The River of Shadows (Chathrand Voyages #3)

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The River of Shadows (Chathrand Voyages #3)

by Robert V.S. Redick (Goodreads Author)

3.91 of 5 stars 3.91 · rating details · 398 ratings · 40 reviews

In the gripping sequel to Robert V. S. Redick’s acclaimed epic fantasy novels The Red Wolf Conspiracy and The Ruling Sea, the crew of the vast, ancient ship Chathrand have reached the shores of the legendary southern empire of Bali Adro. Many have died in the crossing, and the alliance of rebels, led by the tarboy Pazel Pathkendle and the warrior Thasha Isiq, has faced dea...more

Hardcover, 592 pages

Published February 15th 2011 by Del Rey (first published December 30th 2010)

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Jan 12, 2013 Tedric added it

Review

PRAISE FOR ROBERT V. S. REDICK

“Robert Redick is an extraordinary talent.”_—New York Times_ bestselling author Karen Miller

The Red Wolf Conspiracy

“This is one terrific read. . . . I can’t remember when I’ve been more enthralled.”—Terry Brooks

“Masterful storytelling . . . a delight.”—_Los Angeles Times_

“With comparisons to George R. R. Martin and Philip Pullman, this is highly recommended for all fantasy collections.”—_Library Journal _(starred review)

The Ruling Sea

“Exciting

...more

Review

PRAISE FOR ROBERT V. S. REDICK

“Robert Redick is an extraordinary talent.”_—New York Times_ bestselling author Karen Miller

The Red Wolf Conspiracy

“This is one terrific read. . . . I can’t remember when I’ve been more enthralled.”—Terry Brooks

“Masterful storytelling . . . a delight.”—_Los Angeles Times_

“With comparisons to George R. R. Martin and Philip Pullman, this is highly recommended for all fantasy collections.”—_Library Journal _(starred review)

The Ruling Sea

“Exciting . . . enough plot twists and double-crosses to satisfy the most demanding lovers of suspense . . . Redick’s brilliant depiction of the microcosmic world aboard the Chathrand will captivate readers.”—_Publishers Weekly_

“This high-seas adventure has all the ingredients for a good read: a large and diverse cast of characters, magic, deceit, betrayal and unexpected twists.”—_RT Book Reviews_

“Easily one of the best fantasy novels of the year.”—Fantasy Book Critic

From the Hardcover edition.

Product Description

They have little time to recover from the shock, however. For with landfall, the battle between the rebels and centuries-old sorcerer Arunis enters its final phase. At stake is control of the Nilstone, a cursed relic that promises unlimited power to whoever unlocks the secrets of its use—but death to those who fail. And no one is closer to mastering the Stone than Arunis.

Desperate to stop him, Pazel and Thasha must join forces with their enemies, including the depraved Captain Rose and the imperial assassin Sandor Ott. But when a suspicious young crewmember turns his attentions to Thasha, it is the young lovers themselves who are divided—most conveniently for Arunis. As the mage’s triumph draws near, the allies face a terrible choice: to break their oaths and run for safety, or to hunt the world’s most dangerous sorcerer through the strange and deadly dream kingdom known as the River of Shadows, and to face him a last time among the traps and horrors of his lair.

Brimming with high adventure, dark enchantment, and unforgettable characters, The River of Shadows deftly secures Redick’s place in the ranks of epic fantasy’s most original and enthralling storytellers.

From the Hardcover edition.

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Jun 20, 2011 D.w. rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

Book three, which when we first saw this trilogy was supposed to be the end. Shame that it is not. The world and the fantasy as it developed in Red Wolf (book one) showed a very complex structure and a great deal going on. The backstory alone seemed very fascinating. Our hero is thrown on the very ship where his betrayer is, where his nemesis is, and so much more.

A great premise, and then the worst evil imaginable is also resident as well as lovable characters too. The author then tried to expa...more Book three, which when we first saw this trilogy was supposed to be the end. Shame that it is not. The world and the fantasy as it developed in Red Wolf (book one) showed a very complex structure and a great deal going on. The backstory alone seemed very fascinating. Our hero is thrown on the very ship where his betrayer is, where his nemesis is, and so much more.

A great premise, and then the worst evil imaginable is also resident as well as lovable characters too. The author then tried to expand on that in the second book where we learn that what we thought were character motivations are stood on their ear and new background detail is revealed.

Fine. Now wrap it up. But no. Redick doesn't. He wants to throw in several wrenches and the kitchen sink. Evil, well of course this evil has been around for a long time. But wait, there is worse and others around as well that we forgot to mention in the first two books. And since we are going to have a fourth or more books, why not twist and twist the plot again.

That makes the whole seem amateurish. The Editor should have said at this point that the story needs to be dealt with better. To make an analogy, here we are in the midst of WWII, we find that Holocaust exists as news gets to FDR about it, and then the twist (that I am just making up and never happened) that we find that everyone in the Third Reich but Hitler has a heart of gold, or that Himmler secretly is acting like Schindler or Wallenstein. That is where we are with Redick with 180 degree reversals it feels like, or at least that we are being blindsided with new plot elements that we did not need to get us from point A to point B and finish the series.

If you are not a completist, reading this should be a low priority. It does add to character development, but sacrifices world building and plot to take us there. The book feels padded, elements added for no reason that makes any sense to me, and not worth the time to read it. Now, despite how much I liked Red Wolf and put up with Ruling Sea, River has ruined any desire to reread any of the series.(less)

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Jun 19, 2011 Algernon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011

more like a [9/10] but I find it easy to add half a star when I really enjoy the ride. The third Chathrand Voyage has confirmed the good impression from the first two books. I was a little worried that it will suffer from middle of the series syndrome, but Pazel, Tasha and their friends remain quite interesting characters: talented without being overpowered battle machines, smart but not infallible, prone to despair but open to friendship and love.
Beside great characters the other appeal of the...more

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Jan 02, 2012 Jason rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2012

3.5 Stars

Let me start off that I highly recommend this incredibly fun fantasy that is both imaginative and beautiful to behold. I love the way that Redick as an Author has matured through out these long novels. The cast is large, likable, and well developed after nearly 2000 pages of writing. There are numerous bad ass antagonists and a deep plot that unfolds over the course.

This book unfortunately, is the weakest of the series, even though it is probably the best written. I loved the clever cha...more

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Jun 25, 2011 Kiel Van Horn rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book was better than the previous novel in the quartet, but I'm not sure it was as good as the first. It worked in a lot more of the interesting history of the south, introducing an entire new race of characters.

The magic bones of the dragon-like things that I can't remember how to spell (egraungs?) was a neat idea, and played out interestingly. I wish it could have been developed a little more dramatically, though. We kind of were dropped in at the end of this unique period of history whe...more

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Jul 08, 2011 Nigel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Robert VS Riddick River Of Shadows. The Charthrand finally reaches the south only to find, well, all manner of horrible things. This is the third book in a fun, well written series that combines an epic scale with lots of pacey adventure and excitement and twists and setbacks and peril and darkest hours for our heroes. Seeing as we're obsessively comparing everything to Martin (I DO SWEAR THESE CORNFLAKES ARE FIT FOR A KING'S LANDING WEDDING FEAST), then the young age of the book's main protagon...more

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Aug 11, 2011 Jane rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, fiction

This book is the third in an intriguing fantasy series. I really enjoyed the first two books, the Red Wolf Conspiracy and the Ruling Sea. I had a little harder time getting into this one, probably because so much time has passed since the last. I had trouble remembering who everyone was and what had transpired in the previous books. There are many characters with significant roles to play. I think this series would be great read straight through with no long gaps.

The action is fast without overw...more

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May 12, 2011 Tbloxham rated it 4 of 5 stars

A book which gets 4 stars because of the massive strength of the first book and the solid quality of the second. This was a good read, but unlike the clear and exciting story structure of the first and the intriguing account of shipboard life in the second it struggles from the very start to find it's feet. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book, but the story is beginning to collapse under the weight of so much surrounding architecture. Hopefully the last book in the series will restore a sharp...more

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Mar 02, 2013 Aaron Jensen rated it 5 of 5 stars

I can't recommend "The Chatrand Voyage" quartet highly enough. It is my new favorite fantasy series. (Previous favorites include "The Belgariad" by David Eddings, "The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara" by Terry Brooks, and the Thomas Covenant books by Stephen R Donaldson.)

This is a superbly crafted story, in an incredibly detailed world, filled with real characters with a plot that carries you with it from beginning to end. Loved, loved, loved it.

The world of Alifros is fully developed with great c...more

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Jun 26, 2011 Reed rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Redick's third novel suffers from many of the same problems I had with his second--a sea of characters with not quite enough exposition to remind the returning reader who they are, a slow-starting storyline that seems to meander for much too long before things get moving, and very young characters somewhat unrealistically leading older, experienced ones throughout much of the novel.

Pazel, Thasha, and the host of other characters return for their continuing adventures aboard the ludicrously enorm...more Redick's third novel suffers from many of the same problems I had with his second--a sea of characters with not quite enough exposition to remind the returning reader who they are, a slow-starting storyline that seems to meander for much too long before things get moving, and very young characters somewhat unrealistically leading older, experienced ones throughout much of the novel.

Pazel, Thasha, and the host of other characters return for their continuing adventures aboard the ludicrously enormous vessel the Charthrand. The second novel had left the crew on the unknown side of the Ruling Sea, lost and bewildered. Arunis is still in hiding from the crew, the Nilstone is still subtly causing problems, and now the characters have to figure out what to do in a section of the world where humans have been stricken by a plague that reduces them to mindless animals.

I was worried that Redick had written himself into a corner, placing the characters in such an inhospitable place with no direction, no information, and seemingly no way to ever get home. To make matters worse, I found Redick's setting in this third novel less-than-engaging. In fact, I though it was somewhat dull and not enjoyable. Couple the setting with a storyline that had seemed to stall, and I did not enjoy this book at times.

Much like the last book, Redick's story falls into easy sections--the first third treads water, the middle third ponderously begins to pick up speed, and the last third finally swings into action.

This time however, when the storyline eventually gets moving, I wasn't as willing to forgive the weaknesses of the earlier sections. Pazel and company have at long last begun hunting down Arunis, in an effort to stop his (of course) evil plan to use the Nilstone in ways most nefarious and foul. Yet even then, Redick's choices are odd--much of the time, Arunis is "off screen", as the characters are attempting to find him and stop him from carrying out his plan. But the reader rarely gets the satisfaction of seeing our heroes deal with Arunis. Instead, we read descriptions where they argue and bicker, not sure of what to do. It makes for less than heroic heroes. Some of this is "realistic" and welcome--too much in a heroic fantasy is off-putting.

It almost seemed that Redick himself realized he had dragged things too long, for the character do indeed get their showdown with Arunis. In fact, I was shocked with the climax, as I had already decided that there was no way the author was going to reconcile all the plot threads with the few pages remaining. Our grand battle came swiftly, unexpectedly, and bit too conveniently. In the end most of the storyline is concluded, and Redick avoids the cliffhanger I was expecting and dreading. We learn quite a lot about the backgrounds of Pazel and Thasha as well, and while it was interesting and satisfying, it happens so late in the novel that it almost feels too late.

Too be honest, if I could have given this book 2.5 stars I would have. I felt this was the weakest of the novels, by far, and I'm not sure if I will read the next of the series. Pacing was already an issue with me in the first two novels, but more alarmingly was Redick's failure to engage me with his world building. It wasn't that it was poorly executed, just that I didn't find it all that interesting. That was certainly not an issue with his previous books.

If I'm going to spend a long time slogging through slowly paced exposition waiting for an exciting finale, I better enjoy the scenery along with way. Right now I'm not sure I'm willing to go through that again.
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Dec 09, 2011 Susanne rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sff

Much as it pains me to say this (I loved the first two books in the series): I don't think this book was necessary. I don't want to say 'boring', because that's so harsh and also not quite true, so maybe I'll call it 'not engaging enough'. 'Too full of stuff the story doesn't need', maybe. Or, 'too many twists and turns'? Look, what happens is: We're on the ship, we're going some place and then we 1) have a problem, 2) get out of it, 3) have a problem, 4) get out of it, 5) have a problem, 6), er...more

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Jan 02, 2012 Ronald rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

***Some Spoilers***

The third book in Redick's series, The River of Shadows, takes us further into the South and into new lands. We've crossed The Ruling Sea and now we have some very interesting issues to deal with. In fact, there's a lot more action in this book than the others - things begin to move forward, plots unravel, and Pazel becomes dumb and useless.

I'm not certain what happened in this novel. Previously, in book 1 and book 2, Pazel was always the thinker, using his brain before anythi...more ***Some Spoilers***

The third book in Redick's series, The River of Shadows, takes us further into the South and into new lands. We've crossed The Ruling Sea and now we have some very interesting issues to deal with. In fact, there's a lot more action in this book than the others - things begin to move forward, plots unravel, and Pazel becomes dumb and useless.

I'm not certain what happened in this novel. Previously, in book 1 and book 2, Pazel was always the thinker, using his brain before anything else. In parts of The River of Shadows he still continues to be wiser than most, except when Redick decides to have him act dumber than Neeps. For example, in one part they are trapped in the bread room - Pazel and Neeps - for a reason, of course. Pazel breaks out, runs like a mad man across the ship only to find that Arunis is surrounded by the whole group. They've got him - time to end it. But, Pazel just ignores the entire group of people, not even stopping to think "Hmm, maybe they're all here for a reason" and then leaps on Arunis, breaks the spell that binds him, and lets him escape.

It was one of those moments where I vented my frustration verbally - in fact, there were several such occasions in this book when the characters actions just didn't make any sense. It seems like Pazel's actions in the above scene were just to fuel the plot, let them be captured, and then to allow Arunis to get away so that they could continue the story into the Infernal Forest latest on.

The forest was very spooky, however, and very well done. Redick has a certain mastery with descriptions and he can really bring a scene to life. I was slightly terrified at the location they were in, just waiting for one of those giant mushrooms to explode and do something terrible. His descriptive power of The Chathrand has continued to make the ship an object of interest across 3 books, and there's something to be said about that.

Aside from the above issues, everything came together well in the end. Thasha and Pazel finally got together (I was getting sexually frustrated just reading about the amount of times they were prevented from performing the act themselves), and Arunis is finally dead.

Now, with the smell of lemons emanating from Neeps, and a black object full of death at their fingertips, the small group is licking their wounds and preparing for their worst encounter yet. The full fury of The Swarm will be coming in book 4 and we will have to wait and see what becomes of them.

Due to the frustrations in this book with the characters I was tempted to dock another star and give it 3 out of 5, but in hindsight they are minor issues overall. So, still 4/5 stars.(less)

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Mar 21, 2013 Jen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

The River of Shadows (Chathrand Voyage) is the third is this series and is from Net Galley--Random House, Del Rey Spectra.

The Chathrand has finally reached the Bali Adro empire, but the situation has drastically changed from the diverse and welcoming society it was originally.

While I continued to follow with interest, there were parts that were too slow, as if Redick didn't want a conclusion and decided to spin things out.

The characters are still the high point, but the in some areas the plot be...more

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Aug 20, 2011 Trey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: use-these-in-recommendations

Overall I really liked this book. After the first two books I was wavering on recommending the series to friends. I enjoyed them, but it wasn't a must read. I think after this third book I will finally recommend it.

The whole series is a very large adventure with lots of places, people, and different species. It really does feel more like an adventure than a fantasy novel.

I would have given 5 stars, but I felt like the end was an info dump to close all the loose ends.

I will definitely read the...more

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Mar 14, 2011 Liviu rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011_release_read, review_fbc, genre-fantasy, read_2011, top_25_2011_novels

I finished The River of Shadows and it just blew me away and I have a hard time seeing anything else this crazily entertaining in 2011; the 3 books: Red Wolf Conspiracy, Rats and the Ruling Sea and The River of Shadows just hang together perfectly and tightly with all the twists and turns you want.

The last book The Night of the Swarm hopefully will put the exclamation mark on this superbly entertaining series, but you can read these 3 for a complete experience.

Exuberant, crazy, inventiveness, g...more

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May 08, 2013 Amy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013

I feel like this was the weakest installment in the series. The story has gotten very dark and the odds are stacked against our intrepid band of friends and allies, but this isn't the problem that I had with the book. My problem with the book is that it took sooooo long to get to the action. I believe that leaving the Chathrand slowed the progression of the story down considerably and I felt myself growing bored at times. However, I LOVE the character growth and the end of the book is fantastic...more

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Jun 21, 2012 Ryan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-read-2012

This series is the reason why I read fantasy. I'm not usually drawn to nautical fantasy but you almost forget their on the water because the boat is so huge. It's almost like it takes place in a small city. A lot of the third book takes place on land too. Secret plots, backstabbing, secret agents, fantastical creatures and a race of tiny people who remind me of the old cartoon The Littles. Mr. Redick is one of my favorite authors writing stories these days. I cannot wait for the fourth book, Nig...more

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May 08, 2013 Brent rated it 2 of 5 stars

Wow, this series has gone downhill in a hurry. The first book had interesting characters and a unique setting, the second book less so but still kept my interest. This one-I know it's fantasy genre but the plot still needs to be plausible on some level and the world has to recognizable enough to be enjoyable. Probably wont waste my time on the next instalment.

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May 10, 2011 Lauren rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book in the series almost got too weird. I was able to accept a lot of the strange stuff Redick introduces in his first two books but this one pushed it a little past ridiculous to me. I'm hoping his final book returns to a more realistic story and wraps things up nicely.

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May 28, 2011 Robert rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: science-fiction

Book 3. I am interested in the series but it felt like it fell a little flat near the end in the forest. It dragged and I struggled to keep up. But I am really enjoying the world and the series created so looking forward to the next book.

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Apr 28, 2011 Matthew Brown rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Fantastic. The Chathrand Voyage series is one of my favorite all-time series (along with Rothfuss' Kingkiller series and Weeks' Night Angel series...both fantastic as well). This book is no exception. I look forward to lots more of Redick's work.

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Jan 24, 2013 Jason Williams rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: epic-fantasy, on-the-high-seas, favorites, r-v-s-r

One cannot say enough about "The Chathrand Voyage" series, and the same can be said concerning book 3 "The River of Shadows". Pazel Pathkendle and friends remain on their quest to stop the evil wizard Arunis. They visit some amazing locales, encounter magical creature and see the bonds of friendship tested. "The River of Shadows" is an excellent entry in the series, and I look forward to the conclusion in "The Night Swarm". Even if I can't get it in hardcover.

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Oct 04, 2012 Joshua rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I think if we fans of the genre are honest with ourselves, we'd admit that these epic series share an uncomfortable similarity with soap operas. I think this book suffers from that comparison a little more closely than the other entries so far. We get a lot of Shocking Revelations and a little too much teenage relationship angst. Even so, Redick still keeps me reading with such things like the fourth-wall breaking chapter lecturing us (the readers) about how the main characters should be chaste,...more

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Jul 23, 2011 Ruth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: spec-fic

c2011. Follows on immediately after the closing of The Rats of the Ruling Sea. I loved it. The pace, world, characters - all hit the sweet spot. I am so glad that Mr Redick has managed to sustain the quality for all 3 of the books. Some of the plot arcs are a little "samey" and the character of Ramachni is too sacharrine for me but the fight scenes are credible in my opinion and the baddie is really evil. I do battle a little bit with the supposed ages of the protagonists but easy to close my mi...more

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Aug 20, 2011 Brenda Pike rated it 1 of 5 stars

I actually stopped reading this about halfway through, which I never do. The writing was just too wooden.

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May 04, 2011 Sam rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook

So far an interesting series although I felt strained getting through this third book as certain parts feel rushed. Overall I like the story and have enjoyed following the adventures of Pazel, Thasha, Neeps and other. The book deserves 3.5 stars but sadly we aren't able to award half stars and I just don't feel it rated 4.

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May 07, 2012 Magnus rated it 5 of 5 stars

Good 3rd installment. Look forward to the 4th book.

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May 25, 2011 George rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: need-sequel

This book was ok, I liked it. The biggest problem I had with this book is getting started. It started off where the last book ended, but being that its been a year since I read the last book, was hard to catch up.

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May 06, 2011 Nomdeplume22 rated it 3 of 5 stars

not as good as the first two got to see where he is going with it

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Dec 02, 2011 Phil rated it 4 of 5 stars

Not as good as book 2, it kind of drifted. But I give it the 4th for originality

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About Robert V.S. Redick

Robert V.S. Redick is in his thirties and works as the editor for the Spanish and French websites of Oxfam America and as an instructor in the International Development and Social Change program at Clark University. Born and raised in Charlottesville, Virginia, he lives in rural western Massachusetts. While his unpublished novel Conquistadors was a finalist for the 2002 AWP/Thomas Dunne Novel Awar...more

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Books by Robert V.S. Redick

The Rats and the Ruling Sea (Chathrand Voyages, #2)

The Night of the Swarm (Chathrand Voyages #4)

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The River of Shadows (Chathrand Voyages #3)

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