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Shadow Trilogy #1
Blood and Shadows
They came from the shadows. They came to destroy us.
Twenty years ago, bloodthirsty assassins turned an innocent girl into a monster. Most of her humanity perished. She fell into darkness.
Now she steps from the shadows. Now she destroys the light. Now she brings the rise of the assassin king.
Dawyn Darklance was thrust into war. After mysteriously arriving on Tar Ebon he joined the Kingdom of Tar Ebon’s army. Dawyn rose to the rank of commander of the king’s guard and now has been chosen to find and destroy the assassin king.
Against the assassin onslaught, Tar Ebon stands alone. But Dawyn and his allies, a druid, mage, and bard, will rise and fight. They will win, or they will die.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2013
156 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Dayne Edmondson
37 books278 followersDayne first began writing fantasy at the age of fifteen when he discovered the worlds which fantasy novels could transport him to. Since then, he’s read countless fantasy and science fiction novels from the likes of Robert Jordan, Elizabeth Haydon, Peter F. Hamilton, George R.R. Martin and many others. He has earned a bachelor of business administration from CTU, written a fantasy novel, obtained his customs broker license and started a publishing business.
Dayne lives in southeastern Michigan with his wife and daughter. When he is not working on his Saga of the Seven Stars series and his next novel, you can find him reading, watching television with his wife, biking, walking and playing on the computer or with his daughter.
Dayne lives in southeastern Michigan with his wife and daughter. When he is not working on his Saga of the Seven Stars series and his next novel, you can find him reading, watching television with his wife, biking, walking and playing on the computer or with his daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 5, 2020
I received an ARC of this book in an exchange for an honest review.
Now lets just see what I think...
Not bad. If you are in the mood of epic, sci-fi books maybe tou should check it.
I am going to give it 3.4 stars though because I wasn't touched, maybe even impressed. Can't pin point the feeling. It is just what it is.
Nice set up
nice world
easy to read
the first chaps were a little boring, in my opinion always
Now lets just see what I think...
Not bad. If you are in the mood of epic, sci-fi books maybe tou should check it.
I am going to give it 3.4 stars though because I wasn't touched, maybe even impressed. Can't pin point the feeling. It is just what it is.
Nice set up
nice world
easy to read
the first chaps were a little boring, in my opinion always
September 14, 2017
YA at it's youngest.
This is aimed squarely at the youngest end of the fantasy reader market. I cannot recommend it to anyone who loves serious, well written fantasy.
This is aimed squarely at the youngest end of the fantasy reader market. I cannot recommend it to anyone who loves serious, well written fantasy.
September 13, 2019
Audiobook Review
Blood and Shadows is the first book in the Shadow Trilogy. The story starts out in a very LitRPG-type fantasy world in which all of the world's Assassin Guild leaders are being killed by the relentless Lord Garik, who is set on taking over not only ALL of the Assassin Guilds, but all of the Tar Ebon land. The king worries for his land & people, so he calls upon Sir Dawyn Darklance, head of his elite guard The Shadow Watch Guild, to get to the bottom of who Garik is, his plans, and ultimately take him out. Dawyn gathers a party (fighter/hero, mage, druid, rogue) and starts his journey running into trouble from monsters and people left and right.
While the descriptor does not have this book listed as LitRPG and it doesn't have players that have been sucked into their game world, it definitely reads like one. If you like LitRPGs you should give this book a try. The MC Dawyn has an uncanny magical ability that allows him to slow time, making him a beast in battle and skirmishes. One of the villains can shift from shadow to normal in the blink of an eye, making dodging projectiles easy. Magic everywhere. There's lots of action from pretty much start to finish. I would recommend this book for less hardcore fantasy readers, even going so far as to say that older middle school aged kids that have a love of fantasy books would like it along side adult readers. The fighting isn't super graphic but there is a lot of it.
The end has a sci-fi twist that I would have LOVED to have been hinted at more throughout the book! It sets up a completely different world(s?) than what we learned in the rest of the book. I'm guessing book 2 will envelope that aspect greatly.
The narrator, Scott Barrier has a nice deep voice that is very easy to listen to. The beginning started out a little monotonous, but he worked out of it not to far in. Some accents and pitch changes might have made it a little bit easier to discern who was speaking, but he's a good reader. I would not hesitate to listen to more books he has narrated.
Things that would've brought it to 4 star:
1)Language (class) differences. I do wish the author had embellished his bartender and street folk character with some slang and less proper grammar - they just didn't seem as tough as the lower caste usually does. 2) More Victoria. Victoria was underutilized considering the amount of time she filled at the beginning. I thought she was a MC and then we hardly hear a peep about her for the rest of the book, making her demise anticlimactic. 3) If it has to be there: a better love story. The love arc goes from 0 to 60 in practically 4 seconds and I would feel more invested in the their future together (because I think it will play a vital part in future books) had there been more friendship before the literal insta-love. This isn't an author-only problem, it's a genre problem. I'm not looking for 8 chapters of courting, just a reason beyond "he saved me this morning/I saved her this morning and now we're in love.
I reiterate: I liked this book. I will probably pick up the next.
I was given this book by the author, narrator, or publisher in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Blood and Shadows is the first book in the Shadow Trilogy. The story starts out in a very LitRPG-type fantasy world in which all of the world's Assassin Guild leaders are being killed by the relentless Lord Garik, who is set on taking over not only ALL of the Assassin Guilds, but all of the Tar Ebon land. The king worries for his land & people, so he calls upon Sir Dawyn Darklance, head of his elite guard The Shadow Watch Guild, to get to the bottom of who Garik is, his plans, and ultimately take him out. Dawyn gathers a party (fighter/hero, mage, druid, rogue) and starts his journey running into trouble from monsters and people left and right.
While the descriptor does not have this book listed as LitRPG and it doesn't have players that have been sucked into their game world, it definitely reads like one. If you like LitRPGs you should give this book a try. The MC Dawyn has an uncanny magical ability that allows him to slow time, making him a beast in battle and skirmishes. One of the villains can shift from shadow to normal in the blink of an eye, making dodging projectiles easy. Magic everywhere. There's lots of action from pretty much start to finish. I would recommend this book for less hardcore fantasy readers, even going so far as to say that older middle school aged kids that have a love of fantasy books would like it along side adult readers. The fighting isn't super graphic but there is a lot of it.
The end has a sci-fi twist that I would have LOVED to have been hinted at more throughout the book! It sets up a completely different world(s?) than what we learned in the rest of the book. I'm guessing book 2 will envelope that aspect greatly.
The narrator, Scott Barrier has a nice deep voice that is very easy to listen to. The beginning started out a little monotonous, but he worked out of it not to far in. Some accents and pitch changes might have made it a little bit easier to discern who was speaking, but he's a good reader. I would not hesitate to listen to more books he has narrated.
Things that would've brought it to 4 star:
1)Language (class) differences. I do wish the author had embellished his bartender and street folk character with some slang and less proper grammar - they just didn't seem as tough as the lower caste usually does. 2) More Victoria. Victoria was underutilized considering the amount of time she filled at the beginning. I thought she was a MC and then we hardly hear a peep about her for the rest of the book, making her demise anticlimactic. 3) If it has to be there: a better love story. The love arc goes from 0 to 60 in practically 4 seconds and I would feel more invested in the their future together (because I think it will play a vital part in future books) had there been more friendship before the literal insta-love. This isn't an author-only problem, it's a genre problem. I'm not looking for 8 chapters of courting, just a reason beyond "he saved me this morning/I saved her this morning and now we're in love.
I reiterate: I liked this book. I will probably pick up the next.
I was given this book by the author, narrator, or publisher in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
September 19, 2017
Blood and Shadows is the first book in the Shadow Trilogy. From the start this story was full of non-stop action. The characters are interesting and likable. The pacing is fast, but sometimes I felt it went a little too fast. There could have been more dialogue in-between travels instead of just showing up in the next town. There was nothing that really bothered me too much; the story still flowed very well. Overall I did enjoy this book and look forward to the sequel. That ending has a twist that really takes the book to the next level. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science fiction and fantasy stories.
Final Rating: 4 Stars
Final Rating: 4 Stars
July 19, 2019
**** SPOILER ALERT ****
This is my first introduction to Edmondson's work. I like what I've seen so far!.
In the beginning "Blood And Shadows" appears to be a straight Sword and Wand tale.
It turned out that this tale is like an onion because it has multiple layers. It is a very well done hybrid of the Sci-Fi and Fantasy genres.
Just hints, for now, but I foresee a bigger infusion of Sci-Fi elements in future installments. I suspect that Mr. Edmondson will maintain the balance that he showed in "Blood And Shadows" in the follow on books. This was my first read through of "Blood And Shadows', but it has been put on my "Re-read" list. So I can go back and peel back even more "layers" than I did during the first read through.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more tales in this "universe".
I highly recommend this book. I promise.
I was provided this book for review. This is my review and my honest opinion.
This is my first introduction to Edmondson's work. I like what I've seen so far!.
In the beginning "Blood And Shadows" appears to be a straight Sword and Wand tale.
It turned out that this tale is like an onion because it has multiple layers. It is a very well done hybrid of the Sci-Fi and Fantasy genres.
Just hints, for now, but I foresee a bigger infusion of Sci-Fi elements in future installments. I suspect that Mr. Edmondson will maintain the balance that he showed in "Blood And Shadows" in the follow on books. This was my first read through of "Blood And Shadows', but it has been put on my "Re-read" list. So I can go back and peel back even more "layers" than I did during the first read through.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more tales in this "universe".
I highly recommend this book. I promise.
I was provided this book for review. This is my review and my honest opinion.
June 15, 2021
This book was provided free to me by the author. I was only asked to provide an honest review. This is a fairly common swords and wands type novel. I would say that it is geared to the lower end of the YA grouping. The storyline is solid, and the characters have a subtle line development. I anticipate the characters will develop more solidly in the upcoming novels. I was taken back by the way I was the book's plot both reveals and conceals the series plot. What will happen in the upcoming novels I am anxious to find out!
September 22, 2017
The Trilogy Starts with a Bang!
The story is fast-paced while taking a little time to develop the main characters. The story seems predictable and then surprises you. The battle scenes are a bit graphic, but they didn't become overwhelming.
Without being a spoiler, I can that the story you start is not the one you finish.
Disclaimer: The author provided a copy and asked for an honest review.
The story is fast-paced while taking a little time to develop the main characters. The story seems predictable and then surprises you. The battle scenes are a bit graphic, but they didn't become overwhelming.
Without being a spoiler, I can that the story you start is not the one you finish.
Disclaimer: The author provided a copy and asked for an honest review.
October 10, 2017
A wonderful fantasy story!!
It will leave you wanting for more..as the humans, mages, shifters all take On deadly assassinations only to win , and find out that a evil alien monster race, wants to destroy them....but there's hope with a man,n women shapes hitter and a written proerecy written 100 of years ago , about another race from out of space helping them destroy the enemy . ...will they make it in time? I Sure hope so..
It will leave you wanting for more..as the humans, mages, shifters all take On deadly assassinations only to win , and find out that a evil alien monster race, wants to destroy them....but there's hope with a man,n women shapes hitter and a written proerecy written 100 of years ago , about another race from out of space helping them destroy the enemy . ...will they make it in time? I Sure hope so..
August 18, 2019
DNF 77%
Just a bland read.
A quarter of the text could be cut, as it consists of pointless dialogue or narrative cul-de-sacs. E.g. Why spend two pages talking about why taking a ship would be a bad idea, so they should ride horses?
The characters all seem to have the same voice. The antagonist has no obvious motivation. The action set-pieces are childishly simple.
This seems like an apprentice work at best.
Just a bland read.
A quarter of the text could be cut, as it consists of pointless dialogue or narrative cul-de-sacs. E.g. Why spend two pages talking about why taking a ship would be a bad idea, so they should ride horses?
The characters all seem to have the same voice. The antagonist has no obvious motivation. The action set-pieces are childishly simple.
This seems like an apprentice work at best.
June 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. The pacing is great and the action keeps you plowing through the pages. I like that the author doesn't bore you with overly unnecessary details of the character's traveling. The characters are easily likable and I can't wait to read the second book in the trilogy. The epilogue was a nice little addition to make you wonder what is going to happen next.
July 9, 2017
Good Sword and Sorcery/ Detective Novel
The start is good, then the tale slows down a bit before picking up speed and energy and reaching a decent (partial) climax. This seems to be the first volume of an epic tale, and a good start it is. Edmondson spins a good story, although the characters seem a little cardboard in places. Recommended as a good S&S/detective novel.
The start is good, then the tale slows down a bit before picking up speed and energy and reaching a decent (partial) climax. This seems to be the first volume of an epic tale, and a good start it is. Edmondson spins a good story, although the characters seem a little cardboard in places. Recommended as a good S&S/detective novel.
August 13, 2017
The book was slow to start and had information that may not have been necessary for the story, but the information given was not at all unwelcome. The further in you read, the more interesting and action-packed the story became. The story is intriguing and captivating. Definitely going to read the rest of the series because the end was too enticing to quit now.
June 24, 2017
This is one of those books you don't think you'll like but read it anyway. I was glad I did, what an imaginative story and characters. I love how the story came together and the characters are well thought out and described. Great writing by the author. Great Reading Everyone!!!
August 26, 2017
A bold colorful descriptive writing style marks this novel, the first in a series by a talented novelist, introduces readers to the world of Tar Ebon, a place where magic pervades and dangerous creatures lurk in the far reaches of the world. This novel will leave you entranced by the characters and screaming for more. I strongly recommend this book to fantasy/ sword and sorcery readers.
Shadows stretch across the land as the denizens of the underworld unite under a single deadly leader and threaten to bathe the magical kingdom of Tar Ebon in blood, dooming mankind
Great book well worth a read...
Shadows stretch across the land as the denizens of the underworld unite under a single deadly leader and threaten to bathe the magical kingdom of Tar Ebon in blood, dooming mankind
Great book well worth a read...
September 14, 2017
A must read.
Wonderful characters and a very detailed background of the kingdom. Twists and turns at every angle. Was absolutely astonished at the ending. Wasn't at all what I was expecting.
Wonderful characters and a very detailed background of the kingdom. Twists and turns at every angle. Was absolutely astonished at the ending. Wasn't at all what I was expecting.
September 24, 2017
Enjoyable and interesting. The story is somewhat predictable but that adds just to the fun. I liked the approach to the climax of the book and was left wanting to continue with the next book in the series. Highly recommended for any RPG and fantasy lover...
October 15, 2017
I'm a bit old for this style but its still pretty good and I read it through to the end which says a lot about its quality and excitement.
Disclosure: I was offered a free copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review.
Disclosure: I was offered a free copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review.
August 7, 2019
Good series start
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more of the series. The image is very good. I am tally enjoying the characters thoughtout the series. I world definitely recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more of the series. The image is very good. I am tally enjoying the characters thoughtout the series. I world definitely recommend this book.
June 13, 2017
This was a good book. Took me a little bit to get into it. After awhile I could mot stop reading it. I would recommend this book. As I said, very good book.
June 24, 2017
5 star
There is plenty of action in this book. It holds your attention extremely well. I plan to read more and highly recommend it!
There is plenty of action in this book. It holds your attention extremely well. I plan to read more and highly recommend it!
April 11, 2018
A great read!
August 20, 2018
A really enjoyable story that kept me entertained from the beginning.
Will now go and get the next in series.
Will now go and get the next in series.
March 29, 2019
While the beginning was interesting and its central character, Veronica, is so badass and intriguing. By the middle of the story, it fell apart for me, and I didn't finish it.
July 21, 2016
In a world of mage, druids, and assassins we meet up with Dawyn, a leader in the Shadow Watch Guild of the kingdom of Tar Ebon. While hearing rumors of Lord Garik and his hostile takeovers of the assassins guild in surrounding areas, Dawyn comes upon a druid who had been captured and tortured by some of Lord Garik's followers. Hearing the tales of torture and death that seems to come from Lord Garik and everyone in his following, Dawyn gathers a small group of companions to rage war on Garik and bring him in for justice. While on their quest Dawyn, Alivia, Anwyn, and Favio encounter enemies, a monster that comes from prophecies, and allies to help in the war with Garik. While the war has not ended, just the first battle has been fought, with losses on both sides, the fight seems to have changed for Dawyn it has gone from professional to personal........what's to come? Guess we will just have to wait for the next book to find out. I for one am looking forward to the next release in this series.
December 20, 2016
I really like the writing style of the author in this one. The pages just fly by and the pacing was perfect. I like when the flow of a story is not impeded by long winded descriptions and this is exactly what the author delivered. The story in itself is very good and straightforward, with assassins/thieves guilds uniting to take control of an empire and a gathering of good guys who are fighting to prevent it. There is some nice twist and turn and all the characters are actually quite different from what the fantasy stereotype would lead you to believe. There is a real storytelling talent at work here and I will definitely be on board for the rest of the ride.
January 11, 2014
I loved this book. I thought it was good for adults and middle school aged children. It is a fantasy book with four companions going along for the adventure. There is a twist at the ending I wasn't expecting. I am looking forward to book#2 in this series.
September 23, 2013
Great book, look forward to the next book!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews