briarrose1021's review
5.0
It's been a year since the events of the previous book. Ellie is still missing and Marcus is extremely frustrated because he's being kept as a prisoner in his home in order to make sure he isn't taken as well. Unfortunately, Marcus has never done well with captivity. He doesn't care that his grandparents think he's "too important." His sister is missing, and he is determined to find her, though he doesn't know how.
That changes when a letter is delivered to him one day. Though it takes him a while to figure out the secret to the letter, when he does, he discovers that a plan to help save his sister is already in motion and he can join in, but he has to move quickly. Unfortunately, Marcus has never been great at making good decisions and frequently makes rash decisions without thinking them through. Will those decisions cost him his sister, or will they actually help him find her and bring her home? And who is this new cousin that is suddenly allowed to live at his home with him? And how does he have all this knowledge of magic when Marcus is kept in ignorance?
This book is another home run. I loved the mystery combined with all the twists and turns in this book. Though I missed the back-and-forth interactions between Marcus and Ellie that were present in the first book - and I'm still mad at the author for having Ellie kidnapped at the end of book 1, though I will admit it provided a great opportunity to get to know Marcus more and to see him grow and develop throughout this book.
In addition, since the world was largely established in the first book, there was more room for plot and character development in this book. We also got more information about shadow magic in this book, which really fed into the twists and turns in this book.
There was so much that happened in this book, and I cannot wait to see where the plot goes from here. Also, with all the moving, I'm beginning to think that Grandma and Grandpa may not be the most trustworthy family members, and I can't wait to learn more information about them.
For this book, as with the first book, I listened to the audiobook. The same narrator returned for The Shadow's Servant and while he gave another wonderful performance, I still don't like his standard narrating voice. I'm not really sure why, but it sounds like he's trying to make himself sound younger and ends up coming out whiny. I do like the voices he does, though, so as with the first and second book, that won't necessarily prevent me from listening to the next book. After all, it's not a bad performance and after the first hour or so I've sort of gotten used to the voice and can tolerate it to keep listening. Of course, all of that is entirely a me thing, and others are likely to enjoy his voice and performance.
That changes when a letter is delivered to him one day. Though it takes him a while to figure out the secret to the letter, when he does, he discovers that a plan to help save his sister is already in motion and he can join in, but he has to move quickly. Unfortunately, Marcus has never been great at making good decisions and frequently makes rash decisions without thinking them through. Will those decisions cost him his sister, or will they actually help him find her and bring her home? And who is this new cousin that is suddenly allowed to live at his home with him? And how does he have all this knowledge of magic when Marcus is kept in ignorance?
This book is another home run. I loved the mystery combined with all the twists and turns in this book. Though I missed the back-and-forth interactions between Marcus and Ellie that were present in the first book - and I'm still mad at the author for having Ellie kidnapped at the end of book 1, though I will admit it provided a great opportunity to get to know Marcus more and to see him grow and develop throughout this book.
In addition, since the world was largely established in the first book, there was more room for plot and character development in this book. We also got more information about shadow magic in this book, which really fed into the twists and turns in this book.
There was so much that happened in this book, and I cannot wait to see where the plot goes from here. Also, with all the moving, I'm beginning to think that Grandma and Grandpa may not be the most trustworthy family members, and I can't wait to learn more information about them.
For this book, as with the first book, I listened to the audiobook. The same narrator returned for The Shadow's Servant and while he gave another wonderful performance, I still don't like his standard narrating voice. I'm not really sure why, but it sounds like he's trying to make himself sound younger and ends up coming out whiny. I do like the voices he does, though, so as with the first and second book, that won't necessarily prevent me from listening to the next book. After all, it's not a bad performance and after the first hour or so I've sort of gotten used to the voice and can tolerate it to keep listening. Of course, all of that is entirely a me thing, and others are likely to enjoy his voice and performance.
edge's review against another edition
5.0
Another spellbinder from the master.
Justin loads us into his tale, and abruptly swings into the current. Twists and turns bouncing us off hidden boulders, spinning around whirlpools and, occasionally, letting us settle into the lulls between the rapids.
A master storyteller, I highly recommend following Marcus as he searches for his sister - Listen to The Shadow's Servant or catch up to the beginning with The Magic Shop.
Justin loads us into his tale, and abruptly swings into the current. Twists and turns bouncing us off hidden boulders, spinning around whirlpools and, occasionally, letting us settle into the lulls between the rapids.
A master storyteller, I highly recommend following Marcus as he searches for his sister - Listen to The Shadow's Servant or catch up to the beginning with The Magic Shop.
lionchasing's review against another edition
5.0
What an enjoyable follow up to [b:The Magic Shop|28681256|The Magic Shop (Shadow Magic #1)|Justin Swapp|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1453570786l/28681256._SX50_.jpg|25311899]! I struggled a bit with the first book largely because I'm not quite the target audience, but it still left me interested to see where these characters would go and The Shadow's Servent does not disappoint.
What I liked: The self-aware nod to frustrating choices by the grandparents in the first book (still maintain they're the villains!),quickly leaving the grandparents behind in this book! , high adventure, Steve Barnes' narration grew on me from book 1 to 2, an interesting and conflicted cast of characters who in a few cases are more than just their archetypes, and the end leaves me wanting more.
There wasn't a whole lot I didn't like in this book, in fact, it redeemed a bit of what I didn't like about the first book. Pretty solid 4.5 stars for a likable YA fantasy and would selectively recommend to fantasy-loving middle-grade teens.
Note: I received a free copy of the audio book with encouragement for an honest review, and picked up the kindle edition separately.
What I liked: The self-aware nod to frustrating choices by the grandparents in the first book (still maintain they're the villains!),
There wasn't a whole lot I didn't like in this book, in fact, it redeemed a bit of what I didn't like about the first book. Pretty solid 4.5 stars for a likable YA fantasy and would selectively recommend to fantasy-loving middle-grade teens.
Note: I received a free copy of the audio book with encouragement for an honest review, and picked up the kindle edition separately.
booksteacupnreviews's review
5.0
You can read all my review on Blog - Books Teacup and Reviews
4.5 Stars
This was second in Shadow Magic series that revolved around Marcus Fith, his quest of finding his twin sister Ellie and saving her from the danger. It was about dark magic, conflicted family relationship, sibling love, and good vs evil. It included loads of action packed adventure with magical mysterious twists.
Initially, I couldn’t recall much what happened in first book but author didn’t let me stray from the current plot and I could go along easily and could grasp what was going on with the current situation of characters. As I read more I could figure out what was in first book and how it followed in this one. I highly suggest read this book in sequence and without keeping much gap between sequels to enjoy it thoroughly.
characters-
Marcus was impulsive and curious character who loved his sister and family. He was the only conscience character among the deceiving secretive adults he encountered in this book. I loved the way he tried to connect with his parents after what happened in the first book and even though deep down he knew that he shouldn’t trust them. He had confusing mind but nice heart. Author gave his action realistic approach that made him interesting to read.
There were many characters in the book with some old and some new interesting characters but it mainly focused on Marcus. It is hard to talk about other secondary characters without giving away much. All characters were highly unpredictable. Till the end of the book I couldn’t figure out who to trust. They all were deceiving except Marcus which made book hard to put down.
what i liked.-
First thing, I liked this sequel more than first book. Better writing, more engaging plot, humorous and action packed. Book was third person narrative from Marcus’s viewpoint that showed his emotions remarkably. His love for his sister and the danger he was willing to drown in for her was awe-inspiring. The family dynamic was getting more complex. Back stabbing, misleading, secretive, treacherous nature was so common that I pitied kids in the book.
Book started with situation in Fith family after 1 year of their last encounter with Old Ones, shadow magic, Ellie’s disappearance- Marcus’s lonely feeling and frustration of being trapped in house and helpless in finding Ellie, a cousin he never met before coming to live with them. It gave the gloomy feeling that I couldn’t shake off. Then all of sudden it took interesting turn– Ellie’s guardian, Ellamir whom Marcus didn’t know about came to him for help in saving his sister which drags him into exciting travel on ship having talking monkey as companion, dangerous encounter with shadow’s servant on secretive island, to the mysterious magical forest and deadly escape from the ancient shadow master. I got more and more engrossed with each adventure. There was constant air of uncertainty, anxiety, thrill and excitement that never left till the end of the book.
The world of Shadow magic was explained more precisely in first book. In this book, author expertly unraveled more secrets and some more information without any repetitive information from the first book focusing on how characters were deeply tangled into its complex structure of the world.
All twist and turns were brilliant. Climax was cleverly written with vivid description of war between good vs evil. End was much more satisfactory in than first one. I simply enjoyed this book. I would love to see what happens in the next book of the series. This is getting more interesting.
why 4.5 stars-
Characters are still under development. Looking at the plot it was not major point. Another thing is, I would like to know why Marcus’s grandparents are so secretive after all that happened? I would like to see Ellie and her magic more in next book, I’m saving that half star for that.
Overall, it was absorbing, unputdownable, cleverly written, adventurous dark magical world of shadow with complex family dynamic and lots of twist and turns. I highly recommend this book to all fantasy lover but make sure you are reading this in sequence.
Note: Many thanks to author for providing e-copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
This was second in Shadow Magic series that revolved around Marcus Fith, his quest of finding his twin sister Ellie and saving her from the danger. It was about dark magic, conflicted family relationship, sibling love, and good vs evil. It included loads of action packed adventure with magical mysterious twists.
Initially, I couldn’t recall much what happened in first book but author didn’t let me stray from the current plot and I could go along easily and could grasp what was going on with the current situation of characters. As I read more I could figure out what was in first book and how it followed in this one. I highly suggest read this book in sequence and without keeping much gap between sequels to enjoy it thoroughly.
characters-
Marcus was impulsive and curious character who loved his sister and family. He was the only conscience character among the deceiving secretive adults he encountered in this book. I loved the way he tried to connect with his parents after what happened in the first book and even though deep down he knew that he shouldn’t trust them. He had confusing mind but nice heart. Author gave his action realistic approach that made him interesting to read.
There were many characters in the book with some old and some new interesting characters but it mainly focused on Marcus. It is hard to talk about other secondary characters without giving away much. All characters were highly unpredictable. Till the end of the book I couldn’t figure out who to trust. They all were deceiving except Marcus which made book hard to put down.
what i liked.-
First thing, I liked this sequel more than first book. Better writing, more engaging plot, humorous and action packed. Book was third person narrative from Marcus’s viewpoint that showed his emotions remarkably. His love for his sister and the danger he was willing to drown in for her was awe-inspiring. The family dynamic was getting more complex. Back stabbing, misleading, secretive, treacherous nature was so common that I pitied kids in the book.
Book started with situation in Fith family after 1 year of their last encounter with Old Ones, shadow magic, Ellie’s disappearance- Marcus’s lonely feeling and frustration of being trapped in house and helpless in finding Ellie, a cousin he never met before coming to live with them. It gave the gloomy feeling that I couldn’t shake off. Then all of sudden it took interesting turn– Ellie’s guardian, Ellamir whom Marcus didn’t know about came to him for help in saving his sister which drags him into exciting travel on ship having talking monkey as companion, dangerous encounter with shadow’s servant on secretive island, to the mysterious magical forest and deadly escape from the ancient shadow master. I got more and more engrossed with each adventure. There was constant air of uncertainty, anxiety, thrill and excitement that never left till the end of the book.
The world of Shadow magic was explained more precisely in first book. In this book, author expertly unraveled more secrets and some more information without any repetitive information from the first book focusing on how characters were deeply tangled into its complex structure of the world.
All twist and turns were brilliant. Climax was cleverly written with vivid description of war between good vs evil. End was much more satisfactory in than first one. I simply enjoyed this book. I would love to see what happens in the next book of the series. This is getting more interesting.
why 4.5 stars-
Characters are still under development. Looking at the plot it was not major point. Another thing is, I would like to know why Marcus’s grandparents are so secretive after all that happened? I would like to see Ellie and her magic more in next book, I’m saving that half star for that.
Overall, it was absorbing, unputdownable, cleverly written, adventurous dark magical world of shadow with complex family dynamic and lots of twist and turns. I highly recommend this book to all fantasy lover but make sure you are reading this in sequence.
Note: Many thanks to author for providing e-copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
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