Saturday Shepherd and the World Beyond

By: Logan Nance

Narrated by: William Hurst

Have you ever stared into the darkness and felt as if something unseen was staring back at you? All around us, hidden just beyond the darkest shadow, there exists a secret society filled with vampires, shape-shifting monsters, practitioners of magic, and all manner of vile creatures. In a place like New York City, when the night falls is when everything comes alive. For a few mere decades, a truce has existed among the supernatural creatures within the city, but a few grizzly murders have left that uneasy alliance hanging on a razor's edge. Saturday Shepherd, a seemingly normal human who finds himself unwillingly thrust into this world, quickly finds himself at the forefront of a war for the night that has been waged for thousands of years.

The battle lines are being drawn. The veil that separates the human world from the supernatural is failing. Can Saturday solve the murders in time and find justice for someone close to him, or will he fail and the war become reignited? In Saturday Shepherd and the World Beyond, a young adult supernatural thriller, you will enter the world beyond the darkness and journey with Saturday as he discovers that the night is more dangerous and deadly than he could have ever imagined, and as he also discovers that perhaps he’s not as normal as he’s been led to believe.

©2021, 2022, 2023 Logan Nance (P)2023 Logan Nance

A Midwegian Monument

A fresh spin on a familiar favorite, this work makes any reader who is familiar with White Wolf's World of Darkness feel right at home. Where this kind of thriller/mystery usually depends on teenage angst, this one avoids the twin cheesy pitfalls of both the genre-savvy chosen one and that of the stagnant materialist who refuses to acknowledge the reality of magic in the face of overwhelming proof.

The titular hero begins ignorant of the supernatural world for strong, well-defined in-universe reasons, is moved organically by forces outside his understanding, and learns about himself as he goes along without ever feeling like a plot-armored child of destiny. The characters behave according to their natures: smart characters make intelligent choices, and bad guys don't pull punches out of mercy. All the characters have deeper ties to the setting and we are left with hints that there are many more stories tied to each one. The characters were part of the modern world and not just anachronisms ported from big titles in the genre; one could almost see the masked Family character having a Decepticons belt buckle.

The voice recording was of good quality and had no technical issues that distracted from the work. The voice actor was pleasant to listen to. Periodically, there were inconsistencies about giving characters voices, and there were times I was a little confused by the choices of pauses and emphases, but it was never bad enough to puzzle over what the author meant.

I am glad I read the book and will spend an audible credit when the next one comes down the line. It kept me entertained for eight hours of driving, and that's all I can ask from a book.

Audiobook Even Better Than Print!

I loved Saturday Shepherd in print form, but I may enjoy the audiobook even more! I have preferred to slow it down slightly to best take in all of the imagery and details. I highly recommend this book and I know you’ll soon join me in anticipation for the author’s next book!

A charming take on the supernatural realm that was dark enough to feel realistic and mysterious enough to keep me wanting more.

If you enjoy the coming of age qualities of the Harry Potter books and the deep, political tensions of A Discovery of Witches, you will be thrilled by Saturday Shepherd and the World Beyond. It’s a charming introduction to the supernatural world for those who are not quite ready for the macabre scenes found in other novels featuring vampires, shapeshifters, and the like. Admittedly, I found Saturday’s naivety a little off-putting in the beginning. By the middle of the novel I thought, “Okay, he’s growing on me.” At the end, I was cheering him on wishing there was more book to listen to. This novel, unlike many YA novels fantasy novels, does not depend on romance to propel the story forward (although I am secretly hoping there is a budding romance between Saturday and Hunter). The audiobook narrator was the perfect voice for Saturday Shepherd and gave unique performances for several supernatural characters. If he performs the next book, I hope he will dare to take on additional voices as Saturday’s next adventures are sure to bring us many new and mysterious characters.

A fantastic listen

"Saturday Shepherd and the World Beyond” is a gripping audiobook that seamlessly weaves the supernatural into the fabric of reality. The narrator’s voice brings the tale to life, making it impossible to press pause. The plot unfolds with a perfect balance of suspense and mystery, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats. The author’s intricate world-building and character development add depth to the story, creating an immersive experience that lingers long after the final chapter. “Saturday Shepherd and the World Beyond” is a must-listen and not just a story told; it's an auditory journey where the narrator's voice becomes an essential character, guiding listeners through the mysteries of the story with a spellbinding allure.

Great read

Saturday Shepherd learns who he is and how to to deal with the world of vampires and werewolves. This is the second time I’ve had the opportunity to go into this world with him. I read the book now listened to it as well. I would highly recommend reading this book! It is fun for teenagers and adults. I truly can’t wait to see where the author take’s Saturday next!

A Captivating Journey Into the World Beyond

I recently had the pleasure of immersing myself in the mesmerizing world of "Saturday Shepherd and the World Beyond" through its Audible edition, and I must say it was an extraordinary experience.
Narrated by a talented voice actor whose rich and expressive tone brought every character to life, the audio rendition of "Saturday Shepherd and the World Beyond" was a true delight for the senses. The narrator's ability to infuse emotions into the dialogue and descriptions enhanced the story's depth and made it feel even more real.
What truly sets this audiobook apart is its incredible storytelling. The author, Logan Nance, has crafted a rich and imaginative world that seamlessly blends elements of fantasy, adventure, and mystery. The protagonist, Saturday Shepherd, is a relatable and endearing character who embarks on a remarkable journey to uncover the secrets of the world beyond.
The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping the listener on the edge of their seat throughout. The pacing is perfect, allowing for moments of both excitement and introspection. I found myself completely absorbed in Saturday's quest, eagerly anticipating each new revelation.
One aspect that deserves special mention is the underlying themes explored in the story. "Saturday Shepherd and the World Beyond" delves into the power of friendship, the value of courage, and the importance of embracing one's true self. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, providing valuable life lessons without ever feeling preachy.
I wholeheartedly recommend "Saturday Shepherd and the World Beyond" on Audible. It's a captivating and enchanting tale that will transport you to a world of wonder and adventure. With impeccable narration, brilliant storytelling, and a profound exploration of themes, this audiobook is a true gem. Prepare to be swept away on an unforgettable journey with Saturday Shepherd.

A good PG introduction to urban fantasy

This is a good book. Most urban fantasy is gritty. This one handles the horrors of the night in a way that tells you there is something to fear while leaving the gory details to the imagination. It doesn't get bogged down with teen angst and romance either. Saturday learns who and what he is and handles the news without angrily turning his back on his loved ones, which is incredibly refreshing. The narration goes a little fast at the beginning, but Hurst finds his groove after a bit, and Nance's story is worth the effort.

A fantastic, surprise-filled take on traditional creature tropes!

Saturday Shepherd review

First of all, I love audiobooks. I love traditional books, too. But I have found, that if done well, a good audiobook can envelop you like a warm blanket. This is especially true if they are performed with a dramatic flare and unique, earnest voices for the book’s characters. Nance’s Saturday Shepherd and the World Beyond is such an audiobook! The brisk pace of the action, witty banter, and the stories of the quickly evolving characters are conveyed well by the narrator. You know it’s good when you find yourself sitting in your car after a long commute for a few minutes extra minutes under that blanket.

Nance’s take on the traditional creature tropes is fresh and full of surprises. Perfect for those looking for escapist horror/fantasy who don’t want to be bogged down in the unnecessary steam and gore that dominates so many books in this genre today. I highly recommend!

Exciting, action packed story now on audio

The story of Saturday Shepherd is so good that I've read it twice in book format. I was so excited to listen to the audio version. In both versions, you get captured by Saturday's young, innocent character and pulled right in as his world expands with the knowledge of the supernatural beings in NYC. The book builds momentum at just the right pace. The action scenes are vivid and I could easily picture the powerful vampires and shifters. The narrator's strengths are with the dialogue between characters with different accents/dialects and the action scenes. He really brought the action to life. Time passed quickly as I listened to the last hour of the book while at the gym and before I knew it I had done 60 minutes on the elliptical instead of my normal 30. A testament to the gripping conclusion. I look forward to the next book in the series.