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Beginnings
Seven unlikely souls. One locked chest. A journey that will change the fate of the world.
When a wizard, a disgraced knight, a cunning thief, a charming smuggler, a secretive spy, a haunted outcast, and a beast of unknown origin are hired to deliver a mysterious chest to a reclusive sorcerer, none of them expect the job to be anything more than dangerous. But as rival forces close in—a genocidal king driven by conquest and a ruthless crime syndicate hungry for power—the companions uncover a hidden their mission is no coincidence.
The chest holds more than secrets. It holds the will of the Deities.
As loyalties are tested and destinies entwined, the group must face not only the enemies who hunt them, but the shadows within themselves. For in the world of Ironshield's Shadow, even the gods need heroes.
The beginning of an epic journey awaits.
When a wizard, a disgraced knight, a cunning thief, a charming smuggler, a secretive spy, a haunted outcast, and a beast of unknown origin are hired to deliver a mysterious chest to a reclusive sorcerer, none of them expect the job to be anything more than dangerous. But as rival forces close in—a genocidal king driven by conquest and a ruthless crime syndicate hungry for power—the companions uncover a hidden their mission is no coincidence.
The chest holds more than secrets. It holds the will of the Deities.
As loyalties are tested and destinies entwined, the group must face not only the enemies who hunt them, but the shadows within themselves. For in the world of Ironshield's Shadow, even the gods need heroes.
The beginning of an epic journey awaits.
216 pages, Paperback
Published October 30, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 25, 2024
*SPOIL FREE REVIEW*
"The secret to a successful quest is having the right shoes."
I binged this book between two nights. I could not put it down!
What a fun and adventurous YA read. Caine's writing immediately sucks you into the world and devours you whole. From pacing to world building, she delivers a delectable story that keeps you turning the page.
From elves to magical beasts, Caine does it all, but does it in such a way that the story flourishes with each new introduction.
As I write this, I already have the second book and have started it. I am beyond excited to continue this journey.
By the way, Dalgis is my absolute favorite character. We all need a Phoenix Lizard in our life.
"The secret to a successful quest is having the right shoes."
I binged this book between two nights. I could not put it down!
What a fun and adventurous YA read. Caine's writing immediately sucks you into the world and devours you whole. From pacing to world building, she delivers a delectable story that keeps you turning the page.
From elves to magical beasts, Caine does it all, but does it in such a way that the story flourishes with each new introduction.
As I write this, I already have the second book and have started it. I am beyond excited to continue this journey.
By the way, Dalgis is my absolute favorite character. We all need a Phoenix Lizard in our life.
May 25, 2024
A supernatural journey
Having read the author's other works I wanted to give this one a try, even though it didn't seem like My kind of read.
The writing is very well done and the mix of characters was well thought out, I enjoyed seeing all different kinds of supernaturals in the story. It was short but well done and much to get into each character and their story.
A journey with a group of very different individuals all going along for the ride for different reasons and by the end those reasons change.
If you like short, reads and something different then this is worth giving a shot.
Having read the author's other works I wanted to give this one a try, even though it didn't seem like My kind of read.
The writing is very well done and the mix of characters was well thought out, I enjoyed seeing all different kinds of supernaturals in the story. It was short but well done and much to get into each character and their story.
A journey with a group of very different individuals all going along for the ride for different reasons and by the end those reasons change.
If you like short, reads and something different then this is worth giving a shot.
May 5, 2026
Such a fun read! I picked this up recently from the author at a book Fair. It is a short book so I blew through it in 2 days. My expectations were mid but this far exceed them. I really enjoyed this book. It reads like a DnD game in print. A classic story of a rag-tag group going on a quest.
The characters are very diverse. Throughout the book we learn a little about each of them and what brings them on the quest.
The story itself is pretty generic. Not a whole lot actually happens... Go to one location... Nothing happens... Go to next location... Noting happens....Repeat.
The writing, as well, reads very YA. Because of the simplicity of the writing the pages fly by.
The characters are very diverse. Throughout the book we learn a little about each of them and what brings them on the quest.
The story itself is pretty generic. Not a whole lot actually happens... Go to one location... Nothing happens... Go to next location... Noting happens....Repeat.
The writing, as well, reads very YA. Because of the simplicity of the writing the pages fly by.
June 25, 2024
A fast engaging read that makes you crave more!
This novella is aimed at introducing the dramatis personae with some insight tho their backgrounds. Also, leading up to the company of specialists forming. The rakish characters are very likable but there’s darkness in them to consider. In an odd way, it’s somewhat of a spy novel. Political intrigue, cryptography, spells to mask identity, and some one-of-a-kind sentient creatures make this an excellent way to pass a few hours. Can’t wait to read the next one.
This novella is aimed at introducing the dramatis personae with some insight tho their backgrounds. Also, leading up to the company of specialists forming. The rakish characters are very likable but there’s darkness in them to consider. In an odd way, it’s somewhat of a spy novel. Political intrigue, cryptography, spells to mask identity, and some one-of-a-kind sentient creatures make this an excellent way to pass a few hours. Can’t wait to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews