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The Shadow's Creed Saga #0.1
Guiding Light
Set five years before the events of The Shadow’s Creed Saga, Guiding Light is a short story of friendship, community and heart-warming traditions that evoke the complicated emotions of the holiday season.
When Kilo, a young Shadow of Vaiyene, is honored with the duty of leading his people to the winter festival, regret weighs heavy on his heart. The past few years have not been easy, and seeing others spend time with their families awakens old wounds.
But to be a Shadow means to set aside grief and be there for the people. After all, if there’s one thing Kilo has learned is that that time is short—and the best way to spend it is with the ones we love.
When Kilo, a young Shadow of Vaiyene, is honored with the duty of leading his people to the winter festival, regret weighs heavy on his heart. The past few years have not been easy, and seeing others spend time with their families awakens old wounds.
But to be a Shadow means to set aside grief and be there for the people. After all, if there’s one thing Kilo has learned is that that time is short—and the best way to spend it is with the ones we love.
- GenresFantasy
Unknown Binding
1 person is currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Noelle Nichols
10 books67 followersNoelle Nichols is an author, artist, and dreamer who channels her passion for writing to find hope in the world. Her stories are focus on the bonds between people and their world, her works speak of human nature and honor in relation to what it means to be a good person.
Owing to her fascination with the choices people make, Noelle’s characters straddle the line between right and wrong. While she appreciates the heroes depicted in literature, she prefers exploring the depths of characters who inevitably fail, focusing on moments of change and the perseverance and growth that follows. Inspired by her own thoughts and Eastern philosophy, Noelle weaves together difficult situations with down-to-earth characters in order to invite readers to question the world around them.
When she’s not writing, Noelle is out hiking and enjoying the fresh scent of pine trees in the forests of Montana with her three border collies and her husband. She enjoys illustrating her stories and characters and loves to learn new skills such as playing the shamisen and, more recently, kumiko, a delicate Japanese woodworking technique of arranging pieces without nails.
Owing to her fascination with the choices people make, Noelle’s characters straddle the line between right and wrong. While she appreciates the heroes depicted in literature, she prefers exploring the depths of characters who inevitably fail, focusing on moments of change and the perseverance and growth that follows. Inspired by her own thoughts and Eastern philosophy, Noelle weaves together difficult situations with down-to-earth characters in order to invite readers to question the world around them.
When she’s not writing, Noelle is out hiking and enjoying the fresh scent of pine trees in the forests of Montana with her three border collies and her husband. She enjoys illustrating her stories and characters and loves to learn new skills such as playing the shamisen and, more recently, kumiko, a delicate Japanese woodworking technique of arranging pieces without nails.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 29, 2023
****Actual Rating 4.5****
Such a sweet, Chirstmasy/winter story! I loved how the author wove in Asian culture and the whole winter festival is very heartwarming and fun. Kilo is also the best big brother ever and I love sweet Finae and their sibling bond so much. 🥰😭 Also Zavi, Mia, and their children are wonderful and I love how they and Kilo and Finae are a family despite them not being related.
I really love this story and can’t wait to reread Shadow’s Hand!
NOTE: I would recommend reading Guiding Light between Staff of Justice (book 0) and Shadow’s Hand (book 1) as I found doing so gave me even more sympathy and insight into the characters and events that happened before in Staff of Justice and later on in Shadow’s Hand. Obviously you can read it in whatever order, I just found this was the best way for me. ☺️
‼️Content‼️
Other: grief over lost loved ones
Such a sweet, Chirstmasy/winter story! I loved how the author wove in Asian culture and the whole winter festival is very heartwarming and fun. Kilo is also the best big brother ever and I love sweet Finae and their sibling bond so much. 🥰😭 Also Zavi, Mia, and their children are wonderful and I love how they and Kilo and Finae are a family despite them not being related.
I really love this story and can’t wait to reread Shadow’s Hand!
NOTE: I would recommend reading Guiding Light between Staff of Justice (book 0) and Shadow’s Hand (book 1) as I found doing so gave me even more sympathy and insight into the characters and events that happened before in Staff of Justice and later on in Shadow’s Hand. Obviously you can read it in whatever order, I just found this was the best way for me. ☺️
‼️Content‼️
Other: grief over lost loved ones
January 2, 2020
This was a phenomenal read! I absolutely LOVED Shadow’s Hand and instantly jumped at the chance to read this story!
And WOW! It did not disappoint! It made my heart happy and was a perfect way to celebrate the winter holidays. Seeing the relationship between Kilo and Finae, the fellowship, and the scenic gift-giving was absolutely beautiful. (Kilo deserves all this happy and special moments!)
I cannot recommend this story (and this series) enough! Was a great “feel good” story and a great “preview” to the author’s awesome characters and story world.
And WOW! It did not disappoint! It made my heart happy and was a perfect way to celebrate the winter holidays. Seeing the relationship between Kilo and Finae, the fellowship, and the scenic gift-giving was absolutely beautiful. (Kilo deserves all this happy and special moments!)
I cannot recommend this story (and this series) enough! Was a great “feel good” story and a great “preview” to the author’s awesome characters and story world.
January 2, 2020
A fluffy and thoughtful Christmas read! This story has everything from festive foods that make your mouth water to epic ceremonial sword-play. I highly recommend!
January 16, 2021
5/5 stars
I received a free copy of this story from the author but my review is entirely honest.
Taking place in the same world as Shadow's Hand, this short story revolves around the Shadows in Vaiyene. It occurs prior to the events in Shadow's Hand. A winter celebration is held throughout the land and Kilo and his friends attend the festivities.
This short and sweet story gives insight to Kilo's life prior to Shadow's Hand. A few other characters get some attention which was nice as they are not focused on in the main series much. The festivities and traditions are so wholesome and creative! It was nice to simply get a glimpse of peaceful times in Vaiyene where Kilo and the others just happily go about their lives.
Fans of the Shadow's Creed Saga should definitely read this short story! And if you haven't read Shadow's Hand, you're missing out!
I received a free copy of this story from the author but my review is entirely honest.
Taking place in the same world as Shadow's Hand, this short story revolves around the Shadows in Vaiyene. It occurs prior to the events in Shadow's Hand. A winter celebration is held throughout the land and Kilo and his friends attend the festivities.
This short and sweet story gives insight to Kilo's life prior to Shadow's Hand. A few other characters get some attention which was nice as they are not focused on in the main series much. The festivities and traditions are so wholesome and creative! It was nice to simply get a glimpse of peaceful times in Vaiyene where Kilo and the others just happily go about their lives.
Fans of the Shadow's Creed Saga should definitely read this short story! And if you haven't read Shadow's Hand, you're missing out!
February 1, 2020
Welcome back to Kiriku! (Beware, this review has spoilers and hints of spoilers for Shadow's Hand)
Noelle Nichols brings back a world where Shadows are the light and hope of their people. The short story itself doesn't necessarily have any "conflict," but plenty of references to the conflicts presented in Shadow's Hand give us a deeper understanding into the characters. Basically, this short story adds even more depth into this High Fantasy world, and does so through an enjoyable short story instead stale exposition or an appendix.
Guiding Light is a great way for Noelle to prime her audience for Book 2 of the Shadow Creed Saga, Phantom's Lament. First, for all of us who have read Shadow's Hand, this new short story brings to life everything Kilo chooses to sacrifice in the choice he makes in order to protect the ones he loves.
But probably the best thing it does is it makes the reader want to go back and re-read Shadow's Hand. It does so by giving so much more emotional weight to the beginning of the first novel - and also his sacrifice. Before we know Kilo loves Phantom Kural, Ziva, and Mia because we are told so. Guiding Light let's us see that familial bond in a moment. Seeing things like Kilo hugging his mentor, watching Zavi show off for the delight of the crowd and impress his children... the characters now are much more real, giving greater poignancy to many events in Shadow's Hand.
Also, as someone who read Shadow's Hand right after release and pointed out some technical quality issues that affected my rating (I gave it 4/5 stars - she has since released multiple revisions that alleviated that problem), I must congratulate Noelle on finding person and/or team that has elevated the polish of her stories before publishing them. It makes me even more excited for Phantom's Lament.
Eagerly awaiting a release date so I know when to start my re-read of Shadow's Hand - something I had not anticipated doing before reading this short story. Well done Noelle!
Noelle Nichols brings back a world where Shadows are the light and hope of their people. The short story itself doesn't necessarily have any "conflict," but plenty of references to the conflicts presented in Shadow's Hand give us a deeper understanding into the characters. Basically, this short story adds even more depth into this High Fantasy world, and does so through an enjoyable short story instead stale exposition or an appendix.
Guiding Light is a great way for Noelle to prime her audience for Book 2 of the Shadow Creed Saga, Phantom's Lament. First, for all of us who have read Shadow's Hand, this new short story brings to life everything Kilo chooses to sacrifice in the choice he makes in order to protect the ones he loves.
But probably the best thing it does is it makes the reader want to go back and re-read Shadow's Hand. It does so by giving so much more emotional weight to the beginning of the first novel - and also his sacrifice. Before we know Kilo loves Phantom Kural, Ziva, and Mia because we are told so. Guiding Light let's us see that familial bond in a moment. Seeing things like Kilo hugging his mentor, watching Zavi show off for the delight of the crowd and impress his children... the characters now are much more real, giving greater poignancy to many events in Shadow's Hand.
Also, as someone who read Shadow's Hand right after release and pointed out some technical quality issues that affected my rating (I gave it 4/5 stars - she has since released multiple revisions that alleviated that problem), I must congratulate Noelle on finding person and/or team that has elevated the polish of her stories before publishing them. It makes me even more excited for Phantom's Lament.
Eagerly awaiting a release date so I know when to start my re-read of Shadow's Hand - something I had not anticipated doing before reading this short story. Well done Noelle!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2020
Loved this book and love this series,
It’s just set apart from most fantasy adventure stories.
Short and sweet review but it’s well worth a read.
It’s just set apart from most fantasy adventure stories.
Short and sweet review but it’s well worth a read.
September 13, 2021
I like it when self-published authors use short stories as an introduction to their longer works.
This particular story is an introduction to the midwinter festivities in a not-ninja village in fantasy not-Japan.
Props for a story that didn't center around villainy or fighting (dealt with a string of those recently), but I won't be continuing the series.
Readers who want something fluffy and light novel/anime-esque might like it.
This particular story is an introduction to the midwinter festivities in a not-ninja village in fantasy not-Japan.
Props for a story that didn't center around villainy or fighting (dealt with a string of those recently), but I won't be continuing the series.
Readers who want something fluffy and light novel/anime-esque might like it.
September 30, 2023
✨ARC REVIEW✨
Guiding Light
Author: Noelle Nichols
Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: This short story picks up five years after Kilo’s incident as a new shadow. The story gives a glimpse of the Shadow's culture. I loved reading more about Kilo and Finae’s bond. The story was very comforting and warm. A much softer side to what Kilo may have to endure on his future journeys. If you enjoy anything anime-based I highly recommend checking out the series.
Guiding Light
Author: Noelle Nichols
Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: This short story picks up five years after Kilo’s incident as a new shadow. The story gives a glimpse of the Shadow's culture. I loved reading more about Kilo and Finae’s bond. The story was very comforting and warm. A much softer side to what Kilo may have to endure on his future journeys. If you enjoy anything anime-based I highly recommend checking out the series.
December 7, 2024
This was such a cozy, winter fantasy! I loved the unique holiday celebrations and the tender memories. I haven't read the series, so keeping the characters straight was a bit difficult for me, but I loved the characters, the writing style, and the world so much that I've added the full series to my TBR!
June 24, 2020
I rather enjoyed this...And now that I know there's a book from whence this story was birthed,I will have to definitely read. If for no other reason but to shed light on this story and the #2 that's to follow! --P/
January 11, 2023
I found this to be a very pleasant read that helps sustain a belief in the goodness of humanity. The author brings the Shadows to us to show that their driving force is the betterment of all people, not just protection of people. You really can see more of the whole person.
November 1, 2023
A Lovely Winter Tale
The night of the winter solstice in a small village, and the importance of all the villagers celebrating as one huge family. This is a sweet and endearing tale that had me smiling, and sighing, during the entire read.
The night of the winter solstice in a small village, and the importance of all the villagers celebrating as one huge family. This is a sweet and endearing tale that had me smiling, and sighing, during the entire read.
December 30, 2020
Guiding Light is a fun and quick read, perfect for reading around the holidays! I enjoyed diving back into the world of Kilo and the rest, and getting to know certain characters who died. *cough* *cough*
Thank you Noelle for the free copy!
Thank you Noelle for the free copy!
August 30, 2023
Great addition to this wonderful world that has been created. Definite recommend!!
April 4, 2023
This was such a cute story! Set five years ahead of the main story, Kilo is leading the traditional winter festival in Vaiyenne. He and his sister are the only blood family the have left, but they have a great little family with their friends Zavi, Mia, and their kids. I loved the backstory to the festival and the tradition woven throughout the story, from food to wishes for the new year to ceremonial sword play. It was a heartwarming winter/holiday story and a great introduction to the world.
July 23, 2024
This short story was so sweet and wholesome. After reading Staff of Justice, being able to learn more about Kilo and his sister Finae was wonderful. Getting to experience their winter solstice celebration through their eyes was beautiful. Their traditions were sweet and caring, showing how the village all come together as one.
February 1, 2026
Nice prequel
I liked getting the history and culture of Vaiyene, I loved reading the emotional connections of the characters, but I missed action.
I liked getting the history and culture of Vaiyene, I loved reading the emotional connections of the characters, but I missed action.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews