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Nightblade Epic #4
Shadeborn
DESOLATE UPON THE ROAD, LOREN MUST FEND FOR HERSELF The saga of the Nightblade continues across the nine kingdoms. Loren is listless in the wind. Though the Shades have been revealed, the cost of that knowledge seems too heavy to bear. And once again Xain is clutched by the tremors of magestone sickness, giving her the excuse she needs to simply...not go on. But now that the Shades have been found, they will not let Loren rest. If the Mystics learn what she knows, all the Shades' dark schemes could be thrown into disarray. Northwood will be the first town to burn under their icy fury, but as they hunt for Loren on the road to Feldemar, it will not be the last. "People should check out Garrett, he is an excellent vlogger and writer." — Hank Green "An intriguing tale, well presented [with] some intense encounters, graphically described." — R. Nicholson, top Amazon reviewer "Robinson is a skilled author, particularly when creating interesting female characters. He has oodles of talent and is destined for great things." — Shen Hart, TheReviewHart.com Book Four of the Nightblade Epic JOIN THOUSANDS OF READERS IN AN EPIC ADVENTURE.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2015
191 people are currently reading
642 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 18, 2016
So addictive...
I always know if a book is really good when I lose sleep over it. I mean staying up late reading until my hubby starts complaining that I should go to sleep. I take this book everywhere with me in case I get a few extra seconds to read more.
I always know if a book is really good when I lose sleep over it. I mean staying up late reading until my hubby starts complaining that I should go to sleep. I take this book everywhere with me in case I get a few extra seconds to read more.
November 16, 2020
Me cuesta tanto saber cuánto me gustó este libro. Hubo partes cringe, y se que definitivamente lo hubiese leido en tres días si lo hubiese leido a los catorce. Supongo que estuvo bueno.
December 14, 2019
Garrett Robinson is back with the 4th installment in the Nightblade series: Shadeborn. And the author has entered dangerous waters. So many book series, albums, and movie franchises begin their slow decline at this point. So how does this novel fair against media’s track record?
After the climactic events of Darkfire, Loren’s party set off to complete the quest they began at the end of Mystic. But their journey to the High Seat is far from enviable. Now that the Shades have been revealed and Loren’s meddling exposed, they pursue her relentlessly, laying waste to village after village. Loren must make the most morally gray decisions of her life as she desperately tries to keep the lives of her friends, the fate of innocent civilians, and her all-important mission to reach the High King in balance.
Robinson defies expectations. His prose has not at all diminished in quality, and his stories get stronger with each installment. Shadeborn represents a leap in the author’s storytelling craft, finally giving the reader a story that feels both episodic and self-contained—my preference for series books.
What makes this story work so well for me boils down to this: before this story, Loren has had mentors she could lean on. When things went wrong, they were either there to save her, or they were the sounding board she needed to devise a plan to escape her present dilemma. Now that she’s the leader of her party, she suddenly realizes that everyone is following her lead, and that she must finally, truly be Nightblade.
Because of this, one “flaw” begins to become harder to overlook: Gem and Annis. Both characters were involved with Loren’s journey since the very first book. They create additional tension when they’re put in harm’s way and levity via banter, but their talents are under-used. The narrative often relies on Loren or another character when the stakes are high. Annis was well-used once, but not at all at the end. Gem is often a minor distraction help to buy time (and there was a perfect opportunity for him to shine during the story’s climax, but that moment was given to Loren). There are times I forget they’re in the party if the author didn’t remind me. While this isn’t enough to make the story unreadable, I hope this changes in book five.
The Nightblade series continues to be a fun adventure, worth diving into if you’re looking for a story with a Salvatore, Weis & Hickman, or Goodkind tone. And you can read book one for free by going here: https://underrealm.net/).
*Full Disclosure — I work for the publisher. I wasn't paid to review this book. It was on my TBR list from before I worked for the publisher.*
After the climactic events of Darkfire, Loren’s party set off to complete the quest they began at the end of Mystic. But their journey to the High Seat is far from enviable. Now that the Shades have been revealed and Loren’s meddling exposed, they pursue her relentlessly, laying waste to village after village. Loren must make the most morally gray decisions of her life as she desperately tries to keep the lives of her friends, the fate of innocent civilians, and her all-important mission to reach the High King in balance.
Robinson defies expectations. His prose has not at all diminished in quality, and his stories get stronger with each installment. Shadeborn represents a leap in the author’s storytelling craft, finally giving the reader a story that feels both episodic and self-contained—my preference for series books.
What makes this story work so well for me boils down to this: before this story, Loren has had mentors she could lean on. When things went wrong, they were either there to save her, or they were the sounding board she needed to devise a plan to escape her present dilemma. Now that she’s the leader of her party, she suddenly realizes that everyone is following her lead, and that she must finally, truly be Nightblade.
Because of this, one “flaw” begins to become harder to overlook: Gem and Annis. Both characters were involved with Loren’s journey since the very first book. They create additional tension when they’re put in harm’s way and levity via banter, but their talents are under-used. The narrative often relies on Loren or another character when the stakes are high. Annis was well-used once, but not at all at the end. Gem is often a minor distraction help to buy time (and there was a perfect opportunity for him to shine during the story’s climax, but that moment was given to Loren). There are times I forget they’re in the party if the author didn’t remind me. While this isn’t enough to make the story unreadable, I hope this changes in book five.
The Nightblade series continues to be a fun adventure, worth diving into if you’re looking for a story with a Salvatore, Weis & Hickman, or Goodkind tone. And you can read book one for free by going here: https://underrealm.net/).
*Full Disclosure — I work for the publisher. I wasn't paid to review this book. It was on my TBR list from before I worked for the publisher.*
June 20, 2020
Loren and her friends continue running for their lives from the shades army as they are hunted at every turn. Loren and her friends end up at the High Seat and meet with the High King. After explaining all of what they had been through the High king wasn't truly believing in their story until she sent out her army to investigate.
While the army was gone they were attacked By Rogan and the shades and Loren and her friends as well as for the High King and her son barely escaped with their lives. Thanks for some quick thinking on Loren's part. Loren was given a title for saving the High king and her sons life.
So far the series isn't to bad even with the fact that Loren refuses to kill anyone. But something tells me there is more to Loren than what the author has let on so far. And that is one reason for which I continue with the series I got to see if my hunch is right.
While the army was gone they were attacked By Rogan and the shades and Loren and her friends as well as for the High King and her son barely escaped with their lives. Thanks for some quick thinking on Loren's part. Loren was given a title for saving the High king and her sons life.
So far the series isn't to bad even with the fact that Loren refuses to kill anyone. But something tells me there is more to Loren than what the author has let on so far. And that is one reason for which I continue with the series I got to see if my hunch is right.
December 22, 2025
YEAH!!! it's getting so good 😍 love the way it's been slowly building up and we're reaching big plot points now! so nice to see it all come together
I didn't trust Chet, but so far he's been trustworthy. Still have a bad feeling about him, because he set Loren back with her development in my eyes, but I guess we'll see how that relationship develops. I'm also really sad we left Annis behing. Glad Xain seems to be recovering relatively well.
Really curious about the rest of the universe, next up is the first part of a different series so we'll see 👀
I didn't trust Chet, but so far he's been trustworthy. Still have a bad feeling about him, because he set Loren back with her development in my eyes, but I guess we'll see how that relationship develops. I'm also really sad we left Annis behing. Glad Xain seems to be recovering relatively well.
Really curious about the rest of the universe, next up is the first part of a different series so we'll see 👀
June 20, 2017
I can't put this series down!
From the first book my mind has been intrigued and invested. The world building is magnificent. The plot thickens with twists and turns seen or expected. There is joy when success occurs but there is sadness and loss as well which serves to bear a truthful feel to the tale. I am started the next book, Weremage, right away so I can find out what happens next!
From the first book my mind has been intrigued and invested. The world building is magnificent. The plot thickens with twists and turns seen or expected. There is joy when success occurs but there is sadness and loss as well which serves to bear a truthful feel to the tale. I am started the next book, Weremage, right away so I can find out what happens next!
August 27, 2017
The Battle at the High King's Seat
I gave this book a rating of 5 because I loved it . I like the way Loren's mind works . She is smart and brilliant. She seems to find unexpected ways to overcome each challenge that she comes across. She tends to risk her life a lot for the ones she cares about. I recommend that s book to anyone that loves reading books about fantasy , action and adventure. I hope that everyone who reads this book enjoys it as much as I did.
I gave this book a rating of 5 because I loved it . I like the way Loren's mind works . She is smart and brilliant. She seems to find unexpected ways to overcome each challenge that she comes across. She tends to risk her life a lot for the ones she cares about. I recommend that s book to anyone that loves reading books about fantasy , action and adventure. I hope that everyone who reads this book enjoys it as much as I did.
May 16, 2017
If you liked the DragonLance series. ..
This series will not disappoint. Every book builds well on it's predecessor, creating a strong story from a writer who continues to gain momentum.
This series will not disappoint. Every book builds well on it's predecessor, creating a strong story from a writer who continues to gain momentum.
April 11, 2018
Garrett Robinson is a masterful storyteller as is evident in this continuation of the Nightblade series. I found myself reading faster and faster, unable to slow down because I needed to find out what happened next. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this excellent series!
May 17, 2017
Awesome
The espionage, sabotage, and warring factions just make this epic story continues to grow and develop while the lost of the lives of one's held dear as a love blossoms?
The espionage, sabotage, and warring factions just make this epic story continues to grow and develop while the lost of the lives of one's held dear as a love blossoms?
July 9, 2017
The series gets better and better.
I gave it four stars because why would the high King be a she , that would be like calling Queen Elizabeth King Elizabeth, makes no sense.
I gave it four stars because why would the high King be a she , that would be like calling Queen Elizabeth King Elizabeth, makes no sense.
January 1, 2018
Just keeps getting better
The story keeps getting better. I empathize with Loren's friends and wish she'd start killing the bad guys. But she is interesting, nonetheless.
The story keeps getting better. I empathize with Loren's friends and wish she'd start killing the bad guys. But she is interesting, nonetheless.
October 20, 2018
This series is quickly developing into a proper fantasy. I recommend it if you enjoy fantasy that doesn't take itself too seriously (as I do).
October 23, 2019
It's interesting watching three series come together - I read 'em a bit jumbled, but it still worked. This book was good fun.
August 9, 2020
The action never lets up! Elves, fights and saving royalty... all in a days activities for Loren. Very enjoyable story!
March 18, 2017
Well written with captivating characters and an ongoing story line that continues to grow as the story goes. If Nightblade can be compared to Tolkien's The Hobbit, then Robinson's subsequent books compare favorably to The Lord of the Rings, each better than the last. No spoilers here though, I highly recommend you to buy the book and prepare yourself for a journey into a well woven world!
March 18, 2017
More and more interesting
I love how the story continues to evolve and gain depth with every book. The characters grow with each adventure they undertake. Can't wait for the next book
I love how the story continues to evolve and gain depth with every book. The characters grow with each adventure they undertake. Can't wait for the next book
March 15, 2017
Loren is listless and even though the shades have been revealed, there is stuff going on. An amazing story that carries on from the other books. The best thing to say is to read the book to find out for yourself. Just fantastic. Enjoyed reviewing the ARC
Read
February 5, 2016Expanding the skilled mix of world-building and character struggle to an international scale, Robinson brings the epic threats hinted at in previous volumes into the light. /p>
This novel is the fourth volume in the Nightblade series. This review doesn’t reveal everything, but my life is too short to weave a path around any and all spoilers.
Loren’s pride at never having killed shattered by news of her father’s death, she spends each day moping around the inn. Her companions still follow her lead, but each day become more restless; and, with his debt to Jordel the only thing holding back his addiction, Xain is the most impatient of all. If Underrealm is to survive, Loren must act; but how can she resist the Shades if she can’t escape her own darkness?
While this book is both a coherent narrative and a continuation of previous volumes, it is also a book of two parts: Loren’s battle against depression and a race to complete Jordel’s mission.
As befits the collapse of a character’s core belief, Robinson does not skimp on the first part. Using the breadth of cast to good effect, he provides multiple small examples of Loren withdrawing from the world, turning away advice, and refusing to commit to even the simplest of plans. However, he also provides perspectives from experienced warriors to counterbalance the calls for action. This legitimization of Loren’s trauma undercuts the sense that she is being self-indulgent, challenging the reader’s wish that she buck up and get on with it.
Unfortunately – while Loren’s internal struggle is both powerful and a plausible exploration of the stress that is often ignored in fantasy – this withdrawal from the world is also a withdrawal from immediate consequence. As such, the reader is presented with no tangible threats to support a sense of urgency. While this will be less of an issue for readers who are reading the novel shortly after its predecessor, those coming to it after a break might find the opening a touch slow.
Once Loren starts to act, the book returns to the engaging balance of scope and close-detail that Robinson deploys in previous volumes. Harried by Shades, if anything, more ruthless than those encountered in the mountains and lacking Jordel’s knowledge of who can be trusted, Loren and her companions know that they need to do more than hide but lack the opportunity to stop and plan.
As in previous volumes, much of their success comes from Loren’s competence under pressure. Cast on a grander stage than before, this might divide readers: those who found her self-doubt charming will revel in a new perspective on the simple farm-hand becoming a hero; those who found some of the previous events less than plausible might feel she is a little too exceptional.
Where previous volumes traced Loren’s realisation that real life isn’t like the tales of bards and her struggle with letting others kill to achieve her goals, this one deals with one of the hardest questions of adulthood: how do you carry on when it was your fault things went wrong? And her guilt over her father’s death is only the first thorn. Each person killed by the Shades, each narrow escape from pursuers, is another reason for her to hate herself for spending so long moping.
The supporting cast have similarly developed. Both Xain and Annis are sought for themselves, so must decide whether their desire to follow their beliefs is worth risking the safety of their companions; even Gem, having faced the difference between his bravado and his skill, does not escape the weight of maturity.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel greatly. I recommend it to readers who enjoyed the previous volumes.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.
This novel is the fourth volume in the Nightblade series. This review doesn’t reveal everything, but my life is too short to weave a path around any and all spoilers.
Loren’s pride at never having killed shattered by news of her father’s death, she spends each day moping around the inn. Her companions still follow her lead, but each day become more restless; and, with his debt to Jordel the only thing holding back his addiction, Xain is the most impatient of all. If Underrealm is to survive, Loren must act; but how can she resist the Shades if she can’t escape her own darkness?
While this book is both a coherent narrative and a continuation of previous volumes, it is also a book of two parts: Loren’s battle against depression and a race to complete Jordel’s mission.
As befits the collapse of a character’s core belief, Robinson does not skimp on the first part. Using the breadth of cast to good effect, he provides multiple small examples of Loren withdrawing from the world, turning away advice, and refusing to commit to even the simplest of plans. However, he also provides perspectives from experienced warriors to counterbalance the calls for action. This legitimization of Loren’s trauma undercuts the sense that she is being self-indulgent, challenging the reader’s wish that she buck up and get on with it.
Unfortunately – while Loren’s internal struggle is both powerful and a plausible exploration of the stress that is often ignored in fantasy – this withdrawal from the world is also a withdrawal from immediate consequence. As such, the reader is presented with no tangible threats to support a sense of urgency. While this will be less of an issue for readers who are reading the novel shortly after its predecessor, those coming to it after a break might find the opening a touch slow.
Once Loren starts to act, the book returns to the engaging balance of scope and close-detail that Robinson deploys in previous volumes. Harried by Shades, if anything, more ruthless than those encountered in the mountains and lacking Jordel’s knowledge of who can be trusted, Loren and her companions know that they need to do more than hide but lack the opportunity to stop and plan.
As in previous volumes, much of their success comes from Loren’s competence under pressure. Cast on a grander stage than before, this might divide readers: those who found her self-doubt charming will revel in a new perspective on the simple farm-hand becoming a hero; those who found some of the previous events less than plausible might feel she is a little too exceptional.
Where previous volumes traced Loren’s realisation that real life isn’t like the tales of bards and her struggle with letting others kill to achieve her goals, this one deals with one of the hardest questions of adulthood: how do you carry on when it was your fault things went wrong? And her guilt over her father’s death is only the first thorn. Each person killed by the Shades, each narrow escape from pursuers, is another reason for her to hate herself for spending so long moping.
The supporting cast have similarly developed. Both Xain and Annis are sought for themselves, so must decide whether their desire to follow their beliefs is worth risking the safety of their companions; even Gem, having faced the difference between his bravado and his skill, does not escape the weight of maturity.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel greatly. I recommend it to readers who enjoyed the previous volumes.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.
February 22, 2017
Each book in this series just adds more to the overall story line.. I don't know what to say with out any spoilers. And I do not do spoilers.. Uh huh nope, nada, neit.. non.. nope lol.. What can I say with out spilling... Gads.. There are a few new important characters, Love, loss, happiness, sadness and anger. Rage.. Findings of past things that change even the simplest of thought..
February 22, 2017
Great book this was couldn't put it down.A must read. Garrett Robinson is a talented writer and keeps you entertained pulling you deeper into the fantasy world of underealm. Keep writing looking forward to the next book!
May 22, 2016
Shadeborn (Nightblade Epic 4)
In this book, we see Loren grow much more than in any of the previous books. After the shocking truth that is revealed to her at the end of book 3, Loren is forced to re-evalute some of her core principles. All of the characters have grown and changed in many ways. Loren and the others are trying to fight a war that they know very little about, and though it seems hopeless, somehow they must survive.
I enjoyed Shadeborn much more than the first 3 books. The authors writing and story-line are much more evolved in this book. Loren seems to finally see the light on a few issues, which was a long time coming. However, there are many more questions after finishing this book than at the beginning. I can't seem to find out if there are going to be more books in this series and the spin-off series doesn't continue the story the way I would like it to. I would have liked for this book to be longer and resolve some of the many issues that have come up.
That being said, this is a clean fantasy series. Though it does have violence, there is no sex scenes or profanity in any of the books, making it an enjoyable series for YA especially.
In this book, we see Loren grow much more than in any of the previous books. After the shocking truth that is revealed to her at the end of book 3, Loren is forced to re-evalute some of her core principles. All of the characters have grown and changed in many ways. Loren and the others are trying to fight a war that they know very little about, and though it seems hopeless, somehow they must survive.
I enjoyed Shadeborn much more than the first 3 books. The authors writing and story-line are much more evolved in this book. Loren seems to finally see the light on a few issues, which was a long time coming. However, there are many more questions after finishing this book than at the beginning. I can't seem to find out if there are going to be more books in this series and the spin-off series doesn't continue the story the way I would like it to. I would have liked for this book to be longer and resolve some of the many issues that have come up.
That being said, this is a clean fantasy series. Though it does have violence, there is no sex scenes or profanity in any of the books, making it an enjoyable series for YA especially.
November 6, 2016
The saga of the Nightblade continues across the nine kingdoms. Loren is listless in the wind. Though the Shades have been revealed, the cost of that knowledge seems too heavy to bear. And once again Xain is clutched by the tremors of magestone sickness, giving her the excuse she needs to simply...not go on.But now that the Shades have been found, they will not let Loren rest. If the Mystics learn what she knows, all the Shades' dark schemes could be thrown into disarray. Northwood will be the first town to burn under their icy fury, but as they hunt for Loren on the road to Feldemar, it will not be the last.
This book is better than the first 3, great story telling will take you through this book quickly and you will get the next book just as fast (when it is released). There are no time gaps between the books and the characters pickup where the last book ended. The story flows and holds your interest. I went through it in one sitting, I will get next one.. You won't be disappointed. Great Reading Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!
This book is better than the first 3, great story telling will take you through this book quickly and you will get the next book just as fast (when it is released). There are no time gaps between the books and the characters pickup where the last book ended. The story flows and holds your interest. I went through it in one sitting, I will get next one.. You won't be disappointed. Great Reading Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 23, 2016
Another thrilling tale of the adventures of Nightblade. Unlike it's prequels, this books is filled with action right from the start. The lack of mourning of Jordel's death in the previous book was rectified as the whole team mourned his absence. The sacrifice of Mag and Albern brought forth an emotional beginning for the book as they traversed into woods, out the desert, to the coast and to the island. The battle of the seat was perfectly emphasised and showed how cunning the shadeborn can be. But every good has it's bad. The meeting with the elves and the discovery of Loren's new power played very little role in the story. Loren's character growth was not fulfilling as in the last book. And over exaggeration was seen when the High King, ruler of the 9 lands of Underrealm looked to Loren, a simple forrester for advice and later following her counsel. Realism was not a part of the element. And also the locations of the various cities made no sense as well. In a nutshell, Shadeborn is not a book I would recommend for people who take their reading seriously.
June 30, 2016
This series improves with each book.
It was intense, with vivid descriptions, and I enjoyed every page. A fascinating world full of strong characters and deadly situations. Loren is growing into her role as the Nightblade, with her friends and allies alongside. The final chapter and epilogue promise an epic next book in this series.
What makes this series stand out for me is that so many of the main characters are strong females, instead of them being helpless victims.
*I received this free for an honest review. My opinions are my own.*
It was intense, with vivid descriptions, and I enjoyed every page. A fascinating world full of strong characters and deadly situations. Loren is growing into her role as the Nightblade, with her friends and allies alongside. The final chapter and epilogue promise an epic next book in this series.
What makes this series stand out for me is that so many of the main characters are strong females, instead of them being helpless victims.
*I received this free for an honest review. My opinions are my own.*
January 30, 2017
Evil overflows
In the fourth installment, evil is massing and wreaking havoc. Loren and her friends face great losses and great burdens. She must warn the High King of the threat posed by the Shades and Shadeborn before it is too late.
While I overall enjoyed the book, I did not like the addition of Chet, Loren's childhood friend and sweetheart, as one of the group of "heroes".
In the fourth installment, evil is massing and wreaking havoc. Loren and her friends face great losses and great burdens. She must warn the High King of the threat posed by the Shades and Shadeborn before it is too late.
While I overall enjoyed the book, I did not like the addition of Chet, Loren's childhood friend and sweetheart, as one of the group of "heroes".
December 10, 2015
The Underrealm world is really starting to come into its own in this fourth book in the Nightblade series. Shade born finally introduces us to the high King, we get to see the court politics and some surprising twists and turns throughout the story. I'm looking forward to not just a continuation of this series, but also other series set in this world.
May 7, 2016
Good!
Book 4 of the series. The story continues where it left off in book three. The group is in a mad race to escape the Shades and to bring the news of the shade war to the high king, Elayn. None of the group knows how they'll be received as heroes or to be cast in chains as criminals.
Editing was much better, hardly any mistakes this time. I'm on to book 5.
Book 4 of the series. The story continues where it left off in book three. The group is in a mad race to escape the Shades and to bring the news of the shade war to the high king, Elayn. None of the group knows how they'll be received as heroes or to be cast in chains as criminals.
Editing was much better, hardly any mistakes this time. I'm on to book 5.
May 16, 2016
Great.
So this book was just as good as the others, perhaps even better. There's a taste of something for everyone, action, adventure, some horror, and finally a little romance. These books tend to be intense and I was happy to see some humor and love in this novel, even if it was just a little. Cannot wait to to see what happens next!
So this book was just as good as the others, perhaps even better. There's a taste of something for everyone, action, adventure, some horror, and finally a little romance. These books tend to be intense and I was happy to see some humor and love in this novel, even if it was just a little. Cannot wait to to see what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews