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william_gwynne 's review for:
Play of Shadows
by Sebastien de Castell
BookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne
My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
My 12th Sebastien book, and one of my favourites. It has an excellent introduction that immediately sucks you in, and then it does not go. A swashbuckling tale, with twists and turns, standout characters, great world building and sharp, witty prose throughout.
We join Damelas Shademantaigne just as he is chaotically running away from a group of his enemies who evidently are not out to help him. Somehow, through this, he finds himself saved by pretending to be in a play in a theatre…. If that isn’t a unique fantasy setting, I don’t know what is!
Just as Damelas feels he may be able to fade into the shadows, he is cast into the spotlight and more trouble than ever, as the play becomes a focal point for many local powers, including the Duke. Through this, I loved how de Castell explores the power of literature and the power of performance, as the history of the ducky presented in Damelas’s play has resounding consequences on his own life and all those around him, especially as there are powerful people who do not like this new turn of events…
Just as always, Sebastien de Castell’s prose hooks you. With its sharp intelligence, we gradually piece together the mysteries of the world, whilst being accompanied by humour and wit that few authors can rival.
A truly fantastic start to a new series that is not too epic in scope, but feels grand enough. He brings characters to life by their distinct characteristics and dialogue, and in doing so crafts a story not only humorous and gripping, but also moving, with heart and drive as well.
5/5 STARS
My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
My 12th Sebastien book, and one of my favourites. It has an excellent introduction that immediately sucks you in, and then it does not go. A swashbuckling tale, with twists and turns, standout characters, great world building and sharp, witty prose throughout.
We join Damelas Shademantaigne just as he is chaotically running away from a group of his enemies who evidently are not out to help him. Somehow, through this, he finds himself saved by pretending to be in a play in a theatre…. If that isn’t a unique fantasy setting, I don’t know what is!
Just as Damelas feels he may be able to fade into the shadows, he is cast into the spotlight and more trouble than ever, as the play becomes a focal point for many local powers, including the Duke. Through this, I loved how de Castell explores the power of literature and the power of performance, as the history of the ducky presented in Damelas’s play has resounding consequences on his own life and all those around him, especially as there are powerful people who do not like this new turn of events…
Just as always, Sebastien de Castell’s prose hooks you. With its sharp intelligence, we gradually piece together the mysteries of the world, whilst being accompanied by humour and wit that few authors can rival.
A truly fantastic start to a new series that is not too epic in scope, but feels grand enough. He brings characters to life by their distinct characteristics and dialogue, and in doing so crafts a story not only humorous and gripping, but also moving, with heart and drive as well.
5/5 STARS