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amybraunauthor's review
4.0
Wow! I really liked the first book, but the sequel absolutely surpassed it! I loved the dual POVs of Raim and Wadi (who is AWESOME), and the entire epic was a nail-biter from beginning to end. So much adventure and secrets, surprises and twists, and a satisfying ending. The only complaint I had was about SPOILER ALERT Mhara's fate. That just seemed too out of the blue for me. I also wanted to see a little more of what Raim could do with his powers. Still, this was a great series and I'm happy I picked it up.
michalice's review
4.0
It took me a while to actually getting round to reading this series, so the minute I finished The Oathbreaker's Shadow I immediatley dove into The Shadow's Curse, eager to see what would happen with the characters I had begun to get emotionally attached to.
The Shadow's Curse follows the different paths of Raim and Wadi. Raim is still trying to get Wadi back, but also has his own paths to follow, paths that become much more important and urgent than trying to find Wadi.
Wadi finds herself stuck with Khareh, being held captive without the constant chains and shackles but still unable to escape. She finds herself tasked with sending letters to various leaders on Khareh's behalf and is a person that he will also confide in, and occasionally show his real side to.
The Shadow's Curse was far more enjoyable than the previous book. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing some old faces, and also seeing how far some of the characters have come from the first book. The descriptive writing for the scenes, the landscape, the places they visited, was remarkable and makes me wish they were real places I could visit, just a short bus ride away. The characters were just as remarkable as they were in The Oathbreaker's Shadow, and some even more so towards the end of the book.
The plot for The Shadow's Curse was more gripping and suspenseful and I was quickly immersed into this world once again. The ending for The Shadow's Curse was perfect for the characters, my only issue was I really wanted to see what happens when all the promise stones are retrieved. Overall The Shadow's Curse was an enjoyable read and a great finale for this series.
The Shadow's Curse follows the different paths of Raim and Wadi. Raim is still trying to get Wadi back, but also has his own paths to follow, paths that become much more important and urgent than trying to find Wadi.
Wadi finds herself stuck with Khareh, being held captive without the constant chains and shackles but still unable to escape. She finds herself tasked with sending letters to various leaders on Khareh's behalf and is a person that he will also confide in, and occasionally show his real side to.
The Shadow's Curse was far more enjoyable than the previous book. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing some old faces, and also seeing how far some of the characters have come from the first book. The descriptive writing for the scenes, the landscape, the places they visited, was remarkable and makes me wish they were real places I could visit, just a short bus ride away. The characters were just as remarkable as they were in The Oathbreaker's Shadow, and some even more so towards the end of the book.
The plot for The Shadow's Curse was more gripping and suspenseful and I was quickly immersed into this world once again. The ending for The Shadow's Curse was perfect for the characters, my only issue was I really wanted to see what happens when all the promise stones are retrieved. Overall The Shadow's Curse was an enjoyable read and a great finale for this series.
lostinagoodread's review
4.0
This review and others can be found on Cozy Up With A Good Read
I loved The Oathbreaker's Shadow when it was published last year, and after reading it I was definitely excited to see where it would go. The Shadow's Curse was such an amazing sequel and a great ending to the story. I believe that Amy McCulloch created an amazing world with characters that really stand out to readers.
This book picks up as Raim begins his journey to find out about his broken vow, he learns that finding out about this will change his life. But his main focus is to save Wadi from Khareh and stop whatever disaster will happen with him in charge. The story follows Raim's journey as he tries to save Wadi from his friend and himself from his broken oath, then we also get to see Wadi as she travels with Khareh and readers see how things have changed for him so much since he has become ruler.
Amy really wrote a story that keeps readers intrigued and wondering who will become the single ruler of all of Darhan. There is a good amount of action, but you also get to know Raim more, and see what truly matters to him. The communication between Raim and Draikh are amazing, he is the one who keeps Raim going and helps him learn more about his abilities, Draikh is the friend that Raim lost in Khareh.
As I came closer to the end, I was getting sad to see how it would end, yet I was excited to see where the story would go for Raim, and I was very surprised at what happens. I believe that Amy McCulloch ended her series perfectly and yet leaves you wanting more from all the characters (in a good way). This book brings readers deeper into the world that McCulloch created in The Oathbreaker's Shadow, and really takes us more into Raim's history. If you haven't picked up either book yet, this is the time to sit down and read through both at once.
I loved The Oathbreaker's Shadow when it was published last year, and after reading it I was definitely excited to see where it would go. The Shadow's Curse was such an amazing sequel and a great ending to the story. I believe that Amy McCulloch created an amazing world with characters that really stand out to readers.
This book picks up as Raim begins his journey to find out about his broken vow, he learns that finding out about this will change his life. But his main focus is to save Wadi from Khareh and stop whatever disaster will happen with him in charge. The story follows Raim's journey as he tries to save Wadi from his friend and himself from his broken oath, then we also get to see Wadi as she travels with Khareh and readers see how things have changed for him so much since he has become ruler.
Amy really wrote a story that keeps readers intrigued and wondering who will become the single ruler of all of Darhan. There is a good amount of action, but you also get to know Raim more, and see what truly matters to him. The communication between Raim and Draikh are amazing, he is the one who keeps Raim going and helps him learn more about his abilities, Draikh is the friend that Raim lost in Khareh.
As I came closer to the end, I was getting sad to see how it would end, yet I was excited to see where the story would go for Raim, and I was very surprised at what happens. I believe that Amy McCulloch ended her series perfectly and yet leaves you wanting more from all the characters (in a good way). This book brings readers deeper into the world that McCulloch created in The Oathbreaker's Shadow, and really takes us more into Raim's history. If you haven't picked up either book yet, this is the time to sit down and read through both at once.
hangrybookdragon's review
1.0
Had to skim the last half. Just couldn't take it* anymore.
*Khareh's EXTREME violence and brutality, and the boringness of everything else.
*Khareh's EXTREME violence and brutality
Spoiler
and he was even punished it any way, form or manner for all the innocent people he murdered/tortured/maimed! Instead he was given a kingdom to rule as Raim's second in command! WTF?!gymbeannz's review
5.0
Two years ago, I would have discarded this book as cheesy and sickly sweet to the point of unbelievable. And I would have hated the book because it depicted everything I ever wanted in a best friend but didn’t have.
Instead, I read this in 2019, five months after saying goodbye the best friend I’ve ever known.
It has been a very long time since I felt invested in the well-being of a fictional character, their relationships, and their growth. A lot of stories chose to break and test relationships between characters as part of the plot, but The Shadow’s Curse doesn’t break anything; it strengthens the relationships it creates. I see the story of Raim and Draikh has a strong rope, unbreakable, firm and strong no matter how far it could be stretched.
In my opinion, Amy McCulloch chose to do something brave and pulled it off.
No doubt my reaction to the story was contextual, and the plot and writing style were not perfect. But this isn’t a school essay, and five stars should be given to personal favourites, no matter the reason.
Instead, I read this in 2019, five months after saying goodbye the best friend I’ve ever known.
It has been a very long time since I felt invested in the well-being of a fictional character, their relationships, and their growth. A lot of stories chose to break and test relationships between characters as part of the plot, but The Shadow’s Curse doesn’t break anything; it strengthens the relationships it creates. I see the story of Raim and Draikh has a strong rope, unbreakable, firm and strong no matter how far it could be stretched.
In my opinion, Amy McCulloch chose to do something brave and pulled it off.
No doubt my reaction to the story was contextual, and the plot and writing style were not perfect. But this isn’t a school essay, and five stars should be given to personal favourites, no matter the reason.
meedah92's review
4.0
Lawd this took me a while to read because Distractions and such but Review to come
karlou's review
5.0
Last year I was fortunate to win The Oathbreaker's Shadow in a Goodreads giveaway. It's always lovely to win something, especially if that something is a book and even more so if it turns out to be a hugely enjoyable fantasy adventure with strong characters, a compelling mystery and a tempting cliffhanger to end with. The only drawback has been waiting for the sequel!
Thankfully the wait is over and I could find out what happened to Raim and Wadi in the second book of the duology, The Shadow's Curse. I don't want to give too much away in case readers of this review haven't read the first book yet but things were looking pretty bleak at the end of the first book for oathbreaker Raim and Wadi, a brave and fierce member of the desert living Alashan tribe. This time the narrative is shared between the two characters and so we learn of both their stories firsthand. Raim is desperate to rescue Wadi, the girl he loves but realises that won't be possible while he bears the scars of the ultimate taboo. He needs to discover who the mysterious woman shadow is who has saved his life more than once. Does she have the answer as to why he unknowingly broke an oath when he made a promise to protect Khareh, his childhood friend and now despotic Khan? Reluctantly he and his haunt Draikh head to the dangerous south to find out the truth about his oath. Wadi is in Khareh's clutches. Can she discover his weaknesses without putting herself in even more danger? Meanwhile Khareh is raising a Shadow Army and plots against King Song, ruthless leader of the south.
Being the second part of the series questions are answered but there are plenty of twists before any big reveals. As before Raim and Wadi are equally likable, both strong and brave protagonists and the alternate chapters work well. The other characters too, both male and female are well written and complex personalities. The Knots books are the best sort of fantasy, exciting and based on an intriguing premise, in this case that promises made are binding and breaking them, even inadvertently can mean becoming an outcast. More than that though the story considers such themes as fate, duty, ambition and honour. The long wait to read The Shadow's Curse was well worth it, a gripping and fitting sequel to The Oathbreaker's Shadow. I thoroughly recommend both books.
Many thanks to the publishers and author for my free copy received through NetGalley in return for my honest review.
Thankfully the wait is over and I could find out what happened to Raim and Wadi in the second book of the duology, The Shadow's Curse. I don't want to give too much away in case readers of this review haven't read the first book yet but things were looking pretty bleak at the end of the first book for oathbreaker Raim and Wadi, a brave and fierce member of the desert living Alashan tribe. This time the narrative is shared between the two characters and so we learn of both their stories firsthand. Raim is desperate to rescue Wadi, the girl he loves but realises that won't be possible while he bears the scars of the ultimate taboo. He needs to discover who the mysterious woman shadow is who has saved his life more than once. Does she have the answer as to why he unknowingly broke an oath when he made a promise to protect Khareh, his childhood friend and now despotic Khan? Reluctantly he and his haunt Draikh head to the dangerous south to find out the truth about his oath. Wadi is in Khareh's clutches. Can she discover his weaknesses without putting herself in even more danger? Meanwhile Khareh is raising a Shadow Army and plots against King Song, ruthless leader of the south.
Being the second part of the series questions are answered but there are plenty of twists before any big reveals. As before Raim and Wadi are equally likable, both strong and brave protagonists and the alternate chapters work well. The other characters too, both male and female are well written and complex personalities. The Knots books are the best sort of fantasy, exciting and based on an intriguing premise, in this case that promises made are binding and breaking them, even inadvertently can mean becoming an outcast. More than that though the story considers such themes as fate, duty, ambition and honour. The long wait to read The Shadow's Curse was well worth it, a gripping and fitting sequel to The Oathbreaker's Shadow. I thoroughly recommend both books.
Many thanks to the publishers and author for my free copy received through NetGalley in return for my honest review.
tinareynolds's review
4.0
I really like this book - the series is very engaging. Definitely would recommend.
ltg584's review
5.0
4.5 stars
So, I'm walking down the cereal aisle at the grocery store and someone says, "Oh hi, Lindsay! It's so great to see you!" And for a moment I stand, stumped. Who is this person, and why do they know my name? I double check to make sure I haven't accidentally left on my name tag from work. Obviously, as I'm a great actress, I play along, asking how things are going with them. Eventually I'll either figure out who they are in relation to me, or we'll finish our conversation, offering well wishes. No harm, no foul.
Well, this is kind of how starting this book was for me. I had a vague, shadowing memory of how much I loved the first book, but I was still finding myself stumped, not sure exactly where I left off with these characters the last time I saw them. The more I read, however, the more I remembered how great the story is, how detailed. Parts of the first book came back to me, and soon, it was like being reunited with an old friend. We hugged, and promised not to leave each other's side until the final page turn.
I have to admit to one small disappointment. Raim and Wadi spend most of the book apart. Their chemistry in the first book was one of the highlights and to have their stories told separately left me in anticipation for their reunion. But then, when they finally meet again, I felt like it was a little anticlimactic.
Plenty of action and intrigue though! Even the slower parts were tense, and there was a constant sense of foreboding. I mean, the whole book is building towards a war! I spent the last fifty pages dreading what was to come: the end. I was anticipating the long wait for the next book. Then, a strange thing happened. Everything started to get wrapped up. I began to feel a new sense of dread... maybe this really was THE END. There would be no third book. I was left with just a few chapters with these characters before I would have to say my farewell! And now that I've finished it? I still have no idea. It feels finished, but there were still so many loose ends! I think I'm going to just hold out hope that there will be another story. I'm not emotionally prepared to say goodbye to Raim and Wadi.
**NOTE**
After writing my review, I've noticed that the series is currently out of print and being rereleased in February with new covers. The series is also being listed as a duology now... so I guess I'm out of luck for more books. *sobs*
A copy of this book was provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
So, I'm walking down the cereal aisle at the grocery store and someone says, "Oh hi, Lindsay! It's so great to see you!" And for a moment I stand, stumped. Who is this person, and why do they know my name? I double check to make sure I haven't accidentally left on my name tag from work. Obviously, as I'm a great actress, I play along, asking how things are going with them. Eventually I'll either figure out who they are in relation to me, or we'll finish our conversation, offering well wishes. No harm, no foul.
Well, this is kind of how starting this book was for me. I had a vague, shadowing memory of how much I loved the first book, but I was still finding myself stumped, not sure exactly where I left off with these characters the last time I saw them. The more I read, however, the more I remembered how great the story is, how detailed. Parts of the first book came back to me, and soon, it was like being reunited with an old friend. We hugged, and promised not to leave each other's side until the final page turn.
I have to admit to one small disappointment. Raim and Wadi spend most of the book apart. Their chemistry in the first book was one of the highlights and to have their stories told separately left me in anticipation for their reunion. But then, when they finally meet again, I felt like it was a little anticlimactic.
Plenty of action and intrigue though! Even the slower parts were tense, and there was a constant sense of foreboding. I mean, the whole book is building towards a war! I spent the last fifty pages dreading what was to come: the end. I was anticipating the long wait for the next book. Then, a strange thing happened. Everything started to get wrapped up. I began to feel a new sense of dread... maybe this really was THE END. There would be no third book. I was left with just a few chapters with these characters before I would have to say my farewell! And now that I've finished it? I still have no idea. It feels finished, but there were still so many loose ends! I think I'm going to just hold out hope that there will be another story. I'm not emotionally prepared to say goodbye to Raim and Wadi.
**NOTE**
After writing my review, I've noticed that the series is currently out of print and being rereleased in February with new covers. The series is also being listed as a duology now... so I guess I'm out of luck for more books. *sobs*
A copy of this book was provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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