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The Shadow Accords #2
Shadow Cursed
When Carthenne Rel first came to Nyaesh, she feared the A'ras. Now she trains with them, struggling to use the magic they teach, and cut off from the shadow blessing within her. Isolated for her differences, she has only a few friends among the other students. When the strange and powerful Master Invar offers to teach her to access the powers warring within her, Carth is isolated even more. As the deadly Reshian attack the city, Carth discovers a secret, one linked to the shadows she must suppress, and the combination of her magic is key to the A'ras survival. She needs to master her abilities as an even more dangerous threat appears, one that changes everything she's become, and challenges everything she knows about her past.
270 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2016
426 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 5, 2017
I did not relate to Carth at all. I felt like nothing happened because she was so blah about everything. I only read the second because I accidentally bought it on kindle.
Magic system is mildly interesting.
Magic system is mildly interesting.
January 20, 2018
A
Much like the first book, there is much that is unclear, that you feel you missed somehow. Like there was a prequel explaining the peoples of the world. Yet the characters are so engaging. There is some kind of pull to the book that doesn't want to release you.
There was some growth in different areas for the mc. She's not super dimensional, but she still draws you in. I suspect as she grows and gains more experiences, her character will gain dimension. I liked Semis in this story.
Much like the first book, there is much that is unclear, that you feel you missed somehow. Like there was a prequel explaining the peoples of the world. Yet the characters are so engaging. There is some kind of pull to the book that doesn't want to release you.
There was some growth in different areas for the mc. She's not super dimensional, but she still draws you in. I suspect as she grows and gains more experiences, her character will gain dimension. I liked Semis in this story.
December 21, 2020
Carth used to fear and hate the A'ras blaming them for her mothers' cold blooded murder however now she is training with them and though she is still singled out for her differences she is still making headway where it matters. Master Invar chooses to see potential in her and raises her to sai, a status the other students envy. He also takes her out into the city where she discovers that she once she uses the powers of her shadow blessing and combines these with those of the A'ras she can battle most anyone. When the palace is attacked by Hjan she is the only one able to stop the assassins who kill the A'ras very easily. She still needs to seek many answers but she knows she will not find these behind the palace walls and that it is time for her to break from the A'ras and seek her history and her destiny. I love that this series is full of different types of magic and full of so many twists and turns to the story of who Carth really is. I am really looking forward to the next book in this very compelling series.
February 17, 2023
A few answered questions from Book 1 but not many. How can Carth still not know who the players are in the war(s)? She’s been studying for 5 years and didn’t research the Hjan, Aras, Ih, … anyone?? And then new inaccuracies are introduced… like how one Shadow walker(?) use shadows within the walls but Carth, a shadow born who is supposed to be stronger, cannot? And he travels who-knows-how-far to determine if Carth is Ih, but only judges her by her features? Really guy? Because her hair isn’t the right color she can’t be shadow-whatever? Mkay.
Also, it’s mentioned multiple times the Aras are the main defense against the Hjan… then why are there only a hundred or so of them? They have been a “group” for generations and that’s all you got? No wonder territories are being wiped off the map.
And the alliances at the end left gaping questions regarding the altercation a few chapters prior. Just doesn’t make sense
Also, it’s mentioned multiple times the Aras are the main defense against the Hjan… then why are there only a hundred or so of them? They have been a “group” for generations and that’s all you got? No wonder territories are being wiped off the map.
And the alliances at the end left gaping questions regarding the altercation a few chapters prior. Just doesn’t make sense
June 28, 2022
The second installment in The Shadow Accords. Carthenne Rel, the shadow blessed girl from Ih-lash whose parents were killed has been spending the last few years being trained by the A’ras. But that type of magic is different and burns her so much she is slow. Inside the palace training grounds, she cannot draw on the shadows. Until the grounds are attacked, and a part of the wall is collapsed. Then she helps to defeat the invaders by focusing the shadows through her found A’ras knife. But will the A’ras think her an enemy because of her shadow magic? Can she keep her secret of will it lead to her being ejected at best, or executed as a suspected motive?
February 6, 2022
Will Carth ever learn?
This next book in the series is not much different than the first. Carth struggles with a lot of introspection trying to flesh out what she has learned and it’s significance. Sometimes it feels as if it takes too long a time for her to understand. I kept expecting something to pop out at anytime. However, that didn’t happen until almost the end. I’m getting the feeling that Mr. Holmberg does this on purpose in order to capture his audience for the next book in the series. Well it worked for me this time. On to the next book.
This next book in the series is not much different than the first. Carth struggles with a lot of introspection trying to flesh out what she has learned and it’s significance. Sometimes it feels as if it takes too long a time for her to understand. I kept expecting something to pop out at anytime. However, that didn’t happen until almost the end. I’m getting the feeling that Mr. Holmberg does this on purpose in order to capture his audience for the next book in the series. Well it worked for me this time. On to the next book.
January 21, 2025
Carth is on the road to discovery. Discovery of herself and the world around her. The world is not as it seems, nor is she. Friends are hard to come by as she does not fit well into the world in which she resides.
She acquires a mentor to help her grow, but also to help save the world in which she exists. It is a difficult existence but discovery comes to her with the effort she expends and the knowledge she acquires.
This is a good trip along a magical road with a determined young woman. Recommended for those who like magic, action and woman on the road of self discovery.
She acquires a mentor to help her grow, but also to help save the world in which she exists. It is a difficult existence but discovery comes to her with the effort she expends and the knowledge she acquires.
This is a good trip along a magical road with a determined young woman. Recommended for those who like magic, action and woman on the road of self discovery.
March 19, 2020
This book is worthwhile
The heroine of the story has discovered her abilities to fight with shadow Magic and In this book she is learning to fight with a different kind of magic. The plot is complicated which keeps it interesting. I had a hard time putting his foot down. I would recommend this to anyone. It’s clean of foul language and has no sexual content. However, there is some violence.
The heroine of the story has discovered her abilities to fight with shadow Magic and In this book she is learning to fight with a different kind of magic. The plot is complicated which keeps it interesting. I had a hard time putting his foot down. I would recommend this to anyone. It’s clean of foul language and has no sexual content. However, there is some violence.
April 20, 2024
Better than the first
So I was worried that this was going to be as slow as the first one. However the author used a time skip and some years have passed in-between.
The setting is well described, although limited in scope. The characters are extremely well fleshed out. The story is believable and the characters behave in an expected way.
The end of the book is a little forced though.
So I was worried that this was going to be as slow as the first one. However the author used a time skip and some years have passed in-between.
The setting is well described, although limited in scope. The characters are extremely well fleshed out. The story is believable and the characters behave in an expected way.
The end of the book is a little forced though.
August 17, 2022
Shadow Cursed/ book 2 in The Shadow Accords
I have read many books by D. K. Holmberg and he never ceases to amaze me. The characters practically jump off the pages! His use of imagery brings you into the story which is filled with adventure, excitement, magic, twists and turns! I would recommend this book as well as anything else by him!
I have read many books by D. K. Holmberg and he never ceases to amaze me. The characters practically jump off the pages! His use of imagery brings you into the story which is filled with adventure, excitement, magic, twists and turns! I would recommend this book as well as anything else by him!
July 1, 2017
Good
Carth continues reacting. And following the plans of others. She doesn't really develop any further than when she was 12... gonna give the next book a try but this one was as satisfactory as the Star Wars pretrilogy.
Carth continues reacting. And following the plans of others. She doesn't really develop any further than when she was 12... gonna give the next book a try but this one was as satisfactory as the Star Wars pretrilogy.
August 19, 2017
It was thoroughly enjoyable and totally original.
The characters are well developed, the story transitions smoothly from one chapter to the next, and you feel empathy for the main character and what she is going through.
Started the second book in the series.
The characters are well developed, the story transitions smoothly from one chapter to the next, and you feel empathy for the main character and what she is going through.
Started the second book in the series.
April 23, 2018
Book 2
Book 2 was a fun read and had errors throughout. The plot and characters have grown well. Carth learns a lot while in the city and has more to learn from other and about herself. I look forward to book 3
Book 2 was a fun read and had errors throughout. The plot and characters have grown well. Carth learns a lot while in the city and has more to learn from other and about herself. I look forward to book 3
June 30, 2018
Very good read, very mysterious and intense.
Can't think of anything I disliked. Could not stop reading. Never give 5 stars because there is no where to go if I find something better.
Can't think of anything I disliked. Could not stop reading. Never give 5 stars because there is no where to go if I find something better.
June 29, 2019
Carth
Carth is trained in A'ras magic. She's been inside the palace for 5 years. Invar one of the masters notices her and helps train her, also elevates her level. She saves him from attacks of the Hjan, by using her shadow magic. But the A'ras think she has betrayed them. She leaves with the Reshian to shadow train with them.
Carth is trained in A'ras magic. She's been inside the palace for 5 years. Invar one of the masters notices her and helps train her, also elevates her level. She saves him from attacks of the Hjan, by using her shadow magic. But the A'ras think she has betrayed them. She leaves with the Reshian to shadow train with them.
April 9, 2020
fire through blood
Darth spent her time pulling the magic of the A'ras through her body. she was powerful, but the magic came so slowly. her school is attacked by forces that antagonize both her fire and her shadows. and she goes on the move.
Darth spent her time pulling the magic of the A'ras through her body. she was powerful, but the magic came so slowly. her school is attacked by forces that antagonize both her fire and her shadows. and she goes on the move.
June 1, 2020
Clean Fantasy
I enjoyed reading this story about a young woman who loses her parents to murder and the life she leads trying to understand her magical abilities. I look forward to reading more in this series.
I enjoyed reading this story about a young woman who loses her parents to murder and the life she leads trying to understand her magical abilities. I look forward to reading more in this series.
September 28, 2022
Glad I stuck with it!
1st book in the series had a slow start but this one is much more action packed. And the character/world development is really good. Lot's if mysteries for the main character to figure out. Looking forward to book 3!
1st book in the series had a slow start but this one is much more action packed. And the character/world development is really good. Lot's if mysteries for the main character to figure out. Looking forward to book 3!
January 31, 2023
Very good second book
Very good second book and much faster than the first one. I was a bit sad how the second book ended but I guess the story must continue and we’ll see what happens next.
Very good second book and much faster than the first one. I was a bit sad how the second book ended but I guess the story must continue and we’ll see what happens next.
November 8, 2016
Not bad, but I didn't like it as much as the first one. I can't pinpoint exactly why, but it just didn't resonate the same way with me.
April 25, 2018
this is just so intriguing, can't put this down! the first book was awesome, but this is just intense. it just keeps me wanting more.
July 17, 2024
3.5 stars
December 17, 2025
Magic is certainly unpredictable, and so are friends.
December 5, 2016
When Carthenne Rel first came to Nyaesh, she feared the A’ras. Now she trains with them, struggling to use the magic they teach, and cut off from the shadow blessing within her. Isolated for her differences, she has only a few friends among the other students. When the strange and powerful Master Invar offers to teach her to access the powers warring within her, Carth is isolated even more. As the deadly Reshian attack the city, Carth discovers a secret, one linked to the shadows she must suppress, and the combination of her magic is key to the A'ras survival. She needs to master her abilities as an even more dangerous threat appears, one that changes everything she’s become, and challenges everything she knows about her past.
A great series to read and this book carries on where the first left off. The story and the characters are great, the author does a great job in keeping everything flowing. Great Reading Everyone!
A great series to read and this book carries on where the first left off. The story and the characters are great, the author does a great job in keeping everything flowing. Great Reading Everyone!
October 18, 2016
Wonderful!
I am loving this series. I am very anxious for the next one. Great characters and exciting plot. I am not good at reviews but DK Holmberg is a fantastic author!
I am loving this series. I am very anxious for the next one. Great characters and exciting plot. I am not good at reviews but DK Holmberg is a fantastic author!
April 15, 2017
Enjoyed it
I enjoyed this one more than the first. Nice easy read and enough action and mystery to keep you going.
I enjoyed this one more than the first. Nice easy read and enough action and mystery to keep you going.
May 30, 2017
A little slower paced and still entertaining. Kept me intrigued.
Read
June 20, 2017loving the series, totally sucked in and can't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews