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A review by hannan_
The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Overall a solid book, I had a lot of fun reading it.
Pros: A solid fantasy series for people who want to read an epic in the style of more renowned fantasy epics. It's pretty solid for a debut, with a rich world, a fun magic system, and lots of mysteries. because of the simple prose, I found myself unable to tear away from this book despite it being 700 pages. The book picks up in the middle.
Cons: Characters were a bit flat, the prose was passable but not amazing, and nothing was too innovative. It felt like a mish-mash of a couple more famous fantasy series, which made it comforting in a bit of a generic way haha. The ending was a but unsatisfying, I do like there to be a bit more resolution especially after the first book in a series.
A (very small) note on diversity: There was a very distinct lack of diversity for a book written in the last decade. (You're telling me everyone in this fantasy mega-continent is a shade of caucasion? And straight? Idk it seems a bit unbelievable haha) I know this isn't an important factor for many people, but it is for some.
I'll probably finish the rest of the series. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're really craving an epic fantasy that reminds you of some of the books you read when you were younger.
Pros: A solid fantasy series for people who want to read an epic in the style of more renowned fantasy epics. It's pretty solid for a debut, with a rich world, a fun magic system, and lots of mysteries. because of the simple prose, I found myself unable to tear away from this book despite it being 700 pages. The book picks up in the middle.
Cons: Characters were a bit flat, the prose was passable but not amazing, and nothing was too innovative. It felt like a mish-mash of a couple more famous fantasy series, which made it comforting in a bit of a generic way haha. The ending was a but unsatisfying, I do like there to be a bit more resolution especially after the first book in a series.
A (very small) note on diversity: There was a very distinct lack of diversity for a book written in the last decade. (You're telling me everyone in this fantasy mega-continent is a shade of caucasion? And straight? Idk it seems a bit unbelievable haha) I know this isn't an important factor for many people, but it is for some.
I'll probably finish the rest of the series. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're really craving an epic fantasy that reminds you of some of the books you read when you were younger.