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The Shadow Accords #1
Shadow Blessed
The A'ras of Nyaesh have a terrifying reputation: skilled swordsmen, owners of powerful magic, and ruthless killers. When they kill her parents, Carth discovers her parents had trained her for magic she never knew she possessed.
She must use the skills they taught to stay alive, discover a way to find answers, and avenge them if she can. Only the discovery of a greater threat than the A'ras forces her to risk herself for new friends, and a home she never wanted.
She must use the skills they taught to stay alive, discover a way to find answers, and avenge them if she can. Only the discovery of a greater threat than the A'ras forces her to risk herself for new friends, and a home she never wanted.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2016
856 people are currently reading
1027 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
May 13, 2018
Shadow Blessed
The Shadow Accords, Book 1
By: D.K. Holmberg
Narrated by: Emily Sutton-Smith
This is an excellent audible book! The world building is wonderful. It makes the dreary, and scary world for the young orphan so real. Her mother is killed, her father taken and probably dead. She doesn't know who to trust. She must steal to survive and if caught, she could lose her hand or die. She meets a man and trusts him. He helps her and she finds she has shadow powers. If caught...
It is so good but it is a cliffhanger!!!! ugh! It is so good I have to get the next, darn it! If it wasn't so good I wouldn't. I would give it a 5 star but I am giving it a 4 because of the cliffhanger.
The narrator was amazing! Perfect for all the excitement, emotions, suspense, and voices! Great job!
The Shadow Accords, Book 1
By: D.K. Holmberg
Narrated by: Emily Sutton-Smith
This is an excellent audible book! The world building is wonderful. It makes the dreary, and scary world for the young orphan so real. Her mother is killed, her father taken and probably dead. She doesn't know who to trust. She must steal to survive and if caught, she could lose her hand or die. She meets a man and trusts him. He helps her and she finds she has shadow powers. If caught...
It is so good but it is a cliffhanger!!!! ugh! It is so good I have to get the next, darn it! If it wasn't so good I wouldn't. I would give it a 5 star but I am giving it a 4 because of the cliffhanger.
The narrator was amazing! Perfect for all the excitement, emotions, suspense, and voices! Great job!
February 2, 2017
Although slow paced, at first I felt like there was a reason for it; it wasn't needlessly slow, and it was interesting enough, with enough unanswered questions and small incidents, to keep reading. The writing was slow-burning, and justified in the sense of mystery it imparted. The feeling I got was that this was an origin story of sorts - how Carth discovered her powers, and learned to understand them, but the actual story will begin in the next book. However, after finishing the book I was left thinking 'is that it?' The mystery, and the wait, and the loading up of unanswered questions, did not seem worth the reveal. I'm not sure it was compelling enough - especially the ending (the author made a point of emphasising the antagonist's power and the fear he incited in everyone, even in others Carth thought were equally powerful, and then Carth seemingly easily - and conveniently - defeated him) - for me to seek out the next book.
December 19, 2020
Nyaesh is a dangerous city where the A’ras keep discipline in the name of the King and they are highly trained in both magic and swordsmanship. Two other factions also trained both in magic and swordsmanship are the Hjan and the Reshian and these two factions are trying to undermine the A’ras. Carth is a young girl whose parents had taken her to Nyaesh and who trained her in wariness and trying to avoid detection making their training look like a game until the day came when Carth witnessed the murder in cold blood of her mother in the streets and the imprisonment of her father, leaving her on her own and terrified. She was taken in by Hal and Vera who ran the tavern down by the docks and who said they took in strays but though Carte learned how to pick scraps to contribute towards her board and lodging all she wanted was to get revenge for the death of her parents. She hated the A’ras and blamed them for ending up alone and with so many unanswered questions. Then she met Jhon and her whole world turned on its head. He told her that she was shadow blessed and she started to discover who she really was and the kinds of powers she wielded which made her sought after by all three factions and put her life in so much danger. Seems that her parents were more than she thought they were, and she needed to find out her history. I am totally captivated by this intriguing tale, I love Carte’s strong character and am dying to read further into this trilogy to find out what she really is capable of doing.
September 17, 2016
Beautiful
This story pulls you into places you are sure you understand. Then you reach the end you need the next book. Beautiful.
This story pulls you into places you are sure you understand. Then you reach the end you need the next book. Beautiful.
January 2, 2018
Engaging and easy to read, hitting all the great fantasy tropes. Worth your time!
December 3, 2017
Good read!
Kept me engaged which has been rare lately with any fantasy novel. Well written and fast paced. Good character development without too much angst. Enjoyed it! Buying the next in the series.
Kept me engaged which has been rare lately with any fantasy novel. Well written and fast paced. Good character development without too much angst. Enjoyed it! Buying the next in the series.
January 18, 2018
A
Good book. A bit confusing as to the Rashien and who is who besides the A'san. Part of that is intentional, I believe. I'd still like a bit more clarity though. Like the characters. Still room for growth, which i believe will come.
Good book. A bit confusing as to the Rashien and who is who besides the A'san. Part of that is intentional, I believe. I'd still like a bit more clarity though. Like the characters. Still room for growth, which i believe will come.
November 28, 2016
Enjoyable but not much of a finish...
Written much better then The Dark Ability books in terms of repetition and explanations (particularly the first 3), but an anticlimactic ending with only small conflicts/ resolutions that leave the book feeling incomplete.
As the book is relatively short I don't see the point in breaking this into separate volumes when the story hasnt really made much progress at all.
Luckily the main character and her abilities do hold enough interest to encourage you to read the next book, but I feel this is another case where merging two books would result in a much more satisfying read. Currently it feels like I have been abandoned halfway, not the good cliff hanger type ending where I really want to buy the next installment, but the type where I am left a bit confused as to where the next chapter went.
With that said, I am enjoying Holmbergs world building and imagination to the point of starting another series... But largely because I am seeing improvements in narrative writing along the way.
Written much better then The Dark Ability books in terms of repetition and explanations (particularly the first 3), but an anticlimactic ending with only small conflicts/ resolutions that leave the book feeling incomplete.
As the book is relatively short I don't see the point in breaking this into separate volumes when the story hasnt really made much progress at all.
Luckily the main character and her abilities do hold enough interest to encourage you to read the next book, but I feel this is another case where merging two books would result in a much more satisfying read. Currently it feels like I have been abandoned halfway, not the good cliff hanger type ending where I really want to buy the next installment, but the type where I am left a bit confused as to where the next chapter went.
With that said, I am enjoying Holmbergs world building and imagination to the point of starting another series... But largely because I am seeing improvements in narrative writing along the way.
November 28, 2018
Shadow Blessed begins with something happening to Carth's parents. She doesn't understand what's going on and why, but she will have to live with some strange people in order to survive so she can get revenge. However, along the way she encounters a lot of twists and things about herself that her parents never spoke about, now she must figure out who to trust before it is too late.
This book was really interesting. I loved the Shadow ability that Carth had, and how brave she was. I felt like this book lacked something, I just wasn't sure what it was. And Carth was pretty awesome for having lost both her parents so soon, and having to go through all she did.
Overall, I liked this one, but it wasn't great and it wasn't bad either. It was an nice story to get into while passing the time with.
This book was really interesting. I loved the Shadow ability that Carth had, and how brave she was. I felt like this book lacked something, I just wasn't sure what it was. And Carth was pretty awesome for having lost both her parents so soon, and having to go through all she did.
Overall, I liked this one, but it wasn't great and it wasn't bad either. It was an nice story to get into while passing the time with.
November 30, 2016
The A'ras of Nyaesh have a terrifying reputation: skilled swordsmen, owners of powerful magic, and ruthless killers. When they kill her parents, Carth discovers her parents had trained her for magic she never knew she possessed. She must use the skills they taught to stay alive, discover a way to find answers, and avenge them if she can. Only the discovery of a greater threat than the A'ras forces her to risk herself for new friends and a home she never wanted.
This is one of those books which may have been written for young adults, but I find it is such a great story with great characters, everyone will enjoy this. The start of the book has you all turned around and not knowing what is going on, but towards the end it starts to become clear. Great Reading Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is one of those books which may have been written for young adults, but I find it is such a great story with great characters, everyone will enjoy this. The start of the book has you all turned around and not knowing what is going on, but towards the end it starts to become clear. Great Reading Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 9, 2017
Very good
This book is intriguing Alluring and captivating. I could not put it down. It possessed mystery intrigue and action in equal parts. I really enjoyed it.
The only negative was the culmination of this books storyline. The ending contradicted the beginning, if what Cart was told was true, the the beginning had to be written in error. I went back and compared the two. Though that could be a deliberate plot twist being set up for the next book. That or terrible editing and story telling. Until I read book two I won't know. But if it isn't a plot devise I shall be extremely disappointed.
This book is intriguing Alluring and captivating. I could not put it down. It possessed mystery intrigue and action in equal parts. I really enjoyed it.
The only negative was the culmination of this books storyline. The ending contradicted the beginning, if what Cart was told was true, the the beginning had to be written in error. I went back and compared the two. Though that could be a deliberate plot twist being set up for the next book. That or terrible editing and story telling. Until I read book two I won't know. But if it isn't a plot devise I shall be extremely disappointed.
January 1, 2018
Too many unanswered questions
This is more a prologue than an actual plot. Only three things of more happen. She may have the potiental of characters from this book showing up later, but a sentence of exposition is not worth reading this entire book. Would have much rather she been an adult tackling the politics of the world than a clueless child. Origin stories are good but you have to leave with a sense of what the world is about and who the key players are. I guess that's for the next book.
This is more a prologue than an actual plot. Only three things of more happen. She may have the potiental of characters from this book showing up later, but a sentence of exposition is not worth reading this entire book. Would have much rather she been an adult tackling the politics of the world than a clueless child. Origin stories are good but you have to leave with a sense of what the world is about and who the key players are. I guess that's for the next book.
October 8, 2016
Great story!
I have read many of this author's books and I have enjoyed all of them very much. This one is no exception! I wish more people would read his books. He is very talented and the world's he creates and the stories really are appealing. This book is perfectly clean and I am starting immediately on the next one!
I have read many of this author's books and I have enjoyed all of them very much. This one is no exception! I wish more people would read his books. He is very talented and the world's he creates and the stories really are appealing. This book is perfectly clean and I am starting immediately on the next one!
May 30, 2017
Good story
God story, characters are good and sympathetic. Watch the mystery begin and continue to an ending that brings more questions. I will !likely read the rest of the series.
God story, characters are good and sympathetic. Watch the mystery begin and continue to an ending that brings more questions. I will !likely read the rest of the series.
July 8, 2017
Free download from Amazon. The very nice cover caught my eye and I decided to give the book a try. It started quite well, but after a while I lost interest in the characters and I stopped reading altogether.
September 23, 2017
A really good Ya book!
I thought this book had an intriguing plot, with a lot of depth and a strong cast of characters. Emotional and gratifying. This book is an excellent series for adults also. Masterful writing.
I thought this book had an intriguing plot, with a lot of depth and a strong cast of characters. Emotional and gratifying. This book is an excellent series for adults also. Masterful writing.
September 5, 2016
Good read
Quick, fast paced. Main character is a little young but I wasn't bothered by that. I'm buying the next book to see we happens.
Quick, fast paced. Main character is a little young but I wasn't bothered by that. I'm buying the next book to see we happens.
October 28, 2016
Worth checking out. Interesting enough to want to read the next book.
December 30, 2016
Good storyline
This is the backstory to a character from another series. This gives you the beginnings of how she became trained
This is the backstory to a character from another series. This gives you the beginnings of how she became trained
January 21, 2017
Wow! fast pace full of actions and leaving you wanting more.
February 5, 2017
Fun to read
A good easy read. Would've been good to get a bit more action in it rather than alot of learning but it's a good lead into the next book and I still enjoyed it.
A good easy read. Would've been good to get a bit more action in it rather than alot of learning but it's a good lead into the next book and I still enjoyed it.
May 9, 2017
Fascinating story
Original plot, compelling characters, life and death drama, morals vs sin...love it! I highly recommend this book! Bring on book 2
Original plot, compelling characters, life and death drama, morals vs sin...love it! I highly recommend this book! Bring on book 2
May 16, 2017
This series opens with Carth's parents murdered. She begins to utilize magic instilled in her and seek allies in her fight to avenge their deaths.
June 8, 2017
Great
It took me awhile to really get into the story but once I did I couldn't get enough. Now on to the next book.
It took me awhile to really get into the story but once I did I couldn't get enough. Now on to the next book.
June 29, 2017
Child's perspective of epic fantasy
I really appreciate that we never stray from Carth as the eyes and ears of the story unfolding. You never hear enough to know what's happening.
I really appreciate that we never stray from Carth as the eyes and ears of the story unfolding. You never hear enough to know what's happening.
September 2, 2017
A light, easy-read fantasy with some interesting ideas but no real depth. Good for a mindless few hours, which is sometimes all you want.
September 7, 2017
😻
Was a very good book kinda needed that after some of th he ones I just read. I needed something to get lost in
Was a very good book kinda needed that after some of th he ones I just read. I needed something to get lost in
April 22, 2019
Interesting premise, but ultimately disappointing.
Carth is 12 when her parents are killed and she is left alone in a dangerous foreign city to seek revenge. As she struggles to survive, Carth begins to realize she has mysterious abilities...
For me, this book fell apart because of insufficient world building. It’s relatively short (about 200 pages), but Carth still spends about half of the book just pickpocketing. There are so many significant people and organizations Carth encounters, but none of them are fleshed out; they’re presumed to have sinister motives, but there are no concrete details provided. None of the more knowledgeable characters will explain the various factions to Carth (or the reader), so the world is extremely confusing. It’s like the author couldn’t be bothered to figure things out, so instead he created a society where everyone is averse to verbalizing information.
The ending is a cliffhanger with a bizarre twist. The story wasn’t compelling enough for me to read the rest of the series, though.
New rule: disappointing books are not allowed to have cool titles.
Carth is 12 when her parents are killed and she is left alone in a dangerous foreign city to seek revenge. As she struggles to survive, Carth begins to realize she has mysterious abilities...
For me, this book fell apart because of insufficient world building. It’s relatively short (about 200 pages), but Carth still spends about half of the book just pickpocketing. There are so many significant people and organizations Carth encounters, but none of them are fleshed out; they’re presumed to have sinister motives, but there are no concrete details provided. None of the more knowledgeable characters will explain the various factions to Carth (or the reader), so the world is extremely confusing. It’s like the author couldn’t be bothered to figure things out, so instead he created a society where everyone is averse to verbalizing information.
The ending is a cliffhanger with a bizarre twist. The story wasn’t compelling enough for me to read the rest of the series, though.
New rule: disappointing books are not allowed to have cool titles.
September 22, 2021
Great Series
I am actually starting book four, but I thought I'd come back and do s review so you would be inspired to read the series.
Carth is a young girl with unknown magical abilities. She is 12 when her mother is killed and her father disappeared, supposedly he is killed too.
She's befriended by a tavern owner and his wife. They take in strays and try to protect them. She is rooming with two young boys. They teach her how to snatch and grab wallets. They give most of the money to the tavern owners and keep some for themselves. No one shares their pasts. Everyone is so secretive. You are dying to know what the heck is going on.
Carthene is eventually taken to a school that is protected by the palace. There she begins to learn about her abilities and finds out that she is truly different than the other students. She is perpetually singled out and keeps her secrets to herself until she can figure out who to trust, if anyone.
As I said I am starting book four tonight. There are six books in the series. It's great opportunity for me to binge read another fun series.
I am actually starting book four, but I thought I'd come back and do s review so you would be inspired to read the series.
Carth is a young girl with unknown magical abilities. She is 12 when her mother is killed and her father disappeared, supposedly he is killed too.
She's befriended by a tavern owner and his wife. They take in strays and try to protect them. She is rooming with two young boys. They teach her how to snatch and grab wallets. They give most of the money to the tavern owners and keep some for themselves. No one shares their pasts. Everyone is so secretive. You are dying to know what the heck is going on.
Carthene is eventually taken to a school that is protected by the palace. There she begins to learn about her abilities and finds out that she is truly different than the other students. She is perpetually singled out and keeps her secrets to herself until she can figure out who to trust, if anyone.
As I said I am starting book four tonight. There are six books in the series. It's great opportunity for me to binge read another fun series.
February 4, 2022
I am awed by yet another series by Holmberg. Each one is unique which makes me wonder where he gets his ideas from. Shadow Blessed is another one of those books. It’s about a young girl who is able to sink into the shadows around her to remain invisible. Although she has developed this talent from the encouragement of her father before he died, she still needs training to improve her other talents. With the help of Jhon she leaves the security of her second home to seek training with her other talents. At times I felt this story dragged on and kept hoping it would pick up at anytime. However, the conclusion came up quickly and now we are on to the second book of the series. At this point I can only recommend this book for its uniqueness but even that is worthwhile for a peek into this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews