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amybraunauthor's review
4.0
Really creative story in a unique world with inventive magic and great characters. Lots of unexpected twists and mystery and danger. Definitely geared to a younger audience, but I enjoyed every page. Can't wait to see how it all turns out!
christajls's review
4.0
This review originally posted at More Than Just Magic
The Oathbreaker’s Shadow takes us deep into a unique, richly imagined desert setting and introduces us to a boy who has broken a vow he doesn’t even remember making. Outcast from the society he has called home, he searches for an answer, all while just trying to stay alive.
The worldbuilding in The Oathbreaker’s Shadow is fantastic. It is such a unique setting – a desert society, nomadic groups, a hidden city. There is just so much to this world McCulloch has created. You can tell she has thought of every detail. From societal customs, to dress, to religion, to political structure. It’s all here. This is both a plus and a small drawback. On the one hand, it takes awhile for the story to really get going, so much of the early book is spent on explaining everything. But on the other (more important) hand, you can really lose yourself in this world and even though it all came from McCulloch’s head I felt like I could picture it in vivid detail.
Though the main focus of the novel is on Raim, there are a whole host of other characters for you to get to know as well. Not an overwhelming amount but enough that it seemed full. One if particular – a girl named Waid – I really liked. I liked Raim too but sometimes he seemed a little naive. With Waid, I liked how she could be both a strong female character and a flawed character. One doesn’t have to negate the other. It makes for more interesting reading.
The Oathbreaker’s Shadow is a book with huge cross over appeal – young adult and adult fantasy fans are going to find a lot to love. It’s sort of like the high fantasy version of Dune. It’s written in a more classical, epic fantasy style, but still very accessible. There were a couple of times I needed to go back and read over a passage or two, but it wasn’t enough times to really make a difference. I was so absorbed in this story I just wanted to know what happens next.
Recommendation: Highly recommended for those who like to lose themselves in incredibly detailed fantasy. Great for fans of George R R Martin and Ellen Oh’s Prophecy. Not recommended for those who enjoy faster paced reads or more action/battle heavy fantasy titles.
The Oathbreaker’s Shadow takes us deep into a unique, richly imagined desert setting and introduces us to a boy who has broken a vow he doesn’t even remember making. Outcast from the society he has called home, he searches for an answer, all while just trying to stay alive.
The worldbuilding in The Oathbreaker’s Shadow is fantastic. It is such a unique setting – a desert society, nomadic groups, a hidden city. There is just so much to this world McCulloch has created. You can tell she has thought of every detail. From societal customs, to dress, to religion, to political structure. It’s all here. This is both a plus and a small drawback. On the one hand, it takes awhile for the story to really get going, so much of the early book is spent on explaining everything. But on the other (more important) hand, you can really lose yourself in this world and even though it all came from McCulloch’s head I felt like I could picture it in vivid detail.
Though the main focus of the novel is on Raim, there are a whole host of other characters for you to get to know as well. Not an overwhelming amount but enough that it seemed full. One if particular – a girl named Waid – I really liked. I liked Raim too but sometimes he seemed a little naive. With Waid, I liked how she could be both a strong female character and a flawed character. One doesn’t have to negate the other. It makes for more interesting reading.
The Oathbreaker’s Shadow is a book with huge cross over appeal – young adult and adult fantasy fans are going to find a lot to love. It’s sort of like the high fantasy version of Dune. It’s written in a more classical, epic fantasy style, but still very accessible. There were a couple of times I needed to go back and read over a passage or two, but it wasn’t enough times to really make a difference. I was so absorbed in this story I just wanted to know what happens next.
Recommendation: Highly recommended for those who like to lose themselves in incredibly detailed fantasy. Great for fans of George R R Martin and Ellen Oh’s Prophecy. Not recommended for those who enjoy faster paced reads or more action/battle heavy fantasy titles.
_b_a_l_'s review
3.0
Some interesting elements. I have to stop reading YA though, its getting hard to distinguish all the different hero-coming-of-age-stories in my head...
meganac's review
4.0
There are a lot of things I like about The Oathbreaker's Shadow. The culture. The characters. The quite original idea of the Oathbreakers' shadows. The plot was delightfully new to me, so thank you, Ms. McCulloch.
However, there were a few minor irritations, such as odd shifts of character and extremely light language. The way the story, and especially Raim, are written strongly reminded me of Christopher Paolini's Eragon. And the way Raim is almost always injured. Seriously.
BUT if you like fantasy, you should try this out. Don't let the sometimes slow scenes stop you.
However, there were a few minor irritations, such as odd shifts of character and extremely light language. The way the story, and especially Raim, are written strongly reminded me of Christopher Paolini's Eragon. And the way Raim is almost always injured. Seriously.
BUT if you like fantasy, you should try this out. Don't let the sometimes slow scenes stop you.
somarostam's review
4.0
I didn't know what to expect while reading this book. I guess I dove into it blind. And it took me by surprise. A superior level of imagery.
Raim is 15-years-old and going to be a Yun Guard. But all that changes when the knot that has mysteriously been on his wrist for as long as he can remember, suddenly burns away when he binds his life to his best friend and the future prince, Khareh.
This book is high fantasy and it has been a long while since i have read one like it. It had high levels of imagery and a whole new world to discover. I applaud the author for taking such an approach and making sure that even though the world was three-dimensional and complex, it was never hard to understand.
Then, there are the characters. I think the only thing that irked me a little bit was Raim himself. He made some very dump decisions and he had such a blind loyalty to his best friend. It bordered on the edge of being irrational. The other characters were not likable either. I couldn't find one that I actually liked.
There is a bit of romance but it does not take the center stage and I was happy with that. I liked the moments when the two love interests were together but I liked the action-packed moments more. There is also the way Raim acted which was definitely NOT the way a 15 year old boy acts. And the feelings he had were not for a boy his age.
The ending was definitely very interesting. I liked it a lot. The beginning of this book was too slow for me and it took me a LOT of time to get into it and get interested. But it got better towards the end and I am patiently waiting for the second book!
Raim is 15-years-old and going to be a Yun Guard. But all that changes when the knot that has mysteriously been on his wrist for as long as he can remember, suddenly burns away when he binds his life to his best friend and the future prince, Khareh.
This book is high fantasy and it has been a long while since i have read one like it. It had high levels of imagery and a whole new world to discover. I applaud the author for taking such an approach and making sure that even though the world was three-dimensional and complex, it was never hard to understand.
Then, there are the characters. I think the only thing that irked me a little bit was Raim himself. He made some very dump decisions and he had such a blind loyalty to his best friend. It bordered on the edge of being irrational. The other characters were not likable either. I couldn't find one that I actually liked.
There is a bit of romance but it does not take the center stage and I was happy with that. I liked the moments when the two love interests were together but I liked the action-packed moments more. There is also the way Raim acted which was definitely NOT the way a 15 year old boy acts. And the feelings he had were not for a boy his age.
The ending was definitely very interesting. I liked it a lot. The beginning of this book was too slow for me and it took me a LOT of time to get into it and get interested. But it got better towards the end and I am patiently waiting for the second book!
joliendelandsheer's review
4.0
Originally on The Fictional Reader
I requested this book on Netgalley immediately after reading the synopsis. When I got approved, I was so excited! The premise sounds amazing to me and I had quite high expectations by then. I must say that I was not disappointed.
In the beginning of the novel, I was quite confused. There were a number of names of people, places and tribes and I didn’t really know anything about the world beforehand. So all the names that were thrown at me dazed me a bit. The first like 20-25% of the book is what I would call build-up. You need the back-stories and the information about the tribes to understand the rest of the book, so it is definitely necessary, but it can feel a bit confusing or dry at times.
After those chapters with build-up though, the story really picked up for me. Soon, Raim was marked as an oath-breaker and had to choose: run or be killed. This is where things got very interesting and where characters started showing their “true selves”. The plot really progressed from there on and soon Raim was seeing places he’d never seen before -and maybe wished he’d never see again. I really loved his on-the-run story, it was very thrilling and suspenseful!
We got to meet new characters as well form that point on. My favorite so far is Wadi. That girl is fierce! She’s from a different tribe than Raim is, and her tribe will guide the oath-breakers to Lazar. Since they live in the desert, she is a survivor, a fighter. But she is intelligent as well! I truly thought she was an amazing character. We got to meet other characters as well, and some, let’s say changes, in other characters but I don’t want to spoil anything for you so I’ll just talk about Raim.
Raim really develops as a character in this story. He gets branded as an oath-breaker, the very people he despises and instead of having a future as a Yun warrior -something he has always dreamed of- he now has to live as an outcast. So he has to adapt: not only his survival skills, but also his very beliefs. It was really interesting and enjoyable to see him grow. The most pronounced quality Raim has is loyalty: loyalty to his best friend, and everyone he considers as family. His love for his little sister, Dharma, was incredibly adorable to read about.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this novel and I would definitely pick up and read the sequel!
I requested this book on Netgalley immediately after reading the synopsis. When I got approved, I was so excited! The premise sounds amazing to me and I had quite high expectations by then. I must say that I was not disappointed.
In the beginning of the novel, I was quite confused. There were a number of names of people, places and tribes and I didn’t really know anything about the world beforehand. So all the names that were thrown at me dazed me a bit. The first like 20-25% of the book is what I would call build-up. You need the back-stories and the information about the tribes to understand the rest of the book, so it is definitely necessary, but it can feel a bit confusing or dry at times.
After those chapters with build-up though, the story really picked up for me. Soon, Raim was marked as an oath-breaker and had to choose: run or be killed. This is where things got very interesting and where characters started showing their “true selves”. The plot really progressed from there on and soon Raim was seeing places he’d never seen before -and maybe wished he’d never see again. I really loved his on-the-run story, it was very thrilling and suspenseful!
We got to meet new characters as well form that point on. My favorite so far is Wadi. That girl is fierce! She’s from a different tribe than Raim is, and her tribe will guide the oath-breakers to Lazar. Since they live in the desert, she is a survivor, a fighter. But she is intelligent as well! I truly thought she was an amazing character. We got to meet other characters as well, and some, let’s say changes, in other characters but I don’t want to spoil anything for you so I’ll just talk about Raim.
Raim really develops as a character in this story. He gets branded as an oath-breaker, the very people he despises and instead of having a future as a Yun warrior -something he has always dreamed of- he now has to live as an outcast. So he has to adapt: not only his survival skills, but also his very beliefs. It was really interesting and enjoyable to see him grow. The most pronounced quality Raim has is loyalty: loyalty to his best friend, and everyone he considers as family. His love for his little sister, Dharma, was incredibly adorable to read about.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this novel and I would definitely pick up and read the sequel!
fantasytravelerxv's review
3.0
The oathbreaker's shadow isn't at all as exciting as I'd hoped. It also didn't help that I realised to thirds in I've already read the book.
The world is based on a somewhat interesting premise. In a world of nomadic wanderers, the Darhan, everyone knows that to make and break a vow is the biggest taboo. Anyone who does so is branded automatically and haunted by a shadow of the person to whom the broken vow was made. More than that they are shunned and exiled to the dessert. And only those who reach the city of exiles have a hope of seeking forgiveness from their shadows.
The people of Darhan have forgotten the ancient knowledge on certain vows and sage powers. This particular story follows the boy Raim as he is nearing adulthood. Endearment to his friend Khareh, the future Khan of Darhan, has allowed him to train and seek acceptance into the elite warriors of the Yun. However, since birth his life has been bound to a vow he doesn't understand. His only hint a little knot around his wrist. When Khareh exerts his will on Raim to make an absolute vow to become Khareh's protector above all else, Raim unknowingly broke the first vow. Raim is forced to run and seek answers. But, in Raim's absence, his friend's true ambitions for power and ruthlessness are brought forth.
It's a bit of a slog to read. The story is slow to develop and doesn't really grip you. The character's at first are not that well developed. Raim for the longest time is blind to it that both Khareh and his original crush aren't very likeable. Raim, also doesn't personally do all that much. He goes through a lot of torment and loss and does eventually decide to oppose Khareh to protect the innocent. But, many of the answers he seeks and the actions he takes aren't dependent on his own active resolve. Instead this depends on how the situation evolved.
The world is based on a somewhat interesting premise. In a world of nomadic wanderers, the Darhan, everyone knows that to make and break a vow is the biggest taboo. Anyone who does so is branded automatically and haunted by a shadow of the person to whom the broken vow was made. More than that they are shunned and exiled to the dessert. And only those who reach the city of exiles have a hope of seeking forgiveness from their shadows.
The people of Darhan have forgotten the ancient knowledge on certain vows and sage powers. This particular story follows the boy Raim as he is nearing adulthood. Endearment to his friend Khareh, the future Khan of Darhan, has allowed him to train and seek acceptance into the elite warriors of the Yun. However, since birth his life has been bound to a vow he doesn't understand. His only hint a little knot around his wrist. When Khareh exerts his will on Raim to make an absolute vow to become Khareh's protector above all else, Raim unknowingly broke the first vow. Raim is forced to run and seek answers. But, in Raim's absence, his friend's true ambitions for power and ruthlessness are brought forth.
It's a bit of a slog to read. The story is slow to develop and doesn't really grip you. The character's at first are not that well developed. Raim for the longest time is blind to it that both Khareh and his original crush aren't very likeable. Raim, also doesn't personally do all that much. He goes through a lot of torment and loss and does eventually decide to oppose Khareh to protect the innocent. But, many of the answers he seeks and the actions he takes aren't dependent on his own active resolve. Instead this depends on how the situation evolved.
gabs_myfullbookshelf's review
3.0
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had given up on this book, when out of the blue, it got much better, to the point where I am actually considering reading the sequel.
The problem with The Oathbreaker's Shadow is that, like many fantasies, the book is bogged down with pointless details and boring descriptions. Comparing the work ethics of the different peoples in this world. The weight of their goats.
Also, while I appreciate that the worldbuilding was not neglected here--I actually understood what was going on, and the Mongolian roots of the world was something unique that I haven't seen before--the fact that it took so dang long for the book to step away from worldbuilding and go into the actual story really annoyed me. I'm all for being thorough, but literally the first third of the book was all worldbuilding. I really wish I was exaggerating.
Basically, until around the 40% mark, I was dangerously close to falling asleep while reading the boring snoozefest that was The Oathbreaker's Shadow.
However, seemingly all at once, the story got immensely better. It took a complete 180 degree turn from where it had been and became really interesting.
First off, Raim and Khareh's relationship was super complicated and weird, but in a good way. Khareh is a major dousche, and I called that from a mile away, but then there's Draikh. So is Khareh all bad, or is he? Also, even if he is all bad, Raim has made an unbreakable vow to him. So how will that play out? It was really interesting to read about.
The sages were also interesting. The whole process for becoming a sage was well-thought out in regards to the worldbuilding. I enjoyed seeing Raif and Draikh work together, because they really were good friends, and it was an interesting dynamic.
The mystery surrounding Raif and his broken vow was never really solved. We got some hints, but I still want to know what he did. I have some theories, but they are all basically just random guesses because we didn't learn a lot about that. I have to say, that disappointed me. I was really looking forward to finding that out, and the fact that this is never discovered is basically the whole reason I'm planning on picking up the sequel and reading it.
I can't say I loved The Oathbreaker's Shadow, but it definitely piqued my interest for what happens next. I'd only recommend this to people with a lot of patience, because that is what you will need to get through the first third of this book, but once you do this book becomes really fun.
I had given up on this book, when out of the blue, it got much better, to the point where I am actually considering reading the sequel.
The problem with The Oathbreaker's Shadow is that, like many fantasies, the book is bogged down with pointless details and boring descriptions. Comparing the work ethics of the different peoples in this world. The weight of their goats.
Also, while I appreciate that the worldbuilding was not neglected here--I actually understood what was going on, and the Mongolian roots of the world was something unique that I haven't seen before--the fact that it took so dang long for the book to step away from worldbuilding and go into the actual story really annoyed me. I'm all for being thorough, but literally the first third of the book was all worldbuilding. I really wish I was exaggerating.
Basically, until around the 40% mark, I was dangerously close to falling asleep while reading the boring snoozefest that was The Oathbreaker's Shadow.
However, seemingly all at once, the story got immensely better. It took a complete 180 degree turn from where it had been and became really interesting.
First off, Raim and Khareh's relationship was super complicated and weird, but in a good way. Khareh is a major dousche, and I called that from a mile away, but then there's Draikh. So is Khareh all bad, or is he? Also, even if he is all bad, Raim has made an unbreakable vow to him. So how will that play out? It was really interesting to read about.
The sages were also interesting. The whole process for becoming a sage was well-thought out in regards to the worldbuilding. I enjoyed seeing Raif and Draikh work together, because they really were good friends, and it was an interesting dynamic.
The mystery surrounding Raif and his broken vow was never really solved. We got some hints, but I still want to know what he did. I have some theories, but they are all basically just random guesses because we didn't learn a lot about that. I have to say, that disappointed me. I was really looking forward to finding that out, and the fact that this is never discovered is basically the whole reason I'm planning on picking up the sequel and reading it.
I can't say I loved The Oathbreaker's Shadow, but it definitely piqued my interest for what happens next. I'd only recommend this to people with a lot of patience, because that is what you will need to get through the first third of this book, but once you do this book becomes really fun.