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Harbingers of Agatharr #1
Of Storm and Shadow
The end was nigh, Death had come.
It was raining the night I perished…
And I was glad.
Magic is outlawed in the shattered land of Valitharr, but whispers of spellweaver cults remain on the tongues of those who witnessed their deprivations.
Caelen, a timid peasant boy, struggles to find his place as he comes of age. When a wolf mauls his mother, and a spellweaver awakens in the quiet town of Bloodgrove, Caelen is forced to interact with the person he hates most, the gruff local blacksmith—a woman whose secrets cut deeper than her forged blades.
Celeste, a secondborn princess of Valitharr, dreams of trading courtly duties for a sword. Yet her royal obligations pale in comparison to the divine burden she bears. Born a Herald, Celeste is destined to summon a benevolent being to destroy the Demon Moon and purge the world of magic. But when royal blood is shed by a spellweaver assassin, Celeste must learn to balance a new Revenge.
As spellweavers threaten to destroy Caelen and Celeste’s world, more blood shall surely be spilled. Will their fates converge, or will they be early victims of the depredations to come?
It was raining the night I perished…
And I was glad.
Magic is outlawed in the shattered land of Valitharr, but whispers of spellweaver cults remain on the tongues of those who witnessed their deprivations.
Caelen, a timid peasant boy, struggles to find his place as he comes of age. When a wolf mauls his mother, and a spellweaver awakens in the quiet town of Bloodgrove, Caelen is forced to interact with the person he hates most, the gruff local blacksmith—a woman whose secrets cut deeper than her forged blades.
Celeste, a secondborn princess of Valitharr, dreams of trading courtly duties for a sword. Yet her royal obligations pale in comparison to the divine burden she bears. Born a Herald, Celeste is destined to summon a benevolent being to destroy the Demon Moon and purge the world of magic. But when royal blood is shed by a spellweaver assassin, Celeste must learn to balance a new Revenge.
As spellweavers threaten to destroy Caelen and Celeste’s world, more blood shall surely be spilled. Will their fates converge, or will they be early victims of the depredations to come?
456 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2025
26 people want to read
About the author
Nathan C. Ashford
3 books17 followersAuthor of The Bloodgrove Apprentice
Get The Stillness of Gathered Rain for free at
https://www.nathancashford.com/
Receive major announcements and updates.
About Nathan:
Nathan C. Ashford is a bookworm, husband and father. He’s been told his nerdy side is “just a phase” all his life, but at this point, it seems that it’s here to stay. When he’s not inventing characters to inhabit his made-up worlds, Nathan can be found spending quality time with his beautiful wife, adorable daughter, and their moody cat.
Get The Stillness of Gathered Rain for free at
https://www.nathancashford.com/
Receive major announcements and updates.
About Nathan:
Nathan C. Ashford is a bookworm, husband and father. He’s been told his nerdy side is “just a phase” all his life, but at this point, it seems that it’s here to stay. When he’s not inventing characters to inhabit his made-up worlds, Nathan can be found spending quality time with his beautiful wife, adorable daughter, and their moody cat.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 2, 2025
From the first chapter, the tone is dark and unrelenting. Magic is outlawed, gods are watching, and everyone feels like they’re walking a blade’s edge. Of Storm and Shadow throws you into a world already broken and dares you to keep up.
Caelen starts off timid and unsure, caught in a place that doesn’t have space for softness. His arc unfolds in a way that feels earned. You root for him not because he’s ready, but because you know he’s going to be forced to become someone stronger. Celeste is a standout. A royal, a Herald, and a daughter with blood on her hands. She’s fierce in her own right but not unreachable. The contrast between her divine burden and Caelen’s more grounded struggles makes for a dynamic dual narrative.
The pacing leans into the tension. It takes its time building layers and threading danger through every interaction. You feel the weight of decisions, the slow erosion of comfort, and the rising sense that something big is coming. And once the reveals start dropping, it moves with real momentum.
The setting is brutal and brilliant. The outlawed magic, the spellweavers, the Demon Moon... every piece adds to this looming sense of decay. The lore is thick but not overwhelming, and I loved how it tied into the divine elements without losing the personal stakes.
One thing I really appreciated was the way it nodded to The Bloodgrove Apprentice. There were some great callbacks and timeline moments that helped connect the standalone to this new arc. It’s not required reading, but if you’ve read it, the payoffs hit harder. Those little Easter eggs added extra depth to the world and a few well-timed emotional punches.
This is the kind of dark fantasy I love, unforgiving, character driven, and brimming with buried secrets. It leaves enough on the table to set up the next book without feeling incomplete. If you like your fantasy morally gray, a little prophetic, and full of sharp edges, this one’s worth picking up.
Caelen starts off timid and unsure, caught in a place that doesn’t have space for softness. His arc unfolds in a way that feels earned. You root for him not because he’s ready, but because you know he’s going to be forced to become someone stronger. Celeste is a standout. A royal, a Herald, and a daughter with blood on her hands. She’s fierce in her own right but not unreachable. The contrast between her divine burden and Caelen’s more grounded struggles makes for a dynamic dual narrative.
The pacing leans into the tension. It takes its time building layers and threading danger through every interaction. You feel the weight of decisions, the slow erosion of comfort, and the rising sense that something big is coming. And once the reveals start dropping, it moves with real momentum.
The setting is brutal and brilliant. The outlawed magic, the spellweavers, the Demon Moon... every piece adds to this looming sense of decay. The lore is thick but not overwhelming, and I loved how it tied into the divine elements without losing the personal stakes.
One thing I really appreciated was the way it nodded to The Bloodgrove Apprentice. There were some great callbacks and timeline moments that helped connect the standalone to this new arc. It’s not required reading, but if you’ve read it, the payoffs hit harder. Those little Easter eggs added extra depth to the world and a few well-timed emotional punches.
This is the kind of dark fantasy I love, unforgiving, character driven, and brimming with buried secrets. It leaves enough on the table to set up the next book without feeling incomplete. If you like your fantasy morally gray, a little prophetic, and full of sharp edges, this one’s worth picking up.
May 23, 2025
I’m so thankful to have been chosen to be an ARC reader for Of Storm and Shadow! Another 5 star, amazing read! But man, the trauma! And the twists! Part one introduced you to the characters and the world, part two set the tone, but part three threw me for a loop and broke me 😫. Absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for the next one!
May 5, 2025
Emotional, Dark, Unputdownable
I received an ARC of the book from the Publisher, and what follows is my honest and unbiased review.
Of Storm and Shadow is the first instalment in the Harbingers of Agatharr YA fantasy saga. Set in the land of Valitharr, the book follows Caelen, a timid and insecure boy with a knack for archery, and Celeste, a prodigious princess who’d rather wield a sword rather than trouble her mind with courtly affairs. The double POV works great, with two completely different settings and sets of supporting characters.
From the start, I enjoyed the pace of the story; there is enough time to get properly acquainted with the characters and the world around them as events unfold. I find Nathan C. Ashford to be a great storyteller; the protagonists are convincingly written, and I found myself emotionally invested in their story from the very outset. The Author doesn’t shy away from darker themes, as both Caelen and Celeste go through a lot of tragic events over the course of the book. This, however, fits the tale perfectly; we can see how their plight shapes their personalities and gives them motivations that will keep the story going beyond the first book.
What’s more, there is a very strong cast of supporting characters here, some of whom are already familiar to those who have read The Bloodgrove Apprentice. Without any spoilers, I really like how the Author portrayed the returning character of Brynna, allowing readers to reunite with the heroine of the prequel and letting them see her from an entirely new perspective. I’m also a big fan of Samwick, a new character and Celeste’s Protector – honorable, unfazed by any dangers, and ready to do everything to fulfill the oath of protecting the princess. Finally, an honorable mention goes to Celeste’s father, King Bartel; a humble monarch with a strong moral code, who abides by the principle that “to rule in comfort is to rule in greed”. When I first read that quote, it struck me as particularly true.
Another strength of the book is the Author’s approach to world-building. Apart from the regular story unfolding, readers are presented with insight into the history of Valitharr in the form of short excerpts from Celeste’s school notes at the beginning of her chapters. I found those fragments of particular interest, as they add a lot to the overall lore of the saga and allow to understand some of Valitharr’s past as well as its customs.
Finally, the Author clearly states that Of Storm and Shadow is a good entry point for the series. However, before its release readers can pick up The Bloodgrove Apprentice - a prequel novel that takes place 30 years before OSAS. My adventure started with the prequel, and I must say it greatly added to the experience and immersion in the universe.
Overall, Of Storm and Shadow is a compelling read and a great first entry in the Harbingers of Agatharr saga. With its strong cast of characters, a vivid, engrossing universe, and a skillfully crafted story, it is bound to appeal to fans of YA dark fantasy genre.
The bottom line: 5/5 - the Harbingers of Agatharr are coming, and you, dear reader, are in for a grand adventure!
I received an ARC of the book from the Publisher, and what follows is my honest and unbiased review.
Of Storm and Shadow is the first instalment in the Harbingers of Agatharr YA fantasy saga. Set in the land of Valitharr, the book follows Caelen, a timid and insecure boy with a knack for archery, and Celeste, a prodigious princess who’d rather wield a sword rather than trouble her mind with courtly affairs. The double POV works great, with two completely different settings and sets of supporting characters.
From the start, I enjoyed the pace of the story; there is enough time to get properly acquainted with the characters and the world around them as events unfold. I find Nathan C. Ashford to be a great storyteller; the protagonists are convincingly written, and I found myself emotionally invested in their story from the very outset. The Author doesn’t shy away from darker themes, as both Caelen and Celeste go through a lot of tragic events over the course of the book. This, however, fits the tale perfectly; we can see how their plight shapes their personalities and gives them motivations that will keep the story going beyond the first book.
What’s more, there is a very strong cast of supporting characters here, some of whom are already familiar to those who have read The Bloodgrove Apprentice. Without any spoilers, I really like how the Author portrayed the returning character of Brynna, allowing readers to reunite with the heroine of the prequel and letting them see her from an entirely new perspective. I’m also a big fan of Samwick, a new character and Celeste’s Protector – honorable, unfazed by any dangers, and ready to do everything to fulfill the oath of protecting the princess. Finally, an honorable mention goes to Celeste’s father, King Bartel; a humble monarch with a strong moral code, who abides by the principle that “to rule in comfort is to rule in greed”. When I first read that quote, it struck me as particularly true.
Another strength of the book is the Author’s approach to world-building. Apart from the regular story unfolding, readers are presented with insight into the history of Valitharr in the form of short excerpts from Celeste’s school notes at the beginning of her chapters. I found those fragments of particular interest, as they add a lot to the overall lore of the saga and allow to understand some of Valitharr’s past as well as its customs.
Finally, the Author clearly states that Of Storm and Shadow is a good entry point for the series. However, before its release readers can pick up The Bloodgrove Apprentice - a prequel novel that takes place 30 years before OSAS. My adventure started with the prequel, and I must say it greatly added to the experience and immersion in the universe.
Overall, Of Storm and Shadow is a compelling read and a great first entry in the Harbingers of Agatharr saga. With its strong cast of characters, a vivid, engrossing universe, and a skillfully crafted story, it is bound to appeal to fans of YA dark fantasy genre.
The bottom line: 5/5 - the Harbingers of Agatharr are coming, and you, dear reader, are in for a grand adventure!
May 14, 2025
I received an ARC copy from the author for book 1 of Harbingers of Agatharr - Of Storm and Shadow, and I am delighted to write this review.
I first read The Apprentice of Bloodgrove several months ago and loved the prequel. I was excited to step back into this world to see where I might meet the characters of the prequel within this epic tale. And I was never once disappointed.
Of Storm and Shadow is a page turner. There are heart-warming and interesting dynamics between the characters and those they are close to. There is also well-written tension between certain characters, which YA audiences will identify with - themes such as bullying and feeling misunderstood. There is also plenty of action, and the whole book remains fast-paced. I particularly enjoyed the interactions between Agatharr and Celeste - in some passages, they are warm and trusting of each other, and in other trials, Celeste mistrusts his true intentions and pushed his comforts away. I look forward to reading more of both characters.
As characters go, we meet new faces and are revisited by old ones from The Apprentice of Bloodgrove. There are the two teen protagonists and a third in Brynna, now a woman in her forties. It was refreshing to see the characters had complicated stories after the events in Bloodgrove and still carried with them the trauma of the past.
This present is mainly through the eyes of Caelen, a teen gifted in archery. He is mild mannered and quiet and has the need to discover a little confidence in himself. The second main character is Celeste, a princess and Herald for the almost God-like figure of Agatharr, who speaks to Celeste through a type of telepathy. Her connection with this entity has given her a rather reclusive life, but she is smart, gifted with a sword, and has dreams and wishes she knows will never be her own.
There was so much of this story to take in and enjoy. The character development of all three comes through tragic circumstances, but I won't spoil any of the story. That is for each reader to discover. There are so many little gems in this story. The sweetness but also tragedy of love, the importance of trust and friendships, and remaining true to oneself through adversary.
I highly recommend this book to all readers who love epic YA, with an interesting magic system, complicated dynamics, and the pureness of friendships forged and sometimes strengthened through shared trauma. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
I first read The Apprentice of Bloodgrove several months ago and loved the prequel. I was excited to step back into this world to see where I might meet the characters of the prequel within this epic tale. And I was never once disappointed.
Of Storm and Shadow is a page turner. There are heart-warming and interesting dynamics between the characters and those they are close to. There is also well-written tension between certain characters, which YA audiences will identify with - themes such as bullying and feeling misunderstood. There is also plenty of action, and the whole book remains fast-paced. I particularly enjoyed the interactions between Agatharr and Celeste - in some passages, they are warm and trusting of each other, and in other trials, Celeste mistrusts his true intentions and pushed his comforts away. I look forward to reading more of both characters.
As characters go, we meet new faces and are revisited by old ones from The Apprentice of Bloodgrove. There are the two teen protagonists and a third in Brynna, now a woman in her forties. It was refreshing to see the characters had complicated stories after the events in Bloodgrove and still carried with them the trauma of the past.
This present is mainly through the eyes of Caelen, a teen gifted in archery. He is mild mannered and quiet and has the need to discover a little confidence in himself. The second main character is Celeste, a princess and Herald for the almost God-like figure of Agatharr, who speaks to Celeste through a type of telepathy. Her connection with this entity has given her a rather reclusive life, but she is smart, gifted with a sword, and has dreams and wishes she knows will never be her own.
There was so much of this story to take in and enjoy. The character development of all three comes through tragic circumstances, but I won't spoil any of the story. That is for each reader to discover. There are so many little gems in this story. The sweetness but also tragedy of love, the importance of trust and friendships, and remaining true to oneself through adversary.
I highly recommend this book to all readers who love epic YA, with an interesting magic system, complicated dynamics, and the pureness of friendships forged and sometimes strengthened through shared trauma. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
July 1, 2025
Title: Of Storm and Shadow: Harbingers of Agatharr (Book 1)
Author: Nathan C. Ashford
Genre: YA Fantasy
Pages: 456
Rating: 4.5⭐️/5 (rounded up!)
“The Harbingers of Agatharr would burn all, and the Demon would arise again. Because that was his will.”
The lives of two very different teens—Caelen, a quiet archer searching for confidence, and Celeste, a guarded princess bound to a mysterious god-like force—unfold in a land where magic is outlawed and danger brews under a cursed red moon. Both are forced to face grief, secrets, and rising threats. Their worlds slowly collide, leading them toward a fate that could change everything.
OF STORM AND SHADOW is packed with emotion, twists, and a world that feels completely lived-in. Their stories are full of loss, pressure, and huge choices, but told in such a personal, relatable way that you really feel for them. Just seeing the cover, you already know this book is going to be amazing—and it lives up to it. I loved how the book takes its time early on so you get attached to the characters before the intensity ramps up—and when it does, everything hits hard. The world-building is rich, with little gems like excerpts from Celeste’s school notes that add flavor and depth. The characters? So well done. They’re flawed, funny, and human. That “Do you need a cup?” line had me laughing out loud—such a dumb question in the middle of an emotional storm, but it landed perfectly. If you’ve read The Bloodgrove Apprentice, it’s fun spotting familiar faces, but this also works great as a standalone. With dual POVs, found family energy, magic, heartbreak, and tons of character growth, this book hits all the right notes. Nathan C. Ashford nailed it. I already need the next one!
A big thanks to Nathan C. Ashford for providing me with a digital ARC of this book!
Released today, 07/01/25, on Amazon, KU, and paperback—grab your copy NOW!
—
#AdvancedReaderCopy
Author: Nathan C. Ashford
Genre: YA Fantasy
Pages: 456
Rating: 4.5⭐️/5 (rounded up!)
“The Harbingers of Agatharr would burn all, and the Demon would arise again. Because that was his will.”
The lives of two very different teens—Caelen, a quiet archer searching for confidence, and Celeste, a guarded princess bound to a mysterious god-like force—unfold in a land where magic is outlawed and danger brews under a cursed red moon. Both are forced to face grief, secrets, and rising threats. Their worlds slowly collide, leading them toward a fate that could change everything.
OF STORM AND SHADOW is packed with emotion, twists, and a world that feels completely lived-in. Their stories are full of loss, pressure, and huge choices, but told in such a personal, relatable way that you really feel for them. Just seeing the cover, you already know this book is going to be amazing—and it lives up to it. I loved how the book takes its time early on so you get attached to the characters before the intensity ramps up—and when it does, everything hits hard. The world-building is rich, with little gems like excerpts from Celeste’s school notes that add flavor and depth. The characters? So well done. They’re flawed, funny, and human. That “Do you need a cup?” line had me laughing out loud—such a dumb question in the middle of an emotional storm, but it landed perfectly. If you’ve read The Bloodgrove Apprentice, it’s fun spotting familiar faces, but this also works great as a standalone. With dual POVs, found family energy, magic, heartbreak, and tons of character growth, this book hits all the right notes. Nathan C. Ashford nailed it. I already need the next one!
A big thanks to Nathan C. Ashford for providing me with a digital ARC of this book!
Released today, 07/01/25, on Amazon, KU, and paperback—grab your copy NOW!
—
#AdvancedReaderCopy
July 31, 2025
I read a precursor novella to this series, and found I enjoyed it more than this official first book. In Book 1, there are two main characters, both teenagers, a boy coming of age in a rural hometown, and the princess of the land, cursed or blessed with the additional responsibility of being the Herald of the world’s God, an alien to their lands known as a Visitor.
This novel was a mixed reading experience. The premise is an interesting one, of two godlike creatures blessing the world with knowledge and progress, but then one deviating from his altruism after an event and cursing the world by giving people magic, a gift too strong for humanity to use safely. No human is born with magic, however – it can only awaken in them after experiencing an injury or trauma, leaving people fearful and untrusting, with no way to know if they could become a feared magic user. This book begins hundreds of years after that curse and its tragic outcomes, with numerous wars, betrayals, and uprisings, including the Bloodgrove Massacre thirty years prior.
The pacing in The Bloodgrove Apprentice was quite good and the characters were strong. Many of those characters return in this book, 30 years later, but the tone is quite different. Apprentice was told as a flashback and the language used worked there. This book is not, but the narration is still written in that style and it just doesn’t work here. The tone, specifically in all the MMC’s scenes, does not sound authentic in any way. No teenager thinks or sounds like he does. It frustrated me almost every chapter. Thankfully, he’s surrounded by strong characters, so they carried his scenes. Princess Celeste feels more authentic; she’s a princess called to a challenging path. A second issue with this story is that I think it starts too soon. The ending of the book is quite compelling and I think different plotting choices would have benefited the story. If you read it, let me know if you agree!
With these issues, I rate this book a 3.75, which I've rounded to a 4 here.
This novel was a mixed reading experience. The premise is an interesting one, of two godlike creatures blessing the world with knowledge and progress, but then one deviating from his altruism after an event and cursing the world by giving people magic, a gift too strong for humanity to use safely. No human is born with magic, however – it can only awaken in them after experiencing an injury or trauma, leaving people fearful and untrusting, with no way to know if they could become a feared magic user. This book begins hundreds of years after that curse and its tragic outcomes, with numerous wars, betrayals, and uprisings, including the Bloodgrove Massacre thirty years prior.
The pacing in The Bloodgrove Apprentice was quite good and the characters were strong. Many of those characters return in this book, 30 years later, but the tone is quite different. Apprentice was told as a flashback and the language used worked there. This book is not, but the narration is still written in that style and it just doesn’t work here. The tone, specifically in all the MMC’s scenes, does not sound authentic in any way. No teenager thinks or sounds like he does. It frustrated me almost every chapter. Thankfully, he’s surrounded by strong characters, so they carried his scenes. Princess Celeste feels more authentic; she’s a princess called to a challenging path. A second issue with this story is that I think it starts too soon. The ending of the book is quite compelling and I think different plotting choices would have benefited the story. If you read it, let me know if you agree!
With these issues, I rate this book a 3.75, which I've rounded to a 4 here.
October 19, 2025
Of Storm and Shadow marks the first full novel in a new fantasy series that fills a crucial gap in the fantasy genre of easy reading, but without fully embracing the tropisms and tones that befall the YA entries of the genre. Because of that, I found the book swift to read and easy to enjoy without feeling bogged down. There is enough that feels similar in the magic and world to be easy to navigate, without feeling as though it is relying on them too heavily to propel readers through the same story yet again. This provides a refreshing, but easily-accessible, change of pace to the traditional high fantasy settings.
However, OSaS is not quite as strong of a concept as its prequel novella "The Bloodgrove Apprentice". There are noticeable pacing issues, as the book is written in a manner that is aware of its role in setting up a longer series. It noticeably lacks its own story arc allowing for natural action and resolution--suffering overall as a result, instead seemingly only serving the purpose to lead into Book 2 of the series. While an enjoyable journey in elements of lore-building, this ultimately left me as a reader unsatisfied in the conclusion of the book as the story structure itself, along with some linguistic tendencies of the author, could have used some additional refinement prior to publication.
I am excited for the 2nd book as I think Book 1 leaves us in a good place for the story to continue, and Ashford's world is a welcome addition with plenty of room for exploration in an area of the genre that has needed attention.
However, OSaS is not quite as strong of a concept as its prequel novella "The Bloodgrove Apprentice". There are noticeable pacing issues, as the book is written in a manner that is aware of its role in setting up a longer series. It noticeably lacks its own story arc allowing for natural action and resolution--suffering overall as a result, instead seemingly only serving the purpose to lead into Book 2 of the series. While an enjoyable journey in elements of lore-building, this ultimately left me as a reader unsatisfied in the conclusion of the book as the story structure itself, along with some linguistic tendencies of the author, could have used some additional refinement prior to publication.
I am excited for the 2nd book as I think Book 1 leaves us in a good place for the story to continue, and Ashford's world is a welcome addition with plenty of room for exploration in an area of the genre that has needed attention.
June 12, 2025
I loved it!! I can't wait for the next book!
As you read this book, the first half might seem a bit uneventful, but it's setting you up for all that is to come - building the world, introducing you to the characters. There are characters you'll love and ones you'll hate. I liked the two POVs from Celeste and Caelen - two very different people living different lives, but all important to the totality of the story. I love that the history is woven throughout the book, providing just the right nuggets of information at the relevant points of the plot. About halfway through the plot really picks up and it becomes hard to put the book down - trust me! You'll really start to feel for some of these characters and be torn about whether or not magic is a curse. So much happens between the two POVs that just keeps you wanting more from each. And the ending! Loved it, but now I need book 2! It came together so nicely in the end but leaves you ready to jump into book two.
I read the prequel, The Bloodgrove Apprentice (highly recommend as well!), before reading Of Storm and Shadow, but you certainly don't need to. But definitely read it at some point.
As you read this book, the first half might seem a bit uneventful, but it's setting you up for all that is to come - building the world, introducing you to the characters. There are characters you'll love and ones you'll hate. I liked the two POVs from Celeste and Caelen - two very different people living different lives, but all important to the totality of the story. I love that the history is woven throughout the book, providing just the right nuggets of information at the relevant points of the plot. About halfway through the plot really picks up and it becomes hard to put the book down - trust me! You'll really start to feel for some of these characters and be torn about whether or not magic is a curse. So much happens between the two POVs that just keeps you wanting more from each. And the ending! Loved it, but now I need book 2! It came together so nicely in the end but leaves you ready to jump into book two.
I read the prequel, The Bloodgrove Apprentice (highly recommend as well!), before reading Of Storm and Shadow, but you certainly don't need to. But definitely read it at some point.
June 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! I had already read the prequel, The Bloodgrove Apprentice, prior to reading this first entry into the series. Although you do not need to read the prequel to understand this book at all, I think it added alot of depth to the story for me being able to remember the characters and how they were when they were younger. It also made a couple of the events/details more emotional for me to find out.
Nathan did a really great job writing this story. There are plot twists that I definitely didn't expect! He did a great job making the reader love or hate characters, just like in the prequel. Nathan is just a great storyteller, and I am so excited to see where this series goes!
I definitely recommend this story for anyone who wants a good fantasy story that has: dual povs, found family, and magic! This story is a YA story, but I loved it, and I can't wait to read the next book next year!
Nathan did a really great job writing this story. There are plot twists that I definitely didn't expect! He did a great job making the reader love or hate characters, just like in the prequel. Nathan is just a great storyteller, and I am so excited to see where this series goes!
I definitely recommend this story for anyone who wants a good fantasy story that has: dual povs, found family, and magic! This story is a YA story, but I loved it, and I can't wait to read the next book next year!
May 31, 2025
I read the prequal, The Bloodgrove Apprentice, and enjoyed it. In this current book Of Storm and Shadow, you can definitely see the writers evolution.
Nathan Ashford crafted some very unique characters in a dynamic world. Caelen you're such a precious soul. It's so meek and mild mannered and he is very insecure in who he is. Then there is Celeste. She's definitely not a girly girl. You see her as the type who would rather put on a pair of pants and wield a sword with the guys then worry about her princess duties.
I love that the author took the time to really give us an in depth view of the world and what has occurred. It made the story even better because he took the time to give us those little morsels that we needed to really connect to the story and the characters within that story.
This was a journey that I truly enjoyed. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Nathan Ashford crafted some very unique characters in a dynamic world. Caelen you're such a precious soul. It's so meek and mild mannered and he is very insecure in who he is. Then there is Celeste. She's definitely not a girly girl. You see her as the type who would rather put on a pair of pants and wield a sword with the guys then worry about her princess duties.
I love that the author took the time to really give us an in depth view of the world and what has occurred. It made the story even better because he took the time to give us those little morsels that we needed to really connect to the story and the characters within that story.
This was a journey that I truly enjoyed. I can't wait to read more from this author.
May 14, 2025
Caelen and Celeste grow up in different parts of Valithar, under very different circumstances. One is the seemingly weak son of a single mother, growing up as a commoner in a lonely cabin of Bloodgrove forest. The other is an entitled princess, daughter of the benevolent king who rules their troubled land. As they wrestle with the angst of their youth and the complex situations that arise in their families,Valithar begins to change for the worse. Caelen and Celeste struggle with grief, pain, and a transformation in themselves they neither want or understand.
Of Storm and Shadow is a great read, well written and richly imagined. I look forward to reading the sequel and delving further into this intriguing world.
June 23, 2025
I really enjoyed Nathan's first book in the Harbingers of Agatharr series. This is a great quick read that does a great job building out the world without getting bogged down in small details. There are multiple story lines all going on and the pacing was really well done to keep the whole world feel alive.
I personally received an advance review copy of this book but I will be preordering it as soon as print versions are available to give away this holiday season to friends and family!
It's completely not necessary to read the prequel book that is already published but it was a special treat to be able to have a bit of an insider view when characters were introduced in the new book that had some backstory in the other book.
I personally received an advance review copy of this book but I will be preordering it as soon as print versions are available to give away this holiday season to friends and family!
It's completely not necessary to read the prequel book that is already published but it was a special treat to be able to have a bit of an insider view when characters were introduced in the new book that had some backstory in the other book.
July 1, 2025
The world building, the characters, the twists, this story will wrap itself around you and not let go until the very last moment. Although the MCs come from two wildly different walks of life, it isn’t hard to follow along as the story swings between their two lives. While you don’t need to read The Bloodgrove Apprentice, there are some supporting characters that you’ll recognize if you have read it. The story has good pacing, and starts to really pick up a bit more part way through, although I wouldn’t say it’s slow at the start at all. The twists I did not see coming, and the worst part of reading this was having to stop to deal with real life! I cannot recommend this enough if you enjoy epic coming-of-age fantasy.
May 16, 2025
I read The Bloodgrove Apprentice last year so I was very excited for the opportunity to return to the world of Valitharr by reading the ARC for Of Storm and Shadow!
I loved how there were two POVs in this book that did not interact for a while in the book and the amount of attention that went into fleshing out the world. Having two POVs that had a different experience of the world really helped to make the world fell more fleshed out.
There were lots of good moments in this book that either made me gasps or stop and think for a moment. I’m very excited for the next book and to see how the world further expands!
I loved how there were two POVs in this book that did not interact for a while in the book and the amount of attention that went into fleshing out the world. Having two POVs that had a different experience of the world really helped to make the world fell more fleshed out.
There were lots of good moments in this book that either made me gasps or stop and think for a moment. I’m very excited for the next book and to see how the world further expands!
June 7, 2025
Thrilled to receive an ARC copy of this book after reading the prequel and loving it, and Of Storm and Shadow certainly lived up to expectations! A really interesting new take on the ‘banned magic’ trope common in fantasy novels, and full of emotional turmoil and definitely on the slightly darker side of the genre. Loved the multiple POVs and watching as the two stories gradually worked into one another. Brilliant, in depth world building and well established magic and religion systems. Each character is relatable (if not always likeable!) and well developed with their own backstories and flaws. A brilliant start to what I’m sure will be a fantastic epic fantasy series.
May 2, 2025
I wish Goodreads let me do .5 stars because this is definitely a 4.5. If you have not read Bloodgrove’s Apprentice do it RIGHT NOW!! I have fallen in love with this series and this story. Nathan’s writing is so easy to get wrapped up in and it makes you feel like you’re in the story yourself.
These characters are so young and go through hell. I cried several times throughout this story. The flow of the book made everything tie perfectly at the end. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
These characters are so young and go through hell. I cried several times throughout this story. The flow of the book made everything tie perfectly at the end. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
May 22, 2025
While the author still dazzles with his writing skills, the style of OSAS is much more mature than the prequel. There was a lot more world building and it focuses more on events than the characters and their relationships. There is plenty of mystery and I found myself surprised at the turn of events multiple times. I highly favored the FMC's POV although I still adore Brynna. I look forward to reading Book 2.
June 22, 2025
This book started off a bit slower than I had originally anticipated, which put me in a little bit of a slump in finishing it, if I’m honest. But once I got past the first 5-10 chapters I was absolutely HOOKED.
The first 5-10 chapters, in my opinion, set the story in motion and can be a bit slow due to the dual POV’s. I did however, LOVE how they began to rotate viewpoints once the story was established from both perspectives. You truly get to experience two different lifestyles, upbringings, emotions, personalities, etc. and it gives you a better understanding of the “classes” people are in. It also gives you an idea of how different both characters are based off of that, and how they grow around it. The world and character building was SO good!
You go through the daily lives of each character and it feels like you’re getting a chance to go through their walks of life with them and experience it the same way they did. None of these characters are represented as “perfect characters” and are presented truthfully, flaws and all. They became more realistic in a sense upon getting a chance to see that. Some of the plot twists had me staying up well into the night to know what would happen next.
While the characters did get a chance to grow some in this first book, I am so excited to see how they will continue to do so in the next books as well. The Author, Nathan C. Ashford, did a wonderful job crafting and bringing us into this world for us to experience. I am so excited for the next book and to see what is in store for this adventure and where it takes this group of characters moving forward!
The first 5-10 chapters, in my opinion, set the story in motion and can be a bit slow due to the dual POV’s. I did however, LOVE how they began to rotate viewpoints once the story was established from both perspectives. You truly get to experience two different lifestyles, upbringings, emotions, personalities, etc. and it gives you a better understanding of the “classes” people are in. It also gives you an idea of how different both characters are based off of that, and how they grow around it. The world and character building was SO good!
You go through the daily lives of each character and it feels like you’re getting a chance to go through their walks of life with them and experience it the same way they did. None of these characters are represented as “perfect characters” and are presented truthfully, flaws and all. They became more realistic in a sense upon getting a chance to see that. Some of the plot twists had me staying up well into the night to know what would happen next.
While the characters did get a chance to grow some in this first book, I am so excited to see how they will continue to do so in the next books as well. The Author, Nathan C. Ashford, did a wonderful job crafting and bringing us into this world for us to experience. I am so excited for the next book and to see what is in store for this adventure and where it takes this group of characters moving forward!
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May 21, 2025This was such an excellent story. I read the prequel first and I'm glad I did because it gave so much necessary context for this story. Of Storm and Shadow is a story of strong girls who are tempered in fire and trauma and grow up to become women made of steel and who inspire bravery in everyone around them. I'm very excited for the next book, and I highly suggest this series.
May 18, 2025
The more I read, the more I got hooked!
I could not put this book down once I got 30% through- had to finish in one sitting it was so intriguing/captivating. Now to go read the prequel!
My favorite quote from this book is “Some secret aren’t meant to be shared. Some secrets only end in pain.”
I could not put this book down once I got 30% through- had to finish in one sitting it was so intriguing/captivating. Now to go read the prequel!
My favorite quote from this book is “Some secret aren’t meant to be shared. Some secrets only end in pain.”
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