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Of Myth and Shadow
Aegaan is a vast and righteous kingdom, yet darkness gathers in the distant corners of the realm. Elven raids on small towns have inflamed racial tensions with humans, pushing distrust to hatred and the brink of war. Anrael wanders the woods alone until a chance meeting tempts him to set aside his contempt for those who scorn his half-elven blood. When Kylie, a naive elf terrified of humans, is thrust among them against her will, she begins to question her mother’s tales of dread. Having lost everything dear to him, the bandit king Jhelan lives only to seek challenge in battle… until he finds himself willing to die protecting that which he hates the most. The diabolical mystique of the dark elves cloaks L’an Thal’Sara in protection, but the cruelest lie she tells is to herself. Thaelwyn, a virtuous knight, sets out to discover the source of the Elves’ aggression, but faces a much greater test within his mind. Beneath the chaos, minions of the Destroyer search for their promised leader, a child possessing power beyond their years. If the innocent falls to darkness, a kingdom rife with hatred will surely crumble.
1483 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2019
23 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Matthew S. Cox
185 books265 followersBorn in a little town known as South Amboy NJ in 1973, Matthew has been creating science fiction and fantasy worlds for most of his reasoning life. Somewhere between fifteen to eighteen of them spent developing the world in which Division Zero, Virtual Immortality, and The Awakened Series take place. He has several other projects in the works as well as a collaborative science fiction endeavor with author Tony Healey.
Hobbies and Interests:
Matthew is an avid gamer, a recovered WoW addict, Gamemaster for two custom systems (Chronicles of Eldrinaath [Fantasy] and Divergent Fates [Sci Fi], and a fan of anime, British humour (<- deliberate), and intellectual science fiction that questions the nature of reality, life, and what happens after it.
He is also fond of cats.
Hobbies and Interests:
Matthew is an avid gamer, a recovered WoW addict, Gamemaster for two custom systems (Chronicles of Eldrinaath [Fantasy] and Divergent Fates [Sci Fi], and a fan of anime, British humour (<- deliberate), and intellectual science fiction that questions the nature of reality, life, and what happens after it.
He is also fond of cats.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 9, 2020
I received an electronic copy of this book as part of the Blackthorn Book Tour in exchange for an honest review
The premise of this book really drew me in and I’m so glad it didn’t disappoint. Matthew S. Cox creates such a detailed and intricate world within these pages and you can’t help but be drawn into it.
This story is slow starting and takes a little to get into due to the complex characters and storylines but once you start to get your head around them you won’t want to put it down. Aegaan is a Kingdom home to both humans and various races of elves however there is a history of distrust and hostility between the humans and elves which is only getting worse after a series of attacks on towns by elf’s. The story unfolds through the point of view of an array of characters each on their own unique journey and what I love most about this is that each character is given there own disint voice and personality. I especially loved reading about L’an Thal’Sara.
This story is expertly woven together, full of magic and political intrigue. With such in-depth world building which does a wonderful job of bringing the setting and characters to life.
Trigger Warnings for child abuse, off the page rape and sexual content
The premise of this book really drew me in and I’m so glad it didn’t disappoint. Matthew S. Cox creates such a detailed and intricate world within these pages and you can’t help but be drawn into it.
This story is slow starting and takes a little to get into due to the complex characters and storylines but once you start to get your head around them you won’t want to put it down. Aegaan is a Kingdom home to both humans and various races of elves however there is a history of distrust and hostility between the humans and elves which is only getting worse after a series of attacks on towns by elf’s. The story unfolds through the point of view of an array of characters each on their own unique journey and what I love most about this is that each character is given there own disint voice and personality. I especially loved reading about L’an Thal’Sara.
This story is expertly woven together, full of magic and political intrigue. With such in-depth world building which does a wonderful job of bringing the setting and characters to life.
Trigger Warnings for child abuse, off the page rape and sexual content
August 9, 2020
This review is also featured at Behind the Pages: Of Myth and Shadow
A huge thank you to Blackthorn Book Tours and Matthew S. Cox for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Demonic worshipers seek sacrifices to appease their Lord, searching for the child that will bring their salvation. A dark elf fights against the prejudices of her people, searching for her place in the world. A half-elf wanders the land, searching for acceptance. A knight of the crown begins to question himself and the laws he swore to uphold. A bandit king seeks retribution for a past betrayal. An elven girl is a witness to a darkness she never thought she would face. And amidst it all is a cunning evil that stalks them, weaving in and out of their lives driving them closer together as it threatens to engulf them. Welcome to Of Myth and Shadow by Matthew S. Cox.
There are so many different races and cultures incorporated into Of Myth and Shadow. Laying down the foundation of the world takes a little time, so I urge readers to keep turning the pages as each character slowly comes into focus with their hopes and ambitions. Once everything is established readers will have a fantastical world, they can’t help but become immersed in. I loved the diversity in magic systems and the wealth of creatures that made appearances throughout this tale.
Readers who enjoy conflicts and high emotions will devour this book. Page after page is filled with the hopes, dreams, and ambitions of each character. And readers, I do hope you enjoy side quests because Of Myth and Shadow is filled with them. Each quest enhances the readers' views of the main characters and propels them towards their goals.
Contained within these pages is everything a fan of fantasy could hope to see. Stories of redemption, political intrigue, and even a healthy dose of romance. Matthew S. Cox also writes epic battles and does not make light of the grisly details. As combatants’ cross swords, wit and magic readers will be on the edge of their seats awaiting the outcome. I do suggest mature audiences for this book due to some of the graphic details and adult scenes present in the book.
A huge thank you to Blackthorn Book Tours and Matthew S. Cox for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Demonic worshipers seek sacrifices to appease their Lord, searching for the child that will bring their salvation. A dark elf fights against the prejudices of her people, searching for her place in the world. A half-elf wanders the land, searching for acceptance. A knight of the crown begins to question himself and the laws he swore to uphold. A bandit king seeks retribution for a past betrayal. An elven girl is a witness to a darkness she never thought she would face. And amidst it all is a cunning evil that stalks them, weaving in and out of their lives driving them closer together as it threatens to engulf them. Welcome to Of Myth and Shadow by Matthew S. Cox.
There are so many different races and cultures incorporated into Of Myth and Shadow. Laying down the foundation of the world takes a little time, so I urge readers to keep turning the pages as each character slowly comes into focus with their hopes and ambitions. Once everything is established readers will have a fantastical world, they can’t help but become immersed in. I loved the diversity in magic systems and the wealth of creatures that made appearances throughout this tale.
Readers who enjoy conflicts and high emotions will devour this book. Page after page is filled with the hopes, dreams, and ambitions of each character. And readers, I do hope you enjoy side quests because Of Myth and Shadow is filled with them. Each quest enhances the readers' views of the main characters and propels them towards their goals.
Contained within these pages is everything a fan of fantasy could hope to see. Stories of redemption, political intrigue, and even a healthy dose of romance. Matthew S. Cox also writes epic battles and does not make light of the grisly details. As combatants’ cross swords, wit and magic readers will be on the edge of their seats awaiting the outcome. I do suggest mature audiences for this book due to some of the graphic details and adult scenes present in the book.
August 10, 2020
As a character-driven read, you can notice their troubled start, a secret in their life that they are trying to identify, resolve, or escape from, yet they mature as you leaf through every page. Words are insufficient to fill this review when it comes to describing their character and situational changes. They have a lot going on, each seeking love in different forms. Cox's characters are multidimensional: you may find protagonist and antagonists, heroes and anti-heroes, and vile and villains. There are gray, white, and black characters varying from innocent to calculating personalities executing unforeseeable narrative mysticism. Even shadow characters play their role exceptionally well, portraying the harsh life in an undeveloped village. Cox portrays women in an old fashion way: he pictures them leading tough lives, questioning their independence while making them feel unwanted and abused. This vulnerability paves the way to build strong female characters. What’s attractive throughout this plot are the relationships and the mutual understanding that exist among the characters. You can observe centuries-old relationships, such as lovers, parent-children, sibling, mentor-mentee, and foe, which offers eye-opening encounters. They are attractive since they are realistic and open-minded, speaking about their political situations and unrest.
Penumbras, the shadow dragon, is a fascinating creature above all that you may subject to scrutiny — yes, you heard that right. Why? As curiouser and curiouser as it seems, Cox uses this being to ignite each character’s sub-conscious and feed on their fears and dark memories: it haunts the characters like Stephen King's IT. With a twist of Elves, Druids and Wizards, Goblins, Humans and Outlaws, and Demons, Cox becomes a living manifestation through his characters as they indulge you further through their self-discovery. Cox's Of Myth And Shadow isn’t a quick read, and the ending noted on a satisfying cliffhanger, but certain sub-plots are stagnating.
Through these classic pairings — good versus evil, weak versus strong, right versus wrong — an entirely fresh and addictive tale is born.
... Continue reading in https://thebook-info.blogspot.com/202...
Penumbras, the shadow dragon, is a fascinating creature above all that you may subject to scrutiny — yes, you heard that right. Why? As curiouser and curiouser as it seems, Cox uses this being to ignite each character’s sub-conscious and feed on their fears and dark memories: it haunts the characters like Stephen King's IT. With a twist of Elves, Druids and Wizards, Goblins, Humans and Outlaws, and Demons, Cox becomes a living manifestation through his characters as they indulge you further through their self-discovery. Cox's Of Myth And Shadow isn’t a quick read, and the ending noted on a satisfying cliffhanger, but certain sub-plots are stagnating.
Through these classic pairings — good versus evil, weak versus strong, right versus wrong — an entirely fresh and addictive tale is born.
... Continue reading in https://thebook-info.blogspot.com/202...
August 6, 2020
I'm so happy to be joining Blackthorn publications on their book tour for Matthew Cox's book: "Of Myth and Shadow". Cox did a magnificent job creating a magical setting and story to suck in the reader. A fantasy novel full of epic characters, beautiful scenery, and topics to make you think and engage in conversation.
Aegaan, a small and quiet town has been under attack by Elves, and because of these attacks the racial tension between humans and Elves is on a all time high. Anrael whose half elf has bad feelings about this because people already dislike him. These attacks are surely to lead to a major war. Anrael is not the only character affected about this. Kylie is a full fledge forest elf and is under great confusion as to what she's going to do. There's also a whole bunch of other characters whom are affected by everything and also face uncertainty.
This amazing novel is full of great narratives, magic (especially when it comes to the elves), action, politics, supernatural elements, and much more! I will admit this book is pretty huge and intimidating, but I promise you you won't be able to put it down. I9t gave me major George R.R. Martin and Tolkien vibes. Huge thanks to Blackthorn book tours for giving me a copy in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased the book because my tired eyes couldn't read it well on my small phone screen
Aegaan, a small and quiet town has been under attack by Elves, and because of these attacks the racial tension between humans and Elves is on a all time high. Anrael whose half elf has bad feelings about this because people already dislike him. These attacks are surely to lead to a major war. Anrael is not the only character affected about this. Kylie is a full fledge forest elf and is under great confusion as to what she's going to do. There's also a whole bunch of other characters whom are affected by everything and also face uncertainty.
This amazing novel is full of great narratives, magic (especially when it comes to the elves), action, politics, supernatural elements, and much more! I will admit this book is pretty huge and intimidating, but I promise you you won't be able to put it down. I9t gave me major George R.R. Martin and Tolkien vibes. Huge thanks to Blackthorn book tours for giving me a copy in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased the book because my tired eyes couldn't read it well on my small phone screen
August 10, 2020
Before I begin, I just want to thank Blackthorn Book Tours and Matthew S. Cox for giving me a copy of this book to give an honest review for.
If you like this review, please follow me on social media for more. I post bookish content and I will be coming out with some marketing focused material starting this week.
Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook
Title: Of Myth and Shadow
Author: Matthew S. Cox
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Page Count: 1,482
Aegaan is a vast and righteous kingdom, yet darkness gathers in the distant corners of the realm. Elven raids on small towns have inflamed racial tensions with humans, pushing distrust to hatred and the brink of war.
Anrael wanders the woods alone until a chance meeting tempts him to set aside his contempt for those who scorn his half-elven blood.
When Kylie, a naive elf terrified of humans, is thrust among them against her will, she begins to question her mother’s tales of dread.
Having lost everything dear to him, the bandit king Jhelan lives only to seek challenge in battle… until he finds himself willing to die protecting that which he hates the most.
The diabolical mystique of the dark elves cloaks L’an Thal’Sara in protection, but the cruelest lie she tells is to herself.
Thaelwyn, a virtuous knight, sets out to discover the source of the Elves’ aggression, but faces a much greater test within his mind.
Beneath the chaos, minions of the Destroyer search for their promised leader, a child possessing power beyond their years. If the innocent falls to darkness, a kingdom rife with hatred will surely crumble.
World Building to the Extreme
In my opinion, creating a world so well-written that even just scratching the surface of it can help you explore every inch of it is one of the tests of a great author.
It would be easy for a lot of authors to create a contained world and have the characters’ interactions as the main story driven device.
There’s nothing wrong with that, and there’s nothing wrong with authors who pursue that route. They are still brilliant and I love their works, but my favorite thing about books is the world I can immerse myself in.
Cox creates a beautiful world full of magical creatures. I wouldn’t say it is as well defined as Game of Thrones or similar works, but it doesn’t need to be. In Of Myth and Shadow we only scrape the surface of the realm. We know there are peoples, creatures, and places we have yet to explore, but their effects change the course of the story even when they aren’t present.
Cox has a great ability to write fantastical worlds within the first few pages of his stories, and his characters feel natural. They’re not forced or overly dramatic for the sake of the story.
A Story of Current Events
Telling a fantasy story that touches on current political and social events isn’t easy. The difference in worlds can make it difficult to properly portray the issues we see in our world.
Though it isn’t perfect, I think Cox does a good job about touching on racial issues we are seeing in our world today.
Again it’s not perfect, and you have to make some assumptions to translate it into more “modern” terms, but the fantasy world’s version can teach you some lessons if you are willing to educate yourself.
A Good End
It’s not often that I enjoy the ending of a book. I am too often disappointed or unfulfilled, that I think I have become calloused to the idea of a good ending.
Though it’s not perfect, I think Cox’s ending was just about where I wanted it to be. It wasn’t perfect, but it felt natural. None of the character storylines felt forced, out of place, or unrealistic.
Each ending felt like it was something that would have happened to them, and that is too often missed.
I am glad Cox took the time to know where his character’s stories were going, and giving them the endings that they deserved.
Final Thoughts
I’ve only recently discovered Cox, from a previous review of his book; The Girl Who Found the Sun. I’ve come to like his style of writing and his quick paced storytelling.
Of Myth and Shadow is a great Epic Fantasy novel with a lot of fun characters.
Cox does a great job of writing smart, funny characters, and I really like the young children he writes because they are often too smart for their own good, but at the same time very believable.
If you enjoyed Of Myth and Shadow, or any of my other content, make sure to follow me on social media!
Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook
If you like this review, please follow me on social media for more. I post bookish content and I will be coming out with some marketing focused material starting this week.
Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook
Title: Of Myth and Shadow
Author: Matthew S. Cox
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Page Count: 1,482
Aegaan is a vast and righteous kingdom, yet darkness gathers in the distant corners of the realm. Elven raids on small towns have inflamed racial tensions with humans, pushing distrust to hatred and the brink of war.
Anrael wanders the woods alone until a chance meeting tempts him to set aside his contempt for those who scorn his half-elven blood.
When Kylie, a naive elf terrified of humans, is thrust among them against her will, she begins to question her mother’s tales of dread.
Having lost everything dear to him, the bandit king Jhelan lives only to seek challenge in battle… until he finds himself willing to die protecting that which he hates the most.
The diabolical mystique of the dark elves cloaks L’an Thal’Sara in protection, but the cruelest lie she tells is to herself.
Thaelwyn, a virtuous knight, sets out to discover the source of the Elves’ aggression, but faces a much greater test within his mind.
Beneath the chaos, minions of the Destroyer search for their promised leader, a child possessing power beyond their years. If the innocent falls to darkness, a kingdom rife with hatred will surely crumble.
World Building to the Extreme
In my opinion, creating a world so well-written that even just scratching the surface of it can help you explore every inch of it is one of the tests of a great author.
It would be easy for a lot of authors to create a contained world and have the characters’ interactions as the main story driven device.
There’s nothing wrong with that, and there’s nothing wrong with authors who pursue that route. They are still brilliant and I love their works, but my favorite thing about books is the world I can immerse myself in.
Cox creates a beautiful world full of magical creatures. I wouldn’t say it is as well defined as Game of Thrones or similar works, but it doesn’t need to be. In Of Myth and Shadow we only scrape the surface of the realm. We know there are peoples, creatures, and places we have yet to explore, but their effects change the course of the story even when they aren’t present.
Cox has a great ability to write fantastical worlds within the first few pages of his stories, and his characters feel natural. They’re not forced or overly dramatic for the sake of the story.
A Story of Current Events
Telling a fantasy story that touches on current political and social events isn’t easy. The difference in worlds can make it difficult to properly portray the issues we see in our world.
Though it isn’t perfect, I think Cox does a good job about touching on racial issues we are seeing in our world today.
Again it’s not perfect, and you have to make some assumptions to translate it into more “modern” terms, but the fantasy world’s version can teach you some lessons if you are willing to educate yourself.
A Good End
It’s not often that I enjoy the ending of a book. I am too often disappointed or unfulfilled, that I think I have become calloused to the idea of a good ending.
Though it’s not perfect, I think Cox’s ending was just about where I wanted it to be. It wasn’t perfect, but it felt natural. None of the character storylines felt forced, out of place, or unrealistic.
Each ending felt like it was something that would have happened to them, and that is too often missed.
I am glad Cox took the time to know where his character’s stories were going, and giving them the endings that they deserved.
Final Thoughts
I’ve only recently discovered Cox, from a previous review of his book; The Girl Who Found the Sun. I’ve come to like his style of writing and his quick paced storytelling.
Of Myth and Shadow is a great Epic Fantasy novel with a lot of fun characters.
Cox does a great job of writing smart, funny characters, and I really like the young children he writes because they are often too smart for their own good, but at the same time very believable.
If you enjoyed Of Myth and Shadow, or any of my other content, make sure to follow me on social media!
Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook
September 6, 2024
Cox combines accessible characters and sweeping plots to create epic fantasy that has breadth and depth without feeling dense.
The Kingdom of Aegaan has been at peace for decades. However, a growing number of towns and villages along one border report attacks by small bands of elves. For Anrael, a half-elf, this is just one more reason for people to hate him. For Kylie, a forest elf on the verge of adulthood, it is a source of confusion. For Thaelwyn, a virtuous knight of the king, it is a question to be answered without delay. For the bandit king Jhelan and L’an Thal’Sara, his dark elf bedmate, it is an irrelevance. And for Serelin, a nine-year-old orphan girl with untrained magical talent, it is nothing compared to the probable intentions of the cult who have kidnapped her.
Cox skilfully integrates all the elements of epic fantasy, several unconnected plot threads, multiple large-scale threats, ancient magics, political intrigue, into a single narrative. As such, this novel is likely to appeal greatly to fans of the subgenre.
His use of epic fantasy tropes is balanced between comforting familiarity and freshness. This can be seen in his use of elves: like many fantasy worlds, his has several types of elves: forest-dwelling, ancient-city-dwelling, and evil. However, both the culture and metaphysics of each elven race displays new nuances and aspects within the framework of classic elf typology, creating a sense of unique non-human beings without losing accessibility.
The balance between tense action, devious politics, and dramatic supernatural displays is similarly well balanced. Each flavour of challenge or solution has the edge over others at certain points but as the various character’s threads intertwine the advantage their broader skill base provides is countered by an equally strong opposition from one or more flavours: for example, killing someone the characters “know” is a criminal is easy enough, but without proof that will stand up in court it is both illegal and unethical. This allows Cox to deploy the larger scale powers and challenges that typify the subgenre without becoming trapped in an escalating cycle.
Where Cox does potentially deviate noticeably from the usual epic fantasy format is in the areas from the point-of-view of Serelin. As fans of Cox’s other work might expect, his portrayal of the pre-teen mind is both plausible and engaging, displaying a perspective that is childlike without being childish and is leavened but not obscured by the traumas of a disadvantaged childhood. However, this very facility in representing the pre-teen internal experience also makes these scenes noticeably different in tone from that of the usual epic fantasy protagonist. Thus, some readers who favour grimy darkness might find the innocence of the humour dissonant compared to the more cynical or bawdy humour that is common in the subgenre.
Each of the protagonists is carefully crafted, displaying a core competence and morality—albeit obscured in some cases—that makes their narrative destinations utterly plausible yet also being tangled in conflicting emotions, goals, and prejudices that complicate both their attempts to resolve their issues and interact with each other.
While the size of supporting cast necessarily prevents them from displaying the same level of disparate qualities, Cox injects hints of individualism into even characters who appear for only a single paragraph.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel greatly. I recommend it to readers seeking epic fantasy that is driven by character and sweeping plot.
I received a free copy from the author with no request to review.
The Kingdom of Aegaan has been at peace for decades. However, a growing number of towns and villages along one border report attacks by small bands of elves. For Anrael, a half-elf, this is just one more reason for people to hate him. For Kylie, a forest elf on the verge of adulthood, it is a source of confusion. For Thaelwyn, a virtuous knight of the king, it is a question to be answered without delay. For the bandit king Jhelan and L’an Thal’Sara, his dark elf bedmate, it is an irrelevance. And for Serelin, a nine-year-old orphan girl with untrained magical talent, it is nothing compared to the probable intentions of the cult who have kidnapped her.
Cox skilfully integrates all the elements of epic fantasy, several unconnected plot threads, multiple large-scale threats, ancient magics, political intrigue, into a single narrative. As such, this novel is likely to appeal greatly to fans of the subgenre.
His use of epic fantasy tropes is balanced between comforting familiarity and freshness. This can be seen in his use of elves: like many fantasy worlds, his has several types of elves: forest-dwelling, ancient-city-dwelling, and evil. However, both the culture and metaphysics of each elven race displays new nuances and aspects within the framework of classic elf typology, creating a sense of unique non-human beings without losing accessibility.
The balance between tense action, devious politics, and dramatic supernatural displays is similarly well balanced. Each flavour of challenge or solution has the edge over others at certain points but as the various character’s threads intertwine the advantage their broader skill base provides is countered by an equally strong opposition from one or more flavours: for example, killing someone the characters “know” is a criminal is easy enough, but without proof that will stand up in court it is both illegal and unethical. This allows Cox to deploy the larger scale powers and challenges that typify the subgenre without becoming trapped in an escalating cycle.
Where Cox does potentially deviate noticeably from the usual epic fantasy format is in the areas from the point-of-view of Serelin. As fans of Cox’s other work might expect, his portrayal of the pre-teen mind is both plausible and engaging, displaying a perspective that is childlike without being childish and is leavened but not obscured by the traumas of a disadvantaged childhood. However, this very facility in representing the pre-teen internal experience also makes these scenes noticeably different in tone from that of the usual epic fantasy protagonist. Thus, some readers who favour grimy darkness might find the innocence of the humour dissonant compared to the more cynical or bawdy humour that is common in the subgenre.
Each of the protagonists is carefully crafted, displaying a core competence and morality—albeit obscured in some cases—that makes their narrative destinations utterly plausible yet also being tangled in conflicting emotions, goals, and prejudices that complicate both their attempts to resolve their issues and interact with each other.
While the size of supporting cast necessarily prevents them from displaying the same level of disparate qualities, Cox injects hints of individualism into even characters who appear for only a single paragraph.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel greatly. I recommend it to readers seeking epic fantasy that is driven by character and sweeping plot.
I received a free copy from the author with no request to review.
September 25, 2019
This is an epic fantasy that is set in Aegaan a righteous kingdom that is being plagued by elven raids on the small towns that are inflaming the racial tensions between humand and elves . Pushing them closer and closer to the brink of all out war .
There is a varied cast of characters in this book . They are all part of the bigger plan that could have minions of the the Destroyer take over the world . Each character is well written and complex . Anrael is a half elf that has been through so much , his parents and towns hatred , he wanders around until he has a chance meeting that could change his life . He is a broken man that is hiding so much pain . I truly liked him , he is to me so broken and just wants to be loved .
Another character i absolutely loved is L'an Thai'Sara , she is a character that you want to wrap up in a blanket and say everything will be ok and its ok to love. She is a dark elf that is considered an assassin and they treat humans like slaves . She has some inner turmoil . She wants to be away from Jhelen but she can't seem to leave him . There is a strong sense of love but hatred going on between them . These are just two of the many characters that will have you reading all night long. . Each character will take you on a journey that will have you on the edge of your seat and cheer for them .
This is one of those books that when you start reading you will not want to put it down . I will tell you right now it is a big book but it will keep you interested all the way through. The author takes us on an epic adventure with so many twists and turns . The story is told from different characters , they switch through out the story. You will never get bored of one character cause we get to switch it up . You will not be bored . The author has a great was of describing even the tiniest detail . I really liked the story and the characters , I hope that you will love them also . The ending is epic and the outcome is the best . So if you want an Epic book for your winter reading list . This is the book for you .
There is a varied cast of characters in this book . They are all part of the bigger plan that could have minions of the the Destroyer take over the world . Each character is well written and complex . Anrael is a half elf that has been through so much , his parents and towns hatred , he wanders around until he has a chance meeting that could change his life . He is a broken man that is hiding so much pain . I truly liked him , he is to me so broken and just wants to be loved .
Another character i absolutely loved is L'an Thai'Sara , she is a character that you want to wrap up in a blanket and say everything will be ok and its ok to love. She is a dark elf that is considered an assassin and they treat humans like slaves . She has some inner turmoil . She wants to be away from Jhelen but she can't seem to leave him . There is a strong sense of love but hatred going on between them . These are just two of the many characters that will have you reading all night long. . Each character will take you on a journey that will have you on the edge of your seat and cheer for them .
This is one of those books that when you start reading you will not want to put it down . I will tell you right now it is a big book but it will keep you interested all the way through. The author takes us on an epic adventure with so many twists and turns . The story is told from different characters , they switch through out the story. You will never get bored of one character cause we get to switch it up . You will not be bored . The author has a great was of describing even the tiniest detail . I really liked the story and the characters , I hope that you will love them also . The ending is epic and the outcome is the best . So if you want an Epic book for your winter reading list . This is the book for you .
August 9, 2020
With a back catalogue running to several pages, a significant fan-base and a solid record of both of standalone novels and series, spanning children’s, young adults’ and adults’ fantasy fiction, Matthew S. Cox hardly needed to make a big statement to persuade the world that he is a major player in this field. But Of Myth and Shadow makes a big statement anyway.
It is his most ambitious project yet. It is a work of enormous depth and breadth that offers a tour de force of the genre. The familiar components are all there - the virtuous kingdom under threat from evil forces; knights, dragons, magic; humans and elves and the tensions between them; the liminal characters who straddle the different worlds and enable them to come together to oppose the powers of darkness; the journey, the quest, the innocent who holds the key. What Matthew Cox adds to this recipe is his perfectly honed skills in building worlds and populating them with intriguing, compelling characters – skills in which he is a consummate craftsman. He weaves this story through the intertwining tales of half a dozen key characters, each with their own plotline, their own journey, and through them we learn the many faces of the kingdom of Aegaan, its politics, its magic and its troubles.
Whether he is introducing an elf or a human or a bandit or a knight he gifts the character with a solidity and a realism that would engage and persuade the most skeptical reader. In other books he has already demonstrated his ability to write convincing young girls, simultaneously vulnerable and powerful, innocent and knowing, and he achieves this again in nine-year-old orphan Serelin.
This isn’t a book for newcomers – weighing in at three or four times the length of his more conventional novels, the sheer size of this work will probably deter anyone who isn’t already sure of the genre or the author. But for fans of this genre , or of Matthew Cox as a writer, this book will doubtless become something of a classic.
It is his most ambitious project yet. It is a work of enormous depth and breadth that offers a tour de force of the genre. The familiar components are all there - the virtuous kingdom under threat from evil forces; knights, dragons, magic; humans and elves and the tensions between them; the liminal characters who straddle the different worlds and enable them to come together to oppose the powers of darkness; the journey, the quest, the innocent who holds the key. What Matthew Cox adds to this recipe is his perfectly honed skills in building worlds and populating them with intriguing, compelling characters – skills in which he is a consummate craftsman. He weaves this story through the intertwining tales of half a dozen key characters, each with their own plotline, their own journey, and through them we learn the many faces of the kingdom of Aegaan, its politics, its magic and its troubles.
Whether he is introducing an elf or a human or a bandit or a knight he gifts the character with a solidity and a realism that would engage and persuade the most skeptical reader. In other books he has already demonstrated his ability to write convincing young girls, simultaneously vulnerable and powerful, innocent and knowing, and he achieves this again in nine-year-old orphan Serelin.
This isn’t a book for newcomers – weighing in at three or four times the length of his more conventional novels, the sheer size of this work will probably deter anyone who isn’t already sure of the genre or the author. But for fans of this genre , or of Matthew Cox as a writer, this book will doubtless become something of a classic.
August 8, 2020
I feel like I’ve lived in Aegaan. (For a while, I thought I might die there). This is an absorbing book whose characters get inside your head and steal a bit of your soul. Mind you, they have time to do so. This is the longest book I’ve ever read. Having started it, I did feel compelled to finish, but I also felt an irrational resentment as if I’d been taken hostage. If I’d bought it as a physical book, I’d probably have noticed that it needed its own suitcase, and I’d have known what I was letting myself in for. With an e-book – gifted kindly by Blackthorn Book Tours in exchange for an honest review - the size isn’t immediately apparent… And it got its claws into me before I had time to realise.
It’s a great book, in its own way – fair do’s, it must have taken a lot of writing, and every page is full of Matthew Cox’s trademark qualities as a writer – beautiful fluid prose, good dialogue, wonderfully defined characters, world class world-building, great story telling. A less confident writer (like JK Rowling or Tolkein maybe?) wouldn’t have dared this project – they’d have taken each of the strands and done each as a separate book, making it a series. (Aah, perhaps there is a parallel universe in which JK Rowling and Tolkein are both one-book wonders… one very long book each…)
There is a beauty in the unity of this novel – and it is a unity, a single story, no matter how many paths it takes in getting to its conclusion. Perhaps it was this that drove him to do it in this way, to preserve the integrity of his vision - in which case credit to him for taking the risk. All the same, even in a summer of Covid, with half the world off work, locked down, and looking for escape, I’m not sure that there is space in readers’ lives for a book this long. If that’s right, it’s a shame – Aegaan’s a great place and deserves the tourists.
It’s a great book, in its own way – fair do’s, it must have taken a lot of writing, and every page is full of Matthew Cox’s trademark qualities as a writer – beautiful fluid prose, good dialogue, wonderfully defined characters, world class world-building, great story telling. A less confident writer (like JK Rowling or Tolkein maybe?) wouldn’t have dared this project – they’d have taken each of the strands and done each as a separate book, making it a series. (Aah, perhaps there is a parallel universe in which JK Rowling and Tolkein are both one-book wonders… one very long book each…)
There is a beauty in the unity of this novel – and it is a unity, a single story, no matter how many paths it takes in getting to its conclusion. Perhaps it was this that drove him to do it in this way, to preserve the integrity of his vision - in which case credit to him for taking the risk. All the same, even in a summer of Covid, with half the world off work, locked down, and looking for escape, I’m not sure that there is space in readers’ lives for a book this long. If that’s right, it’s a shame – Aegaan’s a great place and deserves the tourists.
August 9, 2020
When I was younger I used to read a lot of fantasy and this massive epic quest really piqued my interest because I’ve read a few of Matthew Cox’s post apocalyptic books and really liked them.
This is a book for adults and a really complex story which uses many different points of view as it gradually introduces a massive dramatis personae of apparently unrelated characters who all in their different ways have a part to play in the weaving of this story of light against darkness and who come together in its final conclusion. The characters were so well developed that they kept the story together however complicated it got and individually I found them really interesting. I particularly liked Serelin a feisty little girl and dark elf L’an Thal’Sara an assassin.
I don’t know why but fantasy books always seem to be set in some version of mediaeval Europe with Knights and Barons and creatures out of European mythology like wizards and dragons and elves. In this book as typically the names of characters make you think that it’s probably set in one of the celtic countries of Europe like Wales or Cornwall or Brittany. I find this a bit annoying because it’s supposed to be fantasy and not based on any particular country or historical period and I don’t see why authors couldn’t have the originality to create a completely new sort of fantasy world that could happen in America. This author did this with Prophet of the Badlands and I would have liked this book even more if he’d done it again with Aegaan.
All the same this was a good book and I enjoyed it.
This is a book for adults and a really complex story which uses many different points of view as it gradually introduces a massive dramatis personae of apparently unrelated characters who all in their different ways have a part to play in the weaving of this story of light against darkness and who come together in its final conclusion. The characters were so well developed that they kept the story together however complicated it got and individually I found them really interesting. I particularly liked Serelin a feisty little girl and dark elf L’an Thal’Sara an assassin.
I don’t know why but fantasy books always seem to be set in some version of mediaeval Europe with Knights and Barons and creatures out of European mythology like wizards and dragons and elves. In this book as typically the names of characters make you think that it’s probably set in one of the celtic countries of Europe like Wales or Cornwall or Brittany. I find this a bit annoying because it’s supposed to be fantasy and not based on any particular country or historical period and I don’t see why authors couldn’t have the originality to create a completely new sort of fantasy world that could happen in America. This author did this with Prophet of the Badlands and I would have liked this book even more if he’d done it again with Aegaan.
All the same this was a good book and I enjoyed it.
August 14, 2020
Of Myth and Shadow is a fascinating book that hooks you from the first chapter and does not let go until the end.
Written so well, the story flows unobtrusively from scene to scene. The novel is quite long, but divided into short, snappy chapters. You don’t realize how lengthy it is because every word is necessary. There aren’t any excessive descriptions or paragraphs of unrelated information.
The immersive descriptions of the various worlds and creatures made me feel like I was living in the scene and interacting with the creatures. I could feel their anger, pain, jealousy, and all the other emotions they were feeling.
I like how the author describes the characteristics of humans from the point of view of other creatures. He brings our prejudices, double standards, and superstitions to light in a unique manner.
What I found amazing was how the author was able to sustain my interest all throughout while describing in great detail many different scenes, each from a different point of view.
Matthew S. Cox is an author I’d like to read more of. If you enjoy epic fantasy, don’t miss this book!
(I received a review copy from Blackthorn Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.)
Written so well, the story flows unobtrusively from scene to scene. The novel is quite long, but divided into short, snappy chapters. You don’t realize how lengthy it is because every word is necessary. There aren’t any excessive descriptions or paragraphs of unrelated information.
The immersive descriptions of the various worlds and creatures made me feel like I was living in the scene and interacting with the creatures. I could feel their anger, pain, jealousy, and all the other emotions they were feeling.
I like how the author describes the characteristics of humans from the point of view of other creatures. He brings our prejudices, double standards, and superstitions to light in a unique manner.
What I found amazing was how the author was able to sustain my interest all throughout while describing in great detail many different scenes, each from a different point of view.
Matthew S. Cox is an author I’d like to read more of. If you enjoy epic fantasy, don’t miss this book!
(I received a review copy from Blackthorn Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.)
August 4, 2020
Like a blend of the fantasy worlds of Margaret Weis and Tracy Hicks with that of George RR Martin, but with a Matthew S Cox twist that makes it all his own.
There were elements that I really loved about this book. The Sylanthi, or forest elves, had some very cool attributes, and I loved that they could talk to animals. Cox excels at writing young girls, and Serelin was another stand out. I liked how he made many aspects of Tolkienesque creatures his own, and I also appreciated his spin on the troubles between the races.
I’ve read enough of this author’s books to know he favors character over plot, and while I enjoyed reading about the characters, I would have liked a bit more plot for such a long book. This is also very much an adult fantasy, with lots of sex. While I prefer books without sex, the fact there were instances of childlike characters in sexual situations and depictions of sexual violence made me uncomfortable.
However, overall the good outweighed the bad.
I received a free copy in return for an honest review.
There were elements that I really loved about this book. The Sylanthi, or forest elves, had some very cool attributes, and I loved that they could talk to animals. Cox excels at writing young girls, and Serelin was another stand out. I liked how he made many aspects of Tolkienesque creatures his own, and I also appreciated his spin on the troubles between the races.
I’ve read enough of this author’s books to know he favors character over plot, and while I enjoyed reading about the characters, I would have liked a bit more plot for such a long book. This is also very much an adult fantasy, with lots of sex. While I prefer books without sex, the fact there were instances of childlike characters in sexual situations and depictions of sexual violence made me uncomfortable.
However, overall the good outweighed the bad.
I received a free copy in return for an honest review.
August 10, 2020
An epic fantasy story enthralling from beginning to end. Superb character depiction, as each hero in the story takes on their own journey, their adventure intertwine with each other, and also the mythical fear eating dragon. The pacing of the book is just about right, keeping you turning the pages, yearning for more. The story advances with different protagonists by switching between them, as it develops, characters face their own distinct personal dilemmas and there is plenty of plot twists abundant with intricate emotions.
The story is mostly between different types of elves and humans together with a child wizard making up the full cast. There are valiant fights, there are evil plots, there are power struggles, there are touching family affairs, there are encounters with the undead.
Fantastic choice for an absorbing read, never a dull moment.
The story is mostly between different types of elves and humans together with a child wizard making up the full cast. There are valiant fights, there are evil plots, there are power struggles, there are touching family affairs, there are encounters with the undead.
Fantastic choice for an absorbing read, never a dull moment.
August 10, 2020
Set in the magical kingdom of Aegaan, this is a tale about social tensions and racism.
The characters are complexe and their stories intertwine beautifully. Elves from 3 distinct tribes, an half elf half human, wizards, knights, priests that heal with magic, a dark cult, goblins... and Penumbras, a dragon made of dark shadows who feeds in one’s fears and sneaks in and out at key moments.
A real page turner, I found myself reading until very late and keep on thinking about the story during the day and when I woke up in the middle of the night.
So far my favourite book my Matthew S. Cox. No surprises there, he’s an amazing storyteller who always takes you to fantastic universes.
I received a free copy from Blackthorn Book Tours in return for an honest review.
The characters are complexe and their stories intertwine beautifully. Elves from 3 distinct tribes, an half elf half human, wizards, knights, priests that heal with magic, a dark cult, goblins... and Penumbras, a dragon made of dark shadows who feeds in one’s fears and sneaks in and out at key moments.
A real page turner, I found myself reading until very late and keep on thinking about the story during the day and when I woke up in the middle of the night.
So far my favourite book my Matthew S. Cox. No surprises there, he’s an amazing storyteller who always takes you to fantastic universes.
I received a free copy from Blackthorn Book Tours in return for an honest review.
December 13, 2019
A New Favorite
This has been the most beautifully written book about the Eleven race I've ever had the privilege of reading. It deals tastefully with racism and diversity. Loss and redemption. The characters were written with real emotional crisis and deeply portrayed humanity and love. I felt the book deserves much more than 5 stars.
This has been the most beautifully written book about the Eleven race I've ever had the privilege of reading. It deals tastefully with racism and diversity. Loss and redemption. The characters were written with real emotional crisis and deeply portrayed humanity and love. I felt the book deserves much more than 5 stars.
January 5, 2020
Best Epic Fantasy I read in 2019
Matthew S Cox is a Wonderful Storyteller .
It’s an Amazingly Refreshing Adult Fantasy. Never a dull moment and filled with emotional turns .
It reads like a Standalone ~ but due to a bit of a cliffhanger ~feels like another book could be in the loop.
I can’t wait~ this book was pure magic for me.
Matthew S Cox is a Wonderful Storyteller .
It’s an Amazingly Refreshing Adult Fantasy. Never a dull moment and filled with emotional turns .
It reads like a Standalone ~ but due to a bit of a cliffhanger ~feels like another book could be in the loop.
I can’t wait~ this book was pure magic for me.
January 7, 2020
Amazing
What a great story. Yes, the book is really long, however I don't believe that it could have been any shorter. It took every page to describe the characters and the world they live in and storyline. I hope to read more about all of the characters. I will miss them until the next time.
What a great story. Yes, the book is really long, however I don't believe that it could have been any shorter. It took every page to describe the characters and the world they live in and storyline. I hope to read more about all of the characters. I will miss them until the next time.
September 23, 2019
Much appreciated this full length novel.
Knights of honor and otherwise. Quest for answers. Different character perspectives. Great world building and so much more. The feeling of completion highly satisfactory. Yet open enough one could see future possibilities.
Knights of honor and otherwise. Quest for answers. Different character perspectives. Great world building and so much more. The feeling of completion highly satisfactory. Yet open enough one could see future possibilities.
July 13, 2020
It's been awhile since I've read a fantasy novel that's left me completely satisfied. From the quality writing, adventure, and plot structure, I was entranced from the beginning and all the way through to the end.
December 3, 2020
Awesome
Awesome read with more twists and turns as unexpected events gathered throughout the kingdoms filled with humorous exchanges as well as carnage
Awesome read with more twists and turns as unexpected events gathered throughout the kingdoms filled with humorous exchanges as well as carnage
August 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! It was my first high adult fantasy so it took me a minute to get into it but from the very beginning I was hooked. You get introduced to an array of characters with the multiple POVs, each one taking you on a different journey that you need to see through until it all comes together at the end. The book was pretty long, but i couldn’t imagine it being smaller and you getting a proper sense of the world and the charters. I definitely could read more in this world and of these characters 😍 hoping there will be more books in this world to come!
Definitely give it a three star ⭐️
Definitely give it a three star ⭐️
August 9, 2020
Full review on my blog Sometimes Leelynn Reads
Anyway, I thought that this was a good introduction into Cox’s world and I personally enjoyed this story. It looks like a standalone but I would totally be okay with a sequel or other stories within this world. Cox has a lot of fantasy novels under his belt so if you like this one, check out the rest of his works!
Anyway, I thought that this was a good introduction into Cox’s world and I personally enjoyed this story. It looks like a standalone but I would totally be okay with a sequel or other stories within this world. Cox has a lot of fantasy novels under his belt so if you like this one, check out the rest of his works!
July 18, 2021
Worth reading
I enjoyed these books. Quick read, magic. War, elves, monsters, dragon, wizard. So many different beings all working together to a good purpose. Fun read.
I enjoyed these books. Quick read, magic. War, elves, monsters, dragon, wizard. So many different beings all working together to a good purpose. Fun read.
February 5, 2020
Epic High Fantasy Romp
I genuinely believe that this should be a series!!!
It has been so long since I have read truly original high fantasy and thoroughly enjoyed it! There are more characters than a Final Fantasy game and that is a Good Thing. Just like a good role playing game all the characters that matter end up together in the end. There are also a good number of villains so you can never get bored. The story flows well without any dead spots and is extremely well written. I was sad when the book ended and hope the author continues this as a series!
***This book is suitable for adult readers who enjoy high fantasy with plenty of heroes and antiheroes and vile villains all struggling to make their dreams come true :)
I genuinely believe that this should be a series!!!
It has been so long since I have read truly original high fantasy and thoroughly enjoyed it! There are more characters than a Final Fantasy game and that is a Good Thing. Just like a good role playing game all the characters that matter end up together in the end. There are also a good number of villains so you can never get bored. The story flows well without any dead spots and is extremely well written. I was sad when the book ended and hope the author continues this as a series!
***This book is suitable for adult readers who enjoy high fantasy with plenty of heroes and antiheroes and vile villains all struggling to make their dreams come true :)
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