Of Shadow BornAuthor: Dianne Sylvan
Release Date: March 26, 2013
Publisher: Ace
Shadow World #4
ISBN: # 978-0425259801
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (336 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book: |
Spread throughout the dark corners of our world lies the Shadow World, a society of vampires who feed off the living. In Austin, Texas, one woman must rise from the ashes of tragedy and confront an ancient evil before it destroys everything she holds dear…
After a heartrending night of loss and blood, Miranda Grey-Solomon, vampire Queen of the South, now stands in the ruins of her life determined to pick up the pieces and move on. David, her husband and Prime, is missing and presumed dead, and Miranda is lost without her soul mate by her side…But she has little time to grieve as enemies both old and new emerge to test her yet again.
Between vampires trying to take advantage of a Queen without a Prime, incursions by a mysterious organization of humans calling themselves the Order of the Morningstar, and the continuing threat from those within the Shadow World who have already tried to destroy her, Miranda and her allies are running out of places to turn. In order to save her territory and the ones she loves, Miranda must look to the ancient past, to the first days of the vampire race, and uncover secrets about the Signets that could change the course of history…
What G & U are talking about: |
Gikany and Una have just finished the latest novel in the Shadow Worlds series, Of Shadow Born. This book dawns on a definite new story arc; one that we are still trying to come to grips with.
**Please note there are series spoilers in this review. This series is best read from the beginning.
At the close of Shadow’s Fall, Miranda is seriously injured and David, well, we suspect he may be dead. The Awakening has come and yet nothing seems different. Except if David is indeed dead, why is Miranda still living – an unheard of situation between signets. The first half of Of Shadow Born answers the questions of David’s status and Miranda’s continued existence. The first part explores some of the heart-wrenching pain that Miranda experiences at David’s absence. It is not surprising. However, what is surprising is the care that is given to Miranda’s character and us, the readers. We are given a very heartfelt first chapter. We see new relationships begin and find out the fate and new plans for Jeremy – the one who brought about David’s demise. However, as the first part comes to a close, we were never prepared for what awaits in the second part.
Many avid series readers complain (especially in a very long running series) when the author seems to change the mythology or rules suddenly. There is some discussion that there is a change in the Shadow World mythology. However, we feel it is not a change…just additional information come to light. That being said, we really wonder where this discovery of another character/element will go. Please note; we are being vague in order to not spoil it for you. This interesting, and seemingly out of left field, tidbit seems outrageous and yet, depending on how it pans out in the next book could really enhance the world and story.
One element that has plagued Gikany and Una in this series is the author’s apparent love of killing beloved characters – sometimes many characters at a time. We are happily granted a reprieve in Of Shadow Born. We are still stunned and delighted that a character we met and started to like was not killed in some terribly painful and dramatic way. Not that many “people” didn’t die in the book, but luckily for us, they are mostly nameless extras.
Gikany and Una continue to enjoy the banter between the primes. We love the role that Stella took in Of Shadow Born. We hope to see more of Stella in the upcoming novels to watch her continue to grow in her abilities. The politics and the world continue to evolve and we enjoy watching how it changes. With the new cliffhanger information – we eagerly anticipate how this will impact the Shadow World. However, we do agree that although much is revealed and happens in Of Shadow Born, it does have a transitional novel feel. Not surprising considering what has happened, but in many ways we enjoyed this book more, although we are still very unsure of where things are headed. Either way, we anxiously await the next novel in the Shadows World.
Their Rating: |
Liked it – recommend (B+)
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