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Death's Shadow

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My name is Tatiana Pavlenka. I am the Russian Ballet’s Prima Ballerina. It’s been a tough journey to reach the pinnacle of my career, and it has come at a great cost … my soul.

I have been known by many names throughout my young life, but no one knows the true identity of who I really am.

War is about to break out around Russia, and it is the perfect opportunity for me to kill every man who has hurt me; who had his way with me.

The evil that’s about to strike down on Russia’s powerful men isn’t from their neighbouring countries. It’s from me, the one they call Ten' smerti … Death’s Shadow.

First published October 1, 2014

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318 people want to read

About the author

T.J. Hamilton

15 books165 followers
TJ has crammed a lot of life into her years. Once a cop, now a professional writer, she uses her first hand experience of working the city streets of Sydney to write all things crime in both the news and in her fiction novels.
TJ’s head has been buried in crime since studying criminology at university over a decade ago, and she just can’t seem to shake her fascination with the macabre.
By day, TJ reports on southwestern Sydney's crime for News Corp, and by night she re-lives the action-packed life she may have once had through her strong fictional characters and sexy stories of mystery and intrigue.
In 2015 TJ won the Readers Choice Award for best romantic suspense at Readers and Writer’s Down Under for her novel, Death’s Shadow and went on to win the converted Scarlet Stiletto Award for the Sister’s In Crime Association.
Her debut books, Buying Thyme and Finding Thyme were acquired by Harlequin Mira and published in 2015 and 2016.

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5 stars
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21 (21%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Jonel.
1,717 reviews311 followers
December 1, 2014
Oh my goodness. Does this one ever pack a punch. This story is dark and shocking yet you won`t be able to put it down. The pairing of ballet with the Russian crime syndicate creates quite the unique story. The contrast is palpable. I love how Hamilton deals with the passage of time throughout this novel. Memories of key past events become entire chapters, bringing clarity to the story at hand. This was a very emotional novel that brought tears to my eyes more than once. It was also suspenseful and wildly romantic.

Hamilton has created some very strong, demanding characters that grab your attention and hold it tight. I loved getting to know Tatiana’s backstory. We’ve met her in Hamilton’s Thyme Trilogy & in the prequel to this series but she really starts to become a well-developed, three dimensional character in this first novel of the spin off. The differing speech patterns in the dialogue were quite noticeable. I appreciated that Hamilton stayed true to her characters’ origins throughout. We also get to know Luka quite well. By switching perspectives between the main characters Hamilton gives a deeper look at what everyone`s been dealing with and is now trying to overcome. My heart also broke for these characters.

Overall, this was an absolutely phenomenal novel that shook me to the core. I can`t wait to read more from this talented author.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ali .
663 reviews153 followers
December 19, 2014



Oh boy! Death's Shadow is anything but an easy to swallow story, it is terrifyingly humiliating and darkly beautiful.


Tatiana is Russia's Prima ballerina. She wasn't always. At one time, she was girl. Stolen from her home, her innocence destroyed, her will broken.  She fought through the filth of her situation to a somewhat better life, but it still isn't her life . She is owned. Property of the Russian mob.  In trade for the life she currently lives, favors of the most depraved kind must be paid.


When chance takes the life of a powerful man, Tatiana uses the opportunity to collect on a massive debt owed her. A blood debt.  The only way for her to have a future is to exact revenge on those her stole her past.


Tatiana is a strong and compelling character. She has moments of a shy, inexperienced young woman followed by moments of a fierce blood thirsty warrior.  The back and forth between those kept me interested in her from start to finish.


Those that surround her paled in comparison, but that didn't fully affect the story.  As it really is her story.  Her story of survival and tragedy and love. Her story of what you will do for justice and to find some semblance of happiness.


As I said, it's not an easy story to wade through. I had moments of held breath, clenched teeth and real nausea. It's not a book for everyone. It's not a happy story, but tales of stolen innocence and revenge rarely are.  Girls who go through the tortures Tatiana does in Death's Shadow don't end up on the side of sunshine and rainbows.  Trauma like that haunts your life. Hamilton did not deliver the  story I expected her to and that made it infinitely better.


If you are a fan of dark and deadly reads, you might consider giving Tatiana's story a try.
Profile Image for ✿kawehi.reviews.
1,453 reviews426 followers
Read
November 10, 2014
☆ I received an ARC via LBTS PR in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆

Rating and review to come!!
Profile Image for Nic.
362 reviews115 followers
November 25, 2014
Absolutely BRILLIANT read! Dark and edgy, TJ Hamilton will have you on the edge of your seat! Death's Shadow is not to be missed!!!

I was intrigued by the smokey ballerinas on the cover of Death's Shadow - my eldest daughter is heavily into ballet. So a story about Russian ballerina — count me in... I had no idea how intense this story would be.

T. J. Hamilton had my undivided attention from the first paragraph...WOW! Powerful stuff! Not knowing anything about the story prior to starting it, I could tell I was about to be taken on an emotional ride — and boy, was I right! There's a warning in the beginning of the book about the subject matter, but never once did I feel like the author had taken it to far or was too graphic. Yes, some of the scenes are intense, and left me picking my jaw up off the ground, but every scene — every scenario was played out perfectly and tastefully. Still, the subject matter is touchy, nonetheless. It was great to read a book packed full of story.

Tatiana is such a complex character. I don't think I was able to grasp how complex she was until I finished Death's Shadow. Her story is gut-wrenching and awe-inspiring for what she has overcome in her young life. Yes, her story is fictional, but some of her life experiences could very well be pulled from the newspapers over the last few decades. There was a movie I watched years ago with Naomi Watts called Eastern Promises and there was a girl that reminded me of Tatiana.

Luka, I wanted so much more of Luka <3 For all the complications in his life, I felt how strongly he loved and wanted to protect Tatiana. Thank you Ms. Hamilton for giving Luka a voice, he wouldn't have been the same.

All of the characters in this story were well-developed and well written. Even if their presence was only a short time, they left a mark in my mind.

If you love a darker read and are looking for something more than your standard romance, you need to add Death's Shadow to your TBR.
Profile Image for She Hearts Books.
2,113 reviews74 followers
December 1, 2014
Years ago Tatiana was taken, abused, and used as a sex slave. Then she was a ballerina who was still used by horrible men. Then the man who owned her was killed and she was set free. Except she was still held by the need for revenge. She needed to end the lives of the men who took what she didn't offer and changed her life forever. Only then will she really be set free.

I will admit that it is never easy to read the sex slave scenes as then I am right there with Tia wanting to kill those men. I just couldn't imagine the everyday horror that she lived through and love that TJ painted such an emotional book with her words. I don't want to share much more about it except to say that it is such a powerful read. It will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

I give Death's Shadow 5 hearts!
Profile Image for Erin McFarland.
380 reviews29 followers
December 1, 2014
I have loved Tatiana since TJ Hamilton's Making Thyme series. I was hooked in just the brief glimpse we did get from her and I love that she got her own book.

Taken and sold in to the sex slave trade, Tatiana has been through hell. She's been bought, sold, beaten and had everything taken from her.She has every reason not to want to go on, but she does, and she comes back with a vengeance. After all, no one would suspect the Prima Ballerina.

This book is so well written. It's full of suspense and intrigue and underneath it all, the hope of a new life and love. You get the feeling of satisfaction as Tatiana takes down those that wronged her, and you can feel her desperation when she knows she can't be found out. She doesn't want Luka to know, he's the one thing that brings her happiness. The one thing she strives for.

Her past has shaped who she has become and the TJ does a brilliant job at showing you just what she did go through. Just who she was depended on what role she had to play. The only time she could be herself was with her beloved Luka. And even then, she had secrets, she had to protect him.

TJ takes what appears to be a secondary character and puts her center stage and she just draws you in. I truly hope that this isn't the end for Tatiana. A woman such as she deserves more. The only spoiler I will give, is that you best be sitting down and have a few shots poured when you reach the ending. And that's all you will get from me.

A 5 star read for any lover of dark and suspense.
Profile Image for K.M. Golland.
Author 21 books1,463 followers
January 11, 2015
A UNIQUE AND CLEVERLY CONSTRUCTED READ.

Death's shadow was such a different, unique read. It didn't follow the normal premise of star-crossed lovers, yet the heartache that type of story normally elicits was just as equally matched in this one.
Tatiana was manipulated and found herself in what could only be described as Hell. Yet she somehow prevailed and clawed herself out from within those evil depths only to emerge with nothing but thoughts of revenge.
This is a story of a woman who finds herself and then owns herself, and in among such horrors can also find that one thing which always prevails ... love.

I loved this well written, nicely balanced dark love story. TJ Hamilton has a gift that has you visualising each scene she creates. Her sensory description is fantastic.
Profile Image for Christy J.
32 reviews41 followers
January 8, 2015
I want more Tatiana!! That chick is a bad ass ballerina. And ugh Luka, how could you not fall in love with that man??? Great story that had me hooked straight away. You wont want to put this one down.
Profile Image for Allthebooks.
324 reviews14 followers
March 2, 2015
Holy f***! I so did not see that ending coming. It kinda tears apart of your soul as you read it. Everything happens so fast i wish it was longer and more detailed, but over all it was a dark, sad, but powerful book.
Profile Image for Sarah.
91 reviews7 followers
January 24, 2015
Loved it couldn't put it down. I love a book that's so different from the others
Profile Image for Susan.
1,398 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2015
Grabbed me from the very first page to the finale but what a ride. love hate, death and triumph, revenge and hate all wrapped up in a story I couldnt put down.
Profile Image for Marina Skinner.
1,623 reviews47 followers
December 2, 2014
Wow, this book is yet another sensational masterpiece from Aussie author TJ Hamilton. I loved and enjoyed reading this book very much. It tugged at my emotions and I found myself shedding tears quite a few times. I found it a book that was hard to put down.
Death’s Shadow is about Tatiana Pavlenka, she is Russia’s Prima ballerina. Her story is incredibly sad. What she went through from when she left Australia will have you shaking in anger at the Russian Bratva men that did awful things to her and other girls. I know my hand was covering my mouth in shock a few times.
The story delves into what happened with her going from past to present, so the insight is there to show why she has become so angry. Any wonder really. There are some very graphic scenes.
Luka Charnikov, is the man that loves Tatiana and she loves him but due to circumstances they haven’t been able to be together. With the head of the Bratva dead, that position now falls on Luka. His mission becomes one to find out who has killed their leader among other things. He learns certain horrible truths about his so called Bratva family that he doesn’t like at all. I came to really love him, he is fighting for Tatiana to have a much better life.
I really loved Tatiana, Luka and Victor as characters. Alec and Boris too. I loved reading both POV’s from Tatiana and Luka, it worked incredibly well.
This book has incredible drama, suspense and some intense sexual scenes. Everything in this book ties very well together and I look forward to reading more from TJ Hamilton.
Why is she called Death’s Shadow??? Well, you will have to read it and find out!! Add it to your TBR list or you will be missing out on a thrilling book.
Profile Image for Sassy Moms Say Read Romance.
781 reviews16 followers
December 31, 2014
I have loved Tatiana since TJ Hamilton's Making Thyme series. I was hooked in just the brief glimpse we did get from her and I love that she got her own book.
Taken and sold in to the sex slave trade, Tatiana has been through hell. She's been bought, sold, beaten and had everything taken from her.She has every reason not to want to go on, but she does, and she comes back with a vengeance. After all, no one would suspect the Prima Ballerina.
This book is so well written. It's full of suspense and intrigue and underneath it all, the hope of a new life and love. You get the feeling of satisfaction as Tatiana takes down those that wronged her, and you can feel her desperation when she knows she can't be found out. She doesn't want Luka to know, he's the one thing that brings her happiness. The one thing she strives for.
Her past has shaped who she has become and the TJ does a brilliant job at showing you just what she did go through. Just who she was depended on what role she had to play. The only time she could be herself was with her beloved Luka. And even then, she had secrets, she had to protect him.
TJ takes what appears to be a secondary character and puts her center stage and she just draws you in. I truly hope that this isn't the end for Tatiana. A woman such as she deserves more. The only spoiler I will give, is that you best be sitting down and have a few shots poured when you reach the ending. And that's all you will get from me.
A 5 star read for any lover of dark and suspense.
Profile Image for ✰  BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰.
3,002 reviews12 followers
November 11, 2014
**ARC received for an honest review**

A ballerina turned assassin? Let me at it!!

awe met Kira/Tia/ Tatiana in You Can Call Me Miranda and caught up with her in Keeping Thyme, and now we get the whole story.

We knew she flew off to join the Russian Ballet, but things are not always what they seem.

And buy, things really weren't as they seemed!

TJ Hamilton takes us on one hell of an adventure!

Starting up where Keeping Thyme ended, we are taken on a non-stop rollercoaster ride, never knowing what was around the corner.

But what I want around the corner is a Luka. Through past and present tense we get the story of Tia and Luka and I gotta say I think he may have taken over from Nick as my favourite of Ms Hamilton's men. There is nothing not to love about him!

Through the past tense we also learn what happened to Tia back when she first got to Russia, and OMG it is heart breaking. But you can never keep a tough Aussie woman down and I loved how she fought through it all to get where she is today.

There are some great secondary characters, and I especially liked Boris

There are a few WTF moments that will have your head spinning. But we don't expect anything less from a TJ Hamilton book.

Can't wait to see what she brings us next
Profile Image for Jessica.
295 reviews
December 22, 2016
Although the story was really good - how a young Australian girl was sold into sex trafficking in Russia, manages to climb out of the hole they put her in and come out on top - I felt a bit let down by the bad writing style.
I'd read sentences and think...that word shouldn't be there, that's a typo, you could write the same thing with less words - be more precise. Maybe I just got an older Kindle version or something but I really struggled.
I felt it needed a good edit.
Also, some of the reactions of the characters in their really scary and traumatic experiences didn't sit well with me.
There's a scene towards the end where Tia tells one of the recently freed girls (who just watched her tormentor get dragged into the hole for a little payback) "You belong to no one now" and the girl just giggles and says "Whatever you say." Err....surely she'd have a stronger reaction than that? Like maybe be a bit in shock or more serious about the situation?
Either way...I only carried on reading because I wanted to see how it all played out for Tia, who I felt deserved some closure.
Profile Image for Ive.
48 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2015
What. A. Book. If you still thinking buy it or not? I’m telling you man, BUY IT NOW! Seriously, I’m not joking.
I love books about Russian Mafia (Bratva) and when I saw blurb I was bought from that minute!
This is a story about ballerina Tatiana, Pakhan Luka and Russian Bratva.
Tatiana wanted to become a ballerina. She got an invitation to go to Russian, to ballet. She took it, and when she left plane everything collapsed around here like house of cards. She was raped, beaten, almost died. But she survived everything.
Don’t you think that this is all. No, this is just the beginning. I don’t want to become spoiler, but believe me the end will knock you down. Tears, love, revenge. EVERYTHING IN ONE AMAZING BOOK!
I loved Tatiana’s strength, and loved Luka’s gentleness. Sincerely this is the best standalone of the year.
Profile Image for Emily Gould.
141 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2014
When the opportunity came up for Tatiana to become a Russian prima ballerina, all those years ago back in Australia, she thought all her dreams had come true. But once she got to Russia everything changed. Yes she still became the prima ballerina that she always dreamed to be but the track to get there was not an easy one, especially when the Russian Mafia is involved.

I loved this book. The emotion TJ projects in her words is amazing  and it feels like you live in the book. The two points of view, Tatiana and Luka's gives you more story as well as Tatiana's memories of events gone by.
Can't wait to see what's install next. :)
Profile Image for Hooked On Books.
1,887 reviews64 followers
December 17, 2014


Reviewed for hookedonbooks

The moment Tatiana left Australia, she knew her life would change forever. But not in the way she thought, she suffered abuse after abuse at the hands of Bratva. Now Dmitri, Dima, the devil himself, is dead and she wants revenge !
Such a powerful story line that grips you in from the very beginning and keeps you gripped until the end. Excellent writing from T J Hamilton, i will be sure to check out more of her novels after reading such a gripping story, the plot was brilliant and ran at a steady and gripping pace, 100% recommended. 5 hooked stars.
Author 3 books93 followers
January 8, 2016
To write a review for this is hard without giving anything away. What I will say is fuck me it took me on a journey I'll never forget and my love for Tia and Luka will always remain. I read this in one go I couldn't put it down. GR Peeps if you are reading my review one click this 5 Star book and see for yourself.
Profile Image for Maria.
385 reviews
December 15, 2014
Awesome Book! If you like dark reads this is for you. Dark, raw, suspenseful and more!
Profile Image for Kathy.
125 reviews
March 27, 2015
Another interesting and fascinating read from this author.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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