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Shadows of the Sundered Lands
The walls that kept the darkness out are beginning to fall.
One hundred and fifty years ago, the Sundering drowned Avoni in darkness, twisting every living thing into a nightmare. The only survivors live under the Aurora Shrouds, mystical barriers shielding isolated towns from the horrors outside. When a Vanguard Courier, uncovers evidence that the Shrouds are dying, he is forced into a perilous journey through the Sundered Lands, where he uncovers long-buried secrets, binding Avoni's fate to a treaty with a forgotten race.
One hundred and fifty years ago, the Sundering drowned Avoni in darkness, twisting every living thing into a nightmare. The only survivors live under the Aurora Shrouds, mystical barriers shielding isolated towns from the horrors outside. When a Vanguard Courier, uncovers evidence that the Shrouds are dying, he is forced into a perilous journey through the Sundered Lands, where he uncovers long-buried secrets, binding Avoni's fate to a treaty with a forgotten race.
- GenresFantasyDark Fantasy
464 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2025
10 people are currently reading
473 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 10, 2025
A brilliant dark fantasy with a core of hope. Rook is a rising star that will capture fans of Sanderson quickly with sharp wit, epic world building, and characters you'll love.
October 10, 2025
I read this before it went to the editor and it was soooo good even then 🤩
February 15, 2026
*I read this book as a judge for Fanfiaddict for SPFBO XI. These are my personal thoughts and do not represent the thoughts of the whole team!*
Shadows of The Sundered Lands by Corbin Rook is a strong debut epic fantasy with stellar worldbuilding, a cast of likable characters, and all the action you could ask for. I really enjoyed my time with it, and think Rook is on to something with this series–I’m hoping it’s a series and we’ll get more books in this world!
We follow Cam, a courier who travels through the Sundered Lands, a wasteland that will kill you in days–or turn you into a scaletaint, mindless husks covered in scales who kill indiscriminately. All of the settlements are protected by Aurora Shrouds, which keep the effects of the Sundered Lands from setting in. However, the Shrouds are beginning to fail.
Cam and Illyria, a healer with a hidden agenda, travel across the Sundered Lands to seek help for some of the failing cities, but soon, Cam finds himself tethered to an Elmia, a people once widespread who have all but disappeared. Luik, the Elmia, resides within Cam, and they have some amazing exchanges. Also, with Luik tethered to him, Cam has new powers he didn’t have before.
The rest of the main cast are Chek and Felix, two siblings who assist Cam along the way and join the quest. There’s no great disability rep here: Chek has a muscle disorder that affects the right side of her body, and Felix is autistic, something Rook does a great job portraying. They’re both excellent characters, though sometimes I wanted a little more of them. There were times where they were lost from the story for good chunks.
Most of the world building was done really well, but one scene when Cam and Luik first meet felt like an infodump via dialogue, and some of the dialogue did feel stilted–Rook is at his best when the characters are just talking to each other and he has some great humorous moments mixed in, but in some of the moments where things were supposed to be dramatic, I felt the dialogue slightly missed the mark.
The pace at the end is breakneck and you can’t stop reading, but I felt like we were missing some of the character’s emotions. Several characters encounter shocking twists, reveals, and even deaths, and I felt like there wasn’t enough time spent on the emotional responses to those moments.
Even with the pacing issues in the last third of the book, it’s clear that Rook is a writer to watch. He excels with world building, does a great job writing friendships, and created several very likable characters that were a lot of fun to follow. I know he’s gonna do some big things in the Indie fantasy scene. I’ll be watching his career closely, and I hope to see more stories in this world!
Shadows of The Sundered Lands by Corbin Rook is a strong debut epic fantasy with stellar worldbuilding, a cast of likable characters, and all the action you could ask for. I really enjoyed my time with it, and think Rook is on to something with this series–I’m hoping it’s a series and we’ll get more books in this world!
We follow Cam, a courier who travels through the Sundered Lands, a wasteland that will kill you in days–or turn you into a scaletaint, mindless husks covered in scales who kill indiscriminately. All of the settlements are protected by Aurora Shrouds, which keep the effects of the Sundered Lands from setting in. However, the Shrouds are beginning to fail.
Cam and Illyria, a healer with a hidden agenda, travel across the Sundered Lands to seek help for some of the failing cities, but soon, Cam finds himself tethered to an Elmia, a people once widespread who have all but disappeared. Luik, the Elmia, resides within Cam, and they have some amazing exchanges. Also, with Luik tethered to him, Cam has new powers he didn’t have before.
The rest of the main cast are Chek and Felix, two siblings who assist Cam along the way and join the quest. There’s no great disability rep here: Chek has a muscle disorder that affects the right side of her body, and Felix is autistic, something Rook does a great job portraying. They’re both excellent characters, though sometimes I wanted a little more of them. There were times where they were lost from the story for good chunks.
Most of the world building was done really well, but one scene when Cam and Luik first meet felt like an infodump via dialogue, and some of the dialogue did feel stilted–Rook is at his best when the characters are just talking to each other and he has some great humorous moments mixed in, but in some of the moments where things were supposed to be dramatic, I felt the dialogue slightly missed the mark.
The pace at the end is breakneck and you can’t stop reading, but I felt like we were missing some of the character’s emotions. Several characters encounter shocking twists, reveals, and even deaths, and I felt like there wasn’t enough time spent on the emotional responses to those moments.
Even with the pacing issues in the last third of the book, it’s clear that Rook is a writer to watch. He excels with world building, does a great job writing friendships, and created several very likable characters that were a lot of fun to follow. I know he’s gonna do some big things in the Indie fantasy scene. I’ll be watching his career closely, and I hope to see more stories in this world!
November 4, 2025
Shadows of the Sundered Lands by Corbin Rook was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and I’m happy to say it didn’t disappoint. Thank you for the ARC!
Dropped in the middle of a country ravaged by a magical sundering that caused painful transformations to anyone outside unprotected with isolated cities protected by Aurora Shrouds, it was hard to see how anyone could remain hopeful. And yet, in the middle of all of this, we have characters like Cam and Chek who forge on no matter what. Cam, plagued with anxiety and self doubt, refuses to back down or leave anyone behind. He will try again and again, no matter what it costs him, to ensure things turn out better. Chek is constantly looked down upon due to her mobility disability, but she is determined to show she is still a force to he reckoned with. She forces herself to go farther than anyone thought she could, yet she knows when to rest when her body demands it. Corbin calls this book “hope punk” and I’d say it’s pretty fitting.
I grew very attached to the characters (as you can see) but I’d say my favorite of the bunch was probably Felix. He is lovable in a way that reminds me so much of my dearest friends, and I liked the way Corbin portrayed autism through him. I felt like I could hear Felix talk for ages about Elmia, something no one let him do unfortunately. Hopefully next book we get a long lecture from him!
My one issue would have to be that sometimes the pacing felt a bit off. I felt that towards the big twist, everything started happening really quickly but I wasn’t sold on the evils of the cult leader who thought he was a god to the point I should have been.
That being said, the twist itself had me reeling and I absolutely could not put the book down until I finished. I needed to know how Cam and Chek and Felix would make it to the end, basically brute forcing an ending that would benefit as many people as possible.
The ending made me cry, and I felt betrayed in ways that only a good book could make me feel betrayed. For the love of all Alvonis, you have to support Corbin and his kickstarter when it comes out.
Dropped in the middle of a country ravaged by a magical sundering that caused painful transformations to anyone outside unprotected with isolated cities protected by Aurora Shrouds, it was hard to see how anyone could remain hopeful. And yet, in the middle of all of this, we have characters like Cam and Chek who forge on no matter what. Cam, plagued with anxiety and self doubt, refuses to back down or leave anyone behind. He will try again and again, no matter what it costs him, to ensure things turn out better. Chek is constantly looked down upon due to her mobility disability, but she is determined to show she is still a force to he reckoned with. She forces herself to go farther than anyone thought she could, yet she knows when to rest when her body demands it. Corbin calls this book “hope punk” and I’d say it’s pretty fitting.
I grew very attached to the characters (as you can see) but I’d say my favorite of the bunch was probably Felix. He is lovable in a way that reminds me so much of my dearest friends, and I liked the way Corbin portrayed autism through him. I felt like I could hear Felix talk for ages about Elmia, something no one let him do unfortunately. Hopefully next book we get a long lecture from him!
My one issue would have to be that sometimes the pacing felt a bit off. I felt that towards the big twist, everything started happening really quickly but I wasn’t sold on the evils of the cult leader who thought he was a god to the point I should have been.
That being said, the twist itself had me reeling and I absolutely could not put the book down until I finished. I needed to know how Cam and Chek and Felix would make it to the end, basically brute forcing an ending that would benefit as many people as possible.
The ending made me cry, and I felt betrayed in ways that only a good book could make me feel betrayed. For the love of all Alvonis, you have to support Corbin and his kickstarter when it comes out.
January 14, 2026
What a stunning, stunning fantasy book. Brilliant, dark, and intriguing, while still offering a sliver of hope. A book that keeps you up at night and consumes your waking hours.
In the words of one of my favorite characters, Luik:
“Know you will fail. Act anyway.”
And this is precisely what the characters do. They keep trying and pushing until the very end. Even when all hope seems lost, they never give up. They may act out of different beliefs and ideas, and some may choose the wrong path, but in the end, everyone is simply trying to do what feels right to them.
“Sometimes, humans don’t need the Sundered Lands to turn into monsters.”
What makes someone a monster? A physical characteristic, like a scaled arm, perhaps, or something else? Corbin poses some difficult questions in his book, ones that made me think and question the world.
Because, in the end, who are the true monsters? The ones turned into scaletaints, roaming the cursed Sundered Lands? Humans standing by? Or those using and abusing others, not in order to live, but merely to survive?
In a world tainted by corruption, where only a few settlements remain under the Aurora Shrouds, where does one find a way forward?
“Sometimes the most courageous thing someone can do is to make a choice and live with the consequences.”
Cam will make a choice. Luik will make a choice. Chek and Felix will. Illyria will. So many others will make their choices and live with their consequences. But, will they live, die, or survive?
Shadows of the Sundered Lands will try to answer those questions. Let it.
In the words of one of my favorite characters, Luik:
“Know you will fail. Act anyway.”
And this is precisely what the characters do. They keep trying and pushing until the very end. Even when all hope seems lost, they never give up. They may act out of different beliefs and ideas, and some may choose the wrong path, but in the end, everyone is simply trying to do what feels right to them.
“Sometimes, humans don’t need the Sundered Lands to turn into monsters.”
What makes someone a monster? A physical characteristic, like a scaled arm, perhaps, or something else? Corbin poses some difficult questions in his book, ones that made me think and question the world.
Because, in the end, who are the true monsters? The ones turned into scaletaints, roaming the cursed Sundered Lands? Humans standing by? Or those using and abusing others, not in order to live, but merely to survive?
In a world tainted by corruption, where only a few settlements remain under the Aurora Shrouds, where does one find a way forward?
“Sometimes the most courageous thing someone can do is to make a choice and live with the consequences.”
Cam will make a choice. Luik will make a choice. Chek and Felix will. Illyria will. So many others will make their choices and live with their consequences. But, will they live, die, or survive?
Shadows of the Sundered Lands will try to answer those questions. Let it.
October 28, 2025
“So, what do I do?”
“Know you will fail. Act anyway.”
my ARC review of Shadows of the Sundered Lands, the first book in a new series by Corbin Rook.
Shadows of the Sundered Lands had a really unique magic system that was complicated enough to keep it interesting, but simple enough to not need 300 pages & copious notes & a headache to explain it. the world building was dark and very unique, & the characters were intensely likable and well rounded.
the last like 15% is very intense, & I’m ngl I was vaguely threatening the author in DMs with Sierra 😂 I am in my cozy girl era so I was SHOOK 😂
overall, this was an intense, beautiful, unique fantasy debut & I cannot wait for the sequels!
Shadows of the Sundered Lands releases December 30th, 2025 so definitely check it out. & thank you to the author & Kaden Love for the advanced ebook copy!
🌿high fantasy
🔹third person limited, multiple POVs
🌿dark world building— post apocalyptic dystopian but make it fantasy
🔹impossibly unique world
🌿this is reminding me a bit of Monstrous by Lily Mayne & I am HERE. for. it.
🔹I’m such a sucker for a gentle giant
🌿banter 🤌
🔹disability rep
🌿Autism rep done RIGHT
🔹diverse cast of characters
🌿classic ‘group of misfits go on an adventure to save the world’ fantasy but with lots of twists & turns & unique elements
🔹action packed & fast paced
🌿fascinating, well thought out magic system
“Know you will fail. Act anyway.”
my ARC review of Shadows of the Sundered Lands, the first book in a new series by Corbin Rook.
Shadows of the Sundered Lands had a really unique magic system that was complicated enough to keep it interesting, but simple enough to not need 300 pages & copious notes & a headache to explain it. the world building was dark and very unique, & the characters were intensely likable and well rounded.
the last like 15% is very intense, & I’m ngl I was vaguely threatening the author in DMs with Sierra 😂 I am in my cozy girl era so I was SHOOK 😂
overall, this was an intense, beautiful, unique fantasy debut & I cannot wait for the sequels!
Shadows of the Sundered Lands releases December 30th, 2025 so definitely check it out. & thank you to the author & Kaden Love for the advanced ebook copy!
🌿high fantasy
🔹third person limited, multiple POVs
🌿dark world building— post apocalyptic dystopian but make it fantasy
🔹impossibly unique world
🌿this is reminding me a bit of Monstrous by Lily Mayne & I am HERE. for. it.
🔹I’m such a sucker for a gentle giant
🌿banter 🤌
🔹disability rep
🌿Autism rep done RIGHT
🔹diverse cast of characters
🌿classic ‘group of misfits go on an adventure to save the world’ fantasy but with lots of twists & turns & unique elements
🔹action packed & fast paced
🌿fascinating, well thought out magic system
January 10, 2026
“Sometimes the most courageous thing someone can do is to make a choice and live with the consequences”
Shadows of the Sundered Lands by Corbin Rook is a fast paced, intriguing, and enjoyable read.
It took me out of the reading slump, and I devoured the first half in a day!
I enjoyed following Cam and Check as they navigated their differently non-easy lives in the different settlements of the kingdom, separated by the inhospitable Shadowed Lands.
I enjoyed trying to detangle the clues and find out what will happen next. I loved seeing the fear and panic attacks Cam has to deal with and felt with him in those moments. I enjoyed Illyria’s secrets and Felix’s love for books.
The magic system was unique and exciting and the cooperation and relationship between Cam and Luik was a delight.
There was a lot to enjoy within the book!
That said, not everything worked for me in the story 100%, some of which was just personal taste.
I wished I could connect with the characters more, understand them even better, have a better grasp of their personalities. I think there was a tiny bit missing for me to fall completely in love with them.
But all in all, this is a great story that doesn’t shy away from darkness, but doesn’t fall into despair. It is hopeful.
“Sometimes, humans don’t need the Sundered Lands to turn into monsters”
Who would enjoy the story most? Readers who love a fast paced fantasy with unique world-building and magic system, a cast of relatable characters who need to work together, and a hopeful message.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Shadows of the Sundered Lands by Corbin Rook is a fast paced, intriguing, and enjoyable read.
It took me out of the reading slump, and I devoured the first half in a day!
I enjoyed following Cam and Check as they navigated their differently non-easy lives in the different settlements of the kingdom, separated by the inhospitable Shadowed Lands.
I enjoyed trying to detangle the clues and find out what will happen next. I loved seeing the fear and panic attacks Cam has to deal with and felt with him in those moments. I enjoyed Illyria’s secrets and Felix’s love for books.
The magic system was unique and exciting and the cooperation and relationship between Cam and Luik was a delight.
There was a lot to enjoy within the book!
That said, not everything worked for me in the story 100%, some of which was just personal taste.
I wished I could connect with the characters more, understand them even better, have a better grasp of their personalities. I think there was a tiny bit missing for me to fall completely in love with them.
But all in all, this is a great story that doesn’t shy away from darkness, but doesn’t fall into despair. It is hopeful.
“Sometimes, humans don’t need the Sundered Lands to turn into monsters”
Who would enjoy the story most? Readers who love a fast paced fantasy with unique world-building and magic system, a cast of relatable characters who need to work together, and a hopeful message.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 21, 2026
Shadows of the sundered lands is a self published entry in this years spbo it was a fairly good effort id rate it as a 3.5 because it did show some promise and will appeal to many people but maybe ran out of steam towards the end. but i dont want to put you off reading it, i mean what do i know about writing books?
March 20, 2026
Shadows of the Sundered Lands is a fascinating new fantasy novel that follows our hero’s, Cam, journey to save a trapped race and repair his world before it’s destroyed. The world building is exquisite with a unique magic system that links astral energy and conscious beings with physical phenomena. Each character has an arc of growth and role that contributes to the story’s movement and quest. The dialogue is funny, tragic, and emotionally real. There are points where tension is quickly resolved in dialogue, but that serves the movement is the story and the character’s growth. Overall, this is an excellent story and I’m ready to see the next chapter of the tale.
October 29, 2025
What an amazing book. Hooked from the very beginning, Corbin takes you on a journey of hope through dark lands when there seems to be no hope. The characters are very well drawn out and the wording is masterful! He does an amazing job of helping you see everything without being overly wordy. As well as, these characters and stories leave you wanting more.
Also, Chek is the best, In My Opinion. 🩷
Also, Chek is the best, In My Opinion. 🩷
December 30, 2025
The land of Avoni is a collection of fragmented cities surrounded by the dangerous and body altering Sundered Lands. Cam, the protagonist, traverses the Sundered Lands, when he encounters and is almost killed by the mutated, animalistic individuals, Scaletaints. After narrowly surviving the attack, Cam tethers to an astral plain being, an Elmias, called Luik. With new found abilities and friends, Cam and Luik fight to bring peace to Avoni and destroy those who seek to expand the Sundered Lands.
I was blown away by this novel. Each character had a weakness or motivation that made them relatable and interesting. I have never related to a side character, Felix, as much as I have in this novel. There were times when I thought I had figured out the plot, but then Rook sent me for a loop with who was really behind certain incidents or the motives of certain characters. And the writing dropped subtle hints, that in hindsight, I went "How did I not see that." The death of characters held weight, and when trouble arose, I felt tense for each and every character.
This novel has fantastic themes as well. One such theme that continued showing up was the idea that we all go through hard events in life that we regret. However, we have to recognize those events, understand it was tough, and grow as an individual. That is was makes life worth living. It was conveyed in a therapeutic way that really hit home with this reader. The theme that anyone is capable of becoming a hero was also a well established and drawn out theme.
The abilities described made complete sense. The climactic battle gave off strong Dr. Strange vibes in the best way. The epilogue was epic.
I was blown away by this novel. Each character had a weakness or motivation that made them relatable and interesting. I have never related to a side character, Felix, as much as I have in this novel. There were times when I thought I had figured out the plot, but then Rook sent me for a loop with who was really behind certain incidents or the motives of certain characters. And the writing dropped subtle hints, that in hindsight, I went "How did I not see that." The death of characters held weight, and when trouble arose, I felt tense for each and every character.
This novel has fantastic themes as well. One such theme that continued showing up was the idea that we all go through hard events in life that we regret. However, we have to recognize those events, understand it was tough, and grow as an individual. That is was makes life worth living. It was conveyed in a therapeutic way that really hit home with this reader. The theme that anyone is capable of becoming a hero was also a well established and drawn out theme.
The abilities described made complete sense. The climactic battle gave off strong Dr. Strange vibes in the best way. The epilogue was epic.
March 15, 2026
Wow! This is a debut novel by an indie author and it is excellent! We get high stakes, twists and turns, great characters, and lots of action.
In this world, Aurora Shrouds protect major cities from the Sundered Lands, a terrain of unbreathable air that turns humans into lizard creatures. Our protagonist Cam is a courier who journeys through the Sundered Lands regularly to deliver messages between cities. He is joined by healer Illyria and Soren, another courier. Over the course of their travels it becomes clear that the shrouds are failing and everyone is in danger.
This story has amazing Worldbuilding, the Sundered Lands are a terryfing place filled with various creatures, a violent cult, and many unknown dangers. I wont spoil things but there is so much more going on that is revealed over time and it works really well.
The characters are also amazing! I love Cam and Illyria and their individual arcs took so many turns I was not expecting. Luik and Cams bond is the emotional heart of everything and is very endearing. We also have Felix and Chek the brother sister bookstore owners who love knowledge and seem to have no fear. I adored these two and thought Chek gave us some great disability representation.
In this world, Aurora Shrouds protect major cities from the Sundered Lands, a terrain of unbreathable air that turns humans into lizard creatures. Our protagonist Cam is a courier who journeys through the Sundered Lands regularly to deliver messages between cities. He is joined by healer Illyria and Soren, another courier. Over the course of their travels it becomes clear that the shrouds are failing and everyone is in danger.
This story has amazing Worldbuilding, the Sundered Lands are a terryfing place filled with various creatures, a violent cult, and many unknown dangers. I wont spoil things but there is so much more going on that is revealed over time and it works really well.
The characters are also amazing! I love Cam and Illyria and their individual arcs took so many turns I was not expecting. Luik and Cams bond is the emotional heart of everything and is very endearing. We also have Felix and Chek the brother sister bookstore owners who love knowledge and seem to have no fear. I adored these two and thought Chek gave us some great disability representation.
October 27, 2025
Rook is not afraid to touch the darkness, because he is always shining a light that is stronger. Shadows of the Sundered Lands has amazing world building, characters that you want to root for, and a plot with stakes that grip you. Rook infuses humor that made me laugh out loud, and plot poetry that is *chef's kiss*. But my all time favorite thing from his writing is the way he touches on themes of community and failure. We are all broken by the world. As Cam says, "Sometimes, humans don't need the Sundered Lands to turn them into monsters." Intimacy can be scary, but Cam finds help and hope from friends as he travels through the painful Sundered Lands. When we find people who truly care for us we find that the broken world, and our broken selves, can find places to heal, endure, and grow. Our failures can grow us into the best versions of ourselves, if we don't let the fear of failure keep us from acting. This book is the perfect representation of its ideals.
If you love fantasy, stories that shine bright and bring all the feels, and stories that make you want more from the world (fiction or non), I highly recommend Shadows of the Sundered Lands.
If you love fantasy, stories that shine bright and bring all the feels, and stories that make you want more from the world (fiction or non), I highly recommend Shadows of the Sundered Lands.
March 20, 2026
Shadows of the Sundered lands is a thrilling and unique fantasy story set in a world where the land, cursed in the past, is dangerous and deadly. Even the air is poisonous. The longer you linger the more likely you are to turn into something not human. There are safe places to live called the Aurora Shrouds that will protect you from the unfriendly environment outside. Curriers go from shroud to shroud delivering messages, putting their own lives in danger. Now something is breaking down these safety zones and threatening those inside.
I really enjoyed my time with this book. Rook does a great job presenting a unique and dangerous world that in spite of what lurks there you still want to explore and learn all you can about it. The characters stand out and each brings their own distinct personality and adds so much to the story.
I’m a sucker for hopeful over grimdark stories and this although dark at times wasn’t lacking in hope and light.
I highly recommend Shadows of The Sundered Lands to all who love fantasy and especially to readers of Brandon Sanderson.
I really enjoyed my time with this book. Rook does a great job presenting a unique and dangerous world that in spite of what lurks there you still want to explore and learn all you can about it. The characters stand out and each brings their own distinct personality and adds so much to the story.
I’m a sucker for hopeful over grimdark stories and this although dark at times wasn’t lacking in hope and light.
I highly recommend Shadows of The Sundered Lands to all who love fantasy and especially to readers of Brandon Sanderson.
October 25, 2025
as a debut and an intro to a series, this blew me away! the intricate and unique worldbuilding is clearly well thought up and very intentionally explained. the concept of tethering is one I’m excited to see more of in future books!
I found myself getting attached to quite literally every single character. The way they are written makes it feel like they are right there in front of you. I was constantly giggling at Luik’s comments and the dynamic with Cam. There were some twists I saw coming and some that felt like a slap across the face. By the time I hit 50%, I couldn’t put it down. The deeper themes explored really got me in my feels and I am STILL mad about one thing I didn’t see coming😭
Overall, I can’t WAIT to see where this story goes and thank you so much to Svetling Press and Corbin Rook for the ARC🩵
I found myself getting attached to quite literally every single character. The way they are written makes it feel like they are right there in front of you. I was constantly giggling at Luik’s comments and the dynamic with Cam. There were some twists I saw coming and some that felt like a slap across the face. By the time I hit 50%, I couldn’t put it down. The deeper themes explored really got me in my feels and I am STILL mad about one thing I didn’t see coming😭
Overall, I can’t WAIT to see where this story goes and thank you so much to Svetling Press and Corbin Rook for the ARC🩵
October 28, 2025
Shadows of the Sundered Lands is a solid debut. Corbin Rook creates nuanced characters in a world deep with lore, tied to a unique magic-system. Hope is a strong theme throughout the novel, though it can be hard to see at times through the beautifully, dark landscape and the impact that has on the characters, and the conflicts it creates. Rook is not afraid to hit you in the gut, he doesn't even pull his punches in the slightest. The conclusion of Shadows of the Sundered Lands leaves you feeling that you have barely scratched the surface in this world, and leaves you wanting more. Now, I'll attempt to wait patiently for book two.
4.5 / 5 stars, rounding up to 5!
4.5 / 5 stars, rounding up to 5!
November 5, 2025
Corbin kindly sent me an advanced reader copy (ARC) of his book, Shadows of the Sundered Lands.
Corbin Rook’s Shadows of the Sundered Lands is a masterful story that plunges readers into a hauntingly beautiful world fractured by catastrophe. Rook’s prose is both lyrical and chilling, painting a vivid picture of a world teetering on the edge of oblivion. The journey is as much about survival as it is about confronting the ghosts of a forgotten past, and the emotional weight of choices lingers long after the final page. With its inventive world-building, richly textured atmosphere, and deeply human themes of transformation, memory, and sacrifice, this novel stands out as a triumph of dark fantasy. Fans of introspective epics will find themselves utterly enthralled.
Cody Pelletier, Writer, Illustrator, Executive Producer
Corbin Rook’s Shadows of the Sundered Lands is a masterful story that plunges readers into a hauntingly beautiful world fractured by catastrophe. Rook’s prose is both lyrical and chilling, painting a vivid picture of a world teetering on the edge of oblivion. The journey is as much about survival as it is about confronting the ghosts of a forgotten past, and the emotional weight of choices lingers long after the final page. With its inventive world-building, richly textured atmosphere, and deeply human themes of transformation, memory, and sacrifice, this novel stands out as a triumph of dark fantasy. Fans of introspective epics will find themselves utterly enthralled.
Cody Pelletier, Writer, Illustrator, Executive Producer
February 18, 2026
A Story of Hope
Shadows of the Sundered Lands presents a world that is dangerous and nearly unlivable, with only pockets of humanity fighting for survival.
This world is full of characters you’ll love with distinct personalities, gifts, and burdens. As the characters come together to try to prevent the collapse of their civilization, you’ll find yourself metaphorically on the edge of your seat!
Truthfully, I struggled to put this book down from the very first chapter. The world is rich, the characters are amazing, and the story is fresh and unique!
Shadows of the Sundered Lands presents a world that is dangerous and nearly unlivable, with only pockets of humanity fighting for survival.
This world is full of characters you’ll love with distinct personalities, gifts, and burdens. As the characters come together to try to prevent the collapse of their civilization, you’ll find yourself metaphorically on the edge of your seat!
Truthfully, I struggled to put this book down from the very first chapter. The world is rich, the characters are amazing, and the story is fresh and unique!
November 10, 2025
This book was great!
What really kept me engaged was the interesting characters and the wicked-cool magic system.
The world building was also very easy to follow. Shields protecting cities from a toxic environment felt unique, and the story was easy to follow.
Certain parts were a bit repetitive for me, which is why I have 4/5 stars. It was mildly distracting, but overall, this was a great read. I would recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy!
What really kept me engaged was the interesting characters and the wicked-cool magic system.
The world building was also very easy to follow. Shields protecting cities from a toxic environment felt unique, and the story was easy to follow.
Certain parts were a bit repetitive for me, which is why I have 4/5 stars. It was mildly distracting, but overall, this was a great read. I would recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy!
November 10, 2025
I received an early edition and it was a great read! While a lot of fantasy books these days seem to be repeating the same plot lines and tropes, this story was unique. I would have loved it if he had spent more time world building and provided more details about what happened prior to the story (like more of the history of the characters) but it was a great first book by Rook.
February 9, 2026
A great read for anyone who loves reading fantasy. The author did an amazing job connecting the reader to not just the main character, but each person you meet. Feeling their emotions and their desperation. The book wraps up nicely, but holds you wanting to know more. I can’t wait until the next book releases!
October 24, 2025
Shadows of the Sundered Lands is an outstanding debut by Corbin Rook. The world is unique, yet well grounded. With characters that are relatable, you go on an emotional ride. The plot will have you turning the pages until the very end.
October 11, 2025
A great debut book by Corbin. Looking forward to diving into the next one! Keep up the great work
January 6, 2026
This book definitely grabbed me from the beginning and I found myself reading each chapter with more urgency than the previous one. Highly recommend!
October 26, 2025
I received this book as an ARC. The final version might differ slightly from the one I read.
Corbin Brook's Shadows of the Sundered Lands is a well paced and straight forward story about a world that was broken over a century ago. Now humans still cling to life in isolated settlements protected by the mysterious Aurora Shrouds where the corruptive force makes travel between these settlements difficult and dangerous, or even impossible for some.
But things are about to get a lot worse. The shrouds might be failing, people are getting sick, settlements can barely sustain themselves, and at the heart of it all might lie the existence of another species/race: the Elmias, and their long failed struggle for survival.
The story features a diverse cast of characters with their own motivations, fears and flaws, including disabled and probably neurodivergent characters, those with trauma, and others with secrets.
Strenghts (what worked for me):
The worldbuilding, main ideas and the depiction of the characters.
The world is fairly unique with the corruptive force keeping cities from uniting and causing inherent struggles / conflict by setting. Settlements can only collaborate through the organization called the vanguard, with its couriers who bring messages and supplies from one settlement to the other. This gave a distinct feel to the story, and the parts that are left unclear build intrigue for the next installment (like what lies beyond the boundaries of the sundered lands?).
The main characters all feel distinct, there's nice tension between them and their inner thoughts, personalities and desires come out well throughout the story.
The main ideas of hope and strength in difficult and dark places are elaborated nicely and through real character growth.
The prose is smooth and fluid.
Weaknesses (what didn't work for me):
Every book / story has flaws, so let me first say, that these don't break the book. They also might be quite subjective.
I experienced occasional hick-ups in immersion due to things like: too explicit descriptions of emotions (I prefer more implicit story telling), slightly awkward dialogue, overly generic NPC actions, and some unclarity about the limitations of the magic and strength of some of the antagonists.
These are kind of minor things in the end though.
Overall the story's a pleasant and entertaining, relatively clean read, with some violence but no gore, and some very hopeful themes despite a relatively dark world/setting and pretty dark turn of events. I particularly liked the vulnerability some of the characters showed—unusual for the fantasy genre, that often focuses more on callous growth rather than the trauma that's left behind.
I definitely didn't regret reading it and think it can be enjoyable for a wide range of readers.
Corbin Brook's Shadows of the Sundered Lands is a well paced and straight forward story about a world that was broken over a century ago. Now humans still cling to life in isolated settlements protected by the mysterious Aurora Shrouds where the corruptive force makes travel between these settlements difficult and dangerous, or even impossible for some.
But things are about to get a lot worse. The shrouds might be failing, people are getting sick, settlements can barely sustain themselves, and at the heart of it all might lie the existence of another species/race: the Elmias, and their long failed struggle for survival.
The story features a diverse cast of characters with their own motivations, fears and flaws, including disabled and probably neurodivergent characters, those with trauma, and others with secrets.
Strenghts (what worked for me):
The worldbuilding, main ideas and the depiction of the characters.
The world is fairly unique with the corruptive force keeping cities from uniting and causing inherent struggles / conflict by setting. Settlements can only collaborate through the organization called the vanguard, with its couriers who bring messages and supplies from one settlement to the other. This gave a distinct feel to the story, and the parts that are left unclear build intrigue for the next installment (like what lies beyond the boundaries of the sundered lands?).
The main characters all feel distinct, there's nice tension between them and their inner thoughts, personalities and desires come out well throughout the story.
The main ideas of hope and strength in difficult and dark places are elaborated nicely and through real character growth.
The prose is smooth and fluid.
Weaknesses (what didn't work for me):
Every book / story has flaws, so let me first say, that these don't break the book. They also might be quite subjective.
I experienced occasional hick-ups in immersion due to things like: too explicit descriptions of emotions (I prefer more implicit story telling), slightly awkward dialogue, overly generic NPC actions, and some unclarity about the limitations of the magic and strength of some of the antagonists.
These are kind of minor things in the end though.
Overall the story's a pleasant and entertaining, relatively clean read, with some violence but no gore, and some very hopeful themes despite a relatively dark world/setting and pretty dark turn of events. I particularly liked the vulnerability some of the characters showed—unusual for the fantasy genre, that often focuses more on callous growth rather than the trauma that's left behind.
I definitely didn't regret reading it and think it can be enjoyable for a wide range of readers.
November 1, 2025
ARC review for The Shadows of the Sundered Lands by Corbin Rook.
Once I started reading, I was wrapped up in the characters, world and action. The main characters, Cam, Illyria, Chek, and Felix are easy to relate to and are likable and they all brought something unique to the story with their abilities and their flaws. The magic system is unique and very interesting, and I enjoyed how the author introduced us to it and used it throughout the book.
In a world where human settlements are protected from the outside by shrouds which are like magical shields. Outside of the shrouded cities, is a world filled with monsters and where even the air will corrupt and kill or turn you in one of the creatures. Learning that the shrouds are failing and that soon all human life will be exposed to that hostile world, Cam and the group that gather with him pursue a possible solution to the failing shrouds. Their journey is fraught with danger both from within the human cities and the hostile world outside. When all seems lost, they selflessly journey through peril and danger toward their goal.
I’ll stop here so not to give away too much of the story, but I was extremely impressed with this book. This will be Corbin Rook’s debut book when it releases later this year, and I’ve not read many first-time authors who get me absorbed with the story as much as this book did. Throughout the story, filled with danger, betrayal and near impossible odds, the main characters demonstrated perseverance and radiated hope for the greater good. I really liked that aspect of this story and I’m really looking forward to reading the second book in this series when it comes out.
Be sure to check out The Shadows of the Sundered Lands when it comes out from Svetling Press. I think you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
Once I started reading, I was wrapped up in the characters, world and action. The main characters, Cam, Illyria, Chek, and Felix are easy to relate to and are likable and they all brought something unique to the story with their abilities and their flaws. The magic system is unique and very interesting, and I enjoyed how the author introduced us to it and used it throughout the book.
In a world where human settlements are protected from the outside by shrouds which are like magical shields. Outside of the shrouded cities, is a world filled with monsters and where even the air will corrupt and kill or turn you in one of the creatures. Learning that the shrouds are failing and that soon all human life will be exposed to that hostile world, Cam and the group that gather with him pursue a possible solution to the failing shrouds. Their journey is fraught with danger both from within the human cities and the hostile world outside. When all seems lost, they selflessly journey through peril and danger toward their goal.
I’ll stop here so not to give away too much of the story, but I was extremely impressed with this book. This will be Corbin Rook’s debut book when it releases later this year, and I’ve not read many first-time authors who get me absorbed with the story as much as this book did. Throughout the story, filled with danger, betrayal and near impossible odds, the main characters demonstrated perseverance and radiated hope for the greater good. I really liked that aspect of this story and I’m really looking forward to reading the second book in this series when it comes out.
Be sure to check out The Shadows of the Sundered Lands when it comes out from Svetling Press. I think you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
April 4, 2026
I had such a great time reading this book. First, the "sundered lands" was a brilliant premise. The idea that all the citizens of Avoni were trapped within shrouds that protected their communities from the brutal environment just outside, connected only by the Vanguard, the chosen few fit and willing enough to brave the dangers outside the shrouds: I LOVED all of this, and I loved the author's descriptions of what the perilous territory looked like and how people's bodies reacted to it as they slowly started turning into the "scaletaint" monsters anyone who spends too long outside the shrouds is destined to become. Honestly, it has been quite some time since I got as excited about a book as I was during this one, with the build up of the premise and then the characters and their secrets... I loved Cam, with his impressive physique, his dangerous job, and a fear of it he could never quite relax from, connected as it was to his mysterious and troubled past. I liked Illyria, who was winsome and beautiful but carrying secrets of her own. And I liked Chek, orphaned, oppressed, and brutally disadvantaged in everything, but determined not to be defined by any of that. When I saw the separate POVs starting to converge toward the same location, I was on the edge of my seat cheering for them to collide. And then they did, and I. was. so. pleased. Brilliant tension, exciting twists, non-stop action, intriguing magic, intimate character moments, and through it all, a refusal to let darkness prevail... there was so much here to love. Give it a read. You won't regret it.
December 24, 2025
(3.75 rounded to 4)
Thanks to the author for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Intriguing, if incomplete.
Shadows of the Sundered Lands, Corbin Rook’s debut effort, is a well-thought out, if not always fully realized effort. The nation of Avoni has been decimated, turned into the Sundered Lands by an unknown force. The Sundered Lands are inhospitable and unkind to life, transforming anything living there into monsters, given enough time.
The Couriers traverse the Sundered Lands, carrying messages and supplies between the communities, protected by the magical Aurora Shrouds.
This is a super interesting premise, and for the most part, Rook handles it well. Unfortunately, it felt like the book needed another hundred pages to fully establish the world and all the characters’ motivations. This book is about 445 pages, and that just wasn’t enough time for me to feel fully attached to the characters.
I felt like some big plot moments were a bit rushed, and there are a couple of headscratchjng reveals toward the end. But all in all, it was a fun book, and I’m curious to see where it goes from here.
Thanks to the author for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Intriguing, if incomplete.
Shadows of the Sundered Lands, Corbin Rook’s debut effort, is a well-thought out, if not always fully realized effort. The nation of Avoni has been decimated, turned into the Sundered Lands by an unknown force. The Sundered Lands are inhospitable and unkind to life, transforming anything living there into monsters, given enough time.
The Couriers traverse the Sundered Lands, carrying messages and supplies between the communities, protected by the magical Aurora Shrouds.
This is a super interesting premise, and for the most part, Rook handles it well. Unfortunately, it felt like the book needed another hundred pages to fully establish the world and all the characters’ motivations. This book is about 445 pages, and that just wasn’t enough time for me to feel fully attached to the characters.
I felt like some big plot moments were a bit rushed, and there are a couple of headscratchjng reveals toward the end. But all in all, it was a fun book, and I’m curious to see where it goes from here.
January 14, 2026
Thanks to the author for a copy of the ebook for a honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. The concept was very interesting for someone who loves fantasy like myself. Sometimes ideas feel reused or over done but Rook has a really strong and interesting setting and story. Starting in a world where towns have a special protection from the land around which has all sorts of not so fun things going on if you enter. (I would never want to leave my town.) We follow Cam, who goes town to town as Courier and see his journey along with a few others and what is going on in the land.
Rook does a great job catching my attention with the main character! Cam's whole story was a fun ride with some fun group friends as well! There are some wonderful twist as well that got me. The last 15% to 20% gives a Sanderlanche vibe as so much happens. I was loving it!
Sure there are some pacing issues and some twist seem to come out of nowhere. Could have used a some more building information at times. But for being an up and coming author, Rook certainly has a lot of positives. I look forward to reading more from Rook!
I really enjoyed this book. The concept was very interesting for someone who loves fantasy like myself. Sometimes ideas feel reused or over done but Rook has a really strong and interesting setting and story. Starting in a world where towns have a special protection from the land around which has all sorts of not so fun things going on if you enter. (I would never want to leave my town.) We follow Cam, who goes town to town as Courier and see his journey along with a few others and what is going on in the land.
Rook does a great job catching my attention with the main character! Cam's whole story was a fun ride with some fun group friends as well! There are some wonderful twist as well that got me. The last 15% to 20% gives a Sanderlanche vibe as so much happens. I was loving it!
Sure there are some pacing issues and some twist seem to come out of nowhere. Could have used a some more building information at times. But for being an up and coming author, Rook certainly has a lot of positives. I look forward to reading more from Rook!
March 26, 2026
3.5⭐️
In this apocalyptic dark fantasy, we are introduced to a world of hardship and horror. We follow a number of characters as they set out to save not only themselves but the others in their world, as the shields protecting them from the darkness outside are starting to fall. Eventually they must trudge through the dreaded Sundered Lands, a desolate dystopian world that cannot sustain life. I did find myself a little confused as to where the story was headed. I know in fantasy, all bets are off when it comes to the rules of the world created by the author (which is why I don’t read a lot of fantasy), so it did take a while to figure out where it was going. The characters are well developed, and the writing is smooth, even if some of the casual conversations weren’t all that necessary. The action picked up in the second half, with the protagonists fighting off monsters and a cult of people wanting to rule over the world while eliminating the only protection the world has from the Sundered Lands. There was a lot going on, and I feel it could have been trimmed down. But if fantasy is your thing, definitely give it a read.
In this apocalyptic dark fantasy, we are introduced to a world of hardship and horror. We follow a number of characters as they set out to save not only themselves but the others in their world, as the shields protecting them from the darkness outside are starting to fall. Eventually they must trudge through the dreaded Sundered Lands, a desolate dystopian world that cannot sustain life. I did find myself a little confused as to where the story was headed. I know in fantasy, all bets are off when it comes to the rules of the world created by the author (which is why I don’t read a lot of fantasy), so it did take a while to figure out where it was going. The characters are well developed, and the writing is smooth, even if some of the casual conversations weren’t all that necessary. The action picked up in the second half, with the protagonists fighting off monsters and a cult of people wanting to rule over the world while eliminating the only protection the world has from the Sundered Lands. There was a lot going on, and I feel it could have been trimmed down. But if fantasy is your thing, definitely give it a read.
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