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Shadow Makers #1

Daughter of the Light

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An ancient Magical House rises. Old enemies are unleashed.

The Oracle’s prediction has come to pass. A year after the Crevlin war, Rand is faced with a new threat, one which will rock its very foundations.

Given away by her father as a postulant to the Order of the Sacred Fame, Bree has been in their Abbey for ten years. But no piety exists within the cloistered walls, only hate and suffering.

Savannah, wearer of the Sacred medallion and now a Mind Walker, is forced to land at the tavern near the Abbey. Sensing Bree’s magic, she helps her escape from the Order.

Broken by ten years of abuse, Bree flees to Peridon, capital of the Flagspur Islands, ruled by Yaslin, a forceful Queen who won’t bend her knee to the Imperial throne. There, Bree must face her inner demons and learn how to wield her new-found powers. A power that only she possesses. The power of the light.

And she needs to hurry, or Rand will fall.

Book One of the Two Book series: Shadow Makers.

400 pages, ebook

Published June 29, 2023

2 people are currently reading
101 people want to read

About the author

Silvia Shaw

11 books104 followers
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5 stars
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28 (24%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Simone11.
249 reviews3 followers
July 13, 2023
I love the universe of Rand. You see a lot of characters of the first three books reappearing but in this one the focus is on two new characters. The “Ice-Queen” Yaslin and Bree. It’s mostly their story and it’s a sad one at the beginning.
They’ve a lot to overcome to get the HEA. Very interesting and three dimensional characters which were sharpened through a tough life.
Highly recommend.
Profile Image for AnnMaree Of Oz.
1,510 reviews130 followers
July 2, 2023
Kindle Unlimited
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9SH3TWX?

Set in the same world as Rand and featuring a lot of the characters from that Trilogy, but with a focus on a few new characters and their struggles.

It was great to catch up with Savannah and Pela, plus many of the Royal Queens of the various Kingdoms of Rand. We meet a new queen in Yaslin, from Flagspur Islands, and discover a new area of Rand and its people, plus the haunted reasons why she is such an aloof Ice Queen.

Most heart-wrenching was the story of Bree, who has experienced a long time of abuse at the hands of those who lied and manipulated and have a lot of blood on their hands. She is strong and has a lot of empathy, you really just root for her character.

She has magical powers and an origin story of her own to discover as she escapes and learns about herself, her power and her desires for love and affection.

I'm impressed how the author weaves in so many interesting fantasy elements in natural ways, and comes up with surprising characters and scenarios. It's really such an adventure to discover, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, and look forward to the sequel.

We get a lot of growth in this installment and it feels satisfying where it ends, and doesn't feel like a cliff-hanger but definitely leaves you a promise for more to come that feels genuinely very exciting.

These are very well woven and written stories with strong female characters with love and friendship and working together against evil, for the greater good. It's everything you want from a fantasy novel with great world building, and plotting that leads you on a thrilling adventure.

If you read the Rand trilogy, you definitely need to read this next! Check them all out on KU!

Thanks to the author for the ARC. All views are my own.
Profile Image for Lady Olenna.
853 reviews68 followers
January 24, 2024
Silvia Shaw is a gift that keeps on giving. The Daughter of the Light is again another welcome novel from this amazing author. It still has the regular cast of character like Savannah, Pela etc but I really enjoyed that Olivine was given a bigger role in this story since we’ve already seen what Gladofin could do, it’s nice to get better acquainted with the literal ice queen.

The main attraction, Bree, was such a breath of fresh air too. I think her history has great foundation and the trajectory of her story has me knots! The romance between Bree and Yaslin was such a cute and enjoyable addition to the story. It felt like the author highlighted their romance more compared to the other pairings in the past books (except for Pela and Savvy) and I quite liked it. It’s a reprieve from the doom and gloom. Fingers crossed book 2 is not far off.
Profile Image for Elle Hyden.
Author 4 books24 followers
July 12, 2023
Another great book in the expanding world of Rand. So happy to meet the new characters while revisiting the previous ones. Absolutely loved Feya and am looking forward to seeing the full range of her magical abilities. Keep cranking these books out, Silvia.
Profile Image for Issy Waldrom.
Author 10 books55 followers
September 19, 2023
Very excited to see more books being written in the Rand universe, with both new characters, and the return of the familiar cast from the first series as well. This one definitely lives up to the expectations set by the previous series, though it is also a direct follow on, so the Imperial Rand series needs to be read first.

The story is very much a solid fantasy, with a dash of romance on the side (Bree and her love interest are very cute, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow as their characters developed as well). The threat is there, and Savannah and those around her are working towards trying to deal with it. There is growth for the returning characters as well, and I loved seeing more of their lives.

Being the first part of a new series, not everything is resolved, though the current arc finishes off well, setting the scene for what is to come (though I expect there will be some twists along the way).

Overall a very enjoyable book and a great addition to the series, and I look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Emmy.
52 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2023
I am so excited that we get to reenter the world of Rand with old friends and new adventures with this new series!
Profile Image for Laura.
166 reviews8 followers
September 15, 2023
Daughter of the Light has all the earmarks of another magnificent journey with Savannah and Co. I was so excited to discover that Silvia Shaw had penned another story set in this world, and I loved every minute of falling back into the universe of Rand.

This time around there's another threat on the horizon for the realms of Rand, one which will require an ancient Magical House to rise from the depths of history.

Ten years after being given to the Order of the Sacred Flame a veritable house of slavery and sorcery disguised as a pious Abbey, Bree knows there's a reason she continues to survive the visits from the Death Demons...

When Savannah offers Bree a means of escape, she never imagined she'd find herself sailing on a merchant ship, never mind falling for the sovereign of the Flagspurs; Queen Yaslin.

As the peril to the Flagspurs threatens to swallow the whole of Rand, Bree must not only battle to master her birthright but also face a battle of the heart, if she wishes to successfully thaw an Ice Queen's core.

On that note, I enjoyed that Silvia gave readers a fantasy take on the Ice Queen trope. It's one of my favourites and it works surprisingly well with the overarching story.

It was great to see so many characters from the Imperial Rand series prominently feature in Daughter of the Light. It did feel like catching up with an old friend, but was wonderfully balanced with brand new characters and of course two new main characters in the form of Bree and Yaslin; this is their story first and foremost. Aside from baby Feya! Who knows how to steal the limelight and will no doubt be a hoot once she's older. I'd love to see the author use Feya's character further down the line.

Whilst I would say you don't have to read the first set of books (as Silvia does a sterling job filling in the blanks without re-writing history), you'd probably get the most enjoyment out of this story by reading the Imperial Rand trilogy beforehand. 

The pacing of this new tale of Rand is near perfect, there's a lot of character development and growth; I already can't wait for the sequel!
Daughter of the Light is a fabulous expansion of the Rand universe with a brand new adventure to embark upon with all your favourite people. Fantasy lovers will not be disappointed by what any story of Rand has to offer.
Profile Image for Patricia.
550 reviews12 followers
August 13, 2023
I was not expecting more stuff from Rand and the happiness I felt when I saw this one (and there's more!!) was through the roofs.

It was awesome to meet again all these women. They are an interesting lot and always deliver. But I'll tell ya, this book was more heartbreaking than the other trilogy, because of Bree and the others' circumstances. My heart was burning when I was reading most of it. And the angst I fell, oof, not nice, even though I new things wouldn't end bad. Ultimately, I think the author will always deliver a sort of "feel good" story.

But I'll confess I didn't love much the pairing here. I don't know if it's because we didn't have much opportunity to see what Bree sees, with the POV changing to Savannah too, just that she feels a pull, but I don't know, it felt like Yaslin icy demeanour didn't thaw at all (you cannot blame her), and then sort of out of nowhere, she was all mushy towards Bree. So one can see why I didn't have the time to root for her to get the girl. Hopefully with the next books she can show more of her devoting love for Bree.

Anyway, I cannot wait to read the next ones and learn who's the real enemy, the plot keeps thickening and unfortunately I'm not a seer to guess what's to come.
Profile Image for Tony Hisgett.
3,011 reviews36 followers
June 26, 2024
An interesting start to the book, but by halfway I found I was becoming a tiny bit irritated with the story. I suspect this is partly my own fault, after several incidents I began to develop a picture of how the story might progress and was eager to see how it would develop. However it seemed like the author wasn’t that bothered as different characters didn’t seem to react to new information and situations. Perhaps worse was at times the story felt like it was really just a collection of separate incidents, cobbled together.
Also, although interesting, the ‘Bree’ storyline wasn’t always convincing, especially the Bree/Yaslin relationship which became tedious quite quickly.

After reading the original ’Imperial Rand’ books I wrote in one of my reviews;
. . . it was still interesting, but it didn’t always seem to fit together properly, in fact I would probably describe it as a bit ‘clunky’.

This is very much what I felt about this book. Having said all that, like the ’Imperial Rand’ books, I still found aspects of the story interesting and it did get better towards the end.
Profile Image for Sydney .
240 reviews10 followers
September 4, 2024
I really enjoyed returning to Rand. It is such a wonderful, magical place. Savannah is once again in the thick of it all, bringing many of the old characters into the story with her. Bree is a wonderful addition to the cast along with Yaslin. They're not the usual, rich, royal characters that we're used to from the previous series. These women are strong survivors, marked by their similar traumas. Also, Feya is a cute delight. Looking forward to seeing more of her.

I wasn't sure at first who Bree was going to end up with. It was fun trying to figure out if it would be Germaine or Yaslin. Both would have taken good care of Bree, but only Yaslin had the shared experiences that led to both of their healing. I feel bad for how things turned out for Germaine, because she seemed a wonderful character. Hopefully she'll find her own someone before the end of the new series.

There is no third act breakup. This is a relatively slowburn romance. The MCs get together after the halfway mark, but don't truly come together as a loving couple until much later. It was great to see them help each other become more whole and healed.
Profile Image for Bonny.
4 reviews
July 7, 2023
A really great book. It's the first of a two part series set in the fictional world of Rand, a year after the end of the Imperial Rand series.
The main character this time, is Bree, who has been locked up in an Abbey for ten years. It's an awful place where the girls are beaten then sold at auction or sacrificed to shadow monsters. She escapes and reaches sanctuary in Peridon, the capital of the Flagspur Islands, ruled by a strong Queen who doesn't acknowledge the Imperial throne.
The story goes from there with many twists and turns along the way. A lot of the old characters are back. and Savannah the bearer of the sacred medallion and now a Mind Walker has the second POV.
The author continues to expand her fantasy world with more magical being and monsters.
This is a truly epic adventure and I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Grace.
978 reviews12 followers
October 3, 2023
This book is a definite step up from the original trilogy. And while the book does still follow Savannah partly in this split POV, it really is Bree and her storyline in this book that sets it apart from the original trilogy.

I think what I enjoyed more was that Bree's storyline is significantly darker than Savannah's was, and I am a sucker for a darker storyline. I just wished we'd tapped into that darkness a bit more, because while its mentioned, once Bree escapes the Abbey, her trauma isn't really explored in depth at all.

I also think that while Savannah's POV was necessary, we needed Yaslin's more. It's very difficult to read the romance between Bree and Yas and just have Yas fall in love with Bree when from Bree's POV she's very cold and distant.

Overall, this book was an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to seeing where Bree's story goes in the future.
23 reviews
June 30, 2023
Excellent book. This is a another series set in the fantasy world of Rand and while it has a new heroine and storyline, all the old characters are back like a familiar family. The author continues to expand her world and immerses the reader into a totally believable fantasy setting. Magic, of course, is in abundance, with the new protagonist, Bree, a descendant of a lost ancient magical House.
This book series is a little darker, with a very unlikable head Abbess of an evil order as the chief villain.
The characters are complex and the plot has many twists and turns. I like that while the author has heroic characters, they also have flaws like any normal person.
I can't recommend this book enough, not just for fantasy reader but for anyone who enjoys a well-written story.
Profile Image for Subira.
259 reviews4 followers
May 30, 2025
4.5
She was never supposed to survive the fire. But she did—and she learned to bend light.

Bree’s journey was never about being saved. It was about refusing to stay broken, even when the world tried to brand her into silence. Each scar, a whisper of the girl she was forced to be; each choice, a defiance of the darkness that claimed her youth.

From the blood-soaked Abbey halls to the storm-churned seas, from whispered truths in palace gardens to a kiss that felt like breathing for the first time—this is a story of reclamation. Of identity, love, and the kind of power that doesn’t wait to be granted.

If you're reading this, you’ve stepped into Rand—a realm that doesn’t pretend the pain isn’t real. But it dares to dream that healing is, too.
Profile Image for Meredith.
333 reviews8 followers
March 27, 2024
Good continuation from the previous series. I loved that there was more romance in this book. Bree and Yaslin are so cute but i wanted more development before they got together, but oh well.
Also, there is a looming threat again, which is fine but it doesn't really interest me anymore? I think it's because in the previous series, it was also about finding out who the enemy is. Savannah is doing Savannah things, running around figuring it out. So, reading about a similar plotline bores me a little.
However, i still love the characters in this book and would definitely see this through. Just wanted more excitement and mystery added into the story.
3.5 stars.
Profile Image for Lisa.
576 reviews8 followers
July 9, 2023
Excellent addition to Rand stories!
Having just completed a reread of the Rand trilogy, I went online in hopes of a Book 4 being published. I was so excited to see Daughter of the Light had just been released. Not only is the Rand trilogy among my favorites, but this story continues the excellent storytelling from the magical world of Rand. I love the characters and the world-building from Silvia Shaw's vivid imagination. I cannot recommend the Rand series or this addition to the Rand world enough. How long until Shadow Makers Book 2 is released?
Profile Image for Rhiannon.
98 reviews35 followers
March 26, 2024
I cannot begin to say how damn good this book is. Following the event that happened in the Forgotten Realms series, Savannah is back but not at the centre of this, but this new hero emerged, the Light Bender, Bree.

I have delayed in reading this one because I think I knew how fantastic the book would be before I even opened it. Now I'm in that drought period until the next installment. Damn it, Silvia, you are one helluva writter!
Profile Image for Sheila.
933 reviews
July 27, 2023
Yet another incredible book by this author. In depth, magical and full of surprises. Each characters captures every human emotion. Evil forces once again tries to rage war in the land of Rand. New strong alliances form. Relations formed and forged into bounds of love. I look forward to the next chapter of this series.
Profile Image for Marta.
296 reviews7 followers
June 9, 2025
One more book from the universe of Rand and it was as good as the three before this one. I love the adventures in those books. “Daughters of the light” doesn’t disappoint either. New threat against Rand, new enemy, new and well-known characters and magic. Very good fantasy book - definitely worth reading.
Profile Image for Marybeth.
176 reviews6 followers
July 3, 2023
I loved the Rand books and this one is in the same world. It has characters from the wonderful previous epics and adds new MC's that are great. It is an adventure tale for sure. Kept me engaged from beginning to end and now I am eagerly awaiting a new story.
Profile Image for Andrea (looseleftlesbian).
393 reviews17 followers
March 22, 2024
This can be a standalone book but I’m glad I read the three others before this. It makes it easier to understand. I cannot wait for the next book! I love these characters so much and I am excited to see more of Freya!
Profile Image for Cheryl.
37 reviews
April 19, 2024
Every visit to Rand is a non-stop adventure that’s impossible to put down. It’s an absolute pleasure to get lost in another tale of Rand. Bree and Queen Yaslin make excellent additions to a sapphic world already teeming with clever, strong women. Can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Rach.
144 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2024
Really enjoyed the three previous Rand books, this one was great. New characters and a new big bad. All link the old and the new, very enjoyable can’t wait to start the second book
Profile Image for Hess.
315 reviews10 followers
March 19, 2025
A guilty pleasure. The prose isn't great, but the plot is like catnip. Read the Rand trilogy first if you're new to the series, this is a continuation.
Profile Image for Caitlin.
427 reviews
September 1, 2025
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.



Another fun and engaging story in the universe of the Imperial Rand trilogy. This story picks up a year or 2 after the end of the Imperial Rand trilogy with Savannah traveling the countryside when an unexpected wind storm send her and Snow Flower seeking shelter from a small town tavern. There, she meets Bree, a women who has suffered great abuse at the hands of a local Abbey. With their chance meeting, their lives take a sharp turn towards an upcoming evil that is coming to Rand.

This story is set as a standalone book. While Shaw did well to cover the important information from the trilogy, I would say that those who have read the trilogy will enjoy this one more because of the greater depth of knowledge. It was nice to see returning characters from many of the Queens and see their families and connections grow. I love that Esme was back and to her usual crazy antics.


The new characters of Bree and Yaslin, were wonderful. But Feya stole the show for me. I can't wait to get more of her! I really hope there will be another series after this one that has a older version of her.

This book has the same vibe as Imperial Rand series. The world is a place of good and there really isn't any morally gray characters. Some may have been misguided but all ultimately are well intentioned. Its nice living in a world where most people are good with little ambiguity. Sometimes, deep and dark fantasy books can be good, but having a world where good is everywhere is super important to me.

I would recommend this book to fans of the classic good vs evil fantasy books where women are in power and many of the characters have the best intentions for the world. If you enjoyed Imperial Rand, you’ll enjoy this one. And if you haven’t read the Rand trilogy and like this one, you’ll like hat trilogy.

The new characters of Bree and Yaslin, were wonderful. But Feya stole the show for me. I can't wait to get more of her! I really hope there will be another series after this one that has a older version of her.

This book has the same vibe as Imperial Rand series. The world is a place of good and there really isn't any morally gray characters. Some may have been misguided but all ultimately are well intentioned. Its nice living in a world where most people are good with little ambiguity. Sometimes, deep and dark fantasy books can be good, but having a world where good is everywhere is super important to me.

I would recommend this book to fans of the classic good vs evil fantasy books where women are in power and many of the characters have the best intentions for the world. If you enjoyed Imperial Rand, you’ll enjoy this one. And if you haven’t read the Rand trilogy and like this one, you’ll like hat trilogy.
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