Lillis traveled widely across the country, carried out an impressive number of interviews, and followed several key events… She also closely explored the stories and experiences of numerous [people]... Her work demonstrates that [Kazakhstan] has become more secretive, authoritative, and oppressive.

CHOICE

Astute, refreshing and revelatory; it is also surprisingly tender, showing not only her affection but her care in trying to make sense of a country that needs to be understood warts and all ... It is not easy to look beneath the surface and make sense of a country of such contrasts and complexities, especially one that is in transition. You don't need a book about Kazakhstan to realise that the world is changing; but reading Dark Shadows is a great place to start for anyone wanting to see how and why Central Asia matters in the 21st century.

Peter Frankopan, The Spectator

Dark Shadows reads like a thriller. Lillis knows exactly how to investigate and tell stories, which characters readers will relate to or abhor, and how sources need to be interrogated & balanced.

Asian Affairs

This is a fine book, beautifully written and with just the right blend of affection and censure. Lillis has rendered a great public service by dispelling some of the myths and caricatures that have gathered around Kazakhstan, which remains one of the world's least well-understood countries.

Eurasianet

Through in-depth interviews and good access to a range of Kazakh public figures, the book presents a powerful tale of injustice, corruption and fear ... An interesting and comprehensive addition to scholarship on Eurasia and post-Soviet and Central Asian studies at a time of renewed interest in the region at the crossroads between China and Russia.

Europe-Asia Studies

The best book in English in the last decade on developments in Kazkahstan

William Courtney, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the RAND Corporation, and former US ambassador to Kazakhstan