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sierrainstitches's review against another edition
3.5
I did not like this one as much as the first, but that happens. In the first book I had a hard time following Julie’s writing. I would often have to stop and read a sentence multiple times before it (sometimes) made sense. The same can be said for book 2, but adding a ton of extra info made it even more challenging for me 😅 Might just be a “me” problem! I still enjoyed it, even when I couldn’t keep up.
mxsallybend's review against another edition
5.0
As much as I loved A Turn of Light, and as much as I was looking forward to A Play of Shadow, I didn’t really see how Julie E. Czerneda could draw a second tale out of such a small, self-contained world. The village of Marrowdell was a fantastic setting, but its magical seclusion hardly allowed for the outside world to intervene. Similarly, Jenn Nalynn was an amazing character, but her own magical essence hardly allowed for her to simply stroll outside the valley and take the story to the larger world. Yes, I wanted more of the magic, and more of Julie’s subtle twists on traditional fantasy, but I was worried what kind of a shadow a less-than-stellar book might cast over the first.
As it turns out, I had absolutely nothing to worry about. In continuing the story of Jenn and Bannan, A Play of Shadow not only expands upon the magic of Marrowdell and the Verge, it does successfully finds a way to take us beyond that world – all while honoring the rules and limitations of A Turn of Light. In all honestly, even though this second volume lacks the novelty factor of the first, I do think I enjoyed it more. It’s broader in scope, more magical in every way, and benefits from what I think most readers will agree is a more even, more exciting pace.
The story opens on a quiet note, reacquainting us with the characters and their world. Despite what we might have expected, the romance between Jenn and Bannan has progressed slowly, so don’t expect any sudden leap towards wedded bliss. No sooner are we reacquainted, however, and we’re just as quickly separated. Bannan is accompanying a trade caravan out of Marrowdell, while Jenn is off to visit Wisp and Mistress Sand in the Verge. While the lovers are soon reunited, both learn new secrets and new insights into the magic of Marrowdell and the turn-born, setting up some interesting conflicts and introducing some new threats to both their worlds. When Tir makes a winter return, near-death and with Bannan’s nephews in hand, the story takes off in exciting and unexpected directions.
There’s so much magic and wonder to be discovered in this world, I’m hesitant about saying more. Suffice to say, the scenes within the Verge are absolutely stunning, with little touches and major flourishes that really bring that magical realm to life. The journey to Channen, a canal town of magic and magicians, is a very nice addition to the tale – it adds another traditional fantasy element to the tale, and opens it up to some deeper, darker political machinations. I will say that we do finally get to meet Lila, Bannan’s sister, and her appearance on the scene is well worth waiting for. Otherwise, Wisp and Scourge get to take on some new roles, while the house toads take on a whole new significance to the tale . . . as do their turtle cousins.
A Play of Shadow is everything I could have hoped for in a sequel, complete with the one thing the original book lacked, and that is a villain . . . or villains. Yes, there are two core conflicts here, one involving Jenn and another Bannan, and they serve to round out the tale. Rest assured, however, that while this second volume does add to the tale, it doesn’t sacrifice any of the sweetness, the magic, or the wonder of the first. Definitely recommended.
https://sallybend.wordpress.com/2015/02/13/book-review-a-play-of-shadow-by-julie-e-czerneda/
As it turns out, I had absolutely nothing to worry about. In continuing the story of Jenn and Bannan, A Play of Shadow not only expands upon the magic of Marrowdell and the Verge, it does successfully finds a way to take us beyond that world – all while honoring the rules and limitations of A Turn of Light. In all honestly, even though this second volume lacks the novelty factor of the first, I do think I enjoyed it more. It’s broader in scope, more magical in every way, and benefits from what I think most readers will agree is a more even, more exciting pace.
The story opens on a quiet note, reacquainting us with the characters and their world. Despite what we might have expected, the romance between Jenn and Bannan has progressed slowly, so don’t expect any sudden leap towards wedded bliss. No sooner are we reacquainted, however, and we’re just as quickly separated. Bannan is accompanying a trade caravan out of Marrowdell, while Jenn is off to visit Wisp and Mistress Sand in the Verge. While the lovers are soon reunited, both learn new secrets and new insights into the magic of Marrowdell and the turn-born, setting up some interesting conflicts and introducing some new threats to both their worlds. When Tir makes a winter return, near-death and with Bannan’s nephews in hand, the story takes off in exciting and unexpected directions.
There’s so much magic and wonder to be discovered in this world, I’m hesitant about saying more. Suffice to say, the scenes within the Verge are absolutely stunning, with little touches and major flourishes that really bring that magical realm to life. The journey to Channen, a canal town of magic and magicians, is a very nice addition to the tale – it adds another traditional fantasy element to the tale, and opens it up to some deeper, darker political machinations. I will say that we do finally get to meet Lila, Bannan’s sister, and her appearance on the scene is well worth waiting for. Otherwise, Wisp and Scourge get to take on some new roles, while the house toads take on a whole new significance to the tale . . . as do their turtle cousins.
A Play of Shadow is everything I could have hoped for in a sequel, complete with the one thing the original book lacked, and that is a villain . . . or villains. Yes, there are two core conflicts here, one involving Jenn and another Bannan, and they serve to round out the tale. Rest assured, however, that while this second volume does add to the tale, it doesn’t sacrifice any of the sweetness, the magic, or the wonder of the first. Definitely recommended.
https://sallybend.wordpress.com/2015/02/13/book-review-a-play-of-shadow-by-julie-e-czerneda/
jwoolley's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
ashnight's review against another edition
5.0
Great continuation of the story, made me want to go back to re-read the first book again. Cannot wait for the next book.
briarsreviews's review against another edition
2.0
A Play of Shadow by Julie E. Czerneda is a fantastical novel packed full of action.
I will admit that this book was hard for me to get through. My best bet is because I haven't read the first novel in this series, so I just didn't know half of what had occurred before this novel. That doesn't mean this book isn't good though! It was just very hard for me to push myself to read it. It almost felt like a chore because I couldn't comprehend some of the past experiences of the characters. I did look up some information on the last book, but it didn't help me. That being said, I don't recommend jumping into this series without starting from the beginning.
This book did feel fantastical though! Julie is a truly mesmerizing author and I love her talent. I felt like I was reading a Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones styled tale. It's full of fantasy, action and lore that was truly interesting.
I did like Jenn and Bannan together. They felt like a real couple and the were truly lovable. I found their development to be my favourite part of the story. I fell in love with them instantly despite not knowing what happened to them in the previous book. Shout out to Julie for doing so well with them!
The magic in this book was also fun to experience. It didn't feel like the typical dramatic magic I've seen in romance novels (which is where I commonly see magic), so I enjoyed Julie's spin on it.
Overall, not reading the first book really screwed me over with this book. I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I read it in order the way it was intended. I think big fantasy lovers will enjoy this book way more than I do. I like to dabble in fantasy, but it's not really my scene. Those who love fantasy will devour this book so quickly and will truly love it. I'm just not made for this type of novel! So I do truly think this book is amazing, but in my opinion it doesn't do it for me as a reader.
Two out of five stars - since it was really hard to get into and really hard for me to get invested in.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I will admit that this book was hard for me to get through. My best bet is because I haven't read the first novel in this series, so I just didn't know half of what had occurred before this novel. That doesn't mean this book isn't good though! It was just very hard for me to push myself to read it. It almost felt like a chore because I couldn't comprehend some of the past experiences of the characters. I did look up some information on the last book, but it didn't help me. That being said, I don't recommend jumping into this series without starting from the beginning.
This book did feel fantastical though! Julie is a truly mesmerizing author and I love her talent. I felt like I was reading a Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones styled tale. It's full of fantasy, action and lore that was truly interesting.
I did like Jenn and Bannan together. They felt like a real couple and the were truly lovable. I found their development to be my favourite part of the story. I fell in love with them instantly despite not knowing what happened to them in the previous book. Shout out to Julie for doing so well with them!
The magic in this book was also fun to experience. It didn't feel like the typical dramatic magic I've seen in romance novels (which is where I commonly see magic), so I enjoyed Julie's spin on it.
Overall, not reading the first book really screwed me over with this book. I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I read it in order the way it was intended. I think big fantasy lovers will enjoy this book way more than I do. I like to dabble in fantasy, but it's not really my scene. Those who love fantasy will devour this book so quickly and will truly love it. I'm just not made for this type of novel! So I do truly think this book is amazing, but in my opinion it doesn't do it for me as a reader.
Two out of five stars - since it was really hard to get into and really hard for me to get invested in.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
laurla's review against another edition
according to the author this is going to be a 5 book series, but this, the second book in the series, was written in 2014. 5 years ago. no third book has been published yet. (though she is publishing other books).
I asked the author thru goodreads
"Can you give us an idea when the next book in the "Night's Edge" series might be written?"
Julie E. Czerneda
I have three SF titles to complete first, so I'll start writing the next (and two after that) in 2021, with publication to start 2022/3. In the meantime, I am back in the series now, writing a special enovella December 2019, with "A Dragon for William, A Midwinter Beholding Story." It takes place after A PLAY OF SHADOW and involves Lila, Emon, and their sons. I hope you'll enjoy all of those ;-)
Thanks for asking!
2022 or 2023. thats a mighty long wait. *sigh*.
I asked the author thru goodreads
"Can you give us an idea when the next book in the "Night's Edge" series might be written?"
Julie E. Czerneda
I have three SF titles to complete first, so I'll start writing the next (and two after that) in 2021, with publication to start 2022/3. In the meantime, I am back in the series now, writing a special enovella December 2019, with "A Dragon for William, A Midwinter Beholding Story." It takes place after A PLAY OF SHADOW and involves Lila, Emon, and their sons. I hope you'll enjoy all of those ;-)
Thanks for asking!
2022 or 2023. thats a mighty long wait. *sigh*.
kbskibum's review against another edition
5.0
Great continuation of the story, made me want to go back to re-read the first book again. Cannot wait for the next book.
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