DiscoverMiddle Grade Fantasy

The Adventures of Shadow, Faith, and Nala

By Alvin Dorsey Jr

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Lithe and supple, this engaging and entertaining fantasy/mystery will delight middle grade readers and dog lovers alike!

Synopsis

"The Adventures of Shadow, Faith, and Nala: The Greatest Detective Dogs in the World" stands out for its imaginative use of animal characters, the integration of supernatural elements, its exploration of moral themes, and its successful blend of various genres.

The use of dogs as the main detectives is a charming and unique aspect. Unlike typical human detectives, these canine characters bring a fresh perspective to the mystery genre, adding elements of loyalty, instinct, and non-verbal communication that are specific to dogs. The book explores the dynamics between different animals, such as the dogs' interactions with Whiskers the cat and other creatures. This provides a nuanced take on inter-species relationships, showcasing cooperation and conflict in a way that reflects real animal behavior yet is imbued with human-like qualities.

“In the darkness, they found light in each other.” That’s a key theme in this clever middle grade fantasy by Alvin Dorsey, Jr. Briskly paced and well-written, this fantasy also explores themes of loyalty and the relentless pursuit of truth as readers join a canine trio on a journey with filled suspense and mystery buoyed by the unbreakable bond of friendship.


Two pit bull terriers of unusual and unique intellectual acumen and detective skills, Shadow and Faith are investigating an eerie old mansion for clues about the murder of Nala, a late beloved pet of a mansion. Suspects include Mr. Jenkins, the mansion’s odd and enigmatic butler. When Rachel, “A woman believed to be lost to the annals of time,” suddenly attacks the canines there appears to be more going on than meets the eye. Rachel slips into the night, “leaving a trail of unanswered questions.” Determined to uncover the full truth about Nala’s untimely death, the group presses on, delving deeper into an unfolding mystery.


Seeking justice for Nala soon becomes a battle against a shadowy enemy as the canine trio fights to expose the truth lurking in the dark corners of their world. It seems their quest for truth and justice has just begun when an heirloom necklace is revealed to be a portal to “the Shadow Realm, a dimension brimming with unspeakable power.”


One mystery gives rises to another as Shadow, Faith, and Nala find the opening of the Shadow Realm’s portal. Meanwhile, what’s with the hum emanating from a moonlit clearing in the nearby forest? Will the portal become the dogs’ path to uncovering the truth?


The story takes an unexpected twist in Chapter 6, The Shadows of Destiny, as the canine detectives inches closer to discovering their true adversary and becoming guardians of the Shadow Realm. (Tip: Keep an eye peeled for the “harbinger of doom.” It’s probably not what you expect. Just sayin’.) Together, the dogs will uncover mysteries and face dangers they’ve never imagined. Without giving too much away, let’s just say this canine trio isn’t just guardians of the present, but also stewards of the forest’s ancient legacy. Will they discover more magic? How can they bridge the gap between humans and the unseen world? And what about the girl who can actually see the spectral Nala?


Lithe and supple, this story is a little Sherlock Holmes. A little Narnia. A bit The Incredible Journey. It’s a clever and creative blend of mystery, magic, and adventure. Main characters include Shadow, the wise and resourceful leader. Faith, the courageous and inquisitive. And Nala, a spectral dog with unusual abilities and insight.  Told in elegant prose, the writing is solid and the pacing is nimble. I would have liked to have seen more details per the dogs’ adventures in the forest and their encounters “with creatures both ordinary and magical” developed more fully. Ditto the introduction and fleshing out of additional characters. But this is a fun read overall. The target audience of middle grade readers will enjoy this engaging and entertaining fantasy.


The door is left open for more adventures. So let’s hope to see more of this tenacious trio.

Reviewed by

Lifelong bibliophile. Library Board Member. Select book reviews featured on my blog and Goodreads, etc. I'm a frank but fair reviewer, averaging 400+ books/year in a wide variety of genres on multiple platforms. Over 1,650 published reviews. Still going strong!

Synopsis

"The Adventures of Shadow, Faith, and Nala: The Greatest Detective Dogs in the World" stands out for its imaginative use of animal characters, the integration of supernatural elements, its exploration of moral themes, and its successful blend of various genres.

The use of dogs as the main detectives is a charming and unique aspect. Unlike typical human detectives, these canine characters bring a fresh perspective to the mystery genre, adding elements of loyalty, instinct, and non-verbal communication that are specific to dogs. The book explores the dynamics between different animals, such as the dogs' interactions with Whiskers the cat and other creatures. This provides a nuanced take on inter-species relationships, showcasing cooperation and conflict in a way that reflects real animal behavior yet is imbued with human-like qualities.

The Ghostly Encounter

In the soft embrace of twilight, a grand mansion stood majestically among ancient oaks on the outskirts of the town. Its towering walls, etched with the history of eras gone by, were home to Alvin, a cyber-security specialist known for his solitary habits. This sprawling, whispering house was shared with his two loyal Pit Bull Terriers: Shadow, known for his protective instincts and cautious gaze, and Faith, ever bold and inquisitive, the soul of their home.


As nightfall draped the mansion in a shroud of mystery, Alvin sat in his study, engrossed in a challenging cyber case. Outside, a storm brewed, casting eerie shadows through the stained-glass windows. Shadow, sensing the unusual tension in the air, paced restlessly, while Faith, undaunted by the tempest, nudged him playfully, her eyes sparkling with an eagerness for adventure.


Venturing into the heart of the mansion, the trio descended into the depths of the basement, a realm seldom visited. Here, the air grew dense, heavy with the musk of old wood and whispered secrets. The dim light from Alvin's lantern cast dancing shadows on the walls, creating a tapestry of light and dark.


In the deepest corner of the basement, a ghostly howl shattered the silence, revealing the spectral form of Nala, a terrier whose eyes held the sorrow of years gone by. Once the beloved pet of the mansion's previous owner, her apparition spoke of a tale most foul, a murder that had cast her into this ghostly existence.


Shadow, despite his initial trepidation, felt a surge of resolve, while Faith's curiosity was piqued by this spectral enigma. Nala communicated through a series of ethereal gestures, her ghostly presence weaving a tale without words.


Their investigation was soon joined by Whiskers, the mansion's infamous black and white cat. Known as a troublemaker, his cunning mind and intricate knowledge of the mansion's secret corridors became invaluable. Whiskers, with a flick of his tail, seemed to understand the gravity of Nala's tale and pledged his reluctant assistance.


Mr. Jenkins, the mansion's butler, emerged as another key figure in their quest. His tall, slender frame and sharp, observant eyes, often seen flickering with unspoken thoughts, hinted at a man who held many secrets. Initially shrouded in suspicion, his intimate familiarity with the mansion's history and strategic acumen gradually revealed him as an indispensable ally in unraveling the past's intricate web.


United in their resolve, Shadow and Faith pledged to aid Nala. "We will unearth the truth," Shadow proclaimed, his voice resonating with determination against the encroaching shadows. Faith, standing beside him, her gaze fierce and unwavering, silently echoed the vow.


Joined by Alvin, Whiskers, and Mr. Jenkins, their journey became a tapestry of intrigue and peril. They navigated through hidden passages and secret chambers, each discovery peeling back another layer of the mansion's enigmatic history. The puzzle of Nala's demise intertwined with Mr. Jenkins' shadowed past and his involvement in clandestine activities, elevating the stakes of their quest.


In a climactic convergence of events, they unearthed the identity of Nala's killer, seemingly bringing closure to her restless spirit. But their triumph was short-lived. A chilling howl reverberated through the mansion, and Nala's spectral form reappeared, her eyes bearing the grave news that the true perpetrator still lurked in the shadows.


Stunned yet galvanized by this revelation, Shadow and Faith, alongside their allies, braced themselves to delve deeper into the mansion's heart of darkness. With the knowledge that the true killer was still at large, they were driven by a newfound urgency to protect one of their own and bring final justice to Nala's troubled soul. This twist rekindled their determination, setting the stage for a saga of suspense, camaraderie, and relentless pursuit of truth within the enigmatic walls of the mansion.     


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1 Comment

samantha pillayGreetings, I am interested in establishing connections with fellow children's book authors. If you would also like to stay informed about my new releases please follow back. Warm regards, Sam
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About the author

Alvin Dorsey is a proud disabled veteran of the United States Air Force, whose life story is as compelling as it is inspiring. With a deep-rooted passion for Japanese anime, Alvin finds joy and creativity in the vibrant worlds and intricate storylines that this genre offers. view profile

Published on December 24, 2023

Published by

8000 words

Genre:Middle Grade Fantasy

Reviewed by