THE RIDGE UNIVERSE • BOOK TWO
Read The Long Shadow Before Release
Join the Ridge Advance Reader Copy Team for an opportunity to receive an advance digital copy of the next Ridge Universe novel.
The Grid Is Still Down.
The Silence Is Ending.
Thirty-one days after the lights went out, the Ridge is still standing—but survival is no longer only a matter of food, water, power, and security.
A single encrypted signal reaches beyond the community. Someone else is listening. Old wounds refuse to stay buried, unfamiliar groups begin moving with purpose, and the quiet work of surviving becomes the harder work of deciding who can be trusted.
The Long Shadow continues the story of Tom, Claire, and the Ridge community as the consequences of the grid failure spread far beyond one isolated road.
The Long Shadow is Book Two of the Ridge Universe. Reading The Ridge Plan first is strongly recommended.
What Is an Advance Reader Copy?
An advance reader copy—or ARC—is a near-final version of a book provided to selected readers before publication.
The story is complete, but the ARC may still contain minor typographical or formatting issues that will be corrected before release. It is intended for early reading and, for those who choose to do so, an honest review after the published book becomes available.
What You Receive
- A free digital ARC of The Long Shadow
- Access before the public release
- EPUB or PDF format
- Release updates and review links
- The opportunity to be among the first readers to discuss the next Ridge Universe novel
What I Ask
- Begin reading only if you reasonably expect to finish by the requested date
- Keep the ARC private and do not forward, copy, upload, or share it
- Avoid publicly revealing major spoilers
- Consider leaving an honest review after publication
- Let me know if circumstances prevent you from finishing
A review is appreciated, but it is never required. There is no required star rating, and positive, mixed, or critical opinions are equally welcome.
The Ridge ARC Team May Be Right for You If…
- You enjoyed The Ridge Plan
- You prefer realistic survival fiction over lone-wolf fantasy
- You value believable characters, community dynamics, and difficult decisions
- You appreciate accurate treatment of power, water, communications, security, and prolonged disruption
- You regularly finish the books you begin
- You are comfortable reading an EPUB or PDF
- You are willing to keep an unpublished manuscript private
ARC space is limited. Applying does not guarantee selection, and not every applicant will receive every future Ridge Universe title.
How it works
1
Apply
Tell me a little about what you read and where you normally discuss or review books.
2
Watch Your Email
Selected readers will receive instructions and a private link when the ARC is ready.
3
Read the Book
Read the near-final digital edition before the deadline included with your copy.
4
Share Your Honest Opinion
After publication, you may post an honest review on Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, or another platform you use.
Apply to Join the Ridge ARC Team
Complete the form below to be considered for The Long Shadow and future Ridge Universe advance reader opportunities.
Contact Us
ARC Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything?
No. Selected readers receive the digital advance copy free of charge.
Is a review required?
No. An honest review is appreciated but never required. Receiving an ARC does not create an obligation to review the book or to give it a favorable rating.
Will I receive a paperback?
The current ARC is planned as a digital edition available in EPUB or PDF format.
May I share the ARC?
No. The ARC is an unpublished copyrighted manuscript provided only to the selected reader.
Must I have read The Ridge Plan?
It is strongly recommended. The Long Shadow continues the characters, relationships, and events established in The Ridge Plan.
What if I cannot finish by the deadline?
Life happens. Simply let me know. There is no penalty, but communicating helps me manage future ARC opportunities.