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Shadowborn (2013)

by Moira Katson(Favorite Author)

3.91 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

1484094670 (ISBN13: 9781484094679)

languge

English

genre

Historical Fiction

publisher

Createspace

series

Light & Shadow

review 1: 3.5 Stars - Enjoyable and Worth the ReadAt first, I was uncertain whether I would enjoy this book. It started off on a slow march, more exposition than action, the plot hinting at what was to come without truly laying down sufficient teasers to get me excited. I'm glad I didn't put the book down - because as the story began to unfold, I found myself drawn into the world Katson created. The writing is easy and manageable, her characterizations descriptive and you feel this is an author who has researched her setting well. She manages to create a history and a lore without sending the reader into information overload, and it's wonderful to see someone successfully create a teenage protagonist who isn't annoying. Kudos to that. Some constructive criticism: I do feel certain a... morereas of the plot could have been tightened, especially around my understanding of who the antagonist was. The court and its dangers? The Queen and her council? The relation between the lead and her polar opposite? The duke? The ever-present threat of war? Katson manages to convey the heavy threat throughout the novel, however its like a cloud - always hovering, but unable to put ones finger on it. I noticed a certain reviewer mentioned she didn't appreciate the book concluding on a cliff-hanger. For me, I felt something was missing from the ending overall - it was more a personal accomplishment for the protagonist (the completion of her character arc), rather than a victory over the antagonist force. There is nothing better than savouring the besting of the antagonist and I didn't quite get this with Shadowborn. That said, the author excels at crafting the personal relationships throughout the story, and it's wonderful to see how she accomplishes the movement from friends to foes (and visa versa) as the story progresses. This transition is both subtle and enjoyable to read, and makes for character relationships which are dynamic and ever-changing. Overall, an enjoyable read. I am extremely impressed with this indie author's achievement - there are no glaring errors, the cover is well done, and she has crafted a story which is better than many formally published fantasy authors. A strong sign for the indie community. Well done, and a recommended read.
review 2: This free book from Amazon was quite a nice surprise. It tells the story of Catwin, orphan, holder of a prophecy and Shadow (friend, guard, shield, assassin, spy) of the only niece of a powerful duke. Betrayal, training, court politics, love, lost, hurt all these are present in the book, following the coming into adulthood of the two children, Catwin and Miriel, the niece of the duke and supposed would be Queen. The development of the strenuous relation between them and the long road they have to walk before beginning to trust each other is well worth watching. less

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