Shadow-Spun

by Morgan Waad, Duncan Prettyman

Long-held secrets. Legendary heroes. Dangerous choices.Destiny has come for Abavla. When a mysterious woman pulls him into the hidden order of the Alarri, he must learn the subtle secrets of manipulating destiny and keep the tenuous peace between his home country Siradian and the military nation of Arvelak. He is hurled into treacherous international tensions, a long foretold war of order and chaos, and a dance of secrets with his beloved father. Though Abavla’s destiny is critical to the balance of the universe, with every passing day he feels more trapped by the Alarri’s rules. A night of bloody tragedy will decide Abavla’s path. The choice he makes there could doom the world—unless he can find his way among the spinning shadows.

513 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2021

Reviews

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of the fantasy genre since I could read words on a page. I’ve chewed through a variety of series from the epic scales of Lightbringer, Vlad Taltos, and Game of Thrones to classics like Hunger Games, Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings. What I love most about these books is getting lost in a rich fantastical world with characters that are at once larger-than-life and at the same time relatable. The first book in the Siraden series hits on everything I love about fantasy.

Everything in the setting is lovingly crafted and so easy to find oneself totally immersed. We discover the world slowly, steadily, and organically, with new and fascinating facets and mysteries opening up with every page. The characters are diverse and deep, with each one having a unique voice and with many hiding deeper machinations. Though if it was the world and characters that initially hooked me, it was the intrigue and mystery that underlies the story that kept me glued to the page. The author has a gift for building up an epic scale of actions and consequences while at the same time leaving room for twists and turns and satisfying revelations.

The writing is snappy and flows seamlessly across the page. The world is expansive and wholly immersive. The characters are diverse and deep with plenty of wit and charm. The story is perfectly paced and keeps you guessing right through to the end.

This first book of the Siraden series easily joins the ranks of my favorite fantasy books. If you love the genre as I do, this book is for you.

[Scotliteboost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spinning Shadows is the kind of book that pulls you in from the first chapter and doesn’t let go. Abavla’s journey into the mysterious world of the Alarri is full of rich world-building, high-stakes political tension, and deeply personal struggles. I loved the blend of magic, destiny, and secrets especially how the story explores the weight of choice and the price of power. The dynamic between Abavla and his father was one of my favorite parts so layered and emotional. And the tension between Siradian and Arvelak kept me on edge. The writing is poetic without being overwhelming, and the final act? Absolutely heart-wrenching and brilliant. If you're into thoughtful fantasy with depth, intrigue, and a touch of tragedy, Spinning Shadows is 100% worth your time. Highly recommend!

[Karen Backman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This world is rich and varied. The characters have layers and you want them to succeed. It doesn't always play out like you think it might which is nice. Sometimes it does and that's not bad either. I take a little longer to get into books with such a different naming system of dates and days and people's names, but the story sucked me in .