Coming of the Shadow: Chronicles of the Guarded Realm:The Shadow Wars

by Morganna Cummings

The closely allied city-states of Eldir and Efrim have enjoyed peace and prosperity for all the thousand years of their alliance. But now the Eldir power of foresight warns that a great evil is coming, and when it comes it will be more terrible than even they could imagine.
Shadow forms, powerful and poisonous, bring a sickness that not even the most skilled magical healers can cure, and there are thousands of them. The Shadow armies appear to be limitless, and totally expendable, but every human life is precious.
With everything they have ever loved in danger, Seven childhood friends must find the courage to take their places in the defense of their people. With their power, their skills as healers and as warriors, and the strength of the close bonds of friendship, they are all that stand between the once proud cities and utter destruction.
Will they have what it takes to survive?

406 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2024

Reviews

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Jenna McEwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Chere Gruver · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Miteya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This epic fantasy swept me into the allied city-states of Eldir and Efrim, where peace shatters under a chilling prophecy. The looming Shadow armies felt terrifying and relentless, and the incurable sickness added real emotional weight. I loved how the seven childhood friends each had distinct strengths as healers and warriors, yet their greatest power was their bond. The stakes were high, the pacing intense, and the themes of courage and sacrifice beautifully explored. A strong review should highlight plot, characters, emotional impact, and writing style this story excels in all, leaving me eager for more.

[Jacinth Boggess · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Carol Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Sonia B · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Arabella Santana · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.