The Shadow Within

Legends of the Guardian-King #2

by Karen Hancock

Legends of the Guardian King, book 2, from the award-winning author of Arena. Karen Hancock brings to imaginative life the supernatural battle between good and evil, the preconceptions that keep us from embracing truth, and the distortions that trick and trap us. Four years have passed since the conclusion of The Light of Eidon. Abramm has been living peacefully abroad, but when he hears of trouble in his homeland, he returns to claim the crown he thought he'd never wear. But he has many enemies, including his murderous brother. The only thing that will save him is the Light that lives within him, but to appease his critics, he hides this. Before he can ful&supl;ll his kingship, he must reveal the truth and be reminded, painfully and powerfully, that his destiny can only be realized through humbly acknowledging his own weakness and the utter suf&supl;ciency of the One who created his destiny in the &supl;rst place.

Genres: Fantasy, Christian Fiction, Christian, Christian Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Romance

448 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2004

About the author

Karen Hancock has won Christy Awards for each of her first four novels—Arena and the first three books in the Legends of the Guardian-King series, The Light of Eidon, The Shadow Within, and Shadow over Kiriath. She graduated from the University of Arizona with bachelor's degrees in biology and wildlife biology. Along with writing, she is a semi-professional watercolorist and has exhibited her work in a number of national juried shows. She and her family reside in Arizona.

Reviews

[Katie Ziegler (Life Between Words) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great second installment in this fantasy series!

[Rachel Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book (which I luckily received as a free download--otherwise I would have never discovered this wonderful series), I couldn't wait to purchase and dig right into the second. Four years after Abramm Kalladorne was sold into slavery by his brother, he returns to Kiriath to claim his crown, but he must be cautious for he has many enemies. Plus, he's taken the Terstan shield, a fact he must hide if he wants his people to trust him.

Abramm's struggles only continue in this book, as new trials and tribulations test him, as well as his faith to his god, Eidon. The story throughout the entire series is an epic fantasy adventure that just keeps getting better and better (if that's even possible). While religion plays an important role in the main character's lives--indeed in all the characters' lives--I'm more caught up in the scope of Abramm's journey as he travels from faithful acolyte to successful gladiator to finally take up his role as king--a role he's never wanted for himself. Throughout the series, he grows as a character, and even as a reader who doesn't particularly enjoy religious fiction, I find these books to be captivating. I would highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys fantasy fiction.

[K.M. Weiland · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the challenges/dangers of writing a sequel is somehow creating an entirely new adventure, while also giving readers more of what they liked in the first installment. This sequel to Hancock's wonderful Light of Eidon increases that challenge, since it takes place in an almost entirely new setting with a largely new set of supporting characters. Fortunately, both the new settings and the new characters are delightful, if perhaps not quite as stunning as those in the first book. Ultimately, it's Hancock's wonderfully heroic (but still tortured) protagonist who carries the book. Not as much action in this installment, but the tension is thick enough to cut with a letter opener. And, once again, I found myself very moved and thought-provoked by the spiritual and moral questions raised throughout the book.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is what I want to know: How did Bethany House manage to publish something that wasn't lame?
However they tried, they made it happen.
*BOOK HANGOVER×100*
I don't think I have enjoyed anything more since Lord of the Rings. I am not saying that this is a LOTR knockoff, or that this is as good, because both statements are patently untrue. But this series completely incapacitated me, to the point where I got nothing done until I finished.
This particular book may possibly be my favorite, although it is hard to choose.
Abramm comes home to Kiriath and takes his rightful place as King, sweeping aside the rage of his brother and the doubts of his decadent court. But not all is bliss, because Rhiad has gained power and fallen into madness. And he has a plan to destroy Abramm using Gillard as well as Abramm himself.
This book introduces the self confident and rather self sufficient Lady Madeleine, and also brings to light several Terstian legends that may turn out to be useful and or true.
I will close on the comment of, how on Earth does a Christian type fantasy book published by Bethany House manage to not be utterly nauseating? I still have no idea. I just know that all things are possible.;)

[Belinda Vlasbaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,25 stars - English Ebook

Review follows later.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in Karen Hancock's "Legends of the Guardian-King" is every bit as good as the first as it continues the tale of Abramm Kalladorne and his efforts to become the man that his god wishes to shape. In this installment he returns to his homeland, there to face political as well as magical battles. We are introduced to a cast of characters that we can empathize with, whether they are good, bad, or neutral. We get to see the struggles these very human people endure, and how they handle them. There is adventure and intrigue, secrets and surprising revelations. Again, I have thoroughly enjoyed the rich detail, the exciting storyline, and the author's solid, engrossing style. My only wish is that the end hadn't come so soon or been so abrupt.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was even better than the first as Abram comes into his own. Again the book echoes some great Bible stories including raising a little girl from the dead (well, almost) -- her name is Talia, funny, huh? and David and Goliath. The best part of the book is Abram's own struggles with anger and pride and how they keep him from the power that he so desperately needs. I love it! This is what we need is books that help us see how our own struggles affect us in a world where the outcome is more obvious than our own.

[Crystal Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Hancock continues to amaze me with this series. This book kept me on my toes, never knowing how things were going to turn for the main character. I love that Abramm was a flawed, struggling character I could root for. Loved this book!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the first book in this series, but I LOVED the second one. Abramm developed into a true hero and the presence of Madeleine made me really love this book. I loved her character.
I think this book is out of print - at least, I couldn't find it so I put Kindle on my Android phone for FREE and bought the Kindle version. It was fun to read on my phone and I was impressed with the app.
One of the great thing about this series is that it's completely clean - no language, no garbage. I love that too!
I really want to read the 3rd one, but if it's anything like this one, I won't get anything else done while I'm reading it!

[Gregory Willingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Hancock has a great power for weaving words into a powerful tale. I read often and love a good series. This one is beyond good; it’s outstandingly, fantastic!!!

[Lexie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! Superb follow up to The Light of Eidon. The characters are raw and relatable; they jump off the page and into your heart. I jumped into the third book as soon as I finished this one.

[James T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Narratively, this is one of the best Christian fantasy novels I've ever read. (The Sword and the Staff by Patrick Carr is also up there.) Many Christian novels suffer from deus ex machina. This is not inevitable. The problem arises when an author casts divine intervention in the role of a hard magic system or technology (used for problem solving and conflict resolution) when it is portrayed more as a soft magic system (not necessarily predictable, used for sense of wonder). In real life, taking for granted the Christian view that God is a person, we believe that He answers prayer, sometimes very directly, but following some scientific formula to bend His power exactly to our will works about as well as following a formula to win someone's friendship. Worse, to be precise.

Hancock deftly walks this line, pulling some aspects of the Terstan religion and spiritual warfare into the realm of a hard magic system and laying down some rules. Committed Terstans have abilities that can be developed with practice and have replicable results: conjuring kelistars, zapping spawn, cloaking themselves, and so forth. The orbs also have consistent passive abilities that protect even non-Terstans. But there is still an element of a soft magic system, in that Eidon may give a special endowment at any point, and this is much more linked to individual character development. And (spoiler but in general terms) the fact that the ending is technically a deus ex machina in this way feels okay, because it is earned by the character development, and we have seen the characters be proactive and do interesting things for the majority of the plot.

The main plot is about Abramm coming back to his kingdom, and the character development throughout is so vivid. Madeleine is probably my favorite supporting character, followed by Simon.

[Elizabeth Woodiwiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really gives into the things that humanity struggles with. As a believer, I resonate very strongly with the challenges that Abramm and the other characters deal with. Trusting in God when it feels like everything is falling apart around you is never easy...until you let go and actually Trust Him...

I love Karen Hancock's writing. She is not a modern writer - her books are deep and focus in on difficult themes. It's not a light, easy read like many books on the market today, but so full of hope.

[Georgann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these stories. Very swashbuckling, medieval sort of story. Kind of a King David set in a more magical-but-not-exactly world. Unending trials face our hero, but he keeps the faith in this story, constantly battling foes without and the fear within, hence the shadow. The Bible calls it our "old man." Makes me feel encouraged to continue battling my own fears, not a one more fearsome than his, but still, mine to face and fight through!

[Joan Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally binge-read a series, but after finishing Light of Eidon I went straight into reading the 2nd book of the series. Again, it's one I've read before, but such a long time ago that I couldn't remember the plot all that well and it all felt refreshingly new. Beautifully crafted world and characters, deep spiritual message. Wonderful, worthwhile read.

[Kenneth Focazio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great 2nd book

Most second volume’s tend to be less about adventure and more about solidifying the story for the rest of the books in this case the author did both and with a conclusion that was not it all what I expected really enjoyed this and I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the series

[Caryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hancock has crafted an engaging fantasy. I was immediately immersed into the drama. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages. These characters will linger long after turning the final page. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.

Recommend to readers who enjoy Christian fantasy.

I borrowed a copy from the library. I have expressed my honest view.

[Lynne Modranski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed this series so far. I love Karen Hancock's imagery. While she never mentions God or Christ, the theology of total surrender is definitely a tremendous theme. I highly recommend this series.

[Kelly Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story. I could hardy put the book down to other stuff.

Awesome story can’t wait to start the next book in the series. This series is worth reading. The story just keeps getting better and better.

[Louis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never leave you or forsake you. — God

If you want to free yourself from pain, despair, unbelief — then trust in the One who created love. “And now abideth faith, hope, and love — but the greatest of these is love.” 1st Corinthians 13

[LaShunda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

I am going to save my review til the last book in the series, though I have to say that ending!? So not fair but it has me ending this review of this good good read right here! So I can start the next one!

[Josh Rathmell · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the story is not always the greatest. I thought the author did a good job at trying to teach Christian principles of surrender, trust and the fight between the old man/ new man well! Really enjoyed this book!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series - it's one of my favorites!

[Mary Sasala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the 1st. But fulfilling of theism characters and introduction to the coming characters.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the series "legends of the guardian-King"! So great! It's a parallel to the Christian walk! I love the concept of keeping ourselves from "the darkness" or sin!

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo

The correlation to our life in Christ is amazing and speaks to my walk with "Eidon." Thank you for a job well done.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping plot and very easy to read.

[Volpot · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The overall story is interesting and the writing is good. My major negative reaction is that the MC (and many other characters as well) continue to make repeated stupid decisions Whenever there is a choice to be made on what to do, how to react, or how to think about something, the MC can be depended upon to do/think/say precisely the wrong thing. It gets frustrating. I'm going to read the next book, but if things don't improve, it may be my last.

[Musings of a Middle-aged Mum · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book of the series, I was looking forward to the second and I was not disappointed. The book starts with action and ends with action, there are tense moments and lighter ones. All-in-all a good well-written story.
I can't wait to read the third book in the series.

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

So after surviving slavery as a galley slave and a gladiator, Abramm feels called to return to his native country. His reasons are, that having been among the enemy, he knows their plans for his country, as well as the fact that a horrible Shadow creature is now hunting the main port and capital, crippling the navy and trade. With his return, Abramm is going to have to confront many other issues, including his rightful claim to the throne, his usurping brother (who also sold him into slavery), the expectations of a peerage and people who only know him as a weakling in thrall to his previous religious over-lords (and who half expect that they've had him in hiding and he's been possessed) and the teeny fact that since leaving the Mataian (previous over-lords), Abramm has become a Terstan, which are being heavily persecuted for their beliefs, so if it becomes known that Abramm is one, he'll probably be imprisoned / tortured / killed.

I really feel like I should enjoy these books more than I do (had to strenuously talk myself into giving it three stars). I think part of my issue with them is that Hancock seems to repeat the same cadence in her story over and over again. Bring to hero's attention impossible something, have everything go wrong, than saved by faith and trust in Eidon (her name for God), than realize that was just a part of the impossible something, rinse, repeat. Other than occasional wry comments and moments of peace when trusting Eidon, there is no humor or joy in the book. How depressing is that! Particularly when you have to wade through 400+ pages of it.

My other issue is the characters themselves; though they have a fairly interesting world / magic system / political webs, none of these really get a chance to develop (like the characters themselves), because the author is so devoted to spending time building up the evil threat that is trying to destroy everything. Not that hard. Evil shadow-demon-things want to enslave, posses or kill everyone and take over the world, we get it, you don't have to describe them in detail, have one showing up nearly every scene, etc. Let's focus on how to save as much as we can, kill them and move on! No? We have to spend time having more visions of death and destruction... sigh!

Content notes: No language issues, all swearing is done in their world, so the words aren't offensive to us. Other than a courtier trying to seduce Abramm and rumors that he's sleeping with someone (when he isn't) and another character is threatened with rape (though it doesn't happen), no sensuality issues. The violence is mostly swords and arrows, though magic and corruption are in the mix as well. A lot of bystanders die, some with deaths described and most at the hand of horrible demon monsters; main characters get mauled, stabbed and possessed.