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Binding of the Blade #3
Shadow in the Deep (Binding of the Blade) by Lowell B. Graham
As the rains fall and the floodwaters rise, Aljeron embarks on a dangerous quest across the forsaken land of Nolthanin. . . Learn More at " For all of Kirthanin, the days are dark and hope seems far away. And yet, in the midst of their darkness, a ray of light appears when Benjiah takes up Valzaan’s staff and enters where all others fear to go.
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First published May 1, 2006
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About the author
L.B. Graham
11 books89 followersL. B. Graham (BA Literature, Wheaton College; MDiv, Covenant Seminary) is chairman of the Bible department and teacher of English and Worldviews at Westminster Christian Academy in St. Louis. He has written several articles in IVP’s Dictionary of Biblical Imagery. He and his wife, Joanne, have two children.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 1, 2018
This book was good. But I do think that some of the descriptions could be taken out.
November 22, 2015
Shadow in the Deep is the third book in the Binding of the Blade series. It follows right where Bringer of Storms left off... it almost feels like they could have been more satisfying if Bringer of Storms and Shadow in the Deep were together as one book! But, if you have the next book handy, it just the same, I suppose.
So yeah, it was a little slow. It kind of had the same plot of sorts as the book before it (that's why I'd like them combined, haha); still running from the dark army and the dreaded bringer of storms monster. They engaged in another battle, but still haven't really gotten anywhere, as for victory. However, new plots sprung up near the end of Shadow in the Deep... a capture and a 'sighting'. A sighting of who-- I don't know. But I'm dying to find out, because what is it's... no, it can't be! Ah! I'm so agitated over this! (Ha!) Go read the series, starting with Beyond the Summerland. Though Bringer of Storms and Shadow in the Deep were a little slower, yes, not much conclusion to the plot, yes... it's a great series all in all.
It's a little gruesome at parts. There's one scene that's quite violent... A fair amount of death and dying, :(. So a little more mature audience, I guess.
Anyway, I can't wait to see what happens next with Aljeron, Pedraal, Pedraan, Benjiah, Wylla, Aelwyn... and all the others! Hopefully I'll be reading Father of Dragons soon! :)
So yeah, it was a little slow. It kind of had the same plot of sorts as the book before it (that's why I'd like them combined, haha); still running from the dark army and the dreaded bringer of storms monster. They engaged in another battle, but still haven't really gotten anywhere, as for victory. However, new plots sprung up near the end of Shadow in the Deep... a capture and a 'sighting'. A sighting of who-- I don't know. But I'm dying to find out, because what is it's... no, it can't be! Ah! I'm so agitated over this! (Ha!) Go read the series, starting with Beyond the Summerland. Though Bringer of Storms and Shadow in the Deep were a little slower, yes, not much conclusion to the plot, yes... it's a great series all in all.
It's a little gruesome at parts. There's one scene that's quite violent... A fair amount of death and dying, :(. So a little more mature audience, I guess.
Anyway, I can't wait to see what happens next with Aljeron, Pedraal, Pedraan, Benjiah, Wylla, Aelwyn... and all the others! Hopefully I'll be reading Father of Dragons soon! :)
November 27, 2008
I think this whole series would be greatly improved if 200 pages or so of superfluous dialogue and description were cut out of each book. The dialogue is particularly annoying, since the characters often go from serious, formal discussions to silly jokes sprinkled with 21st century expressions in less than a page. And, of course, the author can't resist the temptation to copy The Lord of the Rings, though he doesn't go quite as far as Christopher Paolini. All in all, though, this book was a little better than the ones before it. There was a lot more action, which made it much easier to read. There was also less romance (though the bit that was in there was quite enough). And the ending was a bit of a cliff-hanger. I'm actually looking forward to reading the next book!
January 7, 2014
What can I say? They just keep getting better and better!:)
January 5, 2019
I devoured Bringer of Storms while on vacation, and started this book right after. Unfortunately, I'd have to say it's my least favorite in the series.
Graham's new monster, and the intriguing ending, are the high points. The low points? The pacing felt really slow. There was less happening, too much dialogue, and overly-detailed descriptions. I say this as someone who loves details and character development, but I agree: it probably would've been better to shorten it and Bringer of Storms into one book.
Nonetheless, Graham's awesome world shines through, and I appreciated the mysterious man at the end, because I instantly knew who it was. :)
Graham's new monster, and the intriguing ending, are the high points. The low points? The pacing felt really slow. There was less happening, too much dialogue, and overly-detailed descriptions. I say this as someone who loves details and character development, but I agree: it probably would've been better to shorten it and Bringer of Storms into one book.
Nonetheless, Graham's awesome world shines through, and I appreciated the mysterious man at the end, because I instantly knew who it was. :)
November 19, 2023
The first two were ok, this was dull and went nowhere. The army has no strategy, just running away forever. It tried to go more in depth with the characters, but it just points out that there is no depth. I'm not going to bother looking for the 4th book...and I assume there must be one since this one just kind of stops.
February 7, 2024
Quizás el mejor de la serie hasta el momento. Las batallas no están bien descritas porque los protagonistas salen bien librados sin mayor especificación. En general bien y deja la trama como para buscar la continuación.
November 9, 2020
See the first book in the series for a full review.
January 21, 2021
Pretty good for Christian fiction. The romance part could be cut out for a better story though.
April 18, 2022
It's all so mysterious and I am dying to know what happens next!
April 30, 2024
Best battle scene of the series
April 26, 2020
Shadow In The Deep: Book 3 of The Binding Of The Blade series. By L. B. Graham.
As the rains fall and the floodwaters rise, Aljeron embarks on a dangerous quest across the forsaken land of Nolthanin. For all of Kirthanin, the days are dark and hope seems far away. And yet, in the midst of their darkness, a ray of light appears when Benjiah takes up Valzaan’s staff and enters where all others fear to go.
The Binding Of The Blade Series is a true fantasy masterpiece consisting of one epic story spanning 5 separate books. Shadow In The Deep is the middle portion of this story, and therefore is rather difficult to review (and should not be read) as a stand-alone story – It’s what you’d expect from the middle quarter of a story (except it is 500 pages long), and I liken it’s feel and style to The Empire Strikes Back in its relation to the original Star Wars trilogy.
This book continues the continuing events of 5 main characters –
1. Aljeron and his team as they venture to the dangerous North to find the legendary King of Dragons.
2. Queen Wylla, as she struggles to rule one of the last standing cities of a realm at war with the ultimate enemy.
3. Benjiah, 17 year old son of Queen Wylla and his coming of age as the next prophet of Allfather.
4. Rulalin, traitor of the Novanna and his story marching with, and fighting alongside Malek’s evil hordes.
5. Caan, legendary swordsman and leader of the combined armies of Werthanin, as they flee and ultimately battle the armies and monsters of Malek.
Did I mention this book was complex?
I enjoyed Shadow In The Deep more than Bringer Of Storms, and as much (if not slightly more) than Beyond The Summerland.
A couple of negatives:
Shadow In The Deep is slow-paced at times (although not as much as the first 2 books). This series is an epic fantasy drama (with superb occasional action sequences), rather than a fantasy action/adventure. If you have preconceived notions that it is high-action, you may be disappointed.
Shadow In The Deep has extended segments of dialogue. Portions of this book read like they should be in the 'deleted scenes' section of a DVD (having been cut to keep the pace up).
Having said that, this series is (bar none) the best Christian fantasy fiction I have read – It’s parallels, morals, and message is phenomenal! In conclusion, as I mentioned before – The 5 book series is one continuing story divided into 5 books, and therefore Shadow In The Deep should not be read as a stand-alone novel or out of order. If you enjoy huge fantasy epics with definite Christian values, monsters, battles, tragedy, and some romance, look no further than this series.
As the rains fall and the floodwaters rise, Aljeron embarks on a dangerous quest across the forsaken land of Nolthanin. For all of Kirthanin, the days are dark and hope seems far away. And yet, in the midst of their darkness, a ray of light appears when Benjiah takes up Valzaan’s staff and enters where all others fear to go.
The Binding Of The Blade Series is a true fantasy masterpiece consisting of one epic story spanning 5 separate books. Shadow In The Deep is the middle portion of this story, and therefore is rather difficult to review (and should not be read) as a stand-alone story – It’s what you’d expect from the middle quarter of a story (except it is 500 pages long), and I liken it’s feel and style to The Empire Strikes Back in its relation to the original Star Wars trilogy.
This book continues the continuing events of 5 main characters –
1. Aljeron and his team as they venture to the dangerous North to find the legendary King of Dragons.
2. Queen Wylla, as she struggles to rule one of the last standing cities of a realm at war with the ultimate enemy.
3. Benjiah, 17 year old son of Queen Wylla and his coming of age as the next prophet of Allfather.
4. Rulalin, traitor of the Novanna and his story marching with, and fighting alongside Malek’s evil hordes.
5. Caan, legendary swordsman and leader of the combined armies of Werthanin, as they flee and ultimately battle the armies and monsters of Malek.
Did I mention this book was complex?
I enjoyed Shadow In The Deep more than Bringer Of Storms, and as much (if not slightly more) than Beyond The Summerland.
A couple of negatives:
Shadow In The Deep is slow-paced at times (although not as much as the first 2 books). This series is an epic fantasy drama (with superb occasional action sequences), rather than a fantasy action/adventure. If you have preconceived notions that it is high-action, you may be disappointed.
Shadow In The Deep has extended segments of dialogue. Portions of this book read like they should be in the 'deleted scenes' section of a DVD (having been cut to keep the pace up).
Having said that, this series is (bar none) the best Christian fantasy fiction I have read – It’s parallels, morals, and message is phenomenal! In conclusion, as I mentioned before – The 5 book series is one continuing story divided into 5 books, and therefore Shadow In The Deep should not be read as a stand-alone novel or out of order. If you enjoy huge fantasy epics with definite Christian values, monsters, battles, tragedy, and some romance, look no further than this series.
May 4, 2016
The narrative picks up mere moments after the end of Bringer of Storms. So read that book before this one please.
With out giving spoilers all I can say is: If you've read the first two books, you already know that you want to read this one. And After reading this one you are instantly going to want to pick up the next one.
Thankfully the entire series is finished now and I don't have to wait for the next one.
With out giving spoilers all I can say is: If you've read the first two books, you already know that you want to read this one. And After reading this one you are instantly going to want to pick up the next one.
Thankfully the entire series is finished now and I don't have to wait for the next one.
December 18, 2007
Wonderful 3rd book in the series but I was pulling my hair out trying to figure out who the mysterious man at the end of the book was.....oops....XP
you'll just have to read number 4 to find out who it is.:D
you'll just have to read number 4 to find out who it is.:D
January 8, 2008
Well, another incredible book by Dr. Graham. I didn't want it to end, and best of all it didn't drag once. I eagerly look forward to the next book in the series.
March 11, 2011
AN AMAZING BOOK !
June 27, 2011
I loved it!
July 27, 2011
Great book in a great series. Loved it!
June 18, 2012
I really like this series (although they could be shortened-they can be a little slow some times) but besides that they're good.
May 22, 2013
loved.
April 16, 2014
Excellent!
September 10, 2014
Decent reading for 8-14 age range.
September 15, 2014
I've read this series twice and couldn't wait to download. A series I can recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy.
May 11, 2016
This is taking too long! Knowing about Synoki while the characters don't is so stressful. Really?! Valzaan is ALIVE?! I kind of figured, but still.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews