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Shadowbinders #1.5
Tomb of Tomes
History is told by the survivors. But survivors do not see the worst the world has to offer.
The lost library of Nenelan was thought to be nothing more than myth. It was said to hold the secrets of Tarrisian history and the long sought after cause of the cataclysm that splintered the country. So when whispers of its discovery reach the ears of the scholars, a race to uncover the truth begins.
But Yeru must face more than ambitious scholars. Buried beneath the desert sand, the ancient library holds more than just books.
Perhaps some discoveries are better left unfound.
Tomb of Tomes is a companion novella to the Shadowbinders trilogy, following the scholar Yeru as she delves into the secrets of Tarris’ past. This dark epic fantasy novella takes place after the events of Harbinger of Justice.
The lost library of Nenelan was thought to be nothing more than myth. It was said to hold the secrets of Tarrisian history and the long sought after cause of the cataclysm that splintered the country. So when whispers of its discovery reach the ears of the scholars, a race to uncover the truth begins.
But Yeru must face more than ambitious scholars. Buried beneath the desert sand, the ancient library holds more than just books.
Perhaps some discoveries are better left unfound.
Tomb of Tomes is a companion novella to the Shadowbinders trilogy, following the scholar Yeru as she delves into the secrets of Tarris’ past. This dark epic fantasy novella takes place after the events of Harbinger of Justice.
Unknown Binding
First published January 30, 2026
About the author
Andrew Watson
5 books654 followersGet your FREE copy of "Silence is Silver" – a prequel novella from Andrew Watson's dark epic fantasy Shadowbinders trilogy – when you sign up for his mailing list:
andrew-watson.co.uk
Andrew Watson is the best selling author of the Shadowbinders trilogy. He lives on the outskirts of Edinburgh where he rambles about made up people and places.
andrew-watson.co.uk
Andrew Watson is the best selling author of the Shadowbinders trilogy. He lives on the outskirts of Edinburgh where he rambles about made up people and places.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 28, 2025
I’ve read worse
December 9, 2025
A really fun read with adventure, danger and monsters hiding in the shadows.
A well paced novella with an interesting new protagonist.
Was good to be back in the world of the Shadowbinders.
This story follows on from events in Harbinger of Justice so will be better to read that book first.
A well paced novella with an interesting new protagonist.
Was good to be back in the world of the Shadowbinders.
This story follows on from events in Harbinger of Justice so will be better to read that book first.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tomb of Tomes is an absolute treat. It drops us back into the Shadowbinders world between books one and two, and it instantly reminds you why this setting is so compelling. The story is fast, tense, and packed with danger, taking place in a vast, hidden library where ancient knowledge and very real threats lurk in the shadows. What should feel like a safe haven quickly turns into something unsettling and deadly, and that contrast works incredibly well.
The pacing is spot-on. It never feels rushed, but there’s also no wasted space. Every chapter builds tension, layering mystery, creeping horror, and discovery in a way that keeps you glued to the page. Andrew Watson really shines here, and it’s easy to see how much his writing has evolved since book one. It's ot common for shot forms but here this tighter format shows a stronger command of pacing, tension, and focus, making the core idea feel sharp and powerful.
The protagonist is another highlight. Even within a novella, there’s meaningful character growth, and it’s especially rewarding knowing this character becomes important later in the main series (I can't wait to see this). The story adds emotional depth to the wider narrative without feeling like filler or side content. It genuinely enhances the overall experience of the Shadowbinders saga.
World-building continues to be a strong point. The underground archive feels massive, eerie, and alive, and the sense of history woven into the setting makes the danger feel earned rather than random. Monsters, secrets, and ancient magic all blend into an atmosphere that’s both thrilling and haunting. Reading this made me incredibly curious about the world’s past. What it was like before everything fell apart, before the destruction reshaped it into what we see now.
My only real complaint? I wanted more. Knowing that Yeru becomes the protagonist in book two, I really hope her story continues to unfold there, adding more depth, background, and insight into her journey and the wider world.
Verdict: A tightly paced, atmospheric novella filled with mystery, danger, and excellent world-building. Short, intense, and deeply satisfying. Tomb of Tomes is a must-read for Shadowbinders fans.
I’d like to sincerely thank the author for providing me with an ARC of this novella. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to read it early and spend more time in the Shadowbinders world. It was a pleasure to experience this story.
The pacing is spot-on. It never feels rushed, but there’s also no wasted space. Every chapter builds tension, layering mystery, creeping horror, and discovery in a way that keeps you glued to the page. Andrew Watson really shines here, and it’s easy to see how much his writing has evolved since book one. It's ot common for shot forms but here this tighter format shows a stronger command of pacing, tension, and focus, making the core idea feel sharp and powerful.
The protagonist is another highlight. Even within a novella, there’s meaningful character growth, and it’s especially rewarding knowing this character becomes important later in the main series (I can't wait to see this). The story adds emotional depth to the wider narrative without feeling like filler or side content. It genuinely enhances the overall experience of the Shadowbinders saga.
World-building continues to be a strong point. The underground archive feels massive, eerie, and alive, and the sense of history woven into the setting makes the danger feel earned rather than random. Monsters, secrets, and ancient magic all blend into an atmosphere that’s both thrilling and haunting. Reading this made me incredibly curious about the world’s past. What it was like before everything fell apart, before the destruction reshaped it into what we see now.
My only real complaint? I wanted more. Knowing that Yeru becomes the protagonist in book two, I really hope her story continues to unfold there, adding more depth, background, and insight into her journey and the wider world.
Verdict: A tightly paced, atmospheric novella filled with mystery, danger, and excellent world-building. Short, intense, and deeply satisfying. Tomb of Tomes is a must-read for Shadowbinders fans.
I’d like to sincerely thank the author for providing me with an ARC of this novella. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to read it early and spend more time in the Shadowbinders world. It was a pleasure to experience this story.
January 30, 2026
Another great installment to the Shadowbinders series!
This story takes place between the events of Harbinger of Justice and The Black Mantle and in it we are taken to new depths of a familiar setting. We follow some fresh faces as they have to navigate through the dark on a journey of discovery and survival.
The more we find out about this world the more questions I have. I need to know so much more. I’m more excited than ever to pick up The Black Mantle and I already can’t wait for book three. I need answers!
This story takes place between the events of Harbinger of Justice and The Black Mantle and in it we are taken to new depths of a familiar setting. We follow some fresh faces as they have to navigate through the dark on a journey of discovery and survival.
The more we find out about this world the more questions I have. I need to know so much more. I’m more excited than ever to pick up The Black Mantle and I already can’t wait for book three. I need answers!
February 11, 2026
Tomb of Tomes gave me exactly what I wanted after finishing Silence is Silver and Harbinger of Justice. Andrew crafts an incredibly interesting world-within-a-world, providing the history and context I was craving while asking just enough new questions to leave me thirsty for more. The ambiance Andrew creates in just over 100 pages makes you feel truly trapped in a subterranean library, but honestly, he can trap me wherever he wants.
Can’t wait to dive into The Black Mantle and figure out wtf is going on!
Can’t wait to dive into The Black Mantle and figure out wtf is going on!
December 8, 2025
Tomb Of Tomes Arc Review
Tomb Of Tomes are a incredible novella, set between book 1 and 2. With a amazing back story with one of the great characters from The Black Mantle.
I already read The Black Mantle, and been eager to re read it. And Tomb of Tomes made that re read itching even harder to resist. (So thank you Andrew for that)
With danger everywhere, even in the most safest place a reader can think of. You will have a blast reading thisone in a comfortable place, like your bed with a tick blanket.
Tomb Of Tomes are a incredible novella, set between book 1 and 2. With a amazing back story with one of the great characters from The Black Mantle.
I already read The Black Mantle, and been eager to re read it. And Tomb of Tomes made that re read itching even harder to resist. (So thank you Andrew for that)
With danger everywhere, even in the most safest place a reader can think of. You will have a blast reading thisone in a comfortable place, like your bed with a tick blanket.
December 10, 2025
“The Sun Eye is soon to finish its watch.”
I couldn’t help but smile as I read those words describing the sky above Tarris. Why that line brought such comfort, I’m not entirely sure—but returning to the world of the Shadowbinders feels like slipping into something familiar and quietly powerful.
That comfort, however, is short-lived. This tightly paced tale quickly descends into the nightmare library of ancient tomes, where dread and discovery walk hand in hand. With well crafted characters, a thread of creeping horrors, along with a steady build of tension, this story resonated deeply—it hums in tune with my soul.
Damn, I really do love Andrew’s short-form novellas. The full-length novels are fantastic, no doubt, but there’s something about these compact, idea-rich stories that just sings. This marks the second beautifully crafted side tale he’s delivered within the broader world of Tarris, and it’s another gem.
I couldn’t help but smile as I read those words describing the sky above Tarris. Why that line brought such comfort, I’m not entirely sure—but returning to the world of the Shadowbinders feels like slipping into something familiar and quietly powerful.
That comfort, however, is short-lived. This tightly paced tale quickly descends into the nightmare library of ancient tomes, where dread and discovery walk hand in hand. With well crafted characters, a thread of creeping horrors, along with a steady build of tension, this story resonated deeply—it hums in tune with my soul.
Damn, I really do love Andrew’s short-form novellas. The full-length novels are fantastic, no doubt, but there’s something about these compact, idea-rich stories that just sings. This marks the second beautifully crafted side tale he’s delivered within the broader world of Tarris, and it’s another gem.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tomb of Tomes ARC Review
I am beginning to think Andrew Watson is my newest must buy author, something about the way he crafts his stories just really hits the spot for me
This Novella is set between the events of the 1st and 2nd book in the Shadowbinders series, and for total context I would recommend reading Harbinger of Justice first, but it is not essential
This tale is set in a lost library and has tension and thrills in spades, but at the same point you even get some serious character development with the main character, who goes on to become a major character in Book 2 of the main series The Black Mantle
My only complaint was it is too short, I for one would have been happy for the core idea of this tale to be spun into a full blown companion novel, I really can't wait for Storm of Shadows, the final novel in the trilogy to come out
I am beginning to think Andrew Watson is my newest must buy author, something about the way he crafts his stories just really hits the spot for me
This Novella is set between the events of the 1st and 2nd book in the Shadowbinders series, and for total context I would recommend reading Harbinger of Justice first, but it is not essential
This tale is set in a lost library and has tension and thrills in spades, but at the same point you even get some serious character development with the main character, who goes on to become a major character in Book 2 of the main series The Black Mantle
My only complaint was it is too short, I for one would have been happy for the core idea of this tale to be spun into a full blown companion novel, I really can't wait for Storm of Shadows, the final novel in the trilogy to come out
April 17, 2026
I really enjoyed returning to the world of Shadowbinders through Tomb of Tomes, especially because this novella further explores an intriguing setting we briefly encountered in the first book. What stood out most to me was the perfect pacing. While reading, I genuinely found myself wondering how this story would come together satisfyingly within such a limited page count, but by the end everything fell beautifully into place. It feels like the perfect skim dive into this mysterious library, revealing just enough to deepen the intrigue while leaving me eager for more. And those nightwalker creatures? Brrr, very creepy.
Short, atmospheric, and highly effective, this novella only made me more curious to continue with the series.
Short, atmospheric, and highly effective, this novella only made me more curious to continue with the series.
April 21, 2026
Andrew did it again !
Incredible how much is cramped into this 99 pages
Unique world building ✔️
Magical creatures ✔️
Magical artifacts ✔️
Friends and traitors ✔️
Plots and fights ✔️
It is really Incredible the way it woven history mystery and insight into the culture of scholars and even to us as readers
There are some parts I wished were more expended on and given a little more exploration
i would even be open to a Tomb of tomes 2 unless this is a set up for the third book in the Shadowbinders Trilogy (Storm of Shadows) where hopefully we'll get our answers for the loose ends Andrew so kindly left us with
over all such a creative concept with a really good execution of it really enjoyed the book just wished it lasted a little longer
Incredible how much is cramped into this 99 pages
Unique world building ✔️
Magical creatures ✔️
Magical artifacts ✔️
Friends and traitors ✔️
Plots and fights ✔️
It is really Incredible the way it woven history mystery and insight into the culture of scholars and even to us as readers
There are some parts I wished were more expended on and given a little more exploration
i would even be open to a Tomb of tomes 2 unless this is a set up for the third book in the Shadowbinders Trilogy (Storm of Shadows) where hopefully we'll get our answers for the loose ends Andrew so kindly left us with
over all such a creative concept with a really good execution of it really enjoyed the book just wished it lasted a little longer
December 8, 2025
Received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Solid addition to Mr. Watson's world in the "Shadowbinders" series. I like the adventuring/mystery elements of the series, and this novella (similar to his previous novella in the world) continues what makes his series great. This book "Tomb of Tomes" features an underground archives chamber, one that is massive in size, and mysterious to the general public. I liked how the plot progression went- would love to see continued expansion of the world, and of course, the series finale, one likely expected later in 2026. I give this 4/5 stars.
Solid addition to Mr. Watson's world in the "Shadowbinders" series. I like the adventuring/mystery elements of the series, and this novella (similar to his previous novella in the world) continues what makes his series great. This book "Tomb of Tomes" features an underground archives chamber, one that is massive in size, and mysterious to the general public. I liked how the plot progression went- would love to see continued expansion of the world, and of course, the series finale, one likely expected later in 2026. I give this 4/5 stars.
April 4, 2026
4.5/5 Stars
I very much enjoyed this novella, one sitting and I was excited throughout the story!
Yeru is another great character, so far in all 3 reads in the series we got some great and memorable characters!
Some great wordbuilding again, very small criticism I would have wanted a little more pagetime while Yeru and team got to the library, felt a little rushed, but maybe I just want to see more of this world :)
Great plot and story overall, pacing great overall. Off to read Black Mantle!
I very much enjoyed this novella, one sitting and I was excited throughout the story!
Yeru is another great character, so far in all 3 reads in the series we got some great and memorable characters!
Some great wordbuilding again, very small criticism I would have wanted a little more pagetime while Yeru and team got to the library, felt a little rushed, but maybe I just want to see more of this world :)
Great plot and story overall, pacing great overall. Off to read Black Mantle!
December 22, 2025
Tomb of Tomes ARC Review
Andrew Watson has done it again with a perfectly paced novella, set between books 1 and 2 of his Shadowbinders series.
This novella is a gripping story set in a mysterious and seemingly never ending library, filled with the strange and dangerous. This story was atmospheric and kept me on the edge of my seat until the end.
Andrew Watson has done it again with a perfectly paced novella, set between books 1 and 2 of his Shadowbinders series.
This novella is a gripping story set in a mysterious and seemingly never ending library, filled with the strange and dangerous. This story was atmospheric and kept me on the edge of my seat until the end.
December 3, 2025
Loved this newest entry into Shadowbinders. Andrew's world building continues to be detailed and immersive. The story was hauntingly thrilling, well paced with likeable characters and kept me engaged throughout.
If you've read book 1, definitely check this one out!
If you've read book 1, definitely check this one out!
March 10, 2026
This is such an incredibly packed, fast paced, intense, genuinely chilling read. The setting and civilisation seen is so so fascinating and I will happily come back to this one small novella and read it over and over.
March 23, 2026
Finally a story about a library that meets all my expectations. My only criticism is that it could have been longer!
February 26, 2026
This novella is part of the Shadowbinders trilogy that I already love, so of course I loved this one too.
We follow the scholar Yeru as she delves into the secrets of the lost library of Nenelan. This is a companion novella that I think you can read even if you haven't read book 1 in the series.
Tomb of Tomes is a tense and adventurous story with the perfect pacing. We follow a new protagonist who has a lot of growth. The world building is perfect and I want to find out more about this world.
We follow the scholar Yeru as she delves into the secrets of the lost library of Nenelan. This is a companion novella that I think you can read even if you haven't read book 1 in the series.
Tomb of Tomes is a tense and adventurous story with the perfect pacing. We follow a new protagonist who has a lot of growth. The world building is perfect and I want to find out more about this world.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews