Book Review: A Tale of Light and Shadow: Secrets of Neverak by Jacob Gowans

 

Book Description:

Henry Vestin always believed that, despite being a carpenter with no training in swordplay or survival, he could lead Isabelle and his friends to safety. He thought he could defy an emperor and protect Isabelle from harm. He was certain that love and friendship would help them survive.

He was wrong.

The second volume in the Tale of Light and Shadow series follows Henry and his friends after the disastrous battle at the Iron Pass. Horrors await the band of travelers in strange new lands. Crippled and broken, Henry must rely on his friends more than ever. New allies and foes find them at every turn, but which are friendly and which are deadly? Isabelle, now a slave in Neverak, finds herself surrounded by enemies, uncertain about the fate of her friends, and relying on only herself to survive. The Emperor moves forward with his plans of conquest, spurred on by the Seer's dark prophecy, but he has not forgotten those who defied him.

Return to the world of Atolas, where swords and daggers extend life or end it, where feuds and friendships influence kingdoms and courtships, and where magic is feared by all but a few.

Book Review:

It has been awhile since I read the first book in this series, so it took me a few chapters to refresh my memory about who was who and what had happened in the first book. I remember that I really enjoyed the first book, and this one is no different. I haven't had a chance to finish it yet, but I find myself reading "just one more" chapter (or two or three) before I turn off the light at night. :) The author does a really good job of bringing all of the characters to life - for good or for bad. Emperor Krallick just makes my skin crawl. I really like James and love seeing where he is going in the story.

All in all, this is a very enjoyable book, and I am really looking forward to finishing it to see what happens to Henry, Isabelle and the rest of the group.

About the Author:

Jacob Gowans is a resident of Arizona, working as a dentist for the Indian Health Services. He is husband and father to four children. When not working or writing, he enjoys watching sports, reading YA novels or the works of Stephen King, running, and chasing his kids around the house.He was raised in Papillion, Nebraska, lived for two years in Baltimore, and graduated from dental school at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

Title: A Tale of Light and Shadow: Secrets of Neverak
Author: Jacob Gowans
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: July 2015
ISBN: 1609079787
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for a review. 

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