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dymonlikestoread's review against another edition
5.0
✨Arc Review✨Phantom’s Lament
By Noelle Nichols
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Phantom's Lament is book two in the Shadows Creed Saga. CHANGE is a big theme in this book. The willingness to adapt to various situations, Being open to change, and understanding that change isn't always a bad thing. In this book, we get three different POVS which I loved because we got Hitori's POV.
Hitori had an extremely rough upbringing from childhood to her adult life. Being hated by others because of rumors, fueled by jealousy from the council. I believe Hitori just wanted to be accepted as one of the people of Magoto. Instead, she was ostracized and criticized for wanting to bring change to Magoto. In turn, this fueled Hitori's hatred and instead of wanting people to accept her as the Lady of Magoto, she decided to instill fear in them by using the skills. While Hitori was misunderstood and prejudged I still think there must be some type of justice served for the hundreds of lives lost. I do believe she deserves to be treated kindly and should have the opportunity to one day reintegrate into society.
Like Hitori, Kilo was also ostracized by the Phantoms. While the Phantom's and their creed is noble it's only used to protect themselves not all the people of Kiriku. While I understood Phantom Lunia's point of view for wanting to make sure Vaiyene was protected. Kilo wanted to follow their creed " A shadow protects the innocent using his strength to aid those in need." against their creed " Though Phantom Lunia thought Kilo's loyalty was displaced Kilo knew in his heart he was doing what was right. " A Shadow serves until he is no longer able his life freely given to the people." Though Kilo at one point lost his way in his mind he was protecting the people of Kiriku. Kilo has the best heart and genuinely cares for others. I can't wait for him to find peace and happiness.
Shenrae has grown confident and is following in her parent's footsteps by becoming a strong shadow. I feel that her desire to follow the Shadow's creed and call for wanting to help others in need I believe comes from her admiration for Kilo. Like Kilo Shenrae has grown to see that the Shadow's Creed can be interpreted in various ways and learned that the people outside of Vaiyene are not always their enemies. She also learned that people are capable of change when given the opportunity by her friendship with Akio and Ikaru. I was so sad for Shenrae with her interaction between Phantom Lunia and Syrane.
Overall I think as the series goes on it gets better and better. I am nervous to see how the next book will evolve. I think there will be a lot of pushback and resistance to change. I also believe there will be a lot of healing for all of Kiriku. If you haven't already checked out this series I highly recommend it.
By Noelle Nichols
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Phantom's Lament is book two in the Shadows Creed Saga. CHANGE is a big theme in this book. The willingness to adapt to various situations, Being open to change, and understanding that change isn't always a bad thing. In this book, we get three different POVS which I loved because we got Hitori's POV.
Hitori had an extremely rough upbringing from childhood to her adult life. Being hated by others because of rumors, fueled by jealousy from the council. I believe Hitori just wanted to be accepted as one of the people of Magoto. Instead, she was ostracized and criticized for wanting to bring change to Magoto. In turn, this fueled Hitori's hatred and instead of wanting people to accept her as the Lady of Magoto, she decided to instill fear in them by using the skills. While Hitori was misunderstood and prejudged I still think there must be some type of justice served for the hundreds of lives lost. I do believe she deserves to be treated kindly and should have the opportunity to one day reintegrate into society.
Like Hitori, Kilo was also ostracized by the Phantoms. While the Phantom's and their creed is noble it's only used to protect themselves not all the people of Kiriku. While I understood Phantom Lunia's point of view for wanting to make sure Vaiyene was protected. Kilo wanted to follow their creed " A shadow protects the innocent using his strength to aid those in need." against their creed " Though Phantom Lunia thought Kilo's loyalty was displaced Kilo knew in his heart he was doing what was right. " A Shadow serves until he is no longer able his life freely given to the people." Though Kilo at one point lost his way in his mind he was protecting the people of Kiriku. Kilo has the best heart and genuinely cares for others. I can't wait for him to find peace and happiness.
Shenrae has grown confident and is following in her parent's footsteps by becoming a strong shadow. I feel that her desire to follow the Shadow's creed and call for wanting to help others in need I believe comes from her admiration for Kilo. Like Kilo Shenrae has grown to see that the Shadow's Creed can be interpreted in various ways and learned that the people outside of Vaiyene are not always their enemies. She also learned that people are capable of change when given the opportunity by her friendship with Akio and Ikaru. I was so sad for Shenrae with her interaction between Phantom Lunia and Syrane.
Overall I think as the series goes on it gets better and better. I am nervous to see how the next book will evolve. I think there will be a lot of pushback and resistance to change. I also believe there will be a lot of healing for all of Kiriku. If you haven't already checked out this series I highly recommend it.
introverteddragonscribbles's review against another edition
5.0
All. The. Feels!!! I absolutely loved this book!! Nichols is an amazing and gifted writer, and everyone should read this series!
lighthalereader's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
After reading Shadow’s Hand I was wanted more, well I got it!! Phantom’s Lament was such a great book. I am amazed after finally being able to see Hitori’s side of things, her power in the skills, and the determination she has for what she believes is right. Kilo and Finae’s progression with the skills as well was magical to read, The Skills are such an amazing new type of magic that has me captivated! The growing relationship between Kilo and Rin is wonderful, I love that Kilo went from not trusting her to caring for her very much! I can’t wait to read book three and see what more the skills have to offer!
the_bookish_raven's review
5.0
5/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you have not read Shadow's Hand, this review will probably have spoilers. Read on at your own risk!
Kilo has learned a lot during his exile. Having learned a lot about the Skills, the only thing left for him to do is confront the False Shadows in order to reach a solution that benefits them all and brings peace to all of Kiriku. Shenrae has returned home to Vaiyene, but things have gotten complicated. The Shadows are torn between taking action or only protecting themselves. With her fellow Shadows siding against her, Shenrae has to make the choice she believes is right, even if the others disagree. Meanwhile, Hitori is losing herself to the Skills. She has lost her sense of right and wrong and is about to lose herself. Will she completely destroy herself and Kiriku, or will she come to reach an agreement with Kilo?
I am so happy to see these characters again! While working to accomplish their own goals, they face many challenges, including each other. Kilo and Shenrae are my favorites, and I loved their sections of this story. I also loved their determination to save Kiriku. Hitori turned out to be an interesting character too. The characters are amazing, but so is the world-building and magic system! I loved all the different towns like Magoto, Vaiyene, and Konro. The Skills are so unique and make for an awesome magic system.
I highly recommend this book series! It is completely clean and the story is so well-written! Fans of samurai, fantasy, or simply an action-packed clean series should give this series a try!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you have not read Shadow's Hand, this review will probably have spoilers. Read on at your own risk!
Kilo has learned a lot during his exile. Having learned a lot about the Skills, the only thing left for him to do is confront the False Shadows in order to reach a solution that benefits them all and brings peace to all of Kiriku. Shenrae has returned home to Vaiyene, but things have gotten complicated. The Shadows are torn between taking action or only protecting themselves. With her fellow Shadows siding against her, Shenrae has to make the choice she believes is right, even if the others disagree. Meanwhile, Hitori is losing herself to the Skills. She has lost her sense of right and wrong and is about to lose herself. Will she completely destroy herself and Kiriku, or will she come to reach an agreement with Kilo?
I am so happy to see these characters again! While working to accomplish their own goals, they face many challenges, including each other. Kilo and Shenrae are my favorites, and I loved their sections of this story. I also loved their determination to save Kiriku. Hitori turned out to be an interesting character too. The characters are amazing, but so is the world-building and magic system! I loved all the different towns like Magoto, Vaiyene, and Konro. The Skills are so unique and make for an awesome magic system.
I highly recommend this book series! It is completely clean and the story is so well-written! Fans of samurai, fantasy, or simply an action-packed clean series should give this series a try!
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