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Shadowbinders #2
The Black Mantle
The war of shadows is being drawn into the light.
Rai faces a past he swore he'd never return to. Tarris is on the brink of civil war and Rai may have set the fuse for the oncoming devastation. But he is a different man now. A man with a darker shadow.
Darkness leaks into Yontar, but Nya refuses to let it take those she loves. If the darkness can be held at bay, she will have everything she has ever wanted. Everything should be perfect. But no one can outrun their shadow.
All the while, ancient mysteries are being uncovered. A past lost to the sands of time. However, the past was buried for a reason.
The dark beckons to them. And it shall not go unanswered.
The Black Mantle, book 2 in the Shadowbinders trilogy, reaches new heights as it continues this dark epic fantasy adventure with mysteries and magic abound.
Rai faces a past he swore he'd never return to. Tarris is on the brink of civil war and Rai may have set the fuse for the oncoming devastation. But he is a different man now. A man with a darker shadow.
Darkness leaks into Yontar, but Nya refuses to let it take those she loves. If the darkness can be held at bay, she will have everything she has ever wanted. Everything should be perfect. But no one can outrun their shadow.
All the while, ancient mysteries are being uncovered. A past lost to the sands of time. However, the past was buried for a reason.
The dark beckons to them. And it shall not go unanswered.
The Black Mantle, book 2 in the Shadowbinders trilogy, reaches new heights as it continues this dark epic fantasy adventure with mysteries and magic abound.
586 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2025
23 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Watson
5 books600 followersGet your FREE copy of "Silence is Silver" – a prequel novella from Andrew Watson's dark epic fantasy Shadowbinders trilogy – when you sign up for his mailing list:
andrew-watson.co.uk
Andrew Watson is the best selling author of the Shadowbinders trilogy. He lives on the outskirts of Edinburgh where he rambles about made up people and places.
andrew-watson.co.uk
Andrew Watson is the best selling author of the Shadowbinders trilogy. He lives on the outskirts of Edinburgh where he rambles about made up people and places.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 1, 2024
I think it’s pretty good
January 30, 2025
Book two in the Shadowbinders series by Andrew Watson takes everything from book one and takes it to the next level.
The war of shadows is being drawn into the light.
Rai faces a past he swore he'd never return to. Tarris is on the brink of civil war and Rai may have set the fuse for the oncoming devastation. But he is a different man now. A man with a darker shadow.
Darkness leaks into Yontar, but Nya refuses to let it take those she loves. If the darkness can be held at bay, she will have everything she has ever wanted. Everything should be perfect. But no one can outrun their shadow.
All the while, ancient mysteries are being uncovered. A past lost to the sands of time. However, the past was buried for a reason.
The dark beckons to them. And it shall not go unanswered.
I was a massive fan of the characters in this one. The scope is larger and the multi-POVs were handled well between Rai and Nya. As much as I liked these characters interactions with each other, the story was expanded with these two branching off. This helped the characters develop and for us to uncover more information about the rest of the world.
Kit is arguably my favourite here. He has justifiable emotional transparency and his character growth was written incredibly. The use of flashbacks for Rai were a great addition to flesh out his backstory, however I did feel like they picked up a little too late into the story whilst a bunch of other stuff was happening in the present day.
The plot itself has been my favourite so far. Everything Andrew writes has little tidbits of secrecy and had me glued to the page wanting to find out more about husks and gods and war. I'm eager for book three.
This continues to be a brilliant fantasy series and book two is a fantastic addition.
The war of shadows is being drawn into the light.
Rai faces a past he swore he'd never return to. Tarris is on the brink of civil war and Rai may have set the fuse for the oncoming devastation. But he is a different man now. A man with a darker shadow.
Darkness leaks into Yontar, but Nya refuses to let it take those she loves. If the darkness can be held at bay, she will have everything she has ever wanted. Everything should be perfect. But no one can outrun their shadow.
All the while, ancient mysteries are being uncovered. A past lost to the sands of time. However, the past was buried for a reason.
The dark beckons to them. And it shall not go unanswered.
I was a massive fan of the characters in this one. The scope is larger and the multi-POVs were handled well between Rai and Nya. As much as I liked these characters interactions with each other, the story was expanded with these two branching off. This helped the characters develop and for us to uncover more information about the rest of the world.
Kit is arguably my favourite here. He has justifiable emotional transparency and his character growth was written incredibly. The use of flashbacks for Rai were a great addition to flesh out his backstory, however I did feel like they picked up a little too late into the story whilst a bunch of other stuff was happening in the present day.
The plot itself has been my favourite so far. Everything Andrew writes has little tidbits of secrecy and had me glued to the page wanting to find out more about husks and gods and war. I'm eager for book three.
This continues to be a brilliant fantasy series and book two is a fantastic addition.
June 1, 2025
I hate this.
five stars.
RTC.
five stars.
RTC.
February 19, 2025
The Black Mantle is a fantastic, fast-paced ride that builds on everything I loved in Harbinger of Justice. The flashbacks were a real highlight, giving us deeper insight into Rai while expanding the world in such a smart way. The worldbuilding in general was top-tier, really pulling everything together into a cohesive mythology.
There were some incredible reveals along the way, and the pacing kept me hooked. My only (minor) complaint is that I wanted a bit more Nya—sometimes we’d come back to her after several chapters, and I’d need a moment to remember where she left off. But overall, this was an excellent finale.
And let’s be real, the true star here is Yeru. What a nerd. What a legend. I need more Yeru in my life.
There were some incredible reveals along the way, and the pacing kept me hooked. My only (minor) complaint is that I wanted a bit more Nya—sometimes we’d come back to her after several chapters, and I’d need a moment to remember where she left off. But overall, this was an excellent finale.
And let’s be real, the true star here is Yeru. What a nerd. What a legend. I need more Yeru in my life.
January 23, 2025
You can not hide from the darkness. Did you really think you could escape? Foolish. There is no escaping your own shadow... and what lurks beyond it. No matter where you run, no matter where you hide, it will find you. It always does.
No word can describe how fantastic this book is. But I'm gonna try anyway.
Have you ever read a book that is so good that you can't keep reading long sessions because you have to put i down to savory it? This is one of these books, and it's also one of them that takes my breath away for being this good.
Every turning page leaves a sad feeling inside me because it means it's a page closer to the end. I mean, yeah, i sounds like a cry baby, and you are supposed to be done with the book eventually, but does it have to hurt this bad. It always surprise me that a book can be this good, and Andrew hits all the places with this new book in his series. It's fantastic. You guys need to read this series, and if you read book 1, you have to get to this one as fast as it's out.
Compared to book 1, this has taken an even darker turn. The enemies are more badass, and the scenes are more disturbing, and I love it!
One of the best feelings is when you get a good bacround story and that's what you get here with the main character Rai, here you will jump between his past and present time. And both story lines are so good and well crafted that I can’t get enough.
You also follow Nya's story with her friend Kit as they are struggling with their own treats from the pocket world, while they thought they finally was safe. What's really nice is that in this book, Rai and Nya won't be traveling together, so you will get 2 fantastically awesome stories to follow, which are both absolutely breathtaking.
Can't say it enough. This is an incredible and fantastic read filled with action and awesome monsters/enemies around every corner.
This is a series you definitely have to read and recommend this to all fantasy fans.
It will be released in Valentine's Valentine, so why not make that date to a reading date and spend your evening in Tarris with some wine and chocolate.
No word can describe how fantastic this book is. But I'm gonna try anyway.
Have you ever read a book that is so good that you can't keep reading long sessions because you have to put i down to savory it? This is one of these books, and it's also one of them that takes my breath away for being this good.
Every turning page leaves a sad feeling inside me because it means it's a page closer to the end. I mean, yeah, i sounds like a cry baby, and you are supposed to be done with the book eventually, but does it have to hurt this bad. It always surprise me that a book can be this good, and Andrew hits all the places with this new book in his series. It's fantastic. You guys need to read this series, and if you read book 1, you have to get to this one as fast as it's out.
Compared to book 1, this has taken an even darker turn. The enemies are more badass, and the scenes are more disturbing, and I love it!
One of the best feelings is when you get a good bacround story and that's what you get here with the main character Rai, here you will jump between his past and present time. And both story lines are so good and well crafted that I can’t get enough.
You also follow Nya's story with her friend Kit as they are struggling with their own treats from the pocket world, while they thought they finally was safe. What's really nice is that in this book, Rai and Nya won't be traveling together, so you will get 2 fantastically awesome stories to follow, which are both absolutely breathtaking.
Can't say it enough. This is an incredible and fantastic read filled with action and awesome monsters/enemies around every corner.
This is a series you definitely have to read and recommend this to all fantasy fans.
It will be released in Valentine's Valentine, so why not make that date to a reading date and spend your evening in Tarris with some wine and chocolate.
June 14, 2025
Shadows grow and so do the stakes
The Black Mantle is a strong second installment in the Shadow Binders trilogy, raising both the emotional and political stakes. The story splits between Rai’s darker, introspective journey and the more quest driven path of Naya and Kip, creating a nice balance of tension and heart. The pacing keeps things engaging and the dual narratives each bring something vital to the table.
Rai’s arc goes deep this time around, especially through a series of flashback sequences that reveal key moments from his past. These scenes are woven in naturally and add a whole new layer of complexity to his character. It’s not just about what he’s done but also the why. The way Watson ties Rai’s inner demons to the wider conflict is subtle but powerful.
Meanwhile, Naya and Kip's storyline continues to bring the emotional heart and growing urgency. Naya’s deals with the fall out from the last book and Kip’s evolution is especially rewarding. He’s not the same person he was in book one and that growth feels earned.
With its expanded worldbuilding, creeping tension and darker themes, this is a middle book that doesn’t just bridge, it deepens. The shadow magic grows more dangerous, the threat of war looms large and by the end, you can feel everything tilting toward something massive. A compelling and thoughtful sequel that sets the stage for an explosive finale.
The Black Mantle is a strong second installment in the Shadow Binders trilogy, raising both the emotional and political stakes. The story splits between Rai’s darker, introspective journey and the more quest driven path of Naya and Kip, creating a nice balance of tension and heart. The pacing keeps things engaging and the dual narratives each bring something vital to the table.
Rai’s arc goes deep this time around, especially through a series of flashback sequences that reveal key moments from his past. These scenes are woven in naturally and add a whole new layer of complexity to his character. It’s not just about what he’s done but also the why. The way Watson ties Rai’s inner demons to the wider conflict is subtle but powerful.
Meanwhile, Naya and Kip's storyline continues to bring the emotional heart and growing urgency. Naya’s deals with the fall out from the last book and Kip’s evolution is especially rewarding. He’s not the same person he was in book one and that growth feels earned.
With its expanded worldbuilding, creeping tension and darker themes, this is a middle book that doesn’t just bridge, it deepens. The shadow magic grows more dangerous, the threat of war looms large and by the end, you can feel everything tilting toward something massive. A compelling and thoughtful sequel that sets the stage for an explosive finale.
February 11, 2025
This review is for an electronic ARC of the Kindle version of The Black Mantle.
This is the second installment of Shadowbinders. We are continuing the story of Rai and Nya along with their friends. Rai returns back to the Emperess and the capital, a place where he never thought he would return. Nya is with her friends making the most of a "normal" life. But as fantasy readers known, that is just the start of the story. An evil is hiding, scholars are studying, warriors are fighting, evil is brewing, and the world is walking on the edge of a knife, this is how our story begins/continues.
We continue to get a broader view of the world adding context and texture to the story's backgrounds. The characters grow both individually as well as an ensemble but as with most fantasy books, things are even really like they seem. The prose and pacing of this book were appropriate for the story. I loved getting glimpses of the past adding more of Rai's backstory allowing us to get a further grasp of his character and motivations.
I look forward to the third and final installment of the Shadowbinders even have my fingers crossed for more novellas in this world.
This is the second installment of Shadowbinders. We are continuing the story of Rai and Nya along with their friends. Rai returns back to the Emperess and the capital, a place where he never thought he would return. Nya is with her friends making the most of a "normal" life. But as fantasy readers known, that is just the start of the story. An evil is hiding, scholars are studying, warriors are fighting, evil is brewing, and the world is walking on the edge of a knife, this is how our story begins/continues.
We continue to get a broader view of the world adding context and texture to the story's backgrounds. The characters grow both individually as well as an ensemble but as with most fantasy books, things are even really like they seem. The prose and pacing of this book were appropriate for the story. I loved getting glimpses of the past adding more of Rai's backstory allowing us to get a further grasp of his character and motivations.
I look forward to the third and final installment of the Shadowbinders even have my fingers crossed for more novellas in this world.
February 2, 2025
This review is for an ARC.
The Black Mantle is book two of the Shawdowbinders trilogy and Andrew Watson has stepped up the narrative and turned up the darkness. In this story we follow Rai and Nya, as well as flashbacks to Rai's past. The narrative structure drives the story quickly and the world building is breathtaking. I loved how the characters developed both individually and as a group. The prose and pacing is excellent. I cannot wait to read the third and final instalment of this amazing series!
The Black Mantle is book two of the Shawdowbinders trilogy and Andrew Watson has stepped up the narrative and turned up the darkness. In this story we follow Rai and Nya, as well as flashbacks to Rai's past. The narrative structure drives the story quickly and the world building is breathtaking. I loved how the characters developed both individually and as a group. The prose and pacing is excellent. I cannot wait to read the third and final instalment of this amazing series!
February 13, 2025
I beta read this back in October 2024 and it's a great sequel to HoJ and a tad bit darker (perfect release for Valentines 😂)
Solid story with multi POVs from Rai and Nya, really enjoyable action sequences and some shocking moments throughout! The flashback chapters were a nice addition adding to the backstory and building on the lore/worldbuilding of Yontar.
Solid story with multi POVs from Rai and Nya, really enjoyable action sequences and some shocking moments throughout! The flashback chapters were a nice addition adding to the backstory and building on the lore/worldbuilding of Yontar.
March 29, 2025
Have to be honest: first half of this was 3 stars. Slow start, not very compelling. That second half, though....daaaaaamn. 5 stars for sure! That ending, those ramifications for book 3. Woo boy, I need that NOW
Let's take a step back and talk about this. We return, again, to the desert country of Tarris. We return to our friends, Rai, Nya, Fax, and Kit. We return to that mysterious tear in reality and to the dark, mirror world that the tear leads to. All of these things just feel bigger and more vibrant in this volume.
Character growth was spot on, my favorite being 'the hell is the extent of Kit's (redacted for those not having read book one)'.
A good chunk of this book was flashbacks, giving us Rai's backstory. I'm usually not a fan of this amount of flashbacks in a book, but as with the whole of this book's content, that second half was so good that I wasn't bothered. And, again, can not overstate the way this ends/sets up the next book. Fuuuh. One of the better book endings that I can think of.
I watch the author's BookTube content, so I am just a fanboy in general. Knowing that this trilogy is just one part of a larger planned tapestry for this world makes me so happy. Can't wait to read them all.
Let's take a step back and talk about this. We return, again, to the desert country of Tarris. We return to our friends, Rai, Nya, Fax, and Kit. We return to that mysterious tear in reality and to the dark, mirror world that the tear leads to. All of these things just feel bigger and more vibrant in this volume.
Character growth was spot on, my favorite being 'the hell is the extent of Kit's (redacted for those not having read book one)'.
A good chunk of this book was flashbacks, giving us Rai's backstory. I'm usually not a fan of this amount of flashbacks in a book, but as with the whole of this book's content, that second half was so good that I wasn't bothered. And, again, can not overstate the way this ends/sets up the next book. Fuuuh. One of the better book endings that I can think of.
I watch the author's BookTube content, so I am just a fanboy in general. Knowing that this trilogy is just one part of a larger planned tapestry for this world makes me so happy. Can't wait to read them all.
September 22, 2025
The Black Mantle takes everything I loved about Harbinger of Justice and raises the stakes in every way. The world is darker, the lore runs deeper, and the emotional weight hits even harder.
One of the highlights for me was learning so much more about Rai. He’s my favorite character, and the flashbacks into his past really brought him to life in a whole new way. Getting to see what shaped him, what drives him, and the choices he’s forced to make now made his storyline both heartbreaking and compelling.
I also enjoyed how the magic system continues to evolve and how the political tensions are just as dangerous as the supernatural ones. Nya and Kit’s arcs added more emotional depth, and the betrayals and revelations kept me hooked.
The ending left me stunned—in the best way—and I can’t wait to see where the series goes next. If you enjoy morally gray characters, layered worldbuilding, and a story that isn’t afraid to dig into the cost of power, you’ll love this series.
One of the highlights for me was learning so much more about Rai. He’s my favorite character, and the flashbacks into his past really brought him to life in a whole new way. Getting to see what shaped him, what drives him, and the choices he’s forced to make now made his storyline both heartbreaking and compelling.
I also enjoyed how the magic system continues to evolve and how the political tensions are just as dangerous as the supernatural ones. Nya and Kit’s arcs added more emotional depth, and the betrayals and revelations kept me hooked.
The ending left me stunned—in the best way—and I can’t wait to see where the series goes next. If you enjoy morally gray characters, layered worldbuilding, and a story that isn’t afraid to dig into the cost of power, you’ll love this series.
July 10, 2025
the characters the plot the tension it's ALL there
December 13, 2025
Wonderful! Better than the first one! Now I just need book 3!
April 23, 2025
A gripping, darker sequel that expands the world and deepens the characters in all the best ways—Rai’s story hit hard, and the ending left me desperate (but in a good way!) for the final book.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Een meeslepend, duister vervolg dat de wereld uitbreidt en de personages verder uitdiept—Rai’s verhaal kwam hard binnen, en het einde doet me reikhalzend uitkijken naar het slotdeel.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Full review on my blog: in English | in het Nederlands
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Een meeslepend, duister vervolg dat de wereld uitbreidt en de personages verder uitdiept—Rai’s verhaal kwam hard binnen, en het einde doet me reikhalzend uitkijken naar het slotdeel.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Full review on my blog: in English | in het Nederlands
January 21, 2025
The Black Mantle, second of the Shadowsbinders trilogy, takes an impressive step further in the story that author Andrew Watson has crafted. Despite a somewhat slower start, the plolines converge at the end spectacularly well, ending with a climatic sequence that gives me "Sanderlanch" vibes to it. My favorite part about this (and the previous book) remains the desert setting- giving it vibes of Mos Easley combined with classical medieval lords. The unique flora and fauna of this world stand out too, further strengthening the world building.
The characters and plot are handled pretty well. Initially I was skeptic on the separated plots between Rai and Nya, but they mesh pretty well, especially as revealed in the ending sequences. Kit remains as a likable tritagonist, and has some touching moments with Nya along with the crew from the Patched Cloak. He grapples with the freaky experience that he had in the preceding book, where he has a non-beating heart and newfound abilities. His growth was probably my favorite of the POV characters in this book. Rai had significant characterization too- mostly through flashbacks detailing his life, going from orphan, to Seven Sceptre, to outcast.
The plot regards two joining plots, one with Nya and Kit trying to stem the infiltration of the husks (from the parallel realm of darkness shown in the first book), and the other one where Rai reluctantly returns to his old life- something he would never have done unless for the possibility of the nation falling into civil war. He'd face his past if it means keeping stability. As mentioned before, everything comes together (even the revelations from Rai's flashbacks), and this ends on quite the cliffhanger!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The characters and plot are handled pretty well. Initially I was skeptic on the separated plots between Rai and Nya, but they mesh pretty well, especially as revealed in the ending sequences. Kit remains as a likable tritagonist, and has some touching moments with Nya along with the crew from the Patched Cloak. He grapples with the freaky experience that he had in the preceding book, where he has a non-beating heart and newfound abilities. His growth was probably my favorite of the POV characters in this book. Rai had significant characterization too- mostly through flashbacks detailing his life, going from orphan, to Seven Sceptre, to outcast.
The plot regards two joining plots, one with Nya and Kit trying to stem the infiltration of the husks (from the parallel realm of darkness shown in the first book), and the other one where Rai reluctantly returns to his old life- something he would never have done unless for the possibility of the nation falling into civil war. He'd face his past if it means keeping stability. As mentioned before, everything comes together (even the revelations from Rai's flashbacks), and this ends on quite the cliffhanger!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2025
GENRE: Fantasy
FORMAT: Ebook
MY RATING: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Storyline: 4/5
Writing style/structure: 4/5
Overall enjoyment: 4/5
MY THOUGHTS
The Black Mantle throws you straight back into Andrew Watson’s dangerous world, full of political intrigue, desert landscapes and terrifying creatures—seriously, like 90% of them want to kill you and they actually have capability to do so…. He must have pulled inspiration from Australia.
The story is told in third person with two timelines and follows our three main characters who are often in different locations. When the book jumps back to Rai’s past, the narrative occasionally lingers for multiple chapters, which, while enriching his backstory, it sometimes left me a bit lost on where everyone else was in the present. That said, the second half really takes off—I couldn’t stop reading once things started to ramp up. The magic system is still pretty mysterious, especially when it comes to the shades, but I’ve got a feeling more will be revealed in book three.
Lem is still one of my favourite characters, despite not having much page time. He is equal parts eccentric uncle and chaotic good, offering a touch of levity in the early part of the book. I’m also really curious about Kit’s new ability, and I’m hoping for more exploration of it in book three.
Without giving away spoilers… that ending left me stunned. I mean, what just happened?! Now I’m desperate to see how our protagonists will handle the new conflict introduced in the last few pages.
Thank you to the author, who provided me with an ARC of this book. I of course also purchased a physical copy.
FORMAT: Ebook
MY RATING: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Storyline: 4/5
Writing style/structure: 4/5
Overall enjoyment: 4/5
MY THOUGHTS
The Black Mantle throws you straight back into Andrew Watson’s dangerous world, full of political intrigue, desert landscapes and terrifying creatures—seriously, like 90% of them want to kill you and they actually have capability to do so…. He must have pulled inspiration from Australia.
The story is told in third person with two timelines and follows our three main characters who are often in different locations. When the book jumps back to Rai’s past, the narrative occasionally lingers for multiple chapters, which, while enriching his backstory, it sometimes left me a bit lost on where everyone else was in the present. That said, the second half really takes off—I couldn’t stop reading once things started to ramp up. The magic system is still pretty mysterious, especially when it comes to the shades, but I’ve got a feeling more will be revealed in book three.
Lem is still one of my favourite characters, despite not having much page time. He is equal parts eccentric uncle and chaotic good, offering a touch of levity in the early part of the book. I’m also really curious about Kit’s new ability, and I’m hoping for more exploration of it in book three.
Without giving away spoilers… that ending left me stunned. I mean, what just happened?! Now I’m desperate to see how our protagonists will handle the new conflict introduced in the last few pages.
Thank you to the author, who provided me with an ARC of this book. I of course also purchased a physical copy.
March 21, 2025
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙚 ist der zweite Band in der #shadowbinderstrilogy von Andrew Watson.
Ich habe mich wirklich sehr auf diese Veröffentlichung gefreut, da ich Band 1 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 J𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 schon sehr geliebt habe.
Band 2 hat mich nicht enttäuscht.
In letzter Zeit gab es einige Veröffentlichungen orientalisch inspirierte Fantasy, aber keine konnte mich so überzeugen wie diese Reihe.
Es ist die perfekte Mischung aus Abenteuer, der MUMIE, fantastischer Schattenmagie und schwarzem Humor.
Die Schattenmagie ist spannend erzählt und die Interaktionen der Schattenträger mit ihren Schatten sind umwerfend und einzigartig. Rai und Fax sind ein super Duo, an dem ich meinen Spass habe. Der Autor auch, denn das merkt man absolut.
Rai ist bei weitem mein Lieblingscharakter und dass er im 2. Buch seinen grossen Auftritt hat mit seiner Hintergrundgeschichte, fand ich super. Es war interessant zu erfahren, wer er eigentlich ist, wo er herkommt und warum er so ein Eigenbrödler ist.
Spannung bringen vor allem gut erzählte Actionszenen. Auch gibt es immer wieder Wendepunkte und das Ende war bitter sweet.
Für mich ist das absolut moderne, knackige und charakterintensive Fantasy - toll erzählt. Ich hoffe, wir bekommen mehr.
Ich habe mich wirklich sehr auf diese Veröffentlichung gefreut, da ich Band 1 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 J𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 schon sehr geliebt habe.
Band 2 hat mich nicht enttäuscht.
In letzter Zeit gab es einige Veröffentlichungen orientalisch inspirierte Fantasy, aber keine konnte mich so überzeugen wie diese Reihe.
Es ist die perfekte Mischung aus Abenteuer, der MUMIE, fantastischer Schattenmagie und schwarzem Humor.
Die Schattenmagie ist spannend erzählt und die Interaktionen der Schattenträger mit ihren Schatten sind umwerfend und einzigartig. Rai und Fax sind ein super Duo, an dem ich meinen Spass habe. Der Autor auch, denn das merkt man absolut.
Rai ist bei weitem mein Lieblingscharakter und dass er im 2. Buch seinen grossen Auftritt hat mit seiner Hintergrundgeschichte, fand ich super. Es war interessant zu erfahren, wer er eigentlich ist, wo er herkommt und warum er so ein Eigenbrödler ist.
Spannung bringen vor allem gut erzählte Actionszenen. Auch gibt es immer wieder Wendepunkte und das Ende war bitter sweet.
Für mich ist das absolut moderne, knackige und charakterintensive Fantasy - toll erzählt. Ich hoffe, wir bekommen mehr.
March 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Rating: 3.5/5.0 Stars (rounding UP)
In 'The Black Mantle,' the second installment of the Shadowbinders series, Andrew Watson seamlessly continues upon the rich world-building he started in the ‘Harbinger of Justice’, expanding upon the existing lore. He uses multiple perspectives and flashback sequences to illuminate the motivations of certain characters.
However, I found a few instances of what I perceived as contrivances of plot developments that diminished my overall enjoyment. Others might find these events less jarring; they strike me as counter to the established narrative of the story. I prefer to avoid adding examples so as to not spoil the story for others. This has me lowering my rating slightly.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and plan to continue the series when published.
Rating: 3.5/5.0 Stars (rounding UP)
In 'The Black Mantle,' the second installment of the Shadowbinders series, Andrew Watson seamlessly continues upon the rich world-building he started in the ‘Harbinger of Justice’, expanding upon the existing lore. He uses multiple perspectives and flashback sequences to illuminate the motivations of certain characters.
However, I found a few instances of what I perceived as contrivances of plot developments that diminished my overall enjoyment. Others might find these events less jarring; they strike me as counter to the established narrative of the story. I prefer to avoid adding examples so as to not spoil the story for others. This has me lowering my rating slightly.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and plan to continue the series when published.
June 25, 2025
I bought the broken binding editions of Harbinger of Justice and The Black Mantle based solely on how much I enjoy Andrew Watson’s YouTube channel. I can honestly say that it was money well spent. The books are beautiful in their own right and the story is well-crafted, original, and compelling. I enjoyed the further development of the shadow magic and the beginning development of blood magic. The story is told from primarily the point of view of our 2 main protagonists and also from a variety of flashbacks, which were skillfully managed. This second book in an expected trilogy ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger. Usually, I don’t like that, but for whatever reason, in this case, I didn’t mind it and thoroughly enjoyed the story and will certainly be continuing when the next book in the series comes out.
June 7, 2025
This was the second book in the Shadowbinder series and it was amazing I was on the edge of my seat the last half of this book and I cannot believe what happens and I can't wait until the third book comes out. Each character was terrific was intense was amazing and the antagonist is a conglomeration of a lot of things I recommend this book highly I wasn't actually going to even read it and I came across both books and the more I read the more I fell in love with the book I'm just a little stunned at the moment I just finished it and now I have to wait another year until the third book comes out please pick it up it's worth the read.
February 13, 2025
What a stellar second book to this series!
We get so much back story for Rai and it's just heartbreaking to see what's happened to him. At the same time the current story is forging ahead at breakneck speed, hurtling toward the ending that absolutely stopped me in my tracks.
Such character growth all around and the way certain characters fit into the story arc was just masterful writing. There were incredible twists and surprises, which kept me turning page after page.
I was thrilled to receive this ARC and feel so lucky to be immersed in this world!
My rating is 4.50 rounded for GR
We get so much back story for Rai and it's just heartbreaking to see what's happened to him. At the same time the current story is forging ahead at breakneck speed, hurtling toward the ending that absolutely stopped me in my tracks.
Such character growth all around and the way certain characters fit into the story arc was just masterful writing. There were incredible twists and surprises, which kept me turning page after page.
I was thrilled to receive this ARC and feel so lucky to be immersed in this world!
My rating is 4.50 rounded for GR
June 2, 2025
4.75/5 Stars.
Wow. Just wow. That ending was immaculate and the characters were so good. Seeing Rai's backstory was really fun. Overall, it was an incredible book.
My only downside is that sometimes it read more like a philosophy book with a slow ploy than a fantasy book with dialog that encourages.
Great book Andrew Watson!
Wow. Just wow. That ending was immaculate and the characters were so good. Seeing Rai's backstory was really fun. Overall, it was an incredible book.
My only downside is that sometimes it read more like a philosophy book with a slow ploy than a fantasy book with dialog that encourages.
Great book Andrew Watson!
August 12, 2025
3.5 ⭐
Builds on everything that Harbinger of Justice does. Compelling and expands the lore well. Enjoyed, a lot.
Builds on everything that Harbinger of Justice does. Compelling and expands the lore well. Enjoyed, a lot.
October 5, 2025
What a fantastic series so far. I’ve been watching Andrew Watson on YouTube for years now, and I think I owed it to him to read his books, and I am sure glad that I did! I’m usually not a fan of shadow magic, but I really loved what he did here. The characters are well rounded, have had lives, and the world is so cool, especially the other place. I can’t wait for book 3!
March 20, 2025
Excellent read, a page turned. Looking forward to the 3rd book.
June 18, 2025
Cataclysmic mash-up of the mummy, stranger things and assassins creed.
That ending though 😮💨
That ending though 😮💨
November 15, 2025
Review will follow when ive recovered from that endinf
January 10, 2026
I enjoyed Kit and Nya’s storyline but found myself disconnected to Rai’s storyline.
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