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Second Sons #3
Lord of the Shadows
Darkness threatens Ranadon again in the form of an eclipse. The Goddess wants to give the people of Ranadon a sign - and only Dirk Provin can interpret it. To do so, Dirk has systematically betrayed his one-time allies to join his most hated enemies. Now, with neither side trusting him, Dirk sets his own devious plot in motion. Senet’s Crippled Prince, Misha, has found unexpected and tenuous sanctuary among the Baenlanders of Mil. To secure their trust, he offers them the one thing they cannot refuse.
Meanwhile, Alenor, Queen of Dhevyn, betrayed by her husband, Kirsh, and Tia Veran, deceived by Dirk, set out for revenge and to finally free their people at any cost. As the second sons and the rest of their generation pursue different paths to survival and freedom, they discover that the will of the Goddess - and of men - works in mysterious ways. And as Dirk’s old enemies join with new ones, his attempt to save Ranadon may cost him his friends, his love...and his life.
Meanwhile, Alenor, Queen of Dhevyn, betrayed by her husband, Kirsh, and Tia Veran, deceived by Dirk, set out for revenge and to finally free their people at any cost. As the second sons and the rest of their generation pursue different paths to survival and freedom, they discover that the will of the Goddess - and of men - works in mysterious ways. And as Dirk’s old enemies join with new ones, his attempt to save Ranadon may cost him his friends, his love...and his life.
Audiobook
First published September 24, 2003
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About the author
Jennifer Fallon
64 books1,122 followersFallon is the author of 17 full-length bestselling novels and a number of published short stories in genres ranging from horror to science fiction.
In addition to 4 complete fantasy series - The Demon Child trilogy, The Hythrun Chronicles, the Second Sons Trilogy,The Tide Lords Quadrilogy and the Rift Runners series - Fallon has written both a tie-novel and short fiction for the TV series, Stargate SG1, an official Zorro story, a novella for the Legends of Australian Fantasy Anthology and has a superhero - The Violet Valet (CHICKS IN CAPES).
Fallon has a Masters Degree from the Creative Arts faculty of QUT. A computer trainer and application specialist, Fallon currently works in the IT industry and spends at least a month each year working at Scott Base in Antarctica.
In addition to 4 complete fantasy series - The Demon Child trilogy, The Hythrun Chronicles, the Second Sons Trilogy,The Tide Lords Quadrilogy and the Rift Runners series - Fallon has written both a tie-novel and short fiction for the TV series, Stargate SG1, an official Zorro story, a novella for the Legends of Australian Fantasy Anthology and has a superhero - The Violet Valet (CHICKS IN CAPES).
Fallon has a Masters Degree from the Creative Arts faculty of QUT. A computer trainer and application specialist, Fallon currently works in the IT industry and spends at least a month each year working at Scott Base in Antarctica.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
September 16, 2018
Omg!!! I loved this ending!! I love this trilogy!! Woot!!
Y'all let me know if she has another series as good as this one!!
Happy Reading!
Mel 🖤🐺🐾
Y'all let me know if she has another series as good as this one!!
Happy Reading!
Mel 🖤🐺🐾
December 28, 2024
😈 Devious Shenanigans FTW Buddy Read (DSFTWBR™) with my long-lost twin and stuff 😈
Previous rating: 4.8566 stars. (I read this book so very wrong the first time around.)
New rating: 6.145896458. (Now that's more like it!)
➽ And the moral of this reread is: this is one of the most underrated trilogies in the history of most underrated trilogies. Because I said so.
➽ And the other moral of this reread is: such evilly evil antics, much wow.
➽ And the other, other moral of this reread is: this calls for a celebratory dance, methinks. Here goes and stuff.
👋 Until next time, Dirk Provin of the Most Deliciously Machiavellian Mind (DPofMDMM™).
[January 2018]
Actual rating: 4.8566 stars. And a half.
⚠️ This crappy non review is way too long. Believe me, I know, I just wrote it. My intention really was to write a short, to the point review for this book . I failed. And quite epically at that. You're welcome.
This trilogy in a nutshell:Corneille Shrimp! A visionary arthropod that one! To think he described Fallon's characters four hundred years before she wrote the Second Sons trilogy! Quite a feat, if you ask me. Then again, it's not that surprising considering he was one of the most enlightened decapods of his times and stuff. Anyway, this shrimpy quote does portray some of the disgustingly young characters in this trilogy quite beautifully. They are repugnantly inexperienced and juvenile, yes, but they are also delightfully devious and ruthless and Machiavellian and cunning and stuff. Some of them are even deliciously homicidal! And downright evil! Had this not been the case, I would have obviously DNFed this trilogy faster than it takes a murderous crustacean to chop a puny human's head off. Because, as my good old pal Jane A. once said, "it is a truth universally acknowledged that pubescent youthfulness = spontaneous crustacean combustion."
Yes, I know there are no crustaceans in this gif, and that this is more a case of explosive beheading than one of spontaneous combustion but 1/you get the idea and 2/I do what I want.
Not only was this lack of allergic self-combustion on my part quite discombobulating, it was a little trauma-inducing, too. And kinda sorta insulting. I mean, how dare Jennifer Fallon create youngish character I don't feel like killing dead! The nerve! Okay, so it is true that there is a particular member of the Despicably Juvenile Bunch (DJB™) I would have loved to strangle with my bare pincers, then chop into tiny little pieces, only to have her remains first lightly stomped on by a herd of vengeful, horny, stampeding krill and then fed to my lethal children *waves at Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler (not her real name)* But this charmingly loathsome character deserved to die because she was an evil, amoral, murderous bitch, not because she was abhorrently young, so she doesn't count. QED and stuff.
Why thank you, good man of the pointy ears and eyebrows combo, your approval is much appreciated.
I really think some very dark magic must have been at work while I was reading this trilogy. It's the only possible explanation. I mean, it was bad enough that the DJB™ did NOT awaken the homicidal maniac in me, but to actually end upshamelessly caring and rooting for not entirely disliking them? If that isn't proof of most duplicitous witchery on Fallon's part, I don't know what is. Be that as it may, the disgusting truth remains: an acute allergic reaction to the high levels of character unripeness I did not develop. Sigh. Sic transit gloria mundi and stuff, my Little Barnacles. I think nefarious little me is getting detestably soft in her old age. Sigh again. Now that my secret is out and my reputation irrevocably tarnished, I might as well spill the pincers (don't ask) and admit that I'm going to *whispers* miss some of the characters in this most entertaining tale: Dirk Provin, the Reluctant Machiavelli Extraordinaire (RME™), Jacinta the Super Clever Damsel in Absolutely no Fishing Distress Whatsoever (SCDiAnFDW™), Misha of the slightly exasperating, More Stubborn than a Barren of Mules Bride (MStaBoM™), Caterina the Hilariously Unreluctant Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler (HUSSS™), Little Falsely Unassuming Alinor (LFUA™)…I'd give you more names, but this revolting display of affection is bad enough as it is and I don't want to ruin my reputation any further and stuff.
We now interrupt this program to bring you this important message from our sponsor:
Thank you so much for sponsoring this review, Homicidal Maniac Barbie!
Some of you Tiny Decapods might wonder if I am ever going to stop talking about the characters, and start telling you about the story. Of course I am, who do you take me for? I'll tell you about it as soon as I'm done sharing fascinating stuff about the characters. Ha. So. It seems that some Reviewers of the Wrong Opinion (RotWO™) think the characters in this story are flat and one-dimensional. They are, of course entitled to their inaccurately erroneous judgement. Some of the characters may come across as simplistic and archetypal at first, but they undergo Most Wondrous Development (MWD™) throughout the trilogy and acquire quite the deep depth along the way. Others become more interesting as the story progresses because the author does a slightly brilliant job of bringing their motivations to light and stuff. I think I have now quite dazzlingly proven the point I was dazzlingly trying to prove, so let's move on to the story itself.
So. Lord of the Shadows is a thrilling conclusion to this trilogy. And I can't tell you a bloody fishing thing about it. Sorry. Bye now. . Oh, come on, don't be like that, my Lovely Arthropods! Would you rather I keep my sexy mandibles shut, or spoil the fish out of you, therefore ruining the trilogy for you and stuff? Ha. Good call. Looks like you're not as clueless as I thought you were. Okay, I am not completely heartless (sometimes), so I will tell you this: Lord of the Shadows is a most satisfying ending to the most thrilling and compelling and engrossing and decidedly not popular enough Second Sons trilogy. There are surprises and twists and everything ties up quite neatly and dandily and all the arcs came together in a most satisfying, OCD-approved way. My only problem with the story is that I felt a bit nauseated by the chilling HEA ending. I know Fallon meant well by it, but my resistance to Odiously Joyous Conclusions (OJC™) being what it is, I had a most violent allergic reaction while reading the last pages of the book which resulted in pestilent, swollen, red botches appearing on my exoskeleton. It was quite disgusting, I assure you. A good thing Fallon had recently boosted my immunity by killing lots of characters very dead in the last chapters of the book (although some of them didn't die quite excruciatingly enough, if you ask me). I might not have made it, had it not been for this most commendable(if sometimes a little black, withered heart-wrenching) annihilation of puny humans.
What's this about, you ask? No bloody shrimping idea. I'm not in charge of interior decorating here, I just write the reviews.
➽ And the moral of this Jennifer Fallon Thoroughly Ruined My Anti Pathetic Younglings Reputation You Have Pleased I Am Not Quite Read More Books of Yours in Retaliation I Shall Sense This Makes Not I am Aware But Overrated Logic Is So There Crappy Non-Review (JFTRMAPYRYHPIANQRMBoYiRISSTMNIAABOLISTCNR™) is: no, this world isn't terrifically complex. No, this world doesn't have magic. No, this world doesn't have weird beasts. But yes, it has beautiful machinations and glorious politics and delightful conspiracies and exquisite non-stop plotting and a charming array of bitches and assholes who need to die horribly and suffer excruciatingly in the process. So read this thing and stuff. Or rather, listen to this thing and stuff. Because Joe Jameson is quite the scrumptious narrator. And stuff.
· Book 1: Lion of Senet ★★★★★
· Book 2: Eye of the Labyrinth ★★★★★
Jennifer Fallon, you managed to make melurve like a trilogy about a bunch of despicably young character. Pretty sure you sold your soul to Satan in exchange for this most devilish ability.
That's not really the type of devil I had in mind, to be honest, but I guess this works, too. More or less.
➽ Full Ding Dong the Bitch is Dead Crappy Non Review (DDtBiDCNR™) to come.
Previous rating: 4.8566 stars. (I read this book so very wrong the first time around.)
New rating: 6.145896458. (Now that's more like it!)
➽ And the moral of this reread is: this is one of the most underrated trilogies in the history of most underrated trilogies. Because I said so.
➽ And the other moral of this reread is: such evilly evil antics, much wow.
➽ And the other, other moral of this reread is: this calls for a celebratory dance, methinks. Here goes and stuff.
👋 Until next time, Dirk Provin of the Most Deliciously Machiavellian Mind (DPofMDMM™).
[January 2018]
Actual rating: 4.8566 stars. And a half.
⚠️ This crappy non review is way too long. Believe me, I know, I just wrote it. My intention really was to write a short, to the point review for this book . I failed. And quite epically at that. You're welcome.
This trilogy in a nutshell:
“True, I am young, but for soulsAh, good old Mrnoblynefariously bornvalordeceit doesn't await the passing of years.”
—PierreCorneilleShrimp, LeCidCrustacean.
Yes, I know there are no crustaceans in this gif, and that this is more a case of explosive beheading than one of spontaneous combustion but 1/you get the idea and 2/I do what I want.
Not only was this lack of allergic self-combustion on my part quite discombobulating, it was a little trauma-inducing, too. And kinda sorta insulting. I mean, how dare Jennifer Fallon create youngish character I don't feel like killing dead! The nerve! Okay, so it is true that there is a particular member of the Despicably Juvenile Bunch (DJB™) I would have loved to strangle with my bare pincers, then chop into tiny little pieces, only to have her remains first lightly stomped on by a herd of vengeful, horny, stampeding krill and then fed to my lethal children *waves at Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler (not her real name)* But this charmingly loathsome character deserved to die because she was an evil, amoral, murderous bitch, not because she was abhorrently young, so she doesn't count. QED and stuff.
Why thank you, good man of the pointy ears and eyebrows combo, your approval is much appreciated.
I really think some very dark magic must have been at work while I was reading this trilogy. It's the only possible explanation. I mean, it was bad enough that the DJB™ did NOT awaken the homicidal maniac in me, but to actually end up
We now interrupt this program to bring you this important message from our sponsor:
Thank you so much for sponsoring this review, Homicidal Maniac Barbie!
Some of you Tiny Decapods might wonder if I am ever going to stop talking about the characters, and start telling you about the story. Of course I am, who do you take me for? I'll tell you about it as soon as I'm done sharing fascinating stuff about the characters. Ha. So. It seems that some Reviewers of the Wrong Opinion (RotWO™) think the characters in this story are flat and one-dimensional. They are, of course entitled to their inaccurately erroneous judgement. Some of the characters may come across as simplistic and archetypal at first, but they undergo Most Wondrous Development (MWD™) throughout the trilogy and acquire quite the deep depth along the way. Others become more interesting as the story progresses because the author does a slightly brilliant job of bringing their motivations to light and stuff. I think I have now quite dazzlingly proven the point I was dazzlingly trying to prove, so let's move on to the story itself.
So. Lord of the Shadows is a thrilling conclusion to this trilogy. And I can't tell you a bloody fishing thing about it. Sorry. Bye now. . Oh, come on, don't be like that, my Lovely Arthropods! Would you rather I keep my sexy mandibles shut, or spoil the fish out of you, therefore ruining the trilogy for you and stuff? Ha. Good call. Looks like you're not as clueless as I thought you were. Okay, I am not completely heartless (sometimes), so I will tell you this: Lord of the Shadows is a most satisfying ending to the most thrilling and compelling and engrossing and decidedly not popular enough Second Sons trilogy. There are surprises and twists and everything ties up quite neatly and dandily and all the arcs came together in a most satisfying, OCD-approved way. My only problem with the story is that I felt a bit nauseated by the chilling HEA ending. I know Fallon meant well by it, but my resistance to Odiously Joyous Conclusions (OJC™) being what it is, I had a most violent allergic reaction while reading the last pages of the book which resulted in pestilent, swollen, red botches appearing on my exoskeleton. It was quite disgusting, I assure you. A good thing Fallon had recently boosted my immunity by killing lots of characters very dead in the last chapters of the book (although some of them didn't die quite excruciatingly enough, if you ask me). I might not have made it, had it not been for this most commendable
What's this about, you ask? No bloody shrimping idea. I'm not in charge of interior decorating here, I just write the reviews.
➽ And the moral of this Jennifer Fallon Thoroughly Ruined My Anti Pathetic Younglings Reputation You Have Pleased I Am Not Quite Read More Books of Yours in Retaliation I Shall Sense This Makes Not I am Aware But Overrated Logic Is So There Crappy Non-Review (JFTRMAPYRYHPIANQRMBoYiRISSTMNIAABOLISTCNR™) is: no, this world isn't terrifically complex. No, this world doesn't have magic. No, this world doesn't have weird beasts. But yes, it has beautiful machinations and glorious politics and delightful conspiracies and exquisite non-stop plotting and a charming array of bitches and assholes who need to die horribly and suffer excruciatingly in the process. So read this thing and stuff. Or rather, listen to this thing and stuff. Because Joe Jameson is quite the scrumptious narrator. And stuff.
· Book 1: Lion of Senet ★★★★★
· Book 2: Eye of the Labyrinth ★★★★★
Jennifer Fallon, you managed to make me
That's not really the type of devil I had in mind, to be honest, but I guess this works, too. More or less.
➽ Full Ding Dong the Bitch is Dead Crappy Non Review (DDtBiDCNR™) to come.
February 14, 2017
*** 4.65 ***
A buddy read with the Fantasy Addicts at BB&B! There is never enough Fantasy!!!
What a delightful surprise this trilogy turned out to be!!! I am actually going to miss it, although I loved the ending and liked the way everything turned out. Couldn't have wished for better (well, I might have chosen crueler ways of getting rid of some people, but I guess the author is a better woman then I...). Overall, extremely satisfying introduction to this Australian author's work.
"... ““Perhaps it was the High Priestess who was watching over me.”
Antonov smiled. “You could be right. It would be like her to do that.”
Actually, it would have been more Belagren’s style to havehired the assassin, but Dirk didn’t think it wise to point that out.”...
In the previous two reviews i made it a point to note that this fantasy is very a-typical for the genre, in that it has no magic whatsoever. There aren't many battles either and mystical creatures are missing as well. So, what is left is science, religion, politics, and a ton of character development!!! How could a person resist this jewel lovingly presented to us in a wonderful package??? I would advise not to even try.
Some reviewers find the one-sided presentation of some of the bad guys too plain, too flat, not enough. I beg to differ. Although those who are on the opposing side of our point of view are easily recognized and consistent in their nefarious intentions, you get to see what made them thus, what drives them and what makes them just as human as our protagonists are. Also, the so called "good guys" end up doing some pretty horrific things on their path to achieving that elusive "greater good". We all know how many atrocities have been done throughout history and today in the name of that "greater.... " whatever...
This is definitely a character driven tale of good verses evil and it gets us so enthralled with its simple, but very engaging storytelling and easily imaginable world. Despite the somewhat hefty size of the books, reading them flies by in no time, because it lets you think of nothing else...
"... “Caterina shrugged. “I’m your prisoner now, my lord. It’s not like you’d have to seduce me, or anything, if you wanted to... you know... take advantage of me...”
A little alarmed, Dirk studied her for a moment. Apparently, Caterina’s adventure was not going to be complete without a little romance. She had shifted slightly on the bunk so her more than ample cleavage was all he could see when he looked down at her. And she was smiling at him. Dirk had a bad feeling she was trying to be alluring.”...
Dirk has reached a position in the ruling cult which allows him a lot of influence, but the price for him getting there is very heavy... His friends do not trust him, his enemies fear him, and he is all alone, trying to find a way to destroy the damaging Shadowdancers from within. He is brilliant, but even his brain is in danger of being overwhelmed with everyone considering him a foe. Kirsh is disillusioned and truly dangerous with rage ruling his decisions and all the power he has over the country. Misha is trying to get over his Poppy Seeds addiction and his life is constantly on the balance, as well as the future of Cenet. The Lion of Cenet is so obsessed with his religion and everything he has done in the name of his Goddess, that he is close to insane, and Alenore is devastated and in danger... And it is up to Dirk to fix everything on his lonesome - this is just cruel...
"... “You’re up to something, Dirk Provin,” Madalan said.
“Of course I’m up to something,” Dirk laughed disparagingly. “I was born with a gift only one other man on Ranadon has ever been afflicted with, and I saw what happened to him. I’m protecting myself, Madalan, on a scale you can’t even comprehend.”...
I will not discuss any of the plot or its resolutions, but as I already said, it was as good as I could have wished it to be! So, if you are a fan of the genre or just like a good tale, this is for you! Totally worth the time!!!
I wish you all Happy Reading and may you always find what you are looking for in the pages of a book!!!!
A buddy read with the Fantasy Addicts at BB&B! There is never enough Fantasy!!!
What a delightful surprise this trilogy turned out to be!!! I am actually going to miss it, although I loved the ending and liked the way everything turned out. Couldn't have wished for better (well, I might have chosen crueler ways of getting rid of some people, but I guess the author is a better woman then I...). Overall, extremely satisfying introduction to this Australian author's work.
"... ““Perhaps it was the High Priestess who was watching over me.”
Antonov smiled. “You could be right. It would be like her to do that.”
Actually, it would have been more Belagren’s style to havehired the assassin, but Dirk didn’t think it wise to point that out.”...
In the previous two reviews i made it a point to note that this fantasy is very a-typical for the genre, in that it has no magic whatsoever. There aren't many battles either and mystical creatures are missing as well. So, what is left is science, religion, politics, and a ton of character development!!! How could a person resist this jewel lovingly presented to us in a wonderful package??? I would advise not to even try.
Some reviewers find the one-sided presentation of some of the bad guys too plain, too flat, not enough. I beg to differ. Although those who are on the opposing side of our point of view are easily recognized and consistent in their nefarious intentions, you get to see what made them thus, what drives them and what makes them just as human as our protagonists are. Also, the so called "good guys" end up doing some pretty horrific things on their path to achieving that elusive "greater good". We all know how many atrocities have been done throughout history and today in the name of that "greater.... " whatever...
This is definitely a character driven tale of good verses evil and it gets us so enthralled with its simple, but very engaging storytelling and easily imaginable world. Despite the somewhat hefty size of the books, reading them flies by in no time, because it lets you think of nothing else...
"... “Caterina shrugged. “I’m your prisoner now, my lord. It’s not like you’d have to seduce me, or anything, if you wanted to... you know... take advantage of me...”
A little alarmed, Dirk studied her for a moment. Apparently, Caterina’s adventure was not going to be complete without a little romance. She had shifted slightly on the bunk so her more than ample cleavage was all he could see when he looked down at her. And she was smiling at him. Dirk had a bad feeling she was trying to be alluring.”...
Dirk has reached a position in the ruling cult which allows him a lot of influence, but the price for him getting there is very heavy... His friends do not trust him, his enemies fear him, and he is all alone, trying to find a way to destroy the damaging Shadowdancers from within. He is brilliant, but even his brain is in danger of being overwhelmed with everyone considering him a foe. Kirsh is disillusioned and truly dangerous with rage ruling his decisions and all the power he has over the country. Misha is trying to get over his Poppy Seeds addiction and his life is constantly on the balance, as well as the future of Cenet. The Lion of Cenet is so obsessed with his religion and everything he has done in the name of his Goddess, that he is close to insane, and Alenore is devastated and in danger... And it is up to Dirk to fix everything on his lonesome - this is just cruel...
"... “You’re up to something, Dirk Provin,” Madalan said.
“Of course I’m up to something,” Dirk laughed disparagingly. “I was born with a gift only one other man on Ranadon has ever been afflicted with, and I saw what happened to him. I’m protecting myself, Madalan, on a scale you can’t even comprehend.”...
I will not discuss any of the plot or its resolutions, but as I already said, it was as good as I could have wished it to be! So, if you are a fan of the genre or just like a good tale, this is for you! Totally worth the time!!!
I wish you all Happy Reading and may you always find what you are looking for in the pages of a book!!!!
February 15, 2017
This final book in the Second Sons trilogy was a fitting way to end a series that is one of the hidden gems in the fantasy genre. There is no actual magic in the story but that does not stop the world from being a fascinating one. The story is packed full of interesting characters and has plenty of action and intrigue.
This final instalment sees Dirk press on with his plans to shatter the faith of the people of Ranadan in the Shadow Dancers. The whole story was super engaging as Dirk had to fend off attacks and problems caused by everyone from his enemies to his alienated friends and allies!
Jennifer Fallon's writing can seem a little simplistic at times but her story and characters both have plenty of depth and her simplistic writing style still manages to be incredibly engaging. This was one of those rare books that I found incredibly addictive and I often found myself fully sucked into the story. Fallon also has a talent for creating tension so that kept my emotions fully engaged as I made my way through the story just hoping that the characters I liked with survive or even just make the right choices!
I was mostly happy with how things concluded in the majority of the ongoing story arcs even if I was a tiny bit unsatisfied with the way some of them played out. As always Dirk was the star of the show but I think an honourable mention is due for Caterina and Jacinta who both made good impressions on me in this one.
All in all this was a very enjoyable read. I've now read the trilogy twice over the years and it has been a fantastic experience both times.
Rating: 4.5 stars. I'm rounding up to 5 stars. I've read more complex fantasy worlds and better written stories in my time but I've not read too many books that have held my attention as well as this series!
Audio Note: Joe Jameson has a few flaws as a narrator. His female voices can sound a bit whiny and his male voices can tend to sound a bit dull-witted but on the whole he gave a great performance of this series.
This final instalment sees Dirk press on with his plans to shatter the faith of the people of Ranadan in the Shadow Dancers. The whole story was super engaging as Dirk had to fend off attacks and problems caused by everyone from his enemies to his alienated friends and allies!
Jennifer Fallon's writing can seem a little simplistic at times but her story and characters both have plenty of depth and her simplistic writing style still manages to be incredibly engaging. This was one of those rare books that I found incredibly addictive and I often found myself fully sucked into the story. Fallon also has a talent for creating tension so that kept my emotions fully engaged as I made my way through the story just hoping that the characters I liked with survive or even just make the right choices!
I was mostly happy with how things concluded in the majority of the ongoing story arcs even if I was a tiny bit unsatisfied with the way some of them played out. As always Dirk was the star of the show but I think an honourable mention is due for Caterina and Jacinta who both made good impressions on me in this one.
All in all this was a very enjoyable read. I've now read the trilogy twice over the years and it has been a fantastic experience both times.
Rating: 4.5 stars. I'm rounding up to 5 stars. I've read more complex fantasy worlds and better written stories in my time but I've not read too many books that have held my attention as well as this series!
Audio Note: Joe Jameson has a few flaws as a narrator. His female voices can sound a bit whiny and his male voices can tend to sound a bit dull-witted but on the whole he gave a great performance of this series.
February 16, 2017
4.35 Total Eclipse of the Heart Stars
Trepidatious - adj A feeling of apprehension or nervousness.
I think that sums up how I felt this entire book. It was always there just on the edge and I was waiting for the next thing to go wrong, the next plan derailed, the next horrible thing perpetrated, the next chance encounter that shifted everything or when would there be a little kissing. (I’m a girl I totally like some kissing in my books)
This series reminds me a lot of my experience reading The Lumatere Chronicles in that I was just really drawn into characters of the story and it was more about the emotions I felt during the book then exactly what happened in it. That said this is a much less emotional ride for me but the sentiment is the same.
Dirk Proven has alienated himself from everyone. He has made his allys think he is an enemy and has convinced his enemies that he is there friend all so he can take down a religion built on lies, sex and drugs and the Monarch who stands devotedly behind it. You can’t really blame him after everything that religion and Monarch have cost him but he is playing the most dangerous game of his life and he has absolutely no one on his side.
Dirk is pretty likeable and he reminds me a lot of Hans ‘Cuffs’ Alistair from The Seven Realms series. He has all these plans and he is putting off everything he wants for himself personally until his tasks are done. Because until then he will always be a pawn in someone else’s game and the people he cares for will be used against him.
But there is this great blend of humor woven in that takes some of the darkness out of the story and gives some scenes a lighter tone to them. I love that Dirk often tells the complete and honest truth but since he says it sarcastically no one believes him.
I’m very satisfied overall with the end of this series. Especially the one thing that tipped the balance at the very end. Things tie up well and the arcs played out in pretty good fashion. I did want a few things to go differently for a couple characters but in very minor ways. I won’t say what happened in this book because I feel like almost everything is a huge spoiler. But I was rooting for Dirk the entire time and I couldn’t wait until the character I hated with Cersei Lanister size hate finally got what she deserved.
It wasn’t completely perfect but it was very close. This was my very first Jennifer Fallon series but it won’t be me last.
Great buddy read with my peeps at
Trepidatious - adj A feeling of apprehension or nervousness.
I think that sums up how I felt this entire book. It was always there just on the edge and I was waiting for the next thing to go wrong, the next plan derailed, the next horrible thing perpetrated, the next chance encounter that shifted everything or when would there be a little kissing. (I’m a girl I totally like some kissing in my books)
This series reminds me a lot of my experience reading The Lumatere Chronicles in that I was just really drawn into characters of the story and it was more about the emotions I felt during the book then exactly what happened in it. That said this is a much less emotional ride for me but the sentiment is the same.
Dirk Proven has alienated himself from everyone. He has made his allys think he is an enemy and has convinced his enemies that he is there friend all so he can take down a religion built on lies, sex and drugs and the Monarch who stands devotedly behind it. You can’t really blame him after everything that religion and Monarch have cost him but he is playing the most dangerous game of his life and he has absolutely no one on his side.
“You’re up to something, Dirk Provin,” Madalan said.
“Of course I’m up to something,” Dirk laughed disparagingly. “I was born with a gift only one other man on Ranadon has ever been afflicted with, and I saw what happened to him. I’m protecting myself, Madalan, on a scale you can’t even comprehend.”
Dirk is pretty likeable and he reminds me a lot of Hans ‘Cuffs’ Alistair from The Seven Realms series. He has all these plans and he is putting off everything he wants for himself personally until his tasks are done. Because until then he will always be a pawn in someone else’s game and the people he cares for will be used against him.
But there is this great blend of humor woven in that takes some of the darkness out of the story and gives some scenes a lighter tone to them. I love that Dirk often tells the complete and honest truth but since he says it sarcastically no one believes him.
I’m very satisfied overall with the end of this series. Especially the one thing that tipped the balance at the very end. Things tie up well and the arcs played out in pretty good fashion. I did want a few things to go differently for a couple characters but in very minor ways. I won’t say what happened in this book because I feel like almost everything is a huge spoiler. But I was rooting for Dirk the entire time and I couldn’t wait until the character I hated with Cersei Lanister size hate finally got what she deserved.
It wasn’t completely perfect but it was very close. This was my very first Jennifer Fallon series but it won’t be me last.
Great buddy read with my peeps at
November 9, 2024
Lord of the Shadows is the finale of Second Sons trilogy. It is a bit disappointing to read the finale with not a satisfying ending and the weak interactions of the characters. The main protagonists follow the patterns which the story wants them to be progressed, and Likewise the ending is predictable to the characters and the plots. Khris is the destined tragic character as he loved the woman who he shouldn’t have loved. Dirk is the one who has plotted the ploys to overthrow not only the influences of Shadowdancers and the dynasty of Senet. His story should be the most exciting but it isn’t. Sometimes his story line is interesting to see what would he do to solve the problems but the resolutions aren’t in innovative way to solve. Marque is the same as in the previous toe books that she was the villain after Babaldon, the high priestess. Unlike in the first book, Lions of Senet, a charming character that has the interesting part to the story.
Some parts of the story seem to me are too convenient to move the plots forward. I hope to see Dirk solving more challenging problems without the conveniences. Eryk is a character would become an ultimate plot device also a character that reflects on other characters’s conscience.
The Lord of Shadows has many issues but it has some merits like tightly plots that not to be stagnant in the characters’s developments. Some interesting setting, but not fully be developed, just for the using of political intrigues.
Personal rating: 5.5 out of 10 points.
Some parts of the story seem to me are too convenient to move the plots forward. I hope to see Dirk solving more challenging problems without the conveniences. Eryk is a character would become an ultimate plot device also a character that reflects on other characters’s conscience.
The Lord of Shadows has many issues but it has some merits like tightly plots that not to be stagnant in the characters’s developments. Some interesting setting, but not fully be developed, just for the using of political intrigues.
Personal rating: 5.5 out of 10 points.
February 19, 2017
A compelling read and a satisfying finale to this flawed but lovable series.
February 13, 2017
Lord of the Shadows by Jennifer Fallon
*****5*****
Dirk Provin has been branded a traitor by those who once counted him a friend. Tia is still on her lifelong mission to prove Dirk is not helping them, but betrayed everything they ever stood for and should be killed. Others though, are not so sure. And Dirk, though alone, may still have allies and find more in unlikely places to fulfill his ultimate plan for Ranadon.
I can't describe in words how much I love these books.
The angst, the torment, the hope, the intelligence, the laughter, the love.
This book sees the climax of the story and actually manages to wrap up all of the lose ends.
What a great conclusion to an amazing trilogy.
*****5*****
Dirk Provin has been branded a traitor by those who once counted him a friend. Tia is still on her lifelong mission to prove Dirk is not helping them, but betrayed everything they ever stood for and should be killed. Others though, are not so sure. And Dirk, though alone, may still have allies and find more in unlikely places to fulfill his ultimate plan for Ranadon.
I can't describe in words how much I love these books.
The angst, the torment, the hope, the intelligence, the laughter, the love.
This book sees the climax of the story and actually manages to wrap up all of the lose ends.
What a great conclusion to an amazing trilogy.
February 7, 2010
started 21/01/10
This was a great ending to the trilogy. The thought that has gone into creating these books is amazing and it definitely kept me intrigued right up until the whole plot was revealed. I had a pretty good idea what was coming next as it was wrapping up, but only in the final book. The second one kept me guessing.
I love the way it all played out in the end and I can see how all the politcal and religious machinations all fit together. Briliant.
This is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.
This was a great ending to the trilogy. The thought that has gone into creating these books is amazing and it definitely kept me intrigued right up until the whole plot was revealed. I had a pretty good idea what was coming next as it was wrapping up, but only in the final book. The second one kept me guessing.
I love the way it all played out in the end and I can see how all the politcal and religious machinations all fit together. Briliant.
This is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.
December 5, 2008
What a series! Phew!
The last book brings all the loose ends together very satisfyingly. I left a big gap between book 2 and this one, but I could pick it up without a problem because the characters and situations are clearly expressed and memorable. Marqel moves up to her true place as the most evil person on the planet - one of the worst baddies I've ever read - and everybody know it except the two people who matter. Dirk Provin finds his entire intricate plan at risk because of her, and to top it off he finds himself also having to hold his enemy's kingdom together!
The last book brings all the loose ends together very satisfyingly. I left a big gap between book 2 and this one, but I could pick it up without a problem because the characters and situations are clearly expressed and memorable. Marqel moves up to her true place as the most evil person on the planet - one of the worst baddies I've ever read - and everybody know it except the two people who matter. Dirk Provin finds his entire intricate plan at risk because of her, and to top it off he finds himself also having to hold his enemy's kingdom together!
April 5, 2018
If only taking into account the 1st part of the book, I would have given it 5 stars. However, the second half wasn't as good. Notably, I was annoyed that Eryk and Caterina felt like plot device. The series is quite dark so I would have wished that the author fully embraced this darkness. Dirk managed to rescue too many characters and some of the humorous scenes felt a bit out of place (i.e Caterina taken as an hostage). The main female characters annoyed me to varying degree in this book. Jacinta felt more like an archetype than a real character. Alenor who was great in the 2nd book lost all her smart in favor of romance. Tia was just dump and I couldn't care about her and Misha's chapter. Marquel...I was okay with Marquel actually. But I wonder if her descent into sociopathy wasn't too sudden. I wish Kirsh would have realized sooner what she was all about.
In any case, the ending was still satisfying. Dirk, Kirch and Antonov are some of my all time fav. Antonov is one of the most interesting villains I've gotten to read about. Till the end, I was never sure if he was truly devious or just outrageously arrogant and lost to his faith.
In any case, the ending was still satisfying. Dirk, Kirch and Antonov are some of my all time fav. Antonov is one of the most interesting villains I've gotten to read about. Till the end, I was never sure if he was truly devious or just outrageously arrogant and lost to his faith.
July 16, 2020
I admit it, even though I REALLY liked the first book, I skipped the 2nd book and only read the last 2/3rd of this last book.
It wasn't even because the baddies of divine right were winning, or that Dirk seemingly betrayed his friends and family. I just knew really horrible things were going to go down with little recourse actually seen in the 2nd book. And by the end of the first book, I was less invested in the individual characters' story and more invested in the overall plot.
Thank G-d that most everyone got their just desserts. Except for Kirsh who only ever loved Marquel, the ending was satisfying. I did like that bumbling, naive Dirk became such a powerhouse player and when he told Kirsh, that after all the Shadowdancers did to him, Dirk's only other choice was to end the Shadowdancers. Just brillant!
Poor Eryck.
It wasn't even because the baddies of divine right were winning, or that Dirk seemingly betrayed his friends and family. I just knew really horrible things were going to go down with little recourse actually seen in the 2nd book. And by the end of the first book, I was less invested in the individual characters' story and more invested in the overall plot.
Thank G-d that most everyone got their just desserts. Except for Kirsh who only ever loved Marquel, the ending was satisfying. I did like that bumbling, naive Dirk became such a powerhouse player and when he told Kirsh, that after all the Shadowdancers did to him, Dirk's only other choice was to end the Shadowdancers. Just brillant!
Poor Eryck.
January 22, 2018
I've sat on this book a little too long to write the review I wanted to, but it's not getting any fresher in my mind the longer I wait, so here goes nothing.
The first book of this series got the highest rating from me. It had a coming of age charm that I loved. It also had the advantage of there being “more to come.” I am happy to say that one of my chief criticism of the first book was resolved in this third installment. I started to guess that it was in the second book, but I really wish that I would have in the first… before I wrote that review, permitting all to see my lack of imagination…
There are a few reasons this book falls short for me. The first is that the author spend a little too much time explaining things that didn’t need to be explained. It was a little insulting to the reader. One section of the book (the climax), the scene is set and the action resolves. The implications of the actions are extremely obvious and carry a tremendous amount of power. Then those obvious implications are explained, greatly diminishing their effect on the reader. This happened a few times, the finial time being the worst. I was genuinely surprised because I don’t remember this happening in the first two books.
Another issue I had with this book concerns the portrayal of all the adults. They seem to just exist in the world and have no real substance after the first book. They are built up as if they are these stilled tacticians, moving in and out of a dangerous web of political ambition, only to be cast aside by children. If the intent was to say that these children were by no means ordinary, it would have had a greater effect if the adults possessed a bit more of their prowess throughout the story. The first book did this well, with an exception to the Lion of Senet’s reaction to Dirk killing a certain character.
I liked that the book was almost of political maneuvering. While it wasn’t of the highest degree, it was fun. It is my opinion that such a story is far more imaginative and engaging than a battle saturated fantasy with a linier plot. I applaud Jennifer Fallon on this, and it will probably be the reason I pick up another one of her books.
The first book of this series got the highest rating from me. It had a coming of age charm that I loved. It also had the advantage of there being “more to come.” I am happy to say that one of my chief criticism of the first book was resolved in this third installment. I started to guess that it was in the second book, but I really wish that I would have in the first… before I wrote that review, permitting all to see my lack of imagination…
There are a few reasons this book falls short for me. The first is that the author spend a little too much time explaining things that didn’t need to be explained. It was a little insulting to the reader. One section of the book (the climax), the scene is set and the action resolves. The implications of the actions are extremely obvious and carry a tremendous amount of power. Then those obvious implications are explained, greatly diminishing their effect on the reader. This happened a few times, the finial time being the worst. I was genuinely surprised because I don’t remember this happening in the first two books.
Another issue I had with this book concerns the portrayal of all the adults. They seem to just exist in the world and have no real substance after the first book. They are built up as if they are these stilled tacticians, moving in and out of a dangerous web of political ambition, only to be cast aside by children. If the intent was to say that these children were by no means ordinary, it would have had a greater effect if the adults possessed a bit more of their prowess throughout the story. The first book did this well, with an exception to the Lion of Senet’s reaction to Dirk killing a certain character.
I liked that the book was almost of political maneuvering. While it wasn’t of the highest degree, it was fun. It is my opinion that such a story is far more imaginative and engaging than a battle saturated fantasy with a linier plot. I applaud Jennifer Fallon on this, and it will probably be the reason I pick up another one of her books.
November 8, 2022
I’m going to write more, I’m about ¾ of the way through but it’s very important for me to state that Tia Veran is one of THE most annoying characters to ever grace the pages of a book. I literally want to strangle her
March 5, 2008
This series culminates in one of the most clever and satisfying stories I have ever read.
May 6, 2009
I was really really impressed by the plot in this trilogy, the third book in particular. Dirk is BRILLIANT!!!
My only critique, if any, is that I'm not entirely convinced about the romantic pairings in the end. I don't know if 'Tide Lords' is in any way related to this trilogy, but if it is I would be interested to see if things change.
I also feel a bit sad that Kirsh didn't feel he could surrender. It really pisses me off that it took so long for him to realise Marquel was a self-interested schemer, but ces't la vie...
My only critique, if any, is that I'm not entirely convinced about the romantic pairings in the end. I don't know if 'Tide Lords' is in any way related to this trilogy, but if it is I would be interested to see if things change.
I also feel a bit sad that Kirsh didn't feel he could surrender. It really pisses me off that it took so long for him to realise Marquel was a self-interested schemer, but ces't la vie...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2012
I've been wanting to reread this series for a few months now and its just as good as I remember it. It's more political and religious intrigue rather than straight up fighting which makes it more interesting (at least for me).
Lion of Senet sets up the world where everything takes place, who's in power, who's not in power, how and why. Then the author throws a wrench into the works and upsets the entire dynamic and spends the next two books fixing everything.
I will be reading this series again.
Lion of Senet sets up the world where everything takes place, who's in power, who's not in power, how and why. Then the author throws a wrench into the works and upsets the entire dynamic and spends the next two books fixing everything.
I will be reading this series again.
November 6, 2018
3.75
65% were 6/5 stars,but rest was too much. Fallon stressed Marqel character to a point where it became ridiculous, there's a limit to how a man can be blinded by love.
I wanted an end where the characters faced the truth no matter how hard it was and not just die, I wanted to see justice but not the way the author executed it(at least some of it).
Still, I loved this series and highly recommend it.
65% were 6/5 stars,but rest was too much. Fallon stressed Marqel character to a point where it became ridiculous, there's a limit to how a man can be blinded by love.
I wanted an end where the characters faced the truth no matter how hard it was and not just die, I wanted to see justice but not the way the author executed it(at least some of it).
Still, I loved this series and highly recommend it.
April 3, 2013
In "Lord of the Shadows," Love will bloom in the most unexpected places, new alliances will be forged and secrets will come to light. There will be a war that will pit one brother against another and many will suffer the price. Once you finish reading this book and realize that you've come to the end of the trilogy, it will feel like losing a friend.
January 8, 2013
Just can't stop reading this one. I've read it over and over so many times. I just love how Dirk actually uses his intelligence all of the time, despite how often things go awry.
I think it's better than the first two, but that's just my opinion.
I think it's better than the first two, but that's just my opinion.
April 3, 2019
Amazing. Couldn't put it down till the very end!
I loved Misha, Tia and of course Dirk.
The conflict between ignorance and intelligence is prevalent and enjoyable.
The politicking is world-class!
Jennifer Fallon has written a masterpiece trilogy.
They should make into a movie.
I loved Misha, Tia and of course Dirk.
The conflict between ignorance and intelligence is prevalent and enjoyable.
The politicking is world-class!
Jennifer Fallon has written a masterpiece trilogy.
They should make into a movie.
April 8, 2019
Best book series in 4 or 5 years.
March 3, 2024
I am surprised at all of the high praise this book garners. I found this series to decline dramatically with each book. All of the things I did not care for in Eye of the Labyrinth are amplified here. I guess for anyone who really liked what that book had to offer, Lord of the Shadows has it in spades. For me it was rather painful. The only thing keeping me going was the ridiculousness of it all. It came close to falling into the "so bad it's good" category.
The story has too many cases where elaborate plans are made, and if any of a hundred things did not go just right, the entire plan would unravel. Or if one person talked to another about some detail, it would ruin everything. Of course, none of that ever happens, and it makes the entire story start to feel far too contrived. However, the most painful part of the book is all of the drama and the incredible awkward relationships. I started to think that the entire series was becoming just a vehicle for these cringeworthy relationships. It got to the point where I was feeling second hand embarrassment reading it. This series started fairly strong with the first book, but I probably should have stopped there. By the end, the only entertainment I was getting was the wrong kind, laughing at things that were clearly not intended to be funny. This did not end up being a series (this book in particular) to my taste.
The story has too many cases where elaborate plans are made, and if any of a hundred things did not go just right, the entire plan would unravel. Or if one person talked to another about some detail, it would ruin everything. Of course, none of that ever happens, and it makes the entire story start to feel far too contrived. However, the most painful part of the book is all of the drama and the incredible awkward relationships. I started to think that the entire series was becoming just a vehicle for these cringeworthy relationships. It got to the point where I was feeling second hand embarrassment reading it. This series started fairly strong with the first book, but I probably should have stopped there. By the end, the only entertainment I was getting was the wrong kind, laughing at things that were clearly not intended to be funny. This did not end up being a series (this book in particular) to my taste.
November 9, 2025
The final installment in the Second Sons trilogy was an engaging read and certainly a fitting end to the story. Most of the loose ends were tied up but somehow it also left a lot to be desired.
The plot was certainly denser than even in the second book but at times it felt like Fallon lost focus of the narrative. I felt that the heists and shenanigans that this series thrives on became a little too contrived at times and all sense of scale in this world where characters fast travel or significant time periods are skipped because the plot needs to happen..
The diminishing of one of the larger villains of the series and its rather quick end was also a mishandled opportunity in my eyes.
The romance wasn't as strong as in the second book and some of the new relationships felt forced.
The ending lacked intensity and most of our heroes got their bittersweet ending without paying too high a price.
Fallons writing style simple, yet enganging kept me turning the pages until the very end and for that I am grateful.
The plot was certainly denser than even in the second book but at times it felt like Fallon lost focus of the narrative. I felt that the heists and shenanigans that this series thrives on became a little too contrived at times and all sense of scale in this world where characters fast travel or significant time periods are skipped because the plot needs to happen..
The diminishing of one of the larger villains of the series and its rather quick end was also a mishandled opportunity in my eyes.
The romance wasn't as strong as in the second book and some of the new relationships felt forced.
The ending lacked intensity and most of our heroes got their bittersweet ending without paying too high a price.
Fallons writing style simple, yet enganging kept me turning the pages until the very end and for that I am grateful.
October 3, 2017
I'm not sure how to review this one... its good like the previous books, but it's probably a bit too serious. I felt frustration for most of the book (for the characters and the misunderstandings driven through the plot). And I'm not sure I liked the conclusion. It just felt... not as thought out like the previous books. Or maybe it felt weird how everyone is suddenly in a really high and powerful position. Or how characters that were introduced only in the third book took a very important part of the plot. Not sure what it is that made me no quite as satisfied.
Having said that, it still had me at the edge of my seat, and I just had to know what happens next. So all in all, it was pretty good. :)
Audiobook version: the narrator Joe Jameson remained consistent throughout the series. Excellent in every way, perfect acting, lots of emotion. Simply brilliant.
Having said that, it still had me at the edge of my seat, and I just had to know what happens next. So all in all, it was pretty good. :)
Audiobook version: the narrator Joe Jameson remained consistent throughout the series. Excellent in every way, perfect acting, lots of emotion. Simply brilliant.
October 2, 2021
Rees Provin had the worst character trajectory, I remember when Morna was thinking about the fact that there was no jealousy between her sons even though Dirk was the super intelligent one and then he just watched as his mother was burned alive and they joined the opposing side on a war with Dirk out of petty jealousy, smh. Tia, I really could have done without this character. Marqel was no big bad, she was completely amoral and had animal cunning but she wasn't as smart as she thought, Dirk could have dealt with her easily, her real power came from Khirst insistence on being completely stupid when it came to her for no good reason. I was so happy that Dirk got a chance at happiness with someone who understood him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2023
Fallon, by now, has made sure we understand how smart and clever Dirk is, so it is not much of a surprise that he succeeds in his ambitious attempt to bring down the Shadowdancers.
Not all the ends are tied neatly up though, Fallon understands that a story exists within a context that began before the story started and will continue after, but most things have been resolved appropriately, with good, of course, triumphing.
This is one of the reasons I like fantasy - the central message is, almost without fail, that by working together we can make a better world. Love it.
Not all the ends are tied neatly up though, Fallon understands that a story exists within a context that began before the story started and will continue after, but most things have been resolved appropriately, with good, of course, triumphing.
This is one of the reasons I like fantasy - the central message is, almost without fail, that by working together we can make a better world. Love it.
August 20, 2017
A fine ending to an irresistible trilogy.
For lovers of romance, science fiction, futuristic novels, intrigue, and royals, The Lion Of Senet trilogy, ending with Lord of the Shadows, was a joy to read. I couldn't wait to read the next book, and the next. Lord of the Shadows had so many OMG moments that I found myself wondering how Ms. Fallon managed to slip in another. This book, as well as parts 1 and 2, way extremely enjoyable and I didn't want it to end!
For lovers of romance, science fiction, futuristic novels, intrigue, and royals, The Lion Of Senet trilogy, ending with Lord of the Shadows, was a joy to read. I couldn't wait to read the next book, and the next. Lord of the Shadows had so many OMG moments that I found myself wondering how Ms. Fallon managed to slip in another. This book, as well as parts 1 and 2, way extremely enjoyable and I didn't want it to end!
October 8, 2017
I think this is my favourite series of Jennifer Fallon's excellent catalogue. I've now read it twice and enjoy it equally both times. Of course now I have to go back and re-read all of her stories.
November 26, 2018
That was an absolutely fantastic trilogy, and is quite easily one of my favourite trilogies.
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