Shadow's Hand: a Japanese-inspired epic fantasy

The Shadow's Creed Saga #1

by Noelle Nichols

False warriors destroyed their homes. Now two heroes must delve into ancient magic to save their realm from destruction.

Kilo lives and dies by the truth of the Shadow’s Creed. So when brutal raiders raze his village, the leader is honor-bound to put aside his fighting staff and help his people rebuild. After discovering the attackers were impersonating Shadow warriors and have befouled his beloved code with blood, he’s torn between duty and vengeance.

Shenrae’s childhood burned in the fire that claimed her parents’ souls. Knowing the assailants will attack again, she swallows her self-doubt to focus on her grueling Shadow warrior training. But when she realizes the immoral enemies are tapping into deadly primeval powers, she’s not sure even the best among her brethren are safe.

Now both face the biggest challenge of their lives: Shenrae must unlock her inner strength and Kilo could risk forsaking his code. And their only hope may be to embrace the very power that is out to kill them.

Can Kilo and Shenrae find a way to uphold their honor and defeat the dark forces?

Shadow’s Hand is the first book in The Shadow's Creed Saga epic fantasy series. If you like honorable champions, archaic magic, and vivid world building inspired by feudal Japan, then you’ll love Noelle Nichols’ epic adventure.

Genres: Fantasy, Ebooks, Science Fiction Fantasy

407 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2022

About the author

Noelle Nichols is an author, artist, and dreamer who channels her passion for writing to find hope in the world. Her stories are focus on the bonds between people and their world, her works speak of human nature and honor in relation to what it means to be a good person.

Owing to her fascination with the choices people make, Noelle’s characters straddle the line between right and wrong. While she appreciates the heroes depicted in literature, she prefers exploring the depths of characters who inevitably fail, focusing on moments of change and the perseverance and growth that follows. Inspired by her own thoughts and Eastern philosophy, Noelle weaves together difficult situations with down-to-earth characters in order to invite readers to question the world around them.

When she’s not writing, Noelle is out hiking and enjoying the fresh scent of pine trees in the forests of Montana with her three border collies and her husband. She enjoys illustrating her stories and characters and loves to learn new skills such as playing the shamisen and, more recently, kumiko, a delicate Japanese woodworking technique of arranging pieces without nails.

Reviews

[The Jolly Elf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was provided with a copy in exchange for an honest review
(No spoilers)

After sitting on it for 24 hours and rereading the notes I made along the way, I have managed to distinguish between specific positives and negatives I came across as I was reading the story.

Starting with the positives

I really liked one of the main two MCs. Honestly I was always looking forward to picking up the book again simply because I was excited to spend more time with Kilo. His determination to protect his people without killing but most of all the unconditional love he showed for his sister was my favourite element of the story.

The world-building is definitely thought out a lot. You know where you are and how it looks like and there’s much to explore alongside the characters. I can see myself following other characters in spin off books even if this duology is done simply to discover more.

Part of why the world-building is good I think is also because of the interesting magic system. No it doesn’t seem to be as complex as others and yes the book ends with us knowing close to nothing about the “Skills” as it’s called. However I’m definitely intrigued about the possibilities and excited to learn more as the characters experiment further.

Lastly this does feel like an Asian inspired fantasy. I loved how the characters are set on upholding certain values and traditions like honour, integrity and bowing to show respect. It’s a breath of fresh air to follow someone who isn’t led by his fists and vulgar language.

Oh, the mystery of what power the enemy is using was also interesting.

But moving on to the negatives

One of the two biggest complaints I had is that the writing style or more specifically the editing needed more work before publication. I was correcting sentence-structures and switching the words around in my head constantly in order to make the story flow more correctly (notice how I said "correctly" and not slower or faster). Words like “Shadows” and “Phantoms” while I get that it’s a term necessary to describe what these people are, were also often unnecessary and they could have been excluded with a different sentence structure” while the reader would still know what the character is talking about. You get what I’m trying to say?

My second complaint is that the villain is severely weak in the sense that the motives and the way she is in charge either don’t make sense or just aren’t there. The way she behaves was also very amateurish for someone who has tortured and murdered so many people. It’s like at first glance she is someone dangerous but then you take a second look and you just know that with an organized attack you can take her.

Other elements I didn’t like is that the secondary characters seem developed but then you think about them and you realize that either they don’ have much depth or they are similar to someone else in the story.

Lastly, the POVs of the two MCs maybe would have worked better if they were alternating instead of having 20 chapters with the boy and then the next 20 with the girl and then the next 20 with the boy again etc. Also the plot sometimes was a little bit too convenient.

OVERALL

It is evident that the author put effort in the story and I can definitely see the potential for the next book. Will I read the sequel? Probably yes. I’m not abandoning Kilo just yet.

Also a big thank you to the author for personally sending me a physical copy and covering all international shipping expenses herself

[Sarah Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is fantastic! If you love Asian culture, samurai, or even something as simple as TV series like Avatar: The Last Airbender or Yona of the Dawn, I think you will really love this book.

Kilo and Shenrae are both amazing characters I love and relate to so much, though I do admit I loved Kilo a LITTLE bit more but that’s just because he’s awesome. Finae is a precious, creative bean who should be protected at all costs, and Rin is AMAZING—I love her and her determination to do what’s right even if her actions don’t always point clearly to that outcome. And meeting Zavi and Mia in Staff of Justice and Guiding Light first REALLY hit me during their scenes in this book. 😭😭 In fact all the characters, whether I loved, hated, or just generally disliked them, are real and three dimensional even the ones who didn’t get much screen time. I also love how a couple potential relationships were set up, and I really, really, REALLY hope one especially comes to pass! *fingers crossed they don’t die before it happens*

The world with the Asian setting and tone along with the samurai inspired elements were wonderfully done and crafted so Kiriku feels like a real place I wouldn’t mind visiting (even with all the crazy magic stuff going on, lol). Speaking of magic, the Skills are really interesting and I didn’t feel half as confused about them in the second edition as I did when reading the first edition, so that was really nice. Can’t wait to see how these will play into the overall story later on! (Though could the villain forget how to use them? That would be super helpful to our characters if she did, lol)

I love this book and can’t wait to continue the adventure! Highly recommend and can’t wait to read Phantom’s Lament!


‼️Content‼️

TRIGGER WARNING: a man kills himself after being fatally injured (not in a suicidal way); people commit suicide by taking poisoned pills

Language: damn; hell

Violence: fighting with weapons and magic (not detailed); a man decapitates another (shown but not detailed beyond a pool of blood and the man’s severed head lying on the ground); villages are burned and slaughtered with bodies piled on the ground (the corpses are semi detailed); a character stumbles across bodies buried in a forest (the corpses are semi detailed); a man’s skull is fractured; a man kills himself after being fatally injured (not in a suicidal way); injuries and blood (not detailed); a tree falls on and injuries a man; in a vision people use magical powers to destroy their own village; a mention of “blood splattered” (nothing is detailed beyond this phrase)

Drug/Alcohol: characters are poisoned; people commit suicide by taking poisoned pills

Other: magic; magical abilities and powers; death and grief; a mine collapse


****Note: I received a free copy of the book from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions are most assuredly my own, and I wasn’t required to write a positive review. If I was, I wouldn’t have read it. 😜****

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/6O15Fgu550s

That was an explosive story! It definitely didn’t disappoint and am very happy with the outcome. (Well, except I want more now. Ha!)

I came in with an expectation of Shadow’s Hand having similar feels to the manga/anime Rurouni Kenshin and I got something just as uniquely awesome. It had those feels from Kenshin, yes, but Kilo is just as awesome and amazing in his own way. (Yes, I said awesome twice and would totally say it again.)

And not only is Kilo such a cool main character to cheer for and support, but the overall story is great as well. I loved the idea of Shadows and Phantoms following a Creed. It truly reminded me of what I have heard about samurai, which is something I’m always looking out for.

The most surprising aspect of this story was by far the Skills. Wow! The author took it in a direction I did not expect and leaves me VERY intrigued as to what will happen next. It should be interesting to see how certain characters handle newfound knowledge gained near the end.

Overall, this was an excellent novel that I would definitely recommend to lovers of Kenshin, samurai, and engaging stories with a heroic main character. Shadow’s Hand will keep any reader on edge with surprises and delight!

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Thanks to the author Noelle Nichols for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and not swayed by the fact that the book was sent to me.**

Shadow's Hand is an Asian samurai inspired story in which we are brought into a well thought out world, full of samurai codes and everything you could expect from this kind of a story. I found the scenes with the battle aspects to be particularly enjoyable, as it was entirely engaging.

Our characters were intriguing, and kept my attention along the way. We see the ups and downs that they go through, and you truly want them to win.

In concept, this book is fantastic. For me, I do wish it had gone through another copy edit before publish, as I did find some errors. It pulled me out of the story a little bit, but I am a stickler for those kinds of details.

All in all, it was an enjoyable reading experience. I would recommend giving this one a try if you like asian inspired fantasy, or samurai type stories.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow’s Hand is a Japanese-inspired fantasy. In it, a group of warriors, called Shadows, pledge to defend human life and hold themselves to a high standard of honor. But then a mysterious group begins disguising themselves as Shadows and commuting atrocities, besmirching the honor of the true warriors. Can the Shadows discover the mysterious enemies?

I enjoyed Shadow’s Hand. I have watched and read Japanese fantasy and was subsequently drawn to read it. While I can’t determine whether it was truly in Japanese style and culture, I found it an intriguing and likable story. I especially liked the twist with the magic.

The plot revolved around discovering the mystery of the false Shadows. One warrior, Kilo, goes out of his way to uncover the secret and to fight the enemies, even though others are against him. I admire his determination to do what is right in spite of obstacles of every kind. He was a very likable character, as was the other character, a teen girl who has lost much and is just beginning her training to becoming a shadow.

There is violence in this book, but otherwise it is clean. The characters struggle with morality (revenge or justice? do wrong and keep someone’s good option or do right and lose it?), but it was in a way that I would have no qualms recommending to others.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to fans of Japanese-style fantasy novels.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own, and I was not obligated to provide a positive (or any) review of this book.

[Noelle Nichols]

9/6/2022 - The new edition of Shadow's Hand is now available! Here is a list of what's different between the two versions:

There are no significant changes to the plot. All changes were made to clarify and better illustrate the world and characters for the reader and to fix some the novice mistakes by the author.

The most significant change is removing the "parts" between POVs and alternating those chapters.

I also changed the part with Zavi to include a nod to samurai culture: seppuku. Which, might be a hard concept to wrap your head around. I think it add to the honor of the Shadows as it puts the individual in control of their life. Meeting death without flinching. This is probably the most controversial part I've written into the series.

Other changes in Shadow’s Hand:

• An extended introduction to Asdar to better show his and Kilo’s relationship and an expansion of the chapter “Mashin” to allude to what’s to come in the story
• Added a chapter to show Kilo’s investigative process in Aventon and how he won the town over, thereby showing his charismatic side and his thought process
• Modified a few character introductions with the mercenaries to clarify their personalities and establish the relationships better
• Overall clarified text to smooth out transitions and better string together disjointed thoughts to eliminate repetition
• Added more juicy descriptions of places and what’s happening, painting a better picture for the reader
• Used more Japanese based terms such as katana, kimono, waraji, obi, tanto, etc. to better illuminate the Shadow culture as being derived from samurai culture and keeping it based more in a Japan-inspired world while still maintain the differences between cultures (Vaiyene, Leiko, Tarahn, Magoto, Aventon)
• Removed the “epilogue” chapter and instead foreshadowed Saitou’s appearance naturally in the text
• Clarified assumed motives of Hitori to give the reader a taste of her though process, which is illustrated more in book two (when Hitori’s POV is added to the story)

[Gnomereader · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

This book was so interesting! The premise and setting held my attention and I found myself wanting to know more about where the book would take me. I haven’t read a lot of fantasy with Japanese inspired themes and elements and I appreciated the world building that helped me to feel immersed in what was happening.

There were a few times where I struggled to follow a scene as it progressed as there was a little bit of repetition in the actions and dialogue of the characters, and I was confused about one of the main character���s (Kilo) age. This wasn’t a deal breaker for me, but there were clues based on other characters around him that made his age seem relevant, and it seemed at times to contradict earlier statements that had established that detail in my mind. While that didn’t impact my overall enjoyment of the book, it did take me out of the story just a bit.

Overall though, this was a strong start to a promising series. The characters were interesting and developed well, and I really felt their struggle for their moral code as things happened to challenge their beliefs. The protagonists are learning things about the antagonists as the story moves forward, so I believe the reader will also learn much more about them in the second book as the characters learn more. Because this is the first book in the series, it does end with a bit of a cliffhanger for the main conflict, but I am interested in continuing on to see what happens next!

[Elda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredible story

This is an incredible story in an imaginative world. A very different sort of magic from an ancient world. I love the Shadows and Phantom characters and their integrity trying to find a way to conquer the evil for the good of the people. I would have given it 5 stars if it weren’t for the proofreading errors throughout. They can be annoying but the story is worth the read.

[Shannon Rohrer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid, awe-inspiring read.

Inspired by the Samurai code of Bushido, Shadow's Hand primarily focuses on two character viewpoints: Kilo, a full-fledged Shadow (peaceful warriors whose code requires them not to kill unless absolutely necessary) and Shenrae, the daughter of two of Kilo's oldest friends.

Without giving away anything of the plot, I'll say this: the story is well thought-out, filled with attention to detail on environment, the senses, interactions, and all of the minutiae between. From the descriptions of the various lands within Kiriku (a sort of fantasy-based Japan), to the differing peoples, customs, etc. this story was full of life.

My only complaints are considerably minor: 1) Things sometimes felt clinical in how they were explained (mostly early on), and 2) Repetition. There were times when a different word would have fit well to break up the monotony of having the same word used over and over, and there were also times when I felt character actions/reactions were repetitive, as well.

Beside that (and a minor continuity error later on, when the wrong character's name was used), I really enjoyed this book. You can tell the author put a lot of time and effort into writing it, a lot of loving care into making the characters complex, their interactions believable, and their world interesting.

I would definitely recommend this to other lovers of fantasy, especially with a Japanese/samurai twist. I will most definitely be reading the sequel when it comes out.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kilo lives by the Shadow’s Creed. While the False Shadows, a horrible and vicious group of warriors who are impersonating the Shadows, believe the Shadow’s Creed to be a weakness, Kilo finds his strength in it. After the False Shadows attack his home, he is torn: stay with his people to help rebuild and prepare to fight back, or leave to find more information that could lead his people to victory? Meanwhile, Shenrae is trying to figure out what path she should take. After the death of both of her parents, she and her brother try to become Shadows in order to keep each other safe. However, Shenrae isn’t sure that she is skilled enough to fight, but she knows she wants to be able to protect others.
I really, really loved this book! When I first starting reading it, I had no idea that I was going to grow so attached to the characters or be so fascinated by the story! I particularly loved the Shadows/Phantoms as they were reminiscent of the samurai in feudal Japan. The concept of warriors who live their lives based on a moral standpoint is so intriguing! I also appreciated the more magical elements that appear in this book. Without spoiling anything, I will just say that I’m curious to learn more about them in book two and that if the author ever wrote a prequel for what happened in the past, I would definitely read it!
I also loved Kilo and Shenrae who both have POVs in this novel. I’ll admit that I was reluctant to leave Kilo’s POV at first, but I came to love Shenrae and her POV just as much! The side characters are also spectacular so I hope that I’ll see them more in the next book! Kilo’s dedication to put a stop to the False Shadows and their terror and Shenrae’s desire to protect her loved ones and find her place were probably my favorite things about this book. I loved watching the characters grow as the story progressed.
Ultimately, the only thing I dislike about this book is that I now have to wait for the next one! The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, so I’ll be very impatiently waiting for book 2! I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes samurai, feudal Japan, or shounen anime! Plus, it somewhat reminds me of Moonscript by H.S.J. Williams so I’d recommend it to those fans as well!

[Anthony Liggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Went into this with low expectations, thinking I would try something new(ish). I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I'm interested to see the rest of the trilogy play out.

[D.T. Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to DNF this one. It just wasn't engaging for me personally. I felt like the pacing was too slow, and since everything was in first person, even with the POV delineations, it was difficult for me to keep track of whose POV I was supposed to be in. Grammar and writing style are technically fine. This one just didn't click for me.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cracker of a start for the Shadow’s Creed Saga. It is a lengthy tome, with lots of background information building up the characters. A mix of the warrior code of Bushido and ninjas with the level of morals and ethics instilled in that code. A true Shadow follows the Shadow’s Creed and involves a lengthy period of training. Just wanting to be one or being a great warrior does not mean you will become one. The Shadows follow the lead of their Phantom, their leader in the field and at home. Shadows are branded on their forearms, with a permanent, silver, intricate design.

Shadows are there to help others whenever they can and help bring resolution in any disputes, with a minimum of violence and never killing anyone unless absolutely necessary. The Shadow that we shadow in this book is called Kilo, and he is from the remote mountain village of Vaiyene. On one of his jobs with his Phantom, he comes across a group of criminals dressed in a similar manner to them and with a brand on their arms, but acting in the complete opposite manner of a true Shadow. They are False Shadows who come in and cause murder and mayhem, throughout the kingdom.

These False Shadows know how the real Shadows work and what their weaknesses are, ie in their Creed of not killing anyone. Their leader, Hitori, has come across new powers and is bending them into a use for evil. Kilo believes he will have to leave his village and try to find out more about these False Shadows, in order to defeat them and stop the destruction all around him. His two best friends are married and have two teenage children, who may want to become Shadows like their parents.

Events occur which throw the Shadows and the village of Vaiyene into the realisation that maybe they aren’t quite as prepared as they thought they were. The number of true Shadows is low in comparison to all those signing up or being pressured to become False Shadows. Each person has to find their place in the fight and what they want their future to be. Can Kilo keep to his Creed or does he have to forsake it to save his people and others?

This book makes you think of the importance of your own morals and what you have been brought up to believe in. This is not talking about religion, race or colour, but the inner person and the Bushido code. A fantastic first offering by this author and can only improve with more time. I can’t wait to see when the next book will bring. I really enjoyed the story! I received a copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[H.A. LYNN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noelle weaves an epic fantasy of engaging and relatable characters in a beautiful world of ancient magic!

Kilo lives by a strong code of ethics, and I think this is what makes him appealing. His internal struggle over what is right and wrong, and who gets to judge those who harm him and those he loves is, I think, the core of this story. Without this, I don’t think Kilo would choose the path he does. It makes the action more gripping because Kilo will not kill his enemy, even though there are moments throughout where you feel his anger building.

Shenrae is right alongside with him, though she’s struggling more to “let go” what others think of her and how she’s seen by those who, she thinks, are stronger than her. I love that these two characters–one who’s experienced and one who’s training to be a Shadow–are similarly contemplating what makes a Shadow strong. It means different things to different people, and I think the readers will relate well to both of them on their separate journeys.

I read the opening chapters of this book in its infancy as a beta reader. It has flourished since those rough drafts. This is a beautiful story! The moments of magic are gripping. I love how the Skills, the fluid magic, connects the present world with the past, revealing the history and the truth without info-dumping. The characters are still present and engaged in the action of the story, and the reader is transported there with them.

The moment the reader meets the antagonist for the first time, Hitori, is exciting! Up to this point, Noelle does a great job building the tension. I was on the edge of my seat every time one of the False Shadows were seen by Kilo or Shenrae because I kept waiting for Hitori to pop out and snatch or kill someone! I am so glad Noelle went the way she did with this climactic point, and that the reader gets a snippet of Hitori’s abilities and how the Skills work.

I can’t wait for the next story in the saga! Noelle, thank you for sharing this adventure with us. I would love to beta read for the next coming books when and if you need betas! Hit me up.

I highly recommend this book.

[Jacob Rundle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of the eBook in exchange for an honest and true review. There are a good number of battle scenes. The characters are interesting. There were a few times when my attention wavered, so I had to reread those paragraphs. Maybe I'll reread this book when the second book comes out.
I would give this novel a 4.5/5.0.

[Caylynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.9/5 stars

I don't know if I was unknowingly half asleep while reading this or what, but I honestly didn't retain much while reading this book. I think my lack of interest in this novel stems from the fact that I've been on an Asian culture/mythology inspired binge the last few months, and- compared to this novel- a majority of those other books were absolutely spectacular and blew my mind away.

While the pretense of this story sounded intriguing during my read through of the back cover, the book fell short of my expectations in a way that wasn't entirely unsurprising. The characters were all pretty similar and one dimensional, the plot was severely lacking and the same damn thing was dragged on for all 400 some odd pages, the narration was so monotonous I grew bored within the first 9 chapters, the proofreading left much to be desired, and- for ONCE in my life of reading- the worldbuilding was actually too much for me this time around. Given the fact that the worldbuilding and lore consisted of the main character repeating the same Shadow Code over and OVER again, I'm not really shocked in how overwhelming it all was.

I would only recommend this to someone if they were HUGE, and I mean HUGE fans of infiltration plots, or books where a majority of the pages are taken up by a long-term training montage. Otherwise, I think I can recommend other books that are much more satisfying to read.

*I was provided a free E-ARC in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book.*

[Natasha Clark-French · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately I didn't connect with this book. I'm disappointed about having to add it to my DNF shelf because it had many elements I love: honor-bound ninja-types, magic, deceit, loyalty and death. But the writing felt flat to me. There were some grusome moments that should've left me feeling horrified and deaths that should've left me feeling sorrowful but I didn't feel anything at all except tired and ready for bed. Initially I thought that maybe I really was just tired but after making 5 attempts to read it and only getting 30% through I tried started a new book and have had no trouble with sleepiness, actually making it almost all the way through the book with only 3 reading sessions. There was actually one day where the thought of sitting down to read this book was so unappealing that I actually choose to use my free time to steam clean one of my carpets! At that point I promised myself that I would try to get through a little bit more before bed and if I still felt the same way I would give up on it....as you can tell that final attempt wasn't successful.
I truly hope there are readers out there that love this book though because it does have an incredible concept and fantastic elements. The writing just didn't speak to me though.

*I volunteered to read and honestly review a free Kindle copy of this book*

[M.H. Elrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow's Hand draws you in, piece by piece until you're turning the pages anxiously trying to finish. The book is mostly action, but there is a heart to the story, which reveals itself eventually. I liked how the Shadows had a creed that was like a Knightly code. It made the story more believable and the actions of the characters more understandable. I definitely grew to like Kilo and Shenrae a lot and enjoyed the first-person point-of-view of the story. The main element of fantasy in this story is the magic which is used to amplify someone's natural abilities. I didn't really like how the training for magic was explained (it was too eastern mythology for me), but I did think the magic itself was pretty cool. I also didn't like how an assisted suicide happened at the beginning. Other than those two minor complaints, I really enjoyed this book. It was so interesting and I really felt there was still so much to be revealed (Like why is Hitori so mad at the Shadows? What is she after?). So it made me really look forward to the next book.

[LooseBoots · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant first novel . Quite a few typos but other than that very good story .Interesting concept with the ancients religion / magic being rediscovered with the hope of saving the people that are being attacked by an unknown enemy. Great fantasy and adventure all rolled into one .

[Megan Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I received my copy of Shadow’s Hand curtesy of the author, all thoughts and opinions are my own. **

** Light Spoilers Ahead**

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Before beginning the review of the inside of the book I would like to talk about the outside. Although this typically isn’t brought up in reviews I have to say that the quality of this book is on par and above even some big name publishers, the artwork and quality of the pages and covers is amazing. Nichols also does her own cover art which is a unique style as well as artfully done and well represents the story inside.

Shadow’s Hand is a asian inspired story with elements of fantasy as well as inspiration from samurai culture. After receiving Staff of Justice and reading it I was very excited to continue following Kilo’s story as a shadow. In Shadow’s Hand we see Kilo take on greater responsibilities for his village as well as coming face to face with the difficulties of being a new leader. The story also switches between Kilo and Shenrae’s (a younger female character) perspectives which provides us with a look into how a seasoned warrior would handle situations as well as how a unsure and untested young woman takes on new challenges. Shenrae is a great representation of the struggles that can be faced after losing those close to you and how hard you must fight to not let your grief consume you.

In Shadow’s Hand, Kilo discovers a secret faction of “false shadows” who are trying to portray themselves as Shadows in order to ruin the reputation of the true Shadows. They commit unspeakable crimes and are careless with the lives of others. Throughout the story, Kilo comes upon these acts of violence and tries to right the wrongs of the impersonators. When he finally does find the “false shadows” he stands by his creed and does no harm but tries to understand the reasoning of their actions.

Kilo is a very strong MC with drive, compassion, and respect for the world around him. His ability to come face to face with a would be enemy and offer them the metaphorical (but most likely the literal too) “shirt off his back” instead of trying to instigate a fight shows just what kind of person he is. It’s something you rarely see if most stories and it makes him a stand out character from similar Asian inspired stories. Nichols writes a fascinating story with Shadow’s creed and I truly believe this will be one of my favorite series I’ve ever read. I was throughly impressed with the first installment of the Shadow’s Creed Saga and look forward to following Kilo’s journey in Phantom’s Lament.

[Shaina Krevat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow’s Hand creates a very compelling world where a fantasy equivalent of ninjas called Shadows protect the land. The main character is Kilo, an experienced Shadow who is learning that his black and white views of the world may not be accurate. The supporting cast includes his younger sister Finae, who is wonderful and probably my favorite character, and another point of view (POV) character, Shenrae, who is just beginning to learn the Shadow’s teachings.

The greatest strengths of this novel are the world and the antagonist's scheme, both of which are slowly revealed to the reader. While in the beginning I was frustrated with not understanding the machinations of the villain in this narrative, by the end, I’m quite excited for the next book in the Shadow’s Creed Saga to see what happens next!

As another commenter mentioned, this book’s pacing starts off a bit wonky. The novel is broken into five parts - each part trades off the POV character and the fifth part is more of an epilogue. The first part and third parts are both Kilo’s POV and feel as if they could each be a full novel in their own right. Things happen quite quickly in the first part, so much so that, as a reader, I almost felt out of breath. The rest of the novel calms down, and I do believe it is worth the journey.

One of my favorite parts of the novel were the variety of characters we, the reader, get to encounter. From a town’s protector on the side of ‘good’ with gray morality to a deliveryman who aides our heroes, none of the characters are forgettable. Additionally, Nichols has a gift when it comes to writing her character’s emotions. The first time we meet Finae, we’re seeing her through her brother Kilo’s POV, and I could almost feel his love and protectiveness of her. When Kilo encounters an injured friend of his, my own breath caught in my throat, and Kilo’s concern was palpable. It’s excellent writing.

Overall, if you want a new world to dive into with characters you’ll want to follow, Shadow’s Hand is for you.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow’s Hand was a book that had me intrigued from the very beginning. Throughout the story, that same word kept coming back to me: intrigued. I was consistently wondering what was going to happen next, what this little tidbit or that little piece of information could mean down the line and the author never disappointed. Even the smallest things meant something later in the story and that’s what kept me engaged until the very end.

If you’re looking for action right off the bat, this story starts with plenty of it. While there are a few slower moments early on, don’t give up because your patience will pay off. Just when you think the story has slowed down, something happens that hooks you right back in.

This author weaves a beautiful world that feels so real and has filled it with characters that are so well-written they don’t feel fictional. The main character, Kilo, faces so many challenges that you wonder how he maintains his conviction in the creed he was raised with. It makes you consider whether you would be able to hold to your values in such trying times. He shows such love for his people, his family (both blood relatives and found family), and his world that it almost makes your heart hurt.

I also enjoyed being able to see the story from multiple viewpoints because we would miss so much of the story if it were only told from Kilo’s view. The author does a really great job weaving together two sides of the tale in a way that doesn’t detract from the overall story. While there are moments where the timeline becomes a little fuzzy between the two points of view, you get back on track pretty quickly.

Shadow’s Hand takes you on a journey of self-discovery, magic, and learning to trust those around you. It has you rooting for the “good guys” from the very beginning, but also forces you to question what makes a person a villain and whether that past should prevent you from trusting them. The last chapter will have you reaching for book two immediately.

[Hayley Rader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger Warnings: Scenes of violence and death, grief, moral dilemma

Shadow’s Hand by Noelle Nichols is a beautifully crafted, immersive story that stands out for its rich world‑building and deeply human characters. From the very beginning, Nichols draws you into a world that feels fully realized, textured, atmospheric, and grounded in cultural accuracy that adds authenticity without ever overwhelming the narrative. Every village, tradition, and moment of honor feels intentional and true to the world she’s created.

The characters are where this book truly shines. Nichols has a remarkable ability to write people who feel layered, flawed, and emotionally resonant. Their motivations are clear, their relationships meaningful, and their personal journeys compelling. You don’t just follow them; you feel alongside them.

While the story is strong, there were moments where the writing felt a bit repetitive. Certain phrases and structures appeared often enough to be noticeable, but not enough to detract from the depth of the story or the vividness of the world and characters Nichols brought to life. The heart of the narrative remains powerful and engaging.

The cultural elements woven throughout the book are handled with care and respect, giving the story a sense of authenticity that enriches every scene. Nichols clearly put in the work to make this world feel lived‑in and meaningful.

Overall, Shadow’s Hand is a compelling, character‑driven adventure with a world that feels both expansive and intimate. The world and its characters echo in your thoughts long after you close the book. A strong and memorable 4 out of 5 stars.

#bookloungereviewteam

[Dymon Knapps · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this book and if you love anime series such as Naruto, Attack On Titans, and Demon Slayer I think you would love this series. If I could compare Kilo's personality/values he reminds me a lot of Naruto Uzumaki for his determination and Tanjiro(Demon Slayer) because of his empathy for others even enemies. The first few chapters definitely gave me Attack on Titan Vibes.
This book totally took me by surprise. The outright betrayal, unexpected deaths, and senseless attacks on innocent people took me by surprise. There's a building of worlds, focus on culture and the discovery of forgotten ancient magic that made the book a page-turner. Watching Kilo and Shenrae grow while learning to find themselves was exciting. Kilo goes above and beyond the creed even giving up his title as a phantom to pursue the False Shadows and stop them from tarnishing the Shadow’s Reputation.
Finae is gracious but fierce she takes after Kilo's resilience and ability to adapt to any situation. I can't wait to see what path she chooses to take to grow her skills. Shenrae’s skills have grown quickly and following in her parent's footsteps to become a shadow. I didn't expect her to become a warrior but she's quickly become one of my favorite characters. This book is full of Adventure, staying true to one’s beliefs and learning about yourself. . In the next book, I hope we will get a reunion between Kilo, Finae, Shenrae, and Syrane. I'd love to see Kilo help train them to become shadows.

[Kayla B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was beautifully written especially if you enjoy the Asian culture. The story is a dual POV following Kilo and Shenrae.

Kilo, a shadow has trained and taken a creed to serve and protect others until he is no longer able to. He has never questioned the creed or his morals until a new enemy arrives disguising themselves as shadow's called the false shadows. They have been positioning food in towns, burning down houses, and killing innocent people. It has caused villages and people to be afraid of the shadows and fear when they come near. Upon seeing these false shadows in person, Kilo has made it his mission to learn everything he can about them so he can stop the leader, Hitori. In doing so, he decided to go against orders and is told to leave his town and never come back. So he did. He gained a comrade along the way who is teaching him the ways of the false shadows and how to help take down the leader.

Shenrae, is a shadow in training. After losing both parents during an attack from the false shadows she decides she wants to train to become one. After beginning training she quickly learns that she may or may not be cut out to be a warrior but she will not give up. After training for a while, she is suddenly sent out of the village to train under General Mirai, with no reason as to why. She learns that not only does she need to become a better warrior, she also needs to open her eyes and allow her heart to grow as well.

There was so much world building and descriptions you really felt like you were right there in the world with them. After leaving off on a cliffhanger, I can't wait to now go read the next book to find out how Kilo and Shenrae will come together to help defeat the false shadows.

[Brandon Reviews Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review
Noelle Nichols
Shadow’s Hand: A Japanese-Inspired Epic Fantasy (The Shadow’s Creed Saga Book 1)

Rating: 3 Stars

Shadow’s Hand offers a creative fantasy world with a compelling premise and an intriguing magic system. It’s clear that Noelle Nichols invested significant time and care into building both the setting and its characters—each page reflects her dedication to the craft.

The story follows Kilo, a Shadow committed to The Shadow’s Creed, who serves his organization by protecting local villages. When he uncovers evidence that one of the organization’s leaders, the Phantom, has been collaborating with a group known as the False Shadows, Kilo is drawn into a dangerous journey that forces him to question his beliefs and loyalties.

The novel delivers plenty of action, drama, and darker moments that will resonate with readers who enjoy morally complex fantasy. However, certain elements kept me from fully connecting with the story. The multiple first-person POVs were a personal challenge, often pulling me out of the narrative. Additionally, some character development felt more plot-driven than organic, as though actions and dialogue were shaped to fit the story’s needs rather than the characters’ natural progression.

Overall, Shadow’s Hand is an engaging start to a series with an original concept. While it didn’t completely win me over, it left me curious to see where the story goes next.

[Tofu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The pacing of the book was rather slow at the beginning, which deterred me from picking it up to continue from time to time. However, it began to be very engaging with explosive combat scenes and how the plot slowly unfolds, which then captured my attention to read the book to the very end.

There were some awkward transitions from in between dialogues and scenes which made them seem disjointed; however, it wasn't that bothersome but the writing style could use some improvements. The interaction between characters and how their relationships progresses, as well as, their personal growth and history and lore of the region were great additions to the story, which got me immersed in the world of Kiriku. Would not re-read it, but looking forward to the second installment of the series.

[Cosette · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was my first (as far as I can remember) fantasy book with a Japanese-inspired world and I can honestly say I love this sub-genre (so far). The Japanese-inspired world integrated with epic fantasy is perfect. It will appeal to epic fantasy lovers and to people who want a change from the common European medieval inspired worlds in fantasy.

I liked the alternation between fast-paced action and moments of pause. This made sure that throughout the whole story I knew what was happening, but I also didn’t get bored with the story. The main characters Kilo and Shenrae are likeable and easy to bond with. I was rooting for Shenrae to have more self-confidence, and to find her own path in life. And for Kilo to find the truth and justice in a way that gives him peace of mind. You read the book through two pov’s Kilo and Shenrae, they mostly alternate between chapters and certainly the later chapters end with cliffhangers each time, which I enjoyed very much. It made me want to continue reading.

The world building is spot on and I could picture Kiriku and the story in my mind. The secondary characters are well liked, at least a couple of them. For example Finae and Rin. All in all I’m curious to read part 2 of the Shadow’s Creed Saga.

[Legacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently enjoyed reading "Shadow’s Hand" by Noel Nichols, awarding it four stars. Set in an Asian-inspired historical context, the story revolves around the Shadows, a group dedicated to aiding others without resorting to violence. The narrative introduces a conflict where a group masquerades as the Shadows, causing confusion. The protagonist, Kilo, embarks on a quest to unravel the mystery and the impostors.

Despite a few grammatical errors, the well-written plot captivated me, with immersive world-building reminiscent of feudal Japan. The absence of modern weapons added to the authenticity, featuring katanas and staffs. The characters, especially Kilo and his sister, were compelling. The use of multiple perspectives, including Kilo and his friend's daughter in training, added depth. As I anticipate the interweaving of these perspectives in future installments, I look forward to continuing the series alongside my upcoming reads.

[MGB · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should have read this book before “Phantom’s Lament”. It does a good job setting up the subsequent story.

It was a well written book. The story contained a lot of introspection as the characters reflected on who they were and why they followed their course of action. That was both a strong point and a weak point. Strong because it brought out so much of the characters. Weak because it was often repetitious causing the story to drag at times.

Clearly the opener to a series as many questions raised in the story are left unanswered.