Russell and Charly's novel is an absolute delight. "In Shadow Spawned" takes the reader into a fantasy realm through the eyes of several different people and groups, all on separate journeys on the outset, but destined to intersect in unexpected ways.
Some portions reminded me a bit of Star Wars, such as a novice practitioner of a mystic art discovering his order had been betrayed and murdered by one of their own. He is charged by a dying master to pursue their foe, even though he is vastly stronger than the novice.
Several different groups, including an apothecary apprentice and her warrior companion and two mercenaries diverted from their task as assassins find themselves confronting a menace not seen for centuries, a dragon.
But that's only the beginning.
It's an easy read but includes a rich use of language. The narrative is smooth and progressing through the pages almost seamless.
There were just a few editing errors but they're hardly worth mentioning.
I'm giving this one five stars and must say that I am truly impressed.