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

4.0

I’m torn between 3-4 stars here. There’s a good story here, but… 1) there are a LOT of names and places - many of which are introduced in a chapter and then not revisited for a long time. Because the introduction was quick and not always memorable, there’s a point in the book when things are happening and people are going places but I was pretty confused about what was going on. I suppose that’s on me for not paying closer attention, but it’s not an issue I’ve had with other books to this degree. 2) It’s derivative of many other works in a way that is less synthesis and more “spot the influence.”

Despite all that, this is impressive for an author’s first published work. There’s a lot to like in the setting and main characters and I’m absolutely going to give the second book a go.

Worth a read.