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Empire of Ruin #0.5
Before the Shadow
BEFORE THE SHADOW AN EMPIRE OF RUIN SHORT STORY
The unmissable prequel short-story to the epic fantasy ‘In Solitude’s Shadow’, The Magic Book Corner’s Best Book of 2021.
Disgraced and exiled, Zanna Alpenwood arrives alone at the remote citadel Solitude, ready to serve her empire until her final breath. But she soon learns violence and treachery lurk even here at the edges of the empire of Haltveldt and must decide once and for all which side she will stand on.
Meanwhile, beyond the walls of Solitude, a lone figure watches the guards high on the battlements. Things are changing for his people and Tilo finds himself tasked with a world-changing purpose, and must make a decision that will change the face of Haltveldt forever.
Separated by mountains and yet tied together by fate, Zanna and Tilo alone must face the weight of their choices against the backdrop of impending ruin. For better or worse, a shadow is falling on them all.
The unmissable prequel short-story to the epic fantasy ‘In Solitude’s Shadow’, The Magic Book Corner’s Best Book of 2021.
Disgraced and exiled, Zanna Alpenwood arrives alone at the remote citadel Solitude, ready to serve her empire until her final breath. But she soon learns violence and treachery lurk even here at the edges of the empire of Haltveldt and must decide once and for all which side she will stand on.
Meanwhile, beyond the walls of Solitude, a lone figure watches the guards high on the battlements. Things are changing for his people and Tilo finds himself tasked with a world-changing purpose, and must make a decision that will change the face of Haltveldt forever.
Separated by mountains and yet tied together by fate, Zanna and Tilo alone must face the weight of their choices against the backdrop of impending ruin. For better or worse, a shadow is falling on them all.
85 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2022
11 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
David Green
29 books288 followersDavid Green is a neurodivergent internationally best-selling writer of the epic and the urban, the fantastical and the mysterious.
With his character-driven dark fantasy series Empire Of Ruin, or urban fantasy noir Hell In Haven starring Haven's only supernatural PI Nick Holleran, David takes readers on emotional, character-driven, action-packed thrill rides that leaves a reader needing their next fix.
Hailing from the north-west of England, David now lives in County Galway on the west coast of Ireland. When not writing, David can be found wondering why he chooses to live in, and write about, places where it constantly rains.
David represented by Laura Bennett at LLA.
Newsletter, claim your free story: https://mailchi.mp/8c735bf4584e/david...
Follow me here and keep up to date:
https://linktr.ee/davidgreenwriter
With his character-driven dark fantasy series Empire Of Ruin, or urban fantasy noir Hell In Haven starring Haven's only supernatural PI Nick Holleran, David takes readers on emotional, character-driven, action-packed thrill rides that leaves a reader needing their next fix.
Hailing from the north-west of England, David now lives in County Galway on the west coast of Ireland. When not writing, David can be found wondering why he chooses to live in, and write about, places where it constantly rains.
David represented by Laura Bennett at LLA.
Newsletter, claim your free story: https://mailchi.mp/8c735bf4584e/david...
Follow me here and keep up to date:
https://linktr.ee/davidgreenwriter
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this little insight into how things got where we start with the first main book in the series!
While this can be read on its own, as a little teaser for the tone and style of the series, I definitely enjoyed it more having read it after In Solitude's Shadow. I was definitely wondering about these moments, so glimpsing into the past felt really satisfactory. I also already knew and cared for the characters, which is a great thing for novellas and short stories, as it means you need less time to establish those as well.
Some action, some solved mysteries, some more info about the main cast - what's not to enjoy!
While this can be read on its own, as a little teaser for the tone and style of the series, I definitely enjoyed it more having read it after In Solitude's Shadow. I was definitely wondering about these moments, so glimpsing into the past felt really satisfactory. I also already knew and cared for the characters, which is a great thing for novellas and short stories, as it means you need less time to establish those as well.
Some action, some solved mysteries, some more info about the main cast - what's not to enjoy!
Read
July 9, 2023A nice origins style glimpse into this epic fantasy series, with intriguing characters and worldbuilding that make you want to carry on to book one
April 17, 2023
I want more
So I stumbled across book one in the series and as I neared the end, I realized I needed more. Then I found this prequel and the second book as well. I was not disappointed by the prequel so I don't doubt the second book will give me any problems
So I stumbled across book one in the series and as I neared the end, I realized I needed more. Then I found this prequel and the second book as well. I was not disappointed by the prequel so I don't doubt the second book will give me any problems
January 15, 2023
In this series Zanna and Tilo are really up there at the top of my favorite characters and this story highlights them incredibly and heart wrenchingly.
Like this little story gutted me. How David Green packed so much heart and emotion in a short story is beyond comprehensable.
If I thought Zanna was a bad ass before this amplified her tenfold. The behind the scenes stories and depth to the Banished is wonderful to read and a lot more about the Lodestone that is fascinating.
Tilo's role really pulled at me, finding out about his family life, his unborn son and his purpose.
This is a great predecessor for the series, for both existing fans and the chance fresh eyes.
Like this little story gutted me. How David Green packed so much heart and emotion in a short story is beyond comprehensable.
If I thought Zanna was a bad ass before this amplified her tenfold. The behind the scenes stories and depth to the Banished is wonderful to read and a lot more about the Lodestone that is fascinating.
Tilo's role really pulled at me, finding out about his family life, his unborn son and his purpose.
This is a great predecessor for the series, for both existing fans and the chance fresh eyes.
April 29, 2023
I have been an absolute fan of the Empire of Ruin series since the first book, In Solitudes Shadow came out. This prequel made me squee with happiness as we get some more Zanna and Tilo. The writing holds up with the series as does the characterisation and the darkness within an epic fantasy.
A brilliant prequel that really could be read at any time. It’s a brilliant read that introduces so many important factors of this world Green cultivated into tangible existence with his words and descriptions.
A brilliant prequel that really could be read at any time. It’s a brilliant read that introduces so many important factors of this world Green cultivated into tangible existence with his words and descriptions.
June 27, 2024
Just a quick short story that introduces the world the series is set in. Good read
August 2, 2023
Series is dynamite & this short prequel enhances the tale!
February 17, 2024
A necessary read which should be read after Book 1 to grasp fully. If you liked Tilo in Book 1 like me then definitely read this as it tells the story of Tilo's past and how he ended up where he was in Book 1 and more importantly what his purpose is.
February 1, 2023
A fantastic short story and prequel to David Greens amazing Empire of Ruin series. I absolutely love David Greens writing, his prose are wonderful and deft throughout this little read, as they are with all his books released so far. You are hooked from the very first page to the very last making you wanting more. The author's character development is excellent, his worldbuilding, setting and plot offers fantasy fans something new, fresh and very interesting. In this dark gripping story Before The Shadow, it focuses on two of the main characters from the series, a trial is conducted for Zanna Alpenwood who is a sparker, a mage who can draw on the energies around her. She has been banished to Solitude, a fortress at the very edge of Haltveldt for the murder of her husband. Tilo is a banished who is the keeper of the loadstone, starts receiving messages of the returned an ancient enemy and must take on mission to protect a young sparker at all costs, if he fails, it may end in the annihilation of all who live Haltveldt. A cracking little read, if you haven't checked out David Greens books yet, especially the Nick Halloran's series, I very highly recommend...
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😁💥⚔️💙
February 5, 2023
A pleasure to read
I thoroughly enjoyed this short glimpse into the past of two beloved characters, Zanna and Tilo. David Green always crafts rich characters in a world that feels as real as my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this short glimpse into the past of two beloved characters, Zanna and Tilo. David Green always crafts rich characters in a world that feels as real as my own.
January 28, 2023
BEFORE THE SHADOW BY DAVID GREEN
So, I may have read this a lot quicker than I anticipated as I couldn't put it down. I loved having a little backstory to Tilo and Zanna, who is most definitely my fave character. It really adds to the overall story and explains several things. It also made me want the next book even more.
So, I may have read this a lot quicker than I anticipated as I couldn't put it down. I loved having a little backstory to Tilo and Zanna, who is most definitely my fave character. It really adds to the overall story and explains several things. It also made me want the next book even more.
November 28, 2023
A truly intriguing fantasy prequel that does everything a true prequel should without layering on the exposition or expecting you to already know the series. In short, the perfect short introduction to a series with some serious D&AD/Dragon Age vibes (just minus the dragons!)
We get to see the fantasy world of the Empire of Ruin from two perspectives. The first is Zanna Alpenwood, a "Sparker" who has used her power in a way which is against the Sparker's code. She finds herself exiled to the fortress at the edge of the safe lands known as Solitude where she must face her long existance. Years later we meet Tilo, one of the Banished folk who reside outside the Empire, kept away by the looming might of Solitude. But powerful forces warn Tilo that events are being put in motion, and it it his destiny to aid in his people's Return.
While not a lot happens, this is a masterclass in world building and allusion. Events that will be dealt with in the main series are hinted at in such a way that while you don't know the details, you find you don't actually need to in order to be drawn in to the story. Do we know exactly what happened with Zanna's "incident"? No, but it's doesn't matter because of the way the story is told. Tilo's section is a lot more exposition-heavy as there's a lot to understand about the Banished, but it's woven through a mini narrative that combines action sequences and quieter character moments so that you never feel like you've been sat down to a history lesson. It's a little heavy, but even so it's interesting stuff. Hats off to an author who can pull that off.
It does what a good prequel should: inform and intrigue without prior knowledge needed. It does so with boyish, YA+ friendly aplomb.
A world of rebellious elves and ancient magic? Sign me up for the series.
We get to see the fantasy world of the Empire of Ruin from two perspectives. The first is Zanna Alpenwood, a "Sparker" who has used her power in a way which is against the Sparker's code. She finds herself exiled to the fortress at the edge of the safe lands known as Solitude where she must face her long existance. Years later we meet Tilo, one of the Banished folk who reside outside the Empire, kept away by the looming might of Solitude. But powerful forces warn Tilo that events are being put in motion, and it it his destiny to aid in his people's Return.
While not a lot happens, this is a masterclass in world building and allusion. Events that will be dealt with in the main series are hinted at in such a way that while you don't know the details, you find you don't actually need to in order to be drawn in to the story. Do we know exactly what happened with Zanna's "incident"? No, but it's doesn't matter because of the way the story is told. Tilo's section is a lot more exposition-heavy as there's a lot to understand about the Banished, but it's woven through a mini narrative that combines action sequences and quieter character moments so that you never feel like you've been sat down to a history lesson. It's a little heavy, but even so it's interesting stuff. Hats off to an author who can pull that off.
It does what a good prequel should: inform and intrigue without prior knowledge needed. It does so with boyish, YA+ friendly aplomb.
A world of rebellious elves and ancient magic? Sign me up for the series.
December 16, 2022
It's mindboggling how David Green infuses such depth to any book he writes, be it full length or a short story. Marvelous? Magnificent? Nah, worlds fail to describe such brilliance! Such compelling reading that will leave your emotions raw, your imagination at an all time high, yes.... you'll be feeling/experiencing every single thing the characters do! You'll be living right beside them, engaging with them, consoling them, nurturing a lifelong friendship with 2 exceptional characters, others you'll adopt as soon as you've read the 1st 2 books in this gloriously sensational series. Sensational in the true meaning of the word.
Gives one a taste of 2 inspiring characters, both so different yet so similar. Zanna, exiled for a horrific deed, a deed that goes against every fundamental belief she holds, to protect the daughter she adores. Tilo, Keeper of the Lodestone, one of the First People, hiding for centuries, has destiny calling him, no, shouting at him! They are yet to meet in person and you're definitely gonna want to know more about them! This short story tantalises your tastebuds until you know you have to give in and submit, the only thing you can do, is read the series!
Gives one a taste of 2 inspiring characters, both so different yet so similar. Zanna, exiled for a horrific deed, a deed that goes against every fundamental belief she holds, to protect the daughter she adores. Tilo, Keeper of the Lodestone, one of the First People, hiding for centuries, has destiny calling him, no, shouting at him! They are yet to meet in person and you're definitely gonna want to know more about them! This short story tantalises your tastebuds until you know you have to give in and submit, the only thing you can do, is read the series!
January 7, 2023
Must read prequel
This was the short story prequel I didn't know I needed. This gives an insight into how 2 of the main characters Zanna and Tilo end up in their respective places in In Solitude's Shadow. It's well written and throughly gripping for such a short snippet. The end left me wanting to read more which is always good. I have read In Solitude's Shadow but think this would be fine to be read first and sets you right into the beginning of the story.
This was the short story prequel I didn't know I needed. This gives an insight into how 2 of the main characters Zanna and Tilo end up in their respective places in In Solitude's Shadow. It's well written and throughly gripping for such a short snippet. The end left me wanting to read more which is always good. I have read In Solitude's Shadow but think this would be fine to be read first and sets you right into the beginning of the story.
December 14, 2022
A welcome surprise in the shape of this book dropped into my inbox through the author's newsletter.
It's a wonderfully written short prequel to In Solitude's Shadow and Path Of War. It's newer than both books, and this is reflected in the more mature writing style and skill, though that isn't a slight to the other books. Path Of War in particular is delicious. However, Before The Shadow is the work of a confident author who knows his characters, and it perfectly sets up the events to come, capturing the themes of his series well.
Book 3 when?
It's a wonderfully written short prequel to In Solitude's Shadow and Path Of War. It's newer than both books, and this is reflected in the more mature writing style and skill, though that isn't a slight to the other books. Path Of War in particular is delicious. However, Before The Shadow is the work of a confident author who knows his characters, and it perfectly sets up the events to come, capturing the themes of his series well.
Book 3 when?
December 29, 2022
Epic Awesomeness at its finest!!
This prequel to In Solitude's Shadow is completely epic on all levels!
This one draws you in and ties you up so you can't leave, can't breathe until the very end. It starts with a Sparker in a prisoner wagon and all I could think of was Celaena Sardothien in her prison wagon. And then the Banished... the powers of the Lodestone that call out to Tilo forcing him to make a decision because the shadow falls upon them.....
Just wow! Edge of your seat awesomeness from the first page, completely promising an epic series to come! I'm sooo hooked!
This prequel to In Solitude's Shadow is completely epic on all levels!
This one draws you in and ties you up so you can't leave, can't breathe until the very end. It starts with a Sparker in a prisoner wagon and all I could think of was Celaena Sardothien in her prison wagon. And then the Banished... the powers of the Lodestone that call out to Tilo forcing him to make a decision because the shadow falls upon them.....
Just wow! Edge of your seat awesomeness from the first page, completely promising an epic series to come! I'm sooo hooked!
December 18, 2022
A great intro to the series for new readers, this prequel novelette also has something for existing fans.
April 11, 2023
I FINALLY got to read the stunning prequel to the Empire of Ruin series, and it was even better than I could have hoped for!!! While Before the Shadow can be read at any time, including as a standalone, I think I appreciated it even more having read the first book in the series, In Solitude's Shadow, because it gave me insight into some of the events/characters I'd already been thirsting to know more about! BTS focuses on two of my favorite characters, Zanna and Tilo, giving insight into their backstories while also setting the stage for the events of ISS.
Like all well-crafted prequels, BTS fuels intrigue, sets the fantasy world stage, and stokes the flames of what's to come without requiring any knowledge of the series or world. So if you haven't had the chance to pick up the Empire of Ruin series, run run run to grab this book, because it and Book 1 are FREE today in celebration of Book 3's release!!!
CONGRATULATIONS, David Green and thank you so much for gifting the world this epic, dark, sprawling, creative, brilliant series!
Like all well-crafted prequels, BTS fuels intrigue, sets the fantasy world stage, and stokes the flames of what's to come without requiring any knowledge of the series or world. So if you haven't had the chance to pick up the Empire of Ruin series, run run run to grab this book, because it and Book 1 are FREE today in celebration of Book 3's release!!!
CONGRATULATIONS, David Green and thank you so much for gifting the world this epic, dark, sprawling, creative, brilliant series!
July 3, 2025
I quite enjoyed this short exploration of Zanna's backstory and some insights into Tilo's involvement in the run up to the events detailed in In Solitude's Shadow. Personally, since I read the first novel in the series before getting to this prequel, I feel the short story actually serves better in hindsight, as it explains some things from the main novel but doesn't really stand on its own as a story with a start, middle, and end.
That said, the insights gleaned in this short extra build onto what we learn of these two particular side characters in a way that adds something to the story as a whole. And for that reason I'm glad I took a look at this optional extra, which immersed me in the world and brought back all the events of the main novel as freshly as if I'd read it last week, not years ago.
That said, the insights gleaned in this short extra build onto what we learn of these two particular side characters in a way that adds something to the story as a whole. And for that reason I'm glad I took a look at this optional extra, which immersed me in the world and brought back all the events of the main novel as freshly as if I'd read it last week, not years ago.
June 25, 2023
It's been too long that the world has conspired to keep me from reading the words contained within Before the Shadow. As if to do so would be to keep some great secret from me, something that might shape and mold how I would come to view the Empire of Ruin series here and forever after.
This prelude adds to the tension and set up of the first book, In Solitude's Shadow, beautifully and is a welcome addition to the series canon. We get a closer look into the “normal” lives of two integral characters before their worlds become rocked to the core in the time to follow. Green, as is his way, has made me love them all the more.
This prelude adds to the tension and set up of the first book, In Solitude's Shadow, beautifully and is a welcome addition to the series canon. We get a closer look into the “normal” lives of two integral characters before their worlds become rocked to the core in the time to follow. Green, as is his way, has made me love them all the more.
August 1, 2023
A prequel that answers some of the most pressing questions raised in Empire of Ruin's first book. Kind of explains why we're reading a series called "Empire of Ruin."
I recommend reading this one after Book I: In Solitude's Shadow. It will give you some direction as to who are the worst people in Haltveldt and why Tilo should be protected at all costs.
If the ending of Book I left you with a foreboding feeling, this awesome prequel will definitely intensify it. Highly recommend, don't skip this one.
I recommend reading this one after Book I: In Solitude's Shadow. It will give you some direction as to who are the worst people in Haltveldt and why Tilo should be protected at all costs.
If the ending of Book I left you with a foreboding feeling, this awesome prequel will definitely intensify it. Highly recommend, don't skip this one.
July 6, 2023
So, finally I get a first impression about David Green’s epic fantasy with this prequel to his in Empire of Ruin-series. Since I only heard and read positive things about the series and even more importantly because I really enjoyed David’s Nick Holleran-books, it was high time for me to finally explore this new world.
And I like really like it, even in these (way too) few pages. In my personal opinion it is really difficult to write a short-story/novella and write compelling characters. Usually you need to focus on the story/action. But David manages to write not just one but two great characters that I definitely want to know more about and whom I really felt for. And there are enough glimpses of the world that I am really curious to find out more. And very soon.
And I like really like it, even in these (way too) few pages. In my personal opinion it is really difficult to write a short-story/novella and write compelling characters. Usually you need to focus on the story/action. But David manages to write not just one but two great characters that I definitely want to know more about and whom I really felt for. And there are enough glimpses of the world that I am really curious to find out more. And very soon.
April 26, 2023
A great introduction to the series
Before the Shadow is a quick, captivating read just waiting to pull you into the world of Empire of Ruin. I loved Green's prose, the characters he introduced and the depth of world building shared in such a short space of time. Very keen to dive in to In Solitude's Shadow!
Before the Shadow is a quick, captivating read just waiting to pull you into the world of Empire of Ruin. I loved Green's prose, the characters he introduced and the depth of world building shared in such a short space of time. Very keen to dive in to In Solitude's Shadow!
October 2, 2023
Whilst this Prequel can be read at any time I really enjoyed reading it after getting to know the characters first in In Solitude's Shadow. It gave extra insight to them and fleshed out their backstories in a most delightful way.
December 21, 2022
If you like solitude’s shadow, you’ll love this story. It fills in some gaps, and introduces some of the main players.
January 17, 2024
Wonderful introduction to the world. Can't wait to continue!
October 8, 2023
Zanna protects her student, while her daughter, his dad, a warrior elf and strange fighter from across the wall all head for her, converge at speed. The foreign word for "purpose" translates more as fate or destiny to me.
A small force where politics denies them a needed army. Pounding through fierce fights towards an impossible conflict. Needs a miracle. And so ... No spoiler. The final overall villain to set up the series seems spoiler-ish.
A small force where politics denies them a needed army. Pounding through fierce fights towards an impossible conflict. Needs a miracle. And so ... No spoiler. The final overall villain to set up the series seems spoiler-ish.
December 16, 2024
"Before the Shadow" by David Green is a short prequel to "In Solitude's Shadow." Unlike some prequels, it is closely connected, highly relevant and impactful in its brevity. Most importantly, it gives you a nice taste of Green's writing style, which convinced me to keep going to "In Solitude's Shadow" immediately.
This short story follows Zanna, a magically-gifted woman exiled for a heinous crime. Sparkers like Zanna are considered gifted by their god, and gifts must not be scorned. With her exile, she is sent to the edge of civilization: the fortress of Solitude. There, she must find a way to heal, to establish new relationships and purpose when she has lost everything that once mattered, and what better purpose than to guard the kingdom from the barbarians of the north? This short story also follows Tilo, a barbarian. His introduction is unexpected, creating immediate questions regarding the harsh division of the world. Somehow, somewhen, these two intriguing characters, their people, and their magic will clash, as though it were destiny.
Green has a talent for prose and natural dialogue, and this story was particularly well structured to lead the reader into a desire to read the full-length book. I had a sense of doom, and as I read, I grew to care for the characters enough that I wanted to know. I immediately picked up "In Solitude's Shadow"!
This short story follows Zanna, a magically-gifted woman exiled for a heinous crime. Sparkers like Zanna are considered gifted by their god, and gifts must not be scorned. With her exile, she is sent to the edge of civilization: the fortress of Solitude. There, she must find a way to heal, to establish new relationships and purpose when she has lost everything that once mattered, and what better purpose than to guard the kingdom from the barbarians of the north? This short story also follows Tilo, a barbarian. His introduction is unexpected, creating immediate questions regarding the harsh division of the world. Somehow, somewhen, these two intriguing characters, their people, and their magic will clash, as though it were destiny.
Green has a talent for prose and natural dialogue, and this story was particularly well structured to lead the reader into a desire to read the full-length book. I had a sense of doom, and as I read, I grew to care for the characters enough that I wanted to know. I immediately picked up "In Solitude's Shadow"!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews