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The Shadow of Malignin
Sainte the broken. Devious White Wyverns. The vile Abomination. With the Malignin in hiding and the Abomination nowhere to be found, life in Crearia seemed to be returning to normal. With allies old and new, Sainte Nore is tasked to find a powerful weapon that he is told can defeat the Abomination. Will Sainte be able to find what he seeks and destroy the Abomination before its inevitable retaliation?
- GenresFantasy
362 pages, Paperback
Published January 8, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 28, 2024
“What kind of men did it take to muster that kind of courage? Better men than he.”
Better men than me, too! The thing that I love the most about this trilogy is that it leaves me wondering what I’d do in the situations the characters find themselves in, even far after I’ve set it down. I would not last a day in such a dark, hopeless world, and watching the characters navigate it all was truly a wild (sometimes painful) ride. Speaking of the characters-why did I find myself rooting for even the most unlikable ones? I truly admire any author who can pull that off. Yet again, I got so wrapped up in the characters and the world-building and the whole entire plot that I didn’t want to put the book down.
I have one complaint, and that complaint is that now I have to wait to find out what happens in the third book! I loved The Shadow of Malignin, and I think that even newbies to the grimdark genre like me will love it too.
Better men than me, too! The thing that I love the most about this trilogy is that it leaves me wondering what I’d do in the situations the characters find themselves in, even far after I’ve set it down. I would not last a day in such a dark, hopeless world, and watching the characters navigate it all was truly a wild (sometimes painful) ride. Speaking of the characters-why did I find myself rooting for even the most unlikable ones? I truly admire any author who can pull that off. Yet again, I got so wrapped up in the characters and the world-building and the whole entire plot that I didn’t want to put the book down.
I have one complaint, and that complaint is that now I have to wait to find out what happens in the third book! I loved The Shadow of Malignin, and I think that even newbies to the grimdark genre like me will love it too.
August 18, 2024
I must say this trilogy is turning out to be one of my favorites. The Shadow of Malignin takes off right where Blades of the Night leaves off. The world that the author has created is so good. The Malignin seem to have gone underground, at least for a while, but why? Sainte is pretty messed up as he has to overcome the shocking things he witnessed in book one and defeat the evil that he has witnessed. Humankind depends on his success. But is something wrong with him? If you love epic fantasy and grimdark fantasy, this trilogy needs to go on your reading list. I wish I had book three in my hands because book two leaves us hanging on to see if there is any reason to hope for a happily ever after for the world.
I want to thank the author for providing me a copy of his book. I think you all should pick up a copy as quickly as you can. These opinions are my own and voluntarily given
I want to thank the author for providing me a copy of his book. I think you all should pick up a copy as quickly as you can. These opinions are my own and voluntarily given
February 21, 2024
Once again, the author made this such a smooth read that I was over halfway done in no time. There was the perfect amount of trauma, hopelessness, terror, and violence, that I found myself smirking and chuckling, as usual. Between the ominous settings, loss of redemption, and epic battle, it reminds me why I thoroughly enjoy this trilogy.
March 2, 2024
"The Shadow of Malignin" (a great title, for starters) follows on from the dark fantasy "The Blades of the Night" and continues Sainte's dark adventures in Crearia.
As before, Wiebe writes excellent action. It was the highlight of the first book, and remains so here. It's punchy, pacy, and filled with tension.
The pacing of the story as a whole is also excellent. There are no "flat spots." Having read it as an ebook, I was surprised to see how thick the paperback is; it reads so easily that it flew by.
Mercifully, the thick dialects of the first book are gone, replaced by milder speech which is far easier to read, while still conveying the desired effect.
The concept remains one of the most original around, and grows more inventive with this installment. Admittedly, I would have liked more; the first book asked many questions, and the second book answered few. This is a trilogy, so I'm certain all will be revealed in the next one.
I do think the book needed more of a villain. A stronger presence from the Abomination, the malignin (who are surprisingly absent for much of the story), or the Cult of Zith would have really helped to raise the stakes. I missed the complexity and ever-present danger posed by the likes of Ellie and Miqel.
Sainte's character arc is by far the most compelling. I thoroughly enjoyed his stages of growth and the battle he has with some undefined darkness within.
The biggest improvement over book 1 is the implementation of the "dark" elements of the dark fantasy. While it doesn't feel as dark as the first book, the darker moments feel more natural and relevant to the plot.
Overall, it's a well paced story with plenty of intrigue and great action. I look forward to having all revealed in the final installment!
Many thanks to Daniel himself for providing me with a pre-release copy; the book will be available to buy next week.
As before, Wiebe writes excellent action. It was the highlight of the first book, and remains so here. It's punchy, pacy, and filled with tension.
The pacing of the story as a whole is also excellent. There are no "flat spots." Having read it as an ebook, I was surprised to see how thick the paperback is; it reads so easily that it flew by.
Mercifully, the thick dialects of the first book are gone, replaced by milder speech which is far easier to read, while still conveying the desired effect.
The concept remains one of the most original around, and grows more inventive with this installment. Admittedly, I would have liked more; the first book asked many questions, and the second book answered few. This is a trilogy, so I'm certain all will be revealed in the next one.
I do think the book needed more of a villain. A stronger presence from the Abomination, the malignin (who are surprisingly absent for much of the story), or the Cult of Zith would have really helped to raise the stakes. I missed the complexity and ever-present danger posed by the likes of Ellie and Miqel.
Sainte's character arc is by far the most compelling. I thoroughly enjoyed his stages of growth and the battle he has with some undefined darkness within.
The biggest improvement over book 1 is the implementation of the "dark" elements of the dark fantasy. While it doesn't feel as dark as the first book, the darker moments feel more natural and relevant to the plot.
Overall, it's a well paced story with plenty of intrigue and great action. I look forward to having all revealed in the final installment!
Many thanks to Daniel himself for providing me with a pre-release copy; the book will be available to buy next week.
March 10, 2024
Headline 9/10 or 5⭐
No major spoilers, but all in all I really enjoyed this. The climax is exceptionally well done, I burned through the final third in just a couple of hours!
The story is very dark in places, much revolving around a main character Sainte, who is clearly broken and damaged. He wanders the world in pain having had his eyelids destroyed as a result of being forced to witness something gruesome at the end of the first book. He is reduced to administering medicinal eyedrops just to see, he cannot sleep properly and is plagued with graphic nightmares; his existence has basically imploded. The world around him is returning to some semblance of normality but needless to say don't expect it to last! We learn more about the mysterious White Wyverns whose motivations are very questionable, the lesser evil seemingly their mantra. The book is otherwise I suppose on the face of it a story about a hunt for a weapon to help destroy the evil Malignin and their leader, but it's so much more than that.
There are multiple threads which weave together and culminate in a battle. That's however probably the most I can say without spoiling the story! The world building was particularly strong, easily building images in my imagination. The last third of the book very much found its feet, such as I said above that I consumed it very quickly!
I think this is a strong series so far, plenty to keep you engaged. Sainte is definitely a character of many sides, and we learn more as to why this is the case towards the end. Some of the scenes are quite gruesome but not excessively so, though this definitely isn't a book for kids! All in all, very enjoyable! Look forward to reading more in the series!
No major spoilers, but all in all I really enjoyed this. The climax is exceptionally well done, I burned through the final third in just a couple of hours!
The story is very dark in places, much revolving around a main character Sainte, who is clearly broken and damaged. He wanders the world in pain having had his eyelids destroyed as a result of being forced to witness something gruesome at the end of the first book. He is reduced to administering medicinal eyedrops just to see, he cannot sleep properly and is plagued with graphic nightmares; his existence has basically imploded. The world around him is returning to some semblance of normality but needless to say don't expect it to last! We learn more about the mysterious White Wyverns whose motivations are very questionable, the lesser evil seemingly their mantra. The book is otherwise I suppose on the face of it a story about a hunt for a weapon to help destroy the evil Malignin and their leader, but it's so much more than that.
There are multiple threads which weave together and culminate in a battle. That's however probably the most I can say without spoiling the story! The world building was particularly strong, easily building images in my imagination. The last third of the book very much found its feet, such as I said above that I consumed it very quickly!
I think this is a strong series so far, plenty to keep you engaged. Sainte is definitely a character of many sides, and we learn more as to why this is the case towards the end. Some of the scenes are quite gruesome but not excessively so, though this definitely isn't a book for kids! All in all, very enjoyable! Look forward to reading more in the series!
March 8, 2024
I was provided an ARC copy of this book. Its an absolutely incredible followup to book 1. We get more world development of the land of Crearia, we get to learn more about its myths and people, and we get to follow the eternally unlucky Sainte Nore and his old friend Iris. They are also joined by another, a mysterious wealthy benefactor, who nobody really trusts but he pays for everything so they begrudgingly allow him to tag along.
Along the way we also revisit the city of Munich, and its citizens all recovering from the Dark Days of Book 1. Things start to look up and then in proper grim dark fashion, Daniel slaps all those hopes back into their corner where they belong! However, the results of those cornered hopes results in a series of awesome sequences involving the remaining Blades and Munich's neighbors.
Don't miss this book, especially if you love Grim Dark books and fantasy novels. I for one cannot wait for Book 3 to find out whether Sainte learns that headbands are a thing and whether his luck is ever going to improve.
Along the way we also revisit the city of Munich, and its citizens all recovering from the Dark Days of Book 1. Things start to look up and then in proper grim dark fashion, Daniel slaps all those hopes back into their corner where they belong! However, the results of those cornered hopes results in a series of awesome sequences involving the remaining Blades and Munich's neighbors.
Don't miss this book, especially if you love Grim Dark books and fantasy novels. I for one cannot wait for Book 3 to find out whether Sainte learns that headbands are a thing and whether his luck is ever going to improve.
May 6, 2024
The Shadow of Malignin is the second book of the Severance Trilogy. This dark fantasy follows Sainte, a former Blade, who seems to be battling some internal demons after the events in Blades of the Night. He reunites with Iris, and together they go in search of a sword needed to fight off the Abomination. What follows is a dark tale filled with internal strife, war, mystery, action and monsters!
While dark, this book was not as dark, nor as action packed as book one. However, it is setting up what is sure to be a heck of a tale in book three. It’s still incredibly enjoyable, and the Weibe’s easy writing style makes it a quick and entertaining read.
Looking forward to reading book three and seeing how the story ends!
While dark, this book was not as dark, nor as action packed as book one. However, it is setting up what is sure to be a heck of a tale in book three. It’s still incredibly enjoyable, and the Weibe’s easy writing style makes it a quick and entertaining read.
Looking forward to reading book three and seeing how the story ends!
August 24, 2024
Sainte has been through a lot and it doesn’t look like he’ll catch a break anytime soon but that won’t stop him.
Oh gosh was this good! It was just as dark and grim as the first book but in a different way. We’re introduced to a lot of characters and there’s a lot going on but how it’s told reminded me a lot of LOTR, in the sense that we’re following two adventures but they have the same goal. I highly highly recommend this series if you like dark, grim and violent stories and can.not.wait for the 3rd book!!
My one “complaint” is I don’t like Iris, I’m not really sure why but I find her a bit annoying and useless. I know she’s been helpful in a lot of battles but as far as the story, she brings nothing to to table and she just sulks and runs away🤷🏻♀️
Oh gosh was this good! It was just as dark and grim as the first book but in a different way. We’re introduced to a lot of characters and there’s a lot going on but how it’s told reminded me a lot of LOTR, in the sense that we’re following two adventures but they have the same goal. I highly highly recommend this series if you like dark, grim and violent stories and can.not.wait for the 3rd book!!
My one “complaint” is I don’t like Iris, I’m not really sure why but I find her a bit annoying and useless. I know she’s been helpful in a lot of battles but as far as the story, she brings nothing to to table and she just sulks and runs away🤷🏻♀️
March 13, 2024
What a book! To be honest I am a newbie in the genre and first couple of experiences weren't the best. But this book proved to me that when is done right, grimdark, is a genre that I like.
What a perfect follow up from the first book and how well the author has been getting better and better in the world he is creating.
In the beginning I had a bit of difficulty getting into the book, but after the few first pages I was lost, and as the story progressed I couldn't let go of it, even though it wasn't the best idea to read it at 2AM with a dim light!
Now I am waiting for the third part of this trilogy!
***I received and ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion***
What a perfect follow up from the first book and how well the author has been getting better and better in the world he is creating.
In the beginning I had a bit of difficulty getting into the book, but after the few first pages I was lost, and as the story progressed I couldn't let go of it, even though it wasn't the best idea to read it at 2AM with a dim light!
Now I am waiting for the third part of this trilogy!
***I received and ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion***
March 2, 2024
I really enjoyed the read. The pacing was great. Switching each chapter between the two different storylines helped keep the story moving and driving you into the next chapter. I don't read a lot in this genre but have found this one and Book 1 very entertaining.
March 5, 2024
*Spoilers ahead!
Daniel Wiebe did a great job in bringing the reader (me) into the world and see what is going on. How it looks and leaves me hanging and asking for more. He did it in his first book from ‘The Severance Trilogy’, called ‘Blades of the Night’ and now in this one.
After there’s no trace of Sainte nor the monster called the ‘Abomination’, we end book 1 with an epilogue. Starting with book 2, there’s a prologue when you get to read a few things from the first book in another POV.
From there on we follow yet another journey while meeting new people. Which involves a lot of interesting, violent and drunk characters.
But not everything is funny and lovely, people are dying and are being lied to. The Dark Days are back and so are the Malignin. There are answers that need to be found in order to destroy the Malignin once and for all. But at what cost?
I kept reading and reading and only stopped when I had to eat. Can’t wait for book 3, thank you Daniel for the ARC
Daniel Wiebe did a great job in bringing the reader (me) into the world and see what is going on. How it looks and leaves me hanging and asking for more. He did it in his first book from ‘The Severance Trilogy’, called ‘Blades of the Night’ and now in this one.
After there’s no trace of Sainte nor the monster called the ‘Abomination’, we end book 1 with an epilogue. Starting with book 2, there’s a prologue when you get to read a few things from the first book in another POV.
From there on we follow yet another journey while meeting new people. Which involves a lot of interesting, violent and drunk characters.
But not everything is funny and lovely, people are dying and are being lied to. The Dark Days are back and so are the Malignin. There are answers that need to be found in order to destroy the Malignin once and for all. But at what cost?
I kept reading and reading and only stopped when I had to eat. Can’t wait for book 3, thank you Daniel for the ARC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews