Add Shadow Magic to your Goodreads shelf

Synopsis

Thorn, an outlaw’s son, wasn’t supposed to be a slave. He’s been sold to Tyburn, an executioner, and they’re headed to Castle Gloom in Gehenna, the land of undead, where Thorn will probably be fed to a vampire.

Lilith Shadow wasn’t supposed to be ruler of Gehenna. But following the murder of her family, young Lily became the last surviving member of House Shadow, a long line of dark sorcerers. Her country is surrounded by enemies and the only way she can save it is by embracing her heritage and practicing the magic of the undead. But how can she when, as a girl, magic is forbidden to her?

Just when it looks like Lily will have to leave her home forever, Thorn arrives at Castle Gloom. A sudden death brings them together, inspires them to break the rules, and leads them to soar to new heights in this fantasy with all the sparkle and luster of a starry night sky.

Author

Joshua Khan was born in Britain. From very early on he filled himself with the stories of heroes, kings and queens until there was hardly any room for anything else. He can tell you where King Arthur was born* but not what he himself had for breakfast. So, with a head stuffed with tales of legendary knights, wizards and great and terrible monsters it was inevitable Joshua would want to create some of his own. Hence SHADOW MAGIC. Josh lives in London with his family, but he’d rather live in a castle. It wouldn’t have to be very big, just as long as it had battlements.                                 *Tintagel, in case you were wondering.

Website: http://www.joshuakhan.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/writerjoshkhan

What I Thought

Well, I couldn’t defy Rick Riordan – I loved this story.

This is a fantastic addition to the fantasy genre aimed at younger readers (with much older ones able to enjoy it just as much).

Lily and Thorn are both great lead characters and immediately make you want to invest in their story. And, what a story. It’s full of twists and turns and working out who is good and who isn’t (like anything is that simple anyway) will keep you guessing. I found myself questioning my mind many times. The only one slight frustration I had was how easily the characters jumped to conclusions at times, but I will forgive them this time.

There are three key animal sidekicks in this and each play an important role in the story, there’s a clue to my favourite one on the front cover.

There is clearly a lot more to know about this world and the magic within in but the information is being given to us piece and piece, when necessary, and makes you want more. So I’m very happy to say there will be at least two more books in this series. Dream Magic comes out in 2017 and Burning Magic has been announced too.

If you like…Seven reasons you will love Shadow Magic

1. Books in maps
2. Abraxos in the Throne of Glass series – Hades is very cool
3. Mia’s magic in Nevernight
4. Game of Thrones (for a MG audience)
5. A feministy slant to your books – women aren’t allowed to do magic – What?!
6. Spooky castles with secret tunnels
7. Graveyards, ghosts and zombies

Scholastic are really doing well on their acquisition of middle grade fantasy. Looking forward to reading more.

Check out the rest of the tour on the blogs below

I received a copy of the book from the publisher but as ever the review and opinion on the book is ALL MINE.

Save