Title: Shadowblack
Author: Sebastien de Castell
First published October 5, 2017
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.12
Overview
The thrilling sequel to Spellslinger is here! Shadowblack follows the adventures of Kellen, a sixteen-year-old outlaw in the treacherous land of the Seven Sands. He longs for home, family, and his lost love, Nephenia.
But when he meets Seneira, a blindfolded girl with a dangerous secret, Kellen and his mentor Ferius must step in to help. Little do they know, a Shadowblack plague is spreading, and Kellen suspects his own people may be responsible.
With non-stop action and heart-pumping suspense, Shadowblack is a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure.
Editoral Review
Sebastien de Castell has returned with the second installment in his Spellslinger series Shadowblack. Set in a world where magic is the norm, the novel is a young adult historical fantasy adventure that introduces us to Kellen, a young wizard who is battling inner demons and discovering the powers that he has hidden within him.
Published on October 5th, 2017, the novel establishes the genre, style, and themes of the series with engaging characters, a fast-paced plot, and a world-building that is both unique and compelling. In Shadowblack, Kellen is on the run from his own people, the JanTep, who believe he has gone rogue.
He is accompanied by his Argosi mentor, Ferius Parfax, and his companions, Reichis, the squirrel cat, and Seneira, an acolyte healer. Together they are determined to discover the origins of the Shadowblack a dark force that is sweeping across the land while also evading capture by the infamous bounty hunter, N’Aleria.
The novel is set in a world reminiscent of the Wild West, complete with gunslingers, bandits, and rival factions. Castells attention to detail is exceptional and transports the reader to a time when survival is all that matters.
The novels characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, especially Kellen, whose internal struggles are relatable, despite the fantastical nature of the story. Through Kellen’s journey, Castell explores themes of identity, responsibility, and self-discovery.
These themes are broad enough to appeal to a young audience while still offering depth and resonance. Castells writing is slick and sharp, containing witty dialogue, well-crafted world-building, and a plot that never flags in momentum.
The novels pacing is brisk, making it an engaging read and difficult to put down. Castell seamlessly weaves the action and the dialogue to come up with an exciting tale that is sure to appeal to fans of the fantasy genre.
However, it should be mentioned that the novel does suffer from a lack of emotional depth, and some of the plot developments seem a little too convenient. These issues are not enough to detract from the novels overall entertainment value, but they do hinder it from reaching its full potential.
In conclusion, Shadowblack is another excellent entry in the Spellslinger series, which, despite some of its shortcomings, is a fun and entertaining read. Castell’s vividly-drawn world, well-fleshed out characters, fast-paced plot, and clever storyline contribute to a satisfying read.
It is highly recommended for fans of young adult fiction and fantasy novels. It receives a 4.5 out of 5, despite its minor flaws, for its creativity, plot, and character development.
