read more

"...This is a very interesting book, well written with well developed characters so it was easy to get into the story line...." Read more

"I read the book in one sitting. Just wanted to know what happens. You find yourself caring for the characters from the beginning...." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, with one mentioning that the heroine made them smile.

"...The author has a real skill in character development & I look forward to his future publications. Couldn't recommend this book enough" Read more

"...The heroine made me smile, laugh and cry and the plot is magical. Unique and engaging - easily five stars." Read more

"...This is a very interesting book, well written with well developed characters so it was easy to get into the story line...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read
    Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Read it in one sitting. It's compelling from start to finish with a real twist at the end. The author has a real skill in character development & I look forward to his future publications. Couldn't recommend this book enough
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Jelly
    5.0 out of 5 stars magical!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I simply love this book. I did not want it to end and hope the author plans on continuing the story. The heroine made me smile, laugh and cry and the plot is magical. Unique and engaging - easily five stars.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Karla Andrew
    4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting storyline!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This was an interesting storyline.... The story revolves around the family shepherd and how they are actually shepherds in the limbo between life and death.

    Aisling in the story finds out that this is her calling in life.... The one part I didn't find was answered well was how the family line is passed on if the shepherd is passed down before the shepherd has children.... In the storyline Aisling is young and hasn't had children... If she is fading form the world.... How does her line get passed on when it is her turn to move on?
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  • Shaun Green
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I was given an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. This is a very interesting book, well written with well developed characters so it was easy to get into the story line. I was interested in Aisling (the Shepherd to be), from the first page. The story flowed quickly and had great in depth descriptions of the mental state of the lead character. Definitely worth a read.
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  • JohnandLaura
    3.0 out of 5 stars Engaging read
    Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2016
    Damian Connolly penned an original fantasy that I found well written and engaging. The descriptions were great, the action exciting, and the story full of heart. On the negative side, I didn't find much to like in Aisling (the main character). Her attitude and decisions annoyed me, but I have to give credit to the fact that it is a coming-of-age story, after all. However, by the end I like her even less! She's become arrogant and over confident. I also didn't like the profanity, even though it is sparse. I think that what annoyed me about the profanity is that the book is listed under the Christian genre. Now I've read great Christian books that have some profanity but are very Christ-centered, so if I "wink" at those books, I can certainly do so at this one. The problem is (and this is my biggest problem with the story) is that it is definitely not Christian or Christ-centered in the least. The theme is main stream humanism through and through that says that we don't really need God, that we are masters of ourselves, and all we need is to have confidence in ourselves and love for others.
    I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.
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  • Suewrite
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful story
    Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This is the amazing story of an amazing girl. In awakening to her destiny as a shepherd, Aisling also awakens to what is true and necessary in her life. It's a great story for any young adult trying to find her way through loss and bullying to a sense of self - with some fantasy thrown in for good measure.
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  • Agi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't stop reading
    Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I read the book in one sitting. Just wanted to know what happens. You find yourself caring for the characters from the beginning. The author throws in some twists when you least expect it. Great read!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • L T Anderson
    4.0 out of 5 stars the nice, if not vacant kind)
    Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2018
    The story is told first person, from the perspective of Aisling. Aisling is your typical bullied, loner high school student living inside her head, wishing for something more. Aisling’s mother is non-existent for the most part, since she works two jobs, one she was forced to pick up after Aisling’s father abandoned them.

    The story begins in a dream world of sorts. The description of this world is so heavy handed in the beginning, that at times you’re forced to re-read the same paragraph over to get everything situated in your mind. Aisling doesn’t really know what to make of the world, or the things she sees/feels when there. Then, suddenly Aisling’s absentee father shows up to explain everything, and boom! things make sense. She’s a Shepherd of the dead, ensuring they make it through the “door” to the other side. Aisling begins to learn how to be a Shepherd, and why the world is populated by dead people (not the zombie kind, the nice, if not vacant kind).

    Story Flow:
    First, let me say as a whole, I liked the story. It wasn’t the most creative theme, but it was an interesting read that I might recommend to people who believe in “Limbo” and the dream realm. However, I only started liking the story after the first few chapters. Those first chapters were hard to comprehend. The descriptions were a little too over the top in some places, and lacking a little too much in others. However, once the descriptive narrative became easier to understand, the language stopped tripping up my mental tongue and Aisling began to develop as a person, not just a character, I fell into to story. The flow became consistent and interesting. Was it a “can’t put it down, edge of my seat page turner”? No. But it was a good, whole story.

    Character Development:
    At first, the characters were flat. I didn’t like Aisling at all. She was a weak, do nothing, think nothing character. This may have been the author’s intention, but I wanted to care about her and I really didn’t. Once she entered “Limbo” though, she changed. She grew as a character; one you could really root for. I liked her. And I like the other characters too. Aisling’s dad, Mia (made me tear up) and even the creeper in the dilapidated house. They were whole.

    Plot Holes:
    There were a few plot holes, but nothing major that I feel need to be addressed. I do wish Aisling had a least one friend. Just one person she could confide in. Even the loneliest of us has at least one person we can turn to.

    Overall:
    This book was interesting, because it almost felt like it was written by two different people, or a least the beginning and end chapters were written months or years apart. However, if you’re the type of person to stick with a book and give it a little longer than the typical reader would, you won’t regret it. This was a good, quick and interesting read.

    If the author comes out with a Shepherds: Book 2, I’ll gladly pick it up.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Cyril GARNIER
    5.0 out of 5 stars Surprising
    Reviewed in France on July 22, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Starting the book, I was expecting a classic "coming of age story" mixed with some sci-fi or heroic fantasy theme.
    But really quickly you're taken on another track, and a bold one. Damian Connolly manages to share with the reader a poetic interpretation of "afterlife" without getting too dark or philosophical.
    You get attached to Aisling and regret ending the book. Can't wait to read more about Shepherds.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Noel Connolly Armagh
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 12, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This book takes the reader on a journey of Aisling Sheperd's life between the two worlds of reality as it normally exists and the world of limbo in which she helps deceased souls to make the transition to the afterlife should they decide to do so, a sheperd of some kind. The brilliantly descriptive surroundings and rollercoaster of emotions helps bring the reader along on the journey with Aisling. This wonderfully constructed novel is so mind enthralling and addictive that it's almost impossible not to read it in one sitting. This book is a deservedly five stars. Can't wait for the sequel, Damian.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Re-awakened my interest in reading
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 26, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Having ordered this just a couple of days ago, a Sunday evening felt like a perfect opportunity to sit down with it. It's been a while since I have read any kind of book, so I must say I was pleasantly surprised at how the quickly story engaged me right from the off. Before I knew it, I had reached the final pages with a sense of satisfaction. A great read with some novel plot ideas and page-turning devices. I think this has rekindled my interest in books. Well done to the author on a great initial venture.
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  • An
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written and a great read!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 29, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    After reading the first few pages I was hooked. I enjoyed the storyline, twists and turns along the way and thought it was really well written. The authors descriptions were beautifully executed and made it easy to visualize and to connect with the main character. It was one of those books you have to keep reading because you really don't know what's going to happen. It was a great read and I would absolutely recommend it!
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  • Oliver K.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommend buying a copy
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 23, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Right from the first page this is a very visual book. The author uses brilliant descriptions of the setting, the characters, and the tone to really bring the story alive. The story line really does keep you engaged and you want continue reading to see how the story evolves. The author has a very bright future ahead of him and I highly recommend buying this book!! A+++
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