Shadowless: What if the gods themselves wanted you dead?

Set in the medieval world of the Northern Realms, Shadowless is a sweeping fantasy novel about individuals who were born without shadows. Spawned by the malevolent deities of this world these Godlings are persecuted at every turn. Hunted by the high priests who are carrying out the wishes of their gods, hunted by the Shadow Watchers; armed soldiers who are assigned to each temple, identified by their light-blue cloaks and distinctive armour, and, of course, hunted by the gods themselves. Even the common folk who live in the towns and cities of the Northern Realms are complicit in the hunting and killing of the Shadowless, fearful of the gods’ wrath and of the collateral damage that can occur when they appear.

Having slaughtered the goddesses in a civil war thousands of years ago the gods now descend upon the realm of mortal men, driven by lust and the greed for power. Because by having children with mortal women the gods are investing some of their power in their offspring, which they regain with interest once their offspring dies. That is how they become more powerful.

The Shadowless themselves are part-mortal, part-god. They live for centuries and are faster, stronger and more intelligent than mortal men and women. They have powers and abilities which get stronger and more potent as they age. Yet despite these increased attributes the Shadowless still face a battle for survival, constantly on the run or hiding in far-flung corners of the Northern Realms.

Each chapter details the life of a different shadowless character and the challenges they face in order to stay alive. As the story progresses the lives and fates of these characters become intertwined, expedited by the mysterious monk Amrodan. Driven by series of visions Amrodan travels the length and breadth of the Northern Realms, seeking out the Shadowless and trying to enlist their help to take a stand and fight back against the gods.

© 2025 Paul Burns (Audiobook): 9798318242359

Release date

Audiobook: 25 August 2025