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Bewilderness #2
Shadowsphere
A mission no one has ever returned from.
A young man who’ll stop at nothing to survive.
And an unknown world that’ll swallow him whole.
Tavarian, a resident of Rethia on the planet Isodonia, knows all about the yearly group of students sent to the toxic planet surface in search of lightning-filled stones. The stones power everything, so the lucky few who are immune to the suffocating clouds must harvest them and bring them home.
But it’s a mission no one ever returns from.
Tavarian is about to find out why no one ever comes home when he’s one of the group sent to search for stones. Nothing will ever be the same once the young man faces strange whispering shadows; not even Tavarian. Will he be the first to make it home? Or is he doomed to follow in the footsteps of those lost before him?
A young man who’ll stop at nothing to survive.
And an unknown world that’ll swallow him whole.
Tavarian, a resident of Rethia on the planet Isodonia, knows all about the yearly group of students sent to the toxic planet surface in search of lightning-filled stones. The stones power everything, so the lucky few who are immune to the suffocating clouds must harvest them and bring them home.
But it’s a mission no one ever returns from.
Tavarian is about to find out why no one ever comes home when he’s one of the group sent to search for stones. Nothing will ever be the same once the young man faces strange whispering shadows; not even Tavarian. Will he be the first to make it home? Or is he doomed to follow in the footsteps of those lost before him?
- GenresYoung Adult Fantasy
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2022
4 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 12, 2022
I loved this book, and how it's a fantastic new, separate entry into the multiverse Kevin has created, with only the prologue and epilogue connected to the first book. You could absolutely start here, then catch up with Bewilderness, which is a unique feature of this fantasy series. Which brings to question - which character will we meet up with next? I'm excited to find out once the series continues.
September 13, 2022
This was so very cool. Another glimpse into a world touched by the Hollows. I greatly enjoyed the story of how Gavian came to meet Ambrielle. I am looking forward to reading the next adventure! I loved reading this!
September 8, 2022
I loved going on this fantasy/sci-fi adventure. I loved book one, but book two blew me away. As of the beginning, I felt a connection with the main character, which allowed me to be pulled into the adventure right away. I really appreciated the author's writing style. The story is plot and dialogue driven, while at the same time, the rich world we got to know in book one keeps being expanded. This book reads like a movie or an immersive video game, it's all so vivid. And the plot twists :o I cannot recommend this series highly enough! And, once again, isn't the cover just perfect?
August 30, 2022
Fantastic second book. Love the characters that take you on the journey Danger, action that will keep you intrigued. Don’t miss out once it’s released.
April 2, 2023
Shadowsphere is the 2nd book in the Bewilderness series!
I was so surprised to find out a new world in this book but pleasently surprised. The writing is much better than in the first book where it was sometimes a bit clumsy. You can see a big difference in this one. Tbh i dont know why but I have a fixation of the style of writing in general. If I can’t really connect with the style of writing, I can’t 100% like the book, but I’m happy how this one turned out, conpared to the first book.
In this one, I could really connect with Tavarian and understood better the point of view of some of the others characters. We also had more details on how they are and what they thought. It’s also nice to find characters you can relate to.
🌠 Every year, a few are selected based on their skills to go on a quest to find special stones that would power the village Tavarian lives in. So far nobody has returned. It’s very #yafantasy but especially the first part of the book had some mystery in it until you know what’s really about. I enjoyed it was more YA fantasy than sci-fi.
🌠 Be ready to be blown away with an even better multiverse.
🌠 Also the ending what!! 🤩🤩🤩
I was so surprised to find out a new world in this book but pleasently surprised. The writing is much better than in the first book where it was sometimes a bit clumsy. You can see a big difference in this one. Tbh i dont know why but I have a fixation of the style of writing in general. If I can’t really connect with the style of writing, I can’t 100% like the book, but I’m happy how this one turned out, conpared to the first book.
In this one, I could really connect with Tavarian and understood better the point of view of some of the others characters. We also had more details on how they are and what they thought. It’s also nice to find characters you can relate to.
🌠 Every year, a few are selected based on their skills to go on a quest to find special stones that would power the village Tavarian lives in. So far nobody has returned. It’s very #yafantasy but especially the first part of the book had some mystery in it until you know what’s really about. I enjoyed it was more YA fantasy than sci-fi.
🌠 Be ready to be blown away with an even better multiverse.
🌠 Also the ending what!! 🤩🤩🤩
January 27, 2023
Shadowsphere is my second book by this author and I think I enjoyed it even more then the first! This book is the second book in the bewilderness series, though it doesn’t initially read like it.
Everything seems to fit back together in the epilogue of the story. Here, we get a story full of quests, cult-like behavior, heroism, and a found family that I just loved.
I really enjoyed the entirety of this story, from the quirkiness and dystopian-esque feel of those who resided in Tavarian’s home to the stubbornness he showed throughout the story and his determination to help his people.
This story has bits of heartbreak mixed in that I think truly make the story so much more compelling. I am quite curious where Cox is going to take the series and am looking forward to reading more.
Remember, beware the hollow. 😁
Everything seems to fit back together in the epilogue of the story. Here, we get a story full of quests, cult-like behavior, heroism, and a found family that I just loved.
I really enjoyed the entirety of this story, from the quirkiness and dystopian-esque feel of those who resided in Tavarian’s home to the stubbornness he showed throughout the story and his determination to help his people.
This story has bits of heartbreak mixed in that I think truly make the story so much more compelling. I am quite curious where Cox is going to take the series and am looking forward to reading more.
Remember, beware the hollow. 😁
October 5, 2022
I was recently given a copy of Shadowsphere by Kevin Cox thanks to the generosity of the author, & it has been a magnificent return to the Bewilderness series! This lovely YA fantasy is full of darkness, found family & an epic quest. I actually love it even more than the first story...
In this second instalment of the series, we meet a young man named Tavarian. He has never fit in, so when he’s chosen to descend into the mist & retrieve lightning-filled stones, it seems like a wish come true. Tavarian plans on being the first to collect these magical stones which can revive his community, getting a hero’s welcome upon his return. But at the bottom of the mountain, Tavarian learns not all is as it seems… Will he ever find these stones? Can he survive in a place from which no one has ever returned? And what is this creeping darkness, swallowing the towns in its wake?
Kevin just makes the story so enthralling, I was racing through the pages to see if Tavarian’s intelligence could save him. It’s nice to be shown that you don’t have to have massive physical strength to overcome obstacles. Sometimes, mental strength is actually your saviour.
Throw in some heartbreak, goodbyes & a tonne of action… I’ve definitely found a new favourite read with this incredible sequel to Bewilderness!
You can read my full review on my blog via this link here: https://www.immersedinbooks.com/shado...
In this second instalment of the series, we meet a young man named Tavarian. He has never fit in, so when he’s chosen to descend into the mist & retrieve lightning-filled stones, it seems like a wish come true. Tavarian plans on being the first to collect these magical stones which can revive his community, getting a hero’s welcome upon his return. But at the bottom of the mountain, Tavarian learns not all is as it seems… Will he ever find these stones? Can he survive in a place from which no one has ever returned? And what is this creeping darkness, swallowing the towns in its wake?
Kevin just makes the story so enthralling, I was racing through the pages to see if Tavarian’s intelligence could save him. It’s nice to be shown that you don’t have to have massive physical strength to overcome obstacles. Sometimes, mental strength is actually your saviour.
Throw in some heartbreak, goodbyes & a tonne of action… I’ve definitely found a new favourite read with this incredible sequel to Bewilderness!
You can read my full review on my blog via this link here: https://www.immersedinbooks.com/shado...
September 9, 2022
This story is fantastic! It offers tension, a great plot, a few twists and characters who have strong values as well as their own fears. The story starts in a country at the top of a mountain and seven people are chosen to leave the mountain and find a special rock. Then, they have to bring it back. The trouble is none of the past Descendants have ever returned. But Tavarian decides to be the one to come back.
Naturally, things aren't quite that simple. In his mission, he encounters giants, people from other countries and one great ball of danger. Each new situation has him re-affirming his believes and wondering if he is doing the right thing. Each situation has him learning something new about himself and the world he has entered.
This story reminds me of a mix of The Hunger Games, the Tunnels series and The Crave series. I say this because Shadowsphere offers adventure and possibility. Anything can happen in this story, and wonderfully, it does.
Naturally, things aren't quite that simple. In his mission, he encounters giants, people from other countries and one great ball of danger. Each new situation has him re-affirming his believes and wondering if he is doing the right thing. Each situation has him learning something new about himself and the world he has entered.
This story reminds me of a mix of The Hunger Games, the Tunnels series and The Crave series. I say this because Shadowsphere offers adventure and possibility. Anything can happen in this story, and wonderfully, it does.
July 24, 2022
This is the second book in the Bewilderness series and though you might not think the story is linked to the first one, keep on reading...
I've found book 2 to be really engaging! I read the first half in one seating!! I found that things slowed down a little after that before they picked back up again. Kevin Cox is incredible at descriptive writing. The story happens in a totally different world with strange creatures and I could picture all of it. I really enjoyed how fast paced the story was, the action, the characters and most of all, the adventures!!!
I gave book 1 a 3 star, this one totally deserves 4! Bring on book 3, because in true Kevin Cox style, the ending always keeps you wanting more.
I've found book 2 to be really engaging! I read the first half in one seating!! I found that things slowed down a little after that before they picked back up again. Kevin Cox is incredible at descriptive writing. The story happens in a totally different world with strange creatures and I could picture all of it. I really enjoyed how fast paced the story was, the action, the characters and most of all, the adventures!!!
I gave book 1 a 3 star, this one totally deserves 4! Bring on book 3, because in true Kevin Cox style, the ending always keeps you wanting more.
August 4, 2022
Even though this is connected to the first book "Bewilderness" I do feel that a new reader to this author could start with this one and still enjoy it.
I really like the way Kevin Cox writes. The writing is very descriptive and I find it easy to read, and can enjoy where the story takes me.
I think if you enjoy YA fiction and fantasy this could definitely be your thing, so be sure to look out for this one when it's released.
The release date for this is September 14th, but book 1 is available now if you're interested.
Thank you to the author for letting me be an ARC reader and for the copy of this story.
I really like the way Kevin Cox writes. The writing is very descriptive and I find it easy to read, and can enjoy where the story takes me.
I think if you enjoy YA fiction and fantasy this could definitely be your thing, so be sure to look out for this one when it's released.
The release date for this is September 14th, but book 1 is available now if you're interested.
Thank you to the author for letting me be an ARC reader and for the copy of this story.
November 1, 2022
This one I found to be a bit slower than the first, but the character development was much better.
SPOILERS
I liked how it came full circle, connecting the first and second book at the very end. The Nulthereals have been shown to have a vulnerability, and I’d like to see how Darby and Dexius are faring. I’m still curious as to why Darby wouldn’t speak until the end.
SPOILERS
I liked how it came full circle, connecting the first and second book at the very end. The Nulthereals have been shown to have a vulnerability, and I’d like to see how Darby and Dexius are faring. I’m still curious as to why Darby wouldn’t speak until the end.
May 27, 2023
This sequel to Bewilderness is more like another prequel to the series, if that makes sense. You’ll have to read it to understand. I do kind of wish I understood from the beginning what I was getting into, but it made sense as I read it and realized what was going on and the epilogue confirmed it for me.
This follows Tavarian who is selected along with others his age to venture down to Rootcore to find rokenstones to help their village thrive. However, these stones have never been found, or no one has ever returned. Thus, Tavarian ventures off not knowing the dangers and secrets he will have to face.
Some things I really liked are that the detail in this book, like the first one, is very good. I’m impressed with the uniqueness of the world, the names, the different creatures or beings that are in these alien like worlds. A lot of thought was put into it, which I really appreciate. The found family in here is unique and I don’t think really becomes a true found family until the end, but of course, who doesn’t love a found family!? The meaning behind what’s going on in this story is also saddening. What Tavarian finds out about his home is heartbreaking to say the least and he handles it rather well.
Similar to the first book, the pacing and I think word style in these books I just can’t get into very well. I don’t mind adventure but when it causes me to forget the main reason for the story or why the character has gone off in search of something, that causes me to lose interest because I don’t know what’s going on anymore. The ending ties it together, but I still got lost along the way. I also did not really connect with any of the characters. I don’t really know what either of them looked like, and the boys acted very immature for the entirety of the book until quite literally the end.
Overall, it’s a unique story and world. I think many would enjoys these books and so I would definitely recommend them! I received a free digital copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This follows Tavarian who is selected along with others his age to venture down to Rootcore to find rokenstones to help their village thrive. However, these stones have never been found, or no one has ever returned. Thus, Tavarian ventures off not knowing the dangers and secrets he will have to face.
Some things I really liked are that the detail in this book, like the first one, is very good. I’m impressed with the uniqueness of the world, the names, the different creatures or beings that are in these alien like worlds. A lot of thought was put into it, which I really appreciate. The found family in here is unique and I don’t think really becomes a true found family until the end, but of course, who doesn’t love a found family!? The meaning behind what’s going on in this story is also saddening. What Tavarian finds out about his home is heartbreaking to say the least and he handles it rather well.
Similar to the first book, the pacing and I think word style in these books I just can’t get into very well. I don’t mind adventure but when it causes me to forget the main reason for the story or why the character has gone off in search of something, that causes me to lose interest because I don’t know what’s going on anymore. The ending ties it together, but I still got lost along the way. I also did not really connect with any of the characters. I don’t really know what either of them looked like, and the boys acted very immature for the entirety of the book until quite literally the end.
Overall, it’s a unique story and world. I think many would enjoys these books and so I would definitely recommend them! I received a free digital copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 10, 2022
Shadowsphere takes place after Bewilderness, but the contents consist of a character telling a story that takes place before the events of Bewilderness. In the novel Tavarian and Dexius are enemies from the same mountain village called Rethia. The Council that governs Rethia needs rokenstones to help improve the productivity of the town, but only a few citizens can breath the air of Rootcore, the unknown land below the mountain where the rokenstones are. When both Tavarian and Dexius are chosen to descend the mountain they are excited to become the hero of their town, but also not looking forward to spending time together.
While I absolutely loved Bewilderness, Shadowsphere was good, but not necessarily great. I think the main thing that bothered me was that it tells the backstory of a character from Bewilderness, but that was not apparent at first. I would have preferred to know this ahead of time, as I would have immediately felt more invested in the story.
The story was interesting, and once the characters started their adventure, I felt more immersed in the novel. It was a little slow starting off, and a few of the action scenes were a little confusing.
That being said, I really liked the characters, and the growth of the MC throughout the book was phenomenal. The characters relationships with one another were complex and tumultuous, and the found family trope was perfection!
Furthermore, I enjoyed the greater themes of corruption and the questions of morality that arose throughout the book. Although the plot was a little predictable, I thought it was interesting to feel like I knew more as a reader than the MC did.
Overall, I was expecting Shadowsphere to be a continuation of Bewilderness, so I was a bit surprised, but there were many compelling aspects to the story!
While I absolutely loved Bewilderness, Shadowsphere was good, but not necessarily great. I think the main thing that bothered me was that it tells the backstory of a character from Bewilderness, but that was not apparent at first. I would have preferred to know this ahead of time, as I would have immediately felt more invested in the story.
The story was interesting, and once the characters started their adventure, I felt more immersed in the novel. It was a little slow starting off, and a few of the action scenes were a little confusing.
That being said, I really liked the characters, and the growth of the MC throughout the book was phenomenal. The characters relationships with one another were complex and tumultuous, and the found family trope was perfection!
Furthermore, I enjoyed the greater themes of corruption and the questions of morality that arose throughout the book. Although the plot was a little predictable, I thought it was interesting to feel like I knew more as a reader than the MC did.
Overall, I was expecting Shadowsphere to be a continuation of Bewilderness, so I was a bit surprised, but there were many compelling aspects to the story!
December 3, 2022
In this second book of the Bewilderness series, we follow Tavarian who must travel down the mountain of his community and get lightning-filled stones to save his home. Every year they send people on this mission but no one has ever returned. As Tavarian figures out why no one returns he must navigate dangers in this new place filled with whispering shadows and get back home.
This was a great sequel to the first book. I loved following along with Tavarian’s story and seeing how he fit in with the first book as this story progressed. I enjoyed following along to a new story but still having elements from the first book incorporated at the beginning and end of this book.
I loved all these new characters we meet in this book and how well they fit the plot and how they help develop the story. It was fun following Gavin’s story and how he ended up in the same world as Ambrielle without his memories. You really see him grow into the character that we met in the first book as we see him face all these challenges in this book.
This was a great read! Loved this world and character and would definitely recommend checking this series out if you are looking for a new fantasy read with great world-building, amazing characters, and a captivating plot line! Can't wait to see what comes next!
This was a great sequel to the first book. I loved following along with Tavarian’s story and seeing how he fit in with the first book as this story progressed. I enjoyed following along to a new story but still having elements from the first book incorporated at the beginning and end of this book.
I loved all these new characters we meet in this book and how well they fit the plot and how they help develop the story. It was fun following Gavin’s story and how he ended up in the same world as Ambrielle without his memories. You really see him grow into the character that we met in the first book as we see him face all these challenges in this book.
This was a great read! Loved this world and character and would definitely recommend checking this series out if you are looking for a new fantasy read with great world-building, amazing characters, and a captivating plot line! Can't wait to see what comes next!
August 1, 2023
Plot: 4.5
Engagement: 4.5
Characters: 4.75
Style: 4.25
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Review: The second book in the Bewilderness series and this one ramped it up even further than the first!
I love the depth of the characters that this author crafts and the continued intricate world building. I found this one easier to read than the first, possibly because we're already acquainted with the general overview and the writing style. Again, the various characters take center stage and you really get invested in what's going to happen with them. The supporting characters (Darby being my fave) are great!
We start to see some connections as they also deal with the Nulthereals in this story. These creatures?/beings?/demons? are frankly terrifying and a great "bad guy". I enjoyed the fighting back against the Nulthereals more directly in this version, both physically and mentally. We get to learn a little more about them as well as the Blight Whidge.
I did piece together a couple of things, but I won't give spoilers. Excited for book 3!!
Engagement: 4.5
Characters: 4.75
Style: 4.25
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Review: The second book in the Bewilderness series and this one ramped it up even further than the first!
I love the depth of the characters that this author crafts and the continued intricate world building. I found this one easier to read than the first, possibly because we're already acquainted with the general overview and the writing style. Again, the various characters take center stage and you really get invested in what's going to happen with them. The supporting characters (Darby being my fave) are great!
We start to see some connections as they also deal with the Nulthereals in this story. These creatures?/beings?/demons? are frankly terrifying and a great "bad guy". I enjoyed the fighting back against the Nulthereals more directly in this version, both physically and mentally. We get to learn a little more about them as well as the Blight Whidge.
I did piece together a couple of things, but I won't give spoilers. Excited for book 3!!
June 28, 2023
Tavarian, a resident of Rethia on the planet Isodonia, knows all about the yearly group of students sent to the toxic planet surface in search of lightning-filled stones. The stones power everything, so the lucky few who are immune to the suffocating clouds must harvest them and bring them home. But it’s a mission no one ever returns from.
I loved this book just as much as I loved book one. This may be book two, but you could read this one without having to read book one. I enjoy how the books seem to have darker and darker covers as this series continues. This young adult fantasy has great characters and plot. It was easy to connect to the characters, especially the main character. This was a book I could not put down and I can’t wait for the next one.
I loved this book just as much as I loved book one. This may be book two, but you could read this one without having to read book one. I enjoy how the books seem to have darker and darker covers as this series continues. This young adult fantasy has great characters and plot. It was easy to connect to the characters, especially the main character. This was a book I could not put down and I can’t wait for the next one.
May 14, 2024
This series really is exceptional!
The socially awkward social outcast Tavarian has been selected as a descender. An honour given to a select few each year, tasked with going to the lands below the clouds to search for lightning stones, needed desperately by his city for a better life for all. As of yet, the descenders have never returned, something Tavarian is determined to put right. He will come back with these stones and he will give those he loves a better future.
Fast paced, action packed and a motley crew on the same mission but all for different ends. This is one of those books you just get caught up in and swept along on the journey with them. This is a really fascinating series, I've been hooked since the beginning, and I'm so excited for the next 2 books.
The socially awkward social outcast Tavarian has been selected as a descender. An honour given to a select few each year, tasked with going to the lands below the clouds to search for lightning stones, needed desperately by his city for a better life for all. As of yet, the descenders have never returned, something Tavarian is determined to put right. He will come back with these stones and he will give those he loves a better future.
Fast paced, action packed and a motley crew on the same mission but all for different ends. This is one of those books you just get caught up in and swept along on the journey with them. This is a really fascinating series, I've been hooked since the beginning, and I'm so excited for the next 2 books.
December 5, 2023
I have to say I enjoyed book two as much as book one. The interaction between the characters was fun. I love all the main characters. The adventure Tav and Dexius embark on for their community was a wild ride. The ending was a surprise in an unexpected and good way. I can’t wait to read the next book! I definitely recommend this series.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews