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Coming of the Shadow: Chronicles of the Guarded Realm:The Shadow Wars
After centuries of peace, war is coming to the sister nations of Eldir and Efrim. Not a brief border squabble easily won, but a war with dark creatures the like of which have only been seen in nightmares. Creatures who bring with them a sickness not even the master healers of Eldir know how to cure.
This story centers around seven young adults who have been friends since childhood, three young men and four young women, including the royal children of both nations.
Prince Aranin and Princess Analisia of Efrim are twins, but their culture renders their position in life almost opposite. She is being groomed as crown princess, although her inclinations stray from tradition. He has no rank but is expected to follow in his fathers footsteps as a soldier even though he prefers art.
Princess Tatyana of Eldir is desperate to earn the title she has worked for all her life, while her younger brother Sebastian has reservations about earning his. He must follow his duty, even though his love goes with Helen.
Helen and Elisabeth are sisters but very different. Elisabeth longs for battle, glory, and heroism, while Helen dreads what is coming.
For his part Joseph, Sebastian’s best friend from childhood, doesn’t think about the dark. He can’t. He prefers joking and being silly, and the world is still perfect…
But for how long?
This story centers around seven young adults who have been friends since childhood, three young men and four young women, including the royal children of both nations.
Prince Aranin and Princess Analisia of Efrim are twins, but their culture renders their position in life almost opposite. She is being groomed as crown princess, although her inclinations stray from tradition. He has no rank but is expected to follow in his fathers footsteps as a soldier even though he prefers art.
Princess Tatyana of Eldir is desperate to earn the title she has worked for all her life, while her younger brother Sebastian has reservations about earning his. He must follow his duty, even though his love goes with Helen.
Helen and Elisabeth are sisters but very different. Elisabeth longs for battle, glory, and heroism, while Helen dreads what is coming.
For his part Joseph, Sebastian’s best friend from childhood, doesn’t think about the dark. He can’t. He prefers joking and being silly, and the world is still perfect…
But for how long?
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2024
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 1, 2026
I recieved a copy of this book thanks to Booksprout. I am leaving an honest review voluntarily.
I enjoyed this book, however, it had some flaws. I think the first, and the biggest, is that it is misrepresented. This is more of a story about people surviving and learning to find a new normal during a seemingly endless war than a fantasy with some fighting. Yes, there is fantasy, but it's not focused on. Instead, the individuals fighting and their behaviors and daily life are the focus.
Speaking of the fantasy elements, they are pretty lacking. There is a good start to world building, and I managed to piece together a lot about the world, but it would be nice to know more as I am left with a lot of questions about the enemies, magic, and world as a whole.
The enemies also feel flat, which is why I feel this book is better as a survival and endurance story than an epic battle. What are these enemies? Are they some new random enemy or are they things people know about? Why are they doing this? Are they even sentient? There is so little known about these enemies even by the end of the book, that it's almost frustrating.
Finally, the ending of the book was sudden. I know there is likely going to be an ending to the series, but it feels like the author just cut the story and a random point and called it good. There is no epic cliffhanger or new information that makes me desperate to read book 2.
I enjoyed this book, however, it had some flaws. I think the first, and the biggest, is that it is misrepresented. This is more of a story about people surviving and learning to find a new normal during a seemingly endless war than a fantasy with some fighting. Yes, there is fantasy, but it's not focused on. Instead, the individuals fighting and their behaviors and daily life are the focus.
Speaking of the fantasy elements, they are pretty lacking. There is a good start to world building, and I managed to piece together a lot about the world, but it would be nice to know more as I am left with a lot of questions about the enemies, magic, and world as a whole.
The enemies also feel flat, which is why I feel this book is better as a survival and endurance story than an epic battle. What are these enemies? Are they some new random enemy or are they things people know about? Why are they doing this? Are they even sentient? There is so little known about these enemies even by the end of the book, that it's almost frustrating.
Finally, the ending of the book was sudden. I know there is likely going to be an ending to the series, but it feels like the author just cut the story and a random point and called it good. There is no epic cliffhanger or new information that makes me desperate to read book 2.
December 10, 2025
This book is a wonderful display of perseverance, selflessness, bravery, and kindness. Ranging over the POVs of seven main characters is no easy task but Cummings accomplished the feat easily giving us unique, loveable, and well rounded characters to share their stories with us. By the time one chapter ends, you will feel sad to leave that character but excited to catch up with the next one. Through joyous ups and tremendous downs, our heroes remain honest, thoughtful, and pure of heart - a breath of fresh air in the world of fantasy. Sprinkling in some mystery and suspense, Cummings leaves us in great anticipation for Book Two!
January 1, 2026
Can the seven friends survive the Shadows?
Our story has seven young people as the main characters. They are all at the start of their lives and looking forward to the future. However, ones with the sight see a not very bright future ahead of them. This is the story of how they fight and survive. I did enjoy the story and managing to keep up with all the characters, however, I would have liked to have known more about the Shadows and why the fighting began in the first place. That being said, it is very well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Our story has seven young people as the main characters. They are all at the start of their lives and looking forward to the future. However, ones with the sight see a not very bright future ahead of them. This is the story of how they fight and survive. I did enjoy the story and managing to keep up with all the characters, however, I would have liked to have known more about the Shadows and why the fighting began in the first place. That being said, it is very well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 2, 2026
It is a sweet romance with suspenseful action. Each character has a distinct personality, and it takes a while for the action to begin as we see the world through each character's eyes, but the wait is well worth it. The Coming of the Shadow leaves one with hope and anticipation for what is yet to come. I am curious about the fate of a particular missing character.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2025
A tale of becoming complacent in a comfortable lifestyle, as the shadow moves in to make life more of a challenge. Having good personal and work ethic and following through to complete your goal.
Fantasy was used to teach a lesson about meeting your goals.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fantasy was used to teach a lesson about meeting your goals.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 31, 2025
I think this is a detailed and well-thought out story. Unfortunately, I did not feel a connection to any of the main characters. I can't quite pinpoint how or why that is so.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2026
I was not sure about this book, but I liked to sometimes read out of my comfort zone. I have to say this book was more than what I expected, I cannot wait to see what happens in the second book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews