Light & Shadow: The Complete Series

Light & Shadow #1-3

by Moira Katson

It has been only two generations since Arthur Warden seized the throne of Heddred from the Conradines, and now the crown rests on the head of Garad, sickly and weak. Shadows gather: legacies of the centuries-long rivalries for power, old betrayals, the endless plots of the courtiers, and the murmur of rebellion in the southern provinces…

Catwin, plucked from her life at the edge of the Kingdom, is thrust abruptly into the world of the Court when she is chosen by the Duke of Voltur to be a Shadow—spy, shield, and blade—to his niece, the Lady Miriel DeVere. The Duke’s ruthlessness is legendary, and he will stop at nothing to become the power behind the throne, using Miriel as a pawn to catch Garad’s heart.

But the Duke's carefully-laid plans are only a piece of the intrigue of the court, and greater forces than Catwin can imagine are massed against her, determined to eliminate Miriel and impose a new order of their own. If Catwin and Miriel are to survive, they must learn quickly who to trust, and when to turn their skills against the very people who have trained them...

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

630 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 9, 2013

About the author

I am a transplant to the frozen wastes of the midwest, learning to love fried food on a stick, hot dish, and the winters. Having recently bought a house, I am also learning everything from how to wire chandeliers to how best to paint a room. (Also, I spend too much time at Menard's.)

I have been writing since I was old enough to read, and I write on every scrap of paper I can get my hands on. In the meantime, I read - oh, I read so much! I like to read articles about science, about economics, about psychology and neuroscience and sociology... Some of my greatest character inspiration has come from true-life tales of people at the center of historical events, and some of it has come from the "what-ifs" that academic inquiry produces.

I encourage you to stop past my website for the latest news on my work! You can find print copies of my work on Amazon and CreateSpace, and my books are available for Kindle, Nook, and through all channels served by Smashwords!

Reviews

[Pam Guthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this trilogy kind of quickly. I found I had to make myself put it down; my inclination was to gobble, but then I would have missed the savor. This story has savor. Not only is the story well-written, but it has a nice depth. Stuff happens, the characters mature, relationships shift around, and there is plenty of clashing swords, and dark intrigue complex enough to keep you wondering. I love the characters, I loved living with them, so to speak, watching their talents emerge, their skill set develop.

Katson has a lovely way of crafting a vibrant environment, subtly and deftly engaging all the senses while crazy fun activity is happening. She has a gift for dialogue, as well, with such a grasp of nuanced speech that characters stay clear and true.

I still want to know what happens next. That's a nice feeling at the end of a trilogy.

Moira Katson has quickly become one of my favorite authors.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great young adult series! A little long winded in some bits of inner reflection, but nothing substantial. You cared about the two protagonists. No swearing and just enough of a hint at romance to really suck in a younger teen reader, but less trappings of stupidity seen in older teen books that are all instalove and endless make out scenes. The only thing I would change is the teasers that give away the ending by the first book. I would leave the epilogues, but take out any of the hints tossed in the books themselves. Readers are smart. We don't need the teasers. The book pulled its own punch in that respect. By the time it went down you were so prepared for it, you were robbed of being able to feel adequately aghast. I'm just sayin. A teeny bit of reedit info and bam-o! You would have an excellent mystery.

[Aniket Harsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The trilogy is the story of Catwyn who is shadow to Miriel, the heiress of the Duke of Voltur. Shadows were assassins and body gaurds. Catwyn is plucked from her wayward life and trained to become shadow to Miriel.

The most redeeming aspect of this story is the relationship between Catwyn and Miriel. 2 young girls who move from loathing to trust to a friendship that weathered assassination attempts, a rebellion, loves lost and found.

The author spins a fine web of intrigue and mystery but their closure is flimsy and disappointing. Most Characters have not been nurtured well.

My Verdict: Decent. Almost worth the time and effort you would be putting into the book.

[Nichole Mohr · Rating 5 out of 5]

The female characters in this author's books are refreshingly strong while remaining emotionally complex. Ms. Katson creates a unique world unlike any you've read about before. I highly recommend the Light & Shadow Trilogy. With the e-book versions available for quick download, it's the perfect indulgence for a chilly fall afternoon.

[Valorie Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly engaging.

[moxieBK · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is not many times where I pick up a first book in a series, and read to the end, only to go out and buy the rest of the trilogy. This is one such book. I had gotten the first book in the series (and have reviewed it previously,) free and it sat on my "To Read" pile for a good year or more. When I finally picked it up, I wondered why I waited so long.

This review will cover the entire series. I'm glad I got this complete collection book, and I'm glad I got it when the series was finished, (though I won't lie: I was greatly sad to see the characters end,) because 1) it read a lot smoother, and in fact could read a one large tome and I never missed a beat reading it this way; 2) I would NOT have been able to wait to see how this story ended.

Sometimes I don't even go onto the next book in some series as I know I wouldn't be able to wait even a few days to read the next in the series...and some series keep going. The thing about trilogies is that they end at three and it feels conclusive.

This series was very well thought out. The characters, major and minor were fully fleshed out and felt alive, real. When I first started this book, I knew immediately that it was going to be good: it grabbed me immediately. I wanted to know this character; her life before and after...and the pages kept turning. And even when there was a rub between characters, it felt genuine, it felt like a precursor to something more.

I'm a traditional reader; I love foreshadowing, hints of things to come; this book had that and I know I will read it again to further understand it. It was layered and deep and took on a life of it's own. I have read a lot of books; a lot of series; but I can honestly say there has been only one other series that grabbed me and held me this tightly, that was this well fleshed out; however, this series is different from that other one, because it ended with more hope and promise. But it also ended with me feeling melancholy. I loved these characters. I ached with them. I want to know what happens to them beyond this ending; but I am also happy that the author doesn't continue their part of the series [I understand there is another book--a collection of short stories from this world--after this, but not about these characters;] because it felt like the right ending. The thing I absolutely loved the most about this book: the female protagonists did not end up married. They were strong in their own right; they loved and lost; but they ended up independent. That ending in and of itself is so unique that I was left thrilled and will be ever grateful to the writer for that.

I am a reader who loves to start and finish a book in one reading; with each book well over 200+ pages, this is not my usual reading choice; because of this that I know about myself: I felt there was a little drag in some areas, and some sentence structure errors (example: "...they came and. when they....,") but for being an independent writer, which I assume Ms. Katson is, I was impressed with the overall editing. And for liking short, quick reads, this series kept me absolutely enthralled from beginning to end.

I'll be sure to keep Moira Katson on my radar, although I honestly don't know how she could top this series.

[Samantha Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was impressed by this series, the Light and Shadow trilogy, which was another one of my fabulous Bookbub bargains. (Er, by the way, since I talk about them so much, one might wonder if I’m affiliated, but I’m not. Though I’ve acquired enough $0.99 and free books from them, I should probably take out stock.)

This is both a fascinating character-driven and an interesting plot-driven story, wrapped in an engrossing fantasy world. Catwin, the main character, comes from a poor family, and until she’s noticed by the Duke of Voltur, she’s destined to amount to nothing but kitchen help. Instead, he sees potential in her and sets to training her to be his niece Miriel’s bodyguard and assassin–whether she wants to or not.

Her struggles with the atrocities she’s forced to commit are potent and heart-rending. The uneasy friendship that grows from initial hatred between the two girls is well-crafted. They dance around one another, neither sure if the other can be trusted, but having no choice but to rely on one another.

I’m not going to spoiler anything from the second and third books, but I loved how the story developed. The stakes continue to raise, as Miriel must do her uncle’s bidding and, well, Catwin must, also.

I rated the third book as four stars because I wasn’t impressed with the culmination of Catwin’s prophecy: As a baby, her mother refused to raise her because she foretold that her daughter would be betrayed. A lot of that back story made no sense, and when the betrayal comes, I can’t really understand why. It’s almost … or completely … a self-fulfilling prophecy, and I don’t really understand why the characters involved choose their actions.

Overall, I loved this series and I heartily recommend it. If you enjoy fantasy, either young adult or adult, you’ll enjoy the Light and Shadow trilogy. Ms. Katson is now on my list of “Authors I Must Read More of If Ever My TBR Pile Diminishes.”

Also posted on my blog, Magic & Mayhem Book Reviews.

[E.G. Manetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
The trilogy charts the development of two young girls – Catwin a servant and Miriel noble – from adolescence into their late teens. The backdrop is the Kingdom of Heddred where a sickly boy-king, Garad, is surrounded by advisors who want to control the King and the Kindgom. One of the advisors is the Duke of Voltur, war hero and Miriel’s uncle. Using his niece and Catwin as pawns, the Duke places Miriel in the light to charm and engage the young king. Catwin is to stay in the shadows as Miriel’s guard, the Duke’s spy, and if the Duke commands it, his assassin.

All in all a riveting setup for intrigue, danger and adventure. Told from Catwin’s perspective the trilogy carefully develops the relationship between Catwin and Miriel who move from distrust to friendship as they unite in their fear of the Duke and their determination to forge a destiny where they are more than pawns. A number of excellent plot twists and turns keep the narrative moving although the momentum is often lost due to Catwin’s extensive internal musings. By the middle of each volume I found myself skimming sections looking for the next development in the plot. I also found the sophistication of two fourteen to sixteen year olds a little hard to accept in some instances even with fear being a great motivator. I was also disappointed in the final character resolution of the Duke which really did not track to the rest of the story.

Minor flaws aside, the books are well worth reading. By the third volume, the reader is thoroughly invested in the outcome not only for Catwin and Miriel but for the kingdom of Heddred, its king and its people. In a welcome departure from currently popular Young Adult Fantasy, the main characters achieve their goals through hard work and ingenuity rather than magical powers.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

No spoilers

This series is one I could not put down but it was not a quick read for me either. Katson has masterfully created a court of kings and lords so complex that if you do not pay attention you miss a subtle clue or can get lost in the torrent of plots.

Catwin and Miriel are the main characters. Both are strong characters with complex feelings and desires. Catwin becomes Miriels bodyguard when they are both in their early teens. Over the course of 6 years they evolve from teenagers who hate the situation and life they've been thrusted in, into strong young women who are determined to create their own destiny and dreams as the Duke tries to mold them in order for his own benefit.

This is a wonderful young adult book that does not have any nudity, sex or curse words. Having two strong female characters and a storyline that will keep you guessing and intrigued makes this a great book for young readers.

I have quickly become a fan of the talented Moira Katson and look forward to reading more of her work

[S.L. Figuhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author for her generosity.

Light and Shadow: The complete series, is an entrancing book. The author skillfully weaves multiple plots of intrigue throughout all three books.

The good: The character’s, major and minor, are well fleshed out. The two female MC’s both experience personal growth in their thoughts and actions. The world building and history makes you feel as if you are present in the story and living with the people. Character backstories are revealed in a way which suits the novels. All mysteries and schemes are explained by the end of the third book in a believable manner.

The bad: While I enjoyed the intricate plotting, there were times I felt it dragged the novel down. This was especially the case in the second and third books.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best part of this series was that both main characters were strong, intelligent women. I don't want to waste my time on anything less. The story was well-crafted, not predictable, and significant; in fact, it was almost too serious for me. I think it could have used some lighter moments and definitely more humor. The ending was good, but not happy-go-lucky, either. My only criticism of the writing was that there were quite a few times where the scene would start and then move into some pretty lengthy backstory, and then by the time we got back to the scene I couldn't remember where we'd been. Overall, though, I thought it was a worthy read.

[Steph Nope · Rating 5 out of 5]

The entire series is not what I would have thought or guessed. It was so much better. I reviewed the first book separately, so this is the series as a whole.

The plot is familiar enough to not need an over abundance of explanation - court intrigue, war, love, power. But it's unique enough to hold your attention, to demand to be read.

The characters grew and learned throughout the books. They were complex and interesting and not at all perfect.

I spent the last four chapters or so crying. And there is no higher praise than that. To come to love a world and characters enough that their heartache, chaos, grief becomes my own.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I loved the story line and characters. And i love that it was different from a lot of other books I've read in this genre. The characters were well developed and interesting and each had their own voice (so many authors struggle to make their characters sound individualized, which frustrates me as I read). There were several typos that should have been fixed but most of the time they weren't too distracting. I will definitely be checking out her other books in the future.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd be hard pressed as to what genre to put this series. There's no magic, so it's not technically fantasy, but the setting isn't recognizable, so it's not historical fiction.
That aside, I very much enjoyed it. I liked watching the characters develop as they grew. I liked the court intrigue,somewhat remeniscient of a Tudor England. All the settings and characters added to the story. Overall, a great read.

[Kim Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grim, heartbreaking and redemptive

This trilogy was so compelling that I read the three books back to back. The plot twists were mostly unforeseen and, like Catwin, I did not see her final betrayal coming. Miriele and Catwin mature into young women forged in the fires of tragedy. And if one wonders that the fate of a country might hinge on their shoulders, one only has to remember the boy kings of the Medieval era and the young women they courted.

[LadyStyx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure if there has been another release with this series, but in the one I have there are still a few spelling and agreement errors in the 3rd book. Don't take the length of time that it took me to read this as the reader saying that it was a poor set of books. On the contrary, it was quite good and I won't be surprised if I decide to read it again.

[Vienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an interesting story, I found it very hard to put down! With books I usually only go 2 ways, hated it or loved it and this book was was definitely in the "loved it" category!!! I found it very easy to connect with the characters which I find is often the hardest part in writing. Certainly worth reading!!!

[Sharisse · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me awhile to really get into these books, probably near the end of the first book! But the story started to pick up and I became hooked. There are some good twists in the plot and a few I didn't see at all.

[Dorothee Stadler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly an amazing discovery... fantasy without any magic is normally not my cup of tea but i was completely drawn into this world of court intrigues.. very attaching characters that you grow to love and hate at the same time. Thank you for an amazing read and an escape into a different world!

[Bailey Olfert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great YA adventure, with strong female characters and some twists that I didn't see coming. Recommended.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

Very good series. The characters were likable and the plot kept you interested. A little long winded in some parts but worth it.

[Tamzin Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great trilogy for YAs. Strong female characters and a interesting moral themes within the plot which is a delight to see in a book aimed at teens as they can so often be too black and white.