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Children of Light and Shadow
A new generation of warriors arises
Two generations have passed since Elian, Samora, and the united wandering clans fought against the greatest threat their world had ever seen. The land has known peace, and in that peace, humanity has flourished, regaining much of what had been lost during the endless years of war.
Now an elder of her own clan, Samora has never believed the war against the Debru was over, but even she isn't prepared for the overwhelming strength of the foe that appears one sunny day to enslave humanity. She and her family have grown strong, but they are still children playing with powers they don't fully understand.
Like his sister, Elian has spent the years since the war preparing for another invasion, but he'll soon find that humanity's greatest threats come from among their own allies. Even he doesn't know how to lead a people that don't want to fight.
As Elian and Samora struggle both against former friends and this new enemy, it is their children and grandchildren that must lead the way into a brighter future.
But only if they can conquer the darkness in their own hearts.
Two generations have passed since Elian, Samora, and the united wandering clans fought against the greatest threat their world had ever seen. The land has known peace, and in that peace, humanity has flourished, regaining much of what had been lost during the endless years of war.
Now an elder of her own clan, Samora has never believed the war against the Debru was over, but even she isn't prepared for the overwhelming strength of the foe that appears one sunny day to enslave humanity. She and her family have grown strong, but they are still children playing with powers they don't fully understand.
Like his sister, Elian has spent the years since the war preparing for another invasion, but he'll soon find that humanity's greatest threats come from among their own allies. Even he doesn't know how to lead a people that don't want to fight.
As Elian and Samora struggle both against former friends and this new enemy, it is their children and grandchildren that must lead the way into a brighter future.
But only if they can conquer the darkness in their own hearts.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2025
15 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 7, 2025
** 4.5 Stars **
I thought that this series was going to end with after the first trilogy following Elian & Samora - but I'm glad I was wrong! It has now been 2 generations since the clans' final battle with the Vada, and the defeat of the Shadow for good. But there is a new, stronger force threatening everything the adanists fought for so long to protect. It is now up to the new generation to stand up against this new enemy - but are they strong enough?
I really liked being back in this world. I really liked the new characters, and seeing this world from the next generation's perspective. I loved Bael and his arc, but did NOT like Elyn - although I understand. I hope she has some sort of redemption arc in the upcoming book(s). Kirk took this new installment in an interesting direction, and it really worked. I really liked this continued exploration of adani, and how much more the people have learned to wield it.
The one criticism I have is one that I've had this whole series - since Kirk created his own word for the magic system of this realm, that's all it's ever referred as. Adani, adani, adani - it's said multiple times on almost every single page (if not almost every paragraph). I get that it's important to the plot and to the characters - but the fact that it was the only word every used to describe the magic got tiring pretty quickly. It's a pretty minor complaint considering the rest of the story is very well written. You know how you say a word too many times and it stops sounding like a real word? That was the feeling I was getting.
All in all I had a really great time! Thank you to Ryan Kirk, Oliver Heber Books, & BookSprout for the eARC! I will most definitely be continuing this series!
I thought that this series was going to end with after the first trilogy following Elian & Samora - but I'm glad I was wrong! It has now been 2 generations since the clans' final battle with the Vada, and the defeat of the Shadow for good. But there is a new, stronger force threatening everything the adanists fought for so long to protect. It is now up to the new generation to stand up against this new enemy - but are they strong enough?
I really liked being back in this world. I really liked the new characters, and seeing this world from the next generation's perspective. I loved Bael and his arc, but did NOT like Elyn - although I understand. I hope she has some sort of redemption arc in the upcoming book(s). Kirk took this new installment in an interesting direction, and it really worked. I really liked this continued exploration of adani, and how much more the people have learned to wield it.
The one criticism I have is one that I've had this whole series - since Kirk created his own word for the magic system of this realm, that's all it's ever referred as. Adani, adani, adani - it's said multiple times on almost every single page (if not almost every paragraph). I get that it's important to the plot and to the characters - but the fact that it was the only word every used to describe the magic got tiring pretty quickly. It's a pretty minor complaint considering the rest of the story is very well written. You know how you say a word too many times and it stops sounding like a real word? That was the feeling I was getting.
All in all I had a really great time! Thank you to Ryan Kirk, Oliver Heber Books, & BookSprout for the eARC! I will most definitely be continuing this series!
November 7, 2025
The fourth book in this series is an interesting follow-on, now set after many years have passed and a younger generation of characters are emerging. Elian and Samora, now elders, must face a new threat from forces of the Void. One of their children is captivated by the new master of the Void's promises, while a grandchild instead follows a new destiny to transform and fight against it.
I found the earlier sections of this book were a bit slow and subdued, but as usual the action picks up in intensity near the end. It's a worthy extension of the story. A minor niggle were the half dozen or so syntax errors I came across.
I found the earlier sections of this book were a bit slow and subdued, but as usual the action picks up in intensity near the end. It's a worthy extension of the story. A minor niggle were the half dozen or so syntax errors I came across.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews