Shadowglade

Gem Powers #2

by Kay L. Ling

BEWARE of sentient spell books!

Lana's plan to create a better life for the gnomes meets a deadly setback. The gnomes' defeated queen has a sentient spell book with a bad attitude and instructions for revenge. Outsmarting the castle's wards and booby traps turns into a daily challenge, and Lana and her companions hope that's the worst they face. Unfortunately, the imprisoned queen would sooner die than let the gnomes rule themselves, and unless Lana and her allies can stop the disasters the spell book has set in motion, the gnomes may not survive long enough to enjoy their newfound freedom.

In this unique portal story, readers travel to the gnome world where gemstones have amazing powers and wonders and perils await. Sequel to Beyond the Forest, praised as: "A bright fantasy for readers who are tired of exaggerated violence and slippery morals." -- Kirkus Reviews

298 pages, Paperback

Published April 4, 2017

About the author

Thanks for visiting my page! I've been writing stories since I was in grade school, and I've always loved the fantasy genre. For years, my career kept me too busy to write, but those days are finally over.

I like to write books that don't have the typical Western pseudo-medieval setting, and I enjoy non-human characters. If you're looking for something fresh and new in the fantasy genre, I hope you'll give my books a try.

Reviews

[Greg Meritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Shadowglade, the continuation of the author's first book, Beyond the Forest. Shadowglade is enjoyable and full of surprises. Lana and friends have captured Sheamathan, referred to later as "S", but the challenges have just begun. I'm not normally a reader of fantasy, but I found myself immersed in this story, wondering what would happen next. If you want to learn about folklore and gemstones, gnomes and breghlin, then look no further. You won't be disappointed!

[Michelle Kidd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadowglade is the sequel to Beyond the Forest. This is a charming fantasy series by Ms. Ling. Wholesome and entertaining for readers of all ages, Lana’s story continues as she attempts to build a bridge between the gnomes and breghlin. I most enjoyed how the author develops characters from the first book and makes them endearing, but I don’t want to reveal too much. If you loved the first book, you’re sure to be a fan of the second book as well.

[Charlene Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good clean fun

The characters are engaging and the story is fun. It's interesting looking up the different gem stones. Mrs. Ling has talent and imagination. I'm pleased to have this series in my library and I am really looking forward to the next book.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book to the series was just as good. It also had a nice steady pace to keep the story moving along. I loved the world the author made for their characters in the story. It was a nice adventure, mystery, and suspense all rolled into a beautifully written story of folklore. I hope to read more from the author. The author can pull me in and make me forget my world as I follow Lana around. I do hope to read more from the author, so I will be stalking their book shelves for more of their books to read.

Got from Hidden Gems ARC Club for an honest review.
Thank you for letting me read your story.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the villian has been defeated, what happens? Shadowglade is the beginning of answers to the events that created Beyond the Forest. How did S end up in power? What will happen now that she's been defeated? How can Shadow be restored? I very much enjoyed Shadowglad as a continuation of Beyond the Forest. I especially liked how Ling approached the entire issue of the breghlin (with care to treat them as abused characters, rather than one dimensional monsters) and how we got a couple chapter from Jules' point of view.

[Marzena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting fantasy with funny characters. This book have a few surprise and twist. The story line develops and has adventure, mystery, and suspense. I liked it very much. Looking forward to read more by this author. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know when I began this was the 2nd book of a series and may have learned from the background of book one a few of the questions I had. That said, this book is well written with likable characters. I'm going back to read book one.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

Love the whole gnome world. This is the only series O have read where gnomes are the focus and it has been awesome. Anyone that enjoys epic fantasy should also like this series.

[Toni L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far this has been a great series.

[Ama Zon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

I love how smoothly the books flowed together. Kay L. King did a great job letting the reader get to know the characters more as well as progress the story.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little read that had more plot twists and development than I expected. Enough to make me want to read #3!

[Stan Semerod · Rating 3 out of 5]

ENJOYABLE

I enjoyed this book and I think you will too. I think the 2nd book was better than the 1st.

[Jada Ryker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Heroine’s Work is Never Done

In the excellent sequel to Beyond the Forest, Lana is back. She and her friends have their work cut out for them this time. They have to find a way to undo Sheamathan’s work, hundreds of years in the making.

Kay L. Ling is a great world builder. The imaginative story is well-written, with characters who will stick with you long after the story is done.

I’ll leave you with a quote from J. R. R. Tolkien:

Darkness must pass
A new day will come
And when the sun shines
It will shine out the clearer.