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Legends of the Guardian-King #3
Shadow Over Kiriath
After months of conflict and opposition, Abramm Kalladorne has finally stepped into his destiny as king of Kiriath--only to find himself facing more problems than ever. The Mataio remains antagonistic, the failed rebellion's supporters have slipped through his grasp to plot anew, bad luck plagues his every attempt to build Kiriath's defenses...and that's just the beginning.
As the forces of the Black Moon advance toward Kiriathan shores, Abramm agrees to a desperately needed alliance-by-marriage with neighboring Chesedh. But with the hour for his union approaching, he is horrified to discover that he has become dangerously attracted to his fiancée's younger sister, the headstrong Lady Madeleine. Even worse, he learns that his attraction is reciprocated--just the sort of situation his enemies can use to destroy everything he's trying to accomplish. And Eidon just might let them succeed.
Treachery and faithfulness, guilt and forgiveness, the joy of desires fulfilled and the pain of tragic loss all weave the tapestry of one man's destiny realized--where mind-boggling blessings come wrapped in a mantle of suffering that will test Abramm's faith to the limit and challenge everything he thinks he knows about himself and the one who owns his soul.
As the forces of the Black Moon advance toward Kiriathan shores, Abramm agrees to a desperately needed alliance-by-marriage with neighboring Chesedh. But with the hour for his union approaching, he is horrified to discover that he has become dangerously attracted to his fiancée's younger sister, the headstrong Lady Madeleine. Even worse, he learns that his attraction is reciprocated--just the sort of situation his enemies can use to destroy everything he's trying to accomplish. And Eidon just might let them succeed.
Treachery and faithfulness, guilt and forgiveness, the joy of desires fulfilled and the pain of tragic loss all weave the tapestry of one man's destiny realized--where mind-boggling blessings come wrapped in a mantle of suffering that will test Abramm's faith to the limit and challenge everything he thinks he knows about himself and the one who owns his soul.
464 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2005
38 people are currently reading
730 people want to read
About the author
Karen Hancock
8 books312 followersKaren Hancock has won Christy Awards for each of her first four novels—Arena and the first three books in the Legends of the Guardian-King series, The Light of Eidon, The Shadow Within, and Shadow over Kiriath. She graduated from the University of Arizona with bachelor's degrees in biology and wildlife biology. Along with writing, she is a semi-professional watercolorist and has exhibited her work in a number of national juried shows. She and her family reside in Arizona.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 30, 2010
Move over Edward, you have been replaced by Abramm Kalladorne. I didn't think Christian fiction would have the courage to be this seductive, but it did. But unlike the obsessive love between Bella and Edward, we see the grown up power of love and attraction and its pull even when it is forbidden. If you are looking for a Christian alternative to Twilight, this is it. Like Twilight, it is clean but still powerful, proving once again you don't need graphic details to be sexy.
As with the other two novels in this series, I t continues with its Christian allegory of loss and redemption. This book has no problem confronting loss and doubts. It is so refreshing to read books that don't gloss over that reality. I recommend this series to any Christian facing hard times in their lives.
As with the other two novels in this series, I t continues with its Christian allegory of loss and redemption. This book has no problem confronting loss and doubts. It is so refreshing to read books that don't gloss over that reality. I recommend this series to any Christian facing hard times in their lives.
September 27, 2012
Karen Hancock is so talented ;)
August 17, 2022
4,25 stars - English Ebook
Review follows later.
Review follows later.
August 10, 2025
The third book in The Guardian-King Series, but the first of the series to make me ball like a baby! Abramm is left with scars from the battle at the end of The Shadow Within (book two) and he is on his way to his coronation. But the Enemy is not done plotting against him, especially as he is stepping into his destiny.
This book is bittersweet. So many amazing things happen that make my heart pitter-patter and my soul desire to reach out to God. However, it ends on one of the most heart-wrenching cliff hangers I've ever read. Karen Hancock does not shy away from writing about our spiritual and mental struggles as Christians in this allegorical series.
This book is bittersweet. So many amazing things happen that make my heart pitter-patter and my soul desire to reach out to God. However, it ends on one of the most heart-wrenching cliff hangers I've ever read. Karen Hancock does not shy away from writing about our spiritual and mental struggles as Christians in this allegorical series.
October 10, 2025
I freakin love this series! SOOOO good! If you want quality Christian Fantasy Series that refreshes your soul, this is a series for you! .
March 12, 2012
I really, really wanted to give this book 5 stars, and I would have if not for how the book jumps ahead in time about four years towards the end. I hate time jumps in books for any reason, no matter how much sense they make within the overall story. It just felt awkward, disjointed, and out of place.
That said, few books have ever tugged on my emotions quite like this one--in fact, the same can be said for all the books in this series. Some scenes have even moved me to tears. As Abramm is finally crowned king, his troubles only seem to increase, but this book is really more about the romance blossoming between the character, and Abramm's inner struggles to realize what he wants. The romance and resulting conflicts were emotional and well-told, filled with passion at the right moments while the characters struggle to control their feelings to try to settle on what they think is best for Kiriath. These books are so well-told, and filled with raw emotions, that even while I held out hope for a happy ending, I never felt like it was a guarantee. It truly felt like anything could happen and that Abramm's journey was still far from over.
That said, few books have ever tugged on my emotions quite like this one--in fact, the same can be said for all the books in this series. Some scenes have even moved me to tears. As Abramm is finally crowned king, his troubles only seem to increase, but this book is really more about the romance blossoming between the character, and Abramm's inner struggles to realize what he wants. The romance and resulting conflicts were emotional and well-told, filled with passion at the right moments while the characters struggle to control their feelings to try to settle on what they think is best for Kiriath. These books are so well-told, and filled with raw emotions, that even while I held out hope for a happy ending, I never felt like it was a guarantee. It truly felt like anything could happen and that Abramm's journey was still far from over.
April 24, 2025
It's been 20 years since I read this, and still it's the book I most love in this series. It's difficult, harsh, and sometimes dark. But it's the hardest journeys that bring us to the most amazing destinations. Shadow Over Kiriath is one of those incredibly difficult journeys I do not and never have regretted taking.
*While there is no explicit content in this book, I do recommend it for adult readers (18+).
*While there is no explicit content in this book, I do recommend it for adult readers (18+).
November 27, 2025
This book had me so invested! And that ending wild! I can’t wait to see how the series finishes!
November 6, 2021
Shadow Over Kiriath is not as strong or as cohesive as its predecessor, but still good. One thing that should be said: this reads like one full novel with the first 1/4 of another novel tacked onto it. The romance plot that drives the book is resolved at the 3/4 mark with what feels like a cohesive ending, but the last 1/4 is the inciting incident for a separate plot that will be continued in the next novel.
The romance plot itself has some good messages, though it does perpetuate the "one special person" trope and doesn't give the reader much genuine doubt as to the outcome. There's not the same will-they-won't-they tension as in, for example, Brandon Sanderson's Wax and Wayne books, where the outcome of the love triangle is genuinely uncertain.
There is less action in this book than in the first two books of the series, and it felt like there was a lot more liberal use of deus ex machina. Surrender to God's plan is an important message but is hard to pull off in a novel, because it has to be balanced by characters being proactive and doing interesting things. I thought Hancock handled it well in The Shadow Within, but it didn't work as well here.
The romance plot itself has some good messages, though it does perpetuate the "one special person" trope and doesn't give the reader much genuine doubt as to the outcome. There's not the same will-they-won't-they tension as in, for example, Brandon Sanderson's Wax and Wayne books, where the outcome of the love triangle is genuinely uncertain.
There is less action in this book than in the first two books of the series, and it felt like there was a lot more liberal use of deus ex machina. Surrender to God's plan is an important message but is hard to pull off in a novel, because it has to be balanced by characters being proactive and doing interesting things. I thought Hancock handled it well in The Shadow Within, but it didn't work as well here.
July 25, 2018
I wish I had read this Christian allegory at a different point in my life. I have so much troublesome going on right now, it was hard for me to get invested in our hero's continuing and even worsening troubles. I could only read it in bits and pieces, so it took forever. This is only book 3 of 4. Gonna hafta wait a few months to continue. And it ended on a cliffhanger...
I did like this quote: Better to live one day at a time. Better still, one hour at a time. Better to occupy her mind with thoughts of Eidon's love and goodness. Of his power and his wisdom and the fact that he often let his people get lost so he could find them, let them fall into trouble just so he could deliver them and all could see his power...And that the darker things became, the brighter his Light would shine. P 339
I did like this quote: Better to live one day at a time. Better still, one hour at a time. Better to occupy her mind with thoughts of Eidon's love and goodness. Of his power and his wisdom and the fact that he often let his people get lost so he could find them, let them fall into trouble just so he could deliver them and all could see his power...And that the darker things became, the brighter his Light would shine. P 339
December 2, 2017
I'm continuing to re-read Legends of the Guardian King, one of my favourite fantasy series. This particular book is full of political intrigue as Abramm is finally on the throne. At times it's almost frustrating to read how, despite his successes, there is still such opposition to his rule. Politics, even in fantasy stories, has a way of frustrating me slightly because it always feels a little too close to the truth--corruption and power struggles remind me all too much of African politicians. But still an enjoyable read.
May 11, 2018
This book has the ultimate struggle of good vs. evil. The evil within us that struggles against the evil outside of us is more of the villain as Abramm tried to keep his kingdom together. The good, however, comes out of his trials, for which Abramm finds who still stands with him—a big plot twist in this revelation. A heart wrenching ending that keeps you hoping for the same dreams of peace and harmony.
December 17, 2024
Hancock has crafted an epic fantasy. I was immediately immersed into the drama. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages. These characters will linger long after turning the final page. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Recommend to readers who enjoy Christian fantasy.
I borrowed a copy from the library. I have expressed my honest view.
Recommend to readers who enjoy Christian fantasy.
I borrowed a copy from the library. I have expressed my honest view.
March 23, 2019
Two books in one!
Just when I thought things would go well for Abramm, another story jumped from the pages and heartache replaced joy. I can't even fathom what will happen next! A must read.
Just when I thought things would go well for Abramm, another story jumped from the pages and heartache replaced joy. I can't even fathom what will happen next! A must read.
September 1, 2019
I love these books and these characters. This books is fantastic but it should end at the beginning. Instead it starts the 4th book at the end of this and puts you off uncomfortable and slightly awkward.
January 13, 2024
Aaaahhhh, this was so good. I am lamenting the fact that I am on vacation and did not bring the final book with me to start. The power of showing how God works through all things echoes into every part of your life. Hancock is a powerful author and this is a truthful book.
June 27, 2024
2.5 stars. I actually read 85% of this book before I had to quit. I just couldn't take any more of the principal characters' repeated blindness to the obvious and their guaranteed selection of every possible bad choice to be made. I'm done with this series.
September 1, 2025
I have enjoyed this series so far this though was probably the weakest book. It did not have that one struggle throughout the entire book. This one felt more like four short stories. All that said enjoyed reading it and looking forward to the next one!
June 12, 2018
I have really enjoyed this series so far. I had hoped to loan it to my teen grandson. however while I enjoyed the romance of book three I think it will be too much for most teen boys and men in general. it is a shame because up till now there were a lot of folks I wanted to recommend this series to.
April 23, 2020
Great series
May 5, 2021
Quite a fast paced plot
May 13, 2021
I absolutely love the series "legends of the guardian-King"! So great! It's a parallel to the Christian walk! I love the concept of keeping ourselves from "the darkness" or sin!
June 15, 2023
This series just keeps getting better!
February 14, 2025
This might be my least favorite of the series...but I still love this book. Hancock writes an excellent story of failure and forgiveness, reminding us how human we truly are.
October 24, 2017
The third book in this quartet, Abramm is crowned King, but this is scarcely a victory, as he has much to do to make his country good. It contains the development of his relationship with Madeleine, and his ongoing battle with the Southern countries.
This series is so riveting. I got nothing done until I had finished it. This book did not disappoint!
This series is so riveting. I got nothing done until I had finished it. This book did not disappoint!
April 4, 2011
After taking a post book 2 hiatus of a few months from this series due to my uneasy feelings regarding its labeling as "christian fantasy" (see earlier reviews), I decided I was ready to read and enjoy it again sans hebegeebees. And while I was successful for the most part in putting my own prejudices aside, I would have given it five starts if not for the heavy religious influence, because it is truly a well written story. I did find that as oppose to the previous two books, this one felt a little more "fantasy", and a little less "christian" to me (though that might just be a change in perspective on my part). Yes, there are many strong parallels, but the religion of this story is well integrated and unique to the world. So despite the (for me) sometimes tedious angst ridden theological inner monologues, I very much enjoyed the book, in fact, I hardly put it down.
I am certainly no expert, but I thought Hancock's pacing was perfect, and the play between the miraculous and the catastrophic was well balanced. Due again to the religious premise of the book, it seemed obvious to me that everything would work out in the end (otherwise the whole doctrine would be proven wrong). Despite my confidence in the author to stay true to the story she created, strangely parallel to the belief and convictions displayed by the characters ;), I was still on the metaphoric edge of my seat throughout the book.
I'd also note that she did a great job with the love story, an aspect missing in the first two books, and did a lot to balance the pious overtones. Honestly, I've read few books that did a better job in building and maintaining a romantic relationship with just the right amount of tension and passion. I actually felt myself re-experiencing those feelings of the rather tumultuous start I had with my own husband. While my emotions often strongly resonate with whatever I am reading at the time, I can't remember ever having that kind of response in the past.
As I'm sure not too many men would resonate with that as much as I did, I would also mention that there is plenty of action and adventure, which is much more important to an interesting fantasy story, of course. As I mentioned above, I loved the pacing of this story, the action is well spaced and timed, and while the book comes to a well defined conclusion, it definitely leaves you compelled to pick up the next one right away, which is just what I did...
I am certainly no expert, but I thought Hancock's pacing was perfect, and the play between the miraculous and the catastrophic was well balanced. Due again to the religious premise of the book, it seemed obvious to me that everything would work out in the end (otherwise the whole doctrine would be proven wrong). Despite my confidence in the author to stay true to the story she created, strangely parallel to the belief and convictions displayed by the characters ;), I was still on the metaphoric edge of my seat throughout the book.
I'd also note that she did a great job with the love story, an aspect missing in the first two books, and did a lot to balance the pious overtones. Honestly, I've read few books that did a better job in building and maintaining a romantic relationship with just the right amount of tension and passion. I actually felt myself re-experiencing those feelings of the rather tumultuous start I had with my own husband. While my emotions often strongly resonate with whatever I am reading at the time, I can't remember ever having that kind of response in the past.
As I'm sure not too many men would resonate with that as much as I did, I would also mention that there is plenty of action and adventure, which is much more important to an interesting fantasy story, of course. As I mentioned above, I loved the pacing of this story, the action is well spaced and timed, and while the book comes to a well defined conclusion, it definitely leaves you compelled to pick up the next one right away, which is just what I did...
February 12, 2016
This book, by far, was my favorite of the entire series. I often find that I adore books that emotionally devastate me, and friends, that is exactly what happened in this case.
SPOILER ALERT! DO NOT CONTINUE READING UNLESS YOU WISH TO RUIN YOUR LIFE!
In this book we follow King Abramm of Kiriath as he navigates growing dangers starting to boil behind the scenes and we also follow Lady Madeleine as she struggles with a strong love that is not reciprocated, all along both of our protagonists are fighting with Rhu’ema (the equivalent of demons) who are trying their best to tear everything apart.
The building blocks of a good story are the characters, are they relatable, heart touching, or understandable? Do we really care about what is happening to them? In this, Hancock excels. Her characters handle each problem thrown at them with realistic solutions and also, human mistakes. What I love is how the characters make mistakes, and understandable ones at that. Too many times books like to throw in the character that is supposed to be spunky, feisty, and glib and instead is pigheaded and stupid. There were no such characters in Legends, instead there were people your heart ached for.
Now, the romance must be discussed. I am a sucker for a good romance, and I mean good romance as in actual love, not covert make out sessions between classes. The characters that Hancock brings together are so obviously made for each other the reader is forced to frantically turn page after page in hopes that the Rhu’ema have butted out and the happily ever after has finally be allowed.
Lastly, the story does not end with a happily ever after. Now, this might be a spoiler (sorry if it is), but instead she chooses to lead you up to a point of happiness and then take an emergency crash landing in the last fifty pages or so. Any author that has the gumption to defy storytelling norms and end with a happily ever after wedding (ah hem, Disney) automatically gets bumped up and while I was devastated by the turn the story took, I also was thoroughly impressed and compelled.
SPOILER ALERT! DO NOT CONTINUE READING UNLESS YOU WISH TO RUIN YOUR LIFE!
In this book we follow King Abramm of Kiriath as he navigates growing dangers starting to boil behind the scenes and we also follow Lady Madeleine as she struggles with a strong love that is not reciprocated, all along both of our protagonists are fighting with Rhu’ema (the equivalent of demons) who are trying their best to tear everything apart.
The building blocks of a good story are the characters, are they relatable, heart touching, or understandable? Do we really care about what is happening to them? In this, Hancock excels. Her characters handle each problem thrown at them with realistic solutions and also, human mistakes. What I love is how the characters make mistakes, and understandable ones at that. Too many times books like to throw in the character that is supposed to be spunky, feisty, and glib and instead is pigheaded and stupid. There were no such characters in Legends, instead there were people your heart ached for.
Now, the romance must be discussed. I am a sucker for a good romance, and I mean good romance as in actual love, not covert make out sessions between classes. The characters that Hancock brings together are so obviously made for each other the reader is forced to frantically turn page after page in hopes that the Rhu’ema have butted out and the happily ever after has finally be allowed.
Lastly, the story does not end with a happily ever after. Now, this might be a spoiler (sorry if it is), but instead she chooses to lead you up to a point of happiness and then take an emergency crash landing in the last fifty pages or so. Any author that has the gumption to defy storytelling norms and end with a happily ever after wedding (ah hem, Disney) automatically gets bumped up and while I was devastated by the turn the story took, I also was thoroughly impressed and compelled.
December 24, 2014
The continuing story of Abramm as he starts to rule his kingdom, under goes his coronation, deals with the Esurhite invasion and faces his upcoming arranged marriage.
I've struggled with this series for awhile, at moments I really enjoy it, (like most of this book) and then Ms. Hancock made a bad decision. I understand the reason for the extreme suffering for the main characters, however, that should have been the next book not the end of this book. This book should have ended on page 402 (just before chapter 35). It was a great dramatic ending and contained just enough foreboding to catch the interest of the reader for the next book, but allowed them to have a good feeling for the end of this book (looking forward to the next, not dreading another 62 pages, which felt longer than the last 402 pages already read). As it is, I'm struggling to find motivation to read the last book in the series, rather than anticipating getting it.
Content notes: No language issues. There are some passionate kisses that imply off page relationships (between husband and wife); an adulterous act is uncovered, details are not given, the relationship is just stated; one character is raped, but this isn't found out until after the act, so no details. Another character is almost raped, but saved at the last minute. Violence is mostly sword and arrow type, though some magical attacks happen, including mental and physical torture. Wounds are generally not described and death strikes are mentioned blandly (hit by an arrow and died kinda thing).
August 7, 2008
I'm still reading it, but know that it has at the very least a 4.5 rating because right now I want to kill it. I still have maybe a third or less of the book left, and I know it will be fixed by the end, but for me to be enough into it that I'm mad enough to want to kill it...that says something.
Just thought I'd let y'all in on the update.
:)
Alright, yeah, it's going down to a 4.3 rating because the four years later thing seemed...a bit tacked on when I started reading it. And I know that the ending's good and will better lead into the fourth book, and it's probably a much better ending than it is a beginning, but...I don't know. It seemed like some of the important things didn't seem as important.... Personally I guess I would have liked more of a rise before that climax point during that time period - the stuff that happened to the kids didn't matter as much to me as I guess it should have because...I hadn't grown attached to them. I don't know how else it could have been done unless it was elaborated for a diff. book - which I really wouldn't have liked either. Idk.
Just thought I'd let y'all in on the update.
:)
Alright, yeah, it's going down to a 4.3 rating because the four years later thing seemed...a bit tacked on when I started reading it. And I know that the ending's good and will better lead into the fourth book, and it's probably a much better ending than it is a beginning, but...I don't know. It seemed like some of the important things didn't seem as important.... Personally I guess I would have liked more of a rise before that climax point during that time period - the stuff that happened to the kids didn't matter as much to me as I guess it should have because...I hadn't grown attached to them. I don't know how else it could have been done unless it was elaborated for a diff. book - which I really wouldn't have liked either. Idk.
September 15, 2010
Another excellent book from Ms. Hancock. Her telling of each characters journey to Eidon is well told and suspenseful. She does it so well that with each scene you go into it wondering if this will be the time when the character forsakes it all and gives into evil. It is not a foregone conclusion that they will chose the right path and the reader sits there and prays that the character will.
Ms. Hancock has skillfully crafted the scenes so that the reader knows exactly what the character is feeling and they want to turn the page to see how they stack up to the character.
An excellent read with lots of lessons for the reader.
Be sure and have book four close by when finishing book three because you will want to start reading it right away.
God Bless,
Chris Weigand
http://www.weigandchris.com
Ms. Hancock has skillfully crafted the scenes so that the reader knows exactly what the character is feeling and they want to turn the page to see how they stack up to the character.
An excellent read with lots of lessons for the reader.
Be sure and have book four close by when finishing book three because you will want to start reading it right away.
God Bless,
Chris Weigand
http://www.weigandchris.com
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews