The Shadow Play is an interesting continuation of the Faction Paradox story that started in The Eleven Day Empire. The story was OK, but that is to be expected to what is essentially the second part of a two-parter.

There wasn't anything bad about this serial, but it did feel a little thin. There were some interesting developments, but it was very much designed to tie up the previous release and set us up for future stories.

The voice acting is good, with some appropriate over-the-top acting to liven up the story.

An interesting continuation of the previous episode with some genuinely interesting ideas, especially around Justine and the Grandfathers shadow, but there again seems to be a lack of plot progression with this story. I suppose linearity is an alien concept to Faction Paradox stories so it's sort of on brand, but I wish there was just some sort of flow of time from start to finish, as despite enjoying the story a lot, I couldn't really tell you what went on

Just delightful. That’s really the best way to sum up my experience with The Shadow Play—it’s the kind of story that leaves you eager for more. The set-up that began in the previous audio drama is brought to a satisfying close here, with all the major players firmly established and some seeds sown for future stories.

The political maneuvering and intrigue in this story feel at times like a precursor to what would later become the backbone of the Gallifrey series—there’s a sense of layered plotting and behind-the-scenes scheming that’s really compelling. While the storytelling is a bit more conventional than the first part of the Faction Paradox Protocols, the eccentricities of the characters and the mystical, ritualistic atmosphere keep things feeling special.

Production and cast are all-around good, making it easy to get lost in the world of the Eleven-Day Empire. The performances are immersive, and the sound design does a great job of drawing you into the story’s unique blend of chaos and order.

I’m genuinely looking forward to listening to the rest of the Faction Paradox Protocols.