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Winds of the Forelands #4
Shapers of Darkness
The Forelands are at war. The magic-wielding Qirsi and their Eandi masters have mobilized their forces. The Eandi have had to look beyond past differences to make alliances for the sake of the future, praying it isn't too late for them to change the outcome of the war. Tavis, an Eandi prince who was framed for murdering the princess to whom he was pledged, and endured torture before winning his freedom, has at last avenged her death. Still, the murder and its aftermath have brought war to the Forelands just as the Qirsi conspirators who bought his love's blood had intended. Now Tavis and Grinsa, a Qirsi shaper with more powers than he reveals, who saved Tavis when nobody else would believe his innocence, venture across the Forelands, risking death to help save the land they love . . .
A powerful Qirsi weaver has brought this terrible war to the land, bending the minds of those he controls and of his enemies in an effort to forge alliances and mobilize forces to destroy the Eandi. His powerful magical ability estranges lovers, betrays leaders, and wreaks murder and death throughout the land. But even with his powerfully malign intelligence, he underestimates the mettle of his opponents. In a psychological duel with Grinsa, the Weaver's formidable powers are sorely tested. Grinsa withstands the Weaver's most powerful attacks at nearly the expense of his own life, and in the process discovers the Weaver's identity.
Will Grinsa's challenge to the Weaver spell the end of the Weaver's reign of doom? Or has Grinsa's discovery come too late to help the Eandi cause? The answers lie in the growing war that may sunder the Forelands forever.
A powerful Qirsi weaver has brought this terrible war to the land, bending the minds of those he controls and of his enemies in an effort to forge alliances and mobilize forces to destroy the Eandi. His powerful magical ability estranges lovers, betrays leaders, and wreaks murder and death throughout the land. But even with his powerfully malign intelligence, he underestimates the mettle of his opponents. In a psychological duel with Grinsa, the Weaver's formidable powers are sorely tested. Grinsa withstands the Weaver's most powerful attacks at nearly the expense of his own life, and in the process discovers the Weaver's identity.
Will Grinsa's challenge to the Weaver spell the end of the Weaver's reign of doom? Or has Grinsa's discovery come too late to help the Eandi cause? The answers lie in the growing war that may sunder the Forelands forever.
512 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 13, 2005
6 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
David B. Coe
66 books260 followersDavid B. Coe is an author of fantasy novels and short stories. He lives with his wife, Nancy Berner, and their two daughters on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee.
He has begun writing a new historical fantasy series under the pen name D.B. Jackson. The first one is titled Thieftaker, published in 2012.
He has begun writing a new historical fantasy series under the pen name D.B. Jackson. The first one is titled Thieftaker, published in 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 28, 2022
Coe continues to weave his story utilizing several rotating POVs and developing numerous political intrigues. Who can you trust? is the central theme here, although he does manage to move the story along at a faster pace than the third installment of the series. Things are rapidly coming to a head. The Weaver continues to suborn Qirsi in the major courts and the war hinted at for several installments finally seems to be getting started.
The plan of the Weaver is for the major houses/kingdoms to engage in a brutal war to weaken them when the triumphant Weaver army of Qirsi take to the field. Nonetheless, many major players are beset by internal political intrigue and cannot commit one way or another. Lots of romances also complicate the political terrain.
If you are a fan of Webber's work, you may really like this. Political intrigue in a largely feudal landscape complicated by the Qirsi ministers advising various kings and such make a good political dynamic. You really have to be vested in the major players, however, and this series could/should have been much shorter. Nonetheless, I am vested enough to read the final volume/showdown. 3 stars.
The plan of the Weaver is for the major houses/kingdoms to engage in a brutal war to weaken them when the triumphant Weaver army of Qirsi take to the field. Nonetheless, many major players are beset by internal political intrigue and cannot commit one way or another. Lots of romances also complicate the political terrain.
If you are a fan of Webber's work, you may really like this. Political intrigue in a largely feudal landscape complicated by the Qirsi ministers advising various kings and such make a good political dynamic. You really have to be vested in the major players, however, and this series could/should have been much shorter. Nonetheless, I am vested enough to read the final volume/showdown. 3 stars.
July 8, 2019
3.25 stars.
Wonderful plot and character development, this is a very productive installment of the series. However, as with any series that has the epic scope this series does, the many povs tends to dilute the engagement I feel toward each story line.
Regardless, I’m looking forward to the final book of this series.
Safety
Wonderful plot and character development, this is a very productive installment of the series. However, as with any series that has the epic scope this series does, the many povs tends to dilute the engagement I feel toward each story line.
Regardless, I’m looking forward to the final book of this series.
Safety
December 28, 2015
Shapers of Darkness by David B. Coe is the fourth book in the Winds of the Forelands series. After being disappointed with Bonds of Vengeance, I am happy to say that Shapers of Darkness provided the redemption I was hoping for. This was the book I was actually expecting in book three. Everything from the events taking place to plunge the Forelands into disarray to the increase in action have been met satisfactorily. Oh and equally important is keeping up with the political aspect of all things concerned.
With Shapers of Darkness, I still found myself wanting to know more about Dusaan. We know why he wants to rid the Forelands of the Eandi courts and nobles but aside from a tid bit of background information given throughout the series, we still don't really get to know just "who" he is. I guess I was always hoping for a flashback of some sort to tell the tale of the movement's leader. I only say this because if for some reason the Weaver does perish in book five, I'll just remember him as another tyrant or "baddie" and think nothing much of it. If more time and effort was spent on fleshing Dusaan out throughout the series, I would probably feel more attached to his character and therefore, would be a little more interested in terms of finding out whether he will triumph or meet his demise in the end.
I just realized that up until now, I don't recall many plot twists that made my eyes go wide. I actually don't find myself minding at all. This series started off the way it did and it has kept true to that pace throughout. Shapers of Darkness definitely has the most action oriented scenes so far in the series and it's what you'd normally expect where swordplay and castle sieges are concerned. Nothing really new here. I expect things to turn up in intensity for the final fight and conclusion.
With book four out of the way, I can say that I am very glad to have made it thus far in the series. Book five will provide the conclusion to such an awesome series that I'm honestly a little happy it's finally ending because I can then move on to reading other books!
With Shapers of Darkness, I still found myself wanting to know more about Dusaan. We know why he wants to rid the Forelands of the Eandi courts and nobles but aside from a tid bit of background information given throughout the series, we still don't really get to know just "who" he is. I guess I was always hoping for a flashback of some sort to tell the tale of the movement's leader. I only say this because if for some reason the Weaver does perish in book five, I'll just remember him as another tyrant or "baddie" and think nothing much of it. If more time and effort was spent on fleshing Dusaan out throughout the series, I would probably feel more attached to his character and therefore, would be a little more interested in terms of finding out whether he will triumph or meet his demise in the end.
I just realized that up until now, I don't recall many plot twists that made my eyes go wide. I actually don't find myself minding at all. This series started off the way it did and it has kept true to that pace throughout. Shapers of Darkness definitely has the most action oriented scenes so far in the series and it's what you'd normally expect where swordplay and castle sieges are concerned. Nothing really new here. I expect things to turn up in intensity for the final fight and conclusion.
With book four out of the way, I can say that I am very glad to have made it thus far in the series. Book five will provide the conclusion to such an awesome series that I'm honestly a little happy it's finally ending because I can then move on to reading other books!
November 26, 2022
I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the 3rd one, which is odd, because more happens in this one. There is more dramatic plot progress here. But I think the 3rd book may have been stronger on character beats, and that’s what I really love.
This is when the series finally gets a character chart! That’s been needed since book 2, so that was good. Though to be honest this is the point when I need it less!
Fetnalla and Evanthya are definitely a highlight here. Their arc feels headed for tragedy at the moment, so I’m nervous 😬
Aindreas also remains interesting for me. He is backed in a corner and continues to try to make impossible decisions.
The first book makes it feel like Tavis is *so* important and then puts him on the back burner which feels so odd. But I feel like the last book is going to be a real time to shine for Tavis and Grinsa. There are also other specific characters whose stories I’m so curious to see play out. I don’t have a good sense of where it will all land, so I do look forward to the conclusion.
This is when the series finally gets a character chart! That’s been needed since book 2, so that was good. Though to be honest this is the point when I need it less!
Fetnalla and Evanthya are definitely a highlight here. Their arc feels headed for tragedy at the moment, so I’m nervous 😬
Aindreas also remains interesting for me. He is backed in a corner and continues to try to make impossible decisions.
The first book makes it feel like Tavis is *so* important and then puts him on the back burner which feels so odd. But I feel like the last book is going to be a real time to shine for Tavis and Grinsa. There are also other specific characters whose stories I’m so curious to see play out. I don’t have a good sense of where it will all land, so I do look forward to the conclusion.
December 31, 2023
This book FINALLY had a character list! That really helps the reader keep track of who is who and where they are from!
This book was darker than the previous ones. I felt that some perturbing actions happened in this book that didn't need to be part of the story. At this point in the series, we already know that Dusaan, The Weaver, is an evil Qirsi, and some actions didn't need to be filled in to know him more. Also, from the first book out, one thinks that Tavis and Grinsa are the most important characters, but they really take a back seat in this book. I hope that the final book in this series gives them time to shine and completes their story arcs well.
This was still an interesting read, though I almost feel that one could skip this book (book 4) and slide right into book 5. I'm onto book 5 myself, so we'll see what all happens next!
This book was darker than the previous ones. I felt that some perturbing actions happened in this book that didn't need to be part of the story. At this point in the series, we already know that Dusaan, The Weaver, is an evil Qirsi, and some actions didn't need to be filled in to know him more. Also, from the first book out, one thinks that Tavis and Grinsa are the most important characters, but they really take a back seat in this book. I hope that the final book in this series gives them time to shine and completes their story arcs well.
This was still an interesting read, though I almost feel that one could skip this book (book 4) and slide right into book 5. I'm onto book 5 myself, so we'll see what all happens next!
September 2, 2025
I was pretty disappointed with this book. I had to DNF it. I absolutely loved the first 2 in the series. The 3rd book had lots of politicking and building up for the coming Qirsi war. The entire 1st half of this book just repeats the 3rd with all this building up, more politicking, and backroom deals. I was expecting straight up war, battles, sieges, mass combat, etc. Instead, I received more scheming and politicking. I tried to push myself to continue the book, hoping the next page or chapter would be the one that delivered the goods, but no. I didn't like how Tavis and Grinsa get put on the back burner when they were the main focus of the first 3 books.
July 29, 2018
The story is interesting and captivating to keep this non-series reader reading four books into the series. However, when Coe decides that he wants suspense and starts dialogue without stating who is saying what, I end up seriously confused and having to backtrack a whole page to read it again.
June 30, 2022
Un tome dans lequel commence à aboutir tout ce qu'on a vu se mettre en place petit à petit. La tension est à son comble, on observe les conséquences des jeux politiques menés durant les tomes précédents. Vraiment une chouette lecture avec un rythme qui va crescendo
May 30, 2017
Good as the others shere, close to the final now.
Why does some characters being such stupid asses!
Why does some characters being such stupid asses!
June 21, 2018
The over arching story flows well and the final book is getting set up while a complete story is told. Each book seems to improve over the previous one.
July 3, 2020
The end took awhile...but this book is great!!!
November 25, 2016
Shapers of Darkness is the fourth volume in David Coe's engaging Winds of the Forelands series.
Where the previous installment (Bonds of Vengeance: Book 3 of The Winds of the Forelands) focused almost entirely on the political intrigue, Shapers of Darkness is non-stop action from cover to cover. At this point, the Qirsi Weaver's behind-the-scenes machinations have all come to fruition and the entire realm is at war, and there are as many internal threats as there are external. As the penultimate volume in the series, Shapers of Darkness does a great job of pulling plotlines together and building anticipation for the series conclusion Weavers of War.
The series suffers a bit from the sheer volume of characters, nations, plots, and subplots, and to his credit the author seems to realize this. Coe provides a helpful "who's who" list of characters at the beginning of the book, which is a nice way to get reacquainted with the cast before jumping into chapter 1. There's still a sense of repetition or perhaps homogenization, in that the various nations seem interchangeable. This is especially noticeable in comparison to George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series. Martin gives each people their own culture, mannerisms, customs, and speech patterns. Coe does this to a far lesser extent, almost as if it were an afterthought. Still, this is a relatively minor complaint against an otherwise very enjoyable series.
Shapers of Darkness is so action packed it's almost exhausting, and it will definitely leave you panting for more. Fortunately the end is near. Weavers of War will be the series' final volume.
Where the previous installment (Bonds of Vengeance: Book 3 of The Winds of the Forelands) focused almost entirely on the political intrigue, Shapers of Darkness is non-stop action from cover to cover. At this point, the Qirsi Weaver's behind-the-scenes machinations have all come to fruition and the entire realm is at war, and there are as many internal threats as there are external. As the penultimate volume in the series, Shapers of Darkness does a great job of pulling plotlines together and building anticipation for the series conclusion Weavers of War.
The series suffers a bit from the sheer volume of characters, nations, plots, and subplots, and to his credit the author seems to realize this. Coe provides a helpful "who's who" list of characters at the beginning of the book, which is a nice way to get reacquainted with the cast before jumping into chapter 1. There's still a sense of repetition or perhaps homogenization, in that the various nations seem interchangeable. This is especially noticeable in comparison to George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series. Martin gives each people their own culture, mannerisms, customs, and speech patterns. Coe does this to a far lesser extent, almost as if it were an afterthought. Still, this is a relatively minor complaint against an otherwise very enjoyable series.
Shapers of Darkness is so action packed it's almost exhausting, and it will definitely leave you panting for more. Fortunately the end is near. Weavers of War will be the series' final volume.
January 28, 2016
These last two books are definitely not at the same level as the first three. Partly it is because the pacing suddenly speeds way up, but this would be acceptable if Dusaan, our bad guy weren't such an underwhelming villain. He is a bit of a spoiled brat and more irritating to read about than anything else, mostly because of his interactions with the supporting characters become increasingly unpleasant and unbelievable. He is basically a schoolyard bully with a gaggle of mean girls, and he wouldn't be worthy of Grinsa's time if he wasn't a Weaver. His cleverness as written does not match the cleverness needed to organize the conspiracy in my opinion.
January 9, 2014
I found Shapers of Darkness to be the weakest of the five but I can't quite place why. The pace moves along rather quickly but I found myself thoroughly uninterested in certain plot lines (most predominantly the goings on in Galdasten)--so much that I took a nearly three month hiatus from reading halfway through and just recently finished it up. That isn't to say that this book isn't entertaining because it is, I just found it less so than the others, including Weavers of War (the fifth book in the series.)
December 28, 2007
Much like Jordan's The Wheel of Time series, The Winds of the Forelands has been so massive that stories and characters after often given one or two chapters per book making it extremely difficult to remember the inactive stories as the currently active ones continue on. That being said, the main plots themselves have good pacing and general layout stop the book from becoming one long battle or discussion by mixing the two.
August 11, 2020
Un quatrième volume se plaçant encore une fois sous l'égide de machinations politiques, mais cette fois-ci évoluant vers plus de chapitres d'action et de guerres enfin enclanchées. On voit qu'on se dirige vers une résolution qui pourrait autant être triomphante qu'amère dans le dernier livre. Malheureusement, les libraires d'ici étant en rupture de stock, je me devrai d'attendre quelques semaines au minimum avant d'apprécier le point culminant de cette série.
April 30, 2009
I am now 4/5'ths of the way through this series and I have really enjoyed it. The only complaints it is the number of characters and sometimes the plot gets really intricate. Overall it has been a great series. I am looking forward to the final book.
June 17, 2008
Still going good in the series! Can't wait for the wrap up in the last book.
October 3, 2010
See first book for review of entire series =)
January 13, 2012
This is a good continuation of the series that sets the stage for the final volume of the series.
April 30, 2012
Better than the first book. More conflict, conflict resolution, confessions, etc. Quite dramatic overall.
September 19, 2012
The war is staring to ramp up in earnest now and things are getting really exciting. I flew through this book faster than I thought possible, always a good sign.
May 23, 2015
This book marked the beginning of the boring part of the series for me :(
May 15, 2017
Glad I made myself read this one, it's enjoyable, but not my favorite from Coe.
Read
December 21, 2017It seems an odd place for the novel to stop, but the plot kept moving quickly throughout the book. Starting the last one now.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews