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A review by aphelia88
The Shadow Throne by Django Wexler
5.0
What a difference a good plot makes! I enjoyed the first book in the series ([b:The Thousand Names|15810910|The Thousand Names (The Shadow Campaigns, #1)|Django Wexler|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1355441268l/15810910._SY75_.jpg|21536059]; my review) but it suffered from uneven pacing and a predictable and lackluster ending.
More tightly written with the introduction of several great new characters, this book was hard to put down!
In the capital, Vordan City, young soon-to-be-Queen Raesinia is desperate to keep her kingdom out of the spidery hands of feared Concordat leader Duke Orlanko. In disguise, she helps organize a people's revolution, forming a cabal to whip citizens into a mob demanding democratic rule, via a new governing body called the Deputies-General.
But Raesinia has a secret: when she was young and very ill, Orlanko had her unknowingly infect herself with a demon, and she is now immortal. Her only ally is Sothe, a skilled former Concordat agent (who is awesome!!!) who helps her outwit the Duke.
Meanwhile, Janus has arrived in the city with Marcus and Winter, and devotes his considerable talents to supporting the Queen.
Marcus is sent to head the city guard, the Armsmen, where he hopes to uncover the truth about the fire that killed his family.
Winter is sent undercover - as her female self, not in her male disguise - to infiltrate a notorious gang called the Leatherbacks. Only to discover that their charismatic leader, "Mad Jane", is none other than the lost love of her life! Jane returned to the orphanage looking for Winter - who was already gone; so she liberated the rest of the girls instead and is now mother hen to them all.
Janus has seen several steps farther than anyone else, as usual, and is playing a deep game. When Orlanko turns the Royal Army against the city, Winter finds herself leading the first female regiment into a nearly hopeless battle. The rest of the 7th Company (including Bobby and Feor) only turn up briefly for the fight at the end (orchestrated by Janus for effect).
More information about the Priests of the Black emerges, and casts a shadow over Vordan's victory. Although I would have liked to learn more about the demons and the Thousand Names Janus discovered, this was an entertaining read that - the author states in the Acknowledgements - was inspired by the French Revolution. Interesting read, I'd like to continue with the series someday!
More tightly written with the introduction of several great new characters, this book was hard to put down!
In the capital, Vordan City, young soon-to-be-Queen Raesinia is desperate to keep her kingdom out of the spidery hands of feared Concordat leader Duke Orlanko. In disguise, she helps organize a people's revolution, forming a cabal to whip citizens into a mob demanding democratic rule, via a new governing body called the Deputies-General.
But Raesinia has a secret: when she was young and very ill, Orlanko had her unknowingly infect herself with a demon, and she is now immortal. Her only ally is Sothe, a skilled former Concordat agent (who is awesome!!!) who helps her outwit the Duke.
Meanwhile, Janus has arrived in the city with Marcus and Winter, and devotes his considerable talents to supporting the Queen.
Marcus is sent to head the city guard, the Armsmen, where he hopes to uncover the truth about the fire that killed his family.
Winter is sent undercover - as her female self, not in her male disguise - to infiltrate a notorious gang called the Leatherbacks. Only to discover that their charismatic leader, "Mad Jane", is none other than the lost love of her life! Jane returned to the orphanage looking for Winter - who was already gone; so she liberated the rest of the girls instead and is now mother hen to them all.
Janus has seen several steps farther than anyone else, as usual, and is playing a deep game. When Orlanko turns the Royal Army against the city, Winter finds herself leading the first female regiment into a nearly hopeless battle. The rest of the 7th Company (including Bobby and Feor) only turn up briefly for the fight at the end (orchestrated by Janus for effect).
More information about the Priests of the Black emerges, and casts a shadow over Vordan's victory. Although I would have liked to learn more about the demons and the Thousand Names Janus discovered, this was an entertaining read that - the author states in the Acknowledgements - was inspired by the French Revolution. Interesting read, I'd like to continue with the series someday!