Book Review: The Shadow King, By Gav Thorpe
Reviewed by: Maggy Marsh (RedScorpionsGirl/RedStickStudio) First Published: Wargamer 08 01 2010.
Continuing forward in the Time of Legends series The Sundering, brings us The Shadow King, written by Gav Thorpe. He delves deeply into the world of the high elves, showing us what intrigue at the court is really all about, how high elven society favors decisions that are made to benefit their own ruling house, regardless of what effect it has on those involved, and even have mention of a few famous elves, including Caledor the Dragon Tamer and more.
Right off you meet to the Anar family, gaining knowledge of their relations with King Aenarion, and in the midst, an elf “No more than thirty summers old” (pg. 14) is introduced to the story, being none other than the young Prince Alith Anar. You are able to learn a good deal about the high elves and their society, before Morathi entangles them into her web of cults, sorcery, deceit and more, all in the name of Khaine.
Readers are given the opportunity to witness several battles as if they were on the field alongside the elves. The ground seems to quake as the Elyrion Reavers deliver a mighty blow, thundering across the battlefield, and you can almost feel the impact from a devastating charge of the Silver Helms jar your very bones. After reading the various encounters within the book, you will see why the bolt throwers and row upon row of archers is such a deadly combination, and most importantly the shock and awe when the famed Dragon Riders make an appearance upon the battlefield, much to the horror of the enemy. You are also brought to the side of the druchii, gaining an understanding how dangerous the mighty War Hydras are, how unwavering the blocks of spearmen are, and just how feared the lone black dragon is.
The bitter conflict rages on throughout the book, from large scale battles and small surprise attacks/raids, to the internal struggles of Alith himself. The tale of the weapon Alith wields, the Moonbow is finally spoken for all to hear, and the famous weapon is recovered, not once, but twice.
The forests of Avelorn come alive, wolves talk, the very ground shakes with the monumental events that are occurring and more in this action packed novel. It smoothly moves forward to deliver a bitter tale of the once happy, loving prince Alith, who becomes known as “The Shadow King” and shows why there is such a bitter hatred between the high elves (Asuryans) and the druchii (known to all as the dark elves). You are left in suspense by the book’s close, wondering what more books will bring forth.
Another excellent book from Gave Thorpe, I highly recommend it, and look forward to seeing the next book from The Sundering Series.
Continuing forward in the Time of Legends series The Sundering, brings us The Shadow King, written by Gav Thorpe. He delves deeply into the world of the high elves, showing us what intrigue at the court is really all about, how high elven society favors decisions that are made to benefit their own ruling house, regardless of what effect it has on those involved, and even have mention of a few famous elves, including Caledor the Dragon Tamer and more.
Right off you meet to the Anar family, gaining knowledge of their relations with King Aenarion, and in the midst, an elf “No more than thirty summers old” (pg. 14) is introduced to the story, being none other than the young Prince Alith Anar. You are able to learn a good deal about the high elves and their society, before Morathi entangles them into her web of cults, sorcery, deceit and more, all in the name of Khaine.
Readers are given the opportunity to witness several battles as if they were on the field alongside the elves. The ground seems to quake as the Elyrion Reavers deliver a mighty blow, thundering across the battlefield, and you can almost feel the impact from a devastating charge of the Silver Helms jar your very bones. After reading the various encounters within the book, you will see why the bolt throwers and row upon row of archers is such a deadly combination, and most importantly the shock and awe when the famed Dragon Riders make an appearance upon the battlefield, much to the horror of the enemy. You are also brought to the side of the druchii, gaining an understanding how dangerous the mighty War Hydras are, how unwavering the blocks of spearmen are, and just how feared the lone black dragon is.
The bitter conflict rages on throughout the book, from large scale battles and small surprise attacks/raids, to the internal struggles of Alith himself. The tale of the weapon Alith wields, the Moonbow is finally spoken for all to hear, and the famous weapon is recovered, not once, but twice.
The forests of Avelorn come alive, wolves talk, the very ground shakes with the monumental events that are occurring and more in this action packed novel. It smoothly moves forward to deliver a bitter tale of the once happy, loving prince Alith, who becomes known as “The Shadow King” and shows why there is such a bitter hatred between the high elves (Asuryans) and the druchii (known to all as the dark elves). You are left in suspense by the book’s close, wondering what more books will bring forth.
Another excellent book from Gave Thorpe, I highly recommend it, and look forward to seeing the next book from The Sundering Series.