Title: The Shadow of What Was Lost
Author: James Islington
First published August 3, 2014
602 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780992580209 (ISBN10: 099258020X)
Rating: 4.14
Overview
In the aftermath of a devastating war, the world is forever changed. The tyrannical rulers, known as the Sovereigns, have been overthrown and their powers stripped away.
In their place, those who possess the Gift are bound by a set of strict laws, enforced by symbols etched into their skin. For Davian, a student of the Gifted, life is a constant struggle as he learns to control his abilities while facing the scorn of those who fear him.
But when Davian discovers a forbidden power, he sets off a chain of events that will shake the foundations of the world. As an ancient enemy reemerges and a stranger with no memory appears in the forest, Davian must confront the truth about his past and the destiny that awaits him.
The Shadow of What Was Lost is an epic tale of magic, mystery, and adventure that will leave you breathless.
About the Author
James Islington hails from southern Victoria, Australia, where he spent his formative years surrounded by the captivating tales of Raymond E. Feist and Robert Jordan.
However, it wasn’t until he delved into Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series and Patrick Rothfuss’ Name of the Wind that he found the creative spark to write his own stories. Today, James resides with his wife and two children on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula in Victoria.
Editoral Review
The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington is a thrilling epic fantasy novel that was first published on August 3, 2014. The book tells the story of three young friends who set out on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth behind their worlds mysterious past and their own unknown identities.
James Islington, the author of the book, perfectly combines vivid world-building with complex characters, making it an entrancing read for audiences who enjoy stories set in a fictional, medieval-like world. The novel is set in the land of Andarra, which, for centuries, has been protected by the Augurs, powerful beings with the ability to manipulate reality itself, using magical abilities called Forging.
The Augurs are worshipped as gods and have rendered the civilization peaceful and prosperous. However, when an ancient evil surfaces and threatens the world, the Augurs mysteriously disappear, leading Andarra to a state of chaos and violence.
In this world, our three young heroes Davian, Wirr, and Asha possess unique abilities that make them valuable, leading them to embark on a journey to find the Augurs and restore peace to Andarra. What Islington excels in is the character development of his three main characters.
Each of them has their own struggles, motivations, and secrets. Davian, who is the primary protagonist, is a young scholar who has been living his life with hidden magical abilities.
Davian’s character is mature and wise beyond his years, and at the same time, deeply compassionate, which makes him a relatable and likable character. Wirr and Asha, his companions, also have their share of compelling storylines, making the book an intriguing read.
The pacing of the novel is excellent, and it keeps the reader engaged throughout. What sets The Shadow of What Was Lost apart is how well Islington balances the action and storytelling, making it an entertaining read.
Islington’s detailed world-building immerses the reader into the world, making it feel real and palpable. The conflicts and suspenseful plot twists are perfectly placed, and one cannot help but become emotionally invested in the characters.
Islington’s writing style is accessible and enjoyable, making the novel appealing to a wide audience. The story is imaginative, intricate, and, most importantly, gripping.
The themes are relevant, including the protagonist’s struggle to find their self-identity and the price of obtaining power. The book can be compared to popular fantasy series like The Lord of the Rings, The Wheel of Time, and A Song of Ice and Fire.
Despite the book’s strengths, it has some limitations. For instance, the magic system can be overly-complex, making it hard for some readers to grasp at first.
However, this can be easily overlooked because the characters and the story are richly-detailed, making the book enjoyable. In conclusion, The Shadow of What Was Lost is a captivating fantasy novel that will appeal to fans of the genre.
The book ticks all the right boxes good world-building, complex characterization, engaging plot, and an excellent balance between action and storytelling. James Islington presents a wholly satisfying and immersive story.
As such, I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great read. This innovative and well-crafted novel deserves a rating of 4.5 out of 5.
