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The Shadow Spinner, Second Edition
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 23, 2024
I've read other work by this author and was really looking forward to reading this book. It did not disappoint me. I wanted to sit and read it cover to cover, but grad school got in the way. I liked and cared about the characters. The magic system is unusual and unique. The premise with the created and the twisted, the peaks and the pits, and Dome is intriguing. I enjoyed the LGBTQ representation. I only wish the sequal were available for me to read now. I don't want to wait to see what happens next. If you like fantasy adventure stories with lots of battles and a hint of romance this is the book for you.
November 2, 2024
Different, well written, sexy fantasy with plenty of magic and swordplay!
I originally read the sample of the first edition, and I knew that the author had made significant changes in the second edition, so I was looking forward to seeing how the new book fared in comparison. I have to say that it fared very well.
One very obvious difference is that, in line with much of Eric's work, it has leanings toward LGBTQ+ themes and in the second edition there is much more intimate behaviour going on between various characters at various points in the book which is very tastefully handled (fade to grey and leave a lot to the imagination rather than being too explicit) and dramatically changes the feel of the book I think for the better. It actually seems to make it more lifelike in many ways, since it fits well with how real people live their lives.
There are a lot of new characters, at least compared to my first read of the original sample, and there is a lot of fighting involved as you might expect.
So, what is the story about? In a world where the king's taxes are more than anyone can afford and those who can't pay will die very unpleasantly, the two main protaganists are a feisty young girl, N'Halia, who has latent powers that neither she nor anybody else has recognised, and Hermit, apparently a vagabond Shadow Spinner who can make shadows act like a film, bringing the stories he weaves to life to make a living. Hermit saves N’Halia when her home is burnt to the ground by the king's soldiers with her family inside, and they flee under the cover of night.
N'Halia is determined to get justice for her family, but has no idea how she can do that until Hermit helps her to understand and develop her latent powers. The story details her path and those of the friends they make along the way towards achieving that final aim.
This is a well written book, with plenty of unusual and possibly unique themes. I found it hard to put down, finishing the book in record time. I will definitely be looking forward to future instalments in the series which the author says are definitely forthcoming.
I think it is sufficiently different and well done to be well worth the five stars that I have given it.
I originally read the sample of the first edition, and I knew that the author had made significant changes in the second edition, so I was looking forward to seeing how the new book fared in comparison. I have to say that it fared very well.
One very obvious difference is that, in line with much of Eric's work, it has leanings toward LGBTQ+ themes and in the second edition there is much more intimate behaviour going on between various characters at various points in the book which is very tastefully handled (fade to grey and leave a lot to the imagination rather than being too explicit) and dramatically changes the feel of the book I think for the better. It actually seems to make it more lifelike in many ways, since it fits well with how real people live their lives.
There are a lot of new characters, at least compared to my first read of the original sample, and there is a lot of fighting involved as you might expect.
So, what is the story about? In a world where the king's taxes are more than anyone can afford and those who can't pay will die very unpleasantly, the two main protaganists are a feisty young girl, N'Halia, who has latent powers that neither she nor anybody else has recognised, and Hermit, apparently a vagabond Shadow Spinner who can make shadows act like a film, bringing the stories he weaves to life to make a living. Hermit saves N’Halia when her home is burnt to the ground by the king's soldiers with her family inside, and they flee under the cover of night.
N'Halia is determined to get justice for her family, but has no idea how she can do that until Hermit helps her to understand and develop her latent powers. The story details her path and those of the friends they make along the way towards achieving that final aim.
This is a well written book, with plenty of unusual and possibly unique themes. I found it hard to put down, finishing the book in record time. I will definitely be looking forward to future instalments in the series which the author says are definitely forthcoming.
I think it is sufficiently different and well done to be well worth the five stars that I have given it.
November 1, 2024
The Shadow Spinner, Second Edition by Eric Kao is a fantastic blend of magic, humor, and gritty character growth, delivering a story beyond conventional fantasy. Following the journey of N’Halia, a fantastic heroine, to find and deliver vengeance against those that destroyed her village. The book plunged me into a richly detailed world split by forces of light and dark. Her guide, an enigmatic Hermit, fills her journey with unexpected twists, deeply layered world-building, and a refreshing take on magic.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this edition is Hermit’s sarcastic humor; his dry wit and teaching methods that make for memorable scenes with N’Halia. Their relationship is humorous and pulled me into their journey where training and magical confrontations kept me guessing and engaged.
The romantic scenes with Talla add another dimension to N’Halia’s character. This blossoming connection brings an “electric” element to the story, making it a refreshing and inclusive addition to the genre. I had a truly immersive experience, where nuanced relationships and personal growth run parallel with the broader conflicts of power and survival.
The new additions and twists on classic elements set this one apart. With unexpected turns and world-building, this is a worthy read for any fantasy fan.
I purchased the original edition and was provided a copy of the second edition for this review, which I wholeheartedly recommend to any fantasy lover.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this edition is Hermit’s sarcastic humor; his dry wit and teaching methods that make for memorable scenes with N’Halia. Their relationship is humorous and pulled me into their journey where training and magical confrontations kept me guessing and engaged.
The romantic scenes with Talla add another dimension to N’Halia’s character. This blossoming connection brings an “electric” element to the story, making it a refreshing and inclusive addition to the genre. I had a truly immersive experience, where nuanced relationships and personal growth run parallel with the broader conflicts of power and survival.
The new additions and twists on classic elements set this one apart. With unexpected turns and world-building, this is a worthy read for any fantasy fan.
I purchased the original edition and was provided a copy of the second edition for this review, which I wholeheartedly recommend to any fantasy lover.
November 4, 2024
Eric Kao certainly knows a lot about fighting, which is evident from how he depicted the many battles and fights the characters engage in. He also developed a complicated magic system and injected this novel brilliantly with a large amount of humor. Sometimes it was subtle, and other times, in-your-face funny.
This book starts with N’Halia, who lost her family in a fire set by soldiers is rescued by a kind of magician who promised to teach her to fight. The light-hearted moments lightened the mood at the right points. It’s a long book, with many fight scenes, but engrossing. There are several diverse protagonists, each with their own distinct experiences and skills. I could have done with fewer fight scenes, or shorter descriptions, but they may have been how the author chose to develop the characters.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book starts with N’Halia, who lost her family in a fire set by soldiers is rescued by a kind of magician who promised to teach her to fight. The light-hearted moments lightened the mood at the right points. It’s a long book, with many fight scenes, but engrossing. There are several diverse protagonists, each with their own distinct experiences and skills. I could have done with fewer fight scenes, or shorter descriptions, but they may have been how the author chose to develop the characters.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2024
The Shadow Spinner, Second Edition: Book One of the Dome Series, my third read from author Eric Kao. A 476-page LGBTQ+ Science Fiction read. Well-written and enjoyable, fantasy read. If LGBTQ themes offend you this book may not be for you althogh the LGBTQ theme is tastefully and quietly done. “I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews