Book Review: Knight’s Shadow

 By Sebastian De Castel 

4 Stars 

The second installation of the Greatcoats series by Sebastien de Castell is Knight’s Shadow. Picking up right where we left off in Traitor’s Blade, the trio are back and ready to protect the very kingdom that shuns them; Tristia. They are Falcio val Mond, Kest Murrowson, and Brasti Goodbow - First Cantor, Saint of Swords, and the best bowman in the world, respectively. These three have been left in a more troubling situation than before, with Dukes showing up dead, commoners getting weapons from an unknown supplier, mysterious knights in black tabards appearing to cut them down, and the Greatcoats taking the blame for it all.  

This sequel packs more punch than its predecessor, going deeper into the nuances and intricacies of each character present. It gets really emotional at some moments, and you can’t help but hang onto the page, feeling like you yourself are there, next to the character, in Tristia. Modestly genuine swashbuckle littered throughout the book both amused and charmed me, fit the setting, and was attuned to the characters. When the moral of the story was presented, the meaning of the trio’s adventures, and the justification of their exploits, I couldn’t help but agree. I would say that this book was a success, even better than the last, and with more to come in the series. If you liked Traitor’s Blade, or a mix between high fantasy and epic fantasy, a throwback to old fiction with lots of valour and epic moments, then this is the story for you. 

Reviewed by Ayesha 

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