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Highglade #1
Gift of the Shaper: Book One of the Highglade Series
Armies will clash, and even gods will die....
For thousands of years, the Breaker of the Dawn has been locked away in the ethereal plane of the Otherworld. Now, a young blacksmith’s apprentice finds himself trapped in a war between the noble Athrani, a subset of humanity gifted with the ability to transmute matter, and the malevolent and powerful Khyth, who seek to free the ancient god from his prison. When his father, Olson, is kidnapped, Thornton Woods and his childhood friend, Miera, must leave their small village of Highglade to find him. On their way, they are joined by Ynara and Kethras, cat-like humanoids called Kienari, who use their skills as hunter/trackers to follow Olson’s trail. When it comes to light that one among them possesses the key to the Breaker’s release, Thornton and his friends must defy the might of the Khyth as armies on both sides collide in pursuit of the ultimate prize.
Gift of the Shaper chronicles the epic struggle between the existing forces of good and evil, with both sides vying for control of the key that unlocks the Otherworld. The very powers of creation and destruction hang in the balance, and only a heroic effort by Thornton and Miera, backed by the power of the Athrani, can possibly stop the Khyth from unleashing ruin - and the Breaker - upon their world.
For thousands of years, the Breaker of the Dawn has been locked away in the ethereal plane of the Otherworld. Now, a young blacksmith’s apprentice finds himself trapped in a war between the noble Athrani, a subset of humanity gifted with the ability to transmute matter, and the malevolent and powerful Khyth, who seek to free the ancient god from his prison. When his father, Olson, is kidnapped, Thornton Woods and his childhood friend, Miera, must leave their small village of Highglade to find him. On their way, they are joined by Ynara and Kethras, cat-like humanoids called Kienari, who use their skills as hunter/trackers to follow Olson’s trail. When it comes to light that one among them possesses the key to the Breaker’s release, Thornton and his friends must defy the might of the Khyth as armies on both sides collide in pursuit of the ultimate prize.
Gift of the Shaper chronicles the epic struggle between the existing forces of good and evil, with both sides vying for control of the key that unlocks the Otherworld. The very powers of creation and destruction hang in the balance, and only a heroic effort by Thornton and Miera, backed by the power of the Athrani, can possibly stop the Khyth from unleashing ruin - and the Breaker - upon their world.
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First published November 7, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
September 10, 2018
[Disclosure: I personally know the author. Our relationship has no bearing on this review.]
Gift of the Shaper is a good debut by a new, independent author. I am not an avid fantasy reader but I am familiar with major titles in the genre, along with the genre's tropes and clichés.
The good: Jennings takes the story in directions you don't always expect it to go. He handles a-b-c-d plots and weaves them together quite well. His tale has a good magic system while the lore is well-woven, and easy to understand. The glossary in the back is short, so Wheel of Time this is not. If you are new to fantasy and don't feel ready for Song of Ice and Fire or Lord of the Rings, Jennings makes it an easy read for you.
The book is best taken in three parts: the first part is slow, but the second and third portions speed up, raise the stakes, and immerse you into the book's universe. The last 20% of the book is best described as "cosmic" to keep it spoiler-free. Characters build their relationships somewhat organically, but it's not perfect. I have more on that in the following parts.
The stakes in the first book, which is part of a planned series, both establishes the in-universe story cycle and the stakes the characters are poised against. The Shaper, Binder, and Breaker gods which form the world's nexus are presented in a an interesting way. All the book's characters essentially descend from one of each, and this ties them all together in a sort of triskelion. You can sense multiple, real life mythological influences in Jennings' book. Celtic, Pashtun, Zoroastrian, and modern American fantasy each add a fleck or two to Gift of the Shaper's place names, character names, lore, and character classes.
The book's plot has clichés, which are discussed below, but it does subvert some too. Women are decently represented in Gift. There is a damsel-in-distress subplot but it shifts gears in a major way towards the end. The other women are presented as mostly equal to men, working in the same sorts of roles as men within the book's universe. There are no romantic subplots. There are no sex scenes, concubines, or rape scenes. Rape is not used as a character building moment for a woman character. There is no nudity described in the book, and women are not described via the "male gaze" as it were. Women aren't assigned chiefly domestic roles. Their appearances in the book both impact the plot and serve as fulcrums toward's the story's climax. Two of the book's principle deities are goddesses, and they are essentially fire/nature godheads.
One could nitpick that no woman in this book serves as the leader, and it's still a man's world here with men at the top - unless you count the goddesses. It's definitely not crammed with tons of awkwardness either, which in the fantasy genre can be problematic.
The meh: Lots of clichés in terms of characterization, character relationships, and the world itself is interesting, yet very small. Besides the intriguing lore detailed above, everyone seems linked to each other in obvious ways. Some relationships are mentioned but never addressed again. The whole, "Such-and-such are related," bit comes up more than once, and it's really unnecessary.
The main relationship, between the father and son main characters, is about the only one requiring family ties. The rest could've been built better through stronger character building moments, intimate interludes, or adding minor details which would've made each featured character richer and more complex. As this books stands, almost none really rise above their archetypes.
There are multiple evil wizards, hardened generals and officers, and "insert random guy" types in this book. None feel distinct beyond their character class. I needed that glossary at the end to remind myself who most of them were. One character class is introduced very late in the story. It has no bearing on any of the plots, and foreshadows nothing. Maybe this class type will matter more in the sequel, but it didn't help this book any.
The bad: Nobody needs another Chosen One story. The book's principle character, Thornton Woods, is immaterial to this book - which is a real drag on the novel's first portion, since that's where he gets the most time. When he's not in a chapter I was reading, I forgot about him. When he does appear, I wish I was reading about what someone else was doing.
Yasha, a secondary character who enters near the halfway point, comes across as the story's true heroine. Her background, relationships to the novel's antagonists, and how she develops are much more compelling than the Chosen Boy and his Hammer of Awesomeness. (I'm being snarky but I do know the author and know he's going to read this.)
Conclusion: Not a perfect book. Not a bad book either. Overall just pretty good. Gift of the Shaper slides right down the middle and its good parts are strong enough to warrant a sequel (Because, truly, we need to learn how Yasha becomes the series' lead heroine and saves the world). I'm definitely on board for that sequel. I see potential in the narrative and in Jennings' writing ability. I'm very proud of him for getting a book published. It's difficult and some authors struggle for years to get their work into the light of day. I commend him for putting himself out there for the universe.
Three and a Half Stars is my actual score, but Goodreads won't permit it.
Gift of the Shaper is a good debut by a new, independent author. I am not an avid fantasy reader but I am familiar with major titles in the genre, along with the genre's tropes and clichés.
The good: Jennings takes the story in directions you don't always expect it to go. He handles a-b-c-d plots and weaves them together quite well. His tale has a good magic system while the lore is well-woven, and easy to understand. The glossary in the back is short, so Wheel of Time this is not. If you are new to fantasy and don't feel ready for Song of Ice and Fire or Lord of the Rings, Jennings makes it an easy read for you.
The book is best taken in three parts: the first part is slow, but the second and third portions speed up, raise the stakes, and immerse you into the book's universe. The last 20% of the book is best described as "cosmic" to keep it spoiler-free. Characters build their relationships somewhat organically, but it's not perfect. I have more on that in the following parts.
The stakes in the first book, which is part of a planned series, both establishes the in-universe story cycle and the stakes the characters are poised against. The Shaper, Binder, and Breaker gods which form the world's nexus are presented in a an interesting way. All the book's characters essentially descend from one of each, and this ties them all together in a sort of triskelion. You can sense multiple, real life mythological influences in Jennings' book. Celtic, Pashtun, Zoroastrian, and modern American fantasy each add a fleck or two to Gift of the Shaper's place names, character names, lore, and character classes.
The book's plot has clichés, which are discussed below, but it does subvert some too. Women are decently represented in Gift. There is a damsel-in-distress subplot but it shifts gears in a major way towards the end. The other women are presented as mostly equal to men, working in the same sorts of roles as men within the book's universe. There are no romantic subplots. There are no sex scenes, concubines, or rape scenes. Rape is not used as a character building moment for a woman character. There is no nudity described in the book, and women are not described via the "male gaze" as it were. Women aren't assigned chiefly domestic roles. Their appearances in the book both impact the plot and serve as fulcrums toward's the story's climax. Two of the book's principle deities are goddesses, and they are essentially fire/nature godheads.
One could nitpick that no woman in this book serves as the leader, and it's still a man's world here with men at the top - unless you count the goddesses. It's definitely not crammed with tons of awkwardness either, which in the fantasy genre can be problematic.
The meh: Lots of clichés in terms of characterization, character relationships, and the world itself is interesting, yet very small. Besides the intriguing lore detailed above, everyone seems linked to each other in obvious ways. Some relationships are mentioned but never addressed again. The whole, "Such-and-such are related," bit comes up more than once, and it's really unnecessary.
The main relationship, between the father and son main characters, is about the only one requiring family ties. The rest could've been built better through stronger character building moments, intimate interludes, or adding minor details which would've made each featured character richer and more complex. As this books stands, almost none really rise above their archetypes.
There are multiple evil wizards, hardened generals and officers, and "insert random guy" types in this book. None feel distinct beyond their character class. I needed that glossary at the end to remind myself who most of them were. One character class is introduced very late in the story. It has no bearing on any of the plots, and foreshadows nothing. Maybe this class type will matter more in the sequel, but it didn't help this book any.
The bad: Nobody needs another Chosen One story. The book's principle character, Thornton Woods, is immaterial to this book - which is a real drag on the novel's first portion, since that's where he gets the most time. When he's not in a chapter I was reading, I forgot about him. When he does appear, I wish I was reading about what someone else was doing.
Yasha, a secondary character who enters near the halfway point, comes across as the story's true heroine. Her background, relationships to the novel's antagonists, and how she develops are much more compelling than the Chosen Boy and his Hammer of Awesomeness. (I'm being snarky but I do know the author and know he's going to read this.)
Conclusion: Not a perfect book. Not a bad book either. Overall just pretty good. Gift of the Shaper slides right down the middle and its good parts are strong enough to warrant a sequel (Because, truly, we need to learn how Yasha becomes the series' lead heroine and saves the world). I'm definitely on board for that sequel. I see potential in the narrative and in Jennings' writing ability. I'm very proud of him for getting a book published. It's difficult and some authors struggle for years to get their work into the light of day. I commend him for putting himself out there for the universe.
Three and a Half Stars is my actual score, but Goodreads won't permit it.
July 12, 2025
Amazing fun read!!
April 12, 2018
This book is so great! It takes you into a fantasy world and just sucks you right in. It builds up in the first half, and is nail biting action in the second half. I finished the book and immediately wanted to know what happens next!
August 14, 2018
D.L. Jennings uses tight language and well-paced action to move his hero, Thornton Woods, along on his quest to save his father in Gift of the Shaper.
This is very much a coming of age tale as Thornton comes into his own, alongside his friend Miera, at the beginning of the book. But Thornton is not a stranger to hardship, as the son of a blacksmith.
Jennings’ world is fraught with peril and his writing reminds me somewhat of Robert Jordan. The lands of Derenar and Gal’Dorok likewise have original races and creations that differ from the traditional fantasy ones, although some of the timeless tropes remain. Like Jordan and Sanderson, Jennings uses seamless world-building pieces including old myths, histories, and prophecies in order to firmly establish his realm and its people. The language elements are beautiful and consistent and Otherworld is much greater and larger than the slice that we are treated to; we will likely see more of it as the Highglade Series unfolds.
If you’re looking for a good but of mythopoeic fantasy, and a solid story about good vs evil, check out Gift of the Shaper. I got my copy for free to review on Inside the Inkwell blog.
This is very much a coming of age tale as Thornton comes into his own, alongside his friend Miera, at the beginning of the book. But Thornton is not a stranger to hardship, as the son of a blacksmith.
Jennings’ world is fraught with peril and his writing reminds me somewhat of Robert Jordan. The lands of Derenar and Gal’Dorok likewise have original races and creations that differ from the traditional fantasy ones, although some of the timeless tropes remain. Like Jordan and Sanderson, Jennings uses seamless world-building pieces including old myths, histories, and prophecies in order to firmly establish his realm and its people. The language elements are beautiful and consistent and Otherworld is much greater and larger than the slice that we are treated to; we will likely see more of it as the Highglade Series unfolds.
If you’re looking for a good but of mythopoeic fantasy, and a solid story about good vs evil, check out Gift of the Shaper. I got my copy for free to review on Inside the Inkwell blog.
June 23, 2025
I listened to the audiobook, which Jennings narrated himself. He did a full cast of character voices, which I was impressed with.
Classic fantasy vibes.
The magic system, as a magic system sloot, was very intricate and plays directly into world building. I liked it!
The set up was heavy in this book for the rest of the series, but it was an enjoyable and tied up plenty of plot threads to keep me happy with the conclusion of the story and the threads left open felt deliberate and not forgotten about.
One of my favorite characters are just some creepy little guys called the Chovathi. Cave dwellers either unsettling mannerisms, the Chovathi make my skin crawl. I love them.
I look forward to reading the rest of the Highglade Series!
Classic fantasy vibes.
The magic system, as a magic system sloot, was very intricate and plays directly into world building. I liked it!
The set up was heavy in this book for the rest of the series, but it was an enjoyable and tied up plenty of plot threads to keep me happy with the conclusion of the story and the threads left open felt deliberate and not forgotten about.
One of my favorite characters are just some creepy little guys called the Chovathi. Cave dwellers either unsettling mannerisms, the Chovathi make my skin crawl. I love them.
I look forward to reading the rest of the Highglade Series!
July 27, 2018
What an amazing book! I loved all the fun characters and their individual personalities. There were so many twists that kept me on my toes the whole time. Escaping into a new world is one of my favorite past times. I can’t wait for book two!!
September 8, 2025
Confusing at first, unforgettable by the end. 5 stars.
Gift of the Shaper is the kind of debut that throws you straight into the deep end. The multiple POVs and constant name drops had me scrambling early on — I even had to lean on the appendix and go back a few times just to keep things straight. At first, I thought this might be a weakness, but once I committed, I realized it was actually a strength. The shifting perspectives let me see all sides of the conflict, even inside the minds of the villains, and that panoramic view made the world feel huge and alive.
I read this in all three formats — Kindle, physical, and audio — and I have to give a special shoutout to the audiobook. Jennings narrates it himself, and he absolutely nails it. It’s polished, professional, and added a ton of immersion to the story.
As for the story itself: the worldbuilding is rich, the twists land hard, and the action scenes are fantastic. Once the lore started to click for me, I didn’t want to miss a single detail — which is why it took me longer than expected to finish. Not because I was slogging, but because I wanted to be fully engulfed in this world.
And that ending? Absolutely phenomenal. It ties everything together in a way that makes the early confusion completely worth it, and it left me eager to jump straight into Book 2.
Final Verdict:
If you’re looking for an ambitious, multi-POV epic fantasy debut with heart, twists, and depth — and you’re willing to be patient through a slightly chaotic start — Gift of the Shaper will reward you in spades.
Gift of the Shaper is the kind of debut that throws you straight into the deep end. The multiple POVs and constant name drops had me scrambling early on — I even had to lean on the appendix and go back a few times just to keep things straight. At first, I thought this might be a weakness, but once I committed, I realized it was actually a strength. The shifting perspectives let me see all sides of the conflict, even inside the minds of the villains, and that panoramic view made the world feel huge and alive.
I read this in all three formats — Kindle, physical, and audio — and I have to give a special shoutout to the audiobook. Jennings narrates it himself, and he absolutely nails it. It’s polished, professional, and added a ton of immersion to the story.
As for the story itself: the worldbuilding is rich, the twists land hard, and the action scenes are fantastic. Once the lore started to click for me, I didn’t want to miss a single detail — which is why it took me longer than expected to finish. Not because I was slogging, but because I wanted to be fully engulfed in this world.
And that ending? Absolutely phenomenal. It ties everything together in a way that makes the early confusion completely worth it, and it left me eager to jump straight into Book 2.
Final Verdict:
If you’re looking for an ambitious, multi-POV epic fantasy debut with heart, twists, and depth — and you’re willing to be patient through a slightly chaotic start — Gift of the Shaper will reward you in spades.
July 12, 2025
My new favorite classic style fantasy! Epic sweeping world, deep lore, interesting and unique magical races. Everything about Gift of the Shaper was done so well. Jennings does such an amazing job weaving together all of these different POVs to create a rich story. I particularly enjoyed how Jennings created rich dynamic female characters who were important to the story, something you don't always see in classic fantasy. This was a great series starter and im excited to see where it goes from here.
November 7, 2024
This was a fast-paced and fun listen. The first half is a lot to take in world-building-wise, which is ok and great. But it builds up to an action-packed second half. Really enjoyed it and can't wait to dive into the next book which I've heard is even better!
September 22, 2024
Thornton, son of a blacksmith, is drawn into an adventure when he and the girl he likes, Miera, are almost robbed on their way home from the city.
Then his father is kidnapped and Thornton finds himself trying to save him and also keep the Khyth from freeing the Breaker of Dawn, an ancient god.
This is book one in the Highlade series and it's a classical coming of age story. The story is easy to follow and there's multiple POVs, great world building and overall great writing.
I loved that for every chapter the author mentioned where in this fantasy world the scenes play out. This made it really easy to follow the story as well as the characters.
The POVs show all sides of the story, which made the reading experience even better for me. My favorites were the ones from Thornton, Olson and D'Kane.
I don't really have a favorite character because they're all extremely well written. There was not one storyline that felt flat or made me skip lines/pages. I dived into this world and enjoyed the heck out of it.
The different magic systems are interesting and especially the Breaking felt like something new.
Same goes for the races/creatures mentioned in the book (eg. the Gwarái).
If you're looking for a new fantasy series, look no further and give this one a try. I'm off to reading book 2😊
Then his father is kidnapped and Thornton finds himself trying to save him and also keep the Khyth from freeing the Breaker of Dawn, an ancient god.
This is book one in the Highlade series and it's a classical coming of age story. The story is easy to follow and there's multiple POVs, great world building and overall great writing.
I loved that for every chapter the author mentioned where in this fantasy world the scenes play out. This made it really easy to follow the story as well as the characters.
The POVs show all sides of the story, which made the reading experience even better for me. My favorites were the ones from Thornton, Olson and D'Kane.
I don't really have a favorite character because they're all extremely well written. There was not one storyline that felt flat or made me skip lines/pages. I dived into this world and enjoyed the heck out of it.
The different magic systems are interesting and especially the Breaking felt like something new.
Same goes for the races/creatures mentioned in the book (eg. the Gwarái).
If you're looking for a new fantasy series, look no further and give this one a try. I'm off to reading book 2😊
June 1, 2025
If you’ve read The Wheel of Time and want the same vibes but a lot more of a focused story, you will really enjoy Gift of the Shaper. At the start there are a lot of parallels between the stories, but as this world develops and grows, Jennings develops a world full of its own lore and magic.
The main character that we start with, Thornton, feels out of sorts in the plot and while he seems set up to be the chosen one, never really becomes it. I say this, but want to note that I think this is a very good thing. Too often in epic fantasy, the “chosen one” hero rises from a nobody to a very strong fighter too quickly. Thornton’s growth throughout the story feels well-paced. The supporting cast has the right mix of capable fighters and foils to Thronton that the progress that we see feels natural.
I also really enjoyed getting the POV of the “bad guys,” getting a look into their motivations and why they don’t view themselves as necessarily evil.
This is a very strong start for a fantasy story and I am excited to see where the story goes next. I recommend this as an introduction to epic fantasy if you are intimidated by series like Game of Thrones, Wheel of Time, or Malazan Book of the Fallen.
The main character that we start with, Thornton, feels out of sorts in the plot and while he seems set up to be the chosen one, never really becomes it. I say this, but want to note that I think this is a very good thing. Too often in epic fantasy, the “chosen one” hero rises from a nobody to a very strong fighter too quickly. Thornton’s growth throughout the story feels well-paced. The supporting cast has the right mix of capable fighters and foils to Thronton that the progress that we see feels natural.
I also really enjoyed getting the POV of the “bad guys,” getting a look into their motivations and why they don’t view themselves as necessarily evil.
This is a very strong start for a fantasy story and I am excited to see where the story goes next. I recommend this as an introduction to epic fantasy if you are intimidated by series like Game of Thrones, Wheel of Time, or Malazan Book of the Fallen.
April 5, 2018
Amazing book!!! Was a bit skeptical to be honest but am really glad I picked it up. It has a great pace to it with plenty of twists and turns and a fresh look at a new fantasy world. It’ll have a place on my shelf for sure and I look forward to reading it again. Highly recommend!
August 16, 2018
I found the town of Annoch quite interesting and got the idea that there was tension in the Breaker world. As the story went on, it got more and more interesting. I got a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2024
A fresh coming-of-age, quest fantasy that features two different types of magical beings who both desire to control access to the Otherworld and the being that is trapped there.
Initially, Thornton Woods, a young blacksmith, and his friend, Miera, begin a quest to search for Thornton’s father, Olson, who has been taken. Thornton and Miera are both young characters who are trying to figure out how they fit into the world-changing events happening around them. This is a coming-of-age story for Thornton but I actually ended up liking other characters more as they were introduced. For example, Thornton’s father, Olson, is an incredible character, who added an almost lightness to the story (despite him being a brute).
The story itself focuses on two of the different types of magic in the world - primarily the magic of Shaping (Athrani) and Breaking (Khyth). I found the magic system and world building to be very well done. I initially thought this was a good v. evil situation, with one type of magic being evil, but the realization towards the end of the book that there is not truly a good magic and bad magic but instead radicalized individuals was a good plot shift. The pacing of the novel really picks up in the second half and battles during the last 100 pages are written well and enjoyable. I loved seeing the two types of magic interact. Also, I listened to the audio version which was narrated by the author himself and I was so impressed! I did download the Kindle Unlimited version as well because I needed an index lol.
This is a solid first book of a fantasy series. I am excited to see where the next book takes the story and who the true “villain” is in the story.
Initially, Thornton Woods, a young blacksmith, and his friend, Miera, begin a quest to search for Thornton’s father, Olson, who has been taken. Thornton and Miera are both young characters who are trying to figure out how they fit into the world-changing events happening around them. This is a coming-of-age story for Thornton but I actually ended up liking other characters more as they were introduced. For example, Thornton’s father, Olson, is an incredible character, who added an almost lightness to the story (despite him being a brute).
The story itself focuses on two of the different types of magic in the world - primarily the magic of Shaping (Athrani) and Breaking (Khyth). I found the magic system and world building to be very well done. I initially thought this was a good v. evil situation, with one type of magic being evil, but the realization towards the end of the book that there is not truly a good magic and bad magic but instead radicalized individuals was a good plot shift. The pacing of the novel really picks up in the second half and battles during the last 100 pages are written well and enjoyable. I loved seeing the two types of magic interact. Also, I listened to the audio version which was narrated by the author himself and I was so impressed! I did download the Kindle Unlimited version as well because I needed an index lol.
This is a solid first book of a fantasy series. I am excited to see where the next book takes the story and who the true “villain” is in the story.
September 4, 2025
Gift of The Shaper by DL Jennings
I read this book with the book club associated with Knights Coffee Company.
I really wanted to like GOTS more than I did.
It is classic fantasy with foreign creatures and magical powers and an epic quest. The world is vivid and the magic system is easy to understand.
Every single character that was introduced eventually got a POV chapter, or at least that’s what it felt like. You didn’t really have a chance to develop a connection with anyone because there have been 10 POVs since their last chapter. Also with this, you end up reading the same dialogue in different chapters but from different POVs. That made it feel a bit stagnant and lost the momentum the book had going.
I actually did find it kind of refreshing to have viewpoints from both the “good” and “evil” side. It made me think how we normally only see from one side and don’t get a view into the motives of the other.
Overall, it was a good debut from the author and I will read his books in the future, but I am not set on continuing with the series at this time.
I read this book with the book club associated with Knights Coffee Company.
I really wanted to like GOTS more than I did.
It is classic fantasy with foreign creatures and magical powers and an epic quest. The world is vivid and the magic system is easy to understand.
Every single character that was introduced eventually got a POV chapter, or at least that’s what it felt like. You didn’t really have a chance to develop a connection with anyone because there have been 10 POVs since their last chapter. Also with this, you end up reading the same dialogue in different chapters but from different POVs. That made it feel a bit stagnant and lost the momentum the book had going.
I actually did find it kind of refreshing to have viewpoints from both the “good” and “evil” side. It made me think how we normally only see from one side and don’t get a view into the motives of the other.
Overall, it was a good debut from the author and I will read his books in the future, but I am not set on continuing with the series at this time.
June 25, 2025
First off this was an amazing first book in a series by Jennings- I’m hyped to continue the series he’s set up the perfect world and plot line!
I loved the whole opposing magic systems between the Athrani and Khyth! It’s not overly complex but it works perfectly I won’t go into any details as you should read for yourself!
The world building was wonderful… I personally loved the dark forests and the domains of the Khyth the most as I like it dark 😂
Thornton is a great MC!! He was really interesting to read about and I can’t wait to get back into this world!!
He and Miera 🥹
This book is essentially a battle of dark and light, seeing which is going to tip the scales of balance….
From the ending I just know the following books are going to be brimming with epic battles and I’m scared of the Breaker… 🫣
I loved the whole opposing magic systems between the Athrani and Khyth! It’s not overly complex but it works perfectly I won’t go into any details as you should read for yourself!
The world building was wonderful… I personally loved the dark forests and the domains of the Khyth the most as I like it dark 😂
Thornton is a great MC!! He was really interesting to read about and I can’t wait to get back into this world!!
He and Miera 🥹
This book is essentially a battle of dark and light, seeing which is going to tip the scales of balance….
From the ending I just know the following books are going to be brimming with epic battles and I’m scared of the Breaker… 🫣
August 28, 2025
3.5
The book was a good experience.
Overall, the book starts strong, but I think some scenes and conversations are hit or miss. The descriptions of some of the battle and the Otherworld are well written and brilliant, but other descriptions are unexpectedly clunky. Some of the conversation gave the book a YA feeling, which is fine but just that the rest did not feel that way.
I wish Thornton had been the one to seal the Otherworld rather than Ynara. I wanted to see him be the hero with his hammer.
In the battle, the Athrani were outnumbered and outmagicked and outmaneuvered and clearly had no chance, until suddenly they won. I was ready to see some action from the scary Gwarái, but instead they were serving as ungainly transportation only. I was expecting to see an army of them actually! But the Athrani seemed doomed anyway.
I will not continue with the series, but I did enjoy the adventure.
The book was a good experience.
Overall, the book starts strong, but I think some scenes and conversations are hit or miss. The descriptions of some of the battle and the Otherworld are well written and brilliant, but other descriptions are unexpectedly clunky. Some of the conversation gave the book a YA feeling, which is fine but just that the rest did not feel that way.
I wish Thornton had been the one to seal the Otherworld rather than Ynara. I wanted to see him be the hero with his hammer.
In the battle, the Athrani were outnumbered and outmagicked and outmaneuvered and clearly had no chance, until suddenly they won. I was ready to see some action from the scary Gwarái, but instead they were serving as ungainly transportation only. I was expecting to see an army of them actually! But the Athrani seemed doomed anyway.
I will not continue with the series, but I did enjoy the adventure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2025
This indie epic fantasy blends ancient gods, mortals who gain powers from the Otherworld, and a magical hammer at the heart of it all. The Shapers/Breakers lore was really interesting, and while it took me a little time to settle into the rhythm of so many POVs, once I started taking notes I found myself really engaged in all the threads. The Kienari—tall, shadowy humanoids covered in black fur, with pointed ears and long tails—were a standout for me, adding such a captivating layer to the world. By the time the plotlines started colliding, I was fully invested, and the finale brings it all together in an epic clash between good and evil.
November 4, 2024
4.5*
The world building in this book is phenomenal. Thoroughly enjoyed delving into the culture and magic. The plot was very well formatted with fast paced action sequences and an ending perfectly set up for a series.
My only critique would be the relationships between the characters, wished we could’ve dwelled on that a little more so I was more attached to them when “things” (not to spoil anything) happened.
It’s an excellent start to a series and I can tell D.L Jennings spent a great deal of time and effort crafting this epic fantasy tale.
The world building in this book is phenomenal. Thoroughly enjoyed delving into the culture and magic. The plot was very well formatted with fast paced action sequences and an ending perfectly set up for a series.
My only critique would be the relationships between the characters, wished we could’ve dwelled on that a little more so I was more attached to them when “things” (not to spoil anything) happened.
It’s an excellent start to a series and I can tell D.L Jennings spent a great deal of time and effort crafting this epic fantasy tale.
October 2, 2025
This book was so good! If you’re an epic fantasy fan who loves world-building and a really cool magic system, this needs to be your next read.
When I first started this book I was intrigued and didn’t want to put it down. I liked the multiple POVs and getting to know the multiple characters. It took some focus to keep the numerous characters straight and remember their roles, but as the story progressed this wasn’t an issue. I also felt the balance between character development, action, world building, and overall plot was done very well.
This reminded me of Eragon, The Way of Kings, and a bit of LoTR!
I cannot wait to see what the rest of the series entails and I will have to get the next two books very soon!
🌶️ 0/5
🙊 1/5 (one use of a slang word)
When I first started this book I was intrigued and didn’t want to put it down. I liked the multiple POVs and getting to know the multiple characters. It took some focus to keep the numerous characters straight and remember their roles, but as the story progressed this wasn’t an issue. I also felt the balance between character development, action, world building, and overall plot was done very well.
This reminded me of Eragon, The Way of Kings, and a bit of LoTR!
I cannot wait to see what the rest of the series entails and I will have to get the next two books very soon!
🌶️ 0/5
🙊 1/5 (one use of a slang word)
July 26, 2025
I haven’t read a high fantasy book in a while and I’m so glad this was the one I picked. I loved that the world-building unfolds naturally through the characters' journey, that builds up to a battle scene. It’s told from multiple viewpoints and features heartbreak and humor, adding depth and humanity to the adventure. It's an engaging start, and I'm excited to see where the series goes next.
November 3, 2018
Reviewed by Skyler Boudreau for Reader Views (11/18)
“Gift of the Shaper” is the first in an epic fantasy series following the struggle between two different magical orders as they fight for control of a key that will grant them access to the mysterious Otherworld, where they draw their magic from.
Author D. L. Jennings makes excellent use of the multiple narrators in this debut novel. Each one adds a fresh flavor to the narrative, keeping readers actively engaged with their individual plotlines. By the end of the novel, Jennings has skillfully woven them all together in a single, spectacular battle.
Some narrators came off much stronger than others. There were times when the main character, a young blacksmith named Thorton Woods, seemed like more of a side character. While his early chapters are interesting, by the last third of the novel it seemed that his plot line had wrapped up. With the exception of providing a starting point for the main plot, I felt that his character could have been explored at a deeper level. Readers don’t learn much about him after his initial introduction until a plot twist near the end.
“Gift of the Shaper” is more plot-driven than character-driven, but for me there were a few missed opportunities for character development, particularly with Thorton and the antagonists, that could have served the story well.
One of the strongest elements of “Gift of the Shaper” is the magic system. This novel is fast-paced and action-packed, something that is only accentuated by the abilities the characters possess. Two brands of magic are put face to face during this adventure: Shaping and Breaking. Shaping is the power to transmute matter into different forms and is practiced by an ancient race called the Athrani. Breaking is similar but has some limitations the latter doesn’t. It’s used as a weapon of the antagonists; a race called the Khyth who warred with the Athrani long before “Gift of the Shaper” takes place. When both sides clash, it’s interesting to see how each style of magic interacts with the other.
“Gift of the Shaper” is a fun, entertaining debut novel that ends with a bang. With such a strong start, the rest of D. L. Jennings’ first series will definitely be something to look out for!
“Gift of the Shaper” is the first in an epic fantasy series following the struggle between two different magical orders as they fight for control of a key that will grant them access to the mysterious Otherworld, where they draw their magic from.
Author D. L. Jennings makes excellent use of the multiple narrators in this debut novel. Each one adds a fresh flavor to the narrative, keeping readers actively engaged with their individual plotlines. By the end of the novel, Jennings has skillfully woven them all together in a single, spectacular battle.
Some narrators came off much stronger than others. There were times when the main character, a young blacksmith named Thorton Woods, seemed like more of a side character. While his early chapters are interesting, by the last third of the novel it seemed that his plot line had wrapped up. With the exception of providing a starting point for the main plot, I felt that his character could have been explored at a deeper level. Readers don’t learn much about him after his initial introduction until a plot twist near the end.
“Gift of the Shaper” is more plot-driven than character-driven, but for me there were a few missed opportunities for character development, particularly with Thorton and the antagonists, that could have served the story well.
One of the strongest elements of “Gift of the Shaper” is the magic system. This novel is fast-paced and action-packed, something that is only accentuated by the abilities the characters possess. Two brands of magic are put face to face during this adventure: Shaping and Breaking. Shaping is the power to transmute matter into different forms and is practiced by an ancient race called the Athrani. Breaking is similar but has some limitations the latter doesn’t. It’s used as a weapon of the antagonists; a race called the Khyth who warred with the Athrani long before “Gift of the Shaper” takes place. When both sides clash, it’s interesting to see how each style of magic interacts with the other.
“Gift of the Shaper” is a fun, entertaining debut novel that ends with a bang. With such a strong start, the rest of D. L. Jennings’ first series will definitely be something to look out for!
July 24, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
This book really surprised me!
It captures that nostalgic good vs. evil feeling of classic fantasy, but the with a modern twist through the Anthrani and Kyth. I loved the visual contrast between the two and how it reflects their ideologies. The magic system—Shaping versus Breaking—is super cool and felt unique without being overly complicated. Probably my favorite part of the book, honestly.
Plot-wise, it’s fast-paced and definitely keeps pages turning. However, I did feel like it moved too fast sometimes. There were moments where I wanted to linger a bit, explore a new place or idea more deeply before rushing to the next big thing. Some revelations or twists didn’t have time to breathe. And while I get the use of foreshadowing, a lot of it was a little too obvious.
Also, while I’m a fan of multiple POVs in general, a few of them didn’t really feel necessary. I think a tighter focus on fewer characters might’ve made their arcs more impactful.
Still, the worldbuilding and magic alone made this one worth it.
I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel!
This book really surprised me!
It captures that nostalgic good vs. evil feeling of classic fantasy, but the with a modern twist through the Anthrani and Kyth. I loved the visual contrast between the two and how it reflects their ideologies. The magic system—Shaping versus Breaking—is super cool and felt unique without being overly complicated. Probably my favorite part of the book, honestly.
Plot-wise, it’s fast-paced and definitely keeps pages turning. However, I did feel like it moved too fast sometimes. There were moments where I wanted to linger a bit, explore a new place or idea more deeply before rushing to the next big thing. Some revelations or twists didn’t have time to breathe. And while I get the use of foreshadowing, a lot of it was a little too obvious.
Also, while I’m a fan of multiple POVs in general, a few of them didn’t really feel necessary. I think a tighter focus on fewer characters might’ve made their arcs more impactful.
Still, the worldbuilding and magic alone made this one worth it.
I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel!
October 8, 2024
Very satisfying take on the classic fantasy tale! I love beginnings and this was a good one. The ending, especially, really hooked me and kept me engaged. I’m excited to continue the trilogy!
October 1, 2018
Confession: Fantasy is not my forte. After Lord of the Rings, I kinda got out of the hobbit. The Gift has much the same feel as LOTR without any of the Orc/Elf/Ent/Dwarf / Hobbit characters. Jennings has created a cogent new universe with characters that are novel, not only in their physical habitus but their emotional makeup. The story is riveting and the unfolding of a new world even more fascinating.
The viewpoint shifts from protagonists to antagonists; you get into everyone's head at one time or another. I was delighted and hooked by the narrative, and the characters, my favorite being the catlike Kienari who see in infrared and, while their skills are not "magical," Jennings imbues them with wisdom and wit.
I will definitely have to start looking at fantasy again and DL Jennings in particular.
The viewpoint shifts from protagonists to antagonists; you get into everyone's head at one time or another. I was delighted and hooked by the narrative, and the characters, my favorite being the catlike Kienari who see in infrared and, while their skills are not "magical," Jennings imbues them with wisdom and wit.
I will definitely have to start looking at fantasy again and DL Jennings in particular.
August 17, 2018
I finished the book about 10 minutes ago, and I’ve already sent my recommendation to four friends who I know love fantasy. This isn’t my preferred genre, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I actually canceled plans for after work to finish it, because I had to make myself put it down to sleep the night before.
I’m admittedly frustrated with the ending of the book, but that’s only because I need there to be more. The story isn’t done, so the sequel had better be out soon.
I’m admittedly frustrated with the ending of the book, but that’s only because I need there to be more. The story isn’t done, so the sequel had better be out soon.
September 10, 2018
Intriguing
Gift of the Shaper was a very interesting fantasy slash mythical book, as it has a feel of Greek mythology. The characters were very well developed and had a great depth to them. This was full of adventure and twists. The plot was smooth and just the right pace, so much that you would want to read quickly but then slow down to savor the story. There was the right balance of light versus darkness within the story. I look forward to reading more by this new author.
Gift of the Shaper was a very interesting fantasy slash mythical book, as it has a feel of Greek mythology. The characters were very well developed and had a great depth to them. This was full of adventure and twists. The plot was smooth and just the right pace, so much that you would want to read quickly but then slow down to savor the story. There was the right balance of light versus darkness within the story. I look forward to reading more by this new author.
May 19, 2025
I did the audiobook for this and the author did a fantastic job narrating it. This brought me back to a true epic fantasy with rich world building, a unique magic system, and a journey of unlikely allies that starts as a rescue mission but turns into something so much more.
December 27, 2018
A real page turner.
December 9, 2019
A solid 4 stars.
I bought this book from the author, who signed it. We met on Instagram. Our friendship does not in any way affect the review I am about to give.
This book was a very good start, but an obvious beginning to those who have been reading in the SFF genre for a long time. It gave off serious "Eragon" vibes, which is to be expected from a brand new indie author. Overall, I felt the story and structure of the novel to be good. The pacing was okay. The characterization was good. The narration was excellent. The only poor quality was the diction. This novel reads at a YA level and has no serious content to grant it an adult reading level, meaning it can be read at any age.
I will start off with the qualms I had with the novel.
1. The pacing was very odd as things seemed to happen much faster than other novels in the same genre. There was little to no buildup for any event and the non-action sequences seemed to have the same pacing as the action sequences. This clears up and is easier to follow at around the halfway mark in the novel.
2. There are far too many similes and metaphors for the novel and the diction is very simplistic. This can easily be fixed with a good editor and reading more adult fantasy. Unless the author wants to stick with the YA group, then only the editor would be required. It made for fast reading and for little attention to be paid to the events of the novel. This annoyed me as I am very fond of info-dumps and detail. There was little of either in the novel as it was instead: dialogue and character-heavy.
3. The novel is a bit predictable and average. The expectations I had along the way were rarely subverted and the characters fit nicely into their roles. This is not a bad thing, especially for a debut novel! This is just a little bit under my expectations for the author.
Now I will say some things I found wonderful about the story.
1. The magic system is not totally unique but is explained and implemented in a unique and refreshing way. It reminds me very strongly of the bending in Avatar: The Last Airbender but with a gray-on-gray morality that I have come to expect from other dark fantasies. It is charming and ideal for the story. Any editing to the novel should not be done to change the magic system.
2. The narration is amazing. Flat out. The author narrates his own book on the Audible edition. It is superb. I counted at least 6 different accents which made the story charming and made the characters easier to identify. If you don't buy the physical copy, definitely get the audiobook.
3. There is heart here. Even though the world appears small and the characters/plot predictable, there is heart in every word and you can feel it. This book and its series have the potential to be the next "Eragon" and to be loved and cherished by fans, especially younger ones.
Overall, the novel is a solid 4 stars. It is an amazing first attempt and I look forward to seeing what the author does next. Though it does not warrant a re-read, I would gladly listen to the novel again. I suggest the author get into some voice work, pronto. Excellent job.
I bought this book from the author, who signed it. We met on Instagram. Our friendship does not in any way affect the review I am about to give.
This book was a very good start, but an obvious beginning to those who have been reading in the SFF genre for a long time. It gave off serious "Eragon" vibes, which is to be expected from a brand new indie author. Overall, I felt the story and structure of the novel to be good. The pacing was okay. The characterization was good. The narration was excellent. The only poor quality was the diction. This novel reads at a YA level and has no serious content to grant it an adult reading level, meaning it can be read at any age.
I will start off with the qualms I had with the novel.
1. The pacing was very odd as things seemed to happen much faster than other novels in the same genre. There was little to no buildup for any event and the non-action sequences seemed to have the same pacing as the action sequences. This clears up and is easier to follow at around the halfway mark in the novel.
2. There are far too many similes and metaphors for the novel and the diction is very simplistic. This can easily be fixed with a good editor and reading more adult fantasy. Unless the author wants to stick with the YA group, then only the editor would be required. It made for fast reading and for little attention to be paid to the events of the novel. This annoyed me as I am very fond of info-dumps and detail. There was little of either in the novel as it was instead: dialogue and character-heavy.
3. The novel is a bit predictable and average. The expectations I had along the way were rarely subverted and the characters fit nicely into their roles. This is not a bad thing, especially for a debut novel! This is just a little bit under my expectations for the author.
Now I will say some things I found wonderful about the story.
1. The magic system is not totally unique but is explained and implemented in a unique and refreshing way. It reminds me very strongly of the bending in Avatar: The Last Airbender but with a gray-on-gray morality that I have come to expect from other dark fantasies. It is charming and ideal for the story. Any editing to the novel should not be done to change the magic system.
2. The narration is amazing. Flat out. The author narrates his own book on the Audible edition. It is superb. I counted at least 6 different accents which made the story charming and made the characters easier to identify. If you don't buy the physical copy, definitely get the audiobook.
3. There is heart here. Even though the world appears small and the characters/plot predictable, there is heart in every word and you can feel it. This book and its series have the potential to be the next "Eragon" and to be loved and cherished by fans, especially younger ones.
Overall, the novel is a solid 4 stars. It is an amazing first attempt and I look forward to seeing what the author does next. Though it does not warrant a re-read, I would gladly listen to the novel again. I suggest the author get into some voice work, pronto. Excellent job.
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