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Empire of Ruin #1
In Solitude's Shadow: Extended Edition
An army is at the gates of Haltveldt, a nation built on war, and nothing is as it seems.
Calene Alpenwood, a powerful warrior-mage gifted with the Spark, makes a shocking discovery that sets into motion events that put her at odds with the very masters she serves. Reuniting with her mother Zanna, a woman banished after a terrible crime, they team up with unlikely allies as they attempt to save the fortress of Solitude from destruction.
One thing’s for certain; ruin approaches if Solitude falls and life will never be the same when The Banished return.
Calene Alpenwood, a powerful warrior-mage gifted with the Spark, makes a shocking discovery that sets into motion events that put her at odds with the very masters she serves. Reuniting with her mother Zanna, a woman banished after a terrible crime, they team up with unlikely allies as they attempt to save the fortress of Solitude from destruction.
One thing’s for certain; ruin approaches if Solitude falls and life will never be the same when The Banished return.
373 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2021
79 people are currently reading
669 people want to read
About the author
David Green
29 books287 followersDavid Green is a neurodivergent internationally best-selling writer of the epic and the urban, the fantastical and the mysterious.
With his character-driven dark fantasy series Empire Of Ruin, or urban fantasy noir Hell In Haven starring Haven's only supernatural PI Nick Holleran, David takes readers on emotional, character-driven, action-packed thrill rides that leaves a reader needing their next fix.
Hailing from the north-west of England, David now lives in County Galway on the west coast of Ireland. When not writing, David can be found wondering why he chooses to live in, and write about, places where it constantly rains.
David represented by Laura Bennett at LLA.
Newsletter, claim your free story: https://mailchi.mp/8c735bf4584e/david...
Follow me here and keep up to date:
https://linktr.ee/davidgreenwriter
With his character-driven dark fantasy series Empire Of Ruin, or urban fantasy noir Hell In Haven starring Haven's only supernatural PI Nick Holleran, David takes readers on emotional, character-driven, action-packed thrill rides that leaves a reader needing their next fix.
Hailing from the north-west of England, David now lives in County Galway on the west coast of Ireland. When not writing, David can be found wondering why he chooses to live in, and write about, places where it constantly rains.
David represented by Laura Bennett at LLA.
Newsletter, claim your free story: https://mailchi.mp/8c735bf4584e/david...
Follow me here and keep up to date:
https://linktr.ee/davidgreenwriter
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
April 3, 2024
4.5 stars.
This is a book that I'd had on my shelf for quite a long time and just never got round to, but I'm really glad that I eventually picked it up. I took the opportunity to listen to the audiobook and it was a really good narration which obviously helps quite a bit, but I really liked the story and the worldbuilding elements as well.
We've got a couple of wars that are going on on different fronts and we've got some of your typical tropes with a wall and a fortress up north and an incursion from beyond the wall. Then down south, the other side of the wall, you've got people who don't believe the stories, so the defenders are calling for help, saying that there's an upcoming invasion, and the politicians are saying they’re not going to send anyone to help because they're fighting this other war and they don't believe the claims.
Then you learn that it's not actually all about that. There are more sinister elements at play, and I really liked that. There are elves in here and there's a bit of a different take on them and the way that they're viewed, which I really quite liked. I thought that gave some interesting potential elements for the remainder of the series.
I liked the magic and the way it was portrayed, particularly the mind link which obviously aids communication and works well as a plot device. I thought it was well done here in the way that it was approached. Overall, I just really liked the characters, I really liked the story, it was a good setting, it was nice and fast flowing, and it's also quite a short book, so it was definitely a winner for me.
This is a book that I'd had on my shelf for quite a long time and just never got round to, but I'm really glad that I eventually picked it up. I took the opportunity to listen to the audiobook and it was a really good narration which obviously helps quite a bit, but I really liked the story and the worldbuilding elements as well.
We've got a couple of wars that are going on on different fronts and we've got some of your typical tropes with a wall and a fortress up north and an incursion from beyond the wall. Then down south, the other side of the wall, you've got people who don't believe the stories, so the defenders are calling for help, saying that there's an upcoming invasion, and the politicians are saying they’re not going to send anyone to help because they're fighting this other war and they don't believe the claims.
Then you learn that it's not actually all about that. There are more sinister elements at play, and I really liked that. There are elves in here and there's a bit of a different take on them and the way that they're viewed, which I really quite liked. I thought that gave some interesting potential elements for the remainder of the series.
I liked the magic and the way it was portrayed, particularly the mind link which obviously aids communication and works well as a plot device. I thought it was well done here in the way that it was approached. Overall, I just really liked the characters, I really liked the story, it was a good setting, it was nice and fast flowing, and it's also quite a short book, so it was definitely a winner for me.
April 12, 2023
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It is rare for a story to grab me and never let go and that is exactly what In Solitudes Shadow does from the very first pages. Sitting at 172 pages, this novella will have you on the edge of your seat chapter after chapter until the stunning conclusion with so much more on the horizon in future entries. You will encounter: magic, battles, different races, betrayals, political agenda’s, history, and very good world building all pact into such a short book. This is without a doubt the best fantasy novella I have read since The Emperor’s Soul by Brandon Sanderson. This can be read in a day and what else can I say but READ IT!
The nation of Haltveldt was once ruled by a race the humans now call the Banished who used the elves as their slaves. After years of war, the humans and the free Elves fought back and one the war and sent the Banished north to the mountains and the Haltveldt Empire was established. The humans, despite the assistance of the freed Elves, still believe them a thread to humanity and put them back in chains or put to death. The tower of Solitude was built in the North to protect the Empire should the Banished decide to muster and fight back, but for 2,000 years their was peace, until now.
Zanna is a magic user forced into exile over a deadly crime and now resides in Solitude training her apprentice. The magic system revolves around the Spark which can exist in all races but is quickly becoming scarce. The spark pulls raw energy from the body as well as nature to produce elemental magic, but at a great cost if not trained properly. There is a lot more to it, but I would be getting into spoilers. Calene is Zanna’s daughter and has ridden her mother from her mind and presence for decades. On a job in the south of the Empire, Calene comes cross a strange creature causing citizens in a local pub to be frightened. It turns out the strange creature is one of the Banished and the plot just unwinds from here. We also get another viewpoint in the capital, but I will leave that for the reader to discover.
The amount of depth, foreshadowing, and focus required to pull off a story of this magnitude in such a limited amount of pages is something to behold. Any type of fantasy fan will enjoy this as it offers something for everyone. The writing style is very reader friendly and the tone does lean more toward the gritty side but nothing over the top and vicious. I had cause to stop and imagine the several chapters I read and how they would play out in the following pages. I’m rambling on, but you get the point. This is a homerun in my books and you should add it to your collection. What are you waiting for?
Cheers!
It is rare for a story to grab me and never let go and that is exactly what In Solitudes Shadow does from the very first pages. Sitting at 172 pages, this novella will have you on the edge of your seat chapter after chapter until the stunning conclusion with so much more on the horizon in future entries. You will encounter: magic, battles, different races, betrayals, political agenda’s, history, and very good world building all pact into such a short book. This is without a doubt the best fantasy novella I have read since The Emperor’s Soul by Brandon Sanderson. This can be read in a day and what else can I say but READ IT!
The nation of Haltveldt was once ruled by a race the humans now call the Banished who used the elves as their slaves. After years of war, the humans and the free Elves fought back and one the war and sent the Banished north to the mountains and the Haltveldt Empire was established. The humans, despite the assistance of the freed Elves, still believe them a thread to humanity and put them back in chains or put to death. The tower of Solitude was built in the North to protect the Empire should the Banished decide to muster and fight back, but for 2,000 years their was peace, until now.
Zanna is a magic user forced into exile over a deadly crime and now resides in Solitude training her apprentice. The magic system revolves around the Spark which can exist in all races but is quickly becoming scarce. The spark pulls raw energy from the body as well as nature to produce elemental magic, but at a great cost if not trained properly. There is a lot more to it, but I would be getting into spoilers. Calene is Zanna’s daughter and has ridden her mother from her mind and presence for decades. On a job in the south of the Empire, Calene comes cross a strange creature causing citizens in a local pub to be frightened. It turns out the strange creature is one of the Banished and the plot just unwinds from here. We also get another viewpoint in the capital, but I will leave that for the reader to discover.
The amount of depth, foreshadowing, and focus required to pull off a story of this magnitude in such a limited amount of pages is something to behold. Any type of fantasy fan will enjoy this as it offers something for everyone. The writing style is very reader friendly and the tone does lean more toward the gritty side but nothing over the top and vicious. I had cause to stop and imagine the several chapters I read and how they would play out in the following pages. I’m rambling on, but you get the point. This is a homerun in my books and you should add it to your collection. What are you waiting for?
Cheers!
August 29, 2021
'Life is cruel, but there's beauty in it too.'
The epicness of ASOIAF and the sprawling light vs darkness battle from The Wheel of Time with a refreshingly modern flair, AND in a short page count.
If you had told me something like this existed, I would have laughed in your face because ... as if?!
But then I've read In Solitude's Shadow and now it's ME telling this to YOU.
This here is one book that deftly manages to combine a lot of that good stuff old school dark fantasy has to offer and wrap it all up in a refreshingly modern package, complete with a short page count.
A beautifully executed prologue sets the ground for a fast paced gripping tale that skilfully portrays some of the worst consequences of victory written by the victor when tragedy is created as a means of control, war is waged for progress and heavy sacrifices are brushed over for 'the greater good.'
An army is at the gates of Haltveldt. The Banished are coming, thousands of them. And Solitude is the only thing that stands in their way.
A fortress at the edge of Haltveldt, Solitude is the perfect place to relocate unwanted baggage. Convenient, out of the way, and almost forgotten, it is manned by 'a group of forgotten old men and women, standing watch over a near extinct race of shepherds.' A useless place that had become a home for the disgraced according to the Emperor.
Until the shepherds come knocking at Solitude's doors and Calene Alpenwood, a powerful warrior-mage gifted with the Spark, makes a shocking discovery that sets into motion events which put her at odds with the very masters she serves.
"If he's a farmer or a shepherd I'm the Emperor's nanny."
To save Solitude from destruction, Calene must reunite with her mother Zanna, banished at Solitude after a terrible crime. And not only that. To reach her mother, Calene must find it in herself to trust in the most improbable allies, open her mind to uncomfortable truths and most of all, forgive.
"War makes criminals of us all."
Great worldbuilding and beautifully fleshed out characters that practically leap from the page are by far not the only things worthy of praise in this book here.
Clean beautifully flowing prose with great attention to detail and emphasis on feeling will have you practically hear the noises of destruction. The roar of the flames; the keening of the dying. That symphony of death that is war. Full of glee, fury and madness.
You'll practically see the air shaking with the sounds of battle and the crackle and roar of magic.
And you'll get to even smell the thick stench of charred bodies.
But most of all, you'll be able to feel for and identify with those who stand up against injustice hoping against all odds and determined to at least try to make a difference.
'What can one man do against centuries of hate for the Elven people? What can one man do against the mob at the gates of the Elven Quarter? What can one man do against an Empire?'
And yet, that man will try!
Fabulous magic, epic battle scenes, different magical races, as well as intricate, skilfully handled topics like slavery, prejudice, ostracism and much more - you'll get all of these within the pages of this book. And every single thing is carefully outlined and clearly detailed. And pulling this off in such a deft manner within less than 200 pages is a testimony to this author's skill.
My review would become a novella if I were to mention every single thing I liked about this book, so I'll try to bring it to a close sticking to what I loved most. Apart from all the above mentioned that is. :D
That subtle description of human nature leading to so many different choices when evil tempts and power whispers. That irresistible dance on a razor sharp edge between power and responsibility, good and evil, light and darkness. And perhaps most of all, the love. Not that of two lovers but that of family and friends.
The love of a mother who would have burnt the world to a cinder if that meant saving her daughter.
The love of a father who'd crawl if he must to reach his son.
And the determination to NOT give up even on an unlikely ally, let alone a friend, despite knowing your help might be too little and too late. Because it's the right thing to do.
Alright! Alright! I'll stop with the gushing. But seriously people!
You have got to read this!
It's a damn fine read!
Hands down one of the best books I've read this year.
It has already earned a place on my shelf of favourites and I am eagerly looking forward to the sequel.
So go ahead and give it a try and you can thank me later.
Happy reading everyone
and remember
'There's always another way.'
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
The epicness of ASOIAF and the sprawling light vs darkness battle from The Wheel of Time with a refreshingly modern flair, AND in a short page count.
If you had told me something like this existed, I would have laughed in your face because ... as if?!
But then I've read In Solitude's Shadow and now it's ME telling this to YOU.
This here is one book that deftly manages to combine a lot of that good stuff old school dark fantasy has to offer and wrap it all up in a refreshingly modern package, complete with a short page count.
A beautifully executed prologue sets the ground for a fast paced gripping tale that skilfully portrays some of the worst consequences of victory written by the victor when tragedy is created as a means of control, war is waged for progress and heavy sacrifices are brushed over for 'the greater good.'
An army is at the gates of Haltveldt. The Banished are coming, thousands of them. And Solitude is the only thing that stands in their way.
A fortress at the edge of Haltveldt, Solitude is the perfect place to relocate unwanted baggage. Convenient, out of the way, and almost forgotten, it is manned by 'a group of forgotten old men and women, standing watch over a near extinct race of shepherds.' A useless place that had become a home for the disgraced according to the Emperor.
Until the shepherds come knocking at Solitude's doors and Calene Alpenwood, a powerful warrior-mage gifted with the Spark, makes a shocking discovery that sets into motion events which put her at odds with the very masters she serves.
"If he's a farmer or a shepherd I'm the Emperor's nanny."
To save Solitude from destruction, Calene must reunite with her mother Zanna, banished at Solitude after a terrible crime. And not only that. To reach her mother, Calene must find it in herself to trust in the most improbable allies, open her mind to uncomfortable truths and most of all, forgive.
"War makes criminals of us all."
Great worldbuilding and beautifully fleshed out characters that practically leap from the page are by far not the only things worthy of praise in this book here.
Clean beautifully flowing prose with great attention to detail and emphasis on feeling will have you practically hear the noises of destruction. The roar of the flames; the keening of the dying. That symphony of death that is war. Full of glee, fury and madness.
You'll practically see the air shaking with the sounds of battle and the crackle and roar of magic.
And you'll get to even smell the thick stench of charred bodies.
But most of all, you'll be able to feel for and identify with those who stand up against injustice hoping against all odds and determined to at least try to make a difference.
'What can one man do against centuries of hate for the Elven people? What can one man do against the mob at the gates of the Elven Quarter? What can one man do against an Empire?'
And yet, that man will try!
Fabulous magic, epic battle scenes, different magical races, as well as intricate, skilfully handled topics like slavery, prejudice, ostracism and much more - you'll get all of these within the pages of this book. And every single thing is carefully outlined and clearly detailed. And pulling this off in such a deft manner within less than 200 pages is a testimony to this author's skill.
My review would become a novella if I were to mention every single thing I liked about this book, so I'll try to bring it to a close sticking to what I loved most. Apart from all the above mentioned that is. :D
That subtle description of human nature leading to so many different choices when evil tempts and power whispers. That irresistible dance on a razor sharp edge between power and responsibility, good and evil, light and darkness. And perhaps most of all, the love. Not that of two lovers but that of family and friends.
The love of a mother who would have burnt the world to a cinder if that meant saving her daughter.
The love of a father who'd crawl if he must to reach his son.
And the determination to NOT give up even on an unlikely ally, let alone a friend, despite knowing your help might be too little and too late. Because it's the right thing to do.
Alright! Alright! I'll stop with the gushing. But seriously people!
You have got to read this!
It's a damn fine read!
Hands down one of the best books I've read this year.
It has already earned a place on my shelf of favourites and I am eagerly looking forward to the sequel.
So go ahead and give it a try and you can thank me later.
Happy reading everyone
and remember
'There's always another way.'
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
April 10, 2025
This is a novella that packs in as much world, characters and political machinations as a lot of big tomes.
While in some points it made me lack a little bit of depth, mostly it worked out really well, and made for a really fast paced and engaging read that drew me in very quickly!
It's on the darker side with elves an enslaved race and some mysterious "banished" people being kept at bay by a big fortress. Quite a lot of death, fights and war, so not for the faint of heart.
We have multiple POV characters, and I liked all of them. It took me a bit longer to warm up to some than others, but in the end I was happy to read about any of them, and cared for what would happen next. For such a short book it was great to see how those different paths slowly run together throughout the story.
I also appreciated the handling of some traumatic experiences in the characters past, and how it still shapes them to this day.
I liked the magic in here, and the mystery of it. There's no hard magic system, it's more the very soft and mysterious kind - and the mystery there, later in the book, definitely was a main hook for me! I can't wait to see more of that!
All in all a really good book that easily held my attention all the way through, and had some unexpected twists and turns along the way.
While in some points it made me lack a little bit of depth, mostly it worked out really well, and made for a really fast paced and engaging read that drew me in very quickly!
It's on the darker side with elves an enslaved race and some mysterious "banished" people being kept at bay by a big fortress. Quite a lot of death, fights and war, so not for the faint of heart.
We have multiple POV characters, and I liked all of them. It took me a bit longer to warm up to some than others, but in the end I was happy to read about any of them, and cared for what would happen next. For such a short book it was great to see how those different paths slowly run together throughout the story.
I also appreciated the handling of some traumatic experiences in the characters past, and how it still shapes them to this day.
I liked the magic in here, and the mystery of it. There's no hard magic system, it's more the very soft and mysterious kind - and the mystery there, later in the book, definitely was a main hook for me! I can't wait to see more of that!
All in all a really good book that easily held my attention all the way through, and had some unexpected twists and turns along the way.
June 2, 2021
A Droking Great Read:
A true epic fantasy. From the first page you are drawn into a world of races and war. With beautiful writing and tangible descriptions, enveloping you into the story and the intense themes all in one:
* A fever lurked behind the man’s eyes; he’d tasted war, addictive as Octarian spice.
* He reminded Zanna of a fish. One with teeth and a nasty disposition.
* The stench of death hung heavy in the room—rusted iron and voided bowels.
* No details, no faces, just a churning mass of bodies animated by blind panic.
I could go on, but let’s not spoil the read.
I couldn’t stop wondering what would happen next, events unfurling and pushing me along while the layered characters were revealed, all hurting and fighting in their own ways.
And oh my, the rush as we get to the finale, and the finale itself ... wow.
If you love dark epic fantasy I can’t recommend this book high enough. And I cannot wait for book 2.
A true epic fantasy. From the first page you are drawn into a world of races and war. With beautiful writing and tangible descriptions, enveloping you into the story and the intense themes all in one:
* A fever lurked behind the man’s eyes; he’d tasted war, addictive as Octarian spice.
* He reminded Zanna of a fish. One with teeth and a nasty disposition.
* The stench of death hung heavy in the room—rusted iron and voided bowels.
* No details, no faces, just a churning mass of bodies animated by blind panic.
I could go on, but let’s not spoil the read.
I couldn’t stop wondering what would happen next, events unfurling and pushing me along while the layered characters were revealed, all hurting and fighting in their own ways.
And oh my, the rush as we get to the finale, and the finale itself ... wow.
If you love dark epic fantasy I can’t recommend this book high enough. And I cannot wait for book 2.
January 28, 2025
I'm going to firstly apologise for the length of my review, I DID edit it, it was twice the length but you'll understand why I gushed once you've read this book! I read this book originally a few years back and was completely agog at the the brilliance of this author, now, this new expanded edition, well blow me down with a breeze, I'M GOBSMACKED at David's genius!!!! Somehow, he has managed to make a very captivating story, richer, more opulent, just more! He's taken a book that was, in my opinion, exceptional and breathed new life into it! As dark a read as it is, the thread of hope permeates throughout, lifting me up. The more I read, the more I got sucked in, until, by the end, all I was capable of was clutching my phone to my chest, staring into space, completely in awe. Magnificent! Ok, collecting myself to give my impressions....
In the prologue we get a taste of what's to come, humans and elves, united against the First People at the end of a bloody battle, with an insightful observation of what to expect from the elves, who were downtrodden and enslaved for yonks. Bizarrely, the First People don't annihilate them, they down arms, they flee, North to Solitude, a mighty fortress, and beyond. But why? This prologue sets up a brilliant mystery, a tale which I can't wait to unravel. Powerful start indeed!
Fast forward a few centuries, and nothing has changed, now instead of the First People being the oppressors, a new dominance has emerged, the Empire, and it's emperor Locke. Sparkers, those with magic, were few, their function was to use their gift to heal, to defend, only able to use it for destructive purposes if directly attacked. And that's how the emperor manipulates them, putting them in direct conflict, right on the frontline. A mother's love for her daughter leads her to do the unthinkable, a daughter who refuses to acknowledge the sacrifice of her mother, a father who sent the son he adores away from prying eyes, a young boy who has to grow up in a heartbeat. These are some of the compelling characters we meet, these are some of the burdens we get to experience first hand through the craft of this distinguished author. In the first few chapters we meet Calene, a Sparker working for the Empire, Zanna, also a Sparker but exiled to Solitude and her young apprentice Arlo. Arlo is just darling! At 12, he has a questioning mind, he has great power too, it just needs to be directed. As more characters emerge, the complexity of the plot is realised, the characters embodied in realism. David builds each character with a dedicated methodology, meticulously, impressively.
In a world where everything has come full circle, elves are still slaves, the banished are seen as irrelevant, and the humans want to dominate all. Thrown into the cauldron is a dark magic, so vile, it's banned. Until it isn't. This dark magic explodes out of the cauldron raining death on all in their path, sanctified by an emperor who sees himself as a god, 'conjures' a new breed of Sparkers emerge, tainted, darker than ebony, vile. Truly scary stuff. We follow the story on two fronts, I'd be hard pressed to say which of the two was more intense, immersive, compelling. Both had me wanting to know more, both had my undivided attention. There's one in Solitude itself, where Zanna, Arlo and the exiled reside, and the other the Empire itself, with the emperor's cronies, Calene, Brina, Kade, and all the action in both places. Gee whiz is there action galore! And it all comes to a head with a threat to Solitude, perceptions of old, new policies adopted, can only lead to disaster and it does....as all the characters converge, for different reasons, on Solitude. And what actually takes place in Solitude, is a jaw dropping experience, so unexpected, so raw, so real!
I do so love a multi POV, it allows me to experience whatever the person is, their emotions, their rationalising, their regrets, even their stubbornness, which is very much the case with Calene. And it allows me a true understanding of who they are. As I had read the original, I had my firm favourites but good golly miss Molly did I love them even more this time! Zanna! Kade! Brina! Arlo! Oh my lordie Vettigan, what happens to him...sob! They entrenched themselves even further into my soul, twisted my heart out of shape. Even Calene....who is so much more approachable now, she's been given the best 'makeover', I get her point of view so vividly. And how do I attempt to say anything about Tilo? All I can say is WOW what a fantastic character! The insight into each one is superbly opulent, full and meaty, these characters took my heart and made mush of it, squeezing it so hard I was in danger of passing out. All the characters are complex, all the characters have regrets and remorse, all these characters grow before my eyes. There is much depth to the characters, indeed, to the plot and storytelling itself, it's a brilliantly complex tale, it's brilliantly wrung out, greed, fear, prejudice, court politics, major corruption and jostling for power is descriptively, starkly vividly rendered.
What touches me profoundly is the prose, the very articulate prose, my heart leaps with joy to read a book that pays particular attention to usage of correct terminology, grammatical flawlessness, beautifully vibrant and visual, I mean, come on, with sentences like this strewn throughout, 'An arrow quivered from her eye socket, and she wept blood' To be able to craft a complex and vivacious tale with such poise, aplomb, is one of David's talents. He takes me on a ride where I'm feeling everything, seeing everything, experiencing everything. He takes me through every character with finesse, they're entrenched into my DNA. There are few authors I would label as genius, but heck, David is a MASTER GENIUS! I could honestly go on for hours singing the praises of this phenomenal book but I'll leave it here with this quote from the very misogynist and very despicable war mongering Emperor Locke, who, through manipulation and lies, went all out to achieve his goal, 'The trouble with peace is that it makes people soft. It gives them time to think about their rights, what they're entitled to. War keeps everyone pliable'
In the prologue we get a taste of what's to come, humans and elves, united against the First People at the end of a bloody battle, with an insightful observation of what to expect from the elves, who were downtrodden and enslaved for yonks. Bizarrely, the First People don't annihilate them, they down arms, they flee, North to Solitude, a mighty fortress, and beyond. But why? This prologue sets up a brilliant mystery, a tale which I can't wait to unravel. Powerful start indeed!
Fast forward a few centuries, and nothing has changed, now instead of the First People being the oppressors, a new dominance has emerged, the Empire, and it's emperor Locke. Sparkers, those with magic, were few, their function was to use their gift to heal, to defend, only able to use it for destructive purposes if directly attacked. And that's how the emperor manipulates them, putting them in direct conflict, right on the frontline. A mother's love for her daughter leads her to do the unthinkable, a daughter who refuses to acknowledge the sacrifice of her mother, a father who sent the son he adores away from prying eyes, a young boy who has to grow up in a heartbeat. These are some of the compelling characters we meet, these are some of the burdens we get to experience first hand through the craft of this distinguished author. In the first few chapters we meet Calene, a Sparker working for the Empire, Zanna, also a Sparker but exiled to Solitude and her young apprentice Arlo. Arlo is just darling! At 12, he has a questioning mind, he has great power too, it just needs to be directed. As more characters emerge, the complexity of the plot is realised, the characters embodied in realism. David builds each character with a dedicated methodology, meticulously, impressively.
In a world where everything has come full circle, elves are still slaves, the banished are seen as irrelevant, and the humans want to dominate all. Thrown into the cauldron is a dark magic, so vile, it's banned. Until it isn't. This dark magic explodes out of the cauldron raining death on all in their path, sanctified by an emperor who sees himself as a god, 'conjures' a new breed of Sparkers emerge, tainted, darker than ebony, vile. Truly scary stuff. We follow the story on two fronts, I'd be hard pressed to say which of the two was more intense, immersive, compelling. Both had me wanting to know more, both had my undivided attention. There's one in Solitude itself, where Zanna, Arlo and the exiled reside, and the other the Empire itself, with the emperor's cronies, Calene, Brina, Kade, and all the action in both places. Gee whiz is there action galore! And it all comes to a head with a threat to Solitude, perceptions of old, new policies adopted, can only lead to disaster and it does....as all the characters converge, for different reasons, on Solitude. And what actually takes place in Solitude, is a jaw dropping experience, so unexpected, so raw, so real!
I do so love a multi POV, it allows me to experience whatever the person is, their emotions, their rationalising, their regrets, even their stubbornness, which is very much the case with Calene. And it allows me a true understanding of who they are. As I had read the original, I had my firm favourites but good golly miss Molly did I love them even more this time! Zanna! Kade! Brina! Arlo! Oh my lordie Vettigan, what happens to him...sob! They entrenched themselves even further into my soul, twisted my heart out of shape. Even Calene....who is so much more approachable now, she's been given the best 'makeover', I get her point of view so vividly. And how do I attempt to say anything about Tilo? All I can say is WOW what a fantastic character! The insight into each one is superbly opulent, full and meaty, these characters took my heart and made mush of it, squeezing it so hard I was in danger of passing out. All the characters are complex, all the characters have regrets and remorse, all these characters grow before my eyes. There is much depth to the characters, indeed, to the plot and storytelling itself, it's a brilliantly complex tale, it's brilliantly wrung out, greed, fear, prejudice, court politics, major corruption and jostling for power is descriptively, starkly vividly rendered.
What touches me profoundly is the prose, the very articulate prose, my heart leaps with joy to read a book that pays particular attention to usage of correct terminology, grammatical flawlessness, beautifully vibrant and visual, I mean, come on, with sentences like this strewn throughout, 'An arrow quivered from her eye socket, and she wept blood' To be able to craft a complex and vivacious tale with such poise, aplomb, is one of David's talents. He takes me on a ride where I'm feeling everything, seeing everything, experiencing everything. He takes me through every character with finesse, they're entrenched into my DNA. There are few authors I would label as genius, but heck, David is a MASTER GENIUS! I could honestly go on for hours singing the praises of this phenomenal book but I'll leave it here with this quote from the very misogynist and very despicable war mongering Emperor Locke, who, through manipulation and lies, went all out to achieve his goal, 'The trouble with peace is that it makes people soft. It gives them time to think about their rights, what they're entitled to. War keeps everyone pliable'
January 10, 2023
Great beginning!
Long ago an alliance pushed a common foe to retreat. Instead of a shared victory…enslavement & genocide. As these dark times persist, the enemy returns.
Fantastic! Bleak intriguing world with grim rich history. Great ominous feel.
Long ago an alliance pushed a common foe to retreat. Instead of a shared victory…enslavement & genocide. As these dark times persist, the enemy returns.
Fantastic! Bleak intriguing world with grim rich history. Great ominous feel.
May 1, 2023
An absolutely fantastic book! A fast paced work of dark fantasy mixed with epic awaits you, compelling characters and a fantastic magic system.
I really enjoyed the fast paced nature of this book, it built so well to the action packed ending that pulled me along to the climax and I am so ready for book 2!
I really enjoyed the fast paced nature of this book, it built so well to the action packed ending that pulled me along to the climax and I am so ready for book 2!
May 12, 2021
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review
When I started reading In Solitude's Shadow I thought I knew what to expect. It certainly has elements that will be familiar to fantasy readers but what really makes it stand out are the characters. All of the major players feel like real, fully fleshed out people. Their motivations are complex and believable. The tensions between the characters and their different viewpoints really drive the story forward.
The plot develops organically around the characters. I hardly noticed the pages flying by as I was reading. Without giving too much away the ending may be my favourite part. Was a fantastic conclusion while setting up perfectly for a sequel. Gripping from the start, I can't wait to read the second installment.
My advice would be if you enjoy you fantasy characters with depth then this is the story for you
When I started reading In Solitude's Shadow I thought I knew what to expect. It certainly has elements that will be familiar to fantasy readers but what really makes it stand out are the characters. All of the major players feel like real, fully fleshed out people. Their motivations are complex and believable. The tensions between the characters and their different viewpoints really drive the story forward.
The plot develops organically around the characters. I hardly noticed the pages flying by as I was reading. Without giving too much away the ending may be my favourite part. Was a fantastic conclusion while setting up perfectly for a sequel. Gripping from the start, I can't wait to read the second installment.
My advice would be if you enjoy you fantasy characters with depth then this is the story for you
July 5, 2021
A New Age Fantasy Book not 1000 pages? Those exist?
Thank you to the author for providing me an ARC
This was a fantastic read from start to finish. It has everything you want in a classic fantasy story, with all the flare, and freshness of today.
• A well fleshed out magic system with consequences.
•War, and Gods
•strong female characters
•grimdark elements
Forces gather outside Solitude a fortress housing sparkers. The forces are the banished and they outnumber the sparkers. The conflict is on the precipice. 🔥
I could keep going. This is a must read fantasy story for 2021 and going forward.
David's writing is clean and detailed. Love the setting and plot for this one. Well fleshed out characters is a must in a fantasy novel, and David nails it.
Can't wait for the next book in the Empire Of Ruin series.
It is clear that David Green is the Spark that the fantasy genre needs.
Thank you to the author for providing me an ARC
This was a fantastic read from start to finish. It has everything you want in a classic fantasy story, with all the flare, and freshness of today.
• A well fleshed out magic system with consequences.
•War, and Gods
•strong female characters
•grimdark elements
Forces gather outside Solitude a fortress housing sparkers. The forces are the banished and they outnumber the sparkers. The conflict is on the precipice. 🔥
I could keep going. This is a must read fantasy story for 2021 and going forward.
David's writing is clean and detailed. Love the setting and plot for this one. Well fleshed out characters is a must in a fantasy novel, and David nails it.
Can't wait for the next book in the Empire Of Ruin series.
It is clear that David Green is the Spark that the fantasy genre needs.
December 4, 2022
Read for Indy ink awards.
July 28, 2023
I will be putting out a podcast episode on the book in the middle of August hopefully.
This book was a “hard” 5 for me. I had a hard time putting it down and it was hard to stop reading the first night to go to sleep. The book also reminded me why I have often rated things the way I do on the podcast. If I think an Indie book is well written and quickly gets me into that movie in my mind and I enjoy the story I’m likely to give it a 5* on Goodreads because there aren’t half stars. A hard 5 would get a 5* no matter what and one of my surefire rules on giving a Hard 5 is if I don’t want to stop reading to go to sleep.
I’ve spent the last 4 years mostly re-reading things or listening to history podcasts so I’d kind of forgotten that feeling when you don’t want to put a book down while reading for the first time.
The epilogue is set 2,000 years before the main story and is in the aftermath of a catastrophic battle. The Humans and their Elven Allies, who many humans hate and feel are sub human, have just bested a group called the First People. The FP are very human like but with milk white skin and often yellow eyes. Some Humans and Elves can use magic and are called Sparkers but we are told the FP could all use magic and had their magic not mysteriously failed them they would have certainly beaten the humans and elves.
The book has multiple PoV characters.
Important to note right away that Humans hate the Elves and have enslaved them in their own lands and are trying to wipe out the last Elven kingdom as the book begins. Any Elf who is born with the ability to use the Spark within Haltveldt is executed.
Magic wielders are called Sparkers and they need an energy source to draw their power. It can be just about anything but drawing too much can cause them to burn themselves out and destroy their bodies in the process. There’s a constant temptation to draw too much power. Think very WoT like there.
1st is Zanna PoV character is a powerful Sparker who has been exiled to a fortress called Solitude where a small group of Sparkers watch the FP now called the Banished to make sure they don’t go south of the wall. The Banished haven’t so much as made a peep for 2,000 years so Solitude is now very undermanned and a place malcontents and political exiles who are Sparkers are sent to be forgotten. Zanna is teaching a half elven boy named Arlo.
Kade is the 3rd PoV character chapter and is Arlo’s father. His family are powerful nobility but he was disgraced for having a bastard child. No one is supposed to know Arlo is half elf but a few people do. Kade has sent Arlo to Solitude to be taught by Zanna because he is a wild Sparker and he clearly can't be sent to the university to be taught to be a sparker because his elven heritage will get him executed for being able to use the Spark.
The 2nd POV character by chapter is Calene who is Zanna’s estranged daughter who is just returning from the Elven front when the book starts. She’s a very powerful Sparker who travels with a friend named Vettigan who is much older and acts as a parent figure after she became estranged from her mother. She is generally not a fan of the war with the elves but has been doing her duty to the empire.
Our last PoV character is Nexes the Master or War for Emperor Locke. He’s definitely not a good dude but he believes he has reasons for the things he does. He gives us a little insight into the Empire of Halveldt’s thoughts and why they do what they do.
The main storyline of the book is that the Banished are finally stirring north of Solitude and the Emperor of Halveldt who has now united all but the single elven kingdom left on the continent wants to take out the elves before turning to deal with the Banished because he wouldn’t mind if the people up in Solitude were killed before he deals with the Banished. It would get rid of malcontents and give a good reason to go to war. Our first 3 POV characters are either in Solitude or connected to someone in Solitude and don’t want this to happen.
One thing I have to mention is there are a ton of Wheel of Time homages that I absolutely loved. I’m closing in on 10 times of reading or listening to the WoT series so anytime I saw an Easter Egg in there it gave me a laugh. There will be a more thoroughly explanation of characters and magic in the podcast episode once it is out.
This book was a “hard” 5 for me. I had a hard time putting it down and it was hard to stop reading the first night to go to sleep. The book also reminded me why I have often rated things the way I do on the podcast. If I think an Indie book is well written and quickly gets me into that movie in my mind and I enjoy the story I’m likely to give it a 5* on Goodreads because there aren’t half stars. A hard 5 would get a 5* no matter what and one of my surefire rules on giving a Hard 5 is if I don’t want to stop reading to go to sleep.
I’ve spent the last 4 years mostly re-reading things or listening to history podcasts so I’d kind of forgotten that feeling when you don’t want to put a book down while reading for the first time.
The epilogue is set 2,000 years before the main story and is in the aftermath of a catastrophic battle. The Humans and their Elven Allies, who many humans hate and feel are sub human, have just bested a group called the First People. The FP are very human like but with milk white skin and often yellow eyes. Some Humans and Elves can use magic and are called Sparkers but we are told the FP could all use magic and had their magic not mysteriously failed them they would have certainly beaten the humans and elves.
The book has multiple PoV characters.
Important to note right away that Humans hate the Elves and have enslaved them in their own lands and are trying to wipe out the last Elven kingdom as the book begins. Any Elf who is born with the ability to use the Spark within Haltveldt is executed.
Magic wielders are called Sparkers and they need an energy source to draw their power. It can be just about anything but drawing too much can cause them to burn themselves out and destroy their bodies in the process. There’s a constant temptation to draw too much power. Think very WoT like there.
1st is Zanna PoV character is a powerful Sparker who has been exiled to a fortress called Solitude where a small group of Sparkers watch the FP now called the Banished to make sure they don’t go south of the wall. The Banished haven’t so much as made a peep for 2,000 years so Solitude is now very undermanned and a place malcontents and political exiles who are Sparkers are sent to be forgotten. Zanna is teaching a half elven boy named Arlo.
Kade is the 3rd PoV character chapter and is Arlo’s father. His family are powerful nobility but he was disgraced for having a bastard child. No one is supposed to know Arlo is half elf but a few people do. Kade has sent Arlo to Solitude to be taught by Zanna because he is a wild Sparker and he clearly can't be sent to the university to be taught to be a sparker because his elven heritage will get him executed for being able to use the Spark.
The 2nd POV character by chapter is Calene who is Zanna’s estranged daughter who is just returning from the Elven front when the book starts. She’s a very powerful Sparker who travels with a friend named Vettigan who is much older and acts as a parent figure after she became estranged from her mother. She is generally not a fan of the war with the elves but has been doing her duty to the empire.
Our last PoV character is Nexes the Master or War for Emperor Locke. He’s definitely not a good dude but he believes he has reasons for the things he does. He gives us a little insight into the Empire of Halveldt’s thoughts and why they do what they do.
The main storyline of the book is that the Banished are finally stirring north of Solitude and the Emperor of Halveldt who has now united all but the single elven kingdom left on the continent wants to take out the elves before turning to deal with the Banished because he wouldn’t mind if the people up in Solitude were killed before he deals with the Banished. It would get rid of malcontents and give a good reason to go to war. Our first 3 POV characters are either in Solitude or connected to someone in Solitude and don’t want this to happen.
One thing I have to mention is there are a ton of Wheel of Time homages that I absolutely loved. I’m closing in on 10 times of reading or listening to the WoT series so anytime I saw an Easter Egg in there it gave me a laugh. There will be a more thoroughly explanation of characters and magic in the podcast episode once it is out.
May 21, 2021
I came to the works of David Green through his horror stories and the promise of a dark fantasy series intrigued me. This review is spoiler-free.
In Solitude's Shadow is the fast-paced first novel in a planned trilogy that sinks the reader into a world of war, specism, slavery, limited magic, and intrigue, mostly through the eyes of an estranged mother and daughter who are forever linked, even outside of their blood. The way their story interweaves with the greater revelations happening across the continent is fairly masterfully done in terms of timing and impact. I came to understand both sides of this estrangement and feel for both while getting a mouse-eye view of what is at stake in the books to come.
The meaning behind this title is cast both wide and deep.
I love that.
The world is serious, but not without its moments of humor. I like the introduction of “droking” as a curse word stand-in, though this book is far from PG in its presentation, it added an element of realism that was endearing. It felt a bit overused in places and I think the series could benefit from the addition of one or two more “curse” words (Maybe some in elvish?), but it wasn't anything that took me out of the story or made my eyes bleed.
Zanna and Calene are clever in their use of magic, it isn't always about blowing things up, that approach is a good way to find yourself on the losing end in a world of wits. The magic system is well explored, with an interesting, ahem, spark to it. There are consequences for misuse and I adore that in any story. I don't want to spoil anything, but the magic is a central part of the overarching plot, rather than simply a cool sideshow.
The author uses quotes at the beginning of each chapter that are from the citizens of this world and tie into that chapter's theme in fun ways. Not only does this add some fun and humorous flavor to the mix, but it fleshes out this land beautifully.
The story has its immersive and visceral moments where I felt like I was there, the climax comes to mind, but there were times when filter words and telling took me out of the narrative or dampened the emotion for me. This could simply be a matter of personal preference, and the writing itself, even when filtered and told, is beautiful and flows effortlessly. There was never a moment where I cringed at a sentence.
The story both wraps up, and ends, on a cliffhanger that left me wanting more. This is a delicate balance.
I'm not a huge fan of fantasy, with its long-winded explanations, lack of humor, and general focus on war, I find it hard to relate, but the mother/daughter relationship, moments of levity, and intriguing magic system served to ground this one and make me eager to read the next installment.
That is no small feat.
Well done, Mr. Green.
I was given an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
In Solitude's Shadow is the fast-paced first novel in a planned trilogy that sinks the reader into a world of war, specism, slavery, limited magic, and intrigue, mostly through the eyes of an estranged mother and daughter who are forever linked, even outside of their blood. The way their story interweaves with the greater revelations happening across the continent is fairly masterfully done in terms of timing and impact. I came to understand both sides of this estrangement and feel for both while getting a mouse-eye view of what is at stake in the books to come.
The meaning behind this title is cast both wide and deep.
I love that.
The world is serious, but not without its moments of humor. I like the introduction of “droking” as a curse word stand-in, though this book is far from PG in its presentation, it added an element of realism that was endearing. It felt a bit overused in places and I think the series could benefit from the addition of one or two more “curse” words (Maybe some in elvish?), but it wasn't anything that took me out of the story or made my eyes bleed.
Zanna and Calene are clever in their use of magic, it isn't always about blowing things up, that approach is a good way to find yourself on the losing end in a world of wits. The magic system is well explored, with an interesting, ahem, spark to it. There are consequences for misuse and I adore that in any story. I don't want to spoil anything, but the magic is a central part of the overarching plot, rather than simply a cool sideshow.
The author uses quotes at the beginning of each chapter that are from the citizens of this world and tie into that chapter's theme in fun ways. Not only does this add some fun and humorous flavor to the mix, but it fleshes out this land beautifully.
The story has its immersive and visceral moments where I felt like I was there, the climax comes to mind, but there were times when filter words and telling took me out of the narrative or dampened the emotion for me. This could simply be a matter of personal preference, and the writing itself, even when filtered and told, is beautiful and flows effortlessly. There was never a moment where I cringed at a sentence.
The story both wraps up, and ends, on a cliffhanger that left me wanting more. This is a delicate balance.
I'm not a huge fan of fantasy, with its long-winded explanations, lack of humor, and general focus on war, I find it hard to relate, but the mother/daughter relationship, moments of levity, and intriguing magic system served to ground this one and make me eager to read the next installment.
That is no small feat.
Well done, Mr. Green.
I was given an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 1, 2022
Updated Review 5*
I gotta say, reading minus Covid makes for a far better experience.
I really enjoyed it the second time around, Zanna still stood out, Calene rocks and I'm fairly indifferent to Kade. Brina also seems quite intriguing and a good bet for a solid secondary character, or one to play around with. Villainy abounds in secular and mystic avenues and that is before you you throw in a couple of races onto of base humans in trying to discover their true potential.
Fair to see it ticks a number of boxes and the background world-building is pretty vivid, effortless, and is easily comparable with Rob J Hayes, M.L. Spencer, Michael J Sullivan and Feist's Riftwar (but with functional female characters). Feist in particular is a direct comparison, with a double species migration, Riyira for species persecution and a nod to Rhenwars for the magical setup. All of which is no disservice to David Green, Most plot concepts are a reworking with a twist, and combining them in a punchy package with minimal bloat is a skill, which works here.
The ending is brutal and unforgiving, and isn't so much because of actions and inactions but the unanticipated side effect of human failings and how they are ripple outwards in consequence and chaos
With the second book in hand, it picks up as it lefts off and ramps up the darkness and mayhem and shows it is a series to look out for and consume.
Original Review 4*. To re-read before Book2.
Started before Covid. Attempted to read with Covid and finished after covid with half a brain.
A solid, well-rounded novel, with a nifty backstory to unleash a brutal series of events and the odd genocide. The three races are interesting and I'm curious to to see how they interact as the series progresses and political factions clash.
Zanna and Celene have a conflicted relationship and their conflict is cleverly handled to keep them at a distance, as events drop into place and the secondary characters come into play. I see hints of Feist and Gemmell as the last third kicks into play. Armies on the march to annihilate the other races, a citadel of magicians to hold back a horde as the threat is dismissed and an unlikely mix of individuals piecing events and motives together.
The real twist is at the end after things go boom, but the manner in which the races intertwine is the real hook to see how it contends against the corruption of the empire and mankind. When it comes it is over all too soon, which is no bad thing.
Zanna stole it for me, but I felt there was possibly one POV too many in the story synergy which covid brain struggled with in the second half. One to look forward to re-reading in the near future, and where the follow up leads to. Well worth anyone's dosh (for the cover) and a definite buy eet!
I gotta say, reading minus Covid makes for a far better experience.
I really enjoyed it the second time around, Zanna still stood out, Calene rocks and I'm fairly indifferent to Kade. Brina also seems quite intriguing and a good bet for a solid secondary character, or one to play around with. Villainy abounds in secular and mystic avenues and that is before you you throw in a couple of races onto of base humans in trying to discover their true potential.
Fair to see it ticks a number of boxes and the background world-building is pretty vivid, effortless, and is easily comparable with Rob J Hayes, M.L. Spencer, Michael J Sullivan and Feist's Riftwar (but with functional female characters). Feist in particular is a direct comparison, with a double species migration, Riyira for species persecution and a nod to Rhenwars for the magical setup. All of which is no disservice to David Green, Most plot concepts are a reworking with a twist, and combining them in a punchy package with minimal bloat is a skill, which works here.
The ending is brutal and unforgiving, and isn't so much because of actions and inactions but the unanticipated side effect of human failings and how they are ripple outwards in consequence and chaos
With the second book in hand, it picks up as it lefts off and ramps up the darkness and mayhem and shows it is a series to look out for and consume.
Original Review 4*. To re-read before Book2.
Started before Covid. Attempted to read with Covid and finished after covid with half a brain.
A solid, well-rounded novel, with a nifty backstory to unleash a brutal series of events and the odd genocide. The three races are interesting and I'm curious to to see how they interact as the series progresses and political factions clash.
Zanna and Celene have a conflicted relationship and their conflict is cleverly handled to keep them at a distance, as events drop into place and the secondary characters come into play. I see hints of Feist and Gemmell as the last third kicks into play. Armies on the march to annihilate the other races, a citadel of magicians to hold back a horde as the threat is dismissed and an unlikely mix of individuals piecing events and motives together.
The real twist is at the end after things go boom, but the manner in which the races intertwine is the real hook to see how it contends against the corruption of the empire and mankind. When it comes it is over all too soon, which is no bad thing.
Zanna stole it for me, but I felt there was possibly one POV too many in the story synergy which covid brain struggled with in the second half. One to look forward to re-reading in the near future, and where the follow up leads to. Well worth anyone's dosh (for the cover) and a definite buy eet!
January 31, 2025
Wow, this book just gets better and better with every reread, especially now that author David Green has revamped, added new chapters, a complete rewrite of the story you know, told better than ever.
We get more from our favourite characters, Calene, more Brina, more Kade, more Zanna, more Tilo... And even some characters you might not expect and just bloody fantastic.
In Solitude's Shadow is the first book from the Ruin Of Empire four book series, and it was even Droken Bloody better the third time round. I look forward to seeing what he has done with the next books in the series. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved the finished original series. But David Green has just added a beautiful touch of finesse to an already amazing series.
Holy moly, the magical battles and pure scale of magic in this book is unbelievable that at its highest that would cause a cataclysm of mass destruction, to give life or to snuff life with absolutely devastating affect. David Greens, worldbuilding is fantastic. The plot and story will have you enthralled from start to finish. It's action-packed very fast-paced, and the cast of diverse characters is excellent.
In book one, In Solitude's Shadow, the first people known as the banished have returned after two thousand years in their hundreds of thousands, with Solitude as their only obstacle to reaching the main land. Weather their intentions are to invade or they've been driven from their mountain home.
Solitude's residents known as The Sparkers have been left to defend for themselves by their Emperor as he continues his war to eradicate all elves once and for all. War is coming to Haltveldt like no one has ever seen. Dark magic is seeping from everywhere, and all magic weilders best be or on their guard or be sparked out for good.
Everything I've read by David Green so far has been a pleasure. His storytelling truly is excellent. If you love epic fantasy, then I really highly recommend..😁🪓💙
We get more from our favourite characters, Calene, more Brina, more Kade, more Zanna, more Tilo... And even some characters you might not expect and just bloody fantastic.
In Solitude's Shadow is the first book from the Ruin Of Empire four book series, and it was even Droken Bloody better the third time round. I look forward to seeing what he has done with the next books in the series. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved the finished original series. But David Green has just added a beautiful touch of finesse to an already amazing series.
Holy moly, the magical battles and pure scale of magic in this book is unbelievable that at its highest that would cause a cataclysm of mass destruction, to give life or to snuff life with absolutely devastating affect. David Greens, worldbuilding is fantastic. The plot and story will have you enthralled from start to finish. It's action-packed very fast-paced, and the cast of diverse characters is excellent.
In book one, In Solitude's Shadow, the first people known as the banished have returned after two thousand years in their hundreds of thousands, with Solitude as their only obstacle to reaching the main land. Weather their intentions are to invade or they've been driven from their mountain home.
Solitude's residents known as The Sparkers have been left to defend for themselves by their Emperor as he continues his war to eradicate all elves once and for all. War is coming to Haltveldt like no one has ever seen. Dark magic is seeping from everywhere, and all magic weilders best be or on their guard or be sparked out for good.
Everything I've read by David Green so far has been a pleasure. His storytelling truly is excellent. If you love epic fantasy, then I really highly recommend..😁🪓💙
June 10, 2021
Best book I have read this year.
I have been looking forward to this for some time, after reading this author's story in Eerie River's With Blood and Ash, and I was not disappointed.
Building on themes of found family explored in that short story, the author takes it further here and uses blood and found family as a counterpoint on a human and epic scale. The author builds a believable world with real-life issues such as racism, xenophobia, rampant propaganda and culture, but does not forget the human aspect; the character's have their distinct personalities, beliefs and motivations that are explored well.
It is fun too, even if it is a DARK fantasy. The dialogue zings, the pace zips, and the twists zag. The author manages the ensemble cast well, with each of the main story drivers getting the limelight, ably supported by a diverse cast of characters - some good, some evil, and some neither, who exist in that welcome grey area. I would appreciate more Nexes in subsequent stories, but I feel this character's lone POV chapter was to lay seeds for the future installments of this trilogy.
I book I highly recommend. Beautiful writing that is both accessible and striking, memorable characters, and wonderful stakes. Fans of fantasy will find some familiar tropes and set ups that are taken in different directions. The world-building is organic and dealt with a light-touch but there is depth there, too. There are surface level nods to Game of Thrones and Wheel of Time, but these are just that, nods.
The ending is magnificent and elevates what is already an excellent story, it left me salivating for book two. Bring it on.
I have been looking forward to this for some time, after reading this author's story in Eerie River's With Blood and Ash, and I was not disappointed.
Building on themes of found family explored in that short story, the author takes it further here and uses blood and found family as a counterpoint on a human and epic scale. The author builds a believable world with real-life issues such as racism, xenophobia, rampant propaganda and culture, but does not forget the human aspect; the character's have their distinct personalities, beliefs and motivations that are explored well.
It is fun too, even if it is a DARK fantasy. The dialogue zings, the pace zips, and the twists zag. The author manages the ensemble cast well, with each of the main story drivers getting the limelight, ably supported by a diverse cast of characters - some good, some evil, and some neither, who exist in that welcome grey area. I would appreciate more Nexes in subsequent stories, but I feel this character's lone POV chapter was to lay seeds for the future installments of this trilogy.
I book I highly recommend. Beautiful writing that is both accessible and striking, memorable characters, and wonderful stakes. Fans of fantasy will find some familiar tropes and set ups that are taken in different directions. The world-building is organic and dealt with a light-touch but there is depth there, too. There are surface level nods to Game of Thrones and Wheel of Time, but these are just that, nods.
The ending is magnificent and elevates what is already an excellent story, it left me salivating for book two. Bring it on.
January 4, 2024
*** I was provided an ARC version in return for an honest review ***
In Solitude’s Shadow follows four main characters in a kingdom divided by war and class, where the race of elves are treated as a lesser race of beings by the ruling and more numerous human lords. In this culturally hostile kingdom, the dwindling numbers of Sparkers, warriors and philosophers with a telepathic link among other talents, hold the mountain fortress of Solitude. Beyond the fortress of Solitude, the growing armies and numbers of the Banished bids their time to attack when human and eleven armies are at their most divided.
The premise of In Solitude’s Shadow is a tradition fantasy backdrop of a land at war, a disunited army that is fighting among itself, and a common enemy with the potential to threaten both. The threat of the Banished, returning from beyond the mountain fortress of Solitude may sound familiar. There are strong similarities with the basic premise of A Game of Thrones, itself based on older historical sags which provides strong-foundations. In Solitude’s Shadow, the limitations of a novella are more pronounced, where four main characters in the story arc and world-building can result in “info-dump” tactics at times rather than being incorporated into the storytelling which can feel overwhelming in the novella format.
In Solitude’s Shadow is an ambitious novella, and the fantasy series promises to be just as ambitious. Recommended for those seeking traditional fantasy in a short-read novella format.
In Solitude’s Shadow follows four main characters in a kingdom divided by war and class, where the race of elves are treated as a lesser race of beings by the ruling and more numerous human lords. In this culturally hostile kingdom, the dwindling numbers of Sparkers, warriors and philosophers with a telepathic link among other talents, hold the mountain fortress of Solitude. Beyond the fortress of Solitude, the growing armies and numbers of the Banished bids their time to attack when human and eleven armies are at their most divided.
The premise of In Solitude’s Shadow is a tradition fantasy backdrop of a land at war, a disunited army that is fighting among itself, and a common enemy with the potential to threaten both. The threat of the Banished, returning from beyond the mountain fortress of Solitude may sound familiar. There are strong similarities with the basic premise of A Game of Thrones, itself based on older historical sags which provides strong-foundations. In Solitude’s Shadow, the limitations of a novella are more pronounced, where four main characters in the story arc and world-building can result in “info-dump” tactics at times rather than being incorporated into the storytelling which can feel overwhelming in the novella format.
In Solitude’s Shadow is an ambitious novella, and the fantasy series promises to be just as ambitious. Recommended for those seeking traditional fantasy in a short-read novella format.
June 27, 2021
Green’s descriptions of the magic and the landscapes in this multiple POV world swept me out from my living room and right there onto the high walls of Solitude.
David Green was able to teach me about the traditions, religions, politics and people in the fantasy world he created in a very short span of pages. One of the greatest challenges of writing fantasy is world building, which David Green does Beautifully in his novel, In Solitude’s Shadow.
I loved his descriptions of how the Sparkers drew magic using the energies around them. I also really appreciated how Green established how deep the various social issues ran within the societies of this fantasy world.
I cannot wait for the next book and what a joy this book was to read!
David Green was able to teach me about the traditions, religions, politics and people in the fantasy world he created in a very short span of pages. One of the greatest challenges of writing fantasy is world building, which David Green does Beautifully in his novel, In Solitude’s Shadow.
I loved his descriptions of how the Sparkers drew magic using the energies around them. I also really appreciated how Green established how deep the various social issues ran within the societies of this fantasy world.
I cannot wait for the next book and what a joy this book was to read!
May 18, 2021
I recieved an arc copy for a honest review
What a thrilling ride! From the first page and a prologue called "seeds of ruin" which gave me a taste of whats to come, to the epic ending and the intriguing epilogue, Solitude's Shadow had me staying up till way too late so i could discover what came next.
each chapter deals with a mini story that combines to make up a larger one, and the characters! Calene kicks ass, Zanna is awesome, Kade... i felt sorry for him! Tilo is my favourite, but i loved old Vettigan and the mysterious Brina, too. then come the villains, one you love to hate and others who im not sure if theyre bad or good. they just... exist and feel real, capable of good and bad.
I could not recommend this one enough, and i cant wait for number 2.
What a thrilling ride! From the first page and a prologue called "seeds of ruin" which gave me a taste of whats to come, to the epic ending and the intriguing epilogue, Solitude's Shadow had me staying up till way too late so i could discover what came next.
each chapter deals with a mini story that combines to make up a larger one, and the characters! Calene kicks ass, Zanna is awesome, Kade... i felt sorry for him! Tilo is my favourite, but i loved old Vettigan and the mysterious Brina, too. then come the villains, one you love to hate and others who im not sure if theyre bad or good. they just... exist and feel real, capable of good and bad.
I could not recommend this one enough, and i cant wait for number 2.
June 4, 2021
* I received a beta copy in exchange for an honest review *
In solitude’s shadow is a fantasy adventure that balances world-building with action to make for a compelling read. It packs in a complex, gritty world, full of espionage and skulduggery with an exciting mix of classic fantasy elements (i.e. elves, warriors, mages) alongside elements I’ve not come across before - i.e. the “sparker” and Banished magic systems.
The strength of the story comes from its troupe of diverse and intriguing characters. I loved the character's conflicts that blur the lines between good and evil. It makes the characters relatable, giving the story an emotional impact when the stakes ramp up.
I thoroughly enjoyed David Green’s first foray into fantasy and can’t wait to read the next instalment.
In solitude’s shadow is a fantasy adventure that balances world-building with action to make for a compelling read. It packs in a complex, gritty world, full of espionage and skulduggery with an exciting mix of classic fantasy elements (i.e. elves, warriors, mages) alongside elements I’ve not come across before - i.e. the “sparker” and Banished magic systems.
The strength of the story comes from its troupe of diverse and intriguing characters. I loved the character's conflicts that blur the lines between good and evil. It makes the characters relatable, giving the story an emotional impact when the stakes ramp up.
I thoroughly enjoyed David Green’s first foray into fantasy and can’t wait to read the next instalment.
October 27, 2021
I really enjoyed this story. There were a number of strong characters, with one secondary one in particular (no spoilers here!) who I can't wait to read more about in book 2.
In Solitude's shadow has a few POV characters and the way they wove into each other at the end leaves us built up to face a world sized issue at the end.
My only real gripe with the story, was that I wish there was more of it! I'd have loved more time with some of the characters who, in such a short word count, once or twice made quick decisions that a longer book would have allowed them to flesh out more fully. Over all, I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading book 2 when it comes out.
In Solitude's shadow has a few POV characters and the way they wove into each other at the end leaves us built up to face a world sized issue at the end.
My only real gripe with the story, was that I wish there was more of it! I'd have loved more time with some of the characters who, in such a short word count, once or twice made quick decisions that a longer book would have allowed them to flesh out more fully. Over all, I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading book 2 when it comes out.
June 9, 2021
A thoroughly enjoyable dark fantasy that explores interpersonal and societal conflicts and doing the wrong thing for the right reason, with action that culminates in an explosive ending!
Full review here: http://fantasy-faction.com/2021/in-so...
Full review here: http://fantasy-faction.com/2021/in-so...
May 21, 2021
Amazing fantasy with Elves ,Sparkers, and the Banished. Will there klans unite or destroy each other.
February 7, 2022
David Green has become an insta-buy for absolutely any and EVERY thing he releases.
Brilliant, BRILLIANT author.
READ THIS BOOK NOW!
Brilliant, BRILLIANT author.
READ THIS BOOK NOW!
May 14, 2021
I received an ARC copy for an honest review.
I found this author through a short-story he was given away in exchange for joining his newsletter and have been looking forward to this book for some time, having had enjoyed his previous work. When he asked for ARC readers, I did not hesitate.
I am glad I didn't. In Soltiude's Shadow gripped me from the first page to the last (in fact I have read it twice already), transporting me to a new world full of rich history, culture and sense of place. It reminded me of David Gemmell, but with a voice all of his own.
The story is fast-paced and deep, dealing with themes such as genocide, xenophobia, expansion, religion and good old-fashioned right and wrong. This is not to say it is simple good vs evil, it is not. There are huge swathes of gray here.
Where In Solitude's Shadow stands apart from not only indie-fantasy but mainstream are its characters - each one of the main ensemble cast are well-defined and dynamic, with their own arcs, desires and drive. I loved that two of them are an estranged mother and daughter - both are essentially good people, but through choices made they have drifted apart. It is thrilling to see a male author deal with motherhood with such skill and respect.
The story builds to a thrilling conclusion that moved me to tears. In Solitude's Shadow is compelling, thrilling and deep. With more to come, I will definitely be there to read the next story. It cannot come too soon.
Five stars.
I found this author through a short-story he was given away in exchange for joining his newsletter and have been looking forward to this book for some time, having had enjoyed his previous work. When he asked for ARC readers, I did not hesitate.
I am glad I didn't. In Soltiude's Shadow gripped me from the first page to the last (in fact I have read it twice already), transporting me to a new world full of rich history, culture and sense of place. It reminded me of David Gemmell, but with a voice all of his own.
The story is fast-paced and deep, dealing with themes such as genocide, xenophobia, expansion, religion and good old-fashioned right and wrong. This is not to say it is simple good vs evil, it is not. There are huge swathes of gray here.
Where In Solitude's Shadow stands apart from not only indie-fantasy but mainstream are its characters - each one of the main ensemble cast are well-defined and dynamic, with their own arcs, desires and drive. I loved that two of them are an estranged mother and daughter - both are essentially good people, but through choices made they have drifted apart. It is thrilling to see a male author deal with motherhood with such skill and respect.
The story builds to a thrilling conclusion that moved me to tears. In Solitude's Shadow is compelling, thrilling and deep. With more to come, I will definitely be there to read the next story. It cannot come too soon.
Five stars.
June 20, 2021
4/5 ⭐
Where do I start? I have so many thoughts right now that I don't know which one to pick first. I read it so fast because it was so interesting that now I need a couple minutes to collect my thoughts. There are so many things to say about this book! Prepare yourselves because this is a long review.
I guess I should start talking about what the book is about. We are set in a world in which magic exists (called The Spark) and elves and humans are at war. In the midst of it all, a new threat arises and menaces with bringing the fortress of Solitude to the ground. Our protaginist Calene makes a shocking discovery and her, her quite strange allies and her exiled mother team up to save Solitude from destruction and, with that, all of Haltveldt.
Sounds good, doesn't it? Well it is as good as it sounds. At least, for me. I really enjoyed the story and it was different from all the other fantasy I've read, so that was refreshing (maybe it's just that I haven't read many books with this type of worldbuilding 🤷 either way, I liked it and it was different).
About the flow of the story, the book is extremely easy to read. It's not particularly long, but that's not what makes you lose track of time, it's the story itself and the writing. I really enjoyed the writing! It wasn't poetic but it wasn't simple either. The descriptions were very good and made the story very real. I was ✨ immersed ✨ in the world.
Although I must say, I would have liked a bit more description about the cultures, like a bit more thorough worldbuilding. This doesn't mean the book was bad! Please no, just that I would have liked to learn more about the world it's set in and it's culture. And that's a good sign, isn't it? That it sucked me in so much that I *want* to learn more about it.
I also would have appreciated a bit more explanation about the magic system. I understand the origin of this magic, the Spark, and I understand its limits. But what can it so, exactly? (The following might be a slight spoiler).
There are other things that I still don't understand and I have questions about, BUT I think we are supposed to have those questions and that they will be answered in the books to follow (or st least I hope so 🤞).
One of my favorite things about this book are the characters! I'm used to reading YA fantasy and in those books main characters are, well, young adults. And that's completely fine, don't get me wrong. But I'm happy that I got to read about characters of ages I had never thought I'd see in a fantasy novel being main characters (or sidekicks). It's refreshing! We have a man who is OLD. Like, old old. More than a hundred years old. And that's the main character's best friend! The MC is a bit older than 20. Isn't that completely different to what you've read?! And their relationship was so... Real? Hm I don't know how to properly describe it, but I really liked their interactions. The other main character is a 40 year old woman. And there is another character that is 11 years old! And each character has a different story their arc and I can't wait to learn more about them!
I would have liked tho a bit more development of their relationships. What I mean by this is that I would have enjoyed to see more of their dialogues, their bickering and joking around, their serious conversations, etc., So i can connect more with them and I can see their relationships unfold. (Slight spoiler ahead)
Also!! We have a queer MC whose identity isn't based on her queerness :'). I know that's the most basic thing but, sadly it isn't something you usually see :,).
Regarding the end, I don't know if everything happens very fast or I read it very fast because I was eager to know what happened. Either way, I'm confused about some things that I hope are explained later on. Not the cliffhanger, of course that's the whole point of a cliffhanger and that was: good. But (SPOILERS AHEAD)
All in all, it was a pretty good read and I really hope to read more of this world! And I really recommend it!
tw // (explicit) violence, substance abuse
Where do I start? I have so many thoughts right now that I don't know which one to pick first. I read it so fast because it was so interesting that now I need a couple minutes to collect my thoughts. There are so many things to say about this book! Prepare yourselves because this is a long review.
I guess I should start talking about what the book is about. We are set in a world in which magic exists (called The Spark) and elves and humans are at war. In the midst of it all, a new threat arises and menaces with bringing the fortress of Solitude to the ground. Our protaginist Calene makes a shocking discovery and her, her quite strange allies and her exiled mother team up to save Solitude from destruction and, with that, all of Haltveldt.
Sounds good, doesn't it? Well it is as good as it sounds. At least, for me. I really enjoyed the story and it was different from all the other fantasy I've read, so that was refreshing (maybe it's just that I haven't read many books with this type of worldbuilding 🤷 either way, I liked it and it was different).
About the flow of the story, the book is extremely easy to read. It's not particularly long, but that's not what makes you lose track of time, it's the story itself and the writing. I really enjoyed the writing! It wasn't poetic but it wasn't simple either. The descriptions were very good and made the story very real. I was ✨ immersed ✨ in the world.
Although I must say, I would have liked a bit more description about the cultures, like a bit more thorough worldbuilding. This doesn't mean the book was bad! Please no, just that I would have liked to learn more about the world it's set in and it's culture. And that's a good sign, isn't it? That it sucked me in so much that I *want* to learn more about it.
I also would have appreciated a bit more explanation about the magic system. I understand the origin of this magic, the Spark, and I understand its limits. But what can it so, exactly? (The following might be a slight spoiler).
There are other things that I still don't understand and I have questions about, BUT I think we are supposed to have those questions and that they will be answered in the books to follow (or st least I hope so 🤞).
One of my favorite things about this book are the characters! I'm used to reading YA fantasy and in those books main characters are, well, young adults. And that's completely fine, don't get me wrong. But I'm happy that I got to read about characters of ages I had never thought I'd see in a fantasy novel being main characters (or sidekicks). It's refreshing! We have a man who is OLD. Like, old old. More than a hundred years old. And that's the main character's best friend! The MC is a bit older than 20. Isn't that completely different to what you've read?! And their relationship was so... Real? Hm I don't know how to properly describe it, but I really liked their interactions. The other main character is a 40 year old woman. And there is another character that is 11 years old! And each character has a different story their arc and I can't wait to learn more about them!
I would have liked tho a bit more development of their relationships. What I mean by this is that I would have enjoyed to see more of their dialogues, their bickering and joking around, their serious conversations, etc., So i can connect more with them and I can see their relationships unfold. (Slight spoiler ahead)
Also!! We have a queer MC whose identity isn't based on her queerness :'). I know that's the most basic thing but, sadly it isn't something you usually see :,).
Regarding the end, I don't know if everything happens very fast or I read it very fast because I was eager to know what happened. Either way, I'm confused about some things that I hope are explained later on. Not the cliffhanger, of course that's the whole point of a cliffhanger and that was: good. But (SPOILERS AHEAD)
All in all, it was a pretty good read and I really hope to read more of this world! And I really recommend it!
tw // (explicit) violence, substance abuse
December 29, 2025
Fun read. Dark themes. Reading about attempts at genocide, fueled by silly thoughts from foolish people, hits hard in the current state of our world.
I liked the characters. I liked the magic. I liked the lore. The story's scope and depth is on the smaller end, and that was ok. This book did what a book one should do: lure you in with a good story and compelling characters, while setting up bigger things to come. And this did that. Excited to read more.
I liked the characters. I liked the magic. I liked the lore. The story's scope and depth is on the smaller end, and that was ok. This book did what a book one should do: lure you in with a good story and compelling characters, while setting up bigger things to come. And this did that. Excited to read more.
June 3, 2021
I am so in love with this book and can't wait to see where we go next.
With all of David green's work that i have read, you hit the ground running. You have to have a bit of trust in the author that he will let you know the rules of the world we're playing in in a timely fashion. He always does.
There is a deep emotional content to it all. You find yourself really drawn in to the relationships. Whilst it is magical, he draws on the things we all know about estrangement, loss, political issues and race issues. You never feel preached at yet you take a look at those things through different character's eyes.
It is a great fantasy adventure. Every corner you turn there is something surprising waiting for you. The characters and relationships are so fully fleshed out that I feel like I have made new friends. Inwould reccomend this to everyome and I am desperate to see the next one
With all of David green's work that i have read, you hit the ground running. You have to have a bit of trust in the author that he will let you know the rules of the world we're playing in in a timely fashion. He always does.
There is a deep emotional content to it all. You find yourself really drawn in to the relationships. Whilst it is magical, he draws on the things we all know about estrangement, loss, political issues and race issues. You never feel preached at yet you take a look at those things through different character's eyes.
It is a great fantasy adventure. Every corner you turn there is something surprising waiting for you. The characters and relationships are so fully fleshed out that I feel like I have made new friends. Inwould reccomend this to everyome and I am desperate to see the next one
September 19, 2022
War and sacrifice
Excellent characterization, fascinating worldbuilding, and a slowly unfolding plot make for a great epic fantasy. Do the ends always justify the means? At what point do you lose your own soul? I can't wait for the next one.
Excellent characterization, fascinating worldbuilding, and a slowly unfolding plot make for a great epic fantasy. Do the ends always justify the means? At what point do you lose your own soul? I can't wait for the next one.
September 6, 2022
In Solitude's Shadow (Empire of Ruin #1) by David Green In this book the tides of fate are shifting, the Banished have returned. Zanna, a powerful mage and two hundred aged and forgotten Sparkers are all that stand between the Banished and the nation. With time running out and the world at stake, she is forced to reach out to her estranged daughter, Calene and set her on an impossible quest. Calene quickly learns that enemies make unlikely allies as she teams up with both friend and foe. Forging their way over land and sea Calene is forced to decide between her masters and her own conscience. Will they arrive on time to save Solitude? I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from David Green. This book is available on Amazon
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