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A.D Jones
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Umbrate Kindle Edition

by A.D Jones (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 50 ratings
Welcome to Dalton
Home to Humans, Dwarves, Elves and the shadowy Umbral Populace.

Detective Vanic Bradley works hard to keep the peace, coming down hard on the criminal underbelly of the city.

After putting his life on the line multiple times in recent weeks, all he wanted was a day off work to spend time with his son, and re-evaluate his place in the world - but forces beyond his control have other ideas.

For reasons unknown, he will find himself in a race against time as two hundred innocent citizens become collateral damage in a murderous plot centred around him.

Umbrate is the debut Urban Fantasy crime thriller by A.D Jones, that will offer up his take on a fantasy setting that should be welcomed by many readers, regardless of their genre tastes.
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  1. Print length
    220 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    October 13, 2023
  5. File size
    4.3 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CJYFRKRW
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 13, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.3 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 220 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 50 ratings

About the author

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A.D Jones

A.D Jones

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A.D Jones lives in the North of England; where he spends his time favouring books over people and can be found writing or devouring said books to review online. He loves Coca-Cola, Twin Peaks, all things horror, and cult movies. He dislikes the movie ‘The Karate Kid’ with a passion that burns brighter than the sun.

,

His debut novel – Umbrate was released in October 2023 to positive feedback, as were his following 2024 releases: Sacrificial Waters, and Born of Bloodshed. His latest novel, Little Horn was released in April 2025.

He also has multiple short stories in print through publishing houses such as Dark Village Publications and January Ember Press.

You can find him on Instagram - the_evergrowing_library

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
50 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Mallory Cywinski
    5.0 out of 5 stars A blend of genres to keep you on your toes
    Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This story from my friend and "Twelve Months of Horror" contributor, A.D. Jones (@the) is a gritty detective/thriller story that borrows a page from the fantasy genre. A big fantasy fan myself, I loved the fascinating hierarchy of different humanoid species living side by side as a backdrop against which our MMC's story plays out.

    A mesh of crime, thriller, and fantasy, touching on deeper themes of racism and family structure, I read the book in about a day. I loved the moments of rich detail and observations from Detective Vanic, and how often only the reader was privy to his inner thoughts while his outside demeanor remained crusty and stalwart, set on his duty of keeping a handle on things as the situation became increasingly dire.

    (And what a gorgeous cover!)
    One person found this helpful
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  • Avonna
    4.0 out of 5 stars Debut Urban Fantasy Crime Thriller
    Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    UMBRATE by A.D. Jones is an engaging debut urban fantasy crime thriller that introduces us to a new world that is like ours but besides humans is also inhabited by dwarves, elves and a dark and shadowy species known as the Umbral. This is also a fast-paced crime thriller. While this novel is a short standalone, it could easily lead to a series.

    Umbral can only come out in the night or in protected environments that will not let the sun touch them and even as the government has tried to assimilate them, there has always been a deep prejudice towards them. Detective Vanic Bradley works the dangerous night shift and does not like Umbral. After being wounded on the job, Vanic just wants a day off to enjoy with his young son. They end up at the mall and are suddenly trapped inside with a killer who is willing to turn everyone else into collateral damage to get to Vanic.

    I really enjoyed this story and was easily pulled into this new urban fantasy world. The crime thriller plot is what you would find in many thrillers, but this story has distinct races from fantasy stories as well as the new Umbral race. Vanic is well developed for this shorter novel. He is divorced, but on good terms with his ex, a loving father, has a current love interest and is a rising star in law enforcement ranks, but he does have a prejudice against Umbral which goes all the way back to his youth. There is plenty of action, especially once everyone is enclosed in the mall, and this is when all the major secondary characters become known and help in the fight.

    This is a fast read with an interesting new world, gripping thriller action and by a debut author. I am looking forward to seeing what will come next from this author.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Michelle Ashleigh
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    First and foremost, I thoroughly enjoyed the murder mystery crossed with sprinkles of fantasy. It was such a fun way to combine my usual genre.

    Vanic, the main character, offers a whole lot. His flaws are introduced pretty early, and by the time things start popping off, I was on the edge of my seat.

    The chapters are fairly quick. For the most part, we stay very close to Vanic, but sometimes stray to other characters, but I'm not too upset about that, because the whole cast is enjoyable.

    Overall, a great read. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
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  • David Dunham
    4.0 out of 5 stars Murder in the Underground Mall
    Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2024
    Format: Paperback
    Vanic Bradley didn't have an early childhood. His mother died in a bus accident when he was six. Five years later, desegregation policies forced him to attend a new school. A dome covered the school buildings to shield the Umbral children from daylight. But who would protect Vanic from the larger and stronger Umbral bullies?

    Despite his difficult upbringing—or perhaps because of it—Vanic chose a life of public service. His dedication to protecting the citizens of his community cost him his marriage to Sarah. But he gets to spend time with his son Noah on his days off and evenings with his new girlfriend, Roma. Vanic relies on his longtime friend Josh for support. But while Roma fears for his safety, Josh worries about Vanic’s distrust of other species.

    Vanic finds dwarves without beards unsettling. Cylanorr, the upbeat Elven forensic pathologist, gets on his nerves. As for Visp, the naturally superior Umbral officer wears hazmat gear with a mirror face mask anytime he goes outside. Visp may take on risky assignments like bomb disposal, but he’s no hero! Whenever danger threatens, Visp can take off his mask. Then the sunlight will touch his obsidian skin, and like any Umbral, Visp will disappear and reappear unharmed after sunset. But then, Vanic tends to freeze up around Umbral, and those he apprehends arrive at the precinct worse for wear.

    I enjoyed visiting this contemporary world shared by Humans, Elves, Dwarves, and Umbral. While Dragons no longer haunt the skies, the panther-like Vilgore amazes with its batwings and insectile features. Prejudice and intolerance still trouble Vanic Bradley's society, but the police officer tries to accord everyone respect, regardless of species. But Vanic must reevaluate his feelings and opinions when circumstances force him to protect his son--and nearly two hundred civilians--from homicidal Umbral that don't care how many people they kill, provided they hurt Vanic Bradley.

    Warning: This novel contains a sex scene and graphic horror violence.
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  • Jason Jones
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic debut worthy of many sequels!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A dark fantasy/action thrill ride from start to finish! I am totally anxious for A.D Jones' next book and beyond. You have a lifeling reader of your work, my friend 😀
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!!!!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 1, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    THIS WAS SUCH A FUN READ.

    I really loved the whole “race against time” plot, and the urgency within the story and it is something that I look for when reading as it encourages me to read till the end.

    The dialogue was sharp and engaging and the intermingling of elves umbral dwarves and humans was super believable!

    The book did not drag and the pace was fast and tense just how I like it.

    “Terror in a Mall” setting is also something I enjoy, (like Dawn of the Dead) etc so it hit that niche that I get a kick out of!
    Report
  • Essie B
    5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating and exciting
    Reviewed in Canada on March 1, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This book grabs you right from the very beginning. I sat down with it expecting to read a bit and take to it later. Nope. Devoured half of it immediately before I had to call it a night. Promptly finished it the next day. And there’s a great chance it’ll be a book I’ll grab to read again.
    I thoroughly enjoyed it.
    I’m really looking forward to reading more of his work!
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  • Koolard
    4.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely delivers
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 8, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Umbrate is described as an Urban Fantasy Crime Thriller. And only two of those words resonated with me. An Orc fan, I am not.

    But. This ABSOLUTELY DELIVERS on those two words.

    Putting aside the Urban Fantasy for a second, this moves AT A PACE as we're thrown from an otherwise ordinary day (in an extraordinary world) to something akin to Die Hard.

    Fantastical creatures, an alienated alien population, shades of racism and xenophobia are tackled – before we're locked down in a fairly confined space with a murderer on the loose and main protagonist Vanic targeted. With his son in tow, there's a lot at stake for him.

    Throw in some flashbacks and it all ultimately makes sense. I love it when a plan comes together. In the end I wanted to know even more about the mysterious Umbrals – and will happily gorge on a sequel.

    This packed a bigger punch than many over-hyped crime thriller books that I've read recently so I'd urge you to get it on your TBR.

    And can we just all appreciate THAT cover!
    Report
  • Rebecca
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Debut!
    Reviewed in Australia on March 27, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    ‘The faint red glow from the television’s standby light lit up like a pinprick portal to hell.’

    Umbrate by A.D. Jones is a blend of fantasy and crime thriller that kept me hooked from beginning to end. Jones masterfully crafts a richly imaginative world filled with intricate lore and vivid imagery. The author's descriptive prose brings the setting to life, immersing readers in a dark and atmospheric landscape where danger lurks at every turn.

    The plot unfolds at a brisk pace, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing. Jones skillfully weaves together elements of crime thriller, fantasy and adventure, creating a narrative that is both engaging and unpredictable.

    Umbrate is a fantastic debut novel that will appeal to fans of fantasy and crime thrillers alike. Jones demonstrates a fantastic talent for storytelling, delivering a gripping tale, imaginative world building, memorable characters, and a suspenseful plot.

    Umbrate is a must read for anyone seeking an immersive literary escape. I look forward to reading Jones new novel ‘Sacrificial Waters’ out soon.

    Highly Recommend.
    Report
  • Daniel Bohills
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and fast paced urban fantasy
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 19, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    ‘Welcome to Dalton
    Home to Humans, Dwarves, Elves and the shadowy Umbral Populace.
    Detective Vanic Bradley works hard to keep the peace, coming down hard on the criminal underbelly of the city.
    After putting his life on the line multiple times in recent weeks, all he wanted was a day off work to spend time with his son, and re-evaluate his place in the world – but forces beyond his control have other ideas.
    For reasons unknown, he will find himself in a race against time as two hundred innocent citizens become collateral damage in a murderous plot centred around him.’

    There’s a feeling I get with Fantasy books that it’s going to be ever expanding with countless characters and a vast landscape, thanks LOTR & GOT (I still love you), and this can sometimes be overwhelming to start these stories but with Umbrate we take a look at smaller scale and ultimately personal story in this fantasy world that has the potential to grow as wide reaching as the author chooses to in the future.

    Vanic is a strong lead character that appears to be a rising star as a detective whilst balancing this with trying to be a good father, he is shown in a positive light but still has a vulnerability and the self awareness that he is a flawed individual in his views of Umbrals.

    One of the best dynamics is Van’s interactions with Melda, he’s starts out untrusting of her and she seems indifferent to him but slowly a bond grows built on their teamwork and respect, leading Van to confront his beliefs.

    The were some twists that kept things interesting to the very end and this was such a fast paced book that you can easily fly through.

    An excellent debut novel from A.D. Jone, looking forward toward to see what you have brewing up for the future!
    Customer image
    Daniel Bohills
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Fun and fast paced urban fantasy

    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 19, 2023
    ‘Welcome to Dalton
    Home to Humans, Dwarves, Elves and the shadowy Umbral Populace.
    Detective Vanic Bradley works hard to keep the peace, coming down hard on the criminal underbelly of the city.
    After putting his life on the line multiple times in recent weeks, all he wanted was a day off work to spend time with his son, and re-evaluate his place in the world – but forces beyond his control have other ideas.
    For reasons unknown, he will find himself in a race against time as two hundred innocent citizens become collateral damage in a murderous plot centred around him.’

    There’s a feeling I get with Fantasy books that it’s going to be ever expanding with countless characters and a vast landscape, thanks LOTR & GOT (I still love you), and this can sometimes be overwhelming to start these stories but with Umbrate we take a look at smaller scale and ultimately personal story in this fantasy world that has the potential to grow as wide reaching as the author chooses to in the future.

    Vanic is a strong lead character that appears to be a rising star as a detective whilst balancing this with trying to be a good father, he is shown in a positive light but still has a vulnerability and the self awareness that he is a flawed individual in his views of Umbrals.

    One of the best dynamics is Van’s interactions with Melda, he’s starts out untrusting of her and she seems indifferent to him but slowly a bond grows built on their teamwork and respect, leading Van to confront his beliefs.

    The were some twists that kept things interesting to the very end and this was such a fast paced book that you can easily fly through.

    An excellent debut novel from A.D. Jone, looking forward toward to see what you have brewing up for the future!
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