Cloudbearer's Shadow

Sword in Exile #1

by Ann Marston

The Seeker Gareth is the youngest and the last of the unfortunate lords of Skai. Called home from a lonely exile, he finds his father fallen into shadow. And worse. For the Maedun conquest of Gareth's homeland is complete. The standing stones are silent, their webs of magic torn asunder. The Rune Blade called Bane has been lost forever to dark sorcery, and the somber riders rule the islands that were once home to Gareth's people. Darigan stared at my ragged, wet figure. "Are you then Prince of Skai?" "No," I said, sheathing my sword. "My father yet lives. Barley." And the meeting that would reshape my fate--for good or ill--had come to pass on the steep slopes of Cloudbearer, the mountain of kings, or prophecies, and of death.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Magic, High Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy, Young Adult Fantasy, Young Adult

330 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Llona ❤️ "Così tanti libri, così poco tempo." · Rating 3 out of 5]

inizia ad essere un po ripetitivo
(se anche nel quinto mi becco il grande folgorante amore tra la fanciulla scudo e il principe mollo tutto!)
TRAMA E SPOILER: vedi libro 1 o 2 o 3

Una chicca: piccoli camei di Kian e Cullin che tornano in forma di spiriti

[Cathy Geha]

Ann Marston has the ability to create with words places I could see with my mind and might like to visit. The locations in this book remind me of a place similar to Scotland but a place filled with dark and light magic, lost kingdoms, princes and wizards. Gareth is the son of a king in exile who is called home from his foster home when his father becomes ill. He goes on a quest to find a healer for his father and Bane, his father’s rune sword lost in battle twenty years before. There is a bit of romance, some healing, some magical situations to deal with and in the end I was happy to have read this book and would read more by the author. I was gifted this ARC through Library Thing and am thankful it came my way.

[Anya Rostov · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't really know how I feel about this...what kind of a freaking sword roars? Are you talking about a lion roar? Not buying it. Besides, we have too many "special swords" in fantasy literature already. Please, somebody get a new magical icon! Now, as far as the characters go--Gareth needs a serious operation. Like, someone get this guy a personality. ANY personality! This dude is such a wiener. I'm dying for some feedback from him, but he just comes out flat at every situation. Lowra is such a wannabe-warrior-girl. I'm on the verge of puking. She starts off too hot to handle and above it all, then BAM! All of a sudden, she's all loving-touching-feeling toward Gareth...who didn't do anything to deserve it in the first place. Also, no reason behind the villain's actions or motivation...he just wants to take over everything for...what? No one said where the bad guys came from. They just popped out of nowhere and starting wrecking everything. Sorry, but...I don't want to read book two.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cloudbearer's Shadow is the first book in the Sword in Exile Trilogy by Ann Marston. It is the story of Gareth, only surviving son of Brennan, Prince of Skai. He searches for his father's sword, Bane, lost in the war when Celi was lost to the Maedun. He finds much more than he bargained for, and loses much in the trade.

We learn more of Brynda and Kenzie, something I loved knowing. We meet the twin sons of Sheryn, Davigan and Daefyd. Davigan has done the worst: apparently turning traitor to his own kind. Daefyd is only a bard, not fit to become to King of Celi. Also, we meet Gareth's bheancoran, Lowra. She is different than the bheancoran's we have met so far, and a wonderful change.

This story is a needed telling, but it seems more of a filler than a great story of itself. I liked it much more when I re-read it during a re-reading of all the books.

[Poptart19 (the name’s ren) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

A good introduction to the Celtic inspired AU, but not the most exciting one in the series, action wise.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was interesting, I liked it. I would not watch it as a movie because of all the bloody killing, but I liked it. Some parts were a little hard to follow and I didn't always come to the conclusion that the author seemed to think should be obvious but that might be because this is the first book I have read of this collection. It is a stand alone book with sequals to come but I think I will probably go back and read the other "Rune Blade" books before moving forward, just to gain that extra background and perspective. All in all I found the characters interesting and determined and I enjoyed the challanges that were thrown in their way. A pretty good book and I am interested to see how things progress.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes

Even now, I found it difficult to believe that my father could or might be dying. He had always been a strong man, a good leader. No one had ever seen him with his head bowed in despair or defeat, no one had ever seen him slump in resignation, nor had anyone ever had even so much as a hint from him that he might ever give up. It was hard to picture all that strength drained from my father’s body.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was an enjoyable read with well-developed characters and a storyline that flows well. I did find it lacking a little suspense, some of it was predictable. And while this is not the first book in the series, it would help to read the previous books you don't need to. I look forward to more books from this author.

[Macha · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay. pretty standard stuff. i'd have been happier if the author had aimed at more.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like most high fantasy I read this book started off slow but towards the end it really picked up. I am not sure it picked up enough to get me to read the second book.

[K H]

Another great addition to the series