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Shadowleague #2
Spirit of the Stone
From Maggie Furey comes this stunning new novel that continues the epic saga of Myrial. Here the survivors of a ravaged city attempt to save their fragile and miraculous world from apocalyptic doom.
On the world of Myrial, the mysterious Curtain Walls have begun to fall and the realms and races that have been carefully separated from the beginning of time are now confronting each other, with terrible consequences. Hideous winged creatures have attacked the city of Tiarond, turning its streets and public squares into a killing ground. As bewildered groups of survivors flee the city in all directions, others make the treacherous journey to the sacred Temple, where the ancient power that can save the world lies hidden.
Meanwhile, two women warriors and a brazen firedrake journey to the realm of the Shadowleague, taking with them a Dragon Seer’s telepathic knowledge that might be used to repair the Curtain Walls. Yet not even that will be enough. For before the Shadowleague can act to save a rapidly unraveling reality, it must decide if it will trust a ruthless exile with a bloody past who can bring order to Myrial—or hasten its harrowing descent into annihilation.
On the world of Myrial, the mysterious Curtain Walls have begun to fall and the realms and races that have been carefully separated from the beginning of time are now confronting each other, with terrible consequences. Hideous winged creatures have attacked the city of Tiarond, turning its streets and public squares into a killing ground. As bewildered groups of survivors flee the city in all directions, others make the treacherous journey to the sacred Temple, where the ancient power that can save the world lies hidden.
Meanwhile, two women warriors and a brazen firedrake journey to the realm of the Shadowleague, taking with them a Dragon Seer’s telepathic knowledge that might be used to repair the Curtain Walls. Yet not even that will be enough. For before the Shadowleague can act to save a rapidly unraveling reality, it must decide if it will trust a ruthless exile with a bloody past who can bring order to Myrial—or hasten its harrowing descent into annihilation.
465 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
5 people are currently reading
392 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Furey
32 books197 followersMaggie Furey was born in North East England and spent most of her adult life residing in County Wicklow, Ireland. She was a qualified teacher, but has also reviewed books on BBC Radio Newcastle, been an advisor in the Durham Reading Resources Centre and organized children's book fairs.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 8, 2020
“If you really seek redemption, saving a world, isn’t such a bad way to start.”
“Spirit of the Stone” was better than its predecessor because a coup was cooking throughout to my evil’s heart delight.
The rest was frustratingly underwhelming.
This instalment is split between three locations: The first plotline follows Seriema with her assistant Presvel, accompanied by Presvel’s love Rochelle, Tormon and his little daughter Annas, and the young Scall. This is your typical journey of discovery part. The protagonists go somewhere to find something accidentally (and also learn about themselves and one another along the way). None of these interactions were terribly original (although Presvel devolution came out of nowhere, for me), and while I’d love to understand what , this is a more pragmatic than existential curiosity so to speak.
In the beleaguered city of Tiarond, smithmaster Agella and the newly appointed Commander Galveron (love you even more) together with the poor Gilarra finally in the Hierarch’s coveted but not so comfortable shoes, struggle against the dangers from within and without. There are sick, hungry, and scared people, internal political divisions are already forming, and the alien enemies still lurk beyond the safe walls. This plot line is further enriched by another YA fix, one Aliana and her gang of street thieves (no, do not think about the Gentleman Bastards, Grey Ghosts do not even come close). The besieged city trope is an easy fix. You can hardly go wrong with that one. I found the internal tensions exacerbated by the external threat mildly interesting. Though, I didn’t like the Grey Ghosts that much. Rather, it was the friction on the Gilarra-Galveron line that kept me hooked. I really wonder how Ms Furey will play this one out!
Finally, Veldan, Toulac and the firedrake together with the kidnapped Zavahl make it for the Shadowleague headquarters in Wherever. Elon accompanies them (mark my disappointment: the enmity between him and Veldan vanishes like a morning fog without neither a bang or whimper!). They are pursued by the Blade whose years of careful planning, determination and sacrifice went over the cliff (literally). Blade has his own POV and even some satellite, tertiary protagonists (so called Summoners, Dark and Grim) to make it more viable.
Back in Wherever (I am truly sorry, I already forgotten this generic, unremarkable place), Cergorn has serious leadership issues, while Thirishri discovers she is not alone in the timeless void of the Otherplace.
As you can see, “Spirit of the Stone” features plenty of people, and while it was nice to see some connections between some of the lines, I was very frustrated how this time the POV changes are so frequent that the narrative alternates also within the chapters. I really think it is high time to go on a killing spree.
Especially that even though I did not expect breakthroughs (it is a middle book, after all), what we get is rather disappointing. The coup was interesting when it was in the making. And then it sort of happened. Ms Furey could have gotten so much out of this mess! Similarly, with the Elion-Veldan animosity. Puff, and it vanished. On top of everything, this whole Zavahl sex therapy was a little absurd, but apparently there are also no problems big enough that a good humping cannot cure.
Not all is bad. The storytelling is definitely better. There are new insights into the Creators who become less and less benign. One trinket is lost but two others are found in a mysterious cavern (this is the reason why you need YA protagonists, they are bound to end up in some random place no sane person would venture to). All in all, I also hoped we could see more of the world. Nothing like that happens. The short glimpse into the dragon realm and the infodump within the Timeless Void (or whatever the magic bag is) was too little to appease me.
I am very hopeful for the final book (or I toned down my expectations). If this series is not ground- or heartbreaking, at least I can attest that “Spirit of the Stone” reads fast and while it remains predictable, it is also predictably ‘safe’ fantasy read.
Also in the series:
1. The Heart of Myrial ★★☆☆☆
3. Echo of Eternity ★☆☆☆☆
“Spirit of the Stone” was better than its predecessor because a coup was cooking throughout to my evil’s heart delight.
The rest was frustratingly underwhelming.
This instalment is split between three locations: The first plotline follows Seriema with her assistant Presvel, accompanied by Presvel’s love Rochelle, Tormon and his little daughter Annas, and the young Scall. This is your typical journey of discovery part. The protagonists go somewhere to find something accidentally (and also learn about themselves and one another along the way). None of these interactions were terribly original (although Presvel devolution came out of nowhere, for me), and while I’d love to understand what , this is a more pragmatic than existential curiosity so to speak.
In the beleaguered city of Tiarond, smithmaster Agella and the newly appointed Commander Galveron (love you even more) together with the poor Gilarra finally in the Hierarch’s coveted but not so comfortable shoes, struggle against the dangers from within and without. There are sick, hungry, and scared people, internal political divisions are already forming, and the alien enemies still lurk beyond the safe walls. This plot line is further enriched by another YA fix, one Aliana and her gang of street thieves (no, do not think about the Gentleman Bastards, Grey Ghosts do not even come close). The besieged city trope is an easy fix. You can hardly go wrong with that one. I found the internal tensions exacerbated by the external threat mildly interesting. Though, I didn’t like the Grey Ghosts that much. Rather, it was the friction on the Gilarra-Galveron line that kept me hooked. I really wonder how Ms Furey will play this one out!
Finally, Veldan, Toulac and the firedrake together with the kidnapped Zavahl make it for the Shadowleague headquarters in Wherever. Elon accompanies them (mark my disappointment: the enmity between him and Veldan vanishes like a morning fog without neither a bang or whimper!). They are pursued by the Blade whose years of careful planning, determination and sacrifice went over the cliff (literally). Blade has his own POV and even some satellite, tertiary protagonists (so called Summoners, Dark and Grim) to make it more viable.
Back in Wherever (I am truly sorry, I already forgotten this generic, unremarkable place), Cergorn has serious leadership issues, while Thirishri discovers she is not alone in the timeless void of the Otherplace.
As you can see, “Spirit of the Stone” features plenty of people, and while it was nice to see some connections between some of the lines, I was very frustrated how this time the POV changes are so frequent that the narrative alternates also within the chapters. I really think it is high time to go on a killing spree.
Especially that even though I did not expect breakthroughs (it is a middle book, after all), what we get is rather disappointing. The coup was interesting when it was in the making. And then it sort of happened. Ms Furey could have gotten so much out of this mess! Similarly, with the Elion-Veldan animosity. Puff, and it vanished. On top of everything, this whole Zavahl sex therapy was a little absurd, but apparently there are also no problems big enough that a good humping cannot cure.
Not all is bad. The storytelling is definitely better. There are new insights into the Creators who become less and less benign. One trinket is lost but two others are found in a mysterious cavern (this is the reason why you need YA protagonists, they are bound to end up in some random place no sane person would venture to). All in all, I also hoped we could see more of the world. Nothing like that happens. The short glimpse into the dragon realm and the infodump within the Timeless Void (or whatever the magic bag is) was too little to appease me.
I am very hopeful for the final book (or I toned down my expectations). If this series is not ground- or heartbreaking, at least I can attest that “Spirit of the Stone” reads fast and while it remains predictable, it is also predictably ‘safe’ fantasy read.
Also in the series:
1. The Heart of Myrial ★★☆☆☆
3. Echo of Eternity ★☆☆☆☆
July 1, 2022
I have a lot of thoughts about this one. Mainly the characters, as the story is good, even if it is multi faceted. I know some people don't like having characters all over the place, with narration that has to jump around between them all, but they're kinda needed for big fantasy stories like these.
Anyway, characters.
Cergorn is a dick.
Gillerra is a dick.
Presval is a creepy, pervy dick.
Zavahal has grown on me, but I'm sure he's still a dick.
Kaz is almost a dick, because his attitude is annoying (but he's a fucking firedrake, so who cares right?)
Rochella better not end up with Presval. It doesn't even have to have a romantic end for her, so long as she doesn't shack up with the nonce.
Tormon is amazing.
Seriema is just bleh.
Veldan is okay.
Elion and Veldan need to have angry sex (or maybe not so angry anymore, whatever)
Toulac has her moments.
Galveron is Mr Darcy or something.
Kaita is great.
Aliana is also great.
^ hopefully there is NOT a love triangle here. I get why the women love Galervon but please, no.
Grim and Dark are interesting and I'm intrigued to see more.
Horseys are amazing (especially the sefraians - I spelt that wrong, who cares)
More horseys please. Maybe a doggo or two as well?
Alestan is a dick and could ruin everything. Get it together boy.
Veldan being Blade/Amarurn's daughter was like the worst kept secret ever (I'm not sure it was supposed to be a secret tbh, it's so obvious).
Book two in a nutshell.
Anyway, characters.
Cergorn is a dick.
Gillerra is a dick.
Presval is a creepy, pervy dick.
Zavahal has grown on me, but I'm sure he's still a dick.
Kaz is almost a dick, because his attitude is annoying (but he's a fucking firedrake, so who cares right?)
Rochella better not end up with Presval. It doesn't even have to have a romantic end for her, so long as she doesn't shack up with the nonce.
Tormon is amazing.
Seriema is just bleh.
Veldan is okay.
Elion and Veldan need to have angry sex (or maybe not so angry anymore, whatever)
Toulac has her moments.
Galveron is Mr Darcy or something.
Kaita is great.
Aliana is also great.
^ hopefully there is NOT a love triangle here. I get why the women love Galervon but please, no.
Grim and Dark are interesting and I'm intrigued to see more.
Horseys are amazing (especially the sefraians - I spelt that wrong, who cares)
More horseys please. Maybe a doggo or two as well?
Alestan is a dick and could ruin everything. Get it together boy.
Veldan being Blade/Amarurn's daughter was like the worst kept secret ever (I'm not sure it was supposed to be a secret tbh, it's so obvious).
Book two in a nutshell.
May 26, 2023
An excellent second book in the Shadowleague trilogy, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's hard to enjoy the middle book of a trilogy because usually it is quite bleak, but this one was terrific. The series seems to me to be (in part) looking at how people behave under pressure, and how they behave affects their outcomes. Fascinating.
August 3, 2017
The awkward languages from the first book is absent in the sequel, making it just that much better.
May 21, 2018
Really enjoyed this book from start to end can't wait to start book 3
May 26, 2013
Nous avions quitté Veldan et ses compagnons alors qu'ils venaient tout juste de s'échapper de Tiarond en arrachant l'ancien Hierarch de la mort par le feu. Cette seconde partie des aventures de Veldan et de ses compagnons se déroulent lors de leur voyage de retour au centre politique de la shadowleague. Bien que ce voyage pourrait être unr promenade de santé cela ne sera pas le cas. En effet, les intrigues politiques commencent à prendre un tour de plus en plus dangereux qui pourrait briser l'association. D'autant plus qu'un vieil ennemi débute aussi son voyage de retour. Durant ce temps la cité de Tiarond tente de survivre à l'attaque meurtrière des abominations ailées. Mais les survivant-e-s ont parfois du mal à s'entendre et même leurs chefs sont désunis. Et pourtant nous n'en sommes qu'au tout début d'une catastrophe qui pourrait détruire le monde tel qu'il existe.
Suite: http://hassan.blog.tdg.ch/archive/201...
Suite: http://hassan.blog.tdg.ch/archive/201...
August 28, 2023
The story continues swiftly into continuing adventures in the world of Myrial. The vampire hoards are swift and deadly for the city of Tiarond. How can anyone survive their attachs, but there are survivors in the city and those who had fled. Those who have fled have found themselves in the unknown and new and uncertain times. This tale is getting more interesting with each book and hope there are more to follow.
May 23, 2014
A good follow-on from The Heart of Myriel. It developed the story and the characters well from the first book. One of the things I like about Maggie Furey's writing is; being from the North of England, as I am, the people speak with phrases and idioms to which I am familiar.
I am still puzzled however, by how the Loremaster Maskulu changed species from a Gaeorn to Moldan
I am still puzzled however, by how the Loremaster Maskulu changed species from a Gaeorn to Moldan
January 5, 2015
really enjoyed this book, its been nice seeing everything come together. The first book seemed a lot like loads of little stories and this one joined them all. Looking forward to the last book in the series.
June 5, 2008
Read my review for The Heart of Myrial (Shadowleague) to see what I thought of the series as a whole.
This book picked up the pace a little.
This book picked up the pace a little.
February 6, 2010
This is quite a good read. The second in a series, it continues where the first leaves off, and keeps you turning the pagess.
August 11, 2011
ah sure..twas a good series aswell...
September 10, 2011
Continuing the first book, the story is dragging a bit, and so I have set it aside for later read.
January 18, 2014
I wrote most of what needs to be said about this for the third book, Echo of Eternity, but it is hard to put these books down.
October 13, 2014
Much better than the first. Enjoyed the story. Whilst a bit predictable in places, overall it kept my interest.
April 11, 2012
The dragon!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews