Silver Road

The Shifting Tides #2

by James Maxwell

Chloe’s quest to escape the Oracle’s prophecy leads her to a magus with a the eldren are not the only race to use magic in warfare. An ancient power is rediscovered, and a forgotten people will return.

Meanwhile, cursed by his birth, Dion tries to forge a new life at sea, away from both the eldren and his former life in Xanthos, but the one thing he can’t leave behind is his heritage.

Two kings on opposite sides of the ocean prepare for war.

The clash of civilizations has only just begun…

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Audiobook, Magic, Dragons, Ebooks, Amazon

494 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 8, 2016

About the author

James Maxwell is a British-Australian best-selling author of epic fantasy novels, with millions of copies sold in multiple languages worldwide. With over a dozen acclaimed novels, including Enchantress, Golden Age, and A Girl From Nowhere, he is celebrated for his richly imagined worlds and epic, interwoven plots. His books have received multiple award nominations, including the World Fantasy Award, the Aurealis Awards, and three Arthur C. Clarke Award nominations, as well as garnering tens of thousands of reviews on Amazon.

Born in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, and raised in Brisbane, Australia, James attended Brisbane’s Anglican Church Grammar School and the University of Queensland, where he studied a diverse mix of arts and sciences.

Since becoming a full-time author in 2012, he has made his home on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, where his writing is accompanied by the rumbling sound of the sea and the antics of his capricious white cat.

Blood and Empire, published in March 2025, begins James Maxwell’s latest gripping series, The Gateway Saga.

Reviews

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been mulling over this review for a while. I had originally given this book 5 stars, but after a lot of thought I am lowering it to 4 stars. I should have let this internal debate play out before rating the book, but what’s done is done. On to the review!

While Golden Age laid the foundation for this series, Silver Road brought this world to life for me. Everything I felt was missing in the first book was made up for in this second installment. There are multiple new POV’s which gave this book more depth and diversity. Most of these are characters from the first book that get their own chapters this go around. Also, there is an ancient culture thought to be extinct thrown into the mix. I thought this was a nice touch that added some more history to this already multi-cultural world, and a nice thickening to the plot as well. The magic system is finally explained, and put on display. Though not as much as I would have liked.

Dion and Chloe are still the two main dialogues even though other characters get some show time. After the events of Golden Age both Dion and Chloe are forced into rather unfortunate situations. I don’t want to give too much detail, so I will just say this involves a crazy old mage, a group of pirates known as the Freemen, an ancient relic, a little magic, and a multitude of action. Not in that order and far more detailed than I just described.

While the characters seem to be my favorite part of the books I have read lately the plot to this story is also interesting. It involves an ancient relic known as The Horn of Marrix and the shape shifting race of eldren. The power of the horn can determine the fate of this world and in the wrong hands possibly its doom.

There is a lot going on in this book. With the multiple POV’s, diverse characters, and plenty of action this should be a fun read for any fantasy reader. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend to all!

4 stars ****

[Zitong Ren · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know this is fantasy as it keeps repeating the same things over and over again. The amount of times that I’ve heard about Chloe upturned nose has been too much, if she had a braid, she would undoubtedly be tugging it.

[John Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a slog. I really enjoyed the Everyman series, but his book was even slower than its predicessor.

Dion and Chloe are marginally interesting characters, Kargan and Nicolas are good baddies, with heaps of minor characters abounding. Lots of stories happening from multiple points of view, the focus and direction, as well as some plodding narrative, are what did me in. This book took me over two years to finish with two more to follow. Not sure about that.

OK but disappointing.

[Starr (AKA Starrfish) Rivers · Rating 3 out of 5]

See my status updates.

They finally kissed after 500 pages of the previous book + this one...She married his brother... nothing happened, she escaped, he slept with a whore...

She discovered new powers, he became a king...

Lots of other threads that I could care less about.

The most interesting one was actually Eric, liana and Zachary (glad he didn’t end up dead, YET).

Really not interested in An/Dion and Chloe at this point.

Even Sophia is more interesting!

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Road (The Shifting Tides Book 2) by James Maxwell is a book I had bought but forgot and then won by Goodreads. I am glad I did or I would have missed out on reading a great book for a long time. I didn't read the first book but I was able to jump right in to this without any problems, the writer smooths the path for the reader and off you go. The book starts out a little slow at first but picks up fast and doesn't stop. There is a lot of action, adventure, good guys vs bad guys, fantasy, and a touch of romance. Now of course I wish I had book one! Great book, will have to read more of his work. I don't remember reading anything foul mouth either, now that I think of it.... Wow, a new first for me.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with this fantasy series. James Maxwell has written another wonderful tale of a far away land where creatures of all types roam. Chloe is trying to not live out the Oracle’s prophecy for her. Dion is struggling with being out cast from the human realm. Nikolas, now king of Xanthos, is set on revenge. Triton still thirsts to rule all the wildrens though he was unable obtain the horn. Kargan is limping his battered fleet home after a bloody defeat. Aristocles, first consul of Phalesia, wants to put the pieces back together on his home now that the war is over. As all this is being brought about lines in the sand are drawn & the reality of where loyalties stand become clear. Deceit is revealed, new leaders emerge, new old magic is returned to the Empire, & beloved friends pass. All add to an epic tale of a young woman's courage to protect her family & a young man who must embrace his roll as a leader.

If you are not familiar with James Maxwell's story telling ability, he is very gifted in telling tales of mythical places & magical characters. This book was both entertaining & captivating. I absolutely am ready for the third book already but will have to wait like everyone else.....darn!

I voluntarily reviewed a NetGalley.Com copy of this book

[Alicia Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read this book before its upcoming November 2016 release. I was hooked from the first page where the book opens with Palemon. Then of course Dion's epic journey kicks in and it's executed in Maxwell's true style, epic with weaving plots, involving shapeshifters, wizards, pirates, soldiers and boats. What more could you want? I can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Elizabeth Connolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are super easy to follow and really quick reads. A great intro to fantasy for younger readers.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series, whilst it is fantasy and the world it depicts is completley fictional the themes of politics, racism, gender roles/msyogeny and war for power/land are all very relevant to today's society.

[Adam Parker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Silver Road, book two of The Shifting Tides series by James Maxwell, sadly did not live up to the quality of the first book in the series. After being unable to set the first book down, I waited impatiently for the second book, and even preordered it. I began reading it soon after receiving it, and it did not take long for me to realize that something was different. While the story still took place in a fascinating imaginative world, and continued a very enjoyable overarching story, it felt two dimensional. Whereas the first book, though still a fast moving story, focused on mainly two characters and their stories, the second book’s scope was much too large, focusing on over half a dozen story lines which at times felt underdeveloped. Chapters were only a few pages long, constantly switching between plots. A book that should have, in my opinion, been maybe thirty chapters based on the length, had over seventy! Even the dialogue was underdeveloped. I enjoy a fast paced story as much as the next guy, but this traveled at such a speed necessitating the sacrifice of rich details and character development. In the end, while I still enjoyed it to a degree, it felt very flat. I might give the third book in the series a try, but as of yet am undecided if I care enough about the characters to do so.

[Andy Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A SIMPLE MAN'S REVIEW:

The first book in this series, The Golden Age, was so good I preordered this second book immediately. But...

I think a lot of second books in a trilogy suffer because the author is trying to set up the third book's huge finale. So instead of unique storylines, it feels more like moving pieces into place. A lot of politics and traveling, but not much in terms of action and discovery.

Silver Road picks up where The Golden Age leaves off, but not with the same level of momentum. Dion eventually becomes awesome again after a whiny start, but Chloe is almost a non-character. It's not a spoiler to let you know they are on different paths for this book. As a highlight, though, we do get to learn a bit more about the Elderen and their mythology. And pirates!

By the end of the book, yes, things are set up for a great conclusion in the next book. And, yes, the third book probably wouldn't make much sense without reading this one first. But as someone who loved the first book, it's kind of a bummer to have to read a mediocre story set in such an incredible world with hopes that the next book delivers a satisfying conclusion.

If you're already in for a penny, you're in for the pound - read it!

[Steve Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this straight after Golden Age (The Shifting Tides #1) and thoroughly enjoyed it. Once again, I wanted to rate it 4.5* so, in the interests of maintaining fairness (and averages) I gave this one 5* after Golden Age only got 4*.
The history and breadth of the world Mr Maxwell has created are both enhanced in this release and provide extra meat for his storytelling. I can really see the influence of David Gemmell's works in these books; not just the final 3, although the Trojan/Greek style is unmistakable, but also in the shades of grey characters, the unexpected twists, the 'good' villains, the magic that costs.
I'm currently 'authoring' in the sci-fi genre while I'm world-building for an epic sword and sorcery write - my biggest fictional love. I started reading fantasy again to get to grips with its current trends and styles but I do believe I'll be devouring all of Mr Maxwell's output as swiftly as time allows.
All in all, if you haven't tried James Maxwell yet, take a leap, I'm sure you won't regret it.

[Bill Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Road (The Shifting Tides Book 2)

The second book in this series had highs and lows. Overall a good tale, with some lulls. Nicholas and Dion are brothers who have both have very strong parts to play. Nicholas is overly strong a long by night with a ruthless nature. Dion finds he is a shape shifter man and dragon, he scares his brother who sends him away.

[Rachel Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book of this series didn't disappoint, but it wasn't as good as the first.

In this book, Maxwell adds additional points of view with a lot more going on. I really enjoyed some of the POVs. Dion, for example, had a fantastic story line, full of adventure and pivotal moments. It was easy to see real character development throughout the story. Some of the other POVs didn't pack quite as much punch for me. The opening POV (you'll see when you read the book) seems a little pointless. I know the point is coming, but it almost could have waited for the third book in the series.

A few of the plot points were also a bit convenient - the old "oh look I CAN do that thing that I could never do because I'm in this precarious situation". While that's effective once (cliches are cliches for a reason), it was maybe utilised a few too many times in this book.

One thing that is great in this book is the scene descriptions, and this only really occurred to me as I write this review. Maxwell gives very clear descriptions of the settings for each city and area, but it doesn't take 20 pages to get there. It's done effortlessly, even with distinctly different settings. I have fantastic images in my head, but never got bored getting there.

Maxwell is also not afraid to add in some gorey twists! There are certainly a few twists at the end that I genuinely didn't see coming. All in all, although I've picked out a few negatives, I really liked this book and I'm loving the series. Looking forward to the next!!

[Anna Beste · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in The Shifting Tides series was just as good as the first. The story continues to grow in complexity by introducing Palemon and his people and their ability to do magic with metals. Also Chloe stupidly said she would marry Nikolas, King of Xanthous and Dion's half brother, to unite their kingdoms. Even though she is clearly in love with the shapeshifting half Eldran prince. Otherwise everything seems to be going ok until everything falls apart when Nikolas doesn't get his way and decides to take over Phalesia by killing the leaders, including Chloe's father Aristocles. Luckily he is able to escape before he is killed. Chloe and her sister are held prisoners pretty much and Chloe is forced into marrying Nikolas even though he tried to kill her father. Chloe runs away to find her father, gets tricked into awakening her magic by this creepy old guy, and ultimately gets kidnapped/saved by 4 bald guys. While all this is going on, Dion is trying to figure out where he fits into the world now that he knows he is half Eldran. He ends up joining a group of pirates and becomes their leader after a lot happens. Sophia end up killing Nikolas with poison, Aristocles finally gets home thanks to Dion and his pirates, and then he is killed by his so-called friends! I am not happy but I need to know what happens next.

[JenBsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this immediately after finishing book 1, and went on to book 3 as soon as I finished this one. That says something for the series ;) Here, we continue to find out what happens to Dion and Chloe. They are the main characters still, but several new storylines/POVs are introduced as well. In fact, as book 2 starts up, it begins with a completely different storyline ... Palemon, a descendant of the ancient Aleutheans, and someone who will be a pivotal player in future events.

The countries and attempting to rebuild after the big battle of book 1. Still tons on conflicts going on, everywhere! While it seemed Phalesia and Xantos had come together, it isn't all smooth sailing. There is betrayal across the ocean as well, affecting Kargan and his men and creating an unlikely alliance. The Eldran have to deal with the rouge king Triton and his followers. We follow Dion and his personal struggles with his identity and adventures with the Freemen. Chloe must deal with Nikolas, an old sorcerer and adventures with Liana. There are many deaths. Palemon/Kyphos and Zara don't appear too much in this book. They are there at the start, the middle and the end ... setting up for more continued action to come.

[James Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book nr 2 in The Shifting Tides serie

This is the second serie and installament i read by Maxvell, the first was the Evermen and he is a very talented writer and an exellent world builder in the fantasy genre, he also manages to write the caracters so well and in a way that you feel like you know them and cheers for the heroes of the story. In the center of these books are Dion, a halfbreed with the blood of ancient shapeshifters in him and of royal heritage and Chloe, a daughter of a noble man and Dion's love interest. We follow them as they fight for their homelands in a world of both magic and power hungry kings. This second book pics up where the first left and in the aftermath of a war that nearly did cost our heroes their homeland and freedom, new kings and alliances rice. I wont go further in to the storyline or bring on spoilers but i guess if your looking at reviews of this second book in the installament you might have read the first and know your in for a treat, it keeps up the pace and high quality writing and Maxvell"s books are among the finest in the genre

[chloe-phloe ₊ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, yeah, a little slower than the first book, but it still served well.

Going into this, I was like holy crap, this is longer than the first book. But the writing and the weaving of the story is spectacular! I’m jealous. The weaving is not long and sad—it’s clever and concise. The author gives it to you from the get-go. No dilly-dallying why do I sound old when typing that word?.

On the other hand, some chapters coulda definitely been cut, but I’m sure the author has had to cut enough already. Some parts of the book just felt like it was tired and wanted to hurry up. It’s also in the first book as well, but woah I notice it more here. Like sometimes the scene just cuts right there, and I’m like “a-“
IS THAT NORMAL?

Anyway, I love the developments of multiple characters in this book. Will complain that the girls (the very few percentage of characters in this book) have it harder. Dion be living out here nicely while Chloe literally gotta play whack-a-mole with everyone.

Thrilled to see what happens next though!

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read Maxwell's Evermen series and the first of the Shifting Tides series and I was over the moon to be offered a free copy of this book for an honest review!

I love this series. It is well written, gripping and the characters are easy to relate to. The story never feels forced and once you start reading it, you can't put it down. I would recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy adventure stories. If I had one criticism it would be that there isn't much recap of the first book. I was really confused at the start as to when this story was set and there were parts of the book were I struggled to recall what had happened in the first, but apart from that I found no faults with the book at all! Great read - and I can't wait for the next one...

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I "liked" book one quite a bit, I "loved" this follow-up. A new set of characters were added. Additional depth was added to the continuing characterizations from book one. And the plot continued to both thicken, and intertwine. A few of the plot twists could be predicted, but more often than not, Mr. Maxwell caught me off guard, without resorting to sneakiness or false plot digressions. It was all a result of a superbly thought out plot line.

(There was none of the conversational stiffness that was present in the first novel. This book started off in a fluid manner.)

Once again, while magic was present - much more so in this book than in the first - it still was not the focal point of the story, rather a significant strand of many.

[Stasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death Scenes are too vivid. Also, way too many scenic pages... I literally skipped 1-2 pages at a time at the start of each new chapter to try and move the story along (there's alot of pages in these.....)
BUUUUT
1) No sex scenes
2) No gay couples
3) No swearing
4) but yes. there is gore... skim quickly!
Overall, James Maxwell is weaving an intricate world of war. The fascinating part is there are fights in air, water, and land.... and the characters are ever changing as their individual journeys change. This isn't a "can't put down" book by any means. I originally took of 2 stars for the gore, but gave 1 back when I realized the 1-3 above. I guess I'll keep going with the series now. bye.

[David Wilcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gem

I usually trawl the daily deals and sales for fantasy books. A lot of these turn out to be poor stories or badly written. How surprised I was with this series. Excellent writing set in a world based around ancient Greek and Egyptian style civilations with some original fantasy concepts thrown in. There were a few points where feats seemed to comes too easily to characters. (Dion's successful raid on Marcellis) which ius why i only gave 4. But I am eagerly awaiting August when I can buy the third installment. Also I think I love lianna. I hope she has a massive part in book 3.

[(Grace) Kentucky Bohemian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fathoms Deep, Fabulous Read
This second installment in "The Shifting Tides" saga has the reader feeling like we're just now getting into the heart of the story. James Maxwell is a master of his craft, blending enchanting and unique characters with a story so beautifully written, it feels surreally more like you're watching it than reading or listening to it.

The cast of characters has grown even larger with this addition, but then the author has no problem killing off beloved characters without a heartbeat's notice, so I suppose it will all even out. Regardless, this is a masterful, beautifully told epic that simply engrosses the reader on their journey. Well worth your time.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely Better

This was definitely better than the first book which was okay. There was more story and more characters development. There was also more emotional development of the characters and their personalities. Some of the battling between ships was a bit convoluted. There were times when there should’ve been more show and less tell. We went the scenery, the actions and responses of the characters, their personalities, to shine through and all to come together to pull us out of our lives and into experiencing the story.
I’m hoping the third book will continue to improve.

- Not Jack

[Abby Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an ending!

The second book in the Shifting Tides series was better than the first! Such an intriguing story with every twist and turn imaginable. As soon as I started this series, I loved Dion, but I felt he was underdeveloped as a character. In Silver Road, he was the shining star! I absolutely loved it and fell in love with him even more. His kind heart and sense for leadership is ever inspiring. The way the story went with the Eldren was utterly fantastic. I cannot wait to read the next in this series!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swords, shifters, pirates, a touch of magic, an ancient world, how enjoyable. I read book 1 and was happy to have book 2. This is a very engaging series. A bit brutal at times, it has loyalty, love, and adventure. I felt the influence of ancient Mediterranean cultures with all their varying forms of government. It made the story more interesting to see the juxtaposition of clashing cultures.
I highly recommend this series and am eagerly awaiting book 3.

[Polly Clarke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This took a long time to finish as I wasn't as engaged with it as much as the first book. I listened to the audio and although Stephen Vance is a superb narrator and one of my favourites, I may just read the next book in the trilogy and see if I enjoy it better. That is to say that by reading the words I may pick up on the subtleties that my inner voice naturally creates and therefore make the book more enjoyable.

[Marilu · Rating 4 out of 5]

(It’s more like 4.5 star)

Oh my god! I can’t even begin to describe everything this book made me feel. Action began pretty fast and I couldn’t be happier. Honestly, this was what I was looking for when I read the first book. Although I was taking my time reading, I devoured the last chapters because O.M.G!!!!

Anyway, a lot of things happened and there are still much more things to come that I’m excited and fearful to read.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

All was well in the world until...

I turned the page that isn't the way to finish a book or story of any kind.. I LOVE how you really have to pay attention to what you're reading. Because the story keeps jumping back and forth between many different views of the same story. I can ONLY pray once it comes together a lightbulb moment Will appear and all of the struggles Will make sense. For that period of time. 🐸🎨💜

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

So far story is weak.
Introducing a new antagonist that is somehow discontent with environment in which that's all his people has known for thousands of years.
No possible location based on current map provided in book.
Seems really weak premise so far.

Just decided series isn't original enough or written well enough to spend more time on stale ideas or excerpts from history. Series is a dud for me