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The Vengeance Trilogy #0.5
In Shadows We Fall
You will die. Your children will die. The empire will burn.
Empress Li is out of favour at court. Foreign-born and past her prime, she is to be set aside. But she won't go quietly. With nothing left to lose, Li will do anything to stop Emperor Lan signing a secret alliance that could tear the empire apart. Yet when her life is threatened, old mistakes come back to haunt her and only a three-year-old boy can change the course of history.
With everything at stake, could an innocent child be the best assassin?
Empress Li is out of favour at court. Foreign-born and past her prime, she is to be set aside. But she won't go quietly. With nothing left to lose, Li will do anything to stop Emperor Lan signing a secret alliance that could tear the empire apart. Yet when her life is threatened, old mistakes come back to haunt her and only a three-year-old boy can change the course of history.
With everything at stake, could an innocent child be the best assassin?
104 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2017
15 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
About the author
Devin Madson
14 books563 followersDevin Madson is an Aurealis Award-winning fantasy author from Australia. After some sucky teenage years, she gave up reality and is now a dual-wielding rogue who works through every tiny side-quest and always ends up too over-powered for the final boss. Anything but zen, Devin subsists on tea and chocolate and so much fried zucchini she ought to have turned into one by now. Her fantasy novels come in all shades of grey and are populated with characters of questionable morals and a liking for witty banter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 18, 2018
4.5/5 stars
In Shadows We Fall is an Asian inspired fantasy that won the Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novella in 2017, and it’s a well-deserved achievement.
I was away on a one week vacation and I barely had time to read anything except during my airplane ride. For this reason, I needed a novella or something short to fill my reading needs and I chose this book randomly because guess what? You can actually get this 108 pages novella for free just by subscribing to the author’s mailing list, which is an amazing gift. I’ll try to keep my review as brief as possible because this is a short book and I don’t want to spoil anything for future readers.
In my opinion, a prequel novella should be able to spark readers’ interest in the main series without having the readers feeling lost or like they’re missing something by not reading the main series first, and this novella succeeded wonderfully on that front. Like I said, In Shadows We Fall is an Asian (mostly Japanese) influenced fantasy novella and as an Asian myself, I always appreciate authors who do their research and implement Asian culture in their novels. This novella was an engaging experience for me; although it was only an hour read, the book provided the necessary amount of information regarding its characterizations, world-building, culture, and magic system to make sure the reader is compelled to finish the book and is looking forward to reading more about this world. For example, after reading this I’m very eager to find out about what journey lies ahead for one of the side characters, the three-year-old boy (an Empath: someone with an ability to feel other people’s emotions), Takehiko Otako, who also turns out to be one of the main characters for Madson’s Vengeance trilogy.
The tension and characterizations packed into this short book was a pleasant surprise. The main character, Empress Li, is out of favor at court. Judged for being foreign-born, and because she’s past her prime age, she’s bound to be set aside soon. The story focused on her determination to not go down quietly and at the same time, her efforts to stop Emperor Lan from signing a secret alliance that’s capable of breaking the empire apart. It’s not an easy job to build a completely new and well-fleshed-out character with clear and believable motivations within the scope of a mere 100 pages; Madson executed this with finesse. The action scenes were also great, and the prose was very well-polished with no typos.
There were two minor downsides I found while reading the book (if you can call these downsides). Firstly, it was too short; I wanted more! (Like I said, not a real issue.) I also have a strong feeling that I would enjoy this novella even more once I’ve read at least the first book of the main trilogy. (Once again, not an issue). In other words: I simply need to read more stories from this world and series.
Overall, In Shadows We Fall was an enthralling and evocative read. Great Asian influenced fantasy novels are very rare to find these days. After reading this, I have a good feeling that the main trilogy will be able to satisfy my insatiable craving for more amazing Asian-inspired epic fantasy. Honestly speaking, I rarely add books to my TBR these days but this novella immediately made me add the main trilogy to my TBR upon finishing it. In fact, I’m even putting Madson’s Vengeance trilogy into my priority reading list for the year. The novella was only 108 pages long and I was completely engaged the whole time; I ignored my surroundings during my read and now I’m definitely looking forward to reading more about the characters, the magic, and the world of Kisia.
For those of you who are interested in Madson’s main series and find yourself wondering whether you should get to it or not, this novella serves as a delicious appetizer before getting to her main course; I’ll get back to you on the main course’s taste within this year once I’m done devouring them. Meanwhile, I highly recommend this novella for anyone who’s looking for a short and marvelous Asian-inspired fantasy novella to read.
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
In Shadows We Fall is an Asian inspired fantasy that won the Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novella in 2017, and it’s a well-deserved achievement.
I was away on a one week vacation and I barely had time to read anything except during my airplane ride. For this reason, I needed a novella or something short to fill my reading needs and I chose this book randomly because guess what? You can actually get this 108 pages novella for free just by subscribing to the author’s mailing list, which is an amazing gift. I’ll try to keep my review as brief as possible because this is a short book and I don’t want to spoil anything for future readers.
In my opinion, a prequel novella should be able to spark readers’ interest in the main series without having the readers feeling lost or like they’re missing something by not reading the main series first, and this novella succeeded wonderfully on that front. Like I said, In Shadows We Fall is an Asian (mostly Japanese) influenced fantasy novella and as an Asian myself, I always appreciate authors who do their research and implement Asian culture in their novels. This novella was an engaging experience for me; although it was only an hour read, the book provided the necessary amount of information regarding its characterizations, world-building, culture, and magic system to make sure the reader is compelled to finish the book and is looking forward to reading more about this world. For example, after reading this I’m very eager to find out about what journey lies ahead for one of the side characters, the three-year-old boy (an Empath: someone with an ability to feel other people’s emotions), Takehiko Otako, who also turns out to be one of the main characters for Madson’s Vengeance trilogy.
The tension and characterizations packed into this short book was a pleasant surprise. The main character, Empress Li, is out of favor at court. Judged for being foreign-born, and because she’s past her prime age, she’s bound to be set aside soon. The story focused on her determination to not go down quietly and at the same time, her efforts to stop Emperor Lan from signing a secret alliance that’s capable of breaking the empire apart. It’s not an easy job to build a completely new and well-fleshed-out character with clear and believable motivations within the scope of a mere 100 pages; Madson executed this with finesse. The action scenes were also great, and the prose was very well-polished with no typos.
There were two minor downsides I found while reading the book (if you can call these downsides). Firstly, it was too short; I wanted more! (Like I said, not a real issue.) I also have a strong feeling that I would enjoy this novella even more once I’ve read at least the first book of the main trilogy. (Once again, not an issue). In other words: I simply need to read more stories from this world and series.
Overall, In Shadows We Fall was an enthralling and evocative read. Great Asian influenced fantasy novels are very rare to find these days. After reading this, I have a good feeling that the main trilogy will be able to satisfy my insatiable craving for more amazing Asian-inspired epic fantasy. Honestly speaking, I rarely add books to my TBR these days but this novella immediately made me add the main trilogy to my TBR upon finishing it. In fact, I’m even putting Madson’s Vengeance trilogy into my priority reading list for the year. The novella was only 108 pages long and I was completely engaged the whole time; I ignored my surroundings during my read and now I’m definitely looking forward to reading more about the characters, the magic, and the world of Kisia.
For those of you who are interested in Madson’s main series and find yourself wondering whether you should get to it or not, this novella serves as a delicious appetizer before getting to her main course; I’ll get back to you on the main course’s taste within this year once I’m done devouring them. Meanwhile, I highly recommend this novella for anyone who’s looking for a short and marvelous Asian-inspired fantasy novella to read.
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
July 4, 2018
In Shadows We Fall by Devin Madson
*****4.5*****
After seeing a glowing review from my friend Petrik, I looked up this book on Kobo.com and found it for free! A glowing review from a friend + free ebook = had to give it a try. I immediately bought The Blood of Whisperers and its sequels as they too were on sale as a box set for $9.99.
In Shadows We Fall is a Novella inspired mostly by Japanese culture and delivers brilliantly both in world-building and plot. Characterization was the weakest point in this story but I put that down to it being so short and focusing on plot instead to draw you in, which by the way I think it does brilliantly. We're also in the head of the main character and she is a bit too preoccupied with what's going on around her to tell us too much about the other characters.
The writing felt almost effortless on the part of the authour and fully engaging. We follow Empress Li (a foreigner), as she falls from the Emperor's favour and is to be put aside for another. Her final days within the palace walls see her embroiled in a conspiracy and a desperate attempt to save the lives of her children. She is at once both maternal and extremely fierce, proud and yet submissive when it will save her life.
I've noticed a lot of Asian inspired fantasy coming out recently and I have to say I'm really enjoying it. The different feel from the traditional European middle-ages is refreshing. Though some authours still manage to use that setting very well.
My main issues were the same as those put forth by my friend Petrik. 1. The book was too short, and 2. I feel like there is so much more to be learned by reading the Vengeance Trilogy. I really enjoyed the glimpse into this world/story and an introduction to a new authour for free. It made me feel very comfortable buying the rest of the story. I wish more authours would put forth a small sampling of their works for us to preview.
I'm really looking forward to the trilogy that awaits me.
*****4.5*****
After seeing a glowing review from my friend Petrik, I looked up this book on Kobo.com and found it for free! A glowing review from a friend + free ebook = had to give it a try. I immediately bought The Blood of Whisperers and its sequels as they too were on sale as a box set for $9.99.
In Shadows We Fall is a Novella inspired mostly by Japanese culture and delivers brilliantly both in world-building and plot. Characterization was the weakest point in this story but I put that down to it being so short and focusing on plot instead to draw you in, which by the way I think it does brilliantly. We're also in the head of the main character and she is a bit too preoccupied with what's going on around her to tell us too much about the other characters.
The writing felt almost effortless on the part of the authour and fully engaging. We follow Empress Li (a foreigner), as she falls from the Emperor's favour and is to be put aside for another. Her final days within the palace walls see her embroiled in a conspiracy and a desperate attempt to save the lives of her children. She is at once both maternal and extremely fierce, proud and yet submissive when it will save her life.
I've noticed a lot of Asian inspired fantasy coming out recently and I have to say I'm really enjoying it. The different feel from the traditional European middle-ages is refreshing. Though some authours still manage to use that setting very well.
My main issues were the same as those put forth by my friend Petrik. 1. The book was too short, and 2. I feel like there is so much more to be learned by reading the Vengeance Trilogy. I really enjoyed the glimpse into this world/story and an introduction to a new authour for free. It made me feel very comfortable buying the rest of the story. I wish more authours would put forth a small sampling of their works for us to preview.
I'm really looking forward to the trilogy that awaits me.
June 19, 2019
Rating: ★★★★★
Synopsis
“You will die. Your children will die. The empire will burn.”
Empress Li is out of favour at court. Foreign-born and past her prime, she is to be set aside. But she won’t go quietly. With nothing left to lose, Li will do anything to stop Emperor Lan signing a secret alliance that could tear the empire apart. Yet when her life is threatened, old mistakes come back to haunt her and only a three-year-old boy can change the course of history.
With everything at stake, could an innocent child be the best assassin?
Review
Thanks to the author for an advanced reading copy of In Shadows We Fall in exchange for an honest review. Receiving this eARC did not influence my thoughts or opinions on the novella.
Devin Madson is an author I found via social media, especially through her time in Mark Lawrence’s SPFBO. We Ride the Storm (and its sequel that has been tabled for the time being due to some big pub news) has been on my radar since its original cover reveal, but with the way times are and with so many books to read, it continues to get pushed down the mountain. Luckily for me, In Shadows We Fall was the ability to see just how good the author’s chops were and to see if I should continue my pursuit.
Based on the cover alone, artwork by John Anthony Di Giovanni and design by Shawn King, this novella begs to be devoured. Good news is: the story inside is just as good, if not better. Madson has won me over as a fan with this beautifully written and completely enamoring introduction to her Vengeance trilogy. A perfect combination of political intrigue, familial love, and murder. What’s not to like?
The author does a phenomenal job of packing A TON into such a short story. At only 108 pages, it is an quick afternoon or pre-bedtime read that leaves you wanting more with a cliffhanger conclusion. Having said that, the time spent becoming fully engrossed in this gorgeous world Madson has built and walking alongside Empress Li in this trying time is well worth the price of admission. It is easy to see why the author has been touched by the major publishing fairy.
If novellas are your thing, don’t hesitate to pick this one up. And if you are looking for an introduction to Madson’s work, look no further. I, for one, cannot wait to read the rest of this series and beyond. I’ve heard nothing but great things.
Synopsis
“You will die. Your children will die. The empire will burn.”
Empress Li is out of favour at court. Foreign-born and past her prime, she is to be set aside. But she won’t go quietly. With nothing left to lose, Li will do anything to stop Emperor Lan signing a secret alliance that could tear the empire apart. Yet when her life is threatened, old mistakes come back to haunt her and only a three-year-old boy can change the course of history.
With everything at stake, could an innocent child be the best assassin?
Review
Thanks to the author for an advanced reading copy of In Shadows We Fall in exchange for an honest review. Receiving this eARC did not influence my thoughts or opinions on the novella.
Devin Madson is an author I found via social media, especially through her time in Mark Lawrence’s SPFBO. We Ride the Storm (and its sequel that has been tabled for the time being due to some big pub news) has been on my radar since its original cover reveal, but with the way times are and with so many books to read, it continues to get pushed down the mountain. Luckily for me, In Shadows We Fall was the ability to see just how good the author’s chops were and to see if I should continue my pursuit.
Based on the cover alone, artwork by John Anthony Di Giovanni and design by Shawn King, this novella begs to be devoured. Good news is: the story inside is just as good, if not better. Madson has won me over as a fan with this beautifully written and completely enamoring introduction to her Vengeance trilogy. A perfect combination of political intrigue, familial love, and murder. What’s not to like?
The author does a phenomenal job of packing A TON into such a short story. At only 108 pages, it is an quick afternoon or pre-bedtime read that leaves you wanting more with a cliffhanger conclusion. Having said that, the time spent becoming fully engrossed in this gorgeous world Madson has built and walking alongside Empress Li in this trying time is well worth the price of admission. It is easy to see why the author has been touched by the major publishing fairy.
If novellas are your thing, don’t hesitate to pick this one up. And if you are looking for an introduction to Madson’s work, look no further. I, for one, cannot wait to read the rest of this series and beyond. I’ve heard nothing but great things.
April 15, 2019
I wanted to read this stand alone novella to see if I would like the author, well, I am really glad I did! Strong, purposeful, driven writing to say the least, are just some of the passionate responses invoked by this book. Devin Madson has written an intense, raw tale of intrigue, betrayal and loyalty that has not only captured my interest and imagination but piqued my curiosity and left me wanting more,...now!
I certainly look forward to begin her Vengeance and Reborn Empire trilogy's as soon as possible.
I certainly look forward to begin her Vengeance and Reborn Empire trilogy's as soon as possible.
June 22, 2018
This novella will make readers hunger for the Vengeance Trilogy.
The story of Empress Li and Emperor Han sets the background for a highly layered fantasy series. As grim and bloody as they come, the characters and setting are extremely well developed. I started this journey with We Ride the Storm, knowing it was a later setting in an intricate saga. In Shadows We Fall is a highly satisfying read even if it leaves you desperate for answers to questions that span generations.
An aging Empress is being cast aside for a younger woman, but will she will stop at nothing to save her children. Her eldest son and heir to the throne already firmly within the grasp of his father, the emperor, she begins a battle against a fate foretold by a seer. A fate in which she and her children will all die. Caught up in the spiraling politics of the court, the most powerful weapon the empress wields is her youngest son.
Madson is a highly polished writer, and any thread she pulls in this intricate tapestry becomes an irresistible tale.
The story of Empress Li and Emperor Han sets the background for a highly layered fantasy series. As grim and bloody as they come, the characters and setting are extremely well developed. I started this journey with We Ride the Storm, knowing it was a later setting in an intricate saga. In Shadows We Fall is a highly satisfying read even if it leaves you desperate for answers to questions that span generations.
An aging Empress is being cast aside for a younger woman, but will she will stop at nothing to save her children. Her eldest son and heir to the throne already firmly within the grasp of his father, the emperor, she begins a battle against a fate foretold by a seer. A fate in which she and her children will all die. Caught up in the spiraling politics of the court, the most powerful weapon the empress wields is her youngest son.
Madson is a highly polished writer, and any thread she pulls in this intricate tapestry becomes an irresistible tale.
July 7, 2018
4/5 stars
I love me a good fantasy novella - I think that they are a sure sign of how talented the author is. It is no easy feat to comprise something tangible and complete in so little pages.
This novella is a prequel to author's The Vengeance Trilogy and it does a great job of making the reader crave more of this world, more of the setting, more of the beautiful writing and to just know what happens next??
Obviously, I already purchased the first book in the trilogy - I mean how could you not?
I've been craving more asian inspired fantasy books and this honestly couldn't have come at a better time. In Shadows we Fall is a perfect mix of power hungry delusional emperor, a conspiracy, a mother who would do anything for her children and magic that puts fear into your bones.
Being a novella it is short, like very short. And that's probably my only complaint with it - because I really, really wanted more! Even 10 more pages would have done the trick, but instead I am left with millions of questions and a burning desire to read the next book immediately (I just might to be honest).
The writing pulled me in from page one - it was seamless, simple but descriptive. The characters are so morally conflictive that you don't know who to root for, or even if you should be rooting for anybody at all.
Is it fair to leave the reader hungry for more? Is it fair to tease and give nothing away? Sure - this is a brutal fantasy world, and here all and nothing is fair.
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I love me a good fantasy novella - I think that they are a sure sign of how talented the author is. It is no easy feat to comprise something tangible and complete in so little pages.
This novella is a prequel to author's The Vengeance Trilogy and it does a great job of making the reader crave more of this world, more of the setting, more of the beautiful writing and to just know what happens next??
Obviously, I already purchased the first book in the trilogy - I mean how could you not?
I've been craving more asian inspired fantasy books and this honestly couldn't have come at a better time. In Shadows we Fall is a perfect mix of power hungry delusional emperor, a conspiracy, a mother who would do anything for her children and magic that puts fear into your bones.
Being a novella it is short, like very short. And that's probably my only complaint with it - because I really, really wanted more! Even 10 more pages would have done the trick, but instead I am left with millions of questions and a burning desire to read the next book immediately (I just might to be honest).
The writing pulled me in from page one - it was seamless, simple but descriptive. The characters are so morally conflictive that you don't know who to root for, or even if you should be rooting for anybody at all.
Is it fair to leave the reader hungry for more? Is it fair to tease and give nothing away? Sure - this is a brutal fantasy world, and here all and nothing is fair.
My WEBSITE
My INSTAGRAM
May 25, 2022
4,5⭐
J'ai adoré cette novella, du coup j'ai hâte de me lancer dans la trilogie de base 😂
Bon c'était court, trop court.
Avis en approche
J'ai adoré cette novella, du coup j'ai hâte de me lancer dans la trilogie de base 😂
Bon c'était court, trop court.
Avis en approche
July 17, 2022
Wow! I mean, WOW. I absolutely loved this novella. It’s not often that I read such a short story that I become this invested in. Madson put so much detail and history and emotion into this book. I read it in one sitting pretty much because I just could not tear myself away. Technically this is a prequel I’m assuming (0.5 of the series) but it is such a well-rounded and finished story in itself that you could totally read this on its own. This does make me look forward to the whole series though and is easily one of my favorite reads of the year so far.
June 16, 2019
I have a soft spot for East Asian centred fantasy, even though I’ve not read much set in that context. I enjoy the highly mannered, superficially polite/correct behaviours displayed between characters who are just as likely to detest or even murder each other eventually as in fantasies set in western culturural scenarios. Analysing these interactions between characters in such stories adds another dimension to the plots.
And that’s the case in this novella of about 100 pages. The politics in a feudal East Asian court, a mother defending her children against a tyrant, and other forces. A mysterious magical system mixed in. Despite the brevity of the story one character, the Empress, is strongly developed and stands out very clearly.
All in all, an absorbing read. I couldn’t fault the style or the tensions set up in such a short story.
It’s meant to be the prequel for a trilogy, although the author wrote this sometime after the trilogy. It’s certainly ‘sold’ the trilogy to me and it’ll be on my TBR list, once I’ve finished another East Asian novel from a different author!
4* rather than 5 because it is a short story outlining a small incident intended to leave you hungering for more. Which it does.
And that’s the case in this novella of about 100 pages. The politics in a feudal East Asian court, a mother defending her children against a tyrant, and other forces. A mysterious magical system mixed in. Despite the brevity of the story one character, the Empress, is strongly developed and stands out very clearly.
All in all, an absorbing read. I couldn’t fault the style or the tensions set up in such a short story.
It’s meant to be the prequel for a trilogy, although the author wrote this sometime after the trilogy. It’s certainly ‘sold’ the trilogy to me and it’ll be on my TBR list, once I’ve finished another East Asian novel from a different author!
4* rather than 5 because it is a short story outlining a small incident intended to leave you hungering for more. Which it does.
August 13, 2018
I devoured this an under an hour.
Though there is a lot to digest in this short novella, my attention was peaked. Madson makes for an ensnaring world with vivid description and engaging characters.
Next please!
Though there is a lot to digest in this short novella, my attention was peaked. Madson makes for an ensnaring world with vivid description and engaging characters.
Next please!
April 9, 2019
4.5/5
In Shadows We Fall won the Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novella in 2017. Even though I haven’t read other finalists, I’m not surprised it took the trophy.
Despite the short length, it contains a lot of clever ideas and excellent twists that thrilled me. It sparked my interest in The Vengeance Trilogy, as each good prequel should do.
Madson writes excellent dark fantasy. With its Asian-influenced setting and names, solid writing, and great characters In Shadows we Fall stands out as a fully accomplished and self-contained novella. Highly recommended.
In Shadows We Fall won the Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novella in 2017. Even though I haven’t read other finalists, I’m not surprised it took the trophy.
Despite the short length, it contains a lot of clever ideas and excellent twists that thrilled me. It sparked my interest in The Vengeance Trilogy, as each good prequel should do.
Madson writes excellent dark fantasy. With its Asian-influenced setting and names, solid writing, and great characters In Shadows we Fall stands out as a fully accomplished and self-contained novella. Highly recommended.
August 13, 2018
This was pretty good! RTC!
February 18, 2019
Finished this last night in an hour or so since it's not a very large novella. I wanted to get started with Madson's main trilogy and figured I'd give this prequel a try and see if I liked the story and the writer's style. "In Shadows We Fall" was really good; it was atmospheric, detailed, exciting, and dark. I love Asian inspired works with all the intrigue, betrayals, and the opulence of any Imperial Court and this did not disappoint. Character work was strong; the only issue I had was personal about remembering exactly who some minor characters were in the scope of it all. Otherwise yeah this was an enjoyably dark appetizer to the main series.
November 9, 2024
Interesting and really dark.
This novella was mostly characters we only hear about in the Vengeance trilogy which was fun, but par the course for the series I did not like a single character.
Also this country really is wild cause there are at least three civil wars in the last 30 years, I would move so fast away from this country.
This novella was mostly characters we only hear about in the Vengeance trilogy which was fun, but par the course for the series I did not like a single character.
Also this country really is wild cause there are at least three civil wars in the last 30 years, I would move so fast away from this country.
July 24, 2019
12/07/2019
medieval-a-thon:
✔️crown; a book with a fight for the throne
I had never heard of this series, but I saw this on someone else's TBR for the readathon, and thought: why not? This novella really surprised me. I enjoyed the writing style a lot, and am thinking of continuing the books. For sure recommend!
medieval-a-thon:
✔️crown; a book with a fight for the throne
I had never heard of this series, but I saw this on someone else's TBR for the readathon, and thought: why not? This novella really surprised me. I enjoyed the writing style a lot, and am thinking of continuing the books. For sure recommend!
April 28, 2021
I decided to read this since I’m going to be starting The Vengeance Trilogy. This Novella is still free if you sign on the author’s mailing list too. I recommend it if you’re planning on starting into this world and want to see if it’s for you.
2021 has definitely been a year where I’ve been venturing into other types of fantasy. I starting The Burning series which is African centered and now this which is Asian inspired. This is new for me and I enjoyed the novella thoroughly. If it’s goal is to set up a larger series and catch my interest, Devin Madson succeeded.
You can tell it’s an early work by the author but it’s still well written. Initially, I had a hard time figuring out what was going on. Explanations did come and the world building was just enough to pique my curiously while not overwhelming me for a short work. I am very intrigued by the magic system and the other cultures in the world. In Shadows We Fall sets up a wide world where it seems you can trust no one and expect assassins at every turn.
2021 has definitely been a year where I’ve been venturing into other types of fantasy. I starting The Burning series which is African centered and now this which is Asian inspired. This is new for me and I enjoyed the novella thoroughly. If it’s goal is to set up a larger series and catch my interest, Devin Madson succeeded.
You can tell it’s an early work by the author but it’s still well written. Initially, I had a hard time figuring out what was going on. Explanations did come and the world building was just enough to pique my curiously while not overwhelming me for a short work. I am very intrigued by the magic system and the other cultures in the world. In Shadows We Fall sets up a wide world where it seems you can trust no one and expect assassins at every turn.
February 12, 2019
"My knife failed to glint dramatically in the light, but it did not fail to pierce the soft skin of the man's neck. His throat offered resistance like aged meat, but I had no time for finesse. I ripped the blade through it, spraying blood. His eyes opened. He wheezed. Bubbled. Failed. Crimson spilled upon the page before I could snatch it away, though snatch it away I did. Just as wide, fearful eyes found me they began to roll back, though whether he recognised my face I would never know."
I discovered Devin Madson through the ol' Twitter machine. See, it's good for more than just ranting, unsolicited dick pics and puppies! Although, who doesn't like puppies?!? Truthfully, I stick within the writing/reading community as much as possible because FUCK THAT NOISE. I first saw Devin's cover of We Ride the Storm and knew it was something I needed to get. The sequel, We Lie With Death, recently had a cover reveal and goddamn. It's even more gorgeous! John Anthony Di Giovanni and Shawn T. King just fucking slay all of these covers!
In Shadows We Fall is a prequel novella to Madson's Vengeance trilogy, which takes place before the events in the Reborn Empire series. I haven't read any of those.. YET! I am swamped with review books right now and I knew fitting in a novella would be much easier. I've been feeling novellas a lot, lately. They are the perfect bite-sized morsel to get the flavor of the writer. Let me tell you.. I'm liking the ingredients that Madson is putting together!
This novella focuses on Empress Li, a badass who is determined to not go down without a fight. She is an "aging" Chiltaen empress that is about to be discarded for a younger bride. Li's heritage is no longer useful to Emperor Lan, so now she must try to put a plan together to keep both herself and her children safe. With the Kisian empire on the brink of war with Lan wanting to return to it's former glory, Li struggles to change her destiny foretold by a seer. One which has a tragically bleak outcome.
There are many elements at play here. Beheading's and political intrigue and a child that has a special gift.. and curse. In Shadows We Fall is a stabby, atmospheric, emotional journey. At just over 100 pages, the pace is blistering, the world-building immersive and the characters intriguing. Madson transforms this short tale into a beautiful and poetic story within an incredibly brutal landscape. Her writing is just bloody gorgeous! I'm excited to get going on the rest of her work!
"In shadows we fight. In shadows we fall."
I discovered Devin Madson through the ol' Twitter machine. See, it's good for more than just ranting, unsolicited dick pics and puppies! Although, who doesn't like puppies?!? Truthfully, I stick within the writing/reading community as much as possible because FUCK THAT NOISE. I first saw Devin's cover of We Ride the Storm and knew it was something I needed to get. The sequel, We Lie With Death, recently had a cover reveal and goddamn. It's even more gorgeous! John Anthony Di Giovanni and Shawn T. King just fucking slay all of these covers!
In Shadows We Fall is a prequel novella to Madson's Vengeance trilogy, which takes place before the events in the Reborn Empire series. I haven't read any of those.. YET! I am swamped with review books right now and I knew fitting in a novella would be much easier. I've been feeling novellas a lot, lately. They are the perfect bite-sized morsel to get the flavor of the writer. Let me tell you.. I'm liking the ingredients that Madson is putting together!
This novella focuses on Empress Li, a badass who is determined to not go down without a fight. She is an "aging" Chiltaen empress that is about to be discarded for a younger bride. Li's heritage is no longer useful to Emperor Lan, so now she must try to put a plan together to keep both herself and her children safe. With the Kisian empire on the brink of war with Lan wanting to return to it's former glory, Li struggles to change her destiny foretold by a seer. One which has a tragically bleak outcome.
There are many elements at play here. Beheading's and political intrigue and a child that has a special gift.. and curse. In Shadows We Fall is a stabby, atmospheric, emotional journey. At just over 100 pages, the pace is blistering, the world-building immersive and the characters intriguing. Madson transforms this short tale into a beautiful and poetic story within an incredibly brutal landscape. Her writing is just bloody gorgeous! I'm excited to get going on the rest of her work!
"In shadows we fight. In shadows we fall."
March 30, 2020
I thought the last thing I wanted to read this month was something short.
This novella sat on my tbr for quite some time now and it was possibly the best 100 pages I read in a long time.
# 1 It is a prequel novella for the The Blood of Whisperers /Vengeance Trilogy and it did a fantastic job to rise my interest for this series. And I can't find the first book of this series anywhere which is the saddest thing ever.
# 2 This novella is heavenly inspired by asian (mostly japanese) history and Devin Madson did a wonderful job on research. I didn't know you could tell a splendid story in just 100 pages and leaves one craving for more. I loved it. I need to read the series.
This novella sat on my tbr for quite some time now and it was possibly the best 100 pages I read in a long time.
# 1 It is a prequel novella for the The Blood of Whisperers /Vengeance Trilogy and it did a fantastic job to rise my interest for this series. And I can't find the first book of this series anywhere which is the saddest thing ever.
# 2 This novella is heavenly inspired by asian (mostly japanese) history and Devin Madson did a wonderful job on research. I didn't know you could tell a splendid story in just 100 pages and leaves one craving for more. I loved it. I need to read the series.
January 13, 2019
I figured why not try a novella that is written as a prequel to a series and world of a writer I'm curious about! This worked out great~ it intrigues me to continue.
The story has a very mature and serious atmospere that creates an intense setting. I loved the description of the inner character struggles and just the overal description of interaction. It makes it all come to life! The magical aspect is neat! Can't wait to find out about others and their powers. The world is also brutal, based on strict loyalty and any hint of treason can cost you your head. There is litte space for forgiveness. The stealth and bloodshed were my favourite part!
I am in general not fond of political aspects of a story and military rankings etc but it didnt bother me too much. Just when I was starting to drift off about a part it switched to more interesting things...
The story has a very mature and serious atmospere that creates an intense setting. I loved the description of the inner character struggles and just the overal description of interaction. It makes it all come to life! The magical aspect is neat! Can't wait to find out about others and their powers. The world is also brutal, based on strict loyalty and any hint of treason can cost you your head. There is litte space for forgiveness. The stealth and bloodshed were my favourite part!
I am in general not fond of political aspects of a story and military rankings etc but it didnt bother me too much. Just when I was starting to drift off about a part it switched to more interesting things...
July 1, 2018
This was a fun little bit of history. After the emotional adventure I traveled throughout the trilogy, it was fun to learn more about the events that lead to it. Heartbreaking, but fun. Well done again Ms. Madson.
December 21, 2017
What an amazing novel! Devin is a master storyteller who drags the reader front and centre and keeps them engaged throughout. This is an author of whom more people should be taking notice. In my opinion, she is more skilled than many well-known authors of this genre.
June 12, 2022
A splendid first person account of a mother wishing to protect her child from the life she has suffered.
Just a hint of magic and things unexplained, swords, death and revenge taken early, this Eastern take on sword and fantasy is instantly compelling and will make you want to devour the trilogy it’s a prequel to (if you haven’t already!).
Whilst only a short story in essence (or novella, pamphlet - whatever…) it is a well told, complete story.
Just a hint of magic and things unexplained, swords, death and revenge taken early, this Eastern take on sword and fantasy is instantly compelling and will make you want to devour the trilogy it’s a prequel to (if you haven’t already!).
Whilst only a short story in essence (or novella, pamphlet - whatever…) it is a well told, complete story.
August 18, 2018
This was a great quick read that gave me a lot more insight into the background info of this series. I will never read Kin's name the same again after this. I love the Laroth story even more now than I did before.
February 26, 2019
I do like a novella or short story to dip my toes into the world of a new to me author, and this one was a great introduction to Devin Madison's bloody & well wrought world of Empire and the boy who will change its history.
Will certainly be picking up the Vengeance trilogy now.
Will certainly be picking up the Vengeance trilogy now.
July 17, 2018
4.5/5 - A really well written novella with a fast paced story that definitely got me interested in The Vengeance Trilogy. Looking forward to seeing where the story goes.
June 16, 2020
Excellent novella.
Looking forward to start the Vengeance trilogy.
Looking forward to start the Vengeance trilogy.
January 25, 2020
A great introduction into a fresh fantasy world. I'm definitely going to be adding the series into my to-read list. I love when magic is subtle and that was handled beautifully here.
July 2, 2024
4/5. I feel like this is one of those prequel novellas that would have hit far differently if I had read some of the main series first. However, I really liked the tone and setting, and the desperate scrambling of the Empress trying to avoid fate. There was a lot packed into this story and while a lot of references & nods from the series probably flew over my head, but it also made me excited to dive into the series and see where the story goes!
December 28, 2017
A superb prequel. Action oriented, tense from the opening paragraph and a story that places the main character in constant peril. If you’ve read the trilogy, or even book one , you will thoroughly enjoy this.
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