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A Tempest of Shadows
Book 1 of 2: Chronicles of the Bard King
In a world where ancient magic and dark forces collide, the fate of a kingdom hangs in the balance.
King Josiah Dross stands valiantly against the overwhelming forces of the Storm King, Jerith Al'Sut. As the kingdom of Terrenholdt faces ruin, Queen Liana must make a desperate escape with their newborn son, Baelen, and a band of loyalists. Their journey leads them through the mystical Eldwood Forest, guided by the enigmatic Fae Guardian, Aerendil, towards the sanctuary of the Faewild.
Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Brandon Sanderson, "A Tempest of Shadows" weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and the unyielding fight for survival. This epic fantasy will transport you to a world where heroes are forged in the fires of adversity, and every choice carries the weight of destiny.
As Liana and her companions navigate the perilous forest, they face both powerful allies and formidable enemies. The Faewild offers its own challenges and secrets, testing their strength and resolve at every turn. Meanwhile, the relentless Sutori warriors, led by the fierce Valeria, pursue them with unyielding determination, driven by dark magic and a thirst for power.
Key Features:
▪Immersive World-Building: Explore a richly detailed fantasy world filled with ancient lore, magical landscapes, and epic adventures.
▪Complex Characters: Follow the deeply personal journeys of Queen Liana, Aerendil, Valeria, and a diverse cast of characters as they navigate a world of peril and power.
▪Gripping Plot: Experience a story full of twists, turns, and high-stakes adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
▪Themes of Love and Sacrifice: Discover themes of love, loyalty, and the struggle for redemption woven throughout the narrative.
"A Tempest of Shadows" is not just a tale of survival; it is a story about the bonds that tie us together and the sacrifices we make for those we love. As the shadow of Jerith's dark magic looms ever closer, Liana and her companions must find the courage to reclaim their homeland and face their greatest fears.
What You’ll Find Inside:
▪Epic Battles and Intricate Strategies: Engage in thrilling battles and witness the strategic maneuvers that can turn the tide of war.
▪Magical Artifacts and Ancient Secrets: Discover powerful artifacts and uncover ancient secrets that could change the fate of the kingdom.
▪Emotional Depth and Personal Growth: Connect with characters on a profound level as they grow, change, and face their deepest fears.
Will Queen Liana and her companions find the strength to reclaim their homeland, or will the shadows of their past consume them? Embark on an unforgettable journey with "A Tempest of Shadows" and discover a world where courage, love, and sacrifice illuminate the path through the darkness.
In a world where ancient magic and dark forces collide, the fate of a kingdom hangs in the balance.
King Josiah Dross stands valiantly against the overwhelming forces of the Storm King, Jerith Al'Sut. As the kingdom of Terrenholdt faces ruin, Queen Liana must make a desperate escape with their newborn son, Baelen, and a band of loyalists. Their journey leads them through the mystical Eldwood Forest, guided by the enigmatic Fae Guardian, Aerendil, towards the sanctuary of the Faewild.
Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Brandon Sanderson, "A Tempest of Shadows" weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and the unyielding fight for survival. This epic fantasy will transport you to a world where heroes are forged in the fires of adversity, and every choice carries the weight of destiny.
As Liana and her companions navigate the perilous forest, they face both powerful allies and formidable enemies. The Faewild offers its own challenges and secrets, testing their strength and resolve at every turn. Meanwhile, the relentless Sutori warriors, led by the fierce Valeria, pursue them with unyielding determination, driven by dark magic and a thirst for power.
Key Features:
▪Immersive World-Building: Explore a richly detailed fantasy world filled with ancient lore, magical landscapes, and epic adventures.
▪Complex Characters: Follow the deeply personal journeys of Queen Liana, Aerendil, Valeria, and a diverse cast of characters as they navigate a world of peril and power.
▪Gripping Plot: Experience a story full of twists, turns, and high-stakes adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
▪Themes of Love and Sacrifice: Discover themes of love, loyalty, and the struggle for redemption woven throughout the narrative.
"A Tempest of Shadows" is not just a tale of survival; it is a story about the bonds that tie us together and the sacrifices we make for those we love. As the shadow of Jerith's dark magic looms ever closer, Liana and her companions must find the courage to reclaim their homeland and face their greatest fears.
What You’ll Find Inside:
▪Epic Battles and Intricate Strategies: Engage in thrilling battles and witness the strategic maneuvers that can turn the tide of war.
▪Magical Artifacts and Ancient Secrets: Discover powerful artifacts and uncover ancient secrets that could change the fate of the kingdom.
▪Emotional Depth and Personal Growth: Connect with characters on a profound level as they grow, change, and face their deepest fears.
Will Queen Liana and her companions find the strength to reclaim their homeland, or will the shadows of their past consume them? Embark on an unforgettable journey with "A Tempest of Shadows" and discover a world where courage, love, and sacrifice illuminate the path through the darkness.
- GenresFantasy
523 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2024
90 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
J.S. Herod
14 books8 followersJ.S. Herod is a Literary Titan Award-winning author of immersive epic fantasy and romantasy, celebrated for his deep character work, layered storytelling, and evocative, lived-in worlds. His writing style blends emotionally charged prose with a touch of grit and humor, grounding high fantasy in very human experiences.
Though he currently lives in the quiet rural town of Myrtle, Mississippi, Herod’s roots stretch across the country. Born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in southeastern Oklahoma on the Choctaw Nation Reservation, his early years were shaped by tribal storytellers and long hours wandering libraries at Ole Miss while his mother pursued a degree in Linguistics. As a teenager with a thirst for knowledge and a love of words, he was fortunate enough to sit in on college-level literature and linguistics classes—experiences that lit a lifelong fire for language and story.
Later, he spent two decades moving from state to state—from Texas to North Carolina to Pennsylvania—collecting memories, mistakes, and a kind of wisdom that only comes from living a few lifetimes in one. Those years, and the people in them, gave him an enduring belief in the power of found family, a theme that echoes through all his work.
Herod’s characters are flawed, fierce, and heartbreakingly real—struggling with trauma, mental health, love, and loyalty. And while his stories span vast kingdoms and mythical lands, they are always, at their core, about connection. “I don’t have friends,” he often says. “I have extended family.”
When he isn’t writing, you’ll likely find him designing book covers, editing trailers, or brushing up on marketing—doing everything himself as an independent author. But when he manages to steal a quiet moment? Picture a leather chair, a glass of 15-year-old Macallan, a fine Macanudo, and a well-worn classic in hand.
His goal? To make you feel something. To make you remember.
Though he currently lives in the quiet rural town of Myrtle, Mississippi, Herod’s roots stretch across the country. Born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in southeastern Oklahoma on the Choctaw Nation Reservation, his early years were shaped by tribal storytellers and long hours wandering libraries at Ole Miss while his mother pursued a degree in Linguistics. As a teenager with a thirst for knowledge and a love of words, he was fortunate enough to sit in on college-level literature and linguistics classes—experiences that lit a lifelong fire for language and story.
Later, he spent two decades moving from state to state—from Texas to North Carolina to Pennsylvania—collecting memories, mistakes, and a kind of wisdom that only comes from living a few lifetimes in one. Those years, and the people in them, gave him an enduring belief in the power of found family, a theme that echoes through all his work.
Herod’s characters are flawed, fierce, and heartbreakingly real—struggling with trauma, mental health, love, and loyalty. And while his stories span vast kingdoms and mythical lands, they are always, at their core, about connection. “I don’t have friends,” he often says. “I have extended family.”
When he isn’t writing, you’ll likely find him designing book covers, editing trailers, or brushing up on marketing—doing everything himself as an independent author. But when he manages to steal a quiet moment? Picture a leather chair, a glass of 15-year-old Macallan, a fine Macanudo, and a well-worn classic in hand.
His goal? To make you feel something. To make you remember.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 21, 2024
While starting slowly, this book picks up nicely about halfway through. The growth of the characters is interesting, some going in directions that weren't expected, others following the exact path that had been laid out before them, and still others we are still waiting to find out where their road will lead.
There were a few jarring moments where the editing seemed to take a moment and move past it, only to go back and move past it again, as if the writer wasn't sure how they wanted to tell it. This pulled me out of my immersion however the story was good enough that after stepping away from the book, I could gather back in and enjoy it.
There were a few jarring moments where the editing seemed to take a moment and move past it, only to go back and move past it again, as if the writer wasn't sure how they wanted to tell it. This pulled me out of my immersion however the story was good enough that after stepping away from the book, I could gather back in and enjoy it.
May 3, 2025
This was written all by AI. Come on.
August 13, 2024
A Tempest of Shadows: Revised Edition by Joe Herod
Our novel starts inside a cozy inn, protected from the tumultuous elements of the outside world. A weathered bard fascinates those in attendance with a story of intrigue and suspense. By a crackling fire, he delves deep within a tale, a labyrinth mixed with immense emotions and self-adulation.
JS Herod, our skillful artificer, produces a lush world that will appeal to lovers of the fantasy genre. Jerith, our main antagonist, seeks definitive power. From the onset, we oversee a chaotic battle within Terronholdt. The Storm Lord's prize is the discovery of an ancient civilization and the power it holds buried deep underneath the city.
Escaping Terronholdt, Queen Liana, her newborn child Baelen, and her group of trusted guardians flee through underground tunnels and find themselves in the world of the Fae. Aerendil, a banished fae and close friend to the now-deceased King Josiah, has sworn to protect the queen. Being chased by Jerith's Sutori, his most skilled warriors, Liana's group seeks refuge within Aarendil's enchanted homeland to regroup. As both contingencies move East toward Eldwood, our author unfurls more unforeseen plot complexities.
I love strong characters, characters I root for, and villains worthy of my utmost distaste. Jerith, a maniacal leader, is a man who is not satisfied with anything less than ultimate superiority within the realm. His intrinsic ability to cook up annihilation at a moment's whim was impressive, bringing forth an inherent hatred within my heart. A cast of characters equally written to provoke my feelings, I was enamored by our group of escapees. Here in lies the strength of the book. There were various amounts of personalities to choose from, with whom the readers may relate. A smorgasbord of backstory also piqued my senses and created a variety of complexity.
What are the negatives? Our plot in itself is simplistic in telling. Good versus evil. I wouldn't consider this a new take on something I have indulged in before. Magic systems that were interesting but not ground-breaking.
All in all, who doesn't love bad guys with morality issues? Discoveries of ancient artifacts from long-lost tombs? Sign me up. I had a sense of utter enjoyment in retrospect. I concluded that parts of the tale were slow, allowing the reader to digest the complexities of each character. It wasn't a drawback from my experience, but rather a great stepping stone for what will become of the series.
I am giving this 4 out of 5 stars! I can recommend it to all lovers of the epic fantasy genre.
Thanks to Reedsy for access to this free Arc. All opinions expressed are my own.
Our novel starts inside a cozy inn, protected from the tumultuous elements of the outside world. A weathered bard fascinates those in attendance with a story of intrigue and suspense. By a crackling fire, he delves deep within a tale, a labyrinth mixed with immense emotions and self-adulation.
JS Herod, our skillful artificer, produces a lush world that will appeal to lovers of the fantasy genre. Jerith, our main antagonist, seeks definitive power. From the onset, we oversee a chaotic battle within Terronholdt. The Storm Lord's prize is the discovery of an ancient civilization and the power it holds buried deep underneath the city.
Escaping Terronholdt, Queen Liana, her newborn child Baelen, and her group of trusted guardians flee through underground tunnels and find themselves in the world of the Fae. Aerendil, a banished fae and close friend to the now-deceased King Josiah, has sworn to protect the queen. Being chased by Jerith's Sutori, his most skilled warriors, Liana's group seeks refuge within Aarendil's enchanted homeland to regroup. As both contingencies move East toward Eldwood, our author unfurls more unforeseen plot complexities.
I love strong characters, characters I root for, and villains worthy of my utmost distaste. Jerith, a maniacal leader, is a man who is not satisfied with anything less than ultimate superiority within the realm. His intrinsic ability to cook up annihilation at a moment's whim was impressive, bringing forth an inherent hatred within my heart. A cast of characters equally written to provoke my feelings, I was enamored by our group of escapees. Here in lies the strength of the book. There were various amounts of personalities to choose from, with whom the readers may relate. A smorgasbord of backstory also piqued my senses and created a variety of complexity.
What are the negatives? Our plot in itself is simplistic in telling. Good versus evil. I wouldn't consider this a new take on something I have indulged in before. Magic systems that were interesting but not ground-breaking.
All in all, who doesn't love bad guys with morality issues? Discoveries of ancient artifacts from long-lost tombs? Sign me up. I had a sense of utter enjoyment in retrospect. I concluded that parts of the tale were slow, allowing the reader to digest the complexities of each character. It wasn't a drawback from my experience, but rather a great stepping stone for what will become of the series.
I am giving this 4 out of 5 stars! I can recommend it to all lovers of the epic fantasy genre.
Thanks to Reedsy for access to this free Arc. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 29, 2024
Almost four stars, but a little slow too often.
This epic novel offers an immersive fantasy experience set in the detailed realm of Terrenholdt. King Josiah Dross battles to defend his kingdom from the dark forces led by Jerith Al’Sut.
The world building is one of the novel’s best features, painting a rich landscape filled with political intrigue, magic, and a variety of dynamic realms.
The settings, such as Castle Terrenholdt and the mystical Faewild, are described with a depth that pulls readers into the story.
The characters are well-crafted, each with distinct voices and motivations that add layers to the narrative.
The central conflict, involving Josiah’s defence against Jerith and the personal stakes surrounding his newborn son, sets a firm foundation for the plot.
However, some aspects will benefit from further development.
Many of Jerith’s motivations, for example, are not explained, which makes the actions of the antagonist shallow.
While the plot is engaging, the pacing is uneven. The story crawls at the start, with rich but prolonged exposition that delays the introduction of the central conflict.
However, some critical action scenes feel rushed, lacking sufficient buildup.
The narrative also relies on much exposition, telling the reader when more dynamic scenes will show character emotions and motivations.
Dialogue is effective but occasionally stilted, and some conversations will better serve the plot by feeling more natural and purposeful.
Backstory Integration could be more seamless; certain sections deliver large info-dumps that disrupt the flow.
Despite these criticisms, it’s an engaging read with appeal for fans of epic fantasy.
Those who enjoy intricate world building and character-driven stories will find much to appreciate here.
However, the manuscript will benefit from revisions to clarify the plot, enhance pacing, and reduce exposition.
This read has the foundations of a captivating tale but needs further editing to realise its potential.
This epic novel offers an immersive fantasy experience set in the detailed realm of Terrenholdt. King Josiah Dross battles to defend his kingdom from the dark forces led by Jerith Al’Sut.
The world building is one of the novel’s best features, painting a rich landscape filled with political intrigue, magic, and a variety of dynamic realms.
The settings, such as Castle Terrenholdt and the mystical Faewild, are described with a depth that pulls readers into the story.
The characters are well-crafted, each with distinct voices and motivations that add layers to the narrative.
The central conflict, involving Josiah’s defence against Jerith and the personal stakes surrounding his newborn son, sets a firm foundation for the plot.
However, some aspects will benefit from further development.
Many of Jerith’s motivations, for example, are not explained, which makes the actions of the antagonist shallow.
While the plot is engaging, the pacing is uneven. The story crawls at the start, with rich but prolonged exposition that delays the introduction of the central conflict.
However, some critical action scenes feel rushed, lacking sufficient buildup.
The narrative also relies on much exposition, telling the reader when more dynamic scenes will show character emotions and motivations.
Dialogue is effective but occasionally stilted, and some conversations will better serve the plot by feeling more natural and purposeful.
Backstory Integration could be more seamless; certain sections deliver large info-dumps that disrupt the flow.
Despite these criticisms, it’s an engaging read with appeal for fans of epic fantasy.
Those who enjoy intricate world building and character-driven stories will find much to appreciate here.
However, the manuscript will benefit from revisions to clarify the plot, enhance pacing, and reduce exposition.
This read has the foundations of a captivating tale but needs further editing to realise its potential.
September 7, 2024
Like an idiot, I kind of read these out of order so I read the other series first. BUT now I get to see the behind the scenes, so to speak, of Jerith. This world building the author has is phenomenal. The characters...you love them or you love to hate them. They bring out so much emotion in you while you read. When I say I can't wait for more, I meant it. Anyone who sees these books should give them a read. I don't think you'd be disappointed. I know I wasn't.
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.
August 14, 2024
One of the epic fantasy books, which is well written, good world building with characters that show growth.
The journey through Eldwood had me on edge, not knowing if who they meet is friend or foe. Filled with challenges and secrets, the book brings out the emotions of loyalty, friendship, fear, and love, as each of them strive to survive.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The journey through Eldwood had me on edge, not knowing if who they meet is friend or foe. Filled with challenges and secrets, the book brings out the emotions of loyalty, friendship, fear, and love, as each of them strive to survive.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 21, 2024
A mind-boggling amount of research must have gone into the writing of this book as every character, every scene, every chapter is written in such detail as if the author had keenly witnessed the story rather than imagined it. This attention to detail reminded me of JRR Tolkien's works. The story is filled with as much human frailties as fantasy. Most definitely a worthy read, a great series as the author promises.
April 22, 2024
Beautiful and Meaningful story
This is a great story filled with characters that you can connect with embrace. The story is filled with vivid, lively, and moving descriptive details, painting a picture of what's going on at the time, with rich dialog. I am captured by this story and pray more comes out of this wonderful work.
This is a great story filled with characters that you can connect with embrace. The story is filled with vivid, lively, and moving descriptive details, painting a picture of what's going on at the time, with rich dialog. I am captured by this story and pray more comes out of this wonderful work.
July 16, 2024
A fantastically fun rip roaring fantasy adventure. This story has a very classic feel Yet evokes things like Howard's Conan, Joe Abercrombie First Law Trilogy, and has the whimsy of more classical fantasy like The Last Unicorn, Princess Bride or The Black Cauldron. This is the best new fantasy novel I have read in a long-term period I can't wait to read more great adventures in the world.
August 24, 2024
Got this on a Book Bub deal... The world building in this book is insanely good. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next. All hail the storm lord!
July 21, 2024
Can't wait to read the next in the series! We'll written, great character development and storyline. Couldn't put the book down!.
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.
March 26, 2025
This book promised the following:
What You’ll Find Inside:
▪Epic Battles and Intricate Strategies: Engage in thrilling battles and witness the strategic maneuvers that can turn the tide of war.
▪Magical Artifacts and Ancient Secrets: Discover powerful artifacts and uncover ancient secrets that could change the fate of the kingdom.
▪Emotional Depth and Personal Growth: Connect with characters on a profound level as they grow, change, and face their deepest fears.
Unfortunately, I felt it did not deliver on these promises. It felt like an awkward mishmash of a transcripted D&D session with attempts at depth and romantasy. It failed to connect with me.
Another reviewer makes some damning accusations that the book may have been A.I. generated, and the overwrought yet lifeless cadence to the writing certainly lends credence to this. I won't be as overt as they were in shaming the author, but the evidence they cite is reasonable to cause one to suspect.
Regardless, this book and by extension the rest of this series, are a No for me.
What You’ll Find Inside:
▪Epic Battles and Intricate Strategies: Engage in thrilling battles and witness the strategic maneuvers that can turn the tide of war.
▪Magical Artifacts and Ancient Secrets: Discover powerful artifacts and uncover ancient secrets that could change the fate of the kingdom.
▪Emotional Depth and Personal Growth: Connect with characters on a profound level as they grow, change, and face their deepest fears.
Unfortunately, I felt it did not deliver on these promises. It felt like an awkward mishmash of a transcripted D&D session with attempts at depth and romantasy. It failed to connect with me.
Another reviewer makes some damning accusations that the book may have been A.I. generated, and the overwrought yet lifeless cadence to the writing certainly lends credence to this. I won't be as overt as they were in shaming the author, but the evidence they cite is reasonable to cause one to suspect.
Regardless, this book and by extension the rest of this series, are a No for me.
April 10, 2025
EDIT TO ADD: It seems he has redacted the bio I cite below, removing the "channeling Hemingway, London, and Rothfuss" fallacy that I called him out for. Did he instead opt for honesty and transparency by admitting his published works are the output of generative AI? Of course not. He instead now flaunts his status as a 'Literary Titan Award' winner, which is the literary equivalent of a teeball participation trophy: you pay the Literary Titan company for their bogus 5 star review, you get a handy dandy award as a bonus! Hey, I guess it's better than actually putting in the time to hone your craft and produce a pure, from-the-heart original work.
Original review below:
In the credited author's bio, he mentions channeling Hemingway, London, and Rothfuss. Given that these writer's books were all scraped as training material by the AI that actually wrote this book, it is with a fine sense of irony that the alleged author literally is channeling their writing.
Why do I say this book is written by AI? Because once you've seen AI written prose, you can't un-see it, and sadly the fantasy category on Kindle Unlimited is saturated with it. The distinctive sentence structure, turns of phrase, and vocabulary choices are all there. Look up "AI-isms" sometime, and behold the glaring tells, many of them "barely above a whisper," a "testament" to their "unwavering" "determination." The "tapestry" woven throughout the so-called writing is "palpable."
Also, the character names. Nearly every AI written fantasy book shat upon the Kindle Unlimited ecosystem have a Liona or a Kael in them. Congratulations, this book has both. All that's missing is an Elara and the AI unoriginal naming hat trick would be complete.
Helpful hint: ChatGPT and Anthropic Claude do not have the capacity for true creativity, That's not how language models work. Those innovative ideas it returned from whatever prompt that was fed into it? It's given the same, or nearly the same output to thousands of other prolific authors whose literary careers, like this "author," erupted at the exact same time in the wake of ChatGPT's debut.
To the author: I know the temptation to use tools like ChatGPT and Claude is strong, but if you’re serious about writing, I’d encourage you to embrace your own creativity and be open about how you’re crafting your work. If you want to be respected as an author, transparency is essential.
To potential readers: Strongest possible recommendation to avoid this.
Original review below:
In the credited author's bio, he mentions channeling Hemingway, London, and Rothfuss. Given that these writer's books were all scraped as training material by the AI that actually wrote this book, it is with a fine sense of irony that the alleged author literally is channeling their writing.
Why do I say this book is written by AI? Because once you've seen AI written prose, you can't un-see it, and sadly the fantasy category on Kindle Unlimited is saturated with it. The distinctive sentence structure, turns of phrase, and vocabulary choices are all there. Look up "AI-isms" sometime, and behold the glaring tells, many of them "barely above a whisper," a "testament" to their "unwavering" "determination." The "tapestry" woven throughout the so-called writing is "palpable."
Also, the character names. Nearly every AI written fantasy book shat upon the Kindle Unlimited ecosystem have a Liona or a Kael in them. Congratulations, this book has both. All that's missing is an Elara and the AI unoriginal naming hat trick would be complete.
Helpful hint: ChatGPT and Anthropic Claude do not have the capacity for true creativity, That's not how language models work. Those innovative ideas it returned from whatever prompt that was fed into it? It's given the same, or nearly the same output to thousands of other prolific authors whose literary careers, like this "author," erupted at the exact same time in the wake of ChatGPT's debut.
To the author: I know the temptation to use tools like ChatGPT and Claude is strong, but if you’re serious about writing, I’d encourage you to embrace your own creativity and be open about how you’re crafting your work. If you want to be respected as an author, transparency is essential.
To potential readers: Strongest possible recommendation to avoid this.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews