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Shadow of the Arisen: An Epic Dark Fantasy Novel
A must read for fans of high fantasy epics, this sword and sorcery high adventure series will be your new favorite fantasy read. Once a thriving city—now a foul necropolis, ruled over by the arisen dead. The fallen city of Brigganden now poses a threat to the neighboring lands, its demonic warlord slaughtering all who venture near. Reza, a member of an elite code of knights, leads the only troop willing to stand against the hellish army—risking not only her life to the vile arisen, but the lives of her only friends. As they struggle to survive the rising tide of evil, fulfilling their mission becomes the least of their priorities. The dead know of their presence—and this evil hungers for more than just flesh and blood. Shadow of the Arisen is the first book in a high fantasy trilogy that has deep roots in dark magic, Lovecraftian horror, and the occult. It’s an epic fantasy fiction novel that will leave you wanting more from the vibrant cast of characters you’ll grow to love.
- GenresFantasy
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2020
230 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
Paul Yoder
21 books35 followersPaul Yoder has had a life-long love of high fantasy novels and games, such as LOTR, the Legend of Drizzt, and the Elric Saga, as well as Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons. His fascination with these worlds merged with his passion for writing, creating tales of dark magic and the undead.
Lands of Wanderlust is Paul’s latest high fantasy series, featuring a mix of high-impact battles and sobering personal revelations.
Stop by for updates on Paul’s next book—stay for his corgi, book recommendations, and the excessive amounts of coffee. 🦊❤️☕
https://www.tiktok.com/@authorpaulyoder
https://www.instagram.com/author_paul...
Paul's books can be found on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Paul-Yo...
Get a free book by signing up to his newsletter and joining his ARC group.
Lands of Wanderlust is Paul’s latest high fantasy series, featuring a mix of high-impact battles and sobering personal revelations.
Stop by for updates on Paul’s next book—stay for his corgi, book recommendations, and the excessive amounts of coffee. 🦊❤️☕
https://www.tiktok.com/@authorpaulyoder
https://www.instagram.com/author_paul...
Paul's books can be found on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Paul-Yo...
Get a free book by signing up to his newsletter and joining his ARC group.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 22, 2023
I received a gifted copy of SHADOW OF THE ARISEN by Paul Yoder from the author for an honest review.
SHADOW OF THE ARISEN is the first book in the Lands of Wanderlust YA fantasy trilogy. Nomad is a character from the east, a fighter known only as a nomad who wanders. When he meets Reza, he agrees to join her in her search for those from whom she’s been separated. Together with Reza and her traveling companions, they must face the arisen dead, a powerful army which threatens the entire world.
The combination of horror and epic fantasy immediately drew me to this synopsis and I pleased to report that I really wound up enjoying the book as a whole! This is a high action story, full of battle and danger for our main characters and I really enjoyed getting to know them along the way. The full cast of characters brings a feeling of found family full of interesting characters which is something that I love in a story.
The author doesn’t pull many punches when it comes to putting his characters through the wringer from the very beginning and there is a good amount of damage done and gore along the way. Thankfully there is some healing magic among them, though I did really appreciate that this magic comes with a cost so there was a need to make determinations of how much one might sacrifice to help without sacrificing oneself entirely.
As the start of a series, this does a great job of wrapping up one leg of the journey while keeping enough unfinished in the end to make the reader want to know what happens next for the main characters! This was a fantastic start and I definitely will pick up the sequel. SHADOW OF THE ARISEN is currently available on KU in addition to being available for purchase.
SHADOW OF THE ARISEN is the first book in the Lands of Wanderlust YA fantasy trilogy. Nomad is a character from the east, a fighter known only as a nomad who wanders. When he meets Reza, he agrees to join her in her search for those from whom she’s been separated. Together with Reza and her traveling companions, they must face the arisen dead, a powerful army which threatens the entire world.
The combination of horror and epic fantasy immediately drew me to this synopsis and I pleased to report that I really wound up enjoying the book as a whole! This is a high action story, full of battle and danger for our main characters and I really enjoyed getting to know them along the way. The full cast of characters brings a feeling of found family full of interesting characters which is something that I love in a story.
The author doesn’t pull many punches when it comes to putting his characters through the wringer from the very beginning and there is a good amount of damage done and gore along the way. Thankfully there is some healing magic among them, though I did really appreciate that this magic comes with a cost so there was a need to make determinations of how much one might sacrifice to help without sacrificing oneself entirely.
As the start of a series, this does a great job of wrapping up one leg of the journey while keeping enough unfinished in the end to make the reader want to know what happens next for the main characters! This was a fantastic start and I definitely will pick up the sequel. SHADOW OF THE ARISEN is currently available on KU in addition to being available for purchase.
April 6, 2023
This is such an awesome read with likable characters and it was action from start to finish. I really wish we didn’t lose a particular member of our merry band but it also wasn’t surprising. The little praven is my favorite so the ending didn’t sit right with me when it came to him, also because I don’t like or trust Zoran. His addition to the group just bothered me the entire time. That’s basically why I’m giving this four stars instead of five. I hope the next book is just as good!
July 13, 2023
D & D Lovers treat!
Brigganden. Infested with the undead. The darkness that resides there now spreads across the land. While most would flee these warriors will not. For them this evil will be vanquished.
A dungeon crawler delight! Great action & characters! Fun & exciting!
Brigganden. Infested with the undead. The darkness that resides there now spreads across the land. While most would flee these warriors will not. For them this evil will be vanquished.
A dungeon crawler delight! Great action & characters! Fun & exciting!
June 17, 2021
I was offered a copy of both Shadow of the Arisen and its sequel with a request for an honest review. My overall summary for both books: The series is high fantasy, following a group of adventurers as they face an army of the undead. Overall, the series' concept and plot are interesting and engaging. The core group of characters are likeable and well-written. One of the strengths of the series is the worldbuilding; the cultures are well-developed and fascinating to read about, and the wider implications of the plot have visible effects on the world, which I enjoyed. However, the style of writing wasn't for me as I felt there was a lot of overwriting - this is typical of high fantasy novels and more of a personal taste issue.
Shadow of the Arisen is the first book in the Lands of Wanderlust series. The core group of characters are introduced and begin to interact with each others. Each character is likeable, three dimensional, and unique - I especially liked Cavok and Reza. The interactions between these characters are realistic and their relationships develop in a realistic and consistent manner.
One of the highlights of this book for me was the fight scenes. Yoder excels at writing realistic, unique fight scenes without the typical repetition of one-on-one fights.
The worldbuilding was fascinating. Though there wasn't a lot of cultural depictions, because the characters were travelling through the wilderness to an undead-infested city, but the backgrounds of the characters provided more than enough cultural differences to give a wide view of the world as a whole. I found the physical descriptions of the setting a little lacking and left me wanting, but the descriptions of the characters were well-written and I could picture them all clearly.
I loved how the story didn't end after the final fight, and the ending led straight on to the second book. Overall, this book was a strong start to the series.
Shadow of the Arisen is the first book in the Lands of Wanderlust series. The core group of characters are introduced and begin to interact with each others. Each character is likeable, three dimensional, and unique - I especially liked Cavok and Reza. The interactions between these characters are realistic and their relationships develop in a realistic and consistent manner.
One of the highlights of this book for me was the fight scenes. Yoder excels at writing realistic, unique fight scenes without the typical repetition of one-on-one fights.
The worldbuilding was fascinating. Though there wasn't a lot of cultural depictions, because the characters were travelling through the wilderness to an undead-infested city, but the backgrounds of the characters provided more than enough cultural differences to give a wide view of the world as a whole. I found the physical descriptions of the setting a little lacking and left me wanting, but the descriptions of the characters were well-written and I could picture them all clearly.
I loved how the story didn't end after the final fight, and the ending led straight on to the second book. Overall, this book was a strong start to the series.
May 12, 2021
“From a very young age, I learned that life will have its way with you, regardless of whether you choose to curse fate and do nothing, or move with it and coax it in your favor as best you can”
Author Paul Yoder has masterfully developed an ethnically diverse fantasy world ripe with divine powers and battle lust. The main character, who goes by “Nomad” happens upon a stranger in the desert and thus begins an epic journey through this enchanting world. Fall in love with the matronly character of Bede, enjoy the unabashed praven Jadu, and rely on the brute strength of Cavok, as they enter a city of undead known as the “arisen”.
I truly enjoyed this book. It’s unlike any I’ve ever read. Fans of “Game of Thrones” and “Lord of the Rings” will enjoy this read.
By the end, the book felt finished, but with ever growing possibilities of future adventures with Nomad.
Looking forward to the release of Book 2 in this trilogy “Lords of the Sands” out May 25th 2021
Author Paul Yoder has masterfully developed an ethnically diverse fantasy world ripe with divine powers and battle lust. The main character, who goes by “Nomad” happens upon a stranger in the desert and thus begins an epic journey through this enchanting world. Fall in love with the matronly character of Bede, enjoy the unabashed praven Jadu, and rely on the brute strength of Cavok, as they enter a city of undead known as the “arisen”.
I truly enjoyed this book. It’s unlike any I’ve ever read. Fans of “Game of Thrones” and “Lord of the Rings” will enjoy this read.
By the end, the book felt finished, but with ever growing possibilities of future adventures with Nomad.
Looking forward to the release of Book 2 in this trilogy “Lords of the Sands” out May 25th 2021
September 16, 2023
This fantasy book was quite good. I really enjoyed it. It was like reading a D&D campaign. The original party consists of: Reza their leader who is a knight. But if you played D&D she is closer to a paladin. Fin, a thief with a heart of gold. Cavok the acrobatic monk style fighter. Bede, the Cleric. Shortly after starting Jadu the alchemist and Nomad the fighter from a far off country join the fight to spy on the fallen city of Brigganden.
Nathaniel Priestley is a delightful narrator, his voice work was excellent. Lots of adventure. Lots of tension and tears. Great book.
As for the review who is angry about the verb usage and Arisen vs Risen. That person clearly didn’t read the book. “Arisen” is the name given to the undead abominations, they are more than just the risen dead. They have dark motives and powers that make them much more powerful than zombies
Nathaniel Priestley is a delightful narrator, his voice work was excellent. Lots of adventure. Lots of tension and tears. Great book.
As for the review who is angry about the verb usage and Arisen vs Risen. That person clearly didn’t read the book. “Arisen” is the name given to the undead abominations, they are more than just the risen dead. They have dark motives and powers that make them much more powerful than zombies
September 1, 2022
Received as an audio review copy from Story Origin, this is an honest review. Narrated exceptionally by Nathaniel Priestley, brings to life the beautifully descriptive world of Shadow of the Arisen; a great epic dark fantasy adventure filled with grand intense battles with armies of the dead puppeteered by magic conjurors that are the monsters of nightmares. Nathaniel's vocal abilities allows each character and every character in this story to shine with their own quirks and vulnerabilities that makes each personal viewpoint all more poignant and memorable. The end of this journey is capped off well while clearly illustrating this hardened group of warriors has a much darker trial to face. A wondrous thrill ride you'll want to return to many times over, highly recommended.
June 4, 2023
Enjoyable mix of horror and epic fantasy.
This is the first book in a series and I'm really looking g forward to the next installment as there are still questions that need to be answered.
I really liked the motley crew of characters and I laughed and cried with them. Honestly, the author puts them through the wringer quite a bit, but they grow not only in character, but in friendship.
I'm interested in learning more of the different people and the world they live in, as well as the magic system.
Definitely not for the faint of heart as there are a lot of scenes with fights (quite bloody and bone crushing) against the living dead and necromancers.
If you like these kinds of scenes, then this book is definitely something for you!
This is the first book in a series and I'm really looking g forward to the next installment as there are still questions that need to be answered.
I really liked the motley crew of characters and I laughed and cried with them. Honestly, the author puts them through the wringer quite a bit, but they grow not only in character, but in friendship.
I'm interested in learning more of the different people and the world they live in, as well as the magic system.
Definitely not for the faint of heart as there are a lot of scenes with fights (quite bloody and bone crushing) against the living dead and necromancers.
If you like these kinds of scenes, then this book is definitely something for you!
January 21, 2023
Shadow of the Arisen
Nomad & Reza story is filled with magical and otherworldly tales, that just grabs an runs with the amazing amount of imagination.
As a wonderer, surviving the terrains was a given. Nomad would willing to suffer the hazards of the storm, was one that after all to witnessing a brutal battle between two knights. Now with a wounded knight on his hands, Nomad turned to a village. With a over ecstatic Jadu was hilarious as a healing physician wanting to tag along for research may just be more luck or hindering that these two will have to chance on their new found journey towards the war that is breaking out.
Nomad & Reza story is filled with magical and otherworldly tales, that just grabs an runs with the amazing amount of imagination.
As a wonderer, surviving the terrains was a given. Nomad would willing to suffer the hazards of the storm, was one that after all to witnessing a brutal battle between two knights. Now with a wounded knight on his hands, Nomad turned to a village. With a over ecstatic Jadu was hilarious as a healing physician wanting to tag along for research may just be more luck or hindering that these two will have to chance on their new found journey towards the war that is breaking out.
August 24, 2022
This was my first experience with Paul Yoder's work, and I enjoyed it very much. The story has all the necessary elements for a great fantasy. The world building was extensive, creative, and realistic. The characters were varied and fun. There were unusual creatures. There was magic and humor. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Nathaniel Priestley's narration was awesome, and his performance enhanced an already enjoyable tale. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
September 7, 2022
Paul Yoder starts off another excellent epic high fantasy series with a strong book 1. The characters are interesting and well developed, the story is engaging and well written, and the plot moves at a good pace for an epic fantasy novel. I absolutely cannot wait for book 2 and 3! Audio Version: Nathaniel Priestley does a great job with this book.
February 9, 2025
3.5⭐️ it took me a little bit to get into it, but I was hooked and had to find out what was going to happen next. Good suspense and fight scenes. Not quite the world building I was looking for and not much explanation of the magic mechanics. Some character development, but I wish I got to know the characters a touch more.
December 22, 2024
Good stuff
As cheesy as it sounds Shadow of the Arisen was a fun read! Took me back to my days of marathon D&D weekends. The narrative is the equivalent of being guided by a world class Dungeon Master.
As cheesy as it sounds Shadow of the Arisen was a fun read! Took me back to my days of marathon D&D weekends. The narrative is the equivalent of being guided by a world class Dungeon Master.
February 3, 2025
A well crafted story that takes the time to develop characters and leads them into challenging conflicts. The interpersonal relationship between the band of hero’s is realistic and believable. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
November 4, 2023
Just couldn't get into it
October 15, 2024
Outstanding
A story good enough to stand on its own. The groundwork has been laid for an excellent series. I look forward to the follow on books.
A story good enough to stand on its own. The groundwork has been laid for an excellent series. I look forward to the follow on books.
July 26, 2023
This is a great dark fantasy book where all the main characters come together and endure lots of trials and obstacles. They fight the Arisen and not without great lost. Has lots of magic and dark creatures that plays an intense role in the story. Really enjoy the first book in this series. Looking forward to reading the next one. A real page turner.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews