Shadow Magic

by Sarah Chapman

Asmara is one of the most powerful mages in the world. Or, she would be if she could use her magic. She is a shadow mage, a wielder of rare and unusual magic, with the power to peer into the souls of others, to change them, to destroy them. And yet to use it comes at a high price, as shadow mages who use their power rarely make it past their twentieth year. On the plus side, it means she can charge a high price for her services as a mercenary. After resisting her magic for twenty years, war breaks out between Mance-Jolune and the neighbouring land of Lakasha. Tension between the two lands is nothing new, but this time, something is different. The Lakashan’s somehow have trained shadow mages, and are using shadow magic in war for the first time. Asmara is suddenly of great interest to the King and all his spies, and refusing to use her deadly magic is no longer an option.

790 pages, Paperback

Published August 13, 2019

Reviews

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging characters

This book has a lot going on and kept me engaged throughout. The first part is establishing the relationships between the four key travellers and their initial journeys throughout the lands. They are complex characters, with their own character strengths and flaws, which makes their learnings on how to work together over their initial year together all the more interesting.

Later in the book more characters are introduced that provide a back drop to Machiavellian politics and deep insights into the nature of power and what those who have it will do to keep it .

Through the book there are many creative descriptions of all sorts of things that I won’t go into detail on the basis of not wanting to spoil the story line. Suffice to say though some parts are very tense !

All in all this is an interesting story with a compelling cast of key characters. The book stands alone however, if there was a sequel to what the group of four go and do next I would be keenly interested.

If you like fantasy and a good story Shadow Magic is with the read. If you don’t like fantasy so much it is still worthwhile for the exploration of human relationships, how they grow and political intrigue .

[Emma M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about politics, the powerful taking advantage of the less powerful, the arrogance of those in positions of influence and how our band of four main characters navigate this fantasy landscape while a war is in progress. The four main characters are all quite different with vastly different backgrounds, each slightly flawed but with endearing qualities. Each in their own way they fight against prejudice while trying to do the best for the people, and simply to survive. The journey changes them as all such journeys do. There are some interesting side characters, Idris Mer Haidar is one of mine and Cadel. There are also a couple of interesting love stories with these two. The idea that your one true love can ground you as is the case with Cadel and Emerré, the oldest living Shadow Mage, is quite romantic. It’s a good fantasy read.

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy reading fantasy escape

I liked the characters in the main band of 4 and some of the side characters were pretty interesting. The overall idea seemed fresh. I would have liked more detail in some of the side stories and the bad guys got off too easy. Maybe in the next book.

[Hannah Spirit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Mages in this story are definitely in a tough spot, everyone is afraid of them because they are so powerful, but if they use their magic their soul is likely to slip away and leave their body behind. To stay with their body they need an anchor and it seems to work best with emotional anchors, like true love. Hence we have the love story between Emerre and Cadel, it’s quite riveting. The book is full of other characters who are not Shadow Mages and they have a range of their own powers. I enjoyed the fight scenes, the creepy spiders and the politics simmering behind it all. I felt the ending was good but there were some things still to be answered and I wonder if there is a sequel planned or if this will end up being a trilogy. Overall I enjoyed.

[Pamela Cummins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah Chapman has a unique style of writing that makes mainstream authors’ books seem dull. I loved the four main characters, especially Julietta, who demonstrates how we humans are always a work in progress… The ending was very clever as the story could end there or continue.

[Jacquel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A shadow mage must learn to use her magic when a war breaks out.

Shadow Magic By Sarah Chapman was a very good and interesting read. It had true potential. It was well written and engaging. It had standard tropes delivered with a smooth writing style.

The plot was cleverly woven, with each scene leading toward a larger goal. The conclusion answered all the questions the story asked, and resolved the plot. It started and ended strong.

The characters each played a vital role in Shadow Magic By Sarah Chapman. I connected to these characters so deeply that I didn't want their story to end. I was totally invested in them throughout the entire book.

Shadow Magic kept me spell bound, and I was compelled to keep reading. Each scene flowed smoothly from one to the next.

Shadow Magic provided a gripping glimpse of how the characters lived in this well-developed world, and the action was heart-pounding and effortless to visualize.

I am blown away by the author’s ability to write such engaging, real-life, entertaining, phenomenal scenes. The writing style was consistent and used precise words so that exposition didn't slow the pace. There were no typographical and grammar errors that I remember, and the cover design and page layout were beautiful.

[JasWill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book on the holidays and it was just right as a light escapist read. The detail of the fantasy world is detailed enough to make it seem real and to draw the reader in but not so detailed that it’s hard to follow all the characters. I thought it a little sad as not sure how the Shadow Mages can ever escape the curse of their special ”gift” but this was offset by some humorous moments and the key characters evolve and find options for themselves. The shadow mage idea seems novel and the character building was consistent. The story has lot’s action but is not too violent.

[Adom Sample · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

Interesting characters and great world building. Enjoyable great read. Hope the author continues with this story. Would like to know more about the characters in following books.

[Chele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cliffhangers. Sooooo many cliffhangers.