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Connie Lacy
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The Shade Ring, Book 1 of The Shade Ring Trilogy Kindle Edition

by Connie Lacy (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 84 ratings
Action, romance and political intrigue in a hotter, more dangerous world…

The year is 2117. Oceans have risen fifteen feet and it’s 120 degrees in Atlanta as Neave Alvarez graduates with a degree in Climatology. But it’s a field she’s forced into by a domineering father who drags her into his campaign to launch a solar shade ring into space. The goal is to block the sun’s rays and cool the oceans.

Neave begins to have doubts during an expedition to sunken Charleston. That’s where she meets the first man to vibrate her molecules, only to discover he’s a clone – a clone who asks infuriating questions about what her scientist parents are really up to.

Her quest for the truth plunges her into a dangerous world of political intrigue and dark family secrets where it’s hard to tell who’s the good guy and who’s the bad guy. She wrestles with the meaning of family, whether clones have a soul and whether one more scientist can really make a difference in the fight against rising seas.

Set against the backdrop of runaway global warming, The Shade Ring is Science Fiction, Action/Adventure and Romantic Suspense, all rolled into one.
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    The Shade Ring Trilogy
  2. Print length
    303 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    April 25, 2015
  6. File size
    2.5 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A gripping, fast-paced thriller plot... A fantastic debut that I devoured in one day." - Rachel Cotterill, Strange Charm (Showcasing Speculative Fiction by Women)

From the Inside Flap

A love story in a hotter, more dangerous world...
It's the summer of 2117. Sea level has risen fifteen feet and whole cities are submerged. But Neave Alvarez begins to question whether a solar shade ring is the best way to slow polar melting and rising seas, even though her father is the one pushing the plan.
Doubts are planted during an expedition to sunken Charleston,where she meets the first man who's ever caused a surge in her hormones, only to discover he's a clone - a clone who asks infuriating questions about what her scientist parents are up to.
She wrestles with questions about whether clones have a soul, the meaning of family and whether one more scientist can really put the brakes on runaway global warming. Her quest for the truth leads her down a dangerous path and she must summon all her courage to deal with Mother Nature's increasing violence and evil that's disguised as human benevolence.
Speculative Fiction, Climate Fiction, Action/Adventure & Romantic Suspense.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00WQ5YY0Y
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 25, 2015
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 303 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ The Shade Ring Trilogy
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 84 ratings

About the author

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Connie Lacy

Connie Lacy

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Connie Lacy writes fast-paced novels about gutsy young women struggling with moral dilemmas and life-changing decisions, all while falling in love. She writes speculative fiction, time travel and historical fiction.

She worked for many years as a radio news anchor and reporter. It’s not surprising that many of her books feature journalists. Some of her books have themes of social justice and women’s rights.

She loves beautiful old trees, sparkling rivers and learning about the history of our forebears, recent and ancient. She’s also fascinated by the idea of time travel.

She and her husband live in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Sign up for monthly newsletters: www.connielacy.com

Website: www.connielacy.com

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
84 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this beautifully written action-packed story with twists and turns, featuring well-developed and colorful characters. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its writing quality, with one customer highlighting the author's excellent dialogue. Additionally, customers appreciate the climate science elements, with one review noting how the environmental storyline keeps readers engaged.

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22 customers mention "Story quality"22 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's beautifully written action-packed story that is full of twists and turns, making it an enjoyable sci-fi romance.

"...The romance part is well done, there are plenty of actions, and lots of dramatic scenes at the end. I had a hard time to put it down...." Read more

"...The pacing, description, and characterization was spot on. The writing was excellent. The dialog was natural and witty...." Read more

"This is a beautifully written action-packed story set in the future. It has the right amount of romance, a love story that's neither cheesy nor fake...." Read more

"A provocative story based on the results of global warming, but felt that the the intrigue surrounding a solution was hard to countenance" Read more

12 customers mention "Enjoyment"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, with one describing it as a great beach read for summer.

"...I like her science fictions mainly because they’re approachable and enjoyable...." Read more

"...All in all, it was an excellent read and I look forward to reading more from Connie in the future." Read more

"...I really like the start which jumps right into the action with drama, romance and a possible murder...." Read more

"...and corruption figure prominently in the book, both are dealt with in an entertaining and not heavy handed or preachy way)...." Read more

9 customers mention "Character development"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, describing them as colorful, with one customer noting the surprising villains.

"...The dialog was natural and witty. I loved the interactions between the characters...." Read more

""The Shade Ring" was full of endearing, colorful characters, intriguing concepts regarding climate fiction, and plenty of twists and turns...." Read more

"...book is a fast paced adventure with both likable characters and surprising villains and the story is much more about the well developed characters..." Read more

"...The pace of the story is quick, the characters are well developed and interesting, and the suspense keeps you turning pages...." Read more

6 customers mention "Climate science"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the climate science elements in the book, with one customer noting how it explores an eco-themed future, while another mentions how the environmental storyline keeps readers engaged.

"...; was full of endearing, colorful characters, intriguing concepts regarding climate fiction, and plenty of twists and turns...." Read more

"...What a surprise! The climate-based storyline is near to my heart so I was drawn in immediately...." Read more

"I really enjoyed The Shade Ring. Lacy does a great job at integrating the environmental issues, as well as the social and political issues that come..." Read more

"Not your typical sci-fi novel! Yes, it is heavily focused on global warming, but it also keeps you interested with several continuous storylines...." Read more

6 customers mention "Writing quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its well-crafted prose and natural dialogue, with one customer highlighting the memorable love quotes.

"...But it turned out not to be so. It’s well written and intellectual for sure, but no less enjoyable...." Read more

"...The pacing, description, and characterization was spot on. The writing was excellent. The dialog was natural and witty...." Read more

"...The following is an excerpt from the book that tops the memorable love quotes, like "You complete me." &#..." Read more

"...The author had some great lines, such as "Disapproval hung in the air like the stench of a squirrel that died from the heat and rotted in a..." Read more

3 customers mention "Authenticity"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the authenticity of the book, with one noting it is neither cheesy nor fake.

"...It has the right amount of romance, a love story that's neither cheesy nor fake. The author pulls no stops when writing her scenes...." Read more

"...I really enjoyed Connie Lacy's debut novel. Neave Alvarez is so authentic and relatable, and her story and character arc had me from the very..." Read more

"...secrets, and Neave's romance are further brought to life by the realistic, well-conceived portrayal of the world in 2117...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • G.S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Sci-fi Romance
    Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I’ve read many books from this author and I like her science fictions mainly because they’re approachable and enjoyable. I thought the Shade Ring would be harder to read because of the very scientific title and the somewhat austere cover. But it turned out not to be so. It’s well written and intellectual for sure, but no less enjoyable. The romance part is well done, there are plenty of actions, and lots of dramatic scenes at the end. I had a hard time to put it down. What I enjoy the most, however, is not the drama or the action, but the discussions of some imminent issues such as the impacts of global warming and human cloning on the future generations. The elements of Greek tragedies make the literature thought-provoking. Although I have difficulties to accept the nativity of Neave, and the monstrosity of her own father, I must say the contrast of the characters is really the driving force behind the plot.
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  • sCleveland
    4.0 out of 5 stars Pleasant Surprise
    Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    For the sake of full disclosure, the author and I are doing a review swap. I read hers and she's reading mine.

    I want to start by saying that I didn't expect to enjoy this book so much. I almost turned down the swap after reading the book description on Amazon. Climate change... not my favorite subject. The concept of a shield to protect the Earth at first reminded me strongly of Highlander II which... don't even get me started. I don't know why the actors agreed to do that script. But I digress. Yet, something about the book piqued my curiosity. So I said yes and bought the book on Amazon. Which, by the way, is way, way under-priced for the quality of story you're getting. Connie, go up you price tag. Seriously.

    So, to the review part of this review. Connie wrote an engaging story. It's really that simple. She did justice to all of the themes the book's premise presented, even if I don't agree with some of the conclusions. The pacing, description, and characterization was spot on. The writing was excellent. The dialog was natural and witty. I loved the interactions between the characters. So, even though I went in with reservations I found myself sucked in and finished it all in one night.

    The only thing that really keeps me from giving this a five star rating has to do with the clones. Maybe my suspension of disbelief was already at it's limit with the vast change in Earth's climate, but I just don't get why people would think clones are soulless or somehow less human. Especially given that clones in the book's world are born to surrogate mothers, not grown in a test tube. I mean, twins have the same DNA, but nobody thinks they're somehow soulless. Maybe I missed something. If somebody else figures it out, please let me know. It's probably going to keep me up at night. Anyhow, I do like how Neave overcomes this social bias, and I especially love the clone-related twists in the story. I just don't get where the bias came from in the first place.

    All in all, it was an excellent read and I look forward to reading more from Connie in the future.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Shade Ring
    Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This is a beautifully written action-packed story set in the future. It has the right amount of romance, a love story that's neither cheesy nor fake. The author pulls no stops when writing her scenes. They evoke a full range of emotions. She smoothly takes you from a wonderful romantic moment, followed by a tense situation, that immediately turns humorous. The book is filled with many such instances, as well as edge-of-the-seat action. When you think you know where the story is heading, along comes a twist in the plot. Well done.

    The following is an excerpt from the book that tops the memorable love quotes, like "You complete me."
    "...I could feel the spark when I was with you. When you looked into my eyes, there was this hot thrumming in my ears. It felt like our souls touched.”
    One person found this helpful
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  • Tredder1
    3.0 out of 5 stars A provocative story based on the results of global warming ...
    Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    A provocative story based on the results of global warming, but felt that the the intrigue surrounding a solution was hard to countenance
    Helpful
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  • L A Keller
    4.0 out of 5 stars Sci-Fi thriller with romance all in one
    Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I don't normally read sci-fi, which is what I thought this book was at first glance. However, I found the story to be so much more than expected. It is the story of Naeve, a young woman scientist. The plot includes some very realistic possibilities about the future of our planet, as well as elements of suspense and romance. I really like the start which jumps right into the action with drama, romance and a possible murder.

    The author had some great lines, such as "Disapproval hung in the air like the stench of a squirrel that died from the heat and rotted in a gutter." Very good visual!

    The only thing that may have detracted slightly from the overall plot was the romance itself, which is why I gave it 4 starts instead of 5. Although good I preferred the main storyline and felt that the romance took me out of the action and in a different direction. Overall I really enjoyed the book and would read another one by this author.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Colorful characters, thought-provoking concepts, and plenty of twists and turns
    Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    "The Shade Ring" was full of endearing, colorful characters, intriguing concepts regarding climate fiction, and plenty of twists and turns. I really enjoyed Connie Lacy's debut novel. Neave Alvarez is so authentic and relatable, and her story and character arc had me from the very beginning. Lacy writes excellent dialogue, too -- she made me laugh more than once. Whether you're a newcomer to climate fiction or familiar with this burgeoning genre, I recommend giving Lacy's story a read! Looking forward to more from this author.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • T.N
    3.0 out of 5 stars Just could not stand the main character. Personal preference.
    Reviewed in Australia on July 25, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I want to get this out of the way now. I and romance novels get along in the same way that I and running up a step hill get along. I am aware that they are there, but I don't see the point in there continued existence other than irritating me.

    So let's get through what I like about the book first before I send another Indie author into tears.

    I will give points to the author for her grammar and her writing style. In the toxic cesspit that is the indie author basement, Connie does understand what a comma is used for which are good marks in my book. I managed to read the whole book in a few days without the need alcohol so she does have talent, especially when it comes to giving the reader a curveball. I did not see a few things coming and I think one of them gave me a concussion.

    That being said it is time to let my jadded heart bleed out.

    The Shade Ring, written by Connie Lacy is a book that is a bit unsure of what it wants to be in life. Is it romance? Is it a mystery? Is it about about bad parenting and science being corrupted by a corporations? Smarter men than I may figure it out one day.

    In the future the Earth and the human race is one step away from destruction. It being a dystopia novel the author has chosen her backdrop in the same way that America chooses its presidents. In other words they a set up a dart board, but a blind fold on and they hurls the darts at the thing in hopes it lands on something. Today's winner the effect of pollution on the raising water levels.

    Are you still awake? Don't worry the climate stuff quickly get's tossed in the background, doing the occasional 80's sitcom cameo just to make sure people are still know it's still alive.

    So, as it becomes clear that the world is going to be flooded, it is up to the main heroine (Neave) to mope around and complain about her parents for her being dependent on their money and not giving her the ability to express herself. Though in full honestly I don't think there is much Neave to express. She has no skills, no obvious opinion, and it's about a third of the way through the book that we discover that she isn't just background music.

    I will tell you now that at the start of the book I thought this was going to be a horror novel or I was going to be watching an episode of Gilligan's Island. We get given a Scooby Doo gang with the evil douchebag, the hot hunk, the girl who thinks underwear is a suggestion, the virgin, and the professor. All during the first chapters I was wondering where the guy with the hockey mask was.

    Anyway, this gang of collage dropouts get brought in to help solve the mystery of why the icecaps were melting in hopes of this research justifying a Neave's dad proving that what this world needs is a bunch of space junk flying around in the blind hope that it cools the planet down.

    The climate awareness quickly gets pushed back as Neave gradually discovers an evil plot. I wont tell you what this plot is because the moment we get a whiff of the stinky thing it goes away and suddenly we get hurled into Neave's life, which involves going to the White house and the theatre while avoiding the advances of a horny fratboy. The book does go on to express some other serious issues like cloning, big brother, what it's like to be human, and Neave's need to get laid which turns into an adventure in itself. I personally don't get the chemistry between Neave and her love interest, it feels like a forced concept like fried chips in a salad, and I think the book would have been stronger if we just stuck to the corruption aspect.

    I for one found myself not liking the Main Character. I would have liked to see her with more emotional baggage. When somebody's catch phase is, "I'm a virgin and my daddy doesn't love me." it puts you off. I would have related more to the character if she were a drug addict, or a stripper, or a full blown alcoholic. She seems too well adjusted and vanilla for me.

    At the end of the book, the novel finally takes its ADD medicine and we get a decent story out of it. Overall it is readable for somebody who isn't into romance novels, if you are into romance novels it's for you. I just think some realism could be brought to the MC. But then again name one romance novel with realism in it.
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  • Fifty Sheds of Books
    4.0 out of 5 stars The Shade Ring
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 6, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    The Shade Ring is a well-written multi-genre book encompassing elements of action, adventure, romance, science fiction and suspense. The plot centres on the topical theme of global warming and credit to the author for tackling such an important subject. The essentials for a good story are all in place - strong, believable characters, a page turning pace and a credible plot. The story makes you think about political and environmental issues, which again is to the author's credit. An excellent start to The Shade Ring trilogy.
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  • Graham Watkins
    4.0 out of 5 stars There's a lot going on.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 1, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    A mutant crab attack on a beach introduces Neave Alvarez as she embarks on an adventure one hundred years in the future. Her rescue and what follows hooked me from chapter two. Lacy's writing is tightly crafted, her characters lifelike and the story well paced although I lost my way and had to recap in a couple of places. There's a lot going on. The medical and technical references were fascinating and added to the realism. This is a science fiction thriller, a romance and a morality tale about global warming and, surprisingly, it works on all three levels. Some of the plot stretched my imagination to its limits but remembering The Shade Ring is fiction, set against a backdrop of a world that might be, it didn't disappoint.
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  • Bill
    4.0 out of 5 stars Exciting climate change story!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 21, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    It was great to read a book about a not too distant, future world impacted by global warming. I generally enjoyed Neave as a main character and the mix of genres worked really well. There is a romance at the heart of the story but this is also a fast paced adventure with bits of science fiction. The story builds to an exciting climax and I'm intrigued to read the next book in the series. The author has done a great job of describing the potential effects of climate change, which is an extremely topical and important subject. I think she should send a free copy to The White House!
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fab 4 stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 14, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    What will the future hold? How much will it change? A well-written sci-fi that had some really believable moments amongst the twist and turns. Good pacing and nice descriptions.
    An interesting take on human clones.
    Some sex scenes but they are tastefully done.
    Well worth the read for fans of this genre
    Report

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