Shadowless by Randall McNally:
Before we dive into the review, I want to talk about how I got this book…. Randall McNally reached out to my on my Twitter account for The Dwarf Did It and asked if I would be interested in reviewing this book. I absolutely LOVE it when an author reaches out to me. I LOVE it when the authors actually take the time to interact with their readers. It makes the whole reviewing process amazing and rewarding. Especially when the books are either signed or have a note from the author attached (I keep them inside every book). I already had TONS to read and a lot of personal stuff going on so even though I received this book, with a nice note, back in April I am just not getting around to a review. While I was busy NOT reading because I didn’t really have the heart or motivation (the personal stuff was pretty big) I did keep in touch with Randall McNally. THIS BOOK IS SELF PUBLISHED AND SELF PROMOTED! I think that is AMAZING. It promotes drive and dedication for a first time author like myself…. What if I have to self publish? He can do it, so can I! This book is beautiful and extremely well put together. I wouldn’t have even known it was self published if I hadn’t looked at the copy right page and noticed there was no publisher listed. But enough about all of that. Lets get into this review!
“A young boy lies on a beach on a warm summer’s day. While trying to block the sun from his eyes Arpherius makes a shocking discovery; he has no shadow. Confused and bewildered he asks his uncle why he is shadowless. What he learns is a terrifying secret that will change his life forever.
Set in the Northern Realms, Shadowless is a fantasy novel about individuals born without a shadow. Spawned by the malevolent deities of this world these children of the gods are persecuted at every turn. Hunted by the high priests who carry out the wishes of their gods, hunted by the Shadow Watchers; armed soldiers who are assigned to each temple, and hunted by the gods themselves.
Part-mortal and part-god, the Shadowless live for centuries and face a battle for survival, constantly on the run or hiding in far-flung corners of the Northern Realms.
Soon their lives and fates become intertwined, expedited by the mysterious monk Amrodan. Driven by a series of visions Amrodan travels through the Northern Realms, seeking out the Shadowless and trying to enlist their help to take a stand and fight back against the gods. ” – Back cover description taken from Goodreads
The plot and writing style of this book was amazing. I am an avid reader of fantasy novels and this book did not disappoint. the half god/ half human thing is something i always enjoy reading about especially since im really big into mythology. I also like how you get a good point of view perspective of each character. Not something a lot of people care for in books but I love it personally. I like knowing what each character is doing and how they play a part in the unfolding story versus just from the main character’s point of view. I also feel it gives better detail to why a character does what they do. The characters and the plot were very well-developed and easy to follow (we all know that sometimes fantasy can get a little chaotic). This book was fun to read, unique, and I can’t wait for more works by this author. Everything about the book and the author himself was awesome.
If you are interested in reading this book PLEASE pick up a copy from the link below. You will not be disappointed and you will be supporting a self published, amazing author!
The Dwarf Did It... 