Out of Shadow: An Epic YA Fantasy Adventure

Roots of Creation #1

by Jason Hamilton

In a world bursting with magic, Jak’s ill-chosen powers seem worthless. When she needed them most, her enchantments were nothing compared to the horde of demons that raided her village and murdered her father. Determined to fulfill his dying wish and prove her worth, she sets off on a desperate quest to find her long-lost mother.

Knowing she wouldn’t last a day alone in the dangerous wilds, she joins a roving band of warriors and throws her full weight into training. But after a tragic encounter ties her fate with the mysterious Shadow Fae, she discovers her greatest source of power doesn’t lie in the strength of her sword arm… but in the giving nature of her true magic.

With dark forces gathering, can Jak unlock the secrets of her enchanted destiny to save her mother and the kingdom from the clutches of evil?

Out of Shadow is a captivating YA epic fantasy novel. If you like imaginative realms, magical showdowns, and heartfelt coming-of-age stories, then you’ll love Jason Hamilton’s enchanting tale.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Magic, Paranormal

213 pages, Hardcover

First published July 30, 2018

Reviews

[#1 wei wuxian respecter · Rating 3 out of 5]

the girlie seems a bit less smart than i've been informed and appears to have convenient plot armor. the story wasn't bad though, the setting seems kind of generic to me, but a few concepts were intriguing. overall, it kept my attention just enough to finish and i might decide to continue the series later, we'll see (mood reader here)

[E Varady · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gave up in chapter 4

I am sad to say that this flopped from the start for me. The writing was stilted, sentences short but full of commas and failing to link well together. Everything felt very stuttered as a result and made Jak seem childish because the sentence structures were so simplistic. Her internal and external outbursts aided this impression. For a sixteen year old girl she acted like she was half that age. The few moments spent with side characters her age showed the same issue. Teenagers are not simple creatures; they are emotional, unpredictable, and surprisingly fierce and adult. I think these characters deserved a better portrayal.

Outside the writing, the plot was every predictable. I can get beyond this if the writing is strong enough to make it feel unpredictable. Sadly, that wasn't what happened here.

Maybe there's a strong female in this story somewhere and I should have stuck it out to find her, but given the childishness with which the character was been saddled, I think not.

[Becky]

Her name is “Jaknilteksnewodheghoma”. I can’t make this stuff up...

[Gail J · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book did not do it for me. The writing seemed immature and the characters undeveloped.

[Avid · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hesitated after reading the terrible reviews posted here but decided to give it a chance. It isn't a top of the line book, but I enjoyed my time. It was entertaining, had a good story behind it, and was fairly well put together. Even being AI narrated, it was better than most.

Recommended 👍
📚📚📚

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved it.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the characters- even the intentionally irritating and unlikeable were either interesting or reminiscent of real people I've known. I think helped me imagine the world as a real place.

The pacing of the story is great. I found myself getting lost in the story and reading more than I intended to in one sitting.

5 out of 5 because I will eventually read this again.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun!

This book has everything you'd want from an epic fantasy. Unique creatures, powerful yet chaotic magic, three dimensional characters, and excellent battles. Great fun, great read.

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it a lot. It has great, fascinating worldbuilding. The demons, fae different then one would expect which I loved.
Good pathing and smooth writing. Some twists and turns I didn't see coming.
Looking forward to dive next into the series

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jak's village was attacked and with the Watchers help some of the villagers were saved. Loved ones were lost and Jak deicides to join the Watchers and things do go as planned. Deception grows within the group, and all don't seem as it should be. She needs to find her mother and when she does it is not what she expected but she figures out more of who she really is. Lots of intense moments and will hold you attention throughout the book. Great characters and a great first book in the series.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good adventure story.
This fantasy adventure about a teenage girl is very compelling and makes you want more of Jak's very adventurous life.

[Jeffrey A. Dewey]

Interesting

Interesting read and storyline as development of new species while evil tries to hide its true face with treachery and deceit.