Shadowseer: Rome (Shadowseer, Book Four)

By Morgan Rice

“This novel succeeds—right from the start…. A superior fantasy…It begins, as it should, with one protagonist’s struggles and moves neatly into a wider circle….”
–Midwest Book Review (re Rise of the Dragons)

“Filled with non-stop action, this novel is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat from cover to cover….Rice is setting up for an amazing series to rival series such as Tamora Pierce’s Song of the Lioness, with her strong female protagonist making waves in her world and building the confidence of young women in ours.”
–The Wanderer, A Literary Journal (re Rise of the Dragons)

From #1 bestselling author Morgan Rice, a USA Today bestseller and critically-acclaimed author of the fantasy series The Sorcerer’s Ring (over 3,000 five-star reviews) and the teen fantasy series The Vampire Journals (over 1,500 five-star reviews) comes a groundbreaking new series and genre, where fantasy meets mystery.

SHADOWSEER: ROME (Book Four) continues the story of Kaia, 17, an orphan coming of age in the Victorian Europe of the 1850s. Kaia yearns to escape her horrific orphanage, to discover who her parents were, and to understand why she can sense shadows when others cannot. When the brilliant Detective Pinsley, 45, takes Kaia under his wing and enlists her help in solving the mysterious and bizarre murders sweeping over Europe, the two of them become unlikely partners.

Are they part of a greater war of light versus dark? And is Kaia the only one who can stop it?

Dark fantasy meets mystery in SHADOWSEER, a page-turning, atmospheric thriller packed with authentic period detail, with twists and cliffhangers that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Kaia, a broken hero, will capture your heart as she struggles to claw her way up from the depths, and to solve unsolvable crimes. Fans of books such as Spellbreaker, The Dresden Files, Mortal Instruments and Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde will find much to love in SHADOWSEER, satisfying fantasy fans who appreciate mystery and suspense, and mystery lovers who want something new, a clean hybrid that will appeal to both adult and young adult readers. Get ready to be transported to another world—and to fall in love with characters you will never forget.

“Morgan Rice proves herself again to be an extremely talented storyteller….This would appeal to a wide range of audiences, including younger fans. It ended with an unexpected cliffhanger that leaves you shocked.”
–The Romance Reviews (re the paranormal series Loved)

“The beginnings of something remarkable are there.”
–San Francisco Book Review (re the young adult fantasy A Quest of Heroes)

SHADOWSEER: ATHENS (Book #5) is also available.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Morgan Rice
• Release date: Mar 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781094372730

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SHADOWSEER:

ROME

(SHADOWSEER, BOOK FOUR)

MORGAN RICE

Morgan Rice

Morgan Rice is the #1 bestselling and USA Today bestselling author of the epic fantasy series THE SORCERER’S RING, comprising seventeen books; of the #1 bestselling series THE VAMPIRE JOURNALS, comprising twelve books; of the #1 bestselling series THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY, a post-apocalyptic thriller comprising three books; of the epic fantasy series KINGS AND SORCERERS, comprising six books; of the epic fantasy series OF CROWNS AND GLORY, comprising eight books; of the epic fantasy series A THRONE FOR SISTERS, comprising eight books; of the science fiction series THE INVASION CHRONICLES, comprising four books; of the fantasy series OLIVER BLUE AND THE SCHOOL FOR SEERS, comprising four books; of the fantasy series THE WAY OF STEEL, comprising four books; of the fantasy series AGE OF THE SORCERERS, comprising eight books; and of the new fantasy series SHADOWSEER, comprising five books (and counting). Morgan’s books are available in audio and print editions, and translations are available in over 25 languages.

Morgan loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.morganricebooks.com to join the email list, receive a free book, receive free giveaways, download the free app, get the latest exclusive news, connect on Facebook and Twitter, and stay in touch!

Select Acclaim for Morgan Rice

If you thought that there was no reason left for living after the end of THE SORCERER’S RING series, you were wrong. In RISE OF THE DRAGONS Morgan Rice has come up with what promises to be another brilliant series, immersing us in a fantasy of trolls and dragons, of valor, honor, courage, magic and faith in your destiny. Morgan has managed again to produce a strong set of characters that make us cheer for them on every page.…Recommended for the permanent library of all readers that love a well-written fantasy.

--Books and Movie Reviews

Roberto Mattos

An action packed fantasy sure to please fans of Morgan Rice’s previous novels, along with fans of works such as THE INHERITANCE CYCLE by Christopher Paolini…. Fans of Young Adult Fiction will devour this latest work by Rice and beg for more.

--The Wanderer, A Literary Journal (regarding Rise of the Dragons)

"A spirited fantasy that weaves elements of mystery and intrigue into its story line. A Quest of Heroes is all about the making of courage and about realizing a life purpose that leads to growth, maturity, and excellence….For those seeking meaty fantasy adventures, the protagonists, devices, and action provide a vigorous set of encounters that focus well on Thor's evolution from a dreamy child to a young adult facing impossible odds for survival….Only the beginning of what promises to be an epic young adult series."

--Midwest Book Review (D. Donovan, eBook Reviewer)

THE SORCERER’S RING has all the ingredients for an instant success: plots, counterplots, mystery, valiant knights, and blossoming relationships replete with broken hearts, deception and betrayal. It will keep you entertained for hours, and will satisfy all ages. Recommended for the permanent library of all fantasy readers.

--Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos

 In this action-packed first book in the epic fantasy Sorcerer's Ring series (which is currently 14 books strong), Rice introduces readers to 14-year-old Thorgrin Thor McLeod, whose dream is to join the Silver Legion, the elite knights who serve the king…. Rice's writing is solid and the premise intriguing.

--Publishers Weekly

Books by Morgan Rice

SHADOWSEER

SHADOWDEER: LONDON (Book #1)

SHADOWSEER: PARIS (Book #2)

SHADOWSEER: MUNICH (Book #3)

SHADOWSEER: ROME (Book #4)

SHADOWSEER: ATHENS (Book #5)

AGE OF THE SORCERERS

REALM OF DRAGONS (Book #1)

THRONE OF DRAGONS (Book #2)

BORN OF DRAGONS (Book #3)

RING OF DRAGONS (Book #4)

CROWN OF DRAGONS (Book #5)

DUSK OF DRAGONS (Book #6)

SHIELD OF DRAGONS (Book #7)

DREAM OF DRAGONS (Book #8)

OLIVER BLUE AND THE SCHOOL FOR SEERS

THE MAGIC FACTORY (Book #1)

THE ORB OF KANDRA (Book #2)

THE OBSIDIANS (Book #3)

THE SCEPTOR OF FIRE (Book #4)

THE INVASION CHRONICLES

TRANSMISSION (Book #1)

ARRIVAL (Book #2)

ASCENT (Book #3)

RETURN (Book #4)

THE WAY OF STEEL

ONLY THE WORTHY (Book #1)

ONLY THE VALIANT (Book #2)

ONLY THE DESTINED (Book #3)

ONLY THE BOLD (Book #4)

A THRONE FOR SISTERS

A THRONE FOR SISTERS (Book #1)

A COURT FOR THIEVES (Book #2)

A SONG FOR ORPHANS (Book #3)

A DIRGE FOR PRINCES (Book #4)

A JEWEL FOR ROYALS (BOOK #5)

A KISS FOR QUEENS (BOOK #6)

A CROWN FOR ASSASSINS (Book #7)

A CLASP FOR HEIRS (Book #8)

OF CROWNS AND GLORY

SLAVE, WARRIOR, QUEEN (Book #1)

ROGUE, PRISONER, PRINCESS (Book #2)

KNIGHT, HEIR, PRINCE (Book #3)

REBEL, PAWN, KING (Book #4)

SOLDIER, BROTHER, SORCERER (Book #5)

HERO, TRAITOR, DAUGHTER (Book #6)

RULER, RIVAL, EXILE (Book #7)

VICTOR, VANQUISHED, SON (Book #8)

KINGS AND SORCERERS

RISE OF THE DRAGONS (Book #1)

RISE OF THE VALIANT (Book #2)

THE WEIGHT OF HONOR (Book #3)

A FORGE OF VALOR (Book #4)

A REALM OF SHADOWS (Book #5)

NIGHT OF THE BOLD (Book #6)

THE SORCERER’S RING

A QUEST OF HEROES (Book #1)

A MARCH OF KINGS (Book #2)

A FATE OF DRAGONS (Book #3)

A CRY OF HONOR (Book #4)

A VOW OF GLORY (Book #5)

A CHARGE OF VALOR (Book #6)

A RITE OF SWORDS (Book #7)

A GRANT OF ARMS (Book #8)

A SKY OF SPELLS (Book #9)

A SEA OF SHIELDS (Book #10)

A REIGN OF STEEL (Book #11)

A LAND OF FIRE (Book #12)

A RULE OF QUEENS (Book #13)

AN OATH OF BROTHERS (Book #14)

A DREAM OF MORTALS (Book #15)

A JOUST OF KNIGHTS (Book #16)

THE GIFT OF BATTLE (Book #17)

THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY

ARENA ONE: SLAVERSUNNERS (Book #1)

ARENA TWO (Book #2)

ARENA THREE (Book #3)

VAMPIRE, FALLEN

BEFORE DAWN (Book #1)

THE VAMPIRE JOURNALS

TURNED (Book #1)

LOVED (Book #2)

BETRAYED (Book #3)

DESTINED (Book #4)

DESIRED (Book #5)

BETROTHED (Book #6)

VOWED (Book #7)

FOUND (Book #8)

RESURRECTED (Book #9)

CRAVED (Book #10)

FATED (Book #11)

OBSESSED (Book #12)

Did you know that I've written multiple series? If you haven't read all my series, click the image below to download a series starter!

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Copyright © 2022 by Morgan Rice. All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior permission of the author.  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Jacket image Copyright Viacheslav Lopatin, used under license from istockphoto.com.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

EPILOGUE

CHAPTER ONE

The shadow took control of the man’s body in the middle of confession.

It had come into the church during the night, when it wasn’t quite so full of painful, damaging light. When it was possible to slide under the gaps of the door and flow down the aisle without a trace. The shadow understood that humanity thought holiness could ward off the dark. What fools they were.

It made joining with one a distasteful chore, but one that had to be undertaken, nonetheless. His kind could not touch this world of structure and order in their own forms, only by taking control of humans. It was necessary if the shadow was to complete its task.

The shadows of the confessional box made it easy to slip inside and wait. For a time, it lurked there, unseen, listening to a succession of humans recounting the things they thought of as sins, as if distinctions between good and evil ever meant anything. It stayed unmoving and unseen, with the kind of patience available only to the immortal, until it felt the one it had been waiting for arrive.

This one human potentially held the key to everything. Potentially held the way to make sure that the shadows could take this world from the humans who had filled it with far too much light.

The shadow could feel its prey below it. There were more than enough cracks in his defenses to slip through, enough weaknesses and uncertainties to slip into him. It could feel the cravings, the things he did not confess even to the priest.

The shadow surrounded him while he was confessing all the ways he had impure thoughts about a servant, all the needs for wine and petty jealousies that filled his waking hours. It flowed into his thoughts between one sentence and the next, filling him, claiming him. Becoming.

In that moment, there was no distinction between the shadow and his new flesh. They were one heightened version of the same being. The shadow was him, and he… well, the consciousness of the man he’d taken was still there somewhere.

The shadow examined that consciousness carefully, rooting through its memories, its knowledge. It did not have what the shadow sought, but it had something almost as close.

Is everything well, my son? the priest on the other side of the booth asked.

The shadow didn’t answer but stood instead and stepped from the confessional booth. Would the priest be shocked if it used his host’s memories to confess to all he had truly done? To beating a man senseless in a drunken fight? To the opium cravings that sat around the heart of him? That would be sweet, but it wasn’t the reason the shadow had taken a host.

The shadow walked out into the middle of St. Peter’s Basilica, instead, enjoying the strength and youth of its new form. There were crowds of pilgrims from all corners of the world, and the shadow could feel the ones who held its brethren, ready to go out into the spaces the human things called their homes and undermine them. They had made so much progress in Rome, but it would just be the start of things in the world.

This shadow’s task was different.

It started to walk out of the cathedral, into the light, and in those first seconds, it winced. It was sure even now that the light would burn it, despite the protection that wearing a human body offered. The crunch of a step behind it announced the presence of the priest from the confessional, following it out.

My son, you have not finished your confession, he said. Until you do, I cannot grant you absolution.

Absolution, what a strange concept. As if forgiveness counted for anything. Only power mattered, and this priest did not have any. He could not even sense the shadow there within its host. He still thought it was just another parishioner.

The shadow pushed him back, sending him sprawling one handed. The ability to touch was a joyous, wondrous thing. It almost made up for having to wander through a world of light and form and order. Better, this body was strong, and fit, and able. The shadow did not know how those of its kind trapped in the weak and infirm could stand it.

It strode from the church, enjoying the way this body was able to cover the ground, enjoying the looks of shock that the others there gave it as it went.

It took a route through the city that was both more direct and more circuitous than the one it had arrived at the basilica by. More direct, because now it didn’t have to flit from shadow to shadow, avoiding the Mediterranean sun. More circuitous because now it couldn’t just flow along rooftops and under doors. It actually had to worry about other people being in its way too, because its first experiments with shoving them aside created too much outcry.

Being seen was not its task.

It walked through the plazas of Rome, taking in the seven hills, the buildings that humans thought of as ancient, as if time could ever be sliced up so neatly. It walked past a place the host’s memories called the Forum, with great broken columns reaching to the sky, and saw the mighty circle of the Coliseum out over the expanse of the city.

The shadow ignored all of it, heading for a space where stairs led down into the city’s catacombs. There were a couple of Papal Guards at the top, but they were as shadow touched as it was, so they stepped back to let his new form pass.

Enjoy your new body, brother, one said.

I intend to, once I have done what is required, it replied. He replied. The shadow wasn’t an it anymore, was he? That would take some getting used to. All of it would, but if he succeeded everything would change anyway.

He walked down through the catacombs, where ancient tombs were stacked up, one atop another, as if the dead needed one another’s company.

He took a hooded lamp to walk through the dark of it, shining the beam ahead so that he did not walk into any of the walls. That part felt stranger than all the rest of it, having to rely on light, rather than shying from it, and the risk of destruction.

Even in a body like this, the darkness felt like it should be more of a home than the light, but weak human eyes seemed to have problems with the darkness. He followed the turnings from memory, and it was strange that it had to be from memory, rather than a simple sense of connection to his kind.

He came out into the portal room, where he kept his hooded lamp down. The others of his kind were not protected by a body, as he was. The arch of the portal stood pulsing with purple dark-light, providing a swirling gap in the fabric of this reality that promised a way through to the greater darkness beyond. The shadow had come through that portal just a short time before.

Around him, the other shadows roosted.

There were fewer now than there had been. Many had gone into people, spreading out in the city, or the world. More would have been sent to lurk and watch. There were other places that needed them besides this. Rome was the start of their plans, but not the finish.

Yet even with those absences, there were still more than enough shadows that shifted and flickered on the edge of vision. Including the strongest that had come through, the power of it palpable.

What have you found? it asked him, the words appearing in his thoughts.

This body does not know the precise location of the relic as we believed, the priest said.

Then why have you not abandoned that shell?

Because it does know of one who has the information, he said. A priest, too pure and strong willed to control. This body may be a good way to get close to him, though, and gain that information. He may be prepared to talk to this one.

An acceptable idea. The humans value their friends. They tell them things they should not, even when it damages them. Yes. You may proceed. Find the one who has the location of the relic. Find it, so that we may stop the Shadowseers from gaining it.

I will, the shadow promised. He knew his role in this. The relic was everything, the only way the Shadowseers had to close the portals that linked their world to his. If he could find it, he would. Once he had it, he would cast it into the outer dark, and it would not be seen again.

If this body will not give you what we require, take another.

I will. The shadow would take as many bodies as it needed to accomplish this goal. Now that it had acquired the taste for it, it relished the prospect.

Once you have located it, you know what to do.

I do, the shadow promised. I won’t fail.

CHAPTER TWO

Kaia stared around the high-ceilinged meeting room they were in, with its tasteful prints and high-backed chairs, barely able to believe that they’d actually found the Shadowseers. She reached out for the comfort of Em’s hand and felt the flicker of power that rose up automatically between them, each responding to the other almost automatically.

You’re both actually here.

The woman who said that was perhaps forty, slender and strong looking, with blonde hair tied back, dressed in trousers in a way that might have caused a scandal in London, along with a dark, shapeless top that seemed designed to allow her freedom of movement. Kaia could hear the breathless surprise in her voice, as if this were a moment that she’d hoped for but had never dared to dream might actually happen.

There were at least a dozen other Shadowseers around the room, sitting on chairs around its edges. They were of all ages, and Kaia could feel that they were Shadowseers because of the small sensations of power that flowed from them, even now. From the way they looked at her, it was obvious that they could feel the same power coming from her and Em.

Kaia, Emeline, the woman said. I never thought that I would get to see you again.

Again? That word stuck in Kaia’s head. She didn’t know what to say. She looked around at the others with her, at Em and the inspector, Olivia and Baron Vogler, hoping that one of them would know how to react.

She looked to Em first, who always looked like a more confident version of herself, and never seemed to be short of something to say. She had the same blonde hair and heart shaped face, was as short and light as Kaia, looked identical in every respect; but being brought up by the British ambassador to France seemed to have lent her a poise and confidence that Kaia didn’t possess.

There were other aspects that Kaia didn’t have, too. Last night, she’d pushed a prince who was threatening them from a window. Kaia understood why she’d done it: he’d been threatening to come after them, to never stop, to kill them both, but even so, Kaia wouldn’t have been able to do something so… ruthless. Just the thought of it made her let go of her sister’s hand.

Thank you for bringing them to us, Baron Vogler, the woman said, and it was strange hearing her address the baron as if he were a useful helper rather than a powerful noble and occultist. "We are in your debt for that, as we are for the use of