A review by musebeliever
The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington

adventurous sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5


I listened to the audiobook. For me, this hits the spot of an entertaining book that is very easy to follow without insulting my intelligence. 
I enjoyed the plot, the tropes and the writing. I enjoyed the world-building. I am a sucker for the fantasy trope of millennial old civilizations coming back to haunt us. 

I did roll my eyes on half a dozen occasions at how women are sometimes used in the book. Cue a woman's tragic demise to feed a man's very sad background story (×2). Cue women immediately disliking each other because they want the same man. 🙄 Asha is a cool character but she somehow has no women friends while the bromance be bromancing. The two other women characters that are interesting are only love interests. Sadly, not a drop of queerness has blessed this book. 

Despite this, I really think this is a very well written YA book. I would continue the serie if I find the rest of the book series on sale.
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