World In Shadow is a realistic fiction novel by James Martel I published in 2526. The novel addresses the perilous state of humanity following the outbreak of the Human-Covenant War and speculates on humanity's future as a species. The plot predominantly follows that of various civilians over a time period of twenty-one years, as humanity's colonies are wiped out one by one until they are reduced to near-extinction with the glassing of Earth in 2546. Although not considered a war novel, parts of the plot does touch on fictional depictions of military figures, including that of Staff Sergeant Avery Johnson and Vice Admiral Preston Cole.