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A Tale of Light and Shadow #2
Secrets of Neverak
Henry Vestin believed that despite being only a carpenter he could lead Isabelle and their friends to safety. He thought he could defy an emperor and protect Isabelle from harm. He was certain that love and friendship would be enough to survive.
He was wrong.
The Secrets of Neverak follows Henry and his friends after the disastrous battle at the Iron Pass. Horrors await them in strange new lands. Crippled and broken, Henry must rely on his friends more than ever. Allies and foes find them at every turn, but which are friendly and which are deadly? Isabelle, now a slave in Neverak, finds herself surrounded by enemies, uncertain about the fate of her friends, and desperate to escape. The Emperor moves forward with his plans of conquest, spurred on by the Seer's dark prophecy, but he has not forgotten those who defied him.
Return to the world of Atolas, where a blade can extend life or end it, where friendships can topple kingdoms, and where the Path of Light and Shadow is feared by all but a few.
He was wrong.
The Secrets of Neverak follows Henry and his friends after the disastrous battle at the Iron Pass. Horrors await them in strange new lands. Crippled and broken, Henry must rely on his friends more than ever. Allies and foes find them at every turn, but which are friendly and which are deadly? Isabelle, now a slave in Neverak, finds herself surrounded by enemies, uncertain about the fate of her friends, and desperate to escape. The Emperor moves forward with his plans of conquest, spurred on by the Seer's dark prophecy, but he has not forgotten those who defied him.
Return to the world of Atolas, where a blade can extend life or end it, where friendships can topple kingdoms, and where the Path of Light and Shadow is feared by all but a few.
512 pages, Hardcover
First published July 7, 2015
7 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
September 12, 2015
I really enjoyed the prequel novella and first book in this series, but I can honestly say that book two, Secrets of Neverak, blew me away! I was engaged, consumed, and on the edge of my seat from the first page to the end. What would the characters do? What would happen? Would they all be safe in the end? From reading the first book, I knew that I couldn't count on everyone staying safe, so I was a little worried about where the story would lead and who would be there in the end. The journey was continuously fraught with danger. Relationships grew, developed, and changed. Hints of romance were woven throughout. Magic began to play a larger role. Definitely a story I would recommend for fantasy fans!
The characters. They're still evolving. There are some secrets and feelings they hold back. They're not perfect. Sometimes they make less-than-intelligent choices and sometimes they go about good choices or actions in the wrong way. There is some heartbreak. They also have such good intentions, such loyalty and devotion, such love and good hearts. They were pretty much perfectly imperfect. I did want the main group of friends to be more wary of others and more cautious in how they acted or went about their travels. They got sloppy. but then I would remind myself that these characters believe they are somewhat safe at this point and are not soldiers (except for James who was part of the King's Guard) or trained assassins. They're regular people who fell into this crazy situation because they were loyal to each other. I did love seeing towards the end some of the characters coming into their own, to begin to gain the confidence of knowing who they are and the possibility of who they could be.
The plot. As I said above, the plot kept me engaged, curious, and unsettled in not knowing what would happen. I was completely engrossed. I was invested in these characters and their story and I was in it for the long haul. The book is a little on the lengthier side, but the pages flew by. I literally read this in two days (would have been one if I hadn't had some other things to do). The plot really thickens leading to subterfuge, new characters and some good action in parts. There are so many pieces and I loved seeing how they all played various roles. There are a few things still left to be uncovered and I'm looking forward to it. At the end, I wanted to immediately read book three. Unfortunately, I have a bit of a wait as it doesn't come out for another year.
Content: Some mature subject matter in regards to concubines and violence, but still clean.
Source: I would like to thank Shadow Mountain for my complimentary copy, which did not affect my review in any way.
The characters. They're still evolving. There are some secrets and feelings they hold back. They're not perfect. Sometimes they make less-than-intelligent choices and sometimes they go about good choices or actions in the wrong way. There is some heartbreak. They also have such good intentions, such loyalty and devotion, such love and good hearts. They were pretty much perfectly imperfect. I did want the main group of friends to be more wary of others and more cautious in how they acted or went about their travels. They got sloppy. but then I would remind myself that these characters believe they are somewhat safe at this point and are not soldiers (except for James who was part of the King's Guard) or trained assassins. They're regular people who fell into this crazy situation because they were loyal to each other. I did love seeing towards the end some of the characters coming into their own, to begin to gain the confidence of knowing who they are and the possibility of who they could be.
The plot. As I said above, the plot kept me engaged, curious, and unsettled in not knowing what would happen. I was completely engrossed. I was invested in these characters and their story and I was in it for the long haul. The book is a little on the lengthier side, but the pages flew by. I literally read this in two days (would have been one if I hadn't had some other things to do). The plot really thickens leading to subterfuge, new characters and some good action in parts. There are so many pieces and I loved seeing how they all played various roles. There are a few things still left to be uncovered and I'm looking forward to it. At the end, I wanted to immediately read book three. Unfortunately, I have a bit of a wait as it doesn't come out for another year.
Content: Some mature subject matter in regards to concubines and violence, but still clean.
Source: I would like to thank Shadow Mountain for my complimentary copy, which did not affect my review in any way.
September 18, 2015
I enjoyed the first book but I loved this one!! Isabelle has been separated from the group so we get her story as well as what's happening with everyone else. There are plenty of trials for all of them. The characters are quite flawed and make plenty of bad decisions. They meet a new character along the way who joins them.
One of the characters is a storyteller and I loved all the stories and connections that are introduced throughout the book. There were times that I thought I might have missed something in one of the stories, but then something would happen later with totally different characters that would fill in the blanks. It will be interesting to see some of the characters come face to face again in the future and see how they will react to each other. It's full of twists and turns and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough!
I almost passed on this series because with all the reading I do, taking on 900 pages of reading seemed overwhelming. It sounded so good, though, so I decided to go for it and I'm glad I did. This is a fabulous series!! My only complaint is that the third book isn't out yet. I'm looking forward to reading more!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
One of the characters is a storyteller and I loved all the stories and connections that are introduced throughout the book. There were times that I thought I might have missed something in one of the stories, but then something would happen later with totally different characters that would fill in the blanks. It will be interesting to see some of the characters come face to face again in the future and see how they will react to each other. It's full of twists and turns and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough!
I almost passed on this series because with all the reading I do, taking on 900 pages of reading seemed overwhelming. It sounded so good, though, so I decided to go for it and I'm glad I did. This is a fabulous series!! My only complaint is that the third book isn't out yet. I'm looking forward to reading more!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
February 18, 2023
I did really like this book. The more I read it, the more I liked it, even though I liked the first one more, it gave me a better ending than expected, and it's really cool how it all ended. Not a huge fan of Maggie still, but all of the characters have been really well created and developed.
The ending wasn't satisfactory or anything, and was wondering why just like the first book, Maggie was there even when causing problems. I get why she was there so she could escape even though she technically didn't have to, but still. She made a lot of unnecessary conflict throughout both books. I almost rated it a 3 start because of her. Sometimes it didn't feel like she learned her lessons, and for moments sometimes it did. To me at least.
The biggest reason why I wasn't a huge fan on the ending because you don't exactly get answers to what the heck happened to everyone. Unless if there was another book. I can only assume the storyteller is Ruther(which means he escaped somehow or paid his debt), and then the other is Maggie, and if it's a happy ending, Isabel and Henry are together married. Not sure what Maggie and Ruther are. Then James could be anywhere. Either he found his love and was reunited(though highly doubt it), he's alone, or maybe he's still with Thirsty. We'll never know. It makes sense if it was a "use your imagination" kind of ending, which makes sense, which is creative. I simply wasn't sure if that was the intention or not. If so, all the better!
As harsh as I sound, it did have good moments. The conversations were great. Some character development. Though as much as I felt like Emperor could do more, you could still see his potential to what he could do which I liked. I like the spy too. He's a cool character. He seemed really nice. Planning to read the prequel one of these days too.
The ending wasn't satisfactory or anything, and was wondering why just like the first book, Maggie was there even when causing problems. I get why she was there so she could escape even though she technically didn't have to, but still. She made a lot of unnecessary conflict throughout both books. I almost rated it a 3 start because of her. Sometimes it didn't feel like she learned her lessons, and for moments sometimes it did. To me at least.
The biggest reason why I wasn't a huge fan on the ending because you don't exactly get answers to what the heck happened to everyone. Unless if there was another book. I can only assume the storyteller is Ruther(which means he escaped somehow or paid his debt), and then the other is Maggie, and if it's a happy ending, Isabel and Henry are together married. Not sure what Maggie and Ruther are. Then James could be anywhere. Either he found his love and was reunited(though highly doubt it), he's alone, or maybe he's still with Thirsty. We'll never know. It makes sense if it was a "use your imagination" kind of ending, which makes sense, which is creative. I simply wasn't sure if that was the intention or not. If so, all the better!
As harsh as I sound, it did have good moments. The conversations were great. Some character development. Though as much as I felt like Emperor could do more, you could still see his potential to what he could do which I liked. I like the spy too. He's a cool character. He seemed really nice. Planning to read the prequel one of these days too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2015
I don’t want to say too much and spoil things. So you’ll have to believe me when I say you will want to read this book. (If you haven’t read the first book, go ahead and buy that one too.)
There are deep themes in this marvelous story. The puzzle pieces fit together perfectly too.
Isabelle is my favorite character. She represents unconditional love. She’s the pillar for the others. In the last book, she was captured by Emperor Krallick to become his concubine. He has quite a few of them too. The politics inside the palace is astounding. Emperor Krallick has told his concubines that one of them will become his wife. (Thus following his father’s footsteps, who married one of his own concubines.) The women scheme, each trying to be the favorite and wear the ruby rose.
All except Isabelle, who’s desperate to escape and find her way back to Henry.
Henry is dealing with his own turmoil. As a carpenter his father taught him that any mistake in the wood was permanent. Your mistakes stay with you. Henry feels that means it either carves the block of wood beautiful, or disfigures and makes it hideous and applies it to life. And a sin of his is why his loved ones are made to suffer. Tormented by guilt he wonders what woman would love such a man as him? (I’m shouting Isabelle can, because she does.) He has to learn a very important lesson – to forgive himself.
James reveals more of his past in one of the darkest moments in the book. (Everything in this book fits together well, you’ll understand what I mean when you read it.) During the fast paced ending chapters, even more is revealed.
Ruther really grows and matures. He doesn’t want to be the way he is, and because of his love for Maggie, he’s really pushing himself. I cheered for him, and cried for him over his heartbreak.
Against this backdrop of very real problems, for complex very real characters, is the even larger picture. Krallick plans to invade Blithmore. The Path is calling to Maggie, and it scares her. James has an opportunity to aid a band of rebels fight for freedom, which could be a key move in defeating Krallick and rescuing his sister. Choices will have to be made. Battles will be fought.
It’s an ending you don’t want, those last pages of the book. Not because of what happens, or didn’t happen yet. But because the next book is not available yet.
September 18, 2015
I loved this book. The first one, like many fantasy series, started out a bit slow but when it picked up, I was hooked. The world’s politics, magic system, and cultures were woven together seamlessly to create something I was able to easily lose myself in. While the first book may have dragged at the beginning, this one certainly didn’t. It opened with Henry recovering from the wounds he received in the battle at the end of the last book, and the friends entering the Iron Pass—a forest where strange voices whispered your darkest secrets and drove you mad. Such an intense moment! I loved the crazy and dangerous situations the characters faced and often held my breath wondering how they would survive yet again.
Jacob Gowans did a fantastic job creating a diverse cast of travelers with great combinations of weaknesses and strengths. There are multiple narrators so I got a great understanding for all the characters and their pasts. I found I cared about each of them, though there were a couple of bad guys I wanted to know more about, like the creepy Seer. Even the Emperor has some qualities that make him more human. I’ve struggled to find book where I cared about the character and found the plot gripping. This book delivered on both accounts.
I only had one problem with the book, it ended on another cliff-hanger! When does the next book come out? The group made some difficult decisions at the end. We’ll have to see if they work out in the next book. Can’t wait!
This is a young adult fantasy so it is a little faster read than some fantasy books I’ve read. (Brandon Sanderson’s books, anyone?) The content, despite one of the character cloistered with concubines was very clean. No language or sex, and the battles were epic without gruesome details. I felt comfortable reading this to my kids, and it addressed some great ideas about believing in oneself and forgiveness.
Jacob Gowans did a fantastic job creating a diverse cast of travelers with great combinations of weaknesses and strengths. There are multiple narrators so I got a great understanding for all the characters and their pasts. I found I cared about each of them, though there were a couple of bad guys I wanted to know more about, like the creepy Seer. Even the Emperor has some qualities that make him more human. I’ve struggled to find book where I cared about the character and found the plot gripping. This book delivered on both accounts.
I only had one problem with the book, it ended on another cliff-hanger! When does the next book come out? The group made some difficult decisions at the end. We’ll have to see if they work out in the next book. Can’t wait!
This is a young adult fantasy so it is a little faster read than some fantasy books I’ve read. (Brandon Sanderson’s books, anyone?) The content, despite one of the character cloistered with concubines was very clean. No language or sex, and the battles were epic without gruesome details. I felt comfortable reading this to my kids, and it addressed some great ideas about believing in oneself and forgiveness.
June 11, 2018
Where is book three? Now that I have finished Secrets of Neverak, (which is a total cliff-hanger) I need book three! Book One ended with Isabelle a captive in Emperor Ivan's palace of concubines being prepared for her first night with him, while Henry, James, Ruther and Maggie struggle through continuing problems and dangers. As the group of travelers meet each obstacle, their individual destinies in the looming war and the fate of two empires start to become more clear. More and more of the side characters are being woven together as well with interesting connections and ties. Each main character is forced to take a look at themselves, and their strengths and commitment to a higher cause then self.
I love the idea that the story is being presented by an ancient storyteller visiting an inn. He tells only a portion of the story each night, and a young man in the audience is writing it down. I find the plot and characters a bit like Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series or even better, The Way of Kings.
I love the idea that the story is being presented by an ancient storyteller visiting an inn. He tells only a portion of the story each night, and a young man in the audience is writing it down. I find the plot and characters a bit like Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series or even better, The Way of Kings.
July 10, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed reading both books of this series. I am soooo bummed there is a third book with no release date in sight but don't let this discourage you from reading them! I appreciated the fact that the book was clean all around. The characters become complex throughout the pages. It is a book that will draw you in -- what will happen next?!
July 19, 2018
Oh man. This is a first. Not only did I start this series not knowing it was a series I just found out the publisher didn’t sign on for the 3rd book! No finish! No closure! This is worse than a tv series that I like getting canceled (I’m looking at you Timeless). I really enjoyed these books and hope someday the author gets to finish the story.
June 25, 2020
My favorite so far, it was rich in detail. The plot was more complex, and there was a lot of great character development. But I am so angry that I might never be able to finish the story. Who cares if the books aren't selling! Have people special order, print a small amount, do SOMETHING!
June 16, 2018
This book was so good, but I’m very disappointed that the story stops where it does because he never wrote book #3.
5 stars for the books written and -5 for not finishing the series.
5 stars for the books written and -5 for not finishing the series.
September 6, 2019
I liked this book better than the first, but I still leaves me hanging! Please tell me there’s another book to follow!
April 11, 2025
This is excellent BUT there is no third book and I don’t see that one is in the works. I am left hanging and very disappointed.
May 18, 2018
I seriously could not put this book down. I enjoyed this book slightly more than I did the first one of this series. As much as I am a coward and wimp when it comes to being scared, when it comes to movies or books, I couldn't help feeling slightly disappointed by the friends' journey through the Iron Pass. It should have been much more frightening and suspenseful. To me, it felt much too rushed. One of my most favorite parts of this entire novel was when Henry and Maggie entered the home of the mapmaker, Marcus Finley. My heart went out to him immediately, but this feeling intensified when I discovered that Emperor Krallick was responsible for taking everything away from him, including his wife and children. Ruther produces nothing but annoyance and frustration in my mind; he's the kind of character who I can't stand, but can't help admitting that he's necessary because of his knack for lying, cheating, and talking his way out of dire situations. I couldn't help feeling great remorse on behalf of Cecelia and all she had suffered, and I'm convinced that she is the one who helped Isabelle to escape the Emperor's palace. I'm sure that the old storyteller is Ruther himself as a much older man, and that Maggie is the old woman with whom shared her seat with the scribe in both the prologue and the epilogue. I haven't seen evidence of the publication of the third installment of this series, but if this author doesn't make it readily available soon I will be FURIOUS! Both my daughter and I are in desperate need of closure!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2018
Unfortunately I am about finished with Secrets of Neverak only to find out there is no book 3, no conclusion to A Tale of Light and Shadow (as of March 5, 2018). At least not until the author feels he can afford to do so. Sales were not good enough for books 1 and 2 even though reviews have been favorable. Needless to say, I wish I had figured this out before starting this series. The author (according to his blog) claims he intends to somehow let fans know how the story ends if he is never able to finish and publish book 3. I'm not sure if other reviewers have mentioned this so I figured I'd bring it up for others like me who tend to want to read a completed series and not be left hanging....
As far as my review for this book, it continued where the first left off, answering some mysteries and opening up more yet to be answered. I've enjoyed the story so far and hope that one day I'll be able to read how it all works out.
As far as my review for this book, it continued where the first left off, answering some mysteries and opening up more yet to be answered. I've enjoyed the story so far and hope that one day I'll be able to read how it all works out.
July 13, 2020
I am rating this book as if there was one more to finish the story. Otherwise this book would have received a much lower scoring due to a lack of ending.
I am in a bit of a daze on how I feel about this novel. Some parts I was riveted, others I had to skim.
I did not care for the new characters, wondering why the author chose to bring them in. The reason was just starting to unfold when the book ended, so perhaps the author’s plan would have really come to light in the third. The love triangle (square? … Pentagon?) was getting to be too much, why throw all that in?
What I did like was the loyalty of the characters, and the interesting twists and turns the characters encountered. The author has a great imagination and I really would love to see an end to the story.
I am in a bit of a daze on how I feel about this novel. Some parts I was riveted, others I had to skim.
I did not care for the new characters, wondering why the author chose to bring them in. The reason was just starting to unfold when the book ended, so perhaps the author’s plan would have really come to light in the third. The love triangle (square? … Pentagon?) was getting to be too much, why throw all that in?
What I did like was the loyalty of the characters, and the interesting twists and turns the characters encountered. The author has a great imagination and I really would love to see an end to the story.
June 25, 2019
Gowans continues his captivating narrative of love, friendship, betrayal, and sacrifice in Secrets of Neverak. What I love most about this series is how true to life the characters and their interactions feel. None of it two-dimensional. Every twist, every conversation, every new challenge is as 3D as you or me. Gowans may not have invested in world-building to the same extent as an author like Brandon Sanderson, but his characters ring true with human experience, and that makes for a story that both delights and resonates with the reader. I'm looking forward to the next installment!
June 18, 2020
I adore this series, but I have one massive complaint: book three doesn't exist and I'm losing my mind! As I started reading these books this time they seemed familiar and I remembered enjoying them, but didn't remember details. Well, now I've read them twice, am officially a big fan, and just need to know that the rest of the story will come! The storytelling, particularly in this book, was wonderful, and has set a high bar for any following books. That being said, I'm now best friends with the main characters and need resolution in order to live a full life.
July 11, 2018
I have a hard time with books that seem to never have anything good happen in them. I figure that at the end of the series things will all come together for the most part, but I just felt like the characters didn't really get anywhere in this book. They just constantly took one step forward, only to take two steps back. It was kind of depressing. I guess I can see some of the set up for the next book, but I felt like a lot of what happened in this book just wasn't necessary.
April 6, 2021
I liked this one better than the first, but the ending was a severe disappointment! The epilogue was no epilogue. There are at least eight of the main characters that have major loose ends. You don't know where they end up, who they end up with, etc. There were prophecies that were never explained from the books. It was extremely frustrating. So why am I giving it four stars? Because everything before the epilogue was enjoyable.
May 15, 2021
First book was better. This one was 100 pages too long and was missing a lot of the character’s personalities. I did get a laugh out of the Emperor’s version of The Bachelor though. And I was left wanting to know what happens to the characters at the end as it appears there is supposed to be a 3rd installment that never happened.
Decent light read. My daughter loved it.
Decent light read. My daughter loved it.
June 28, 2023
I loved the story of these 2 book series which had great detail and great character developments.
But now that I finished book 2, I found out that the author did not continue the story. I'm so sad that I can't find out what happened to the characters :(
I still recommend these 2 books though, although the story ends with a cliff hanger :(
But now that I finished book 2, I found out that the author did not continue the story. I'm so sad that I can't find out what happened to the characters :(
I still recommend these 2 books though, although the story ends with a cliff hanger :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2023
This book was even better than the first one. It's rare to find a fantasy that feels so new and yet so comforting in its style as this one. This is a very well-written book, with many twists and turns and never forgetting how important humour is to maintain interest in a story, always keeping the reader engaged and alert.
I will be keeping an eye on this author!
*Received a review copy*
I will be keeping an eye on this author!
*Received a review copy*
September 24, 2018
I rarely write a review, but I thought I should recommend this book to others. It is engaging and memorable. I have found myself checking frequently to see when other books in the series might be completed. It is worth reading.
May 6, 2022
Well written, but don't start unless you like eternal cliffhangers. The 2nd book is more in-depth for characters than even the first. Years have passed, and so, it seems has the author's desire to complete this seires.
April 5, 2025
I loved this series and can’t wait for book 3. It is so refreshing to read a fantasy with a great story, excitement and love and not have to hear all the smut that most fantasy’s today dwell on. So so great if you like a fantasy that has everything you’d want.
August 28, 2017
Couldn't put it down!
Very good book! I couldn't put it down. Gave 4 stars instead of 5 only because there were a few errors. Story is magical and amazing.
Very good book! I couldn't put it down. Gave 4 stars instead of 5 only because there were a few errors. Story is magical and amazing.
December 1, 2017
I liked this even better than the first book. On a personal level, the struggle with guilt and pride really hit home. My only negative is that oh, please, I need the third book to get published!
December 14, 2018
Much better than the first book in the series. But it didn’t end. I’m starting to wonder if the author knows how to write an ending.
March 3, 2019
When the next one coming out? One review in 2015 said 1 year, but I can’t find it.
It ended on a cliff hanger. I’d like to read the next one.
It ended on a cliff hanger. I’d like to read the next one.
May 8, 2020
I felt the ending was very incomplete. Not impressed
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews