Taliesin escapes Affalon to discover things in the world are much changed. Uthyr Pendragon has taken Gorlois’ widow, Igerna, as his wife, and elevated Caer Leon to its former Roman glory. He learns Brython is preoccupied with threats from a warlord who claims to be Octa, son of Hengist, though he was believed to have been executed in front of thousands at Uthyr’s victory games in Caer Lundein.
That is not all Taliesin learns from Uthyr. He discovers Nimue has left Affalon as well, traveling under her mortal name of Viviaine, and has allied herself with Myrthin. Sick with the bitterness of her betrayal, he races north to warn Arhianna. In his efforts to protect her, he strays into an ever-more complicated labyrinth of deceit.
Arhianna still remembers nothing of Knockma. She goes north with her husband in search of his clan, knowing he will never be content until he discovers what has become of his people. Her decision changes her fate in drastic ways, sending her on a dark journey that takes everything from her but her will to survive.
All have an immense role to play in the great wars to come; wars that threaten to take far more from the clans of Brython than their fortresses, fields and forests. Should they fail, their enemies will lay waste to their gods and stories, ancient rites and sacred places, leaving nothing in their wake but the history they choose to write across their trampled bones.
By the end of their struggle, none will have escaped succumbing to the shadow within; lies will be told by the most honest, oaths broken by the most loyal, and weakness will torment the strongest, as all strive to defend and protect what they cherish most.
BUY LINKS
I received a copy of Into the Shadows in exchange for an honest review. What follows is my opinion and mine alone. There was no compensation for this review.
J.M. Hofer has done it again.
This series has gotten better since the first book. Hofer’s writing style is reminiscent of the oral storytelling tradition, lyrical and emotive. When I reviewed the first book, I imagined being at a campfire and listening to a story that wove Celtic Mythology and Arthurian Legend with the known historical world of the Iron Age. Book two was the first audiobook in the series that I listened to, and the difference was amazing. Hofer’s narrative style was only amplified by the audiobook narrator. And in the third book, we see the true beginnings of the Arthurian Legend influence come to fruition.
To say that Into the Shadows is a strong addition to the series is almost an understatement. In this book, we are thrown right into the thick of things from the events of the previous book, Rise of the Pendragon. Instead of following Bran and Lucia’s story, we are now focusing on Taleisin and Arihanna as well as Uthyr’s story. Hofer’s storytelling has only gotten better as the series progresses, with the narration being on point with the style.
Even though the storytelling is strong and gripping, the book itself is a quick read. You will be transported into a world of mythology and back in ours in a short time. The only downside is that the next book in the series is not yet available as an audiobook.
Casia's Corner 