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The Shadow Campaigns #2.5
The Shadow of Elysium: A Shadow Campaigns Novella
From the author of The Price of Valor, The Shadow Throne, and The Thousand Names comes a new novella set in the world of the Shadow Campaigns—"a world of dust and bayonets and muskets...and magic."*
The wagons travel north across the mountains, carrying cargo of great value: Hamveltai glass and porcelain; Deslandai jewelry in heavy iron strongboxes; fine cloth from the cities of the Old Coast. And Abraham.
Bound and tied, guarded day and night, Abraham has been stolen from his village, from the arms of the man he loved. He is being sent to the fortress-city of Elysium to serve a dark and ancient order, the Priests of the Black. They have discovered the secret he kept all his life: that inside him dwells a demon which allows him to heal…and to kill.
But Abraham is not alone. A young woman named Alex, similarly possessed, rides with him. And as a bond grows between them, they begin to wonder if they can turn the demons that have damned them into their salvation.
INCLUDES AN EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW OF THE PRICE OF VALOR
The wagons travel north across the mountains, carrying cargo of great value: Hamveltai glass and porcelain; Deslandai jewelry in heavy iron strongboxes; fine cloth from the cities of the Old Coast. And Abraham.
Bound and tied, guarded day and night, Abraham has been stolen from his village, from the arms of the man he loved. He is being sent to the fortress-city of Elysium to serve a dark and ancient order, the Priests of the Black. They have discovered the secret he kept all his life: that inside him dwells a demon which allows him to heal…and to kill.
But Abraham is not alone. A young woman named Alex, similarly possessed, rides with him. And as a bond grows between them, they begin to wonder if they can turn the demons that have damned them into their salvation.
INCLUDES AN EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW OF THE PRICE OF VALOR
1 pages, Audio CD
First published May 19, 2015
45 people are currently reading
1710 people want to read
About the author
Django Wexler
52 books3,713 followersDjango Wexler graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh with degrees in creative writing and computer science, and worked for the university in artificial intelligence research. Eventually he migrated to Microsoft in Seattle, where he now lives with two cats and a teetering mountain of books. When not planning Shadow Campaigns, he wrangles computers, paints tiny soldiers, and plays games of all sorts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
August 13, 2016
It's no secret how much I enjoyed the first two books of The Shadow Campaigns series, so when I saw this up for grabs on netgalley, I had to click request. Gladly I got accepted, but it took me weeks before I finally read this.
This novella didn't have any of the main characters of the series, but that doesn't mean that the characters were boring. I honestly liked Abraham, but unfortunately I had no background of Alex, because I only read about 10 pages of the prequel novella and decided to skip it and read this instead. Despite the lack of background though, I still liked her a bit. I was expecting a bit of a cliche romance, but got something way different instead. Not going to spoil anything though so better read this to know what I'm talking about.
4/5 stars. Just like any other novellas, they are just too short. I hate short stories, never liked them, probably never will, but this one managed to be one of those good ones. Highly recommended for readers of the series, although I don't think it played any role to the main novels at all. Django Wexler is one of those rising authors readers should check out.
This novella didn't have any of the main characters of the series, but that doesn't mean that the characters were boring. I honestly liked Abraham, but unfortunately I had no background of Alex, because I only read about 10 pages of the prequel novella and decided to skip it and read this instead. Despite the lack of background though, I still liked her a bit. I was expecting a bit of a cliche romance, but got something way different instead. Not going to spoil anything though so better read this to know what I'm talking about.
4/5 stars. Just like any other novellas, they are just too short. I hate short stories, never liked them, probably never will, but this one managed to be one of those good ones. Highly recommended for readers of the series, although I don't think it played any role to the main novels at all. Django Wexler is one of those rising authors readers should check out.
February 20, 2019
An interesting short story about a young man named Abraham who has been captured by the Sworn Church, and being taken to their mountain domain known as Elysium. On the journey he reflects on his past, so the reader gets first hand knowledge of the events that lead to him being in his current situation.
This is the first short story I have read with an alternating timeline. The story switches from the past to the present in every other chapter pretty much. This was a compelling tale, but the back and forth timeline did keep it from dragging in certain areas.
The information about the magic system and when it was applied in the story was cool. Also, one of the Ignahta Sempria (The Penitent Damned), called Hunter, made an appearance. They are the magical priests of the Elysium church that wear black cloaks and obsidian masks. Menacing and powerful, I've noticed they tend to be used in areas that their magic gives them an advantage.
I decided to read this short story now, because the events in The Shadow of Elysium coincide with The Shadow Throne. I really hope to see these characters in the main series.
3 stars ***
This is the first short story I have read with an alternating timeline. The story switches from the past to the present in every other chapter pretty much. This was a compelling tale, but the back and forth timeline did keep it from dragging in certain areas.
The information about the magic system and when it was applied in the story was cool. Also, one of the Ignahta Sempria (The Penitent Damned), called Hunter, made an appearance. They are the magical priests of the Elysium church that wear black cloaks and obsidian masks. Menacing and powerful, I've noticed they tend to be used in areas that their magic gives them an advantage.
I decided to read this short story now, because the events in The Shadow of Elysium coincide with The Shadow Throne. I really hope to see these characters in the main series.
3 stars ***
May 20, 2015
4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum http://bibliosanctum.com/2015/05/18/n...
I’m not usually one to pick up novellas outside of a series’ main books, but for The Shadow Campaigns I’d gladly make an exception – which should give you a hint into how much I love this series. A couple of years ago when Django Wexler released the prequel short story The Penitent Damned for free, I snatched it up and read that one too. It introduced us to a young female thief named Alex who possesses a demon inside her that allows her to do some incredible things, giving her an edge over others in her trade.
Now Alex’s tale continues in The Shadow of Elysium, but it is told instead through the eyes of a young man named Abraham, a character who also has a demon inside him. The novella opens with the two of them in chains, traveling on a prisoner wagon to the fortress-city of Elysium to start a lonely and brutal life under the watchful eyes of the Priests of the Black. Every other chapter we get a glimpse into Abraham’s past as he tells of his life growing up in a remote village, the day he discovers his demon and the healing powers it grants him, and the events that led up to his arrest. Eventually things converge into the present, and Abraham has decided to stage a daring breakout. But then, there’s his fellow captive Alex. The young woman’s abilities are a mystery to him, but he has no doubt that they must be dangerous if the guards feel the need to keep her sedated at almost all hours of the day – which means she could be their greatest chance for escape.
The Shadow of Elysium can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone, no prior experience with The Shadow Campaigns series is required since these characters and events are completely apart from the main story. You don’t even need to have read The Penitent Damned. It’s a great place for new readers to jump on board but also a wonderful experience for fans of the series because it adds so much in terms of world building. This novella’s main focus is Abraham anyhow, a deeply personal tale that does a way better job exploring a protagonist than most short fiction I’ve ever read. We’ve not seen first person narration used in this series until now, but it works extraordinarily well for Abraham’s story and it was probably the foremost reason I took to him so quickly in just a handful of pages. A lot of short stories and novellas have disappointed me in the past because they don’t leave much room for character development (which is why I typically avoid them), but this isn’t a problem here. In fact, I find the storytelling well-paced and very balanced.
Now I realize complaining that a novella is too short is a bit like complaining that ice cream is too sweet, so I’m not going to do it here; but I do, however, want to say I wished it hadn’t ended so abruptly. It was a deflating moment when I turned the page with excitement expecting another chapter to see what became of Abraham and Alex, to discover that the remaining 25% of the book or so was actually a preview for the third novel of the series The Price of Valor. To Wexler’s credit though, he definitely made me want more. And considering how I’ve been looking forward to The Price of Valor for almost a year now, I certainly couldn’t remain glum for long.
What else can I say but if you haven’t picked up The Thousand Names yet, what in the hells are you waiting for, go out and get it, go out and get it NOW! But okay, if you’re still on the fence and not sure if you want to take the plunge into yet another epic fantasy series (I understand, as they do demand a lot of your time), I urge you to check out The Shadow of Elysium. Like The Penitent Damned, it serves as a fantastic introduction to Wexler’s writing and gives a taste of what The Shadow Campaigns has to offer, and it’s an even better novella. A wonderful place to get started.
I’m not usually one to pick up novellas outside of a series’ main books, but for The Shadow Campaigns I’d gladly make an exception – which should give you a hint into how much I love this series. A couple of years ago when Django Wexler released the prequel short story The Penitent Damned for free, I snatched it up and read that one too. It introduced us to a young female thief named Alex who possesses a demon inside her that allows her to do some incredible things, giving her an edge over others in her trade.
Now Alex’s tale continues in The Shadow of Elysium, but it is told instead through the eyes of a young man named Abraham, a character who also has a demon inside him. The novella opens with the two of them in chains, traveling on a prisoner wagon to the fortress-city of Elysium to start a lonely and brutal life under the watchful eyes of the Priests of the Black. Every other chapter we get a glimpse into Abraham’s past as he tells of his life growing up in a remote village, the day he discovers his demon and the healing powers it grants him, and the events that led up to his arrest. Eventually things converge into the present, and Abraham has decided to stage a daring breakout. But then, there’s his fellow captive Alex. The young woman’s abilities are a mystery to him, but he has no doubt that they must be dangerous if the guards feel the need to keep her sedated at almost all hours of the day – which means she could be their greatest chance for escape.
The Shadow of Elysium can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone, no prior experience with The Shadow Campaigns series is required since these characters and events are completely apart from the main story. You don’t even need to have read The Penitent Damned. It’s a great place for new readers to jump on board but also a wonderful experience for fans of the series because it adds so much in terms of world building. This novella’s main focus is Abraham anyhow, a deeply personal tale that does a way better job exploring a protagonist than most short fiction I’ve ever read. We’ve not seen first person narration used in this series until now, but it works extraordinarily well for Abraham’s story and it was probably the foremost reason I took to him so quickly in just a handful of pages. A lot of short stories and novellas have disappointed me in the past because they don’t leave much room for character development (which is why I typically avoid them), but this isn’t a problem here. In fact, I find the storytelling well-paced and very balanced.
Now I realize complaining that a novella is too short is a bit like complaining that ice cream is too sweet, so I’m not going to do it here; but I do, however, want to say I wished it hadn’t ended so abruptly. It was a deflating moment when I turned the page with excitement expecting another chapter to see what became of Abraham and Alex, to discover that the remaining 25% of the book or so was actually a preview for the third novel of the series The Price of Valor. To Wexler’s credit though, he definitely made me want more. And considering how I’ve been looking forward to The Price of Valor for almost a year now, I certainly couldn’t remain glum for long.
What else can I say but if you haven’t picked up The Thousand Names yet, what in the hells are you waiting for, go out and get it, go out and get it NOW! But okay, if you’re still on the fence and not sure if you want to take the plunge into yet another epic fantasy series (I understand, as they do demand a lot of your time), I urge you to check out The Shadow of Elysium. Like The Penitent Damned, it serves as a fantastic introduction to Wexler’s writing and gives a taste of what The Shadow Campaigns has to offer, and it’s an even better novella. A wonderful place to get started.
May 30, 2017
Loved it! Hoping very much to see these new characters pop up in later books!
July 6, 2015
I was afraid I'd be missing something by reading this story when I haven't yet read 'The Shadow Throne' (I'm going to!), but no, you can jump right in here!
One of the characters is also featured in this free short - but again, you don't have to have read it first: http://io9.com/the-coolest-fantasy-st...
'The Shadow of Elysium' introduces us to a young man, Abraham. He's an ordinary villager - well, except that he has a demon inside him, which gives him the power to heal... or to kill. His father has always taught him to hide this power and never to speak of it, let alone use it. He obeys, and never tells even his most special friend, a young priest. But when it comes down to a life or death situation, will he able to resist doing all he can to aid his loved ones?
This is classic fantasy, familiar in some ways - but wonderful characters and relationships place this story well above the pack. Django Wexler seems to be getting better and better as a writer with every new item from him that I read.
My only quibble - the story ends in a way that makes it feel like more of an introductory chapter to a longer novel, rather than a completed story unto itself. I expect to hear what happens to these characters next, in the future!
Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read. As always, my opinion is solely my own.
One of the characters is also featured in this free short - but again, you don't have to have read it first: http://io9.com/the-coolest-fantasy-st...
'The Shadow of Elysium' introduces us to a young man, Abraham. He's an ordinary villager - well, except that he has a demon inside him, which gives him the power to heal... or to kill. His father has always taught him to hide this power and never to speak of it, let alone use it. He obeys, and never tells even his most special friend, a young priest. But when it comes down to a life or death situation, will he able to resist doing all he can to aid his loved ones?
This is classic fantasy, familiar in some ways - but wonderful characters and relationships place this story well above the pack. Django Wexler seems to be getting better and better as a writer with every new item from him that I read.
My only quibble - the story ends in a way that makes it feel like more of an introductory chapter to a longer novel, rather than a completed story unto itself. I expect to hear what happens to these characters next, in the future!
Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read. As always, my opinion is solely my own.
May 19, 2015
Novellas! This is a new experiment for me. I wrote a bit about how it came to be here: http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2015...
February 14, 2018
Now this is what I wanted The Penitent Damned to be like...more in depth and a decent length! Of course, any time spent in the Shadow Campaigns world is time well spent. But while Alex’s little intro was a tease, Abraham’s felt substantial, and truly shed light onto who he is as a person and the trials that befell him before meeting up with Winter in the proper novels.
It’s also told from the first person, and splits the time between current events and events from Abraham’s youth. So in this case, it feels quite different than the other Shadow Campaigns stories.
Yes, Alex does feature in The Shadow of Elysium, but this is Abraham’s story, so she is merely a supporting character. Thankfully, this little novella helps explain how they met and what their bond is. And while Django Wexler could have tackled this information in the story proper, I think he did the right thing by giving us a side-story. While I enjoy both Alex and Abraham as characters, it would have been a little jarring to delve into their pasts in the main books. But here, as a side-story, it works great.
Ultimately, this story will really only mean anything to people who are already reading the main story. And if you have read the main story, but have NOT read this one yet, I recommend that you take the time. It’s a quick read, and fleshes out couple of the cool supporting cast.
It’s also told from the first person, and splits the time between current events and events from Abraham’s youth. So in this case, it feels quite different than the other Shadow Campaigns stories.
Yes, Alex does feature in The Shadow of Elysium, but this is Abraham’s story, so she is merely a supporting character. Thankfully, this little novella helps explain how they met and what their bond is. And while Django Wexler could have tackled this information in the story proper, I think he did the right thing by giving us a side-story. While I enjoy both Alex and Abraham as characters, it would have been a little jarring to delve into their pasts in the main books. But here, as a side-story, it works great.
Ultimately, this story will really only mean anything to people who are already reading the main story. And if you have read the main story, but have NOT read this one yet, I recommend that you take the time. It’s a quick read, and fleshes out couple of the cool supporting cast.
January 16, 2016
Stand alone knjiga koja je smestana u univerzum sencevog prestola ali nema nikakve skoro doirne tacke sa glavnom pricom. Jedino sto ih povezuje je postojanje demona i crnih svestenika. I iako se na knjigu moze gledati kao nastavak na prvu mini pricu glavni lik je novi prikazuje kave probleme imaju likovu sa ... specijalnim mocima. Plus imamo i finu ljubavnu pricicu koja pretstavlja neku vrstu motivatora za sledece nastavake.
February 19, 2019
The Shadow of Elysium is a novella set in Django Wexler’s flintlock fantasy series, The Shadow Campaigns. According to the Author’s Note, it takes place at around the same time that book 2 begins. Publication-wise, it was published just before book 3.
The story is told from the first-person perspective of Abraham, a newly-introduced character. It opens up with Abraham a prisoner being taken toward Elysium because he has a demon inside him. The chapters alternate between the past and the present, with the past chapters filling in a brief explanation of his life growing up and how he came to be in his current situation. There is also a connection to an earlier short story, The Penitent Damned.
I liked this quite a lot. I was interested in Abraham’s story in both timelines, and it filled in some interesting info about Elysium, the faction that had captured him, and what that faction believes about the demons. It didn’t present a ton of info and it wasn’t all new, but the way it was presented left me feeling like I had a slightly clearer view of things than I’d had before.
I enjoyed this pretty close to a 5-star level until the end when the author left me hanging. I’m going to rate this at 4.5 stars based on my enjoyment of it, with the hope that we’ll get some sort of a follow-up to this story later in the series, but I’m going to round down to 4 on Goodreads due to my annoyance at the end. I think I’d have been less annoyed if I’d expected the cliffhanger, but the author wrapped the first two full-length novels up reasonably well and this novella appeared to be telling a tangentially-related side story so I expected it to be a complete story of its own. Plus I forgot there was supposed to be a preview of the next book at the end, so I thought I still had quite a bit more story to go when I suddenly found myself at the end. If I’d realized the end was so close, I would have realized there probably wasn’t enough time to wrap the story up satisfactorily and I would have started bracing myself.
The story is told from the first-person perspective of Abraham, a newly-introduced character. It opens up with Abraham a prisoner being taken toward Elysium because he has a demon inside him. The chapters alternate between the past and the present, with the past chapters filling in a brief explanation of his life growing up and how he came to be in his current situation. There is also a connection to an earlier short story, The Penitent Damned.
I liked this quite a lot. I was interested in Abraham’s story in both timelines, and it filled in some interesting info about Elysium, the faction that had captured him, and what that faction believes about the demons. It didn’t present a ton of info and it wasn’t all new, but the way it was presented left me feeling like I had a slightly clearer view of things than I’d had before.
I enjoyed this pretty close to a 5-star level until the end when the author left me hanging. I’m going to rate this at 4.5 stars based on my enjoyment of it, with the hope that we’ll get some sort of a follow-up to this story later in the series, but I’m going to round down to 4 on Goodreads due to my annoyance at the end. I think I’d have been less annoyed if I’d expected the cliffhanger, but the author wrapped the first two full-length novels up reasonably well and this novella appeared to be telling a tangentially-related side story so I expected it to be a complete story of its own. Plus I forgot there was supposed to be a preview of the next book at the end, so I thought I still had quite a bit more story to go when I suddenly found myself at the end. If I’d realized the end was so close, I would have realized there probably wasn’t enough time to wrap the story up satisfactorily and I would have started bracing myself.
June 15, 2024
“These days we work in secret, but as long as there are supernatural forces loose to continue to corrupt humanity, our task will never end ”.
Relato que se sitúa cronológicamente entre el segundo y tercer libro de la saga. Solo puedo decir que me ha encantado y me ha parecido demasiado corto para mi gusto. Ojalá tenga noticias pronto de estos personajes en las siguientes novelas.
Relato que se sitúa cronológicamente entre el segundo y tercer libro de la saga. Solo puedo decir que me ha encantado y me ha parecido demasiado corto para mi gusto. Ojalá tenga noticias pronto de estos personajes en las siguientes novelas.
May 26, 2015
3.5 stars
Mild spoilers ahead.
A nice way to tie us over until the next novel.
The Shadow of Elysium continues the story of Alex we have met in The Penitent Damned, but it centers on Abraham, a young man also possessed by a demon. As they are both taken towards the Elysium and the Priests of the Black, the story alternates between the past and present: Abraham tells how he learned about his demon, how he fell in love with the young priest, how his actions led to their downfall. In the present, he observes his captors and Alex and helps her fight off the drug she is controlled with. They escape, but, unknown to them, are followed by Penitent Damned whose demon can see the trails of other possessed people. Next novella?
This is well written, simple story. You don't need to read it to enjoy the novels, but it adds more color to Wexler's world. Short and sweet.
Mild spoilers ahead.
A nice way to tie us over until the next novel.
The Shadow of Elysium continues the story of Alex we have met in The Penitent Damned, but it centers on Abraham, a young man also possessed by a demon. As they are both taken towards the Elysium and the Priests of the Black, the story alternates between the past and present: Abraham tells how he learned about his demon, how he fell in love with the young priest, how his actions led to their downfall. In the present, he observes his captors and Alex and helps her fight off the drug she is controlled with. They escape, but, unknown to them, are followed by Penitent Damned whose demon can see the trails of other possessed people. Next novella?
This is well written, simple story. You don't need to read it to enjoy the novels, but it adds more color to Wexler's world. Short and sweet.
June 1, 2015
I desperately hope we see more of Alex and Abraham in the future.
July 22, 2015
The Shadow of Elysium is a novella that takes place about the same time as The Thousand Names and gives us a look at a number of different characters establishing more back story for them and hinting at what will be happening to them! :D One of the characters that of Alex has previously appeared and The Shadow of Elysium helps to continue her story as well! :D
The novella is fast paced from the get go going over multiple events from characters pasts quickly and showing how characters have got to where they are and why! :D At the same time it shows that there are deeper mysteries and workings within workings that are going on which are sure to have some kind of knock on effects in the novels and any future novellas and short stories! :D It also gives a look at events that are happening in different parts of the world that we have yet seen and a different viewpoints on what is happening from a perspective from which where many of the characters do not have clue what is going on initially and have to make their own plans which keeps the plot moving in unexpected and unpredictable ways! :D
Events in the book also lay down some new locations and events that are bound to have a knock on effect! :D There does appear as with the books appear to be characters pieces before positioned for more bigger events and this adds layers to the novella. These events are set up in such a way that many of the regular characters will not see it coming in the main books and adds more layers to a complex plot! :D The end of the novella is something of a cliff hangar as well and can be compared with a can of worms being spilt in regards to the plotlines! :D So you would suspect that the next book will pick these up and take them further! :D
Brilliant stuff and highly recommended! :D
The novella is fast paced from the get go going over multiple events from characters pasts quickly and showing how characters have got to where they are and why! :D At the same time it shows that there are deeper mysteries and workings within workings that are going on which are sure to have some kind of knock on effects in the novels and any future novellas and short stories! :D It also gives a look at events that are happening in different parts of the world that we have yet seen and a different viewpoints on what is happening from a perspective from which where many of the characters do not have clue what is going on initially and have to make their own plans which keeps the plot moving in unexpected and unpredictable ways! :D
Events in the book also lay down some new locations and events that are bound to have a knock on effect! :D There does appear as with the books appear to be characters pieces before positioned for more bigger events and this adds layers to the novella. These events are set up in such a way that many of the regular characters will not see it coming in the main books and adds more layers to a complex plot! :D The end of the novella is something of a cliff hangar as well and can be compared with a can of worms being spilt in regards to the plotlines! :D So you would suspect that the next book will pick these up and take them further! :D
Brilliant stuff and highly recommended! :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2015
I remember when Django Wexler hit the shelves with The Thousand Names debut...I mean how can you forget that name, and the cover is pure awesome. But I was on the fence about reading it since I'm not a big military-ish genre fan. BUT! (isn't there always?) I got a chance to try a taste of Django and the world he created in the novella The Shadow of Elysium. Turns out I've been missing out on some excellent writing and a unique magic mythos.
In The Shadow Campaigns world, demons find human hosts and give that person a specific magical power. I get the feeling the host can use the magical ability for good or evil, depending on the character of the person. Once the host dies the demon can leave to find another victim. There are demon hunters who find the hosts and imprison them at Elysium, making sure they live a very long life and preventing the demon from escaping for as long as possible.
The Shadow of Elysium is the story of Abraham. A young man with a demon that gives him the power to kill and heal. The story starts with him in a cage, along with a young woman, on the way to Elysium. Told from Abraham's POV, we learn about the events of his life that led up to his capture through expertly used flashbacks. What you get is a compelling story that makes me want to find out more about the world Wexler has created.
I highly recommend this novella to any fantasy fan looking for a new author to enjoy.
4.5 "demon" Sheep
http://www.ismellsheep.com/2015/05/bo...
In The Shadow Campaigns world, demons find human hosts and give that person a specific magical power. I get the feeling the host can use the magical ability for good or evil, depending on the character of the person. Once the host dies the demon can leave to find another victim. There are demon hunters who find the hosts and imprison them at Elysium, making sure they live a very long life and preventing the demon from escaping for as long as possible.
The Shadow of Elysium is the story of Abraham. A young man with a demon that gives him the power to kill and heal. The story starts with him in a cage, along with a young woman, on the way to Elysium. Told from Abraham's POV, we learn about the events of his life that led up to his capture through expertly used flashbacks. What you get is a compelling story that makes me want to find out more about the world Wexler has created.
I highly recommend this novella to any fantasy fan looking for a new author to enjoy.
4.5 "demon" Sheep
http://www.ismellsheep.com/2015/05/bo...
May 21, 2023
I decided to give this two stars for the stupid (and extremely unnecessary to the story) horny guard. Seriously this author needs to calm down. His books are fine without all the rapey crap. And if it gets worse in the next book I'm going to have to stop reading these.
Otherwise I liked the story
Otherwise I liked the story
February 16, 2018
I can't wait to see if we'll meet Abraham and Alex again. I only hope I will, otherwise what was the point of this short story (and that twist !) ?
May 29, 2015
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED AT FANTASY LITERATURE
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
The Shadow of Elysium is the second novella in Django Wexler’s THE SHADOW CAMPAIGNS series. In The Penitent Damned, the preceding novella, we witnessed Alex’s untimely capture by the Priests of the Black. This installment is a continuation of Alex’s story, albeit I didn’t realize it at first because the story is told through the viewpoint of Abraham, a newly introduced character who also has demonic abilities. When the story begins, Abraham is being transported through the wilderness in Murnsk; his arresters later join in with Alex’s, and both prisoners continue on towards Elysium, where they will be imprisoned for life for containing demons. Roughly every other chapter is a flashback of Abraham’s, through which Wexler introduces us to the hardships of Abraham’s childhood; the effect of this structure, one of my favorite parts about the novella, is to give The Shadow of Elysium a highly personal tilt.
As we read on, we continue to learn more about Abraham’s past life, the reason for his capture, and the exact nature of his demonic powers. Wexler uses various scenes from Abraham’s childhood to convey his character, liberally applying a sense of retroflection in the process. In combination, the stories serve to give us a sense of Abraham’s compassion and adventurousness; I really appreciate that Wexler has chosen to use this structure to communicate this rather than to stuff the novella full of Abraham’s every waking thought — though there is some of that as well, unavoidably since The Shadow of Elysium is written in first person. What makes Wexler’s chosen structure all the more effective is his storytelling, which I’ve always felt is one of his greatest literary strengths.
There’s a scene in the first few pages of chapter one of The Shadow of Elysium, quite explicit but beautifully delivered, that serves to highlight my point. It’s not a particularly pleasant scene and is really only a short paragraph or so in length: it is, in fact, a description of about the sexual pleasures Abraham has performed in order to gain some food and alcohol. Though it’s a little explicit, the narrative is handed to us in a very matter-of-fact manner that serves to demonstrate the commonality of such an event, a bit of a shocking beginning that plunges us into the harsh world of Wexler’s reality. Simultaneously, the scene shows us Abraham’s will to survive and his strength of character. A few of these powerful scenarios within the course of a single novella, all with beautiful imagery and well-fitted moods, tie us tightly to the plights of Abraham and Alex.
To anyone who’s not read any Wexler yet, I highly recommend THE SHADOW CAMPAIGNS novellas as an excellent introduction to Wexler’s works and the series in general. If you’ve read The Penitent Damned, you’ll definitely want to read The Shadow of Elysium, though Wexler leaves us with quite a cliffhanger, as in novella one. Additionally, it’s a nice look at how life in Murnsk and other parts of Wexler’s world from the point of view of one who was raised in near-poverty. There’s a lot of potential in THE SHADOW CAMPAIGNS, and I simply cannot wait to see what book three has to tell us. Just about everything in this series — down to the casual insertion of same-sex relationships in the plot in such a way that strongly implied normality — is absolutely amazing.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
The Shadow of Elysium is the second novella in Django Wexler’s THE SHADOW CAMPAIGNS series. In The Penitent Damned, the preceding novella, we witnessed Alex’s untimely capture by the Priests of the Black. This installment is a continuation of Alex’s story, albeit I didn’t realize it at first because the story is told through the viewpoint of Abraham, a newly introduced character who also has demonic abilities. When the story begins, Abraham is being transported through the wilderness in Murnsk; his arresters later join in with Alex’s, and both prisoners continue on towards Elysium, where they will be imprisoned for life for containing demons. Roughly every other chapter is a flashback of Abraham’s, through which Wexler introduces us to the hardships of Abraham’s childhood; the effect of this structure, one of my favorite parts about the novella, is to give The Shadow of Elysium a highly personal tilt.
As we read on, we continue to learn more about Abraham’s past life, the reason for his capture, and the exact nature of his demonic powers. Wexler uses various scenes from Abraham’s childhood to convey his character, liberally applying a sense of retroflection in the process. In combination, the stories serve to give us a sense of Abraham’s compassion and adventurousness; I really appreciate that Wexler has chosen to use this structure to communicate this rather than to stuff the novella full of Abraham’s every waking thought — though there is some of that as well, unavoidably since The Shadow of Elysium is written in first person. What makes Wexler’s chosen structure all the more effective is his storytelling, which I’ve always felt is one of his greatest literary strengths.
There’s a scene in the first few pages of chapter one of The Shadow of Elysium, quite explicit but beautifully delivered, that serves to highlight my point. It’s not a particularly pleasant scene and is really only a short paragraph or so in length: it is, in fact, a description of about the sexual pleasures Abraham has performed in order to gain some food and alcohol. Though it’s a little explicit, the narrative is handed to us in a very matter-of-fact manner that serves to demonstrate the commonality of such an event, a bit of a shocking beginning that plunges us into the harsh world of Wexler’s reality. Simultaneously, the scene shows us Abraham’s will to survive and his strength of character. A few of these powerful scenarios within the course of a single novella, all with beautiful imagery and well-fitted moods, tie us tightly to the plights of Abraham and Alex.
To anyone who’s not read any Wexler yet, I highly recommend THE SHADOW CAMPAIGNS novellas as an excellent introduction to Wexler’s works and the series in general. If you’ve read The Penitent Damned, you’ll definitely want to read The Shadow of Elysium, though Wexler leaves us with quite a cliffhanger, as in novella one. Additionally, it’s a nice look at how life in Murnsk and other parts of Wexler’s world from the point of view of one who was raised in near-poverty. There’s a lot of potential in THE SHADOW CAMPAIGNS, and I simply cannot wait to see what book three has to tell us. Just about everything in this series — down to the casual insertion of same-sex relationships in the plot in such a way that strongly implied normality — is absolutely amazing.
January 31, 2016
Really good short story. Hoping the characters reappear in "Price of Valor" or another short story. The story offers a glimpse into the work of the Priests of White, Red and Black. I really like Django Wexler's writing!
May 20, 2015
Four and a half really! I must read more of Mr. Wexler. Too many books, too little time!
October 13, 2021
Short story where we get to see Alex from "The Penitent Damned" again.
Good thing cuz she will also show up on "Guns of the Empire"
Good thing cuz she will also show up on "Guns of the Empire"
August 3, 2015
I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I've been curious about Django Wexler. He's one of the first authors I've heard about that's writing "flintlock fantasy," or fantasy set in an analogue of our early Modern era instead of medieval/Renaissance times. But I haven't read his books yet. This 69 page novelette (novella? I don't even know) seemed like the perfect way to get a taste of his writing to see if I liked it.
And like it I did! The story is more like a piece of a story. The plot is about a young man being hauled off to be imprisoned, since he hosts a "demon". I get the sense that in the North, demons are seen as a religious issue, as opposed to the South, where they are seen as more of a magic issue. The story doesn't really explain, and that's fine. Our young protagonist ends up in a prison wagon being transported with a woman who's apparently a main character in the novel series, Alex.
Really, what the story is about is a young man's lonely coming of age. It's a fairly predictable arc, you can see what will happen when he falls in love, and the author is not subtle with his "if I only knew now what I knew then" foreshadowing. However, it's nicely written. I could fall into the story and escape for a bit. The setting intrigues. You've won this time, Django Wexler! Now I have no choice but to read your novels, too.
I've been curious about Django Wexler. He's one of the first authors I've heard about that's writing "flintlock fantasy," or fantasy set in an analogue of our early Modern era instead of medieval/Renaissance times. But I haven't read his books yet. This 69 page novelette (novella? I don't even know) seemed like the perfect way to get a taste of his writing to see if I liked it.
And like it I did! The story is more like a piece of a story. The plot is about a young man being hauled off to be imprisoned, since he hosts a "demon". I get the sense that in the North, demons are seen as a religious issue, as opposed to the South, where they are seen as more of a magic issue. The story doesn't really explain, and that's fine. Our young protagonist ends up in a prison wagon being transported with a woman who's apparently a main character in the novel series, Alex.
Really, what the story is about is a young man's lonely coming of age. It's a fairly predictable arc, you can see what will happen when he falls in love, and the author is not subtle with his "if I only knew now what I knew then" foreshadowing. However, it's nicely written. I could fall into the story and escape for a bit. The setting intrigues. You've won this time, Django Wexler! Now I have no choice but to read your novels, too.
January 28, 2016
This review was originally posted on Books and Ladders
This was such a good introduction to this world for me. I liked meeting Abraham and seeing his past. It made me want to continue following the story to learn more about what he plans to do and how he plans to do it. I think he was such an interesting character and I love that his love for Peter is what is motivating him to escape.
I understand Peter's motivation for bringing his and Abraham's downfall, but I still would have liked for him to have been stronger.
I definitely want to learn more about demons and how they work, especially Alex's demon. I would like to know more about how the demon chooses a host and what happens to the host when they use the demon's powers. Hopefully that is explained in the actual series.
Overall: 4/5 stars. I really enjoyed this. It was a nice taste of the world, so I think I'll be picking up the rest of the series!
This was such a good introduction to this world for me. I liked meeting Abraham and seeing his past. It made me want to continue following the story to learn more about what he plans to do and how he plans to do it. I think he was such an interesting character and I love that his love for Peter is what is motivating him to escape.
I understand Peter's motivation for bringing his and Abraham's downfall, but I still would have liked for him to have been stronger.
I definitely want to learn more about demons and how they work, especially Alex's demon. I would like to know more about how the demon chooses a host and what happens to the host when they use the demon's powers. Hopefully that is explained in the actual series.
Overall: 4/5 stars. I really enjoyed this. It was a nice taste of the world, so I think I'll be picking up the rest of the series!
May 19, 2015
Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Scholastic Siren - Sara:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review
--Actual rating, 4.5 Skulls
This is a wonderful story! It is fast paced and well written. Set in the world of The Shadow Campaigns, this is a nice entry point to the series or a tidbit to tide you over until The Prince of Valor comes out. Either way, you will be left ready for more!
This is a first person story told from the point of view of a young man who is a prisoner being transported to Elysium. There are flashbacks about his life leading up to his capture, as well as present day interactions with his guards and a fellow prisoner, a young girl named Alex. I am unfamiliar with these characters, but I understand they are favorites from the series. I can't wait to read more about them!
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review
--Actual rating, 4.5 Skulls
This is a wonderful story! It is fast paced and well written. Set in the world of The Shadow Campaigns, this is a nice entry point to the series or a tidbit to tide you over until The Prince of Valor comes out. Either way, you will be left ready for more!
This is a first person story told from the point of view of a young man who is a prisoner being transported to Elysium. There are flashbacks about his life leading up to his capture, as well as present day interactions with his guards and a fellow prisoner, a young girl named Alex. I am unfamiliar with these characters, but I understand they are favorites from the series. I can't wait to read more about them!
May 15, 2015
OOH, I AM INTRIGUED! At 50 pages (the other 20-ish are a preview of the upcoming novel) there was more than enough story and substance to give me a good feel for Wexler's writing, the characters, and just what this world is all about. There was a twist I hadn't expected (and actually gasped out loud!)
I tend to shy away from side stories - usually you already need to be familiar with the series. Here, however, I was more than able to walk in blind and now I am more than eager to dive into the series!
For the full review and more, head over to The Pretty Good Gatsby!
I tend to shy away from side stories - usually you already need to be familiar with the series. Here, however, I was more than able to walk in blind and now I am more than eager to dive into the series!
For the full review and more, head over to The Pretty Good Gatsby!
February 15, 2019
Perfect both for newcomers to the series and for already established fans.
It is a stand-alone novella and can be read by itself without having read any other books in the series.
I enjoyed it, even though its only 71 pages long, it still manages to deliver a good story. It is fast paced, got strong characterization which pulls you in rooting for the protagonist, the magic is also interesting.
It is a stand-alone novella and can be read by itself without having read any other books in the series.
I enjoyed it, even though its only 71 pages long, it still manages to deliver a good story. It is fast paced, got strong characterization which pulls you in rooting for the protagonist, the magic is also interesting.
June 4, 2015
A little lacking as a stand-alone novella; good story, but not much space to build the world it's in. It hits enough of those notes, though, just. Great as a continuation of the series.
May 20, 2015
Took a little long to get to the point. Preferred the other novella but overall I liked it. Gave an "international" view of happenings from a perspective outside Vordan.
May 5, 2015
3.5 - 4 stars
This short novella served its purpose as a teaser to generate interest in the Shadow Campaigns series. I loaded The Thousand Names on my Kindle - now I just need time to read it!
This short novella served its purpose as a teaser to generate interest in the Shadow Campaigns series. I loaded The Thousand Names on my Kindle - now I just need time to read it!
August 24, 2016
A lot of details and missing things for such a shory story.
October 20, 2024
Again, really wish I read this before books four and five! I would have cared so much more about precious boi Abraham.
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