What do you think?
Rate this book
Tales of Tir-na-Alathea: Darkness of the Living Forest #1
Flight of Sorcery and Shadow
Aedon's captivity is over when darkness descends upon the realm. The elf's only choices become escape or death—a far cry from his past fame and notoriety as a legendary thief. Lost, alone, and desperate to escape the deadly beasts now stalking him, he does not count on meeting Lief, a ranger of the woodland elves...and Aedon's natural worst enemy.
Lief prides herself on being one of Lune's finest rangers—now, she is the only one left alive. She must alert the Queen at once that the realm's defences have been breached by unimaginably malevolent sorcery. The last thing she needs is to stumble upon an escaped prisoner.
Aedon and Lief become unlikely allies. Neither can survive without the other in a deadly race to outrun what hunts them. Lief must learn to trust another again, and Aedon must dust off his once legendary skills if they are to escape—but what else will bloom in the darkness that niether of them can deny?
An old enemy rises. Stronger than before. He will consume all in his path, until dominion over the world is his. Multiple fates are bound in an inexorable descent into darkness.
This new series from USA Today Bestselling Author Meg Cowley can be enjoyed as a new entry point into the Altarea world, or to dive back into the saga and discover what happened after the events in the Chronicles of Pelenor: Rise of Saradon series.
From irresistable enemies-to-lovers and found family to heartrending betrayals and redemption, the complete Darkness of the Living Forest trilogy will keep you turning pages all night to a gloriously bittersweet and satisfying finale and your next bookish hangover.
Lief prides herself on being one of Lune's finest rangers—now, she is the only one left alive. She must alert the Queen at once that the realm's defences have been breached by unimaginably malevolent sorcery. The last thing she needs is to stumble upon an escaped prisoner.
Aedon and Lief become unlikely allies. Neither can survive without the other in a deadly race to outrun what hunts them. Lief must learn to trust another again, and Aedon must dust off his once legendary skills if they are to escape—but what else will bloom in the darkness that niether of them can deny?
An old enemy rises. Stronger than before. He will consume all in his path, until dominion over the world is his. Multiple fates are bound in an inexorable descent into darkness.
This new series from USA Today Bestselling Author Meg Cowley can be enjoyed as a new entry point into the Altarea world, or to dive back into the saga and discover what happened after the events in the Chronicles of Pelenor: Rise of Saradon series.
From irresistable enemies-to-lovers and found family to heartrending betrayals and redemption, the complete Darkness of the Living Forest trilogy will keep you turning pages all night to a gloriously bittersweet and satisfying finale and your next bookish hangover.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2020
272 people are currently reading
813 people want to read
About the author
Meg Cowley
60 books202 followers✒️ Romantic Fantasy with courageous heroines, protective heroes, and endearing found families to sweep you away... ✨️
Meg Cowley is a USA Today bestselling fantasy author from England. Meg writes slow burn steamy epic fantasy romances with courageous and vulnerable heroines, protective and brooding heroes, and lovable and welcoming found family in stories that will steal your heart long after the last page.
Meg's favourite past times are reading, hiking, and cooking. She can usually be found curled up with a cup of tea and a riveting fantasy romance book, cooking up a fantasy-book worthy feast, or out walking the wild, windswept moors of Yorkshire dreaming up her next story.
Visit www.megcowley.com to find out more, discover Meg’s books, find exclusive reader bonus content, and join her Romantasy Fellowship newsletter.
Meg Cowley is a USA Today bestselling fantasy author from England. Meg writes slow burn steamy epic fantasy romances with courageous and vulnerable heroines, protective and brooding heroes, and lovable and welcoming found family in stories that will steal your heart long after the last page.
Meg's favourite past times are reading, hiking, and cooking. She can usually be found curled up with a cup of tea and a riveting fantasy romance book, cooking up a fantasy-book worthy feast, or out walking the wild, windswept moors of Yorkshire dreaming up her next story.
Visit www.megcowley.com to find out more, discover Meg’s books, find exclusive reader bonus content, and join her Romantasy Fellowship newsletter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
July 27, 2020
Amazing first book in a new series. Thought things couldn’t get better but they did. Loved the characters and definitely lost in this fantasy story. Ready for more. Don’t miss out once it’s released.
October 28, 2022
After a quarter of a century of serving his debt to the woodland queen, Aedon has found a travel companion, and perhaps even a friend as he and Lief flee an old darkness that has risen again in the land. Harpers children Vasisli and Venya, are making their way in the world, though somewhat impeaded by their parents lineage. All will have a place in the coming battle against darkness, and fight it in their own way. Meg Crowley has once again brought me back into one of my favorite places. Hopefully there is a happy ending for Aedon, he deserves it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2020
Loved the story! A mixture of new and old characters as well as new and old problems. Aedon plays a major part and his character keeps things lively as well as interesting. Aedon's female counterpart fits him perfectly if with fireworks on a regular basis! The ancient evil is carried over from the last series except even worse! Now I am waiting for the next book, Ascent of Darkness and Ruin, to come out to see what happens!
July 25, 2020
Dark evil is encroaching upon the forest of Tir-na-Alathea and the forest is dying, it is full of the stink of rot, dead trees and undead elves who are on the rampage. The living forest falls under Queen Solanaceae and it is usually heavily warded against all intruders and monitored by wardens such as Leif. Aedon, a Pelenor elf, has been a prisoner of the queen for twenty five years, during which his magical powers were not accessible to him, but suddenly these returned and Aedon escaped his living prison and encountered Leif who was adamant on returning him to the queen and seeing justice served. However Leif did not know what was waiting for them both out in the forest. Vasili and his dragon Icarus, are part of the dragon riders of the king's guard and they too are all summoned to search for a missing squad of riders and dragons, and to look out for the Order of Valxiron, who seemed to be still unvanquished and behind the evil arising. Whilst in the Aetheneium, the library, Venya struggles with the grimoires who are becoming ever more angry and cruel and out to attack the librarians if these were caught unawares. As a junior librarian she did not have access to all the vaults however, she was curious and when she befriended a grimoire called Nyx they tried to subdue a monstrous grimoire which was well beyond their capabilities and havoc was unleashed. She, Nyx and Beatrix nearly lost their lives in this crazy escapade. This book is one massive adventure, with all our young people fighting to survive against the evil which is once again coming to Pelenor but this time attacking the beautiful living forest. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the forest which Meg brought alive for us by giving us the minute details of sounds, smells and growth therein. I cannot say that I really liked the character of Leif, even though she is passionate about her job, dutiful and loyal to her queen as I love the character of Aedon and believe he has been unjustly robbed of twenty five years of his life by the vengeful queen and I am hoping against hope that Leif changes her opinion of Aedon and helps him take back his life of freedom in the following book. I also really enjoyed reading about Venya and Vasili, knowing them to be Harper's children and am dying to continue reading into their story too. The sentient library, though quite scary is an awesome idea, if only the grimoires were good but nothing is good at the moment in Pelenor.
July 27, 2020
I was gripped from the first page by this exciting page turner. 25 years after the events in the previous series dark magic is rising again. Aedon, the only active character from then, is still imprisoned in the wood elves' forest while Harper's son and daughter are, respectively, a dragon rider and a librarian looking after magical books. These three are involved in three separate situations as they independently come up against different aspects of the evil forces. The three stories alternately move from one climax to another, ending in satisfactory conclusions that lay the groundwork for the next book. I eagerly await its coming.
July 25, 2020
I thought the Chronicles of Pelenor were perfection, but Meg has outdone herself with her latest book. Set 25 years after the war, Aedon is now - still - a captive of Queen Solanaceae in Tir-na-Alathea. He has lost the will to live, has been stripped of his magic, and is stuck in solitary confinement where the only person who even talks to him isn't even a person but a door. At least they have finally let him have some books to read. But something evil has come to the world and Aedon is accidentally released. And due to his "noble disposition," as he puts it, he is compelled to stay and try to help the enemy, rather than escape. He quickly meets up with Lief, a sassy wood elf, and while they mostly feel stuck with each other, they gradually develop a grudging friendship.
Back in Pelenor, two siblings also fight against family shortcomings to make a life for themselves, one joining the legendary Winged Kingsguard, the other training to become a librarian. The Winged Kingsguard has recently lost one of the patrols and must see if the Order of Valxiron is back and be behind the missing dragons and riders. The library isn't your typical book storage facility, and part of the librarian's job is to work with the grimoires, many of which are dangerous. Flight of Sorcery and Shadow moves between all three storylines, never bringing any of them together, yet telling stories of high stakes in all three contexts.
Meg is a fantastic storyteller. She finds ways to leave us at cliffhangers throughout the book while returning to someone else's story. She also has loads of new characters, but their stories were so different, it was easy to follow the changes in stories. And we know that the stories will eventually converge, although I have no idea how she's going to do it. I also love that after the Pelenor chronicles alluded to and then pushed aside Aedon's personal struggles, hiding them behind his charm and humor, his journey with Lief in Flight of Sorcery and Shadow has forced him to begin to deal with them. I have high hopes for him in this new saga. As far as the siblings' stories, their family history is not their fault, nor is it their parents' fault, and that's something I don't often see addressed in fantasy. For them to carry burdens not of their own making and choose to not succumb to the darkness that promises an easy out, well, I'm rooting for them all the way. Also, one of the grimoires reminds me of Garth Nix's Mogget. Maybe it's just me, but he (it? - does a grimoire have gender?) makes me so happy!
Why do I have to wait for the next book?
I received an ARC from the author and have reviewed it because it's amazing, and everyone should read it, and all the libraries should get it, and did I mention that it's really, really good?
Back in Pelenor, two siblings also fight against family shortcomings to make a life for themselves, one joining the legendary Winged Kingsguard, the other training to become a librarian. The Winged Kingsguard has recently lost one of the patrols and must see if the Order of Valxiron is back and be behind the missing dragons and riders. The library isn't your typical book storage facility, and part of the librarian's job is to work with the grimoires, many of which are dangerous. Flight of Sorcery and Shadow moves between all three storylines, never bringing any of them together, yet telling stories of high stakes in all three contexts.
Meg is a fantastic storyteller. She finds ways to leave us at cliffhangers throughout the book while returning to someone else's story. She also has loads of new characters, but their stories were so different, it was easy to follow the changes in stories. And we know that the stories will eventually converge, although I have no idea how she's going to do it. I also love that after the Pelenor chronicles alluded to and then pushed aside Aedon's personal struggles, hiding them behind his charm and humor, his journey with Lief in Flight of Sorcery and Shadow has forced him to begin to deal with them. I have high hopes for him in this new saga. As far as the siblings' stories, their family history is not their fault, nor is it their parents' fault, and that's something I don't often see addressed in fantasy. For them to carry burdens not of their own making and choose to not succumb to the darkness that promises an easy out, well, I'm rooting for them all the way. Also, one of the grimoires reminds me of Garth Nix's Mogget. Maybe it's just me, but he (it? - does a grimoire have gender?) makes me so happy!
Why do I have to wait for the next book?
I received an ARC from the author and have reviewed it because it's amazing, and everyone should read it, and all the libraries should get it, and did I mention that it's really, really good?
July 26, 2020
Flight of Sorcery and Shadow
A taste of the amazing characters that my little descriptions do no justice. Tried to not give away too much as that is part of Meg's literary magic. Mark of Fate was the last read before this and I didn't think she could amaze me even more but Flight of Sorcery and Shadow is gripping and epic. The last chapter left me ravenous for her next book which I know will be a epic page turner as well.
So prepare yourself for sleepless nights of binge reading goodness!
Tir-na-Alathea a place of beauty and imprisonment. Coming full circle Aedon finds himself but this time he is trapped due to past actions however honorable and subject to the Queen's punishment.
Lief is a ranger and wood elf. Living in Lune and one of the Queen's rangers she is fiery and distrusting. Heartbreak has made her harden herself and refuse help. A fatal wound means she must change or succumb to the blight that has invaded Lune and Tir-na-Alathea.
Vasili, a Kingsguard who is bonded to Icarus his dragon and friend in adventure. Searching for lost patrols the duo finds something far more sinister and dark. What the kingdom had hoped eradicated or scattered has instead resurge maybe stronger than before.
Venya, an aspiring junior librarian in the halls of the Athenaeum. She handles the sentient grimoires, some harmless or mischievous while others are deadly. Unfortunately she has met all types and may not survive the latter that has broken free.
A taste of the amazing characters that my little descriptions do no justice. Tried to not give away too much as that is part of Meg's literary magic. Mark of Fate was the last read before this and I didn't think she could amaze me even more but Flight of Sorcery and Shadow is gripping and epic. The last chapter left me ravenous for her next book which I know will be a epic page turner as well.
So prepare yourself for sleepless nights of binge reading goodness!
Tir-na-Alathea a place of beauty and imprisonment. Coming full circle Aedon finds himself but this time he is trapped due to past actions however honorable and subject to the Queen's punishment.
Lief is a ranger and wood elf. Living in Lune and one of the Queen's rangers she is fiery and distrusting. Heartbreak has made her harden herself and refuse help. A fatal wound means she must change or succumb to the blight that has invaded Lune and Tir-na-Alathea.
Vasili, a Kingsguard who is bonded to Icarus his dragon and friend in adventure. Searching for lost patrols the duo finds something far more sinister and dark. What the kingdom had hoped eradicated or scattered has instead resurge maybe stronger than before.
Venya, an aspiring junior librarian in the halls of the Athenaeum. She handles the sentient grimoires, some harmless or mischievous while others are deadly. Unfortunately she has met all types and may not survive the latter that has broken free.
July 30, 2020
This follow-up to the excellent Chronicles of Pelenor series finds Aedon still in prison after 25 years, which seems a rather stiff penalty for his transgression against Queen Solanaceae of Tir-na-Alathea. This Robin Hood-like thief has hit rock bottom; his magic was taken away and he’s been in solitary confinement for the entire time. An evil force has entered the realm and many of the guards are killed, but their spirits are loosed to ravage the forest and its inhabitants. Is the spirit of Valxiron really dead, or has it been dormant, gradually regaining power? Aedon is accidentally released and his magic returns. He meets Lief, a wood elf ranger who is also down on life, not open to friendships due to an earlier relationship breakdown. She is dedicated to her Queen and vows to return Aedon to captivity. As they travel through the forest, they realize they must work together to survive against the evil forces and gradually form a very tentative friendship.
Meg introduces twin siblings, Venya and Vasili, children of Harper and Dimitri, in Pelenor-related, but not yet intertwined story lines. Venya is a junior librarian at the Athenaeum, which houses amazing magical grimoires, some of whom are very powerful and dangerous. Venya has magical powers, but they’re not strong enough for her to keep control without help as she faces some deadly situations. Vasili, along with his dragon Icarus, is a member of the Kingsguard dragon riders. The kingdom is relying on the guards to protect against the increasing evil phenomena. One of their scout squads has not returned from a mission. Vasili, one of the youngest and inexperienced members, is ordered to stay close to defend the city while the others search a wide area, but he decides he can be of better service in the search, which leads him to find much more than he can handle.
This story is well-written with strong characters and vivid descriptions which immediately place the reader in the midst of the action. Meg artfully switches back and forth between the story lines which is really easy to follow and keeps the reader informed on all fronts. I’m certain these will all come together at some point, but each is an entertaining story on its own. I thoroughly enjoyed the Chronicles of Pelenor, and this new series continues in the same vein. I am eager to read the rest of the series.
Meg introduces twin siblings, Venya and Vasili, children of Harper and Dimitri, in Pelenor-related, but not yet intertwined story lines. Venya is a junior librarian at the Athenaeum, which houses amazing magical grimoires, some of whom are very powerful and dangerous. Venya has magical powers, but they’re not strong enough for her to keep control without help as she faces some deadly situations. Vasili, along with his dragon Icarus, is a member of the Kingsguard dragon riders. The kingdom is relying on the guards to protect against the increasing evil phenomena. One of their scout squads has not returned from a mission. Vasili, one of the youngest and inexperienced members, is ordered to stay close to defend the city while the others search a wide area, but he decides he can be of better service in the search, which leads him to find much more than he can handle.
This story is well-written with strong characters and vivid descriptions which immediately place the reader in the midst of the action. Meg artfully switches back and forth between the story lines which is really easy to follow and keeps the reader informed on all fronts. I’m certain these will all come together at some point, but each is an entertaining story on its own. I thoroughly enjoyed the Chronicles of Pelenor, and this new series continues in the same vein. I am eager to read the rest of the series.
January 23, 2023
DNF at 45%
The story was ok - I liked several of the concepts (dragon+rider bond/ sentient books+librarian) and that's why it gets 2⭐. But I could not get past the writing.
At the beginning, it fell squarely within purple prose. It then seemed to adjust to being more readable. But the writer continued to use two of my biggest pet peeves in writing: the "couldn't help but wonder" cop-outs, and the noncommittal swearing. It is ok to use the "couldn't help but wonder" sentence once, but it is lazy writing if you use it once in every chapter, and sometimes more than once in the same page. Also, if you don't want your characters swearing, then simply don't make them! It is easy to say "What were you thinking?" instead of "what the hell were you thinking?" But changing HELL, for HECK does absolutely NOTHING (good) for the story. It highlights to me that the characters are in a low-stakes situation bc who spends time worrying about political correctness when they're about to be eaten by elf-zombies?
The interactions between the characters weren't that great for me either. They felt childish, which I guess was highlighted by the child-like swearing.
Unfortunately, not for me.
The story was ok - I liked several of the concepts (dragon+rider bond/ sentient books+librarian) and that's why it gets 2⭐. But I could not get past the writing.
At the beginning, it fell squarely within purple prose. It then seemed to adjust to being more readable. But the writer continued to use two of my biggest pet peeves in writing: the "couldn't help but wonder" cop-outs, and the noncommittal swearing. It is ok to use the "couldn't help but wonder" sentence once, but it is lazy writing if you use it once in every chapter, and sometimes more than once in the same page. Also, if you don't want your characters swearing, then simply don't make them! It is easy to say "What were you thinking?" instead of "what the hell were you thinking?" But changing HELL, for HECK does absolutely NOTHING (good) for the story. It highlights to me that the characters are in a low-stakes situation bc who spends time worrying about political correctness when they're about to be eaten by elf-zombies?
The interactions between the characters weren't that great for me either. They felt childish, which I guess was highlighted by the child-like swearing.
Unfortunately, not for me.
July 27, 2020
A grand and exciting new series!
Aedon of Pelenor is back! I was so excited about this new series and believe me the author does not disappoint! This is book one of the series. Aedon has a knack of going from the frying pan into the fire. He is fleeing a terrible evil with Lief the woodland elf ranger. They must get to her queen to let her know what is happening. There are many new characters and they are a amazing. This book has an "explosive" beginning and just keeps going! I was irresistibly drawn in and could not put it down. The storytelling is magical and for me I was transported physically and emotionally into this amazing book! With riveting action, unforgettable characters, really cool magic and uneasy alliances. An adventure of epic proportions! This author has given me so many wonderful hours of entertainment. I can't wait for book two...
Aedon of Pelenor is back! I was so excited about this new series and believe me the author does not disappoint! This is book one of the series. Aedon has a knack of going from the frying pan into the fire. He is fleeing a terrible evil with Lief the woodland elf ranger. They must get to her queen to let her know what is happening. There are many new characters and they are a amazing. This book has an "explosive" beginning and just keeps going! I was irresistibly drawn in and could not put it down. The storytelling is magical and for me I was transported physically and emotionally into this amazing book! With riveting action, unforgettable characters, really cool magic and uneasy alliances. An adventure of epic proportions! This author has given me so many wonderful hours of entertainment. I can't wait for book two...
July 28, 2020
I love this world and got pretty attached to Aedon in the Chronicles of Pelenor, so I was really keen on this whole new sequel series getting started. Flight of Sorcery and Shadow shifts between Aedon's storyline with wood elf Lief, and the storylines of Dimitri and Harper's twin son and daughter, Vasili and Venya. In addition to thoroughly enjoying finding out how Aedon fared after having fulfilled his commitment to Solanaceae, which is VERY cool in itself, I absolutely loved Lief and the development of her story - I find her quite complex and easy to relate to as her past is revealed and she copes with the struggles of the darkness in her and her home. I also became really engaged in Venya and Vasili's stories and appreciated how Venya's story was wrapped up at the end of this book. As for Vasili... well, I will anxiously await the next installment to find out how that plays out! Though this book did not end on what I would call a "cliffhanger," Vasili's storyline definitely did, and the plot surrounding Tir-na-Alathea was left open-ended here, so Ms. Cowley has plenty of playing room to evolve the series in the next couple books - which I am totally looking forward to!
I must admit that I am super sensitive about graphic violence and especially when it involves animals - this book had a significant amount of it, which made certain scenes... uncomfortable for me to read. I think, in general, the tone of Flight of Sorcery and Shadow is somewhat darker than the overall tone of Chronicles of Pelenor (of course, CoP had numerous situations/scenes that felt dark or "gritty"; however, there were enough lighter, witty, heartwarming scenes to provide a nice balance). I hope that in the next books, the same will prove to be true for this sequel series. And I will say that I consider it a sign of a well-written book when I not only enjoy it despite "uncomfortable" scenes, I also look forward to reading more in the series ~:)
I must admit that I am super sensitive about graphic violence and especially when it involves animals - this book had a significant amount of it, which made certain scenes... uncomfortable for me to read. I think, in general, the tone of Flight of Sorcery and Shadow is somewhat darker than the overall tone of Chronicles of Pelenor (of course, CoP had numerous situations/scenes that felt dark or "gritty"; however, there were enough lighter, witty, heartwarming scenes to provide a nice balance). I hope that in the next books, the same will prove to be true for this sequel series. And I will say that I consider it a sign of a well-written book when I not only enjoy it despite "uncomfortable" scenes, I also look forward to reading more in the series ~:)
July 27, 2020
If you are a fan of the Chronicles of Pelenor, this book is for you! Meg picks up the Pelenor story 25 years after the great battle and we find Aedon trapped in the land of the woodland elves. This story has familiar characters in it, and some great new ones that I won't spoil for you. You need to be surprised as I was! You will want book two to come out quickly, as the ending will convince you that you'll need to see Aedon's story through. I did receive an Advance Review Copy of this book.
July 27, 2020
This left me breathless and it has now become my favourite book of Meg’s yet. Was gripped from the dramatic, heart pounding first opening chapter right through to the end. The world and the characters are complex and well written with three main story arcs throughout the book involving four principle characters. It is filled with insidious evil creeping through the living forest, restless grimoires in a magical library and a glory seeking dragon rider finding horror. This is a stunning beginning to a new series, can’t wait for the next book to be released.
July 27, 2020
The new series picks up Aedon after 25 years as a captive of the wood elves queen. There is no need to read the first Pelenor trilogy as this book explains some things, except for the fact that the previous series was very good. Each book that Cowley writes gets better and better. There is plenty of action and character development in this one. Can't wait for the next in the series! A word of warning, it is a 'to be continued' type of ending.
I received this book as an ARC and wished to leave a review.
I received this book as an ARC and wished to leave a review.
February 12, 2023
Dark magic and danger
Three groups: Venya, and her 'pet', Nyx; Vasili, and the dragon, Icarus; elves, Leif and Aedon. All encounter the spread of dark magic in the land, and all are placed in danger.
An epic in the making, this is an exciting and enthralling tale, as we flit from one aspect of the story to another. This is the start of a series and as such, offers differing results for each pair, with no guarantee of a happy ending. Well-written and very well-crafted, this is compelling.
Three groups: Venya, and her 'pet', Nyx; Vasili, and the dragon, Icarus; elves, Leif and Aedon. All encounter the spread of dark magic in the land, and all are placed in danger.
An epic in the making, this is an exciting and enthralling tale, as we flit from one aspect of the story to another. This is the start of a series and as such, offers differing results for each pair, with no guarantee of a happy ending. Well-written and very well-crafted, this is compelling.
July 27, 2020
I love all books by Meg Cowley. That being said, I am totally in love with the newest edition to the Pelinor family. It carries on 25 years after the last book and just barges ahead full steam from there. I couldnt put it down! Megs world building and storytelling is awesome. There are dragons, elves, evil and good. All the elements of an epic story. I recommend it highly if you like buddy adventure, adversity handling, suspense and of course Elves!!
July 27, 2020
We have suspence. Meg brings in the details of the characters and land so well. I will say that the book did not drag me in as much as her other books, but it still was a good read. So follow the adventure of the darkness that is there an follow the characters on their journy to save. I recieved a free copy for my honest review.
July 27, 2020
I started reading this book not knowing what to expect. I was amazed how the author had 3 adventures all going on in this book. The story lines of each adventure were each their own but they melded together very nicely in this ebook. I really enjoyed this book and I am waiting for the next book in the series anxiously to see where the stories go from here. I recommend this book.
July 30, 2020
Meg has done it yet again! The thrilling first tale in what promises to be another epic trilogy from the beautiful mind of Meg Cowley! 😍
Aedon is back, albeit still a prisoner of Queen Solanaceae, 25 years after the final book of the Pelenor series. He's thrown from his lonely prison cell into the darkness that is encroaching on the living forest alongside the ranger Lief in a desperate race against evil, mistrust and a spreading disease.
Venya, the daughter of Harper and Dimitri, is a junior librarian who wants nothing more than to rise up the ladder to become a full librarian. She must deal with grimoires that are more than the eye can see, darkness, love and danger in what should be one of the safest places in the world.
Vasili, Venya's twin brother, alongside his bonded dragon Icarus, is desperate to prove himself, despite his unfair reputation following him because of his family name, to his masters and his peers. Darkness is beginning to show in the mountains that is the home of the legendary winged kingsguard, elven dragonriders who had defended Pelenor.
Following Aedon and Lief, Venya, Vasili and Icarus through this tale of daring escapes, spreading darkness, thrills and chills, Meg has written a first in series that leaves you breathless and wanting more! Turning the pages is so easy you'll find yourself at the end of the book before you know it!
Itching to get my hands on book 2!!
Aedon is back, albeit still a prisoner of Queen Solanaceae, 25 years after the final book of the Pelenor series. He's thrown from his lonely prison cell into the darkness that is encroaching on the living forest alongside the ranger Lief in a desperate race against evil, mistrust and a spreading disease.
Venya, the daughter of Harper and Dimitri, is a junior librarian who wants nothing more than to rise up the ladder to become a full librarian. She must deal with grimoires that are more than the eye can see, darkness, love and danger in what should be one of the safest places in the world.
Vasili, Venya's twin brother, alongside his bonded dragon Icarus, is desperate to prove himself, despite his unfair reputation following him because of his family name, to his masters and his peers. Darkness is beginning to show in the mountains that is the home of the legendary winged kingsguard, elven dragonriders who had defended Pelenor.
Following Aedon and Lief, Venya, Vasili and Icarus through this tale of daring escapes, spreading darkness, thrills and chills, Meg has written a first in series that leaves you breathless and wanting more! Turning the pages is so easy you'll find yourself at the end of the book before you know it!
Itching to get my hands on book 2!!
August 8, 2020
If you like epic fantasy tales then you will surely love this one. This is Meg Cowley at her finest. Action packed with intense clarity. Lots of nerve wracking close calls. A horrible black, evil darkness running loose. A group of Winged Kingsguard has gone missing. The evil Order of Valxiron is found alive and growing. Seen through the eyes of many characters gives you a clear bird’s eye view of the all around story that enhances your experience of this tale. Expertly written. Very highly recommended.
July 26, 2020
An amazing fantasy with a well developed magical world and great well developed characters. Has an excellent plot with great detail and smooth flow of words. A book that was hard to put down and was quite enjoyable. Highly recommended story from a very talented author. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 27, 2020
Fans of Meg Cowley's previous books will find old friends and new within the pages of Sorcery and Shadow. They will also find a new generation of people to discover and learn about as the pages unfold. There is plenty to choose from within the story.
July 21, 2023
4.5/5
Wonderful, easy to read, plot-drive fantasy. I really enjoyed the multiple POVs, the introduction of new characters, the return of some old characters, and the return to the worlds of elves, dwarves, and other magical creatures. Excellent spinoff to the Chronicles of Pelenor.
Wonderful, easy to read, plot-drive fantasy. I really enjoyed the multiple POVs, the introduction of new characters, the return of some old characters, and the return to the worlds of elves, dwarves, and other magical creatures. Excellent spinoff to the Chronicles of Pelenor.
July 27, 2020
If possible Meg Cowley keeps getting better. I have read two epic stories, from her, The Caledan Trilogy and Chronicles of Penenor. Her latest in the story is everything and more. Loved it.
July 27, 2020
Absolutely loved this. Brilliant story, really drew me in. Fantastic imagery. Can’t wait to read the next one!
August 7, 2020
Flight of Sorcery and Shadow (Tales of Tir-na-Alathea: Darkness of the Living Forest Book 1), my eleventh read from author Meg Cowley and the first in her new Darkness of the Living Forest series. Wonderful characters, detailed settings, entertaining storyline. Very good read! I look forward to the next book in the series, Ascent of Darkness and Ruin (Tales of Tir-na-Alathea: Darkness of the Living Forest Book 2) due out in June of 2021. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
August 10, 2020
Great world building
Great continuation of the series, full of twists and turns..was disappointed when I finished the book, didn't want it to end. Looking forward to the next.
Great continuation of the series, full of twists and turns..was disappointed when I finished the book, didn't want it to end. Looking forward to the next.
did-not-finish
August 2, 2023DNF 27%
April 14, 2025
This was great and I would highly recommend it. I haven't read any of the authors other books but I found the world to be very well developed. The plot was fast paced and kept me interested. The characters were interesting and well written. I especially loved Leif and Aedon's storyline and how they gradually trusted one another. Can't wait to read the next one
August 3, 2020
I love Meg Cowley’s writing, storytelling, characters and fantasy worlds. This story continues Aedon’s life after the end of the Pelenor series and two related stories, going back and forth between stories. I liked the stories although I didn’t feel Vasili’s was as well-developed. I felt the story changes were abrupt and the connection between wasn’t made,, although it will. One story jump for Venya I didn’t understand. Still, Meg is so good I’ll continue reading in this world that I have enjoyed through two series and now this first book in the third. EDITED TO 5 Stars: Author promptly cleared up the confusion and fixed an issue in the book on day 1.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews