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Shadowmagic
Son of Shadow
From the author of the Shadowmagic trilogy.A world of faeries, leprechauns and dragons – and magic fuelled by the blood of trees.A mystery portal to the Real World.And a pair of curious young adventurers who know they shouldn't step through it...?Meet Fergal the Second, nicknamed ‘two'. Or ‘Doe', in his own language. He can do magic. But, for the moment, he's forgotten where he's from. Or what's happened to his blind friend Ruby.He's actually from Tir na Nog, the enchanted world of Shadowmagic, where a new generation of the royal House of Duir are cheeking their parents, preparing for adulthood and itching to see the Real World for themselves – whatever the peril.
- GenresFantasy
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2022
2 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
John Lenahan
6 books177 followersJohn Lenahan is a popular TV magician who toured with Jack Dee, Lenny Henry and Victoria Wood. He starred on a prime time BBC1 TV show, had his own BBC2 series, and was the voice of the toaster in ‘Red Dwarf’.
His fantasy trilogy Shadowmagic, an award-winning podcast that received over 100,000 downloads, was published by HarperCollins and sold over 70,000 copies across all editions.
Ice Lake is his debut crime novel, the first in a new series featuring psychologist Harry Cull. (written as John A. Lenahan)
His fantasy trilogy Shadowmagic, an award-winning podcast that received over 100,000 downloads, was published by HarperCollins and sold over 70,000 copies across all editions.
Ice Lake is his debut crime novel, the first in a new series featuring psychologist Harry Cull. (written as John A. Lenahan)
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April 8, 2022Am I still sleeping? Is this a dream? This cannot be real. This is almost too good to be true! Venturing back into Tir Na Nog with Conor and the team was literally something I used to dream up myself after devouring the Shadowmagic trilogy. Now we get to go back AND meet the next generation?! YES. FRIKKING. PLEASE.
June 9, 2022
Let me start by saying that it is probably best to go into this book with as little information as possible, so I will try to keep the spoilers to a minimum. This book was quite easy for me to fall into, considering its been a while since I read a fantasy. It might be due mostly to the perfect blend between the magical world of Tir na Nog and our current reality. I do wish I had read the original Shadowmagic series first but I do not think that I missed out of a lot of things because of that. There was a brief but detailed description of the three books in the Shadowmagic Trilogy at the beginning of the book which really helped set the tone for the rest of the book. Having now read this book, I will 100% be checking out the original series.
Son of Shadow is broken into three parts. In the first part titled Amnesia, we follow Doe finds himself in Scranton but no recollection of how and why he is there. The only thing he can piece together from his fragmented memory is that he needs to find 'The Hibernian". We follow him as he tries to use what little of his memory to navigate a world full of cars, signs and people so different from what he imagines. He is held in a mental institution where he realises that he has magical powers and he also meets Sarah who seems to have magic like he does. He goes on an adventure to find the "The Hibernian" which he does and that lead us to the second book where he begins to regain his memory and his actual purpose for being in the real world when Tir na Nog (a world filled with magical creatures you are imagine from faeries to dragons) is on the brink of political collapse (more of which I think we will get in the next book). And finally the most thrilling fast paced battles-over-portal travels, and this part still gets me ...
I looked around for someone to come to my aid. Someone to say, 'You don't have to if you don't want to,' but there was none of that in this room.
I really enjoyed this book. It was very fast paced which I really liked. There was such a great cast of characters, while I really loved the over landscape and the way John was able to just breath life into every description, it has to be said that the characters were the real marvel for me. A collection of great strong female characters which is a lot better than a lot of fantasy novels that just have characters that make the most insane decisions. I do wish that the characters were explored a bit more and I do think that Doe's amnesia played a part in how he described or viewed them.
If you are looking for a fast paced fantasy novel with amazing world building, magic system and characters then this is the one you should be reading.
Son of Shadow is broken into three parts. In the first part titled Amnesia, we follow Doe finds himself in Scranton but no recollection of how and why he is there. The only thing he can piece together from his fragmented memory is that he needs to find 'The Hibernian". We follow him as he tries to use what little of his memory to navigate a world full of cars, signs and people so different from what he imagines. He is held in a mental institution where he realises that he has magical powers and he also meets Sarah who seems to have magic like he does. He goes on an adventure to find the "The Hibernian" which he does and that lead us to the second book where he begins to regain his memory and his actual purpose for being in the real world when Tir na Nog (a world filled with magical creatures you are imagine from faeries to dragons) is on the brink of political collapse (more of which I think we will get in the next book). And finally the most thrilling fast paced battles-over-portal travels, and this part still gets me ...
I looked around for someone to come to my aid. Someone to say, 'You don't have to if you don't want to,' but there was none of that in this room.
I really enjoyed this book. It was very fast paced which I really liked. There was such a great cast of characters, while I really loved the over landscape and the way John was able to just breath life into every description, it has to be said that the characters were the real marvel for me. A collection of great strong female characters which is a lot better than a lot of fantasy novels that just have characters that make the most insane decisions. I do wish that the characters were explored a bit more and I do think that Doe's amnesia played a part in how he described or viewed them.
If you are looking for a fast paced fantasy novel with amazing world building, magic system and characters then this is the one you should be reading.
June 10, 2022
Son of Shadow is a fantastic story exploring Celtic mythology. At the beginning of the story, we’re introduced to a man arrested for performing magic. The problem is that he made a golden coin disappear, and now he can’t give it back. He is genuinely confused about why people expect it back and don’t understand that it’s gone forever once you send something into the Ether. Magic is real (and costs gold to perform) and not a trick.
The story is split into three parts. We start with amnesia, when our main character doesn’t remember who he is or what he’s supposed to be doing but knows that magic is real, he can perform it and even speaks several languages. With each action he does, tiny pieces of his memories come back, oddly at the right time he needs them, like his name, Doe, or that he needs to find ‘The Hibernian.’ He befriends Sarah, a fellow patient at the asylum who has magic of her own, and together they go through lots of adventures.
In the second part of the book, Doe remembers who he is, the world he belongs to, and why he came here. His memories of ‘The Land’ give context to what happened in the first part of the story.
And the final part of the story is about the rescue, but I can’t tell you more about it without spoiling it for you, but the end is thrilling and builds your expectation for the next book.
I wish Son of Shadow moved at a faster pace in the beginning, but the overall story is fascinating, the characters are likable, and the pace is good. If Celtic folklore tempts you, I recommend giving Son of Shadows a try.
The story is split into three parts. We start with amnesia, when our main character doesn’t remember who he is or what he’s supposed to be doing but knows that magic is real, he can perform it and even speaks several languages. With each action he does, tiny pieces of his memories come back, oddly at the right time he needs them, like his name, Doe, or that he needs to find ‘The Hibernian.’ He befriends Sarah, a fellow patient at the asylum who has magic of her own, and together they go through lots of adventures.
In the second part of the book, Doe remembers who he is, the world he belongs to, and why he came here. His memories of ‘The Land’ give context to what happened in the first part of the story.
And the final part of the story is about the rescue, but I can’t tell you more about it without spoiling it for you, but the end is thrilling and builds your expectation for the next book.
I wish Son of Shadow moved at a faster pace in the beginning, but the overall story is fascinating, the characters are likable, and the pace is good. If Celtic folklore tempts you, I recommend giving Son of Shadows a try.
June 13, 2022
4.5 stars
I love Celtic mythology in books but I can never seem to find very many. It usually takes me at least 60 ish pages to really get into a book but the writing style in this one definitely hooked me from the beginning. When we are introduced to our main character he doesn’t remember anything about where his is from or who he is and I liked that in a way because i liked learning everything with him. I’m pretty sure if you read the other series then you probably know more before reading this but I liked that I got to figure out who he is at the same time he does (I hope that makes sense).
As a character, Doe is really likeable and I enjoyed his perspective. I liked his friendship with Sarah as well as his friendship with stony and Ruby who were all really great characters as well.
How magic is used in this world is so interesting. I loved the use of gold, I haven’t read a magic system like this one before and it really intrigued me. I wasn’t expecting there to be elements of court intrigue and politics, two elements I really enjoy in any fantasy and they were very well done. The jump between the past in Tir Na Nog and the present in the real world was really well done also, I find that to be quite jarring at times but I was captivated by the atmosphere of Tir Na Nog and finding out how Doe lost his memory.
Reading this book has definitely convinced me to pick up the previous series written in this world called shadowmagic and I cannot wait to continue on with this series! If you love folklore, fun and really well written fantasy, pick up this book
I love Celtic mythology in books but I can never seem to find very many. It usually takes me at least 60 ish pages to really get into a book but the writing style in this one definitely hooked me from the beginning. When we are introduced to our main character he doesn’t remember anything about where his is from or who he is and I liked that in a way because i liked learning everything with him. I’m pretty sure if you read the other series then you probably know more before reading this but I liked that I got to figure out who he is at the same time he does (I hope that makes sense).
As a character, Doe is really likeable and I enjoyed his perspective. I liked his friendship with Sarah as well as his friendship with stony and Ruby who were all really great characters as well.
How magic is used in this world is so interesting. I loved the use of gold, I haven’t read a magic system like this one before and it really intrigued me. I wasn’t expecting there to be elements of court intrigue and politics, two elements I really enjoy in any fantasy and they were very well done. The jump between the past in Tir Na Nog and the present in the real world was really well done also, I find that to be quite jarring at times but I was captivated by the atmosphere of Tir Na Nog and finding out how Doe lost his memory.
Reading this book has definitely convinced me to pick up the previous series written in this world called shadowmagic and I cannot wait to continue on with this series! If you love folklore, fun and really well written fantasy, pick up this book
June 14, 2022
Son of Shadow by John Lenahan is one of my favourite books of the year. I’m always looking for a good fantasy with clever writing and a bit more humour than the normal fare and it just really delivered on all counts.
It was probably the setting which appealed to me most. I’m not alone, I think, in my love for Irish mythology so when offered the chance read it I jumped at it. I’m very glad I did. My biggest fear was that it might have that generic, seen it before vibe that you so often get with characters and plot lines these days, most especially fantasy, but nope here we get a very original tale, with some really great and unique characters.
And speaking of characters, Doe is a great one. I love the way he is introduced, he is suffering from a form of amnesia, he remembers some things and not others. He knows there is something he must do but can’t remember what exactly. Luckily he meets Sarah and as they travel together he begins to learn and remember.
Also did I say how much I loved the Celtic mythology elements? I mean seriously any book which mentions Cu Chulainn gets an automatic nod of approval from me …but one that does it well...
how can it be anything other than… FIVE STARS!
Thanks to TWR and Eye of Lightening for providing me with a copy of this wonderful book
It was probably the setting which appealed to me most. I’m not alone, I think, in my love for Irish mythology so when offered the chance read it I jumped at it. I’m very glad I did. My biggest fear was that it might have that generic, seen it before vibe that you so often get with characters and plot lines these days, most especially fantasy, but nope here we get a very original tale, with some really great and unique characters.
And speaking of characters, Doe is a great one. I love the way he is introduced, he is suffering from a form of amnesia, he remembers some things and not others. He knows there is something he must do but can’t remember what exactly. Luckily he meets Sarah and as they travel together he begins to learn and remember.
Also did I say how much I loved the Celtic mythology elements? I mean seriously any book which mentions Cu Chulainn gets an automatic nod of approval from me …but one that does it well...
how can it be anything other than… FIVE STARS!
Thanks to TWR and Eye of Lightening for providing me with a copy of this wonderful book
June 13, 2022
I loved this from the first page. The writing just pulls you in immediately. I was literally grinning from the opening paragraph on. We are thrown right into the action with Doe and it just doesn’t let up. He doesn’t know who he is, we don’t know who he is and it is all just done brilliantly.
I adore the setting. Irish myth and legend is right up there with my all-time favourite things to read. I’m not going to give away too much about this one, other than the writing is brilliant and if you are a fan of fairies, Irish myths, Tor na Nog and above all good, witty writing. Then you MUST read this book!
Big thanks to the Writereads for finding this Gem and to Eye of Lightning for having me on the tour!
I adore the setting. Irish myth and legend is right up there with my all-time favourite things to read. I’m not going to give away too much about this one, other than the writing is brilliant and if you are a fan of fairies, Irish myths, Tor na Nog and above all good, witty writing. Then you MUST read this book!
Big thanks to the Writereads for finding this Gem and to Eye of Lightning for having me on the tour!
June 29, 2022
Son of Shadow is the follow on to the acclaimed Shadow Magic Trilogy and does not disappoint. A book full of magic and fantasy; Imps, Faeries, Brownies and Dragons in one world and humans in the other (The Real World). Having not read the original trilogy, I was a little nervous that I would feel that I had leapt in to the middle of a series and would need to read the other books to ‘catch up’. This was absolutely not the case, although I now want to read the other books, this book was absolutely readable as a stand-alone but did have a number of books back to the previous trilogy for those returning to the series.
The book is split in to 3 parts, the first is about Doe’s travels in the real world with limited memory, the second part details his life in ‘The Land’ and provides the context to Part One whilst the third part brings it all together, culminating in a thrilling finale. The first part is about how Doe finds himself in the real world suffering with amnesia but knowing that he needs to find the ‘The Hibernian’; after escaping from am asylum the story discusses his adventure with Sarah as learns the ways of the Real World whilst remembering snippets of why he’s there. The second part, having found the Hibernian at the end of the first part, describes the story as to why Doe needed to travel to the Real World whilst bringing the magic realm to life and building the political picture of the Land, a world in which there is a building tension between Lords – a lot of which is building to the next book I feel… for which I am really looking forward to. The final part is wonderful, the pages sped past as the story continued at pace as the characters battled to ‘save the day’ – I won’t give away too much on this as it will spoil it, but I will say that it is a fantastic end to the novel.
I really enjoyed this book, it provided a wonderful sense of escapism and was really easy to read. Highly recommend to fans of magic and fantasy – I think you’ll love it. Also, for fans of the earlier Books (and new fans), there is a wonderful hook to the next book. I, for one, will be looking forward to this!
We received a copy of this book free of charge in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own
The book is split in to 3 parts, the first is about Doe’s travels in the real world with limited memory, the second part details his life in ‘The Land’ and provides the context to Part One whilst the third part brings it all together, culminating in a thrilling finale. The first part is about how Doe finds himself in the real world suffering with amnesia but knowing that he needs to find the ‘The Hibernian’; after escaping from am asylum the story discusses his adventure with Sarah as learns the ways of the Real World whilst remembering snippets of why he’s there. The second part, having found the Hibernian at the end of the first part, describes the story as to why Doe needed to travel to the Real World whilst bringing the magic realm to life and building the political picture of the Land, a world in which there is a building tension between Lords – a lot of which is building to the next book I feel… for which I am really looking forward to. The final part is wonderful, the pages sped past as the story continued at pace as the characters battled to ‘save the day’ – I won’t give away too much on this as it will spoil it, but I will say that it is a fantastic end to the novel.
I really enjoyed this book, it provided a wonderful sense of escapism and was really easy to read. Highly recommend to fans of magic and fantasy – I think you’ll love it. Also, for fans of the earlier Books (and new fans), there is a wonderful hook to the next book. I, for one, will be looking forward to this!
We received a copy of this book free of charge in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own
June 16, 2022
Son of Shadow is a great fantasy that explores Celtic mythology. This is a subject I’m not well versed in, so I was excited to learn more. I do think this is a story you should go into without knowing too much, so I’m going to give my opinions but I won’t go into major details.
I love the world building. The descriptions are beautifully written and I really like the magic system, here. Author John Lenahan writes in a way that allowed me to get lost in the world and forget I was reading. That’s part of the draw of fantasy for me and John Lenahan nails it.
While I really enjoyed the world and magic, the real showstopper in this book was the characters. A great cast of strong, well written, female characters who make intriguing decisions and kept me invested in the story.
If you’re a fan of fantasy, check Son of Shadow out.
Thank you to The Write Reads for the free review copy and tour invite. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
I love the world building. The descriptions are beautifully written and I really like the magic system, here. Author John Lenahan writes in a way that allowed me to get lost in the world and forget I was reading. That’s part of the draw of fantasy for me and John Lenahan nails it.
While I really enjoyed the world and magic, the real showstopper in this book was the characters. A great cast of strong, well written, female characters who make intriguing decisions and kept me invested in the story.
If you’re a fan of fantasy, check Son of Shadow out.
Thank you to The Write Reads for the free review copy and tour invite. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
June 18, 2022
Son of Shadow is a fantasy book that explores Celtic mythology. This is not something I really know a lot about so was eager to dive right in and learn more. John Lenahan is an author I have never heard of. I loved the cover and the synopsis to this book so I went in with an open mind and enjoyed every second reading it.
One of the best things about fantasy, for me is the world building within it. The world building in Son of Shadow swept me into this world so quickly. His descriptions are vivid and detailed. This is a great example of an immersive fantasy with an original tale too.
The characters are impressive too. Our main character, Doe, when we are introduced to him, doesn't know who he is or where he is from. I enjoyed discovering everything about him alongside him. The fact I felt we were almost a team as things came to light. There is also a cast of female characters who kept me intrigued along the way. Each character is created with their own unique voice and they each play their own part within the story.
This tale is even more impressive with the magic system within it. I found it so intriguing. This is different to others I have read about and brings more depth to the story. The folklore captured my imagination, and layered with the characters, the magic and the detailed writing I lost hours whole reading this book. That's a sign of a really good book, in my opinion anyway.
I have to say, I am so happy that I got the chance to be introduced to John Lenanhan's writing. I am pretty sure I am going to be checking the other books out he has written. If you love a great fantasy,with folklore, magic and characters that feel real, pick up this book soon. Thanks to The Write Reads and Lightning Books.
One of the best things about fantasy, for me is the world building within it. The world building in Son of Shadow swept me into this world so quickly. His descriptions are vivid and detailed. This is a great example of an immersive fantasy with an original tale too.
The characters are impressive too. Our main character, Doe, when we are introduced to him, doesn't know who he is or where he is from. I enjoyed discovering everything about him alongside him. The fact I felt we were almost a team as things came to light. There is also a cast of female characters who kept me intrigued along the way. Each character is created with their own unique voice and they each play their own part within the story.
This tale is even more impressive with the magic system within it. I found it so intriguing. This is different to others I have read about and brings more depth to the story. The folklore captured my imagination, and layered with the characters, the magic and the detailed writing I lost hours whole reading this book. That's a sign of a really good book, in my opinion anyway.
I have to say, I am so happy that I got the chance to be introduced to John Lenanhan's writing. I am pretty sure I am going to be checking the other books out he has written. If you love a great fantasy,with folklore, magic and characters that feel real, pick up this book soon. Thanks to The Write Reads and Lightning Books.
June 11, 2023
More Tir Na Nog!
I have been a fan since Shadowmagic was on Podiobooks. In fact I listen to them probably at least once a year, have bought the books and read them probably once a year as well. So when I found out about Son of Shadows I instantly bought it and have just finished reading it in a day. I couldn't stop. (Any idea how hard it is to drive when you're just itching to read just one more page to see what happens next?)
I loved figuring out who Doe was along with him in part one then revisiting the land and getting to know the new generation of the gang in parts two and three. I wonder what animal Taun's kids will be or if they'll take after his dragon side. The reactions to all the gadgetry and electronics were also great. I like thinking that cars run on old dragon magic.
If you've read and enjoyed the original trilogy you have to get this book. If you haven't the originals:
1)what the hell are you waiting for? Go read them. Now.
and 2) you can pick up with this one and not miss anything. So buy it and read it. Now. :-)
TL;DR : I loved this and anyone that enjoys fun and/or YA fantasy should buy this for themselves and everyone else they know.
I have been a fan since Shadowmagic was on Podiobooks. In fact I listen to them probably at least once a year, have bought the books and read them probably once a year as well. So when I found out about Son of Shadows I instantly bought it and have just finished reading it in a day. I couldn't stop. (Any idea how hard it is to drive when you're just itching to read just one more page to see what happens next?)
I loved figuring out who Doe was along with him in part one then revisiting the land and getting to know the new generation of the gang in parts two and three. I wonder what animal Taun's kids will be or if they'll take after his dragon side. The reactions to all the gadgetry and electronics were also great. I like thinking that cars run on old dragon magic.
If you've read and enjoyed the original trilogy you have to get this book. If you haven't the originals:
1)what the hell are you waiting for? Go read them. Now.
and 2) you can pick up with this one and not miss anything. So buy it and read it. Now. :-)
TL;DR : I loved this and anyone that enjoys fun and/or YA fantasy should buy this for themselves and everyone else they know.
May 26, 2025
A welcome return to Tir Na Nog
I fell in love with the Shadowmagic series years ago and have always placed it in my top 5. This is no different as the journey continues with a new generation. The wit and dialogue is always entertaining, and Doe definitely takes after his father. I was pleasantly surprised to reach the end with some definite leads into another book. I was afraid that this was going to be a one-off, but I’m really hoping that we’ll get another trilogy from it (at a minimum…I mean, we could really go the way of the Iron Druid and just have a bunch of books and I’d be a-ok with that).
As a side note - I have to give John a huge shout out as an author because he takes the time to communicate with his readers! He even did me a solid and signed a copy of this for my son’s bday (who is a HUGE Shadowmagic fan as well). Shadowmagic was my first ever audiobook and this series hold a special place in my heart because it broke me out of some preconceived notions about them. I do hope he eventually records all his books because his narration abilities are spot on!
Fingers crossed for another Son of Shadow book in the near future!
I fell in love with the Shadowmagic series years ago and have always placed it in my top 5. This is no different as the journey continues with a new generation. The wit and dialogue is always entertaining, and Doe definitely takes after his father. I was pleasantly surprised to reach the end with some definite leads into another book. I was afraid that this was going to be a one-off, but I’m really hoping that we’ll get another trilogy from it (at a minimum…I mean, we could really go the way of the Iron Druid and just have a bunch of books and I’d be a-ok with that).
As a side note - I have to give John a huge shout out as an author because he takes the time to communicate with his readers! He even did me a solid and signed a copy of this for my son’s bday (who is a HUGE Shadowmagic fan as well). Shadowmagic was my first ever audiobook and this series hold a special place in my heart because it broke me out of some preconceived notions about them. I do hope he eventually records all his books because his narration abilities are spot on!
Fingers crossed for another Son of Shadow book in the near future!
October 26, 2022
Ok, first thing first, one of the best things is that you don't have to read the original trilogy to understand this new one, you don't even need the resume, which is kinda cool.
The bad thing is that. there are no character descriptions or descriptions in general, so I ended imagined them as I saw fit and it was really weird.
A disaster in resume, but next part when? what? I ended up having fun, I want more.
I wonder if the original description has them... If it got them, this one should have got them too!! If not, well, is funnier for me this way, but is hard to recommend and the score reflects it, sorry for being a party pooper.
The bad thing is that. there are no character descriptions or descriptions in general, so I ended imagined them as I saw fit and it was really weird.
A disaster in resume, but next part when? what? I ended up having fun, I want more.
I wonder if the original description has them... If it got them, this one should have got them too!! If not, well, is funnier for me this way, but is hard to recommend and the score reflects it, sorry for being a party pooper.
July 10, 2022
Wonderful adventure, dose note disappoint
I was and am a huge fan of this series. I was so excited to see another offering in the Shadow magic Series. I not only purchased the Kindle version but order my printed copy from across the pond. This book is a great read and floss so well with the entire series. Pick it up and read, it is soooo worth the time! If you have not read the first 3 I would recommend it but not required.
I was and am a huge fan of this series. I was so excited to see another offering in the Shadow magic Series. I not only purchased the Kindle version but order my printed copy from across the pond. This book is a great read and floss so well with the entire series. Pick it up and read, it is soooo worth the time! If you have not read the first 3 I would recommend it but not required.
April 11, 2023
Returning to an old friend..
I loved the Shadowmagic Books and found this book by mistake, I'm so happy I did, it was like picking up where we left off, returning to the world that was brilliant to read the first time round but 20 years have passed and the story brings that journey of time with some faithful call backs to the original, I really hope there is a new trilogy in the works, that has enough new but enough old to keep the story going...
I loved the Shadowmagic Books and found this book by mistake, I'm so happy I did, it was like picking up where we left off, returning to the world that was brilliant to read the first time round but 20 years have passed and the story brings that journey of time with some faithful call backs to the original, I really hope there is a new trilogy in the works, that has enough new but enough old to keep the story going...
February 24, 2024
Absolutely incredible! The Shadowmagic trilogy is my favourite series ever and when I found out I could dive back into the world of Tir Na Nog with this book I was so excited! Now that I’ve read it, I can say Son of Shadow does not disappoint. Thank you, John Lenahan, for sharing this incredible story with endearing characters and a Land that I wish to visit! I highly recommend these books to all the fantasy lovers out there!
November 4, 2022
Yes! It's back! And - is that another book coming I detect at the end there?
I absolutely love John Lenahan's style of writing. His use of humour is allcapturing; mix it with action and plot twists and amazing characters and world building, and you have the recipe of a book series that has me completely hooked.
I need more! I'll be keeping my eyes open for more!
I absolutely love John Lenahan's style of writing. His use of humour is allcapturing; mix it with action and plot twists and amazing characters and world building, and you have the recipe of a book series that has me completely hooked.
I need more! I'll be keeping my eyes open for more!
January 29, 2023
Humor abounds in this fantasy series
I have never read fantasy books like these that have so much humor! There is, of course, the marvelous story and unique characters to swallow us whole and keep us willingly captive from one book to the next. I'm already leaning forward, hoping the next installment is on the horizon!
I have never read fantasy books like these that have so much humor! There is, of course, the marvelous story and unique characters to swallow us whole and keep us willingly captive from one book to the next. I'm already leaning forward, hoping the next installment is on the horizon!
August 4, 2022
Love the series can’t wait for the next one.
Great pace to these books. Never leaves you waiting for action except when you are finished and John is writing the next book.
Great pace to these books. Never leaves you waiting for action except when you are finished and John is writing the next book.
April 27, 2025
Cute en spannend zoals het hoort in de shadowmagic wereld :)
August 16, 2022
Book source ~ Tour
Doe comes from a world of magic, a parallel or alternate universe to our own. However, he doesn’t remember who or what he is. He instinctively knows how to use magic though and that attracts people to him, some of whom he needs to get away from, but some who are allies. Once in our world he needs to figure out who he is, why he’s there, and where to go. And quickly because bad things are about to happen. If only he could just remember.
I was a little worried going into this book that I hadn’t read the original Shadowmagic trilogy and I’d be lost. But it’s fine. You can totally jump in with this book and be swept away by the story. It does make me want to go back though and check them out, so excellent job!
The story is split into three parts and I think it works great. The first is where Doe lands in our world and has amnesia. Navigating a strange world without a memory is frightening, but Doe handles himself well. The second is where he remembers everything. This is an excellent way to give backstory without info dumping. Then part three is where the peril comes into play.
The writing carries the reader right along with only a few hiccups of convenient plotting and the characters are varied and interesting. This story ends, but it’s just the beginning of something bigger. A foundation well laid.
Doe comes from a world of magic, a parallel or alternate universe to our own. However, he doesn’t remember who or what he is. He instinctively knows how to use magic though and that attracts people to him, some of whom he needs to get away from, but some who are allies. Once in our world he needs to figure out who he is, why he’s there, and where to go. And quickly because bad things are about to happen. If only he could just remember.
I was a little worried going into this book that I hadn’t read the original Shadowmagic trilogy and I’d be lost. But it’s fine. You can totally jump in with this book and be swept away by the story. It does make me want to go back though and check them out, so excellent job!
The story is split into three parts and I think it works great. The first is where Doe lands in our world and has amnesia. Navigating a strange world without a memory is frightening, but Doe handles himself well. The second is where he remembers everything. This is an excellent way to give backstory without info dumping. Then part three is where the peril comes into play.
The writing carries the reader right along with only a few hiccups of convenient plotting and the characters are varied and interesting. This story ends, but it’s just the beginning of something bigger. A foundation well laid.
January 14, 2024
Loved it!
I’m such a big fan of the Shadowmagic series. This was a very welcome addition. If you haven’t read the other in the the series, start there. It gives this story context.
I’m such a big fan of the Shadowmagic series. This was a very welcome addition. If you haven’t read the other in the the series, start there. It gives this story context.
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