Reviews - L'ombra del tempo passato

3.78k reviews for:

L'ombra del tempo passato

James Islington

4.06 AVERAGE

missgarceau's review against another edition

4.5

adventurous dark funny hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

faithers99's review against another edition

4.25

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

tankfurter's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous emotional sad tense medium-paced

I've been missing a good 'chosen one' style book, and "The Shadow of What Was Lost" by James Islington perfectly scratched that itch. The reviews comparing it to "The Wheel of Time" were spot-on, but honestly, I think this is even better.

One of the standout strengths for me was the pacing. Even though the book is clearly in its initial setup phase, it never feels stagnant. There's constant progression and learning happening naturally alongside the characters' journeys. A particularly refreshing aspect is how characters quickly recognize what's happening to them without needing external exposition or endless pages of denial. Davian's quick realization that his dreams were actually foresight is a great example—avoiding tedious scenes of confusion or disbelief really helped keep the momentum going.

The time travel elements are uniquely handled. Future Davian's unexpected appearance to Asha was particularly compelling, offering a fresh spin on prophecy and fate under pressure. This twist on familiar sci-fi concepts, placed within a fantasy context, created something genuinely novel and intriguing.

Another thing I genuinely appreciated was the intelligence and practicality of the characters. Simple moments like Asha immediately warning her rescuers about her physical limitations after being tied up, rather than fumbling around helplessly, show a level of awareness rarely seen in fantasy protagonists. It's these insightful touches that set this book apart.

Additionally, I found relief and genuine satisfaction in the brief reunion of the main group. I've recently read several books where protagonists frustratingly remain separated, constantly missing each other by inches. Even the short-lived meeting here felt gratifying.

Islington's handling of fate and time is mind-bending in the best possible way. The ongoing revelations—especially characters discovering secrets they've hidden even from themselves—kept me glued and eager throughout all ~700 pages. Truly a gripping start to the series.

taylorawelch's review against another edition

4.5

challenging mysterious fast-paced

kitshiv's review against another edition

5.0

I've been busy so been slow reading! but very much enjoyed this, a friend recommended and look forward to the next book in this series.

kkbolyard's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

real_anev's review against another edition

3.0

I was so hoping this would be the great epic story like Wheel of Time but, it isn't. I enjoyed it, more so as I got further along, but as much effect as the author tried to instill into mystery, I found it convoluted and rather plain. Many times, I simply skimmed through the story and waited until it got interesting again. I doubt I'll pick up book two.