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Shadowland #1
Shadowland: A Tale from the Dark Ages
This is the story that came before, when Britain was just a shadowland.
We grow up with the legend of King Arthur, but where did he come from? Who was Merlin? What part did the Druids play in bringing Arthur to his round table? On the night of Midwinter's Eve, a storyteller takes his listeners back to the Dark Ages and a tale from his
"I have lived more years than I can remember, probably more than the sum of all your years combined. Kings have called me friend and brigands have sworn to burn the flesh from my bones, even if they have to search all seven halls of the shadowland to find me."
Deserted by its Roman masters, Britain has been invaded by the Saxons at the invitation of Vortigern, traitorous leader of the Britons. As the tribes unite to reclaim their land, one man must rise to lead them and become their only true king.
Shadowland is a young adult story of historical fantasy set in the Dark Ages of Britain.
We grow up with the legend of King Arthur, but where did he come from? Who was Merlin? What part did the Druids play in bringing Arthur to his round table? On the night of Midwinter's Eve, a storyteller takes his listeners back to the Dark Ages and a tale from his
"I have lived more years than I can remember, probably more than the sum of all your years combined. Kings have called me friend and brigands have sworn to burn the flesh from my bones, even if they have to search all seven halls of the shadowland to find me."
Deserted by its Roman masters, Britain has been invaded by the Saxons at the invitation of Vortigern, traitorous leader of the Britons. As the tribes unite to reclaim their land, one man must rise to lead them and become their only true king.
Shadowland is a young adult story of historical fantasy set in the Dark Ages of Britain.
Audible Audio
First published June 26, 2008
239 people are currently reading
2098 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Gray
6 books203 followersI was born in England and spent most of my youth growing up in the Essex countryside. It’s a beautiful part of England, up near the Suffolk border, but I was born with a heavy dose of 'travel lust' so as soon as I could get a passport and adventure the world, I packed a rucksack and went exploring!
It was a bit of a risk and my parents weren’t too taken with the idea, but I’m still travelling and have been lucky enough to live and travel in loads of countries all over the world. In fact, I’ve now lived for more years outside of England than I ever spent living there – It is, after all, a great big exciting world!
I’ve worked and trained as a carpenter, and then a house restorer… I’ve picked loads of different types of fruit - from grapes in France to avocados in Israel. I travelled with the Bedouin in the Sanai desert for several months and even did a stint as a stock broker in Hong Kong. I’ve called Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayan Mountains home, and then moved on and loved the clamour of central Hong Kong, it’s been a ride and a blast.
In my later years, I came back to Europe and restored an old farmhouse in deep rural Burgundy, dallied in Amsterdam for a number of years, and then came south in search of the sun again. I’ve always vowed to return and sink some roots back in English soil... but I haven’t got there yet, maybe someday, there are just so many interesting places out there. I do live a little closer to England now, just outside of Barcelona, Spain in the middle of the forest with my dogs and two wonderful children, it’s a great place to write.
As I’m sure you’ve noticed, my writing is mostly fantasy and many of my experiences in Asia, India, Africa and the Middle East come to life in my writing. I’ve seen and done some pretty strange things on my travels and bumped into some incredible characters, so writing fantasy is almost like writing fact for me… sort of. When I started writing Shadowland, I had the intention that there would be no fantasy in it at all, but then came the druids and then one of the main characters, Cal found he had a pretty strange affinity with wolves, so my historical fiction became historical fantasy… but it’s made it a very popular book!
It was a bit of a risk and my parents weren’t too taken with the idea, but I’m still travelling and have been lucky enough to live and travel in loads of countries all over the world. In fact, I’ve now lived for more years outside of England than I ever spent living there – It is, after all, a great big exciting world!
I’ve worked and trained as a carpenter, and then a house restorer… I’ve picked loads of different types of fruit - from grapes in France to avocados in Israel. I travelled with the Bedouin in the Sanai desert for several months and even did a stint as a stock broker in Hong Kong. I’ve called Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayan Mountains home, and then moved on and loved the clamour of central Hong Kong, it’s been a ride and a blast.
In my later years, I came back to Europe and restored an old farmhouse in deep rural Burgundy, dallied in Amsterdam for a number of years, and then came south in search of the sun again. I’ve always vowed to return and sink some roots back in English soil... but I haven’t got there yet, maybe someday, there are just so many interesting places out there. I do live a little closer to England now, just outside of Barcelona, Spain in the middle of the forest with my dogs and two wonderful children, it’s a great place to write.
As I’m sure you’ve noticed, my writing is mostly fantasy and many of my experiences in Asia, India, Africa and the Middle East come to life in my writing. I’ve seen and done some pretty strange things on my travels and bumped into some incredible characters, so writing fantasy is almost like writing fact for me… sort of. When I started writing Shadowland, I had the intention that there would be no fantasy in it at all, but then came the druids and then one of the main characters, Cal found he had a pretty strange affinity with wolves, so my historical fiction became historical fantasy… but it’s made it a very popular book!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
February 5, 2013
Shadowland is an excellent novel and in my opinion suitable for all ages, though intentionally aimed more for younger readers. Its author, C.M.Gray, combines a lot of well researched and accurate factual history, social and political, beautifully melded with the enduring legends of Britain in it's Dark Ages. A time when the Romans with their organised, controlling administration left Britain without notice to remaining Britons, tribal peoples such as the Iceni, to govern themselves and where warlike tribes, for example the Picts from Scotland, and Saxon invaders who took opportunities to gain land by destruction and conquer of its indigenous tribes. This story is a precursor to the Arthurian Legends.
It begins with an ancient story teller, Usher, telling his stories of long ago, from the fireside of an inn or hostelry and surrounded by his audience. He tells of two boys, approaching teen years, Usher and friend Calvador, returning to their forest based village who find themselves surrounded and under threat from a pack of wolves, their only safety high up in the trees. Trapped by wolves, they witness a vivid attack and destruction of their village, their families and friends by unknown warriors whose sole aim is to kill all, bar a few children, Calvador's sister included, are then taken away as prisoners. Chris Gray, the writer, portrays clearly the boys helplessness to respond to what they see, their shock, grief, anger and resolve to follow and rescue Cal's sister and deliver retribution to as they discover the Pict murderers and their mysterious leader.
Poorly equipped, without plan, but determination, they meet an older warrior, Meryn, who takes them under his care and protection. Little do Usher's listeners, or yourselves as readers realise they will be taken on a journey that is a precursor to the enduring legends of Arthur Pendragon, King of Briton. A journey that gives us descriptions of life, warrior training, of Pagan, Druid religion, nature and mysteries, battles vividly described, which
portrays well the horrors of such and squeamish readers should be aware of this and prepared for. A story that has all the elements of a classic.
This current edition I've read is well written, edited and free from the few typo's mentioned in earlier reviews. It should
appeal to all ages but includes particular appeal to lads who need enthralling adventure to entice them and keep them reading. This is a book for lovers of historical literature and legend and with the recent changes in my opinion it is worthy of 5 stars, and I'm pleased to recommend it.
It begins with an ancient story teller, Usher, telling his stories of long ago, from the fireside of an inn or hostelry and surrounded by his audience. He tells of two boys, approaching teen years, Usher and friend Calvador, returning to their forest based village who find themselves surrounded and under threat from a pack of wolves, their only safety high up in the trees. Trapped by wolves, they witness a vivid attack and destruction of their village, their families and friends by unknown warriors whose sole aim is to kill all, bar a few children, Calvador's sister included, are then taken away as prisoners. Chris Gray, the writer, portrays clearly the boys helplessness to respond to what they see, their shock, grief, anger and resolve to follow and rescue Cal's sister and deliver retribution to as they discover the Pict murderers and their mysterious leader.
Poorly equipped, without plan, but determination, they meet an older warrior, Meryn, who takes them under his care and protection. Little do Usher's listeners, or yourselves as readers realise they will be taken on a journey that is a precursor to the enduring legends of Arthur Pendragon, King of Briton. A journey that gives us descriptions of life, warrior training, of Pagan, Druid religion, nature and mysteries, battles vividly described, which
portrays well the horrors of such and squeamish readers should be aware of this and prepared for. A story that has all the elements of a classic.
This current edition I've read is well written, edited and free from the few typo's mentioned in earlier reviews. It should
appeal to all ages but includes particular appeal to lads who need enthralling adventure to entice them and keep them reading. This is a book for lovers of historical literature and legend and with the recent changes in my opinion it is worthy of 5 stars, and I'm pleased to recommend it.
November 13, 2021
Perhaps one of the most popular legends ever told is that of King Arthur. It has been portrayed in books, comics, plays, and countless feature films. Full of striking characters, heroism and magical acts, the tale of King Arthur has captivated and engrossed people for ages. However, have you ever wondered how the legend of King Arthur came to be? What was the background, and inspiration which led to names such as Arthur and Merlin becoming so beloved and recognizable? Enter Shadowland: A Tale from the Dark Ages, by C.M. Gray. All fans of historical fiction and fantasy will absolutely love this tale of bravery, heroism and the rise of King Arthur!
The novel takes place in the dark ages at a time when the Romans had recently deserted the land we now know as Britain. The departure of their rule left chaos, violence, and a struggle for control of the area by various tribes. It also saw an invasion by the Saxons take place and a growing desperation for a Briton leader to emerge. This is the setting as we are introduced to a youth by the name of Usher. After his village is destroyed and his parents murdered, Usher and his friend Cal pursue the invaders hoping to save the hostages who were abducted, which included Cal’s sister. Along their travels they meet and befriend a warrior by the name of Meryn. Will this trio manage to save the hostages and exact vengeance? Or is there much more at play here than meets the eye??? As always, I strive to review books without giving away too much of the plot, so suffice it to say that the trio will encounter adventure, magic and tragedy… and that things are not always as they seem!
While the plot of this story is action packed and engaging, it is also very cleverly delivered as a narrative by two old storytellers by the name of Usher Vance and Calvador Craen (ring a bell?) Such a method allows the readers to have access to the story events from multiple perspectives which in turn generates a high level of interest and engagement with the tale. Using this format, the author is able to reveal bits and pieces of key information as the plot steadily unfolds. This ensures that a high level of ongoing suspense and curiosity remains piqued. When you add the noble and identifiable power of friendship theme to the mix, you have a truly magical tale. Storytelling at its finest!
Character development is another key element in any work of fiction. C.M. Gray once again hits the mark with the characters in this novel. They are all shown to have many strengths and weaknesses and experience remarkable growth throughout the tale. The characters are not portrayed as lofty and impeccable beings. They all have hopes and dreams as well as fears and self-doubt. This not only makes them quite believable as characters, but very identifiable to the average reader as well. For instance, the growth of Usher and Cal from young, gullible boys stuck in a tree, to warriors in their own right, is entirely plausible due to their ongoing evolution in the story. It happens relatively quickly, but having access to their innermost thoughts and fears makes it entirely identifiable and believable.
There can be little doubt that when we are dealing with historical fiction, setting is critical. Whether there are numerous components of fantasy or not, the time and place must be authentic and genuine. One would be amiss to overlook the awesome job that Gray does in depicting the setting in Shadowland. He is able to aptly describe the setting in such a way that it can easily be visualized and appreciated, but not lose the reader’s interest at the same time. A very delicate balance! To turn the written word into pictures is a tricky business. It is also historically accurate in regards to the time era. This was actually an age of great transition and turmoil. It truly was a Shadowland. This dark and dangerous setting runs throughout the novel, and makes for a wonderful balance against the theme of love, loyalty and friendship. Also, by presenting the story as a narrative delivered by two old storytellers, we were able to be transported through time in a very convincing way.
There is very little hesitation for me to recommend this book for a Young Adult and up audience. I found it to be a riveting and clever novel which puts an entirely satisfying spin on a key legend. The author weaves his craft throughout the story in such a way that the reader is mercifully granted respite from their current reality and delivered into an age of magical and enchanting adventure.
4 Spellbinding stars for this one! *****
The novel takes place in the dark ages at a time when the Romans had recently deserted the land we now know as Britain. The departure of their rule left chaos, violence, and a struggle for control of the area by various tribes. It also saw an invasion by the Saxons take place and a growing desperation for a Briton leader to emerge. This is the setting as we are introduced to a youth by the name of Usher. After his village is destroyed and his parents murdered, Usher and his friend Cal pursue the invaders hoping to save the hostages who were abducted, which included Cal’s sister. Along their travels they meet and befriend a warrior by the name of Meryn. Will this trio manage to save the hostages and exact vengeance? Or is there much more at play here than meets the eye??? As always, I strive to review books without giving away too much of the plot, so suffice it to say that the trio will encounter adventure, magic and tragedy… and that things are not always as they seem!
While the plot of this story is action packed and engaging, it is also very cleverly delivered as a narrative by two old storytellers by the name of Usher Vance and Calvador Craen (ring a bell?) Such a method allows the readers to have access to the story events from multiple perspectives which in turn generates a high level of interest and engagement with the tale. Using this format, the author is able to reveal bits and pieces of key information as the plot steadily unfolds. This ensures that a high level of ongoing suspense and curiosity remains piqued. When you add the noble and identifiable power of friendship theme to the mix, you have a truly magical tale. Storytelling at its finest!
Character development is another key element in any work of fiction. C.M. Gray once again hits the mark with the characters in this novel. They are all shown to have many strengths and weaknesses and experience remarkable growth throughout the tale. The characters are not portrayed as lofty and impeccable beings. They all have hopes and dreams as well as fears and self-doubt. This not only makes them quite believable as characters, but very identifiable to the average reader as well. For instance, the growth of Usher and Cal from young, gullible boys stuck in a tree, to warriors in their own right, is entirely plausible due to their ongoing evolution in the story. It happens relatively quickly, but having access to their innermost thoughts and fears makes it entirely identifiable and believable.
There can be little doubt that when we are dealing with historical fiction, setting is critical. Whether there are numerous components of fantasy or not, the time and place must be authentic and genuine. One would be amiss to overlook the awesome job that Gray does in depicting the setting in Shadowland. He is able to aptly describe the setting in such a way that it can easily be visualized and appreciated, but not lose the reader’s interest at the same time. A very delicate balance! To turn the written word into pictures is a tricky business. It is also historically accurate in regards to the time era. This was actually an age of great transition and turmoil. It truly was a Shadowland. This dark and dangerous setting runs throughout the novel, and makes for a wonderful balance against the theme of love, loyalty and friendship. Also, by presenting the story as a narrative delivered by two old storytellers, we were able to be transported through time in a very convincing way.
There is very little hesitation for me to recommend this book for a Young Adult and up audience. I found it to be a riveting and clever novel which puts an entirely satisfying spin on a key legend. The author weaves his craft throughout the story in such a way that the reader is mercifully granted respite from their current reality and delivered into an age of magical and enchanting adventure.
4 Spellbinding stars for this one! *****
February 15, 2015
As a YA novel, this one is an excellent read, although people of all ages can enjoy this, opening up the world during the time of King Arthur. Young Adult meets Historical Fiction. The author brings Uther, Merlyn, and the Lady of the Lake to life in this engrossing tale. The characters are real and believable.
There's also a strong sense of mystery, magic and adventure.
It got 4 stars instead of 5 because of the intermittent typo's and grammatical errors.
There's also a strong sense of mystery, magic and adventure.
It got 4 stars instead of 5 because of the intermittent typo's and grammatical errors.
December 25, 2012
When you read some books they make you feel like they were written specifically for you.
Shadowland was THE book for me.
If you ask me why I feel so, I have no specific answer. I loved the writing, I loved the characters, I loved the story - but I've said all these things already about the books that I have read before. But there was something almost magical, almost too hypnotic about this book that has kept me engrossed still.
The story begins on a Midwinter's eve - an old storyteller sitting on a chair before the fire and the villager's surrounding him to listen to his tale. He begins his story, as every year and every villager hangs on his every word. Then an old friend of the storyteller enters and asks for a different story than he had started - a real story from the time when both of them were kids. He then tells a new story, a new compelling, addicting, story that blew me away.
In an alternate world it would have been Gray sitting on that chair before the fire and I would have among the villagers hanging onto his every word. His story of bravery and justice and warriors and magic and druids and dark ages and... completely blown away. I was sucked into the little bubble of imagination that this book created inside my head and even while I took my sweet time reading this book, it ended too soon.
This is not a perfect book by any means - but it is perfect for me. I haven't read books about the Dark Ages much, but this book made me want to pick out more. I loved the imagery, I loved the world and I loved the way the characters grew onto me within the span of the book.
I will reread this book. Soon.
This ebook was provided to me for free by the author. This has not had any influence on my opinion of the book.
Shadowland was THE book for me.
If you ask me why I feel so, I have no specific answer. I loved the writing, I loved the characters, I loved the story - but I've said all these things already about the books that I have read before. But there was something almost magical, almost too hypnotic about this book that has kept me engrossed still.
The story begins on a Midwinter's eve - an old storyteller sitting on a chair before the fire and the villager's surrounding him to listen to his tale. He begins his story, as every year and every villager hangs on his every word. Then an old friend of the storyteller enters and asks for a different story than he had started - a real story from the time when both of them were kids. He then tells a new story, a new compelling, addicting, story that blew me away.
In an alternate world it would have been Gray sitting on that chair before the fire and I would have among the villagers hanging onto his every word. His story of bravery and justice and warriors and magic and druids and dark ages and... completely blown away. I was sucked into the little bubble of imagination that this book created inside my head and even while I took my sweet time reading this book, it ended too soon.
This is not a perfect book by any means - but it is perfect for me. I haven't read books about the Dark Ages much, but this book made me want to pick out more. I loved the imagery, I loved the world and I loved the way the characters grew onto me within the span of the book.
I will reread this book. Soon.
This ebook was provided to me for free by the author. This has not had any influence on my opinion of the book.
October 8, 2012
I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.
This was an wonderful tale. It is a story told within a story by an old storyteller by a fireside. Two old men relive their lives in a time long past. Usher Vance tells the story of Uther Pendragon, father of King Author. As he relives his past in the telling of the story we are transported to a time long in the past. The characters and the story is wonderfully brought to life in a way that keeps you interested from start to finish.
I was not as familiar with the story of Uther Pendragon as I was with the story of King Author. I thoroughly enjoyed the tale of how things came to pass in the time before Author. The weaving of the magic of the druids into the is tale made it even that much more interesting. We see the parts that Merlyn played as well as other well known characters. Each of the characters had a depth and life of their own. We learn why Author grew up to be such a great king after getting to know who his father was. Uther understood what it took to unite a kingdom after such personal losses amidst the war and turmoil of the time. The horrors of war are all too real even today, and we are reminded that warriors on both sides are brothers, fathers, and husbands to someone who loves them and looks for them to come home.
This is a wonderful pre-Aurthurian tale. If you enjoy stories about King Author you should give this one a try. If you like historical fiction, woven with a bit of fantasy this one definitely fits the bill. I loved it and hope that I get a chance to re-read this one again sometime.
This was an wonderful tale. It is a story told within a story by an old storyteller by a fireside. Two old men relive their lives in a time long past. Usher Vance tells the story of Uther Pendragon, father of King Author. As he relives his past in the telling of the story we are transported to a time long in the past. The characters and the story is wonderfully brought to life in a way that keeps you interested from start to finish.
I was not as familiar with the story of Uther Pendragon as I was with the story of King Author. I thoroughly enjoyed the tale of how things came to pass in the time before Author. The weaving of the magic of the druids into the is tale made it even that much more interesting. We see the parts that Merlyn played as well as other well known characters. Each of the characters had a depth and life of their own. We learn why Author grew up to be such a great king after getting to know who his father was. Uther understood what it took to unite a kingdom after such personal losses amidst the war and turmoil of the time. The horrors of war are all too real even today, and we are reminded that warriors on both sides are brothers, fathers, and husbands to someone who loves them and looks for them to come home.
This is a wonderful pre-Aurthurian tale. If you enjoy stories about King Author you should give this one a try. If you like historical fiction, woven with a bit of fantasy this one definitely fits the bill. I loved it and hope that I get a chance to re-read this one again sometime.
August 19, 2012
I began reading Shadowland with no knowledge of the plot – I’d avoided reading the synopsis – I knew I would be in safe hands.
As the story developed from boyhood adventure to a battle for Britain, I was carried along on a tale of spirits and mystical powers where legend and history are so closely intertwined it’s impossible to separate them.
The tale is told from the perspective of a master storyteller and his audience listen with both rapture and scepticism. As I read of childhood friends Cal and Usher and their perilous adventures, I was with that audience. Bloody battles were violent, but never overtly graphic. Friendship and loyalty underpinned the story and there’s a strong message weaved through its theme.
Gray is, of course, that master storyteller; they are his words that create this epic adventure. Arthur and his times are the stuff of legends, but Gray has created a prequel that introduces characters and conflict that ultimately lead to Camelot itself.
Fantasy and fiction? You decide. There’s a part of me that will always want to believe.
As the story developed from boyhood adventure to a battle for Britain, I was carried along on a tale of spirits and mystical powers where legend and history are so closely intertwined it’s impossible to separate them.
The tale is told from the perspective of a master storyteller and his audience listen with both rapture and scepticism. As I read of childhood friends Cal and Usher and their perilous adventures, I was with that audience. Bloody battles were violent, but never overtly graphic. Friendship and loyalty underpinned the story and there’s a strong message weaved through its theme.
Gray is, of course, that master storyteller; they are his words that create this epic adventure. Arthur and his times are the stuff of legends, but Gray has created a prequel that introduces characters and conflict that ultimately lead to Camelot itself.
Fantasy and fiction? You decide. There’s a part of me that will always want to believe.
March 19, 2016
Have you ever wondered what led King Arthur to power? Or what was Merlin's true role? Seek no further! Come and read the historical fiction and young adult read, Shadowland: A Tale from the Dark Ages by C.M. Gray.
This tale begins with a storyteller, Usher Vance, and his friend Calvador Craen. Together, they rely the story that led up to King Arthur's reign to an audience. As they cleverly tell the story from Britain's dark days to the expectant listeners, the reader is left entranced and wanting more.
The author has done a wonderful job in developing such a creative story. The plot, setting, and characters are rich in detail and was easy to image the time period. Themes of friendship, loyalty, bravery and more tie into the book extremely well.
I give this book a 5-star rating due to its creativeness, flow, and entertainment. I recommend Shadowland to those who like historical fiction, the legend of King Arthur, and an author who can really tell a story! Read my full review on the link below.
http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/view...
This tale begins with a storyteller, Usher Vance, and his friend Calvador Craen. Together, they rely the story that led up to King Arthur's reign to an audience. As they cleverly tell the story from Britain's dark days to the expectant listeners, the reader is left entranced and wanting more.
The author has done a wonderful job in developing such a creative story. The plot, setting, and characters are rich in detail and was easy to image the time period. Themes of friendship, loyalty, bravery and more tie into the book extremely well.
I give this book a 5-star rating due to its creativeness, flow, and entertainment. I recommend Shadowland to those who like historical fiction, the legend of King Arthur, and an author who can really tell a story! Read my full review on the link below.
http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/view...
July 25, 2019
I loved this book. I won't go into the plot--it's been well covered.
I couldn't remember what this book was about when I came across it on my Kindle. I was absolutely delighted when I'd read enough that it dawned on me it was a creative retelling of an Arthurian tale.
The prose vacillated between moving the plot forward and waxing poetically. That really worked,
There were some errors--homonym mix ups, some missing words, and some punctuation not quite right. I'm noting this so other readers who would have the story ruined for them by the errors won't buy this book.
The errors took nothing away from the story for me. I thought it was beautiful, haunting, and the ending was perfect.
I couldn't remember what this book was about when I came across it on my Kindle. I was absolutely delighted when I'd read enough that it dawned on me it was a creative retelling of an Arthurian tale.
The prose vacillated between moving the plot forward and waxing poetically. That really worked,
There were some errors--homonym mix ups, some missing words, and some punctuation not quite right. I'm noting this so other readers who would have the story ruined for them by the errors won't buy this book.
The errors took nothing away from the story for me. I thought it was beautiful, haunting, and the ending was perfect.
October 8, 2012
A captivating story precedes the legend – Shadowland by C.M. Gray; an Amazon average rating of 4.1 stars and 4.0 stars on goodreads.
Some Thoughts on Shadowland:
Call this the prequel to some of the best tales surrounding King Arthur and the mythical Camelot. Step back in time to a dark age a generation before the famed Knights of the Round Table when a Saxon horde, treacherous Britons, and savage Picts relentlessly scour the countryside for the true heir to the British throne. Caught up in the fray are Usher and Cal, along with dozens of other children who are rounded up as the invaders burn village after village in their search. Narrowly escaping slaughter in their own village, the boys hunt the war band for answers and Cal’s sister Clarise, who was taken captive in the raid. Their journey is one of discovery, about the plots for power and the power within themselves.
Gray has a real gem starting with his subject and carries it through with an excellent delivery. The Arthur legends rarely talk much about the dark days before Camelot so it was intriguing to see someone attempt this story. He approaches this in much the same way Patrick Rothfuss rolled out The Name of the Wind, where the central character, much older, tells the story of his youth. This bridge between past and present allows the story to breathe and provides transitions without disrupting the overall pace. I was also pleased that the battle scenes provided a sense of strategy and action without going overboard and losing momentum or the central theme. The main characters are well developed as are many of the supporting characters, all of whom tie you firmly into the plot. This book has been re-edited since its original release so some of the glitches earlier reviewers mentioned have been corrected. Excellent work by C.M. Gray – a solid 4.5 stars.
Get your copy of Shadowland today.
Tom Clementson The Motley Chronicles
Be sure to take a moment and leave your feedback and comments about the book on Amazon and goodreads.
Some Thoughts on Shadowland:
Call this the prequel to some of the best tales surrounding King Arthur and the mythical Camelot. Step back in time to a dark age a generation before the famed Knights of the Round Table when a Saxon horde, treacherous Britons, and savage Picts relentlessly scour the countryside for the true heir to the British throne. Caught up in the fray are Usher and Cal, along with dozens of other children who are rounded up as the invaders burn village after village in their search. Narrowly escaping slaughter in their own village, the boys hunt the war band for answers and Cal’s sister Clarise, who was taken captive in the raid. Their journey is one of discovery, about the plots for power and the power within themselves.
Gray has a real gem starting with his subject and carries it through with an excellent delivery. The Arthur legends rarely talk much about the dark days before Camelot so it was intriguing to see someone attempt this story. He approaches this in much the same way Patrick Rothfuss rolled out The Name of the Wind, where the central character, much older, tells the story of his youth. This bridge between past and present allows the story to breathe and provides transitions without disrupting the overall pace. I was also pleased that the battle scenes provided a sense of strategy and action without going overboard and losing momentum or the central theme. The main characters are well developed as are many of the supporting characters, all of whom tie you firmly into the plot. This book has been re-edited since its original release so some of the glitches earlier reviewers mentioned have been corrected. Excellent work by C.M. Gray – a solid 4.5 stars.
Get your copy of Shadowland today.
Tom Clementson The Motley Chronicles
Be sure to take a moment and leave your feedback and comments about the book on Amazon and goodreads.
December 4, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. We have been watching BBC's Merlin on Netflix, and that Uther Pendragon is such an unlikable character. It was nice to come at Uther from a different perspective.
Shadowland is kind of a story within a story, reminding me a little of Frankenstein. The book was nicely paced and the reveals along the way were fun. I almost hate to say much about the story because I don't want to ruin all the reveals along the way. This is basically the story of how Uther Pendragon became king and united the tribes in Great Britain.
I highly recommend it for fans of magic, King Arthur, and other paranormal books.
Shadowland is kind of a story within a story, reminding me a little of Frankenstein. The book was nicely paced and the reveals along the way were fun. I almost hate to say much about the story because I don't want to ruin all the reveals along the way. This is basically the story of how Uther Pendragon became king and united the tribes in Great Britain.
I highly recommend it for fans of magic, King Arthur, and other paranormal books.
December 31, 2013
A wonder of Arthurian legend is the variety which authors draw from it. It is, as Professor Tolkien designed in his lecture "On Fairy", like a big soup pot from which elements are drawn and fashioned into a tale. And, while the elements may be true--or not--the tale is assuredly a fabrication. And neither are the worst for it.
Mr. Gray has constructed this tale from the well-known elements of the "historical" Arthurian and sub-Roman Britain. It was entertaining and well done. I prefer these tales which place Arthur earlier in history over those of Mallory and Tennyson's high Medieval epics.
The framing tale of the storyteller was a welcome addition.
A good read.
Mr. Gray has constructed this tale from the well-known elements of the "historical" Arthurian and sub-Roman Britain. It was entertaining and well done. I prefer these tales which place Arthur earlier in history over those of Mallory and Tennyson's high Medieval epics.
The framing tale of the storyteller was a welcome addition.
A good read.
April 9, 2012
This story is full of druids, mystery,magic and tense battles. This book is a great journey into the fantastic dark ages of Great Britain, Merlin and the Celts. This was a well-written attention grabbing story of fantasy. Bravo to the author.
December 10, 2018
4.5 rating!
YA historical fiction isn't my usual genre, but I've been trying to mix things up a little more than usual. In this case I'm SO GLAD that I did! What a story! C.M. Gray created quite the setting, with main characters that are lovable, believable, and completely unforgettable. The storyline is well rounded, offering a verity of unique qualities such as drama, action, family, love, battles and even a little magic. It's well written, definitely a book I'll be recommending to friends and family!
Cal and Usher are two of the main characters. It's told by several third person POV's, allowing the reader to enjoy all aspects which is perfect. The book starts out as Usher being an old story teller, and Cal intrudes on his tale demanding him to switch up the story and something real... something theirs! I was sucked right in! They wind up telling their story together to their wanting crowd, and what a story it is!
The setting is mid-evil, a time when there's a struggle for power in Briton. It's an angle of pre-King Arthur times, sort of like the build up to what is to come. There are many different groups, such as Saxon and Pict and more. Some of the people are ruthless, pillaging villages (Cal and Usher's village included), taking children (Cal's sister included), and forming rocky alliances, each for their own gain as they all compete and try to claim a land that's been deserted by those who once ruled.
Cal and Usher are very young men who watched from a distance as everyone they loved were murdered, kidnapped, and their homes burned to the ground. They vowed to find Nineve, the sister, and to claim their revenge on the cold blooded Picts who were guilty of the murderous crime. As their travels came to reality, the journey proved to be much bigger than either of them could have ever dreamed! Nineve plays a very big part, one that I don't want to give away, so I'll just leave her tale at that... its a good one!
The first friend that Cal and Usher make is introduced early on, and he's quite possibly my favorite. Meryn is a ex-soldier. After trying his hand at a quite farm life, he's forced to return to his old ways in a world full of chaos and deceit. He has his ups and downs throughout the story, and his personality can be hard to take at times, but really that just makes him seems a bit more real and relatable. He takes the boys under his wing, letting them join him on his own journey and helping them as well along the way. He teaches them the ways of a true mid-evil soldier, as well as tactic and the ways of battle.
The journey and the book as a whole is an unforgettable one. I enjoyed every single chapter and it all ties together nicely. I'll surely be reading more by this author!
YA historical fiction isn't my usual genre, but I've been trying to mix things up a little more than usual. In this case I'm SO GLAD that I did! What a story! C.M. Gray created quite the setting, with main characters that are lovable, believable, and completely unforgettable. The storyline is well rounded, offering a verity of unique qualities such as drama, action, family, love, battles and even a little magic. It's well written, definitely a book I'll be recommending to friends and family!
Cal and Usher are two of the main characters. It's told by several third person POV's, allowing the reader to enjoy all aspects which is perfect. The book starts out as Usher being an old story teller, and Cal intrudes on his tale demanding him to switch up the story and something real... something theirs! I was sucked right in! They wind up telling their story together to their wanting crowd, and what a story it is!
The setting is mid-evil, a time when there's a struggle for power in Briton. It's an angle of pre-King Arthur times, sort of like the build up to what is to come. There are many different groups, such as Saxon and Pict and more. Some of the people are ruthless, pillaging villages (Cal and Usher's village included), taking children (Cal's sister included), and forming rocky alliances, each for their own gain as they all compete and try to claim a land that's been deserted by those who once ruled.
Cal and Usher are very young men who watched from a distance as everyone they loved were murdered, kidnapped, and their homes burned to the ground. They vowed to find Nineve, the sister, and to claim their revenge on the cold blooded Picts who were guilty of the murderous crime. As their travels came to reality, the journey proved to be much bigger than either of them could have ever dreamed! Nineve plays a very big part, one that I don't want to give away, so I'll just leave her tale at that... its a good one!
The first friend that Cal and Usher make is introduced early on, and he's quite possibly my favorite. Meryn is a ex-soldier. After trying his hand at a quite farm life, he's forced to return to his old ways in a world full of chaos and deceit. He has his ups and downs throughout the story, and his personality can be hard to take at times, but really that just makes him seems a bit more real and relatable. He takes the boys under his wing, letting them join him on his own journey and helping them as well along the way. He teaches them the ways of a true mid-evil soldier, as well as tactic and the ways of battle.
The journey and the book as a whole is an unforgettable one. I enjoyed every single chapter and it all ties together nicely. I'll surely be reading more by this author!
August 5, 2021
I see some of our younger friends gathered here tonight, and as long as they care not for troubled sleep in the weeks to come, then a story I shall tell…
If you love fable and fairytale type tellings of stories, then scroll on by my review. You will probably love this one! But somehow this one just did not work for me. It was okay, I liked the writing style and even enjoyed the story but I just didn't feel drawn in. I never felt really connected to a character to feel pulled in and a part of the adventure. I wish I'd loved it more.
If you love fable and fairytale type tellings of stories, then scroll on by my review. You will probably love this one! But somehow this one just did not work for me. It was okay, I liked the writing style and even enjoyed the story but I just didn't feel drawn in. I never felt really connected to a character to feel pulled in and a part of the adventure. I wish I'd loved it more.
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July 30, 2012
OVERVIEW
Shadowland is a historical fantasy that explores the origins of King Arthur and how the tribes in England were united during the Romans departure.
I received this novel for free as part of the ARR program in early June 2012.
Available here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0075OZWSE
STORY
C.M Gray chooses to tell the narrative in an interesting way. He starts the tale in a tavern with an old story teller entertaining a full pub of local residents with some fantastical yarns of yesteryear. Suddenly, an unexpected and weary traveler turns up and asks the story teller (Uther) to recount his own life as it is more interesting than the tales being told. Once that starts there are two stories running in parallel: the tale of Uther's past and what is happening at the pub in the present.
When reading this I couldn't help but think of the excellent In the name of the wind by Patrick Rothfuss. It uses a similar narrative style and builds tension by giving the reader a perspective of hindsight when flashing forward to the future.
Overall, the story arc works well. Secrets are revealed and pasts relived with a consistency and strength of determination by C.M Gray that makes the writing worth reading. It was impossible for me to guess where the story was going (which is good) and when each new revelation occurred, I was right there with the narrator.
CHARACTERS
I enjoyed the characters even though I didn't necessarily connect with them. There's an old (and wise) archer, two strong boys with one being headstrong and another being intelligent plus a sister that's lost. As it is really a travelogue across the land, you meet a variety of people living in different conditions and learn about the villain who is the quintessential 'man in black'.
The characters grow with the novel and a few moments of complexity are fleshed out as the boys and the archer discuss what it means to have revenge. However, at points I felt like they were just moving from place to place. There were revelations to get to, people to see and battles to fight. And as much as I think A wise man's fear by Patrick Rothfuss could lose some of its dialogue, I wished Shadowland could have added more conversation in.
I wished the characters had developed more outside of the revelations and we'd gotten to see more of their inner workings. All the characters were interesting enough to populate the universe, but I wanted to hear more of their thoughts and to see them grapple with the complexities of life.
In total though, that's a niggle of a complaint. The characters are strong, have their own unique voice and were probably too busy trying to save the world to have fireside chats.
WRITING
The writing is solid and competent. C.M Gray knows how to paint a scene and bring the characters into it. He can build tension effectively and is good at linking all the intertwining threads. I enjoyed his writing and liked his use of words and pacing. You can feel the effort and time C.M Gray's spent to make this the best novel he can and it really pays off.
CONCLUSION
This is a four star novel for me. It's a good entry into the historical fiction genre and explores an interesting area of the Arthur legend. The pacing is brisk, characters unique and writing well done. There are revelations a plenty and the ending is satisfying.
The Kindle edition is $1.99 and I could not recommend this enough if you enjoy King Arthur and have a few extra hours to spare.
Shadowland is a historical fantasy that explores the origins of King Arthur and how the tribes in England were united during the Romans departure.
I received this novel for free as part of the ARR program in early June 2012.
Available here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0075OZWSE
STORY
C.M Gray chooses to tell the narrative in an interesting way. He starts the tale in a tavern with an old story teller entertaining a full pub of local residents with some fantastical yarns of yesteryear. Suddenly, an unexpected and weary traveler turns up and asks the story teller (Uther) to recount his own life as it is more interesting than the tales being told. Once that starts there are two stories running in parallel: the tale of Uther's past and what is happening at the pub in the present.
When reading this I couldn't help but think of the excellent In the name of the wind by Patrick Rothfuss. It uses a similar narrative style and builds tension by giving the reader a perspective of hindsight when flashing forward to the future.
Overall, the story arc works well. Secrets are revealed and pasts relived with a consistency and strength of determination by C.M Gray that makes the writing worth reading. It was impossible for me to guess where the story was going (which is good) and when each new revelation occurred, I was right there with the narrator.
CHARACTERS
I enjoyed the characters even though I didn't necessarily connect with them. There's an old (and wise) archer, two strong boys with one being headstrong and another being intelligent plus a sister that's lost. As it is really a travelogue across the land, you meet a variety of people living in different conditions and learn about the villain who is the quintessential 'man in black'.
The characters grow with the novel and a few moments of complexity are fleshed out as the boys and the archer discuss what it means to have revenge. However, at points I felt like they were just moving from place to place. There were revelations to get to, people to see and battles to fight. And as much as I think A wise man's fear by Patrick Rothfuss could lose some of its dialogue, I wished Shadowland could have added more conversation in.
I wished the characters had developed more outside of the revelations and we'd gotten to see more of their inner workings. All the characters were interesting enough to populate the universe, but I wanted to hear more of their thoughts and to see them grapple with the complexities of life.
In total though, that's a niggle of a complaint. The characters are strong, have their own unique voice and were probably too busy trying to save the world to have fireside chats.
WRITING
The writing is solid and competent. C.M Gray knows how to paint a scene and bring the characters into it. He can build tension effectively and is good at linking all the intertwining threads. I enjoyed his writing and liked his use of words and pacing. You can feel the effort and time C.M Gray's spent to make this the best novel he can and it really pays off.
CONCLUSION
This is a four star novel for me. It's a good entry into the historical fiction genre and explores an interesting area of the Arthur legend. The pacing is brisk, characters unique and writing well done. There are revelations a plenty and the ending is satisfying.
The Kindle edition is $1.99 and I could not recommend this enough if you enjoy King Arthur and have a few extra hours to spare.
January 26, 2014
This is a tale that wraps around your mind and keeps you embraced, engaged and entertained. It's an historical fiction fantasy, written to school, but really completely entertain
I love stories of medieval times and fantasy so it had a lot going for it from the start. The writing though was what took you into the era hook line and sinker. You saw, felt and heard what the characters did from page 1 through to the end, and lived in that time. It truly was wonderfully written. I read some other reviews, and seriously thought the lower rated ones somehow missed the mark. I found a few mistakes in this book, but I can find those and more in the biggest named authors out there. The author's writing ability far outweighs a few mistakes. Trust me.
If you know anything about King Uther, King Arthur, Merlyn and the Druids, then you will know some of the storyline. How this author goes into the background of these people though is what keeps you fascinated and wondering throughout the pages. I always wonder about characters and in this case historical figures and their lives beyond what I have read, such as their childhood, what shaped their personalities and so forth. This story ventures into that realm of speculation, or maybe truths, you be the judge.
It's a great story to give to a younger audience, from 3rd through adult age as it is written with clean yet interesting verbage. No sex or profanity, and even though there are wars fought and therefore violence, it is told with a gravity toward a 'compassionate humanity wins out', giving it an ending feel of the right morals are in place. Morals that when the leaders lived by them, a great nation was born. History tells us how great it was, and also what the falsehoods and falters were. If only present leaders would understand history and see that it repeats itself, for the same reasons.
The format of the story is a character that lived it, telling the story of what actually happened. It was a nice and comfortable rendering that made you feel connected, like years had not passed. The fantasy elements were what allowed this possibility and for the story to continue, again connecting you with the past as if it happened just yesterday. I consider it a great way to tell an historical tale that keeps the reader engaged and learning a little history at the same time.
Overall I loved the book. I have since purchased it for others, and recommend all who are interested in the medieval times to enjoy this venture. The ebook is extremely easy to buy, very affordabe and one you definitely won't put off reading after reading just the first page.
I love stories of medieval times and fantasy so it had a lot going for it from the start. The writing though was what took you into the era hook line and sinker. You saw, felt and heard what the characters did from page 1 through to the end, and lived in that time. It truly was wonderfully written. I read some other reviews, and seriously thought the lower rated ones somehow missed the mark. I found a few mistakes in this book, but I can find those and more in the biggest named authors out there. The author's writing ability far outweighs a few mistakes. Trust me.
If you know anything about King Uther, King Arthur, Merlyn and the Druids, then you will know some of the storyline. How this author goes into the background of these people though is what keeps you fascinated and wondering throughout the pages. I always wonder about characters and in this case historical figures and their lives beyond what I have read, such as their childhood, what shaped their personalities and so forth. This story ventures into that realm of speculation, or maybe truths, you be the judge.
It's a great story to give to a younger audience, from 3rd through adult age as it is written with clean yet interesting verbage. No sex or profanity, and even though there are wars fought and therefore violence, it is told with a gravity toward a 'compassionate humanity wins out', giving it an ending feel of the right morals are in place. Morals that when the leaders lived by them, a great nation was born. History tells us how great it was, and also what the falsehoods and falters were. If only present leaders would understand history and see that it repeats itself, for the same reasons.
The format of the story is a character that lived it, telling the story of what actually happened. It was a nice and comfortable rendering that made you feel connected, like years had not passed. The fantasy elements were what allowed this possibility and for the story to continue, again connecting you with the past as if it happened just yesterday. I consider it a great way to tell an historical tale that keeps the reader engaged and learning a little history at the same time.
Overall I loved the book. I have since purchased it for others, and recommend all who are interested in the medieval times to enjoy this venture. The ebook is extremely easy to buy, very affordabe and one you definitely won't put off reading after reading just the first page.
December 9, 2012
All of us have grown up listening to stories; bedtime stories, stories by the fireside, building up scenes in our mind as the narration goes on. There is an indescribable joy in listening to a master storyteller's yarns... that's the joy I felt while reading Shadowland...
The story begins on midwinter's eve in a warm village pub, with the old storyteller Usher Vance. And the old man narrates a story that takes you centuries back. A tale about how a group of enemy soldiers burned down a village of innocents. A story about how two young boys, Usher and Cal, watched their families burn, unable to help, surrounded as they were by a pack of wolves. Two boys that swore vengeance. And then began a journey of epic proportions.
Welcome to a heart-warming story of bravery and courage, of friendship and faith. Of battles fought, wars won and lost. A world of druids and obscure predictions. And the world of spirits, of Shadowland. King Arthur is a familiar name all over the world, but there is so much I didn't know. I didn't realise what it meant if Usher's real name was Uther. I didn't realise what it meant when he mentioned Horsa. My 'Eureka!' moment was when Excalibur was mentioned - and then going back and re-reading every sign I missed was such a joy!
This story is a beautiful take on the Dark Age world, beautifully setting the background for the future to come. Every page was a treat, the writing and the research so beautifully done; history and fiction meshing together in harmony. I'm usually a very fast reader and could have devoured the book, but something in me told me I should read this one slowly, savour it to the end. And now I'm really glad I did so :) And what's more, I'd love to read a follow up, Gray's take on Arthur's legend.
The only complaint I have is kind of minor - I wish Gray had not skipped a few scenes in the tale. For example, I wanted a bit more description on how Usher and Cal trained with Meryn; later, after Usher became the king we get to see he doesn't want to follow Roman customs of punishment, but I wished we saw a bit more internal conflict - the uncertainty as well as insecurity of being a young king. But, well, these didn't distract me from the rest of the novel :)
Awesome job, Mr Gray! And may I tell you that the storyteller angle to the narration is a stroke of brilliance?!
A 4.5 star book.
(Received an e-book in a give-away in exchange for an honest review)
The story begins on midwinter's eve in a warm village pub, with the old storyteller Usher Vance. And the old man narrates a story that takes you centuries back. A tale about how a group of enemy soldiers burned down a village of innocents. A story about how two young boys, Usher and Cal, watched their families burn, unable to help, surrounded as they were by a pack of wolves. Two boys that swore vengeance. And then began a journey of epic proportions.
Welcome to a heart-warming story of bravery and courage, of friendship and faith. Of battles fought, wars won and lost. A world of druids and obscure predictions. And the world of spirits, of Shadowland. King Arthur is a familiar name all over the world, but there is so much I didn't know. I didn't realise what it meant if Usher's real name was Uther. I didn't realise what it meant when he mentioned Horsa. My 'Eureka!' moment was when Excalibur was mentioned - and then going back and re-reading every sign I missed was such a joy!
This story is a beautiful take on the Dark Age world, beautifully setting the background for the future to come. Every page was a treat, the writing and the research so beautifully done; history and fiction meshing together in harmony. I'm usually a very fast reader and could have devoured the book, but something in me told me I should read this one slowly, savour it to the end. And now I'm really glad I did so :) And what's more, I'd love to read a follow up, Gray's take on Arthur's legend.
The only complaint I have is kind of minor - I wish Gray had not skipped a few scenes in the tale. For example, I wanted a bit more description on how Usher and Cal trained with Meryn; later, after Usher became the king we get to see he doesn't want to follow Roman customs of punishment, but I wished we saw a bit more internal conflict - the uncertainty as well as insecurity of being a young king. But, well, these didn't distract me from the rest of the novel :)
Awesome job, Mr Gray! And may I tell you that the storyteller angle to the narration is a stroke of brilliance?!
A 4.5 star book.
(Received an e-book in a give-away in exchange for an honest review)
January 16, 2014
It took 24 hours to write a review because I wanted to reflect on what I just experienced. This was a book I actually ended up loving...it was quite unexpected. I mean the premise was intriguing. An old man telling a story to the village people about the founding of the Britons, the fighting with the Saxons. Its like historical fiction told like a camp fire story. The intro of the characters was fantastic. You have Usher, his BFF Cal, Cal's little sister Clarisse and the unexpected ally Meryn all going on an adventure laced with fears of young teens experiencing lots of bloodshed and loss. The conquering Saxons aligning with the savage Picts against the tribes of Briton I mean that's quite the tale and it was told very well. Usher being the old story teller, telling the tale of his youth. And then about 1/2 way through, the book slapped me in the face and the story became THAT much better!
This was a great work of fiction. Short but fulfilling. I truly enjoyed this book.
This was a great work of fiction. Short but fulfilling. I truly enjoyed this book.
March 21, 2015
So I have mixed feelings about this novel. If I was a fan of Uther Pendragon this novel would probably have 5 starts instead of 4, but as Uther is the arthurian characters I like the least (along with Merlin who is also a character in this novel) the story felt slow and boring in some parts.
I will try from now on to write this review as objectively as I could, ignoring the fact that I don't like Uther.
This is the story of Usher, an old storyteller who one day meets again his old friend Cal and, convinced by Cal, decided to narrate his own story, slowly finding out that he had forgotten much of it.
The novel is divided into two: flashbacks and brief moments where Usher (Uther) starts to remember and realize what is going on.
The book has some truly interesting twists and I will talk about spoilers so it will be under cut.
Generally, I think this was quite a well written novel with some very interesting ideas and puzzle combinations of different arthurian elements. If you like Uther or Merlin or both, I think this novel may even be a must read.
I will try from now on to write this review as objectively as I could, ignoring the fact that I don't like Uther.
This is the story of Usher, an old storyteller who one day meets again his old friend Cal and, convinced by Cal, decided to narrate his own story, slowly finding out that he had forgotten much of it.
The novel is divided into two: flashbacks and brief moments where Usher (Uther) starts to remember and realize what is going on.
The book has some truly interesting twists and I will talk about spoilers so it will be under cut.
Generally, I think this was quite a well written novel with some very interesting ideas and puzzle combinations of different arthurian elements. If you like Uther or Merlin or both, I think this novel may even be a must read.
July 27, 2012
Usher Vance and his best friend, Calvador, return to their village from an afternoon swim only to be trapped in a tree by a pack of wolves. While they wait for the wolves to leave, they are forced to watch in horror as their village is wiped out by a group of Picts led by a man in black. As they set off hoping to rescue Cal's sister and the other children that have been taken, both boys realize their lives will never be the same. Fortunately, the end up with an old warrior named Meryn who takes the boys under his wings and helps them on their quest. But they are all surprised when their simple quest leads them to play bigger roles in Britain's future than they could have ever imagined. Full of mystery and action this book is a great read for those who like a fascinating story about the history of a nation.
I'm not sure what I was expecting when I sat down to read this, but I was pleasantly surprised by the intensity and the great characters. Usher and Cal won me over immediately as did Meryn. Their courage and determination in the face of tragedy was admirable. I also found the book hard to put down, the action was almost continuous as Usher and his friends tended to go from one crisis to the next. There was lots of fighting, the war kind, which was not only intense but kind of sickening, like war really is. This book won't work for those who have problems with war violence. But the story itself is awesome but not necessarily a happy one. Of course, war doesn't usually end happily, the costs are so high for all involved. And sometimes, as Usher discovers, country comes before personal desires.
I found the flashback format interesting. The story beings with Usher as an old man telling a made-up story to a group of villagers. Then his old friend Cal shows up and urges him to tell the story of his own life. As he does so, his current life circumstances become intertwined with his past. I found it fascinating the way the two came together at the end.
I'd recommend this book to readers who enjoy an action-packed story with lots of interesting characters, both good and bad. Note: There is quite a bit of war violence involved in this story.
I'm not sure what I was expecting when I sat down to read this, but I was pleasantly surprised by the intensity and the great characters. Usher and Cal won me over immediately as did Meryn. Their courage and determination in the face of tragedy was admirable. I also found the book hard to put down, the action was almost continuous as Usher and his friends tended to go from one crisis to the next. There was lots of fighting, the war kind, which was not only intense but kind of sickening, like war really is. This book won't work for those who have problems with war violence. But the story itself is awesome but not necessarily a happy one. Of course, war doesn't usually end happily, the costs are so high for all involved. And sometimes, as Usher discovers, country comes before personal desires.
I found the flashback format interesting. The story beings with Usher as an old man telling a made-up story to a group of villagers. Then his old friend Cal shows up and urges him to tell the story of his own life. As he does so, his current life circumstances become intertwined with his past. I found it fascinating the way the two came together at the end.
I'd recommend this book to readers who enjoy an action-packed story with lots of interesting characters, both good and bad. Note: There is quite a bit of war violence involved in this story.
June 25, 2012
Disclaimer: The fact that I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review has not affected my rating.
Just based off the time period and genre itself, Shadowland already stands out as a unique book. It further distinguishes itself by telling not the story of Arthur, who we all know from "The Sword and The Stone" and other stories, but Usher (whose identity I will keep hidden for the sake of the story).
Simply put, Shadowland is well written, exciting, adventurous, and a good read! I found all the protagonists to be likable and somewhat realistic, to an extent. I was also a fan of the relationships between Usher and his brother, Cal, Meryn, and Samel, even though he's more of a minor character. The most outstanding factor is their undying loyalty towards each other - they would risk everything to go into battle, even though they're clearly the underdogs, and their king is young and inexperienced.
The incorporation of magic was also well done - it wasn't too overbearing and it was captured in glimpses, but also essential towards the story. This is a treat for someone like me, who always hopes magic will exist (: Usher / Uther's role in the future was also well-played - it's actually one of the biggest things I love about this story!
Overall, Shadowland is a great read for those who love Arthurian stories and adventure. There's actually not a smidget of romance, with the exception of a few mentions of a wife, so it's great for guys to read too :D
Just based off the time period and genre itself, Shadowland already stands out as a unique book. It further distinguishes itself by telling not the story of Arthur, who we all know from "The Sword and The Stone" and other stories, but Usher (whose identity I will keep hidden for the sake of the story).
Simply put, Shadowland is well written, exciting, adventurous, and a good read! I found all the protagonists to be likable and somewhat realistic, to an extent. I was also a fan of the relationships between Usher and his brother, Cal, Meryn, and Samel, even though he's more of a minor character. The most outstanding factor is their undying loyalty towards each other - they would risk everything to go into battle, even though they're clearly the underdogs, and their king is young and inexperienced.
The incorporation of magic was also well done - it wasn't too overbearing and it was captured in glimpses, but also essential towards the story. This is a treat for someone like me, who always hopes magic will exist (: Usher / Uther's role in the future was also well-played - it's actually one of the biggest things I love about this story!
Overall, Shadowland is a great read for those who love Arthurian stories and adventure. There's actually not a smidget of romance, with the exception of a few mentions of a wife, so it's great for guys to read too :D
July 9, 2012
For someone who loves Arthurian and pre-Arthurian poetry and literature I'm SOOOO glad that I enjoyed this book as much as I did! These things have a habit of going one of two ways: I either DESPISE an author's attempt at making the literature dark and romantic simultaneously, OR I absolutely LOVE the author's SUCCESS at making the story so completely right on. For C.M. Gray's Shadowland, I can safely say it was the latter case for me.
Gray took Shadowland, gave me every fantastic element that I love from my favorite dark fantasy literature pieces and wrapped it up in a beautifully poignant and descriptive package.
The characters are diverse and they all start out how I like them--clueless. Until about halfway through the story when everything starts unravelling and the reader gets to experience the revelations right along with the characters. Don't get me wrong. I believe the author, purposely left no uncertainties as to who some of the characters were supposed to be. But, I loved that there were some that took me by surprise.
But, more than all of this I adored that the "storyteller", that we meet in the beginning is just as ignorant of his past as the rest of us. The appeal of Shadowland lies in the way it was told and the artistry in the words that are used. It wasn't a simple pen-to-paper, cut-and-dry retelling of a man's mysterious past. It was an idyllic adaptation of what happened before Arthur and his knights.
I'm an anxiously waiting until I can pick up Mr. Gray's next work.
Christy @ Captivated Reading
Gray took Shadowland, gave me every fantastic element that I love from my favorite dark fantasy literature pieces and wrapped it up in a beautifully poignant and descriptive package.
The characters are diverse and they all start out how I like them--clueless. Until about halfway through the story when everything starts unravelling and the reader gets to experience the revelations right along with the characters. Don't get me wrong. I believe the author, purposely left no uncertainties as to who some of the characters were supposed to be. But, I loved that there were some that took me by surprise.
But, more than all of this I adored that the "storyteller", that we meet in the beginning is just as ignorant of his past as the rest of us. The appeal of Shadowland lies in the way it was told and the artistry in the words that are used. It wasn't a simple pen-to-paper, cut-and-dry retelling of a man's mysterious past. It was an idyllic adaptation of what happened before Arthur and his knights.
I'm an anxiously waiting until I can pick up Mr. Gray's next work.
Christy @ Captivated Reading
October 8, 2013
Shadowland by C.M. Gray is a self published novel released in February 2012.
People have gathered together on a Winter's Eve to hear a fantastical tale woven by an old man adept at story telling. Before he can get started, a visitor arrives and sets the old man on a different course, telling a true story instead of a made up story.
Two teenage boys, Usher and Cal, witness the burning of their village and countless deaths. Vowing revenge, they meet up with Merlyn and the battle begins that will lead to one of them becoming a king.
For most of those gathered to listen to the old man tell a story, it's just that- a story. But, something magical is taking place and will lead us to a surprising end.
There are breaks in the story as we return from the dark ages, back to the gathering and the old man. As the story develops it becomes clear that the man telling this story was the king and he had a son named Arthur. But, the old man's memory is just now coming back to these events as he tells his story.
This is the story of the epic battles between Britons and Saxons, the magic of the druids, wolf shapes shifters, and the beginning of a new age for the Britons.
The author does a wonderful job of putting us in the middle of the dark ages. I could feel the cold and damp, see the mist, and fog, imagine the characters as they face fear with courage and honor. This book had been promoted as YA, but I think this book would appeal to all readers that enjoy historical fantasy and especially those that like the round table type fantasy tales.
Overall this is a B+
People have gathered together on a Winter's Eve to hear a fantastical tale woven by an old man adept at story telling. Before he can get started, a visitor arrives and sets the old man on a different course, telling a true story instead of a made up story.
Two teenage boys, Usher and Cal, witness the burning of their village and countless deaths. Vowing revenge, they meet up with Merlyn and the battle begins that will lead to one of them becoming a king.
For most of those gathered to listen to the old man tell a story, it's just that- a story. But, something magical is taking place and will lead us to a surprising end.
There are breaks in the story as we return from the dark ages, back to the gathering and the old man. As the story develops it becomes clear that the man telling this story was the king and he had a son named Arthur. But, the old man's memory is just now coming back to these events as he tells his story.
This is the story of the epic battles between Britons and Saxons, the magic of the druids, wolf shapes shifters, and the beginning of a new age for the Britons.
The author does a wonderful job of putting us in the middle of the dark ages. I could feel the cold and damp, see the mist, and fog, imagine the characters as they face fear with courage and honor. This book had been promoted as YA, but I think this book would appeal to all readers that enjoy historical fantasy and especially those that like the round table type fantasy tales.
Overall this is a B+
April 30, 2012
These are dark times. The Romans are leaving the island of Briton, and the Saxons are taking their place, invading the land of the tribes. A false king sits on the throne, demanding allegiance. And all of that seems very far away to Cal and Usher, two boys living in a remote village. That all changes one dark night, when everything they knew and loved is destroyed. Forced to run, Cal and Usher cross a land that is in turmoil, unaware that each of them has a vital destiny to fulfil. Close behind is an implacable enemy determined to destroy a future king and willing to kill anyone who comes in the way. Assisted by a mysterious archer and a prophesy from the Druids, Cal and Usher must grow up fast, for they are about to be thrown into the midst of a battle that will determine not only their future, but that of all of Briton.
Shadowland is a tensely written story about the dark days before the rise of King Arthur. Flawlessly weaving in history, legend and imagination, C.M. Gray spins a thrilling tale that brings to mind classic epics of days gone by. The mystery of who Cal, Usher and their archer friend are is intriguing and satisfying. Anyone interested in historical fiction around the time of the Saxon invasion, or in stories about King Arthur and his predecessors will enjoy this great romp through a small but significant time in the turbulent history of Briton.
Reviewed for ‘Readers Favorite’.
Shadowland is a tensely written story about the dark days before the rise of King Arthur. Flawlessly weaving in history, legend and imagination, C.M. Gray spins a thrilling tale that brings to mind classic epics of days gone by. The mystery of who Cal, Usher and their archer friend are is intriguing and satisfying. Anyone interested in historical fiction around the time of the Saxon invasion, or in stories about King Arthur and his predecessors will enjoy this great romp through a small but significant time in the turbulent history of Briton.
Reviewed for ‘Readers Favorite’.
December 7, 2012
While I have a love of the the dark ages of Britian, especially the legend of King Arthur, I am sometimes disappointed in an author’s particular telling of the story. I was far from disappointed when reading Shadowland.
C.M. Gray paints a wonderful story with an attention to detail when it comes to both characterization and setting the scenes. I really enjoyed the particular manner in which he chooses to tell the story, as if the reader is sitting in on a group listening to an old storyteller present his tale on a cold midwinter’s eve. Only, there is a surprise about the storyteller that is revealed as he progresses through his telling of the harrowing journey of Usher and his friend, Cal, make across the countryside while trying to avoid Saxons and the Picts who savagely destroyed their village and captured Cal’s sister.
Like any tale set in the dark ages, be prepared to encounter Druids and their beliefs. You also meet Merlin and experience a bit of magic in the story. I loved the description of how Merlin regains his memory of being a druid as he passes into different levels of the spirit world. It felt both ancient and otherworldly.
Truly, the only disappointment I had with this particular novel was knowing that another one is not in the works. I’d love to hear C.M. Gray’s version of the Arthurian legends after reading his take on Arthur’s lineage.
C.M. Gray paints a wonderful story with an attention to detail when it comes to both characterization and setting the scenes. I really enjoyed the particular manner in which he chooses to tell the story, as if the reader is sitting in on a group listening to an old storyteller present his tale on a cold midwinter’s eve. Only, there is a surprise about the storyteller that is revealed as he progresses through his telling of the harrowing journey of Usher and his friend, Cal, make across the countryside while trying to avoid Saxons and the Picts who savagely destroyed their village and captured Cal’s sister.
Like any tale set in the dark ages, be prepared to encounter Druids and their beliefs. You also meet Merlin and experience a bit of magic in the story. I loved the description of how Merlin regains his memory of being a druid as he passes into different levels of the spirit world. It felt both ancient and otherworldly.
Truly, the only disappointment I had with this particular novel was knowing that another one is not in the works. I’d love to hear C.M. Gray’s version of the Arthurian legends after reading his take on Arthur’s lineage.
January 15, 2014
C.M. Gray's "Shadowland" was truly an educating and entertaining read. I learned a lot from Mr. Gray's description of the various U.K.tribes. I'd previously never heard of the Iceni or the Picts. I also learned that the early Britons fought with chariots!
I'm a story guy and this was an excellent story, well told. The author's method of using a present day storyteller to relate the ancient events was very well done. The ending was carefully hidden throughout and took me by surprise. I love stories that do that...;o).
I particularly like the portrayal of the druids and their impact on the everyday lives of ancient Britons. Adding to the fun was a paranormal sub-plot where one of the boys' spirit lives in both a human and wolf body.
I rated this four stars, rather than five, only because I felt that a bit more detail into the backgrounds of all characters, but particularly Usher, Calvador and the Saxons Hengis and Horsa would have enhanced the reading experience. There were also some transitions from on event/scene to the next that were a little bumpy or hard to follow. I'll admit to being something of a nit-picker when it comes to these kinds of issues, and likely wouldn't be noticed by other readers. I can, however, unequivocally state the "Shadowland" is an exciting, pleasurable and interesting read.
I'm a story guy and this was an excellent story, well told. The author's method of using a present day storyteller to relate the ancient events was very well done. The ending was carefully hidden throughout and took me by surprise. I love stories that do that...;o).
I particularly like the portrayal of the druids and their impact on the everyday lives of ancient Britons. Adding to the fun was a paranormal sub-plot where one of the boys' spirit lives in both a human and wolf body.
I rated this four stars, rather than five, only because I felt that a bit more detail into the backgrounds of all characters, but particularly Usher, Calvador and the Saxons Hengis and Horsa would have enhanced the reading experience. There were also some transitions from on event/scene to the next that were a little bumpy or hard to follow. I'll admit to being something of a nit-picker when it comes to these kinds of issues, and likely wouldn't be noticed by other readers. I can, however, unequivocally state the "Shadowland" is an exciting, pleasurable and interesting read.
May 15, 2012
Shadowland is a well-written, action-packed adventure story, set during the period of unrest in Britain that gave rise to the legends of King Arthur. Although I’d not read any fiction from this setting previously, it is happily familiar from film and history lessons; the writing style is very absorbing and you quickly find yourself wrapped up in the story.
At the heart of Shadowland is a buddy/road-trip tale of two young friends, who travel far from their homes and previous lives after their village is attacked and their families massacred. The relationship between them is really nicely drawn: dialogue is modern and accessible enough to read easily, whilst not detracting from the historical setting of the book. Action scenes are exciting, well-written and have some good comedic points for realism. The mystery surrounding the vicious attack on their village draws the story onwards throughout the novel.
Overall Shadowland is an accessible, entertaining and absorbing read, with great character relationships in an interesting setting. It works well as a YA because of the youthful protagonists, but I also think will appeal to a wider audience as well.
At the heart of Shadowland is a buddy/road-trip tale of two young friends, who travel far from their homes and previous lives after their village is attacked and their families massacred. The relationship between them is really nicely drawn: dialogue is modern and accessible enough to read easily, whilst not detracting from the historical setting of the book. Action scenes are exciting, well-written and have some good comedic points for realism. The mystery surrounding the vicious attack on their village draws the story onwards throughout the novel.
Overall Shadowland is an accessible, entertaining and absorbing read, with great character relationships in an interesting setting. It works well as a YA because of the youthful protagonists, but I also think will appeal to a wider audience as well.
May 18, 2012
This Review was originally posted at my blog http://bajanrosabooks.blogspot.com/
My actual rating 3.5
This is a story, about a story. A fantastical retelling of a great adventure of two friends who leave home after a devastating attack. A historical tale that will draw you in and entice you to read more. If you love stories about King Arthur, Saxons Knights and everything medieval with a flare of magic, tales of druids and serious battle then this is the book for you.
C.M Gray's Shadowland is not for everyone, it is one of those stories where you have to read a while to get the point. My honest opinion of this book, is that it was good and could be considered epic, but only for those who enjoy this type of historical storytelling or are big fans of Arthurian Legend I myself am not.
Don't get me wrong it isn't boring and neither is it "traditionally" historical. The dialogue is very modern and entertaining. Only they are a lot of long winded bouts without dialogue, that some readers may find hard to get through.Overall though it was a well written novel.
My actual rating 3.5
This is a story, about a story. A fantastical retelling of a great adventure of two friends who leave home after a devastating attack. A historical tale that will draw you in and entice you to read more. If you love stories about King Arthur, Saxons Knights and everything medieval with a flare of magic, tales of druids and serious battle then this is the book for you.
C.M Gray's Shadowland is not for everyone, it is one of those stories where you have to read a while to get the point. My honest opinion of this book, is that it was good and could be considered epic, but only for those who enjoy this type of historical storytelling or are big fans of Arthurian Legend I myself am not.
Don't get me wrong it isn't boring and neither is it "traditionally" historical. The dialogue is very modern and entertaining. Only they are a lot of long winded bouts without dialogue, that some readers may find hard to get through.Overall though it was a well written novel.
June 25, 2012
The start was promising. The actual introduction of the characters as they start to tell the reader where it all began. After the boys meet Meryn it began to spiral downwards. I think the flow of the story could do with a good edit.
I found it went from one scenario to the next in such a speed that the plot became incredulous.
The two young boys are suddenly fighting machines within a short period of time for instance. A lot of well known mythical details seemed to fixed around the storyline to suit the tale rather than let it develop naturally.
I felt the answer as to why Uther was telling the story there at that time wasn't explained in enough detail.
I do like the legends that surround Arthur, but I didn't feel this one did it any justice.
Saying all that, the beginning clearly shows an aptitude to create or set up an interesting scenario. Perhaps something that is conceptually not as comparable to a thousand others would be a better choice for this author.
I found it went from one scenario to the next in such a speed that the plot became incredulous.
The two young boys are suddenly fighting machines within a short period of time for instance. A lot of well known mythical details seemed to fixed around the storyline to suit the tale rather than let it develop naturally.
I felt the answer as to why Uther was telling the story there at that time wasn't explained in enough detail.
I do like the legends that surround Arthur, but I didn't feel this one did it any justice.
Saying all that, the beginning clearly shows an aptitude to create or set up an interesting scenario. Perhaps something that is conceptually not as comparable to a thousand others would be a better choice for this author.
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