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The Aldoran Chronicles #2
Plague of Shadows
As magic's influence spreads across the five kingdoms, the White Tower's reach extends with it. No place is left untouched.
In his quest for vengeance against the witch Mangora, Ty stumbles across a curious book he believes might help. But its pages hold a dark secret that threatens to unravel everything his family and friends have been fighting for. The more he reads, the more addicted he becomes to the knowledge it offers…
With no memory of who he is or where he came from, Ayrion finds himself traveling with a pair Rhivanni tinkers as they head east toward Sidara. Then a plea for help from a young rover boy leads them into the middle of a horrific bloodbath at the hands of an enemy no one has seen in over a thousand years. If they aren’t stopped, these creatures will spread across Aldor, leaving nothing but destruction in their wake...
As the first prisoner to escape the clutches of the White Tower, Ferrin’s only concern is reaching his sister, Myriah, before the Black Watch catches him. Joined by Rae, her daughter, Suri, and a former captain in the Black Watch, the small band makes their way north, hoping to keep ahead of the white riders. Little do they know who has been sent to track them down…
Meanwhile, Kira and the Warren underground continue their search for Reevie as they attempt to discover the reason behind the strange disappearances in Aramoor. However, the answers they seek are more disturbing than anything they could have imagined…
In his quest for vengeance against the witch Mangora, Ty stumbles across a curious book he believes might help. But its pages hold a dark secret that threatens to unravel everything his family and friends have been fighting for. The more he reads, the more addicted he becomes to the knowledge it offers…
With no memory of who he is or where he came from, Ayrion finds himself traveling with a pair Rhivanni tinkers as they head east toward Sidara. Then a plea for help from a young rover boy leads them into the middle of a horrific bloodbath at the hands of an enemy no one has seen in over a thousand years. If they aren’t stopped, these creatures will spread across Aldor, leaving nothing but destruction in their wake...
As the first prisoner to escape the clutches of the White Tower, Ferrin’s only concern is reaching his sister, Myriah, before the Black Watch catches him. Joined by Rae, her daughter, Suri, and a former captain in the Black Watch, the small band makes their way north, hoping to keep ahead of the white riders. Little do they know who has been sent to track them down…
Meanwhile, Kira and the Warren underground continue their search for Reevie as they attempt to discover the reason behind the strange disappearances in Aramoor. However, the answers they seek are more disturbing than anything they could have imagined…
700 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2019
1153 people are currently reading
2185 people want to read
About the author
Michael Wisehart
22 books614 followersLATEST RELEASES:
1. The Tunnels Beneath (The Aldoran Chronicles: Book 4) Releasing December 6th, 2022 on ebook and paperback.
2. Wildfire (Street Rats of Aramoor: Book 5) on Pre-Order. It releases April 5th on ebook.
3. The Four-Part Key (The Aldoran Chronicles: Book 3) Released October 5th, 2021 on ebook.
For more information on my work, visit: https://michaelwisehart.com/
If you're interested in signed copies of my books or collecting in-world merchandise, feel free to stop by Aramoor Market: https://store.michaelwisehart.com/
I don't spend a lot of time writing blog posts, but I do spend a good deal of time keeping up with my readers on Facebook. Feel free to pop in and say hello: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelWiseh...
Or if you prefer video: I've just opened a new YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsCw...
ABOUT ME:
I graduated with honors in Business Accounting, but instead of pursuing this field, I returned to school to study film. I spent the next several years honing my visual craft, which I put to good use as I took what I’d learned behind the camera and applied it to the written word.
On April 14, 2014, I opened my laptop and began typing what would become two multiple award-winning series: The Aldoran Chronicles, and Street Rats of Aramoor (both set within the same world, but twenty years apart). By the time my second book released, I had quit my day job, walking away from production altogether, to pursue my writing career.
You can get The White Tower's FREE prequel: (Shackled) by copying and pasting this link in your browser: www.michaelwisehart.com/shackled-wt
1. The Tunnels Beneath (The Aldoran Chronicles: Book 4) Releasing December 6th, 2022 on ebook and paperback.
2. Wildfire (Street Rats of Aramoor: Book 5) on Pre-Order. It releases April 5th on ebook.
3. The Four-Part Key (The Aldoran Chronicles: Book 3) Released October 5th, 2021 on ebook.
For more information on my work, visit: https://michaelwisehart.com/
If you're interested in signed copies of my books or collecting in-world merchandise, feel free to stop by Aramoor Market: https://store.michaelwisehart.com/
I don't spend a lot of time writing blog posts, but I do spend a good deal of time keeping up with my readers on Facebook. Feel free to pop in and say hello: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelWiseh...
Or if you prefer video: I've just opened a new YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsCw...
ABOUT ME:
I graduated with honors in Business Accounting, but instead of pursuing this field, I returned to school to study film. I spent the next several years honing my visual craft, which I put to good use as I took what I’d learned behind the camera and applied it to the written word.
On April 14, 2014, I opened my laptop and began typing what would become two multiple award-winning series: The Aldoran Chronicles, and Street Rats of Aramoor (both set within the same world, but twenty years apart). By the time my second book released, I had quit my day job, walking away from production altogether, to pursue my writing career.
You can get The White Tower's FREE prequel: (Shackled) by copying and pasting this link in your browser: www.michaelwisehart.com/shackled-wt
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
January 2, 2023
Book had so much promise. Unfortunately the entire book amounted to what should have been a quarter of a larger, more thorough book. The main characters were never really developed and the story went no where. The story line ended a tiny bit farther along from the first book. There were a ton of inconsistencies in the characters and their growth. Overall a meh 2nd book that felt like it was written to ensure you buy the third book. Unfortunately I am not sure how the 3rd book could wrap up anything described so far so you’d need to buy the third and fourth and however many more. Very disappointing as the book, story and characters show real promise.
April 23, 2021
TLDR: Never have I seen so little happen in so many words. Every character is basically in the exact same place they started in at the beginning of the book, I struggle to think of any examples of character growth, none of the plots are moved forward. This book feels like a collection of things the author wanted to include in his series but didn't know how to fit them in with the plot so he just left the plot out.
Spoilers Below
The first book in this series was good. It was nothing special and a little generic but had some characters interesting enough to give the series potential and while some of the characters are interesting there are too many POVs and some of them only seem to have one or two chapters at all and could be removed completely without losing much. Unfortunately in this book that expands to describe even the central POV characters.
The main "chosen one" character spends the entire book avoiding the main plot of the story in favor of wasting two thirds of the book slowly falling for the most obvious trap I think I've ever read in a story. He is told that he needs to set out on the all important journey that only he can make to save the world and should probably get started on that sooner rather than later but then proceeds to do anything but that. You could argue that there are character motivations for this but in the end it just feels like a waste of time since you don't see any pay off to his story-line in this book. In fact this character is in the exact same place he is at the end of the first book, unconscious (at the hands of the same exact character) and needing to be saved by the ancient wizard who can't seem to be bothered with making sure the chosen one is actually trying to save the world even though hes supposedly the only person alive who knows what needs to be done. Instead he just vanishes the whole time and only shows up at the end of these books when all the other characters are in over their heads and need a rescue.
One of the other most interesting characters from the first book gets a case of the good ol amnesia and spends the whole book chasing down vampires. This wasn't a completely terrible part of the story but again, this character makes no growth through the book or makes any strides to reclaiming his memory except for occasional flashes of memory so he is exactly where he started at the beginning of the book. When his real identity and the things that he was involved in are inherently so much more interesting, its a little frustrating that he is just riding town to town dealing with vampires that apparently wont have a lasting impact on the story since the vampire "plague" is wiped out in the same book its introduced in.
While the 3rd main story remained engaging and the primary POV for that thread was still interesting, this plot line too ended basically where the book began. There was next to know character growth, the status of the characters in the world is unchanged, and they are still doing the exact same thing they were at the beginning of this book. This was the most interesting part of this book to me and is the only reason its getting two stars instead of one because I like this group of characters and them being on the run was the only investment I had by the end of the book.
Spoilers Below
The first book in this series was good. It was nothing special and a little generic but had some characters interesting enough to give the series potential and while some of the characters are interesting there are too many POVs and some of them only seem to have one or two chapters at all and could be removed completely without losing much. Unfortunately in this book that expands to describe even the central POV characters.
The main "chosen one" character spends the entire book avoiding the main plot of the story in favor of wasting two thirds of the book slowly falling for the most obvious trap I think I've ever read in a story. He is told that he needs to set out on the all important journey that only he can make to save the world and should probably get started on that sooner rather than later but then proceeds to do anything but that. You could argue that there are character motivations for this but in the end it just feels like a waste of time since you don't see any pay off to his story-line in this book. In fact this character is in the exact same place he is at the end of the first book, unconscious (at the hands of the same exact character) and needing to be saved by the ancient wizard who can't seem to be bothered with making sure the chosen one is actually trying to save the world even though hes supposedly the only person alive who knows what needs to be done. Instead he just vanishes the whole time and only shows up at the end of these books when all the other characters are in over their heads and need a rescue.
One of the other most interesting characters from the first book gets a case of the good ol amnesia and spends the whole book chasing down vampires. This wasn't a completely terrible part of the story but again, this character makes no growth through the book or makes any strides to reclaiming his memory except for occasional flashes of memory so he is exactly where he started at the beginning of the book. When his real identity and the things that he was involved in are inherently so much more interesting, its a little frustrating that he is just riding town to town dealing with vampires that apparently wont have a lasting impact on the story since the vampire "plague" is wiped out in the same book its introduced in.
While the 3rd main story remained engaging and the primary POV for that thread was still interesting, this plot line too ended basically where the book began. There was next to know character growth, the status of the characters in the world is unchanged, and they are still doing the exact same thing they were at the beginning of this book. This was the most interesting part of this book to me and is the only reason its getting two stars instead of one because I like this group of characters and them being on the run was the only investment I had by the end of the book.
October 31, 2019
Literally nothing happens. The events of this whole book can be shortened into 2 chapters. 0 character progression for Ty or the bad guys. I thought the first book was slow, this was way worse. I don’t get it. The world seems cool, but the so much story that gets u no where.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2022
Takes up where the first in the series finished. If you like fast moving, swashbuckling fantasy then this is it. Great story with characters that jump out at you in a variety of contexts with multiple layers to the narrative. An enjoyable fun adventure for those who want a lighter touch to a fantasy novel. I really enjoyed it and I’ve read more fantasy than most people can count.
I actually feel refreshed!
I actually feel refreshed!
May 13, 2022
Loving this series. fantasy novel with great characters. some medieval type torture scenes. Clean as far as sexual content. I would recommend for teen readers as well as adult readers, as I’m always looking for books for my avid teen boy readers. They would love this series too.
October 7, 2019
I really enjoyed this book, it has all the adventure and fantasy I love in a book. The reason I gave it only four stars out of five stars is because it took three years for this author to write this book and I had to go back and read the White Tower again to be able to relate to the characters. The author left alot unfinished so I hope his next book does not take three years to complete. Sometimes it takes so long for a book to come out that I loose interest in the series.
November 13, 2019
Liked the first book but this second one sucked. The story didn’t progress at all. Ferrins storyline was barely furthered than the last book. The guardian was pretty neat but it was basically a zombie book. Then there is ty. Ty’s character was so different this book that I hated him. He is so easily manipulated it pissed me off to read it. He wasn’t this stupid the first book. I don’t think I’ve ever hated a character more. It ruined the whole book for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2024
This book is written from a multi-POV perspective. I enjoy that the author uses good/bad/ambiguous characters. I do find the “saviour” storyline a bit slow. However the others make up for that. It’s a very rich world not lacking in locations, styles of magic or villains. However it’s also well tied together.
January 2, 2024
Whipped through this one just as fast as the last. Very enjoyable. The story flows easily, and the character interactions all make sense in a way that keep the action going. The one exception in this one was a particularly dumb move by one of the characters that I thought was a bit too dumb even for him, and it led to a long sidequest that I felt was largely avoidable. (Thus the 3 stars rather than the 4 I gave to the last book.) Even so, all things resolved to my satisfaction, and I've already eagerly purchased the next book in the series to keep the story flowing.
January 19, 2021
4.5/5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book. I’ve read the first of this series as well as the first two prequel books surrounding Aryion (and one of Ferrin) and I find myself engaged enough to continuously want to read the next page.
This particular book helps push the overarching narrative forward in an okay pace while allowing the reader to start to watch more character development happen between the numerous “main” characters (albeit not a whole lot of internal development, more external). My one criticism would be that the good guys definitely come across as good guys while the bad guys definitely come across as bad guys in this book. In fact, there is one scene where one bad guy tries to paint himself as a character with some thread of a moral reasoning about why they do what they do and why they’re good for doing it, but they’re essentially leading an army of “zombies” at the same time. So yeah... you are always pretty sure as the reader about who is bad and who is good. At least so far in the story.
Nonetheless, one of the biggest reasons I enjoy these books is because I really like the world building. I’m sure that I will continue to invest in the story with the books that are to come!
I really enjoyed this book. I’ve read the first of this series as well as the first two prequel books surrounding Aryion (and one of Ferrin) and I find myself engaged enough to continuously want to read the next page.
This particular book helps push the overarching narrative forward in an okay pace while allowing the reader to start to watch more character development happen between the numerous “main” characters (albeit not a whole lot of internal development, more external). My one criticism would be that the good guys definitely come across as good guys while the bad guys definitely come across as bad guys in this book. In fact, there is one scene where one bad guy tries to paint himself as a character with some thread of a moral reasoning about why they do what they do and why they’re good for doing it, but they’re essentially leading an army of “zombies” at the same time. So yeah... you are always pretty sure as the reader about who is bad and who is good. At least so far in the story.
Nonetheless, one of the biggest reasons I enjoy these books is because I really like the world building. I’m sure that I will continue to invest in the story with the books that are to come!
December 6, 2019
This one was almost to much for me. It just spent so much time with the bad guys who are dark and over whelming. It seemed long and hopeless.
July 16, 2023
good continuation of the story
The first book was like all other first books in a series, an introduction. This book is a very good fleshing out of the characters and the story. I look forward to reading more.
The first book was like all other first books in a series, an introduction. This book is a very good fleshing out of the characters and the story. I look forward to reading more.
December 31, 2021
2 Stars!!
I was disappointed by Plague of Shadows. Character growth seemed to be nonexistent. Immature decisions by characters of all ages left me scratching my head and hoping Michael Wiseheart does some major course corrections in the third novel.
Still an interesting plot, so I'm plowing forward to finish the series.
I was disappointed by Plague of Shadows. Character growth seemed to be nonexistent. Immature decisions by characters of all ages left me scratching my head and hoping Michael Wiseheart does some major course corrections in the third novel.
Still an interesting plot, so I'm plowing forward to finish the series.
April 16, 2023
Book 2 is great
After reading book 1 in just a few evening, book 2 was a weekend binge. The series came as a recommendation from a friend. Couldn't be happier. Great read.
After reading book 1 in just a few evening, book 2 was a weekend binge. The series came as a recommendation from a friend. Couldn't be happier. Great read.
July 3, 2022
Honestly i got really bored and kept losing track during this book i will give this series another try at a later point
Read
October 1, 2019Gripping
Our characters have been busy in this great continuation from book 1. Lots of nail biting adventures going on, fleeing from death that hunts them. Our good guys have to rely on their instincts and also on their fellow travelers else they will be used and killed. Here we have excitement, danger, magic, evil, good, hope, despair, sadness and determination.
Our characters have been busy in this great continuation from book 1. Lots of nail biting adventures going on, fleeing from death that hunts them. Our good guys have to rely on their instincts and also on their fellow travelers else they will be used and killed. Here we have excitement, danger, magic, evil, good, hope, despair, sadness and determination.
November 2, 2024
YAFb
I've had enough with all the feminist simp writing. The males are all stupid and weak, while girls are perfect, smarter and amazing. Arrogant too, but that's just normal, right?
Besides this, it wasn't enjoyable to read.
I've had enough with all the feminist simp writing. The males are all stupid and weak, while girls are perfect, smarter and amazing. Arrogant too, but that's just normal, right?
Besides this, it wasn't enjoyable to read.
January 1, 2026
This was a fantastic read. While the quality of the writing may not have been the best, the story and characters were so fun. I ended up liking it a lot better than the first one for a couple of reasons.
First of all, there were far less unnecessary POV chapters. For the most part, we flipped between Breen, Ty, Ayrion, and Ferrin with brief forrays into Valtor and Kira's POV. That kept the stories moving and cut down on my annoyance. Though I enjoyed Ferrin's pov from the White Tower, his story did drag a little bit in this book. We spent very little time with him total, and his story didn't really move along. I found that a little bit annoying, but mostly I didn't have a problem with that. I also absolutely HATED Ty in this book. Last book, he was annoying and immature, but he went completely overboard in this one. I mean, he literally had a Tom Riddle's diary experience. I mean, how stupid do you have to be to know that a book that talks to you is not going to have a good result? Anyway, I didn't really like him. Breen, on the other hand, was actually a likeable character. He was noble, mature, and very manly. Overall, I liked being in his head when we needed to be in Easthaven. As for Ayrion, his story was what made this story for me. I loved him. In the White Tower, he was kind of borring, but he was so wonderful in this one. Since his story was the main one, the action never stopped or let up with him. He was wonderful. Very handsome too, with that black hair and those grey Upakan eyes of his... The other side characters were quite lovable too, starting with the two Tinkers and ending with Bek and the little girl.
As for plot, this book had a little more of that. Ferrin and Rae were running from the tower, Ty was getting himself and the whole of Easthaven in trouble, and Ayrion was fighting monsters and just generally being honorable and a good leader. I could see where the main, big plot was going, too. It always makes me righteously mad when there is an evil king/overlord person taking over power, and I really HATE Dakran right now. I hope he gets what he deserves in the end.
All things told, this book is really good if you're looking for action and fun fantasy. It's not so good if you're looking for really good plot and character development.
First of all, there were far less unnecessary POV chapters. For the most part, we flipped between Breen, Ty, Ayrion, and Ferrin with brief forrays into Valtor and Kira's POV. That kept the stories moving and cut down on my annoyance. Though I enjoyed Ferrin's pov from the White Tower, his story did drag a little bit in this book. We spent very little time with him total, and his story didn't really move along. I found that a little bit annoying, but mostly I didn't have a problem with that. I also absolutely HATED Ty in this book. Last book, he was annoying and immature, but he went completely overboard in this one. I mean, he literally had a Tom Riddle's diary experience. I mean, how stupid do you have to be to know that a book that talks to you is not going to have a good result? Anyway, I didn't really like him. Breen, on the other hand, was actually a likeable character. He was noble, mature, and very manly. Overall, I liked being in his head when we needed to be in Easthaven. As for Ayrion, his story was what made this story for me. I loved him. In the White Tower, he was kind of borring, but he was so wonderful in this one. Since his story was the main one, the action never stopped or let up with him. He was wonderful. Very handsome too, with that black hair and those grey Upakan eyes of his... The other side characters were quite lovable too, starting with the two Tinkers and ending with Bek and the little girl.
As for plot, this book had a little more of that. Ferrin and Rae were running from the tower, Ty was getting himself and the whole of Easthaven in trouble, and Ayrion was fighting monsters and just generally being honorable and a good leader. I could see where the main, big plot was going, too. It always makes me righteously mad when there is an evil king/overlord person taking over power, and I really HATE Dakran right now. I hope he gets what he deserves in the end.
All things told, this book is really good if you're looking for action and fun fantasy. It's not so good if you're looking for really good plot and character development.
September 13, 2021
The absolute lack of substantive events in this book is astounding. The world is great, the characters start to grow on you after a fairly lacklustre introduction in book 1, but my goodness how can nothing happen? Every character is essentially in the same situation at the end as they are at the beginning - so what was the point? Ty has made no real progress - after shaking his “possession” is basically reset. Ayrion makes little progress in regaining his memories or anything of substance. Ferrin is still on the run from the Tower. What actually happens in this book?!
The writing and consistency is also shockingly poor. A chapter ends with characters hearing a twig snap behind them (mini cliff hanger) and it’s never addressed at all. It’s not important, fine - so why include it in that manner? The only reasonable explanation is that it was Ty, but it added nothing except some misplaced tension that never pays off. Next, Ty experiences the numori reading his thoughts when he first uses the book and then the next chapter he wonders if it can hear his thoughts - nevermind it seeming to conveniently not hear his thoughts at times. The role (or lack thereof) that Nyalis plays is laughable.
Ayrion, the most interesting character from the first book… literally nothing happens. Boring re-treads of the same fights and action over and over and over… and then it just ends and they’re in a cave. How interesting. And his plot line was literally fighting the Plague of Shadows (the title of the book!) and it was the most dull and repetitive component of the entire novel.
Ferrin is the only character that doesn’t feel entirely wasted, but his story seems to just stall out at the end of this because so much time is wasted dragging out the storylines of the other characters. First book was okay, it kept me interested enough in the world and the overall plot - this book… should I actually put myself through reading the 3rd when it is released?
The writing and consistency is also shockingly poor. A chapter ends with characters hearing a twig snap behind them (mini cliff hanger) and it’s never addressed at all. It’s not important, fine - so why include it in that manner? The only reasonable explanation is that it was Ty, but it added nothing except some misplaced tension that never pays off. Next, Ty experiences the numori reading his thoughts when he first uses the book and then the next chapter he wonders if it can hear his thoughts - nevermind it seeming to conveniently not hear his thoughts at times. The role (or lack thereof) that Nyalis plays is laughable.
Ayrion, the most interesting character from the first book… literally nothing happens. Boring re-treads of the same fights and action over and over and over… and then it just ends and they’re in a cave. How interesting. And his plot line was literally fighting the Plague of Shadows (the title of the book!) and it was the most dull and repetitive component of the entire novel.
Ferrin is the only character that doesn’t feel entirely wasted, but his story seems to just stall out at the end of this because so much time is wasted dragging out the storylines of the other characters. First book was okay, it kept me interested enough in the world and the overall plot - this book… should I actually put myself through reading the 3rd when it is released?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2022
What I liked:
Worldbuilding for this series is epic, and each time I pick up the book, we venture further into the world and encounter some pretty scary creatures. Giant spiders, no, thank you. Ty discovers a book that he believes is blank tell it starts talking to him, and inside those pages are some very dark secrets that could unravel the world. These are large books, so you have to be ready for things to move at a slower pace and take the time to absorb what does unfold in the larger picture of what the author is trying to develop in his story. If you are not a big book, this may not be the tale for you.
Final Verdict:
The Aldoran Chronicles is very much class epic fantasy; you have quests, danger, magic, evil, good, scary fantasy creatures, and determination to right the evil in the world. The key to why each epic fantasy I read works is the author crafts a story that engages the reader and keeps them coming back to the story. There are a lot of storylines to juggle and a lot of characters to keep straight. You need to invest the time to enjoy the story and follow the journey.
Audiobook Review:
Epic long fantasy stories over 300 pages with lots of plot are best on audiobook cause you can sink into the account, and the narrator can carry you away. The narrator of this one does an excellent job with the story's pacing and keeps the variety of characters well in hand. I am looking forward to the final book. Just over 800 pages will make for an epic audio read.
Worldbuilding for this series is epic, and each time I pick up the book, we venture further into the world and encounter some pretty scary creatures. Giant spiders, no, thank you. Ty discovers a book that he believes is blank tell it starts talking to him, and inside those pages are some very dark secrets that could unravel the world. These are large books, so you have to be ready for things to move at a slower pace and take the time to absorb what does unfold in the larger picture of what the author is trying to develop in his story. If you are not a big book, this may not be the tale for you.
Final Verdict:
The Aldoran Chronicles is very much class epic fantasy; you have quests, danger, magic, evil, good, scary fantasy creatures, and determination to right the evil in the world. The key to why each epic fantasy I read works is the author crafts a story that engages the reader and keeps them coming back to the story. There are a lot of storylines to juggle and a lot of characters to keep straight. You need to invest the time to enjoy the story and follow the journey.
Audiobook Review:
Epic long fantasy stories over 300 pages with lots of plot are best on audiobook cause you can sink into the account, and the narrator can carry you away. The narrator of this one does an excellent job with the story's pacing and keeps the variety of characters well in hand. I am looking forward to the final book. Just over 800 pages will make for an epic audio read.
May 20, 2020
I really enjoyed this sequel to the White Tower. The author created an engaging and richly detailed world as well as likeable heroes and detestable villains. The main reason I didn't give it 5 starts was because I thought that it got confusing, especially at the beginning, bouncing around from five or six different story lines. The individual plots are quite well developed and engaging, and I'm sure they will all be coming together in the sequel (I'm assuming it will be a trilogy but I'm not sure). But, again, just when you start getting into one of them, it goes away and you pop into one that you haven't thought about in a while and it takes time to reconnect. Again, the stories are interesting and the characters believable and likeable, so it's a testament to the writer's skill that he can weave these all together.
As most epic fantasy tales go, this one is pretty formulaic, and I say that not necessarily in a negative way. The hero's journey is archetypal to this style of fiction and can be found in everything from Star Wars to Lord of the Rings, and The Inheritance Cycle. That's pretty good company! We all know that Frodo will somehow succeed in destroying the ring and that Luke and the rebellion will beat the empire. The key is how the storyteller crafts the journey and engages the reader. I think Michael Wisehart has done an excellent job of that and I look forward to reading the next installment.
As most epic fantasy tales go, this one is pretty formulaic, and I say that not necessarily in a negative way. The hero's journey is archetypal to this style of fiction and can be found in everything from Star Wars to Lord of the Rings, and The Inheritance Cycle. That's pretty good company! We all know that Frodo will somehow succeed in destroying the ring and that Luke and the rebellion will beat the empire. The key is how the storyteller crafts the journey and engages the reader. I think Michael Wisehart has done an excellent job of that and I look forward to reading the next installment.
May 8, 2023
Part of the reason why I loved the White Tower book1 of the Aldoran series is because of all the characters POV's. But now in Plague of Shadows and the world building is over we get seriously into the action. The multiple POV's seemingly clutter up the story... Luckily Michael Wisehart mostly sticks to three main storylines. Ayrion the king's protector, Ferrin a simple smith, oh and then there's Ty a special young man of fay origin whose been targeted by the White Tower. And a few more... The action in this book gets pretty hot and heavy, then boom you're pulled out of full immersion, another character change, and floundering... as you hafta to work out where you are in the book 😔 again. I really love Ayrion and Ferrin POV's, but I'm really conflicted about Ty's. I really liked him in the first book but he did so many dumb things in this book that I don't even know if he's redeemable.
As always George Guidall is perfect!
Here's a quote that amused me:
"They stuck out like a pickle in an apple barrel"
As always George Guidall is perfect!
Here's a quote that amused me:
"They stuck out like a pickle in an apple barrel"
July 15, 2022
Not bad
Minor spoilers ahead...
Plague of Shadows is the sequel to The White Tower, and features characters from another series.
I actually enjoyed this book more the first one. More action involved and a bit more character development. Its nice to see main characters aren't perfect and there consequences for stupidity.
The story slowed a bit just after the middle, and there are some redundancies. The whole thing with the glass ring was a bit familiar...I think this is the second time the main character is nearly killed...
Also, it seems to take awhile to get some questions cleared up. Like WHY does the White Tower want the kid so bad? And who is the Wizard that keeps appearing and leaves without really explaining things? And what happened to that glass ring? And what was the whole point with the army of zombies?
Just saying... it feels a little long than it should be...
Maybe it'll be all put together in the third book.
Christa
Minor spoilers ahead...
Plague of Shadows is the sequel to The White Tower, and features characters from another series.
I actually enjoyed this book more the first one. More action involved and a bit more character development. Its nice to see main characters aren't perfect and there consequences for stupidity.
The story slowed a bit just after the middle, and there are some redundancies. The whole thing with the glass ring was a bit familiar...I think this is the second time the main character is nearly killed...
Also, it seems to take awhile to get some questions cleared up. Like WHY does the White Tower want the kid so bad? And who is the Wizard that keeps appearing and leaves without really explaining things? And what happened to that glass ring? And what was the whole point with the army of zombies?
Just saying... it feels a little long than it should be...
Maybe it'll be all put together in the third book.
Christa
July 8, 2020
The second book in the series seriously shifts the perspective from which the events are told, while the first book made you feel Ty was the main hero, we see very little from his perspective. The little I saw from his perspective was about as appealing as Harry Potter in the order of the Phoenix. The changes in personality are understandable, but lack appeal.
Ferrin‘s escape is going on, leading so far only to character development.
The adventures of the former guardian protector are forming the action heavy part of the book. The part that would have really interrested me on how the political shenanigans are going to continue seem to be mainly the topic of coming books.
I think being locked into amazons infrastructure is going to hurt the authors prospects in the long run. I have bought the audio books, but would have preferred to by the paperbacks from a local store.
Ferrin‘s escape is going on, leading so far only to character development.
The adventures of the former guardian protector are forming the action heavy part of the book. The part that would have really interrested me on how the political shenanigans are going to continue seem to be mainly the topic of coming books.
I think being locked into amazons infrastructure is going to hurt the authors prospects in the long run. I have bought the audio books, but would have preferred to by the paperbacks from a local store.
April 23, 2021
Fantasy with a modern theme
This series is particularly timely carrying a theme of bigotry against a people group based on generational fear based on untruths. I appreciate the handling of the theme, though, with a thought to the complexities of many different peoples living together and how easy it is to fall back on the belief systems of those who came before you instead of having the courage to step forward and break free into a fresh and truthful understanding of those around you. This is a wonderful series with complex and unexpected twists in the plot, lots of action and even the littlest touch of romance. It is definitely leading to a climactic confrontation between the Tower and the wielders and I can't wait to be able to read the next installment!
This series is particularly timely carrying a theme of bigotry against a people group based on generational fear based on untruths. I appreciate the handling of the theme, though, with a thought to the complexities of many different peoples living together and how easy it is to fall back on the belief systems of those who came before you instead of having the courage to step forward and break free into a fresh and truthful understanding of those around you. This is a wonderful series with complex and unexpected twists in the plot, lots of action and even the littlest touch of romance. It is definitely leading to a climactic confrontation between the Tower and the wielders and I can't wait to be able to read the next installment!
January 18, 2023
Rating: 3.9/5
Review: Well now, things are getting interesting in Aldor. Creepy shjt is going down and the maze-like story lines seem as separate a novel as you have ever read.
First the downers: Ty is still an idiot and will remain so, as that is his shtick. Suri’s personality is not believable in delivery and is painful to bear. Good news is that there is not much of her within.
The uppers in this installment were: Ferrin, Aryion and as always, Kira. Why Aryion goes for dipshjts and not a hard lined Kira, is anybody’s writing guess.
So there you have it. This shit show of a series is turning out fairly well with some character exceptions. Got to appeal to the broadest audience, eh?
Review: Well now, things are getting interesting in Aldor. Creepy shjt is going down and the maze-like story lines seem as separate a novel as you have ever read.
First the downers: Ty is still an idiot and will remain so, as that is his shtick. Suri’s personality is not believable in delivery and is painful to bear. Good news is that there is not much of her within.
The uppers in this installment were: Ferrin, Aryion and as always, Kira. Why Aryion goes for dipshjts and not a hard lined Kira, is anybody’s writing guess.
So there you have it. This shit show of a series is turning out fairly well with some character exceptions. Got to appeal to the broadest audience, eh?
March 4, 2023
I struggled with this one a bit especially Ty's story arc, surely there is only so many times that an author can play off of a characters naivete? I realise as a reader that you are seeing the bigger picture but "the book" twist is so obvious that it's hard to believe he couldn't see it! The Dakaran story arc is like Gladiator but we will see how that eventually plays out. If anything this book, similarly to the first seems more about Ayrion & Ferrin & certainly they both get the more exciting story arc, let's face it Ty is given a "mission" at the end of Book1 & by the end of Book2 he has done nothing about it!
I've bought Book 3 but if I thought that this went beyond Book4 I don't think that I would have, if that makes sense?
I've bought Book 3 but if I thought that this went beyond Book4 I don't think that I would have, if that makes sense?
March 4, 2020
Much anticipated sequel to the White Tower. I enjoyed the story and characters very much. A little more character development of the main characters, and several new characters with more prominent time in the book. Interesting plot and NO fall off from the original book, not many answers yet on what the end game is going to be. Like the original book the torture scenes were a little over done this book the "zombie-like" creatures was over done, however, there were enough plot lines to not make it too unpalatable.... now just have to wait for the next installment.
April 16, 2022
Good but not as good as it could have been had it not been so slow. But, I liked it and I like the characters. I think the characters have a lot of intrigue and flaws a perfect blend. Also the bad guys are truly wicked to the core. I’ve read the other reviews and I respectfully disagree with their analysis. I thought this book did a thorough job of explaining the roles of the characters and I especially liked the fight scenes. It was good for me and if you really liked the first book then this one should please you too. I’m looking forward to the next book now.
January 21, 2023
And in book three…
So, you know when book two is better than the first? Well this isn’t one of those times.
There was little development besides Ty’s tattoo. Maybe a glimpse or two into the females being trusted with a sword for the next book, but this was a giant set up for the next book. I blame publishers, the trilogy is great, but that amount of stretching to a plot isn’t good for anyone, the author or the readers. This book only got that third star because of the pace in book one, unless Mr Wisehart also suffered amnesia (really…amnesia, eek)
So, you know when book two is better than the first? Well this isn’t one of those times.
There was little development besides Ty’s tattoo. Maybe a glimpse or two into the females being trusted with a sword for the next book, but this was a giant set up for the next book. I blame publishers, the trilogy is great, but that amount of stretching to a plot isn’t good for anyone, the author or the readers. This book only got that third star because of the pace in book one, unless Mr Wisehart also suffered amnesia (really…amnesia, eek)
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