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Stonecutter's Shadow
A coup has thrown the kingdom of Farshores into turmoil, and one of the Pretender’s first moves was to order mercenaries to invade the Mage District and put all its inhabitants, men, women, and children, to the sword. There is one survivor, Horace Stonecutter, the youngest son of the Stonecutter family. Though a member of a stone cutting mage family, his stone cutting gift had yet to manifest itself. Instead, he had a talent he first used playing hide and seek with other children. He discovered could hide “inside” shadows, and the other kids nicknamed him “Hyder”, because no one could spot him once he hid. Embarrassed to tell his family about this seemingly useless talent, he kept it to himself.
But his ability to hide saved his life when the soldiers came to kill his family. Though there was no love lost between him and his five elder brothers, he dearly loved his mother and the mercs killed her. That night vengeance — in the form of an enraged Horace — moved from shadow to shadow killing the attackers without mercy. After all, it takes no arms training to bury an axe in the back of an enemy’s head when attacking from deep shadow. Consumed with anger and a hunger for retribution, he journeys out to find who ordered the murder of his family. He owes someone a blood debt, and he wants to collect.
Along his bloody journey, he meets kings, princes, princesses, noblemen — and not so noble men. He learns that in troubled times few are to be trusted. Join him as he becomes a fully developed Shadow Mage and follow as his abilities and powers grow while he seeks to collect the blood debt he is owed. May God have mercy on his enemies — because he won’t.
But his ability to hide saved his life when the soldiers came to kill his family. Though there was no love lost between him and his five elder brothers, he dearly loved his mother and the mercs killed her. That night vengeance — in the form of an enraged Horace — moved from shadow to shadow killing the attackers without mercy. After all, it takes no arms training to bury an axe in the back of an enemy’s head when attacking from deep shadow. Consumed with anger and a hunger for retribution, he journeys out to find who ordered the murder of his family. He owes someone a blood debt, and he wants to collect.
Along his bloody journey, he meets kings, princes, princesses, noblemen — and not so noble men. He learns that in troubled times few are to be trusted. Join him as he becomes a fully developed Shadow Mage and follow as his abilities and powers grow while he seeks to collect the blood debt he is owed. May God have mercy on his enemies — because he won’t.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 10, 2021
409 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
February 22, 2022
Wtf did I just read? That was hours of my life wasted.
November 7, 2022
What was all that about???
Not to sure how I feel about all this. I sure didn't like the narrative. It was just too long an drown out for what reason? What was the reader suppose to get out it all? NOT A DAMN THING!!!!!!!
This was a waste of my time.
Not to sure how I feel about all this. I sure didn't like the narrative. It was just too long an drown out for what reason? What was the reader suppose to get out it all? NOT A DAMN THING!!!!!!!
This was a waste of my time.
April 12, 2022
Reading this book has been a constant fight against my suspension of disbelief. So I let it simmer for a few weeks and came back. It didn't get better.
The tone of the story just feels wrong. The magic system is... convenient. The MC portrayal is inconsistent. The plot is eye-rollingly outlandish.
This doesn't work for me at all.
The tone of the story just feels wrong. The magic system is... convenient. The MC portrayal is inconsistent. The plot is eye-rollingly outlandish.
This doesn't work for me at all.
February 19, 2023
I give this 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Very Imaginative, his powers of shadow was way too cool! , too many twists and turns, to keep the absurdity going!! he hardly failed!! But it was an interesting read. It didn’t suck!! All will be revealed at the end!!
Very Imaginative, his powers of shadow was way too cool! , too many twists and turns, to keep the absurdity going!! he hardly failed!! But it was an interesting read. It didn’t suck!! All will be revealed at the end!!
February 26, 2022
The first 60% of the story is okay. I liked the characters and the intrigue was interesting.
However the protagonist is massively overpowered. Okay fine, hes a mage with a rare type of magic so maybe that makes him stronger. But I don't think there is a single mage in the whole story except for the protagonist. Well except for the ones the protagonist meets and totally steamrolls over and kills them in two seconds so obviously they don't count. Okay, maybe their is one. A princess. She isn't shown to do much magic however. A few spells here and there. Nothing on the scale of the protagonist. And this is a world where magic is reasonably common.
So every single character besides the protagonist, enemy or ally, is completely useless. The only characters that are shown to be halfway functional human beings are characters that are just following the protagonist's orders. The most useless character is a prince. The protagonist has to save the prince from rock bottom multiple times. By rock bottom I mean, the prince is penniless, friendless, or captured by enemies. Or all three at the same time. And then the protagonist swoops in and rescues him. But then for some reason,
The protagonist uses the same exact tricks over and over again. The main one is sneaking into people's treasuries and stealing all their gold. This literally happened like five to ten times. Sometimes to the same people multiple times. Like the people who were robbed freak out because their gold is gone but then they don't do anything. They don't take any preventive measures; they just let it happen again. For example, maybe pay a mage to lay a trap or protect the gold in some other way.
The protagonist's magic seems to have no counter. He is invisible. No one (except one person, which he quickly counters) can seem to see, smell, hear, or otherwise sense him. He basically has a massive bag of holding. He seems to have unlimited magical power reserves (He does pass out a few times after overusing his power but its always where he is safe and there are little to no consequences). And a bunch of other stuff.
You would think there would be a counter to his magic. Like shining a magical light would expose what ever was in one of his shadows? Or if he was only hidden from non-mages but mages could see him just fine. Something along those lines. But nope. The protagonist just strolls around multiple castles, thieves and assassins guilds, and many other 'secure' places.
60%-85% of the book was actually really good. I was on the edge of my seat. But OH BOY THAT ENDING. I read another review on here that spoiled the ending for me and honestly that is the only reason I decided to read the book. So I knew what to expect going in and wow it was still really bad.
Major ending spoilers:
This doesn't seem to be a series but if it was I would be morbidly curious to see what the author would do with the story now.
Okay, all that stuff is all well and good. In reality, there is only one thing I care about: WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO THE PIG?! At one point, the protagonist uses a pig to kill someone. The pig eats the guy while he is still alive and they are both in the shadow realm. Brutal. But then the protagonist just leaves and nothing else is said about the guy or pig. So is this pig just now wandering in the shadow realm unable to eat or drink or really interact with anything. Is it just going to starve to death? That doesn't seem very fair or humane. This is totally how you get ghost pigs!
However the protagonist is massively overpowered. Okay fine, hes a mage with a rare type of magic so maybe that makes him stronger. But I don't think there is a single mage in the whole story except for the protagonist. Well except for the ones the protagonist meets and totally steamrolls over and kills them in two seconds so obviously they don't count. Okay, maybe their is one. A princess. She isn't shown to do much magic however. A few spells here and there. Nothing on the scale of the protagonist. And this is a world where magic is reasonably common.
So every single character besides the protagonist, enemy or ally, is completely useless. The only characters that are shown to be halfway functional human beings are characters that are just following the protagonist's orders. The most useless character is a prince. The protagonist has to save the prince from rock bottom multiple times. By rock bottom I mean, the prince is penniless, friendless, or captured by enemies. Or all three at the same time. And then the protagonist swoops in and rescues him. But then for some reason,
The protagonist uses the same exact tricks over and over again. The main one is sneaking into people's treasuries and stealing all their gold. This literally happened like five to ten times. Sometimes to the same people multiple times. Like the people who were robbed freak out because their gold is gone but then they don't do anything. They don't take any preventive measures; they just let it happen again. For example, maybe pay a mage to lay a trap or protect the gold in some other way.
The protagonist's magic seems to have no counter. He is invisible. No one (except one person, which he quickly counters) can seem to see, smell, hear, or otherwise sense him. He basically has a massive bag of holding. He seems to have unlimited magical power reserves (He does pass out a few times after overusing his power but its always where he is safe and there are little to no consequences). And a bunch of other stuff.
You would think there would be a counter to his magic. Like shining a magical light would expose what ever was in one of his shadows? Or if he was only hidden from non-mages but mages could see him just fine. Something along those lines. But nope. The protagonist just strolls around multiple castles, thieves and assassins guilds, and many other 'secure' places.
60%-85% of the book was actually really good. I was on the edge of my seat. But OH BOY THAT ENDING. I read another review on here that spoiled the ending for me and honestly that is the only reason I decided to read the book. So I knew what to expect going in and wow it was still really bad.
Major ending spoilers:
This doesn't seem to be a series but if it was I would be morbidly curious to see what the author would do with the story now.
Okay, all that stuff is all well and good. In reality, there is only one thing I care about: WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO THE PIG?! At one point, the protagonist uses a pig to kill someone. The pig eats the guy while he is still alive and they are both in the shadow realm. Brutal. But then the protagonist just leaves and nothing else is said about the guy or pig. So is this pig just now wandering in the shadow realm unable to eat or drink or really interact with anything. Is it just going to starve to death? That doesn't seem very fair or humane. This is totally how you get ghost pigs!
July 18, 2021
I found most of the book an enjoyable read, even though the author gets carried away at times. The hero starts with a single, but powerful ability, but it doesn’t take long for the author to pile on so many abilities it’s hard to keep track of them all. Also he delights in introducing numerous characters then kills them off just as they get interesting.
Unfortunately it all goes wrong for me near the end of the book. The author introduces several twists and turns, which some might think were quite clever, but for me they just wrecked the story.
Unfortunately it all goes wrong for me near the end of the book. The author introduces several twists and turns, which some might think were quite clever, but for me they just wrecked the story.
July 14, 2021
While the author tried to switch things up, this is basically still the same story as his previous books, Mage Throne Prophecy, Hand Made Mage and Wizard's Alley. The main character is not quite as all-powerful but so many, too many, story elements are once again re-used from the previous books.
Combined with a plot twist that undoes a lot of what happened and then another plot twist that negates the entire book, this did not work for me.
The book also badly needs some editing.
Combined with a plot twist that undoes a lot of what happened and then another plot twist that negates the entire book, this did not work for me.
The book also badly needs some editing.
August 17, 2021
This could have been fantastic but the author got to clever
The first 3/4 of the story was great. I was fully engaged and the characters were full bodied and captivating then I find that 85 percent of the story was only a vision of what might happen. Disappointed I continue on and Horace abandoned the selfish prince then kills all the bad guys without any fanfare. I keep hoping the story will get back on track but then in the final two chapters I find out that none of the story actually happened. A dragon was pushing a delusion on Horace all along and his family hasn't been murdered. I was left feeling cheated.
The first 3/4 of the story was great. I was fully engaged and the characters were full bodied and captivating then I find that 85 percent of the story was only a vision of what might happen. Disappointed I continue on and Horace abandoned the selfish prince then kills all the bad guys without any fanfare. I keep hoping the story will get back on track but then in the final two chapters I find out that none of the story actually happened. A dragon was pushing a delusion on Horace all along and his family hasn't been murdered. I was left feeling cheated.
September 2, 2021
Surprising
Despite a number of grammar errors this was an extremely enjoyable read. I liked the twists that kept popping up near the end. Would quite enjoy a second book
Despite a number of grammar errors this was an extremely enjoyable read. I liked the twists that kept popping up near the end. Would quite enjoy a second book
August 13, 2021
Very nice
The telling of the story is a bit flat, like reading a report with very little emotional effort set into it.What should be a fight full of turmoils, fear, courage, shock, realisations, is stated mater of factly with a few words, as if one were reading a financial report. That being said, the story is engaging, full of unexpected ot twists and vey satisfying. Definitely worth 5 stars.
The telling of the story is a bit flat, like reading a report with very little emotional effort set into it.What should be a fight full of turmoils, fear, courage, shock, realisations, is stated mater of factly with a few words, as if one were reading a financial report. That being said, the story is engaging, full of unexpected ot twists and vey satisfying. Definitely worth 5 stars.
April 10, 2024
My Thoughts:
A wonderful stand-alone fantasy from James Haddock!
This is my fourth "story" by this author. By now, I am already an entrenched fan of James Haddock. His stories reads, more or less, the same. But I never get bored with them!
The problem with that, is, household chores and other adulting responsibilities don't get done! Dang!!
I obviously don't read when I am in work. So when I pick this book up in the evening when I get home, I have a little momentary pause as I read because sometimes I get confused... was it this book that travels by wood road? Oh, no, that was Dale! That is the major draw back with reading similar books. Especially when they all kinda have the same "flavour" because they are all written by the same author.
James Haddock has never written a too stupid to live ( tstl ) character before. So, I was quite surprised to read it in this book. Luckily, it was only at the start, never to be repeated again. Thank g*d!!
The plot kinda became a tiny bit confusing towards the end. Which was the dream and which was true?? So did the Blood Bank actually got straightened out or was that just a dream? Did he have the magic energy dagger already by then??
I am an old Daniel Wisniewski fan, and again with this book, he did not disappoint!... Or, I am now used to his reading...
Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 3.5
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 5
Ending = 4
World building = 5
Cover art = 5
Pace = (12 hrs and 10 mins listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 4.5
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
A wonderful stand-alone fantasy from James Haddock!
This is my fourth "story" by this author. By now, I am already an entrenched fan of James Haddock. His stories reads, more or less, the same. But I never get bored with them!
The problem with that, is, household chores and other adulting responsibilities don't get done! Dang!!
I obviously don't read when I am in work. So when I pick this book up in the evening when I get home, I have a little momentary pause as I read because sometimes I get confused... was it this book that travels by wood road? Oh, no, that was Dale! That is the major draw back with reading similar books. Especially when they all kinda have the same "flavour" because they are all written by the same author.
James Haddock has never written a too stupid to live ( tstl ) character before. So, I was quite surprised to read it in this book. Luckily, it was only at the start, never to be repeated again. Thank g*d!!
The plot kinda became a tiny bit confusing towards the end. Which was the dream and which was true?? So did the Blood Bank actually got straightened out or was that just a dream? Did he have the magic energy dagger already by then??
I am an old Daniel Wisniewski fan, and again with this book, he did not disappoint!... Or, I am now used to his reading...
Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 3.5
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 5
Ending = 4
World building = 5
Cover art = 5
Pace = (12 hrs and 10 mins listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 4.5
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
August 12, 2021
Crushed my hopes and dreams
I will be honest and saying that I have read if you folks from your father and was genuinely excited to see something new. However, this book was a bit of a disappointment. The flow is a little funky, there are several grammatical errors throughout, and I felt that, while though the premise is interesting, it jumps back-and-forth between things too much. Books like handmade mage wizards alley and such are like Shakespeare-once you’ve got something and it works you basically repeat this over and over with a bit of variation. Well I am happy that the author decided to break his own mold, I felt surprisingly disappointed in how this book was presented. I’m not sure if the author try to go for a pirate-y/medieval/ fantasy thriller with a lot of inception feel but it just felt off. Just when you thought oh great now there is some thing good that is coming with the book and things are starting to come together – surprise! There’s a new pot twist that makes all those good feelings you had about yourself nonexistent. I feel like this is a one off though and the rest of the books from this author will be much better, however I was just disappointed with the execution and presentation of this one.
I will be honest and saying that I have read if you folks from your father and was genuinely excited to see something new. However, this book was a bit of a disappointment. The flow is a little funky, there are several grammatical errors throughout, and I felt that, while though the premise is interesting, it jumps back-and-forth between things too much. Books like handmade mage wizards alley and such are like Shakespeare-once you’ve got something and it works you basically repeat this over and over with a bit of variation. Well I am happy that the author decided to break his own mold, I felt surprisingly disappointed in how this book was presented. I’m not sure if the author try to go for a pirate-y/medieval/ fantasy thriller with a lot of inception feel but it just felt off. Just when you thought oh great now there is some thing good that is coming with the book and things are starting to come together – surprise! There’s a new pot twist that makes all those good feelings you had about yourself nonexistent. I feel like this is a one off though and the rest of the books from this author will be much better, however I was just disappointed with the execution and presentation of this one.
July 22, 2021
Love to hate
Ok went into this book thinking was going get 4 stars. Why because this author I love but hate (more annoyed). Love all his books but get annoyed with him because he doesn't finish his sci-fi series. I found him last year love his two book sci-fi series. While I waited tried his other books. Has an alt history steam punk book. Plus a three other fantasy book. However his three fantasy books are very similar, more characters change, but same magic. So last fantasy book took away a star. All his book don't leave with a cliffhanger, but there room for more. So I feel stop on new fantasy and add a second book to any of them. Went to his web site read was working on boom 3. Since then three other books came out. One post post apoptotic Western witch was great and another fantasy but more about cat people was different had no magic. Look at this was expecting same as others, but was his best fantasy book so far. We had some of the same magic but some great plot twist. So gave back his star to make it 5 star. Please add some to any of your books or series
Ok went into this book thinking was going get 4 stars. Why because this author I love but hate (more annoyed). Love all his books but get annoyed with him because he doesn't finish his sci-fi series. I found him last year love his two book sci-fi series. While I waited tried his other books. Has an alt history steam punk book. Plus a three other fantasy book. However his three fantasy books are very similar, more characters change, but same magic. So last fantasy book took away a star. All his book don't leave with a cliffhanger, but there room for more. So I feel stop on new fantasy and add a second book to any of them. Went to his web site read was working on boom 3. Since then three other books came out. One post post apoptotic Western witch was great and another fantasy but more about cat people was different had no magic. Look at this was expecting same as others, but was his best fantasy book so far. We had some of the same magic but some great plot twist. So gave back his star to make it 5 star. Please add some to any of your books or series
September 7, 2021
I generally dont write negative reviews. I highly respect the effort it takes to conceive and then actually write a full book. In this case though...well it is the very rare case where I just couldn't hold my tongue. If by chance Mr. Haddock reads this, I hope he appreciates the constructive criticism.
The main complaint was the incredible amount of typographical and grammar errors. I read a lot of fantasy and Sci-fi and have never come across something like this. I'm cursed with a compulsion to complete a book I have started, and this case I can tell you this was a close run race.
My general take away is that Mr. Haddock wrote this in a hurry and didn't bother to proof read it, or have an editor...or heck even a friend...read it before summarily publishing it.
The story also grew to be just to unbelievable. This is saying a lot for a fantasy novel! I got the feeling that the last few chapters were a very clumsy way for Mr. Haddock to close out a book he himself grew bored of. The old "dream" sequence. Bobby Ewing much?
The main complaint was the incredible amount of typographical and grammar errors. I read a lot of fantasy and Sci-fi and have never come across something like this. I'm cursed with a compulsion to complete a book I have started, and this case I can tell you this was a close run race.
My general take away is that Mr. Haddock wrote this in a hurry and didn't bother to proof read it, or have an editor...or heck even a friend...read it before summarily publishing it.
The story also grew to be just to unbelievable. This is saying a lot for a fantasy novel! I got the feeling that the last few chapters were a very clumsy way for Mr. Haddock to close out a book he himself grew bored of. The old "dream" sequence. Bobby Ewing much?
April 13, 2025
Interesting story, as all of James Haddock's stories have been...so far!
First, as I said in the title section, another great story. Really interesting twist at the end! Makes you wonder.
I liked some of the magic spells and items, as they were unique. Obviously, Mr. Haddock has played AD&D at some time in the past (or at least AD&D-based games).
The MC (& supporting characters) were well constructed. The plot ended up being a little convoluted, but overall, it was enjoyable.
My biggest complaint, which has been true for all of the other books of the author that I've read, is the number of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. I may have missed a few, but I documented 91 errors! (In the previous books that I've read, I hadn't bothered to keep an exact count, but I decided to do so this time. 91!)
Keep up the good work, Mr. Haddock, but hire a better editor, please!
First, as I said in the title section, another great story. Really interesting twist at the end! Makes you wonder.
I liked some of the magic spells and items, as they were unique. Obviously, Mr. Haddock has played AD&D at some time in the past (or at least AD&D-based games).
The MC (& supporting characters) were well constructed. The plot ended up being a little convoluted, but overall, it was enjoyable.
My biggest complaint, which has been true for all of the other books of the author that I've read, is the number of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. I may have missed a few, but I documented 91 errors! (In the previous books that I've read, I hadn't bothered to keep an exact count, but I decided to do so this time. 91!)
Keep up the good work, Mr. Haddock, but hire a better editor, please!
August 14, 2023
It had such a promising idea, such nice prospect but then the narrative, pace and terrible structure killed it.
The pace is so fast that we cannot even understand the character in depth. He doesn’t suffer, he doesn’t grieve, he comes up with random plan without a line of thought or some previous experience that could explain it.
The world building was sad. We have no understanding of how magic works and the structure of the place they live. There isn’t any building to the facts that start the plot, just random thoughts and terrible developed character.
I honestly didn’t even know his age or how he looks, or properly how the family dealt with the fact he had “no magic”, why even thought his ancestor has this type, he never told anyone. It makes no sense.
My two stars are for what the book could have been.
The pace is so fast that we cannot even understand the character in depth. He doesn’t suffer, he doesn’t grieve, he comes up with random plan without a line of thought or some previous experience that could explain it.
The world building was sad. We have no understanding of how magic works and the structure of the place they live. There isn’t any building to the facts that start the plot, just random thoughts and terrible developed character.
I honestly didn’t even know his age or how he looks, or properly how the family dealt with the fact he had “no magic”, why even thought his ancestor has this type, he never told anyone. It makes no sense.
My two stars are for what the book could have been.
October 8, 2021
Disappointing
The story idea itself wasn't bad. But the number of typographical errors was very large and they should have been found AND corrected well before the book was released. There were so many that it detracted from the pleasure normally found in reading. I also found it disconcerting to find when I was close to the end that the hero woke to find he had gone through a sort of dream, and then had to live through it (again?). But because he was going through it again could at least avoid the mistakes he'd made. Sorry to say, though I did finish the book, I did not enjoy it.
The story idea itself wasn't bad. But the number of typographical errors was very large and they should have been found AND corrected well before the book was released. There were so many that it detracted from the pleasure normally found in reading. I also found it disconcerting to find when I was close to the end that the hero woke to find he had gone through a sort of dream, and then had to live through it (again?). But because he was going through it again could at least avoid the mistakes he'd made. Sorry to say, though I did finish the book, I did not enjoy it.
July 18, 2021
James Haddock, one of the best authors
James Haddock, Michael Ogara, Louis L'Amour are three of my favorite authors today! I feel that variety is good for the soul. This book has a lot of twist and turns it is NEVER boring and keeps you awake because you are drawn into the plot.
I have read all of James Haddock books multiple times, and this story of Mason Stonecutter will be reread and enjoyed again!! I know this may not be an educated review but it is heartfelt review from a retired truck driver.
Mike
James Haddock, Michael Ogara, Louis L'Amour are three of my favorite authors today! I feel that variety is good for the soul. This book has a lot of twist and turns it is NEVER boring and keeps you awake because you are drawn into the plot.
I have read all of James Haddock books multiple times, and this story of Mason Stonecutter will be reread and enjoyed again!! I know this may not be an educated review but it is heartfelt review from a retired truck driver.
Mike
August 7, 2021
I think someone laced this story!!
I recommend this book so highly that I can't breathe! What a trip. All I was doing was holding on for dear life as the book raged on. One moment I'm reading an absolute beast of blood feuds, and the next the laws of reality just ceased to exist. So I thought "Whoa trippy!!" And then the next curve hit me!! I fully thought that I had the full measure of this story every time, but every time I was proven wrong. Read the book, you will never regret it. Thank you for the wonderful read Mr. Haddock. Can I expect a book 2?
I recommend this book so highly that I can't breathe! What a trip. All I was doing was holding on for dear life as the book raged on. One moment I'm reading an absolute beast of blood feuds, and the next the laws of reality just ceased to exist. So I thought "Whoa trippy!!" And then the next curve hit me!! I fully thought that I had the full measure of this story every time, but every time I was proven wrong. Read the book, you will never regret it. Thank you for the wonderful read Mr. Haddock. Can I expect a book 2?
January 18, 2022
I'm a little torn with whether this was a 3 star or a 4 star. It had enough interesting/different elements with the shadow-magic, along with the grand scope of things to make it a four star book. The "trick" endings (no spoiler) were actually a negative as far as I was concerned. The overall plot was much more interesting to me than than this "tricks." I would've much preferred we see what happens with the protagonist in his lake endeavor. In the end though, I was very into the first part of the story so I'll leave the four star rating with reluctance.
May 9, 2022
Really fun book. The MC uses his shadow powers in creative and unique ways that I found very entertaining.
When authors incorporate dragons into a story I automatically get a little skittish. Just having dragons doesn’t make an book awesome and many authors rely on this crutch only to have it fail them. Not the case here. Dragons aren’t a huge part of the story and was used in a very creative out of the box way.
The ending especially had me hooked and I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
When authors incorporate dragons into a story I automatically get a little skittish. Just having dragons doesn’t make an book awesome and many authors rely on this crutch only to have it fail them. Not the case here. Dragons aren’t a huge part of the story and was used in a very creative out of the box way.
The ending especially had me hooked and I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
July 18, 2022
I find it very difficult to rate books because I either read them through or discard them. Although I rated this one with 5 stars it could have also been 4. I can only say, I love this type of mage/hero story, this one held my attention and I read it all the way through. That's how it works for me.
Personally, I love books like this where the main character starts with nothing and becomes an amazing hero. Especially like seeing how he progresses from a lowly scavenger to a powerful ands feared mage. Like most book by this author, this one is a winner.
Personally, I love books like this where the main character starts with nothing and becomes an amazing hero. Especially like seeing how he progresses from a lowly scavenger to a powerful ands feared mage. Like most book by this author, this one is a winner.
January 7, 2025
honestly, a bit boring
I found this book to be a bit tedious and boring after the first couple chapters. It read more like a report than a novel. It was very dry. There was no emotional attachment at all. It was just like oh I went and killed these three people then I took all their money and I went to the next place and did the same thing. No real emotion. Never a hardship or striving for anything. It was very routine sounding I think the storyline itself would have been good if he’d put more effort into making the characters likable or emotional, at least to some extent
I found this book to be a bit tedious and boring after the first couple chapters. It read more like a report than a novel. It was very dry. There was no emotional attachment at all. It was just like oh I went and killed these three people then I took all their money and I went to the next place and did the same thing. No real emotion. Never a hardship or striving for anything. It was very routine sounding I think the storyline itself would have been good if he’d put more effort into making the characters likable or emotional, at least to some extent
July 13, 2021
Be still my heart
I check weekly to see if Mr. Haddock has come out with a new book, hoping that it will be a new book in one of his series, which I love. But he has graced us with a great stand alone book with a unique premise. Then half way through the story starts to twist and turn. Great story telling, well written descriptions help you visualize the world the story is told in. Fun read.
I check weekly to see if Mr. Haddock has come out with a new book, hoping that it will be a new book in one of his series, which I love. But he has graced us with a great stand alone book with a unique premise. Then half way through the story starts to twist and turn. Great story telling, well written descriptions help you visualize the world the story is told in. Fun read.
July 16, 2021
Another great read
I have enjoyed all of James Haddocks stories. I have loved all fiction, especially science fiction and fantasy works for years. I read just about anything that can provide the ability to live in a different world, different times and different realities. His works, his character and situational details in all his books provide that. This book is another great read by Mr Haddock. Keep them coming.
I have enjoyed all of James Haddocks stories. I have loved all fiction, especially science fiction and fantasy works for years. I read just about anything that can provide the ability to live in a different world, different times and different realities. His works, his character and situational details in all his books provide that. This book is another great read by Mr Haddock. Keep them coming.
July 29, 2021
Good story. Kept my interest
I liked the story. It was clean and action packed. My biggest issue was it was full of typos and some missing commas. Lermont was a major character in the book and half the time he was referred to as Lamont. There's a divination stone and it was referred to as derivation stone. I reported several, but i'm not paid so i did not report all. The ending was a bit too involved, but overall the story is really good. No real romance in the story.
I liked the story. It was clean and action packed. My biggest issue was it was full of typos and some missing commas. Lermont was a major character in the book and half the time he was referred to as Lamont. There's a divination stone and it was referred to as derivation stone. I reported several, but i'm not paid so i did not report all. The ending was a bit too involved, but overall the story is really good. No real romance in the story.
July 29, 2021
Best so far
I really enjoy this author and his stories. This one is light years better than his other ones and I loved them. Amazing plot and the story when you think you know what is going to happen it flips 180 degrees on you. The best story conclusion I have read in 56 years! You can not go wrong reading this book. Congratulations on a slam dunk and definitely going to the next level as a author.
PS your kids can even read it!
I really enjoy this author and his stories. This one is light years better than his other ones and I loved them. Amazing plot and the story when you think you know what is going to happen it flips 180 degrees on you. The best story conclusion I have read in 56 years! You can not go wrong reading this book. Congratulations on a slam dunk and definitely going to the next level as a author.
PS your kids can even read it!
August 8, 2021
ANOTHER SQUIRELL SAGA.
Old Kipper the SQUIRELL has written another Great story. This one definitely needs closure, but then again he's got half a dozen more great stories that need closure. Bastards definitely got a literary 401k plan. Dont worry if you cant figure out where this story is going. I can't either but it BETTER be worth it SQUIRELL!!! Enjoy anyway folks its pretty cool
Old Kipper the SQUIRELL has written another Great story. This one definitely needs closure, but then again he's got half a dozen more great stories that need closure. Bastards definitely got a literary 401k plan. Dont worry if you cant figure out where this story is going. I can't either but it BETTER be worth it SQUIRELL!!! Enjoy anyway folks its pretty cool
November 8, 2023
Spoilers!! I enjoyed this book for the most part. I really liked the first part all up to his death. The illusion after that I also thought was good. The second one almost made me angry on the MC’s behalf. My problem is it doesn’t seem clearly concluded, even with the epilogue. I loved the MC and really wanted his happiness. That may not be realistic or possible for everything I read, but it’s my jam. Keep writing, love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2021
Dragons and Mages oh My
I have enjoyed the author’s other books. My favorite is still the two steam punks. My complaint with the other Mage books is they seemed to fall into a similar pattern. Well, the similarities were here, but with a great surprising twist. Well worth the journey
I have enjoyed the author’s other books. My favorite is still the two steam punks. My complaint with the other Mage books is they seemed to fall into a similar pattern. Well, the similarities were here, but with a great surprising twist. Well worth the journey
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