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The Last King #1
Shadebound
For a shadebound mage like Artemio Volpe, the ghosts of the past are his constant companions as well as a source of untold power. The legendary House of Seven Shadows is responsible for training the best of the best shadebound mages to harness the magic of the dead. For most students, the dead are kept at a safe distance, but not for Artemio. Their tortured souls seep into his body and mind, granting him a wellspring of power that would carve most men hollow. Their magic comes at a terrible price, but it’s the only thing that’s kept him alive this long.
An outcast from society for no reason other than his unfortunate birthright, Artemio wants nothing more than to study, learn, and develop his talents. But when nobles start to die under mysterious circumstances, he's forced out of the shadows and into the spotlight. Torn between his duty to the kingdom and his studies, Artemio finds his loyalties divided and time running out. After all, the fires burning to the north are not mere barbarian's pyres. They're dragon fire...
Fans of A Game of Thrones, The Stormlight Archives, Legends of the First Empire and The Fatemarked Epic will enjoy The Last King series. Start your epic adventure today.
An outcast from society for no reason other than his unfortunate birthright, Artemio wants nothing more than to study, learn, and develop his talents. But when nobles start to die under mysterious circumstances, he's forced out of the shadows and into the spotlight. Torn between his duty to the kingdom and his studies, Artemio finds his loyalties divided and time running out. After all, the fires burning to the north are not mere barbarian's pyres. They're dragon fire...
Fans of A Game of Thrones, The Stormlight Archives, Legends of the First Empire and The Fatemarked Epic will enjoy The Last King series. Start your epic adventure today.
490 pages, Paperback
Published April 18, 2023
218 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
David Estes
79 books2,670 followersGet a FREE short story from David Estes' #1 Amazon bestselling epic fantasy series, Fatemarked, when you sign up for his mailing list: https://www.subscribepage.com/b2v6v3
David Estes has written more than 40 science fiction and fantasy books. He loves chatting with his readers, all of whom he considers to be his friends. David lives in Hawaii with his beautiful Aussie wife, Adele, his moody cats, Bailey and Luna, and his rambunctious sons, Beau and Brody.
Join 3,000+ David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite in David Estes' official fan group at:
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/7...
Books by David Estes:
-The Fatemarked Epic- For fans of A Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, and The Way of Kings! Four kingdoms. A century-old war. One ancient prophecy that could change everything.
-The Kingfall Histories- a follow up series to the #1 Amazon bestselling series, The Fatemarked Epic
-Strings- “A wonderful retelling of the Pinocchio story…I simply couldn’t put this book down.”—Rysa Walker, bestselling author of TIMEBOUND
-The Dwellers Saga and the Country Saga. Voted books to read if you enjoyed the Hunger Games on Buzzfeed and Listopia.
-Salem's Revenge trilogy- the witch apocalypse begins!
-Slip Trilogy- "Someone must die before another can be born..."
-The Adventures of Nikki Powergloves- Kid superheroes? 'Nuff said.
David Estes has written more than 40 science fiction and fantasy books. He loves chatting with his readers, all of whom he considers to be his friends. David lives in Hawaii with his beautiful Aussie wife, Adele, his moody cats, Bailey and Luna, and his rambunctious sons, Beau and Brody.
Join 3,000+ David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite in David Estes' official fan group at:
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/7...
Books by David Estes:
-The Fatemarked Epic- For fans of A Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, and The Way of Kings! Four kingdoms. A century-old war. One ancient prophecy that could change everything.
-The Kingfall Histories- a follow up series to the #1 Amazon bestselling series, The Fatemarked Epic
-Strings- “A wonderful retelling of the Pinocchio story…I simply couldn’t put this book down.”—Rysa Walker, bestselling author of TIMEBOUND
-The Dwellers Saga and the Country Saga. Voted books to read if you enjoyed the Hunger Games on Buzzfeed and Listopia.
-Salem's Revenge trilogy- the witch apocalypse begins!
-Slip Trilogy- "Someone must die before another can be born..."
-The Adventures of Nikki Powergloves- Kid superheroes? 'Nuff said.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
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October 7, 2022Shadebound is my latest book, and is co-written with GD Penman, a prolific and talented writer with endless imagination. Most of the credit for this one goes to him. If you love epic adventures with unique magic systems, unique characters, mystery, and a dash of romance, then this is one you won't want to miss. And for those who hate waiting for sequels, book two is DONE and will be released soon and book three is already nearing completion, which will finalize the trilogy. For the audiophiles out there, the audio version is narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds, who also did my Kingfall series. He is one of the best fantasy narrators in the business, and I think you'll agree that he outdid himself on this one.
Happy reading and listening!
PS- for those eagle-eyed readers out there, I have a challenge for you: Read both The Kingfall Histories (all books that are currently available), and then read Shadebound, and then tell me where the world of Shadebound is referenced in Kingfall. It's not an Easter Egg exactly, but I didn't want these two worlds to be completely separate so I couldn't help myself.
Happy reading and listening!
PS- for those eagle-eyed readers out there, I have a challenge for you: Read both The Kingfall Histories (all books that are currently available), and then read Shadebound, and then tell me where the world of Shadebound is referenced in Kingfall. It's not an Easter Egg exactly, but I didn't want these two worlds to be completely separate so I couldn't help myself.
January 31, 2025
Shadebound by David Estes and GD Penman is very different fantasy story.
I loved the magic, which isn't a hard magic system but more on the fluent side of things. I didn't mind this, as it fit well within the world and style of the story.
It was a bit too easy and "from zero to hero" for a full 5 star rating, but I still enjoyed the main character and her newly found best friend a lot.
Getting power from the shades of dead people was a fresh idea compared to a lot of books I read recently, and I will happily explore more in this world.
I liked most of the side characters as well, even though u didn't like them as a person at times. But even the aloof one was well written and therefore I was interested in his fate, despite wanting to shake him every so often.
There's a hunt of a sapphic attraction here, which was nice to read, and I'm curious where things will go in future books.
I loved the magic, which isn't a hard magic system but more on the fluent side of things. I didn't mind this, as it fit well within the world and style of the story.
It was a bit too easy and "from zero to hero" for a full 5 star rating, but I still enjoyed the main character and her newly found best friend a lot.
Getting power from the shades of dead people was a fresh idea compared to a lot of books I read recently, and I will happily explore more in this world.
I liked most of the side characters as well, even though u didn't like them as a person at times. But even the aloof one was well written and therefore I was interested in his fate, despite wanting to shake him every so often.
There's a hunt of a sapphic attraction here, which was nice to read, and I'm curious where things will go in future books.
October 2, 2022
Awesome!!!!!
I read one fantasy novel a day, or maybe two if they are under 300 pgs. and this is one of the best that that I have come across in a long time! I usually prefer more gratuitous sex and violence in my reading, and there was some violence but no sex as I can recall so it is suitable for most people old enough to choose their own books. The characters were well developed, the dialog was superb and It kept me at the edge of my seat til the end! I loved it and can't recommend it enough!!
I read one fantasy novel a day, or maybe two if they are under 300 pgs. and this is one of the best that that I have come across in a long time! I usually prefer more gratuitous sex and violence in my reading, and there was some violence but no sex as I can recall so it is suitable for most people old enough to choose their own books. The characters were well developed, the dialog was superb and It kept me at the edge of my seat til the end! I loved it and can't recommend it enough!!
February 15, 2023
This story takes a while to get its legs. It's a different type of magic system where the shadebound draw spirits of dead creatures or beings into themselves and access that power by sacrificing some of their life-force.
Historically only those of noble blood have been able to make use of the power of shades, but a teenage farmgirl has broken that stereotype.
The characters and world are interesting with murder most foul, intrigue and some action. But the book is bogged down by excessive politics by almost everyone.
Historically only those of noble blood have been able to make use of the power of shades, but a teenage farmgirl has broken that stereotype.
The characters and world are interesting with murder most foul, intrigue and some action. But the book is bogged down by excessive politics by almost everyone.
February 3, 2025
4.5 stars, rounded up.
A compelling, well-developed dark fantasy with what is probably the coolest Necromancy I’ve read lately. We have dual POVs: Orsina, a young girl at the start of the story, who can see, communicate with, and host the spirits of the dead (shades) but must learn to defend herself from them, as she’s something of a shade-magnet. Meanwhile, morally-grey Artemio Volpe, the heir to a fallen House that *used* to rule the kingdom, is tasked by the current rulers to track down an assassin, while finishing his studies at House of Seven Shadows, a school that trains Shadebound mages.
The writing is excellent, the plot slow-burn with plenty of suspense. There’s a lot going on here: rebellion, political machinations, invasion, dragons, people with magical connections to animals, and as mentioned, some fancy Necromancy – but it’s handled so deftly and the pace at which the world is revealed to us is gradual so it never feels overwhelming.
I’m really looking forward to seeing where the authors go with this!
A compelling, well-developed dark fantasy with what is probably the coolest Necromancy I’ve read lately. We have dual POVs: Orsina, a young girl at the start of the story, who can see, communicate with, and host the spirits of the dead (shades) but must learn to defend herself from them, as she’s something of a shade-magnet. Meanwhile, morally-grey Artemio Volpe, the heir to a fallen House that *used* to rule the kingdom, is tasked by the current rulers to track down an assassin, while finishing his studies at House of Seven Shadows, a school that trains Shadebound mages.
The writing is excellent, the plot slow-burn with plenty of suspense. There’s a lot going on here: rebellion, political machinations, invasion, dragons, people with magical connections to animals, and as mentioned, some fancy Necromancy – but it’s handled so deftly and the pace at which the world is revealed to us is gradual so it never feels overwhelming.
I’m really looking forward to seeing where the authors go with this!
December 20, 2022
Very entertaining despite flaws
Overall this is rather good fantasy. You’ve got an intriguing system of magic with life being traded to the dead in exchange for power. The world is quite interesting and detailed enough to feel lived in and the characters are on the whole given a good degree of internal life that makes their motivations understandable and I cared about them (for the most part). Having said that the magic system despite being compelling in a lot of ways doesn’t feel entirely explored - particularly the nature of spending time as some things cause a large drain others small and though terms and negotiations are in place with the shades I don’t feel it was adequately explained. The realities of someone binding their life to be used as fuel for the fire is something else I don’t think was explored as much as it could have been - even with two pools to draw from how much time these characters spend would result in a mutual death in middle age but people seem happy to sign themselves up for this. The power was also internally inconsistent at points - Orsina for example is at one point hamstrung by not having enough water to do what she needs (she has elemental control over it via a shade) but at other times is frequently seen producing large amounts from seemingly thin air without explanation. I will say though I found every character outside of Artemio (one of the main two along with orsina) to be very enjoyable. Character development is definitely a strength of this book - they feel distinct and introspective and I cared about them by the end. Artemio though I couldn’t stand by the end. He grates at being looked down on by the other nobility and his reduced position in comparison to them (when he still has enormous privilege) while being just like them. He’s arrogant, entitled, and a flat out bigot. All the talk of ‘social betters’ and his utter revulsion (for no other reason than appearances and social standing) for the peasants that have bound themselves to animals (the ‘mongrels’) left a real bad taste in my mouth. Although she turns out to be something of a villain well before that he treats a servant girl (whose a ‘mongrel’) with casual cruelty and utter contempt because she’s spying apparently but all his mental barbs towards her are disgust at her nature and station. Obviously not all characters need to be lovely but he was such a prick I found myself wishing for his death by the end. Still I cared for the other characters (who also had flaws that felt better explored and less like they were just baseline hateful twats), the world is compelling and the overall story has my interest. I’ll be back for the next (quietly hoping artemio is slow roasted in dragon fire).
Overall this is rather good fantasy. You’ve got an intriguing system of magic with life being traded to the dead in exchange for power. The world is quite interesting and detailed enough to feel lived in and the characters are on the whole given a good degree of internal life that makes their motivations understandable and I cared about them (for the most part). Having said that the magic system despite being compelling in a lot of ways doesn’t feel entirely explored - particularly the nature of spending time as some things cause a large drain others small and though terms and negotiations are in place with the shades I don’t feel it was adequately explained. The realities of someone binding their life to be used as fuel for the fire is something else I don’t think was explored as much as it could have been - even with two pools to draw from how much time these characters spend would result in a mutual death in middle age but people seem happy to sign themselves up for this. The power was also internally inconsistent at points - Orsina for example is at one point hamstrung by not having enough water to do what she needs (she has elemental control over it via a shade) but at other times is frequently seen producing large amounts from seemingly thin air without explanation. I will say though I found every character outside of Artemio (one of the main two along with orsina) to be very enjoyable. Character development is definitely a strength of this book - they feel distinct and introspective and I cared about them by the end. Artemio though I couldn’t stand by the end. He grates at being looked down on by the other nobility and his reduced position in comparison to them (when he still has enormous privilege) while being just like them. He’s arrogant, entitled, and a flat out bigot. All the talk of ‘social betters’ and his utter revulsion (for no other reason than appearances and social standing) for the peasants that have bound themselves to animals (the ‘mongrels’) left a real bad taste in my mouth. Although she turns out to be something of a villain well before that he treats a servant girl (whose a ‘mongrel’) with casual cruelty and utter contempt because she’s spying apparently but all his mental barbs towards her are disgust at her nature and station. Obviously not all characters need to be lovely but he was such a prick I found myself wishing for his death by the end. Still I cared for the other characters (who also had flaws that felt better explored and less like they were just baseline hateful twats), the world is compelling and the overall story has my interest. I’ll be back for the next (quietly hoping artemio is slow roasted in dragon fire).
August 20, 2023
Shadebound by David Estes and GD Penman is high fantasy storytelling at its best. Some reviews have highlighted issues regarding the story’s magic system of using shades. What is getting overlooked in such comments is that this is a trilogy. You can’t (and shouldn’t) account for every detail in Book One. The narrative would get bogged down in exposition and this would detract from a story which is action-packed!
I loved the mystery of this story. Never knowing who to trust, who was good or bad. The first half of the book is almost a murder mystery for this reason. The characters are so complex as to facilitate this ongoing mystery. We learn limited amounts about Artemio, Harmony and Orsina and I liked how this affected the development of the story. It’s through their experiences world building is explained. A world which is rich and complex.
The magic system, binding ghostly apparitions to you to obtain their relevant qualities, is fascinating. It drains a person’s life force so there is a high cost to pay. How this is managed extends to a wealth of complications which leads back to characters and relationships. So clever!
I read the second half of the book in one go. I couldn’t put it down. So exciting. Beautifully written. Needless to say, I launched into Book 2 Bloodbound, with a moment’s hesitation. I highly recommend it.
I loved the mystery of this story. Never knowing who to trust, who was good or bad. The first half of the book is almost a murder mystery for this reason. The characters are so complex as to facilitate this ongoing mystery. We learn limited amounts about Artemio, Harmony and Orsina and I liked how this affected the development of the story. It’s through their experiences world building is explained. A world which is rich and complex.
The magic system, binding ghostly apparitions to you to obtain their relevant qualities, is fascinating. It drains a person’s life force so there is a high cost to pay. How this is managed extends to a wealth of complications which leads back to characters and relationships. So clever!
I read the second half of the book in one go. I couldn’t put it down. So exciting. Beautifully written. Needless to say, I launched into Book 2 Bloodbound, with a moment’s hesitation. I highly recommend it.
April 24, 2023
Another Great Epic!
I’ve been reading David Estes’ books for sometime now and this one is every bit as good as all the others I’ve read. The story draws you in quickly and I found it hard to put the book down once I began reading. I appreciate that the female characters are very strong and really take charge. The reader is quickly drawn in by them and amazed at all they accomplish. The story is rich in detail, and I really could “see” the world created by the authors. Looking forward to Book 2 & hopefully, beyond!
I’ve been reading David Estes’ books for sometime now and this one is every bit as good as all the others I’ve read. The story draws you in quickly and I found it hard to put the book down once I began reading. I appreciate that the female characters are very strong and really take charge. The reader is quickly drawn in by them and amazed at all they accomplish. The story is rich in detail, and I really could “see” the world created by the authors. Looking forward to Book 2 & hopefully, beyond!
January 3, 2024
4.5 stars. This was a great way to start my reading year and I hope this trend keeps going. I enjoyed the magic system, the characters were good and it was very well written. The nobility were very much the bourgeoisie and they annoyed the crap out of me but I suppose that was the point. Even the main characters would think or say something that had me going "eat the rich". The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger but since the trilogy is complete, I plan on picking up the last 2 books soon.
April 17, 2024
Shadebound is an interesting first installation in a trilogy. The magic was quite interesting but I was slightly disappointed in the means that it was explained or described; there was no solid tangible descriptor to the level and depths the powers could reach or average (in expression not number of shades) I believe this comes from the fact the POV's all already know and are set to graduate or don't know anything at all about the magic, meaning we don't really have the chance to learn aside from the errant chapters or minisclue hints. I am hoping that it will be described in greater detail in the following installations.
I'd say the world was interesting but we don't get the chance to know much of it either in this book, since the vast majority takes place in a city that didn't get much description out of certain chapters or in a village in the far reaches of the kingdom, what little we do get to know is fairly intriguing though.
I found the author's ability to make the nobles condescending rather skillful, especially in relation to the I am hoping that it was intentional, of course.
In regards to the plot line, it is difficult to say whether I enjoyed it, you sort of have two plotlines and I found them slightly lacking focus until about 50-60% where it caught its stride and began to be quite entertaining (this is not to say other parts weren't engaging as well). The ending was kind of interesting and I am keen to know what might happen next.
The narrator for the audiobook was excellent, I thoroughly enjoyed the raspiness lol.
Also the cover is absolute fire, easily the thing that grabbed my attention straight off the bat.
This review wavered between a 3 and 4*
3.5*
I'd say the world was interesting but we don't get the chance to know much of it either in this book, since the vast majority takes place in a city that didn't get much description out of certain chapters or in a village in the far reaches of the kingdom, what little we do get to know is fairly intriguing though.
I found the author's ability to make the nobles condescending rather skillful, especially in relation to the I am hoping that it was intentional, of course.
In regards to the plot line, it is difficult to say whether I enjoyed it, you sort of have two plotlines and I found them slightly lacking focus until about 50-60% where it caught its stride and began to be quite entertaining (this is not to say other parts weren't engaging as well). The ending was kind of interesting and I am keen to know what might happen next.
The narrator for the audiobook was excellent, I thoroughly enjoyed the raspiness lol.
Also the cover is absolute fire, easily the thing that grabbed my attention straight off the bat.
This review wavered between a 3 and 4*
3.5*
January 11, 2023
I would have finished this book within two days; however, I ended up having an infected tooth that caused me so much pain I was unable to see straight, let alone focus. Once the antibiotics kicked in and the swelling went down, I could finish this surprising delight.
As I am a Kindle Unlimited member, this did not cost me anything to read, which is a fantastic means for G. D. Penman/David Estes to dangle this unexpected treasure in front of me to hook me onto their reading and become the gatewaydrug book to their next book.
Usually, out of the 10 free kindle unlimited books I download, 1-2 at most hook me enough to keep reading past the first chapter. G.D/David's opening not only crooked its attractive finger at me to consider flipping the digital page to the next but also kept improving. I especially enjoyed the unique twist on shadebound magic and the interconnectivity between the exchange of talents between humans and other creatures in the book's world.
I don't usually write reviews, but sometimes a book comes along and drowns you in swampy, cool waters, whispering sibilant promises of rest to punch you in the face with clever writing. Shadebound is one of those. I'll be looking forward to purchasing and reading Blood Bound.
As I am a Kindle Unlimited member, this did not cost me anything to read, which is a fantastic means for G. D. Penman/David Estes to dangle this unexpected treasure in front of me to hook me onto their reading and become the gateway
Usually, out of the 10 free kindle unlimited books I download, 1-2 at most hook me enough to keep reading past the first chapter. G.D/David's opening not only crooked its attractive finger at me to consider flipping the digital page to the next but also kept improving. I especially enjoyed the unique twist on shadebound magic and the interconnectivity between the exchange of talents between humans and other creatures in the book's world.
I don't usually write reviews, but sometimes a book comes along and drowns you in swampy, cool waters, whispering sibilant promises of rest to punch you in the face with clever writing. Shadebound is one of those. I'll be looking forward to purchasing and reading Blood Bound.
November 28, 2023
super disappointed! what a letdown after kingfall, which was so great i read it twice! this book is sort of interesting, i guess, extremely generous with the gore, and unbelievably poorly written. comma splices and sentence fragments positively abound! sacrificing all proper english and writing for the sake of (i guess?) style is unacceptable. also, considering that we have the start of a lesbian relationship here, and i'm a christian, i won't be bothering with the other two books for that reason also. i'm tired of being beaten over the head with gays and lesbians in everything i read or watch on t.v. i'll have to think about it before i pick up another estes book. wow. how can one writer be so awesome and so terrible?
November 6, 2022
I liked this book more than I expected to and now that I've read it, I can hardly wait for more!
The characters are engaging, but seem to not know themselves well. I guess that is intentional, but it seems like they are constantly changing as the book goes on, and without a ton of passage of time to justify it. Despite that, there is a depth of story that sets this novel up to be the first of a long series, along with a number of unanswered questions about how things will go from here.
The characters are engaging, but seem to not know themselves well. I guess that is intentional, but it seems like they are constantly changing as the book goes on, and without a ton of passage of time to justify it. Despite that, there is a depth of story that sets this novel up to be the first of a long series, along with a number of unanswered questions about how things will go from here.
May 17, 2023
I've been reading David Estes' books for some time now, and swear they get better with each new release! If you're a fan of epic fantasy stories filled with magic and dragons, you should definitely check this one out. I can't wait to read book two! Honestly, if it wasn't for things getting in my way - as life does - I could have devoured this one in one sitting, despite it being a relatively long book.
March 24, 2024
I absolutely loved this book and looking forward to devouring the next in the series.
I loved the friendships in this book and the relationship between Harmony and Orsina. The magic system is interesting and there's dragons!
I loved the friendships in this book and the relationship between Harmony and Orsina. The magic system is interesting and there's dragons!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2024
Two different stories
If it was about one person it could have been ok but it was not, could not get into the story at all when it kept switching mc, did not really get into any depth with the male character but went into too much with the kid
If it was about one person it could have been ok but it was not, could not get into the story at all when it kept switching mc, did not really get into any depth with the male character but went into too much with the kid
November 12, 2023
I really loved KingFall Histories. This, was not that. None of the great characters, and a mediocre story/plot populated with 1) A mediocre mind (Artemius) who couldn't figure out a pretty obvious crime. 2)An annoying twin sister who should love him endlessly but in the end all but abandons him for a girl who she somehow falls in love with despite the fact that there's absolutely no real chemistry or romance budding between them. And 3) a character who unexpectedly becomes the most powerful shadebound there has ever been in about 6 months... I mean, I know this is fantasy, but come on.
By the end i was wishing the book would just be over with. I'm not even tempted to see what happens next. This is a 2.5
By the end i was wishing the book would just be over with. I'm not even tempted to see what happens next. This is a 2.5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2024
Quite possibly the worst opening to a novel I’ve ever read.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews