Cider - Shop now
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$0.99 with 94 percent savings
Print List Price: $16.50

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.

Audiobook Price: $21.83

Save: $14.34 (66%)

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Mark Wells
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

College of Shadows (Cambridge Gothic Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Mark Wells (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 559 ratings

Cambridge is home to the brightest minds… and the deadliest monsters.

Working-class rugby player Nick feels out of place at university. The hallowed halls of Cambridge seem impossibly huge and far beyond the Mansfield of his youth. But Nick has much more than fitting in to fear when he's attacked by a creature straight out of his worst nightmares…

Emotionally scarred by the sudden death of her parents, Annabel buries her feelings deep in her studies. But after barely surviving a freak accident, the shy girl begins to fear she’s cursed. And when her new friends nearly fall prey to a monstrous beast that shouldn't exist, she's terrified that her bad luck could bring their demise.

As Nick and Annabel plan to trap the creature, they stumble upon a long-held Cambridge secret. And the otherworldly truth is less pass-fail than do-or-die.

Can Nick and Annabel banish the beast before freshers’ week becomes their last?

College of Shadows is the engrossing first novel in the Cambridge Gothic YA urban fantasy series. If you like haunted heroes, unspeakable horrors, and parallel worlds, then you'll love Mark Wells's atmospheric tale.

Buy College of Shadows to watch heroes school the supernatural today!
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 1 of 3
    Cambridge Gothic
  2. Print length
    459 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    April 6, 2019
  5. Reading age
    16 - 18 years
  6. File size
    4.4 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details
Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 3 books in this series.
This option includes 3 books.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  6. Hot Berry Punch: A Novel
    Kindle Edition
    $6.99
  12. LEAP (The Race Is On Book 1)
    Kindle Edition
    $1.99
  20. The Sigil Masters
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  28. The Death of Clara Willenheim
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  29. Huntress: Embers of Redemption
    Kindle Edition
    $0.99
Next page
Loading...

From the Publisher

A Cambridge Gothic Novel
Cambridge Gothic Trilogy
"AN EXCEPTIONAL SERIES" 5 STARS

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

From the desk of Mark Wells

College of Shadows is my debut novel and Book One in the Cambridge Gothic fantasy series. As you can imagine, it was quite a moment to see the book appear in print for the first time. When in its first week, College of Shadows became an Amazon YA Fantasy bestseller I couldn't quite believe it. Things have gone from strength to strength, and within 6 months, I have already had over 40 5-star reviews on Amazon (UK/US) and another 16 on GoodReads. Feedback from readers has been so positive that I decided to go ahead with an audiobook. Howard Davey (narrator) and the Choir of St John's College Cambridge (soundtrack) have delivered a haunting and hair-raising production that I am sure you will enjoy. I'm busy writing Book 2 in the series and hope to launch this January 2021, monsters permitting...

Check out the inside pages or the audio sample to step into the world of Cambridge Gothic.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07QFMF8HF
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cambridge Tales Ltd (April 6, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 6, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 459 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 559 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Mark Wells

Mark Wells

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Mark Wells read law at Cambridge University and after a career in business returned to his old college as a Fellow, before taking up writing full-time. He has published short stories in the Warhammer universe for Black Library under the pen name Nicholas Alexander. He is currently writing the urban fantasy series, Cambridge Gothic, which follows the lives of two newly arrived Freshers who encounter not just secretive professors, but a deadly threat from beyond…

Mark lives in Cambridge with his family, and when not writing, can be found wandering through the city’s alleyways and colleges, plotting…

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
559 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this book to be an excellent first novel with a captivating story full of wild plot twists. The writing is brilliant with vivid imagery, and they appreciate the character development, with one customer noting how it switches between different perspectives. They like the book's description, with one review highlighting its intimate knowledge of Cambridge universities' environs.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

18 customers mention "Enjoyment"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, describing it as an excellent first novel and a fun read.

"...quibbles, however, in what I think is a captivating story that most readers and especially young adults will love...." Read more

"This is great stuff! (And well-edited too.) I did sometimes wish for a British dictionary (esp. slang) on my device...." Read more

"...by music from Cambridge University, which leads to an excellent experience for the listener. I both read the book and listened to the audio version...." Read more

"...A great read for someone who loves fantasy but isn’t completely involved in the science fiction worlds!..." Read more

16 customers mention "Story quality"16 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the captivating story of the book, which keeps them intrigued with wild plot twists and suspenseful elements.

"...The plot development also was good in my opinion because it had enough twists and turns to make me want to turn pages to see what happens without..." Read more

"...universes, giant statues that come and go at will, and more than a couple wild plot twists!..." Read more

"...The book gives you a good insight into how life are as a student at the university besides the main story line...." Read more

"Very realistic . Spooky mystery with elements of thriller. Appreciate the included map. Great individual characters well-played as a team." Read more

13 customers mention "Character development"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one noting how it switches between different perspectives.

"I read the story and found it delightful! I really liked the interesting characters that the reader can't help but care about--especially the two..." Read more

"...on my device. Interesting characters that felt true, and an apparently intimate knowledge of the Cambridge universities' environs...." Read more

"...It’s full of interesting analogues and switches between the perspective of the different characters...." Read more

"...Appreciate the included map. Great individual characters well-played as a team." Read more

7 customers mention "Writing quality"7 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its brilliant prose and vivid imagery, with one customer highlighting its detailed architectural descriptions.

"This is great stuff! (And well-edited too.) I did sometimes wish for a British dictionary (esp. slang) on my device...." Read more

"...It’s brilliantly written, with so many architectural descriptions that you feel like you are there...." Read more

"Very realistic . Spooky mystery with elements of thriller. Appreciate the included map. Great individual characters well-played as a team." Read more

"...Detailing is on point and the author even shares maps on Facebook so you can follow where everything is happening in the real world...." Read more

6 customers mention "Description"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's detailed descriptions, with one review highlighting its intimate knowledge of Cambridge's environs and another noting its interactive map of locations.

"...I also liked the description of life at Cambridge and how students go about their activities as well as some of the inside stories about Cambridge..." Read more

"...characters that felt true, and an apparently intimate knowledge of the Cambridge universities' environs...." Read more

"...a Cambridge graduate, I can attest that Mark Wells does a stellar job describing the sites, personalities, and situations that you find there." Read more

"...The imagery this book gave me & then you can look at an interactive map of all the places. And follow the author for more on TikTok. Love it!" Read more

St Johns College, Cambridge, perfect setting for Gothic Monsters
5 out of 5 stars
St Johns College, Cambridge, perfect setting for Gothic Monsters
Loved the setting from the very beginning, clearly written by someone who lives there. The details of the architecture, courtyards and the grounds of St John's College are the perfect background for this scary series of events that keeps you wanting more!
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • John P Ferguson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Spooky (But Not Too Scary) Read in a Classic British Setting
    Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I read the story and found it delightful! I really liked the interesting characters that the reader can't help but care about--especially the two young Cambridge freshmen, Nick and Annabel. I also liked the description of life at Cambridge and how students go about their activities as well as some of the inside stories about Cambridge sporting traditions. I can't judge how accurate that material is but it made me feel that the author did a lot of research or just had a lot of knowledge that I appreciated as it was seamlessly blended into the story. The plot development also was good in my opinion because it had enough twists and turns to make me want to turn pages to see what happens without being convoluted or hard to follow.

    On the critical side one of my bugaboos is when a main character does something that is not plausible. For example, I had a hard time believing a Cambridge professor would lead students he's supposed to be protecting in an attack against a fierce-some monster. Just imagine the size of the potential lawsuit if a student was seriously injured! But maybe I'm being too legalistic here, and this is fiction. Also, I would have liked to see some descriptive technical text on how the author imagines the portal to the monster's world is created and how it works. Perhaps the sequel will delve into this a little more, and certainly it is not essential to the plot.

    The above are minor quibbles, however, in what I think is a captivating story that most readers and especially young adults will love. I know I'm looking forward to the next adventure.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • MGrantNH
    4.0 out of 5 stars This is great stuff!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This is great stuff! (And well-edited too.) I did sometimes wish for a British dictionary (esp. slang) on my device. Interesting characters that felt true, and an apparently intimate knowledge of the Cambridge universities' environs. Not to mention alternate universes, giant statues that come and go at will, and more than a couple wild plot twists! I would like to read more (and the door was left open for that with some significant loose ends).
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Ink on my wings
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliantly written with vivid imagery’s
    Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    College or shadows is a dark, disturbing mystery taking place in Cambridge University in the UK. It’s brilliantly written, with so many architectural descriptions that you feel like you are there. In the story you follow a group of very different people, who are thrown together by circumstances beyond their control, to hunt a monster praying on the people of Cambridge. The book gives you a good insight into how life are as a student at the university besides the main story line. It’s full of interesting analogues and switches between the perspective of the different characters. If a mystery and it’s a thriller, and we’ll worth the read.
    The narrator is excellent and accompanied by music from Cambridge University, which leads to an excellent experience for the listener. I both read the book and listened to the audio version. This enables me to go over some of the more interesting details more than once, and it’s well worth doing that.
    I borrowed the KU version of the book, and was given the audio version for free. Since I loved the book, I am leaving this voluntary review.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Mark Vanderpool
    3.0 out of 5 stars Fairly Good Read, but Skip the Epilogue
    Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2021
    Unless you want to be completely soured on the book you just finished, skip the epilogue. If it was intended to make me want to read the next book in the series, it had the opposite effect. I'll stop here.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Greybear's mom
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
    Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Very realistic . Spooky mystery with elements of thriller. Appreciate the included map. Great individual characters well-played as a team.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Penelope_Dawn
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Thoroughly Enjoyable Read!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I found this author/book on tiktok and was immediately intrigued by the premise of this series. And I was not disappointed! Mark Wells’s prose took me in and made me feel at home in a world (Cambridge) I’ve never visited prior to this (in reality or book form). The story is chock full of mystery, adventure, fantasy and dare i say, a dash of science fiction. The characters are all well formed and portrayed. I enjoyed this story immensely and can’t wait to dive into what else this author has to offer.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • SR
    5.0 out of 5 stars fun and unique
    Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    What a great story set in Cambridge. A totally unique fantasy/sci-fi story with great characters and a dash of humor. Will read the rest.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Jennifer Ashburn
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    A debut novel, this book happens in real world UK with some science fiction tendencies. The book follows a group of students at Cambridge/Saint John’s college as they try to figure out what’s really going bump in the night. Detailing is on point and the author even shares maps on Facebook so you can follow where everything is happening in the real world. A great read for someone who loves fantasy but isn’t completely involved in the science fiction worlds!
    The epilogue alone will have you gasping for more!! 😍
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Lisa Hamilton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lost in the world of Cambridge
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 8, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I bought College of Shadows as I was visiting Cambridge and I always love reading a novel set in the place I'm visiting to get a feel for it. This did not disappoint as Mark's descriptions of both the college and Cambridge are so vivid I felt I was transported the
    I really enjoyed the story and was hooked from the outset to know what was attacking people. I don't usually read fantasy but this is a good mix of both fantasy and reality and I enjoyed getting to know the characters. My favourite is Ravi but I warmed to both Nick and Annabel and loved the cheeky character of Giles too.
    A great read!! The epilogue was so intriguing that I'd bought book 2 the minute I'd finished book 1! The joy of a kindle!!
    I have also had the privilege of meeting Mark who took time out of his busy life to share his love of Cambridge with me. Being able to walk in the footsteps of the character I had come to know so well was an amazing experience and one I won't forget. If you visit Cambridge you too might be lucky enough to see him wondering round his beloved Cambridge.
    Report
  • Manon van der Pol
    4.0 out of 5 stars What a great urban fantasy
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on October 4, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    College of Shadows is the debut novel by Mark Wells, and it’s an urban fantasy, but it also has some sci-fi to it. The story is set in Cambridge University.
    From the start of the book I was amazed by all the wonderful places within Cambridge that the author takes you and describes them. I’ve actually looked up quite a few to see how accurate they were and how they’d look for real!

    We have some well-written and nicely introduced characters. The storylines connect well through and into each other. I love the build-up for Anabel and Nick, although maybe a little slow to my liking. Giles loves his climbing, and I love his witty remarks. Oh, and Ravi, Professor Gupta, I think I like him, or do I?
    The story itself was a little on the slower pace, could have been a bit more pastpaced. But it was very engaging and entertaining.

    I do love the British terminology that is used in this book. Not something I usually read a lot of, but very nice!
    The final chapters were gripping, and I got through them very fast, And then that cliffhanger! Did not see that coming at all!!
    It is a great debut novel, and I rate this 4⭐. Definitely will be reading the rest of the series!
    Report
  • Iain Benson
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great characters, wonderful backdrop
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 27, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Mark Wells should work for the Cambridge Tourist Board as I’ve booked a long weekend in Cambridge solely on the back of reading College of Shadows. The obvious love he has for the city shines through in every carefully worded description that conjures a mental image of the gothic spires and back streets steeped in history. That’s the backdrop for a story that unfolds slowly, gathering pace until the last section is a runaway train. If you’re after a book that explodes out of the gate and sprints to the finish line, this isn’t it; but if you’re after a book with characters that make you invested in them, make you empathise with them, then this may be the book for you. I got to the point where I wanted to lock two of the characters (Nick and Annabel) into a room until they stopped pussyfooting and told each other how they felt, instead of doing the tippytappy attraction dance hoping the other would make the move first. Giles and Ravi are the other two main characters. Giles’s interactions with his friends felt real, whilst Ravi’s doddery old professor with a shady past shines through. The plot itself of a portal between worlds and what comes through is well crafted, the scheming of Ravi’s friend in reopening it to introduce danger both within and without. The story is well resolved within the book, with enough scope to open out this world for many more stories to come. I didn’t like the reasoning of Ravi for keeping the portal a secret, I prefer a faster start to a story, and the twist at the very end felt tacked on without sufficient breadcrumbs, but they are extremely minor quibbles and I would recommend the book.
    Report
  • A. B. Down
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exquisitely written
    Reviewed in Australia on May 8, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    The strength of this novel for me is in the delicate prose which is the perfect juxtaposition for the implied horror among the hallowed colleges of Cambridge.
    Mark Wells writes with a sensitivity that drew me in from the first chapter.
    Report
  • jct
    5.0 out of 5 stars A thrilling and unputdownable must-read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 21, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    A beautifully written, utterly enthralling book whose pacing of the story is masterly. Within the first few pages, I was hooked to the point that I couldn’t wait to find what happened next - and yet wanted to read slowly enough to savour the descriptions of Cambridge and College life; to take the time to share the characters’ feelings and experiences, and to enjoy the delicious thrill of mounting tension. I wouldn’t describe myself as a ‘natural’ reader of the fantasy genre by any means; and when I began this novel, it was mainly because I’d been lent it to read on the (long) journey home from a visit to Cambridge. Less than an eighth of the way through, I’d ordered my own copy, together with its sequel - which should tell you everything you need to know before buying your own! Only the fact that the second book of the trilogy is already available saved me from a sense of desolation when I reached the end of the first, and I’m immersed in that with every bit as much (if not more) sheer pleasure. Frankly, Mark Wells ought to be getting a retainer/writing Fellowship (if such a thing exists) from Cambridge for his ambassadorial services to the university. It really is as wonderful and magical as he describes; the staff just as delightfully warm and approachable. Rarely have I found myself waiting for an author’s next work with such eager anticipation - so, a million thanks, Mark, and please let us have an update on events at St John’s as quickly as you possibly can!
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report