In the quiet corner of a forgotten forest, there lies a magical town hidden in the shadows. This mysterious place is a haven for those seeking wonder and enchantment. The town is nestled amongst towering trees, their branches creating a canopy that shields the inhabitants from the outside world. Wandering through the town, one can't help but feel the magic in the air. The streets are lined with quaint cottages, each adorned with whimsical decorations and vibrant colors. Flowers bloom in abundance, their petals shimmering with a shimmer that hints at their mystical nature.
Flowers bloom in abundance, their petals shimmering with a shimmer that hints at their mystical nature. The cobblestone pathways wind and twist, leading visitors on a journey of discovery through this enchanting place. **The main square is the heart of the town, bustling with activity and energy.
Magical town in the shadows
Winner of the Texas Institute of Letters’ Jesse H. Jones Award for Best Work of Fiction
New York Times Book Review Paperback Row Selection
Solitario Cisneros thought his life was over long ago. He lost his wife, his family, even his country in the late 1870s when the Rio Grande shifted course, stranding the Mexican town of Olvido on the Texas side of the border. He’d made his brooding peace with retiring his gun and badge, hiding out on his ranch, and communing with horses and ghosts. But when a gruesome string of murders and kidnappings ravages the town, pushing its volatile mix of Anglo, Mexican, and Apache settlers to the brink of self-destruction, he feels reluctantly compelled to confront both life, and the much more likely possibility of death, yet again.
As Solitario struggles to overcome not only the evil forces that threaten the town but also his own inner demons, he finds an unlikely source of inspiration and support in Onawa, a gifted and enchanting Apache-Mexican seer who champions his cause, daring him to open his heart and question his destiny.
As we follow Solitario and Onawa into the desert, we join them in facing haunting questions about the human condition that are as relevant today as they were back then: Can we rewrite our own history and shape our own future? What does it mean to belong to a place, or for a place to belong to a people? And, as lonely and defeated as we might feel, are we ever truly alone?
Through luminous prose and soul-searching reflections, Rudy Ruiz transports readers to a distant time and a remote place where the immortal forces of good and evil dance amidst the shadows of magic and mountains.
PRAISE FOR VALLEY OF SHADOWS
“Ruiz writes with the ache of the lonely and the audacity of the hopeful. His prose is unforgiving and his characters unrelenting. Valley of Shadows contains a sharpness of vision that is exceedingly rare; and through this tale of redemption and rediscovery, Ruiz certifies his voice―as well as his philosophy of togetherness―as a ferociously necessary addition to American letters.” — James Wade, awarding-winning author of All Things Left Wild
“Ruiz’s engaging tale, peppered generously with Spanish words and smoldering with racial tension and classism, is immersive and atmospheric and features an interesting cast of characters with rich backstories. Ruiz deftly combines elements of romance, historical mystery, horror, and magical realism to deliver a richly satisfying adventure.” — Booklist (starred review)
“Ruiz offers an engrossing blend of historical fiction, ghost story, and mystery…He employs elements of magic realism to haunting effect, and the depictions of human cruelty and injustice are unflinching…This has its rewards.” — Publishers Weekly
“Filled with ghosts both literal and metaphorical in a desolate place overflowing with unforgettable characters whose stories are woven by a masterful storyteller, Ruiz’s Valley of Shadows is searing, incisive, and, at times, utterly terrifying.” — Jennifer Givhan, author of River Woman, River Demon
“Rudy Ruiz’s imagination is second to none! I knew I’d be up all night as soon as I picked up his latest book. Valley of Shadows does not disappoint. The characters jump off the page, vying to tell their stories―the curse, the love, the loss, the friendships, the historical context, the mystery―compelling us to see through the veil to know their end. Alas, it is over way too soon!” — Nora de Hoyos Comstock, PhD, founder of Las Comadres Para Las Americas
“Ruiz’s latest is a chilling meditation on life and death in the 1870s borderlands between the US and Mexico, a neo-western that brings a fatalistic noir sensibility to a story with deep spiritual and literary roots.” — CrimeReads
“Valley of Shadows is a supernatural genre fusion that sheds light on real issues.” — Southern Review of Books
“Rudy Ruiz’ Valley of Shadows is a masterful weaving of the best of American Literature: a realistic historical novel, a riveting, edge-of-your-seat Western thriller with a dose of horror and magic. Most of all, Rudy Ruiz’ simple, brilliant and penetrating writing transforms Solitario Cisneros’ struggle for meaning and redemption into an existential inquiry about the quest we must all undertake to save our world.” — Guadalupe Garcia McCall, Wes Ferguson, and Francisco Stork, Texas Institute of Letters judges for the Jesse H. Jones Award for Best Book of Fiction
As we follow Solitario and Onawa into the desert, we join them in facing haunting questions about the human condition that are as relevant today as they were back then: Can we rewrite our own history and shape our own future? What does it mean to belong to a place, or for a place to belong to a people? And, as lonely and defeated as we might feel, are we ever truly alone?
** Street performers and musicians fill the air with melodies, their talent captivating all who pass by. **In the center of the square stands a magnificent fountain, its waters shimmering and reflecting the sunlight.** Legend has it that anyone who drinks from these magical waters will be granted a wish, and so hopeful souls gather around, waiting for their chance at a miracle. As the sun sets, the town truly comes alive. **Lanterns are lit, casting a warm glow on the streets, and the night sky twinkles with a myriad of stars.** The sound of laughter and music resonates throughout the town as residents and visitors gather in the heart of the square for a grand celebration. **Dancers spin and twirl, their movements so graceful that they seem to defy gravity.** Fireworks burst in the sky, dazzling with their kaleidoscope of colors, and sparklers light up the night, leaving trails of magic in their wake. **While the town is undoubtedly beautiful and mystical, it is the warmth and kindness of its residents that truly make it special.** The people here carry a deep understanding and respect for the magic that surrounds them, and their generosity and compassion extend to all who enter their hidden haven. Visitors are welcomed with open arms, and the residents take great joy in sharing their stories and wisdom. In this magical town in the shadows, time seems to stand still. **It is a place where dreams come to life and where anything is possible.** Whether one is seeking a moment of tranquility or an adventure of a lifetime, this enchanting corner of the world offers a sanctuary like no other. To stumble upon this hidden gem is to experience a taste of the extraordinary, a glimpse into the wonders that lie just beneath the surface of the everyday world..
Reviews for "Untold stories: Revealing the captivating history of a magical town in the shadows"
1. Karen - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Magical town in the shadows". The premise sounded intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was extremely slow, and the plot lacked depth. The characters felt underdeveloped, and I found it hard to connect with any of them. Overall, I felt let down by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. John - 1/5 stars - I couldn't even finish "Magical town in the shadows". The writing was confusing and disjointed, making it difficult to follow the story. The author seemed to jump from one scene to another without any clear transition, leaving me feeling lost. Additionally, the dialogue was stilted and unnatural, making it hard to engage with the characters. I was hoping for a magical adventure, but instead, I got a mess of a book that I couldn't bring myself to finish.
3. Lisa - 2/5 stars - "Magical town in the shadows" had so much potential, but it failed to deliver. The world-building was lacking, leaving important details unexplained and confusing. The magical elements felt forced and inconsistent, making it hard to immerse myself in the story. The plot was predictable and lacked any real surprises. I expected more from this book and was ultimately left feeling unsatisfied and disappointed.