REVIEW: A PLACE WITHOUT SHADOWS (BOOK 2 OF THE DEADLOCK TRILOGY) BY P.T. HYLTON

Published by Six String Books, 2015. Paperback, 313 pgs
Book 1 Review- Regulation 19

First off, I give props to any author who provides a recap of the previous book in a series as a preface to the upcoming book. Hylton does this through a section titled "What We Know". Rook Mountain, Tennessee is adjusting to some tough changes. While a single day hasn't passed in other parts of the country, the residents in this town have experienced eight harrowing years. PT Hylton did not disappoint with book two!

I was excited for fresh material as the mission to eradicate the enemy continues. We are introduced to a new setting called The Sanctuary in this installment, as well as some creepy new creatures to join the eery ranks of the Unfeathered. The title meaning was revealed in the second half and alluded to the ominous forest setting. We are also reunited with some old favorite characters from book one. I particularly appreciated that Hylton continued to draw strong female characters, with Sophie taking a strong position similar to Christine in the previous novel.

I like how Hylton plays with the changing laws in this society. In this case, we have the former Regulated days, and now the Unregulated system. It illustrates how tenuous judicial systems can be, and how a slight imbalance can tip a society into general chaos and lawlessness. The resulting uncertainty and unease made for a suspenseful second book. Going hand in hand with the legal system is the question of morality. The younger generation only knows the rough, unfair system that was in place with Zed, and wants to uphold the prior laws at any cost...unaware of how life was before. Many older folks realize the destructive nature and are warring against the "Zed Heads". This is fun for the reader as we get to see a complex power struggle.

Also, about time travel....this novel has highlighted that it can be tricky and troubling- don't think I would care to engage in it. Writers must have an interesting time outlining these types of stories, I'd love to see all the charts and notes. This was another fast-paced, action filled ending with crazy twists and turns. Looking forward to The Broken Clock, but will be sad when the trilogy ends.