A Tale of Light and Shadow
(A Tale of Light and Shadow #1)
by Jacob Gowans
NA Fantasy
Hardcover, paperback & ebook, 400 Pages
September 9th 2014 by Shadow Mountain
September 9th 2014 by Shadow Mountain
Summary
Enter Atolas, a world where swords and daggers both extend life and end it, where magic is feared by all but a few, and where feuds and friendships influence kingdoms and courtships. Henry and Isabelle have secretly sworn to marry despite his lowly station as a carpenter, but his devotion to her drives him to commit an unthinkable act that may cost both of them their lives.
At the same time, a secret, dark prophecy has set in motion events that will affect not only them, but the thrones of rulers throughout all of Atolas, threatening to eclipse the world in shadow. But all is not lost while hope remains in the guise of an unlikely hero and the strength of friendship.
At the same time, a secret, dark prophecy has set in motion events that will affect not only them, but the thrones of rulers throughout all of Atolas, threatening to eclipse the world in shadow. But all is not lost while hope remains in the guise of an unlikely hero and the strength of friendship.
My Review
A Tale of Light and Shadow allows the reader to become familiar with its characters, their background, and plight before jumping into a crazy and dangerous journey. With distinct characters, an engaging plot, a fantasy world where not all or who are as they seem, it was a story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I liked these characters. They each had different roles and played them well. I liked Maggie, James, and Henry the most, but also, somewhat begrudgingly, Ruther. They each had their own merits and some of them grew on me as the story progressed. I also had this hope that they would all do as they should and make it to their intended destination without being captured or losing their lives.
I have to also give notice to some other characters who were so very well drawn. The Emperor Krallick from neighboring Neverak was a cunning, manipulative, and strong adversary. Then there was the King of Blithmore who was somewhat deceiving in appearing less than he was, but a good king. General Attikus was another strong character and one that I feel will play an important role as the series progresses. He will have to decide what he is willing to do for a corrupt monarch.
Then there is the mystery of magic that I know some of the characters possess, but hide. There are a few trinkets that also play some sort of role that I'm unsure of. They are just hinted to in the story as the characters flee for their lives versus a very determined opposition. The pace is steadily intense from about a third of the book on and ends leading nicely into the second book.
The only drawbacks I had were that the characters acted younger and less confident in some parts than I thought they would and that some things didn't quite make sense to me realistically. I also didn't like a couple of the characters at some points. These were relatively of small concern though, as the story picked up and developed in places. By the end I was entranced with the story and happy that I had the second book just waiting for me to pick up.
I liked these characters. They each had different roles and played them well. I liked Maggie, James, and Henry the most, but also, somewhat begrudgingly, Ruther. They each had their own merits and some of them grew on me as the story progressed. I also had this hope that they would all do as they should and make it to their intended destination without being captured or losing their lives.
I have to also give notice to some other characters who were so very well drawn. The Emperor Krallick from neighboring Neverak was a cunning, manipulative, and strong adversary. Then there was the King of Blithmore who was somewhat deceiving in appearing less than he was, but a good king. General Attikus was another strong character and one that I feel will play an important role as the series progresses. He will have to decide what he is willing to do for a corrupt monarch.
Then there is the mystery of magic that I know some of the characters possess, but hide. There are a few trinkets that also play some sort of role that I'm unsure of. They are just hinted to in the story as the characters flee for their lives versus a very determined opposition. The pace is steadily intense from about a third of the book on and ends leading nicely into the second book.
The only drawbacks I had were that the characters acted younger and less confident in some parts than I thought they would and that some things didn't quite make sense to me realistically. I also didn't like a couple of the characters at some points. These were relatively of small concern though, as the story picked up and developed in places. By the end I was entranced with the story and happy that I had the second book just waiting for me to pick up.
I would recommend A Tale of Light and Shadow to fantasy readers, both YA, NA, and adult. It is the beginning to a promising series and one that will only get deeper and more dangerous as it carries on.
Content: Clean
Source: I would like to thank Shadow Mountain for my complimentary copy, which did not affect my review in any way.
Source: I would like to thank Shadow Mountain for my complimentary copy, which did not affect my review in any way.
(A Tale of Light and Shadow Prequel)
by Jacob Gowans
NA Fantasy
Ebook, 43 Pages
February 25th 2014 by Shadow Mountain
Summary
Enter Atolas, a world where swords and daggers both extend life and end it, where magic is feared by all but a few, and where feuds and friendships influence kingdoms and courtships. In The Fool and the Dragonox, a prequel to A Tale of Light and Shadow, we meet Henry Vestin, his best friend Ruther, his sister, Maggie, and the love of his young life, Isabelle Oslan, as they begin an adventure that will help define their ongoing friendship.
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My Review
The Fool and the Dragonox was a nice introduction to this series. The writing, plot, and characterizations were all great and perfect for a short novella. The characters and their situation become familiar and lead to interest in the A Tale of Light and Shadow where the characters' situations have changed somewhat and they are entangled in a new plight.
If you're planning on reading this series, this is a good segue-way to do so, but is not necessary. I, however, was happy that I took the time to read this.
If you're planning on reading this series, this is a good segue-way to do so, but is not necessary. I, however, was happy that I took the time to read this.
Content: Clean
Source: I would like to thank Shadow Mountain, through Edelweiss, for my complimentary copy, which did not affect my review in any way.
Source: I would like to thank Shadow Mountain, through Edelweiss, for my complimentary copy, which did not affect my review in any way.
I'm looking forward to reviewing the second book in this series, Secrets of Neverak. Do you enjoy reading fantasy?
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