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Aegis of the Gods #1.5
The Shadowbearer
Knight Commander Stefan Dorn, leader of the Unvanquished, has known only war, death and, victory. All in the name of his loyalty to King Nerian the Lightbearer, a man he idolized.
Until now.
Everything he thought he knew about the King, his people, and his world is coming to an end. At a time when there should be peace, he's once again called to war.
Torn between shocking changes at home, his family, loyalty to his men and his King, Stefan wishes only to enjoy life away from the battlefield. But with the new campaign comes a rabid, unforgiving enemy and a potential cataclysm.
Follow him as he fights to save his family, his people, his honor, and his birthright from the grips of the shade. Can he save them all? If not, which will he choose, which will he lose?
The Shadowbearer is a rousing and engaging prequel to Etchings of Power and a worthy addition to the Aegis of the Gods series.
Until now.
Everything he thought he knew about the King, his people, and his world is coming to an end. At a time when there should be peace, he's once again called to war.
Torn between shocking changes at home, his family, loyalty to his men and his King, Stefan wishes only to enjoy life away from the battlefield. But with the new campaign comes a rabid, unforgiving enemy and a potential cataclysm.
Follow him as he fights to save his family, his people, his honor, and his birthright from the grips of the shade. Can he save them all? If not, which will he choose, which will he lose?
The Shadowbearer is a rousing and engaging prequel to Etchings of Power and a worthy addition to the Aegis of the Gods series.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
18 people are currently reading
392 people want to read
About the author
Terry C. Simpson
13 books67 followersTalking to the characters I imagine has become an intriguing experience especially when they disagree with me. - Terry Simpson.
Terry grew up on the tiny Caribbean island of Barbados. He always had a love of writing for as long as he can remember.
Somehow, he grew to love fantasy more than any other although his early days were spent reading his father's books from Louis L'amour's westerns to Don Pendleton's Executioner series.
When Terry moved to New York in 1986 to live with his mother, his love for books developed into him reading and loving fantasy authors such as Robert Jordan, Jim Butcher, Terry Goodkind , Brandon Sanderson, George RR Martin, Brian Lumley, Laura K Hamilton and quite a few others.
Terry began building the world for what is now called the Aegis of the Gods series in 2001. At first, it was just a hobby because of his love for fantasy and the written word. Slowly, it became a part of his life. Finally, in 2010, Terry decided to sit down and pen the first book based in his world.
When he isn't writing, Terry enjoys reading, movies, gaming (especially MMORPGS), working out, watching sports, and playing with his beautiful daughter Kai.
Terry grew up on the tiny Caribbean island of Barbados. He always had a love of writing for as long as he can remember.
Somehow, he grew to love fantasy more than any other although his early days were spent reading his father's books from Louis L'amour's westerns to Don Pendleton's Executioner series.
When Terry moved to New York in 1986 to live with his mother, his love for books developed into him reading and loving fantasy authors such as Robert Jordan, Jim Butcher, Terry Goodkind , Brandon Sanderson, George RR Martin, Brian Lumley, Laura K Hamilton and quite a few others.
Terry began building the world for what is now called the Aegis of the Gods series in 2001. At first, it was just a hobby because of his love for fantasy and the written word. Slowly, it became a part of his life. Finally, in 2010, Terry decided to sit down and pen the first book based in his world.
When he isn't writing, Terry enjoys reading, movies, gaming (especially MMORPGS), working out, watching sports, and playing with his beautiful daughter Kai.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 20, 2017
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths Reviews
The Shadowbearer is a prequel to Terry C. Simpson’s Aegis of the Gods fantasy series, and while it has some shortcomings, it does an excellent job of introducing a reader to this world of Mater (magic) while telling a tale filled with warfare and politics, intrigue and treachery, heroic characters and vile creatures. Throw in a bit of world building and magic system description and you have a story that is well worth a try.
The novella is told through the eyes of one Stefan Dorn “the Steadfast”, Knight Commander of the Setian Empire and beloved friend to King Nerian the Lightbearer. Stefan has led the Setian warhost for years; his warriors having waded through rivers of blood for him and their people, carving out an empire for their king, and in doing so having become immortalized as The Unvanquished. And now, they find themselves on the cusp of final victory; their endless wars complete with one final victory. Peace and glory almost within their grasp.
But like all things, Stefan and the Unvanquished’s well earned peace begins to slip away even as they reach for it, because things are not well with their beloved King Nerian. Stefan himself can sense it upon his return home, but soon, he learns things are even worse than he had feared: suspicion, accusations, and intrigue disrupting the once tranquil landscape of the capital. And so Stefan finds himself caught between his lifelong love and respect for Nerian and his growing suspicions that madness lurks behind the eyes of the Lightbearer.
Never having read Mr. Simpson’s Aegis of the Gods, this was my introduction to that fantasy world, and I enjoyed my time there. But as I alluded to earlier, there were a few problems I had with the novella as a whole and would feel remiss without pointing out.
One, the magic system was very difficult to actually understand, not because Mr. Simpson did not attempt to explain it but rather that it was too convoluted, too complex perhaps.
Two, the world of Denestia is large, filled with history and lore, but in a novella, there was just not enough room to world building effectively, and so Mr. Simpson was forced to throw too much information at a reader, which - at least in my case - caused me to flounder around wondering who was who too many times.
Third - and lastly - there is a time shift about halfway through the novella, where the tale of Stefan jumps ahead in time over a decade. Now, while I understand that the author was forced to do this to finish the story, it ruined what had been developing into an intriguing plot for me.
To summarize, this is a novella well worth a try, even with its flaws, and it did intrigue me enough to consider downloading the first book in the series Etchings of Power and giving Aegis of the Gods a try.
The Shadowbearer is a prequel to Terry C. Simpson’s Aegis of the Gods fantasy series, and while it has some shortcomings, it does an excellent job of introducing a reader to this world of Mater (magic) while telling a tale filled with warfare and politics, intrigue and treachery, heroic characters and vile creatures. Throw in a bit of world building and magic system description and you have a story that is well worth a try.
The novella is told through the eyes of one Stefan Dorn “the Steadfast”, Knight Commander of the Setian Empire and beloved friend to King Nerian the Lightbearer. Stefan has led the Setian warhost for years; his warriors having waded through rivers of blood for him and their people, carving out an empire for their king, and in doing so having become immortalized as The Unvanquished. And now, they find themselves on the cusp of final victory; their endless wars complete with one final victory. Peace and glory almost within their grasp.
But like all things, Stefan and the Unvanquished’s well earned peace begins to slip away even as they reach for it, because things are not well with their beloved King Nerian. Stefan himself can sense it upon his return home, but soon, he learns things are even worse than he had feared: suspicion, accusations, and intrigue disrupting the once tranquil landscape of the capital. And so Stefan finds himself caught between his lifelong love and respect for Nerian and his growing suspicions that madness lurks behind the eyes of the Lightbearer.
Never having read Mr. Simpson’s Aegis of the Gods, this was my introduction to that fantasy world, and I enjoyed my time there. But as I alluded to earlier, there were a few problems I had with the novella as a whole and would feel remiss without pointing out.
One, the magic system was very difficult to actually understand, not because Mr. Simpson did not attempt to explain it but rather that it was too convoluted, too complex perhaps.
Two, the world of Denestia is large, filled with history and lore, but in a novella, there was just not enough room to world building effectively, and so Mr. Simpson was forced to throw too much information at a reader, which - at least in my case - caused me to flounder around wondering who was who too many times.
Third - and lastly - there is a time shift about halfway through the novella, where the tale of Stefan jumps ahead in time over a decade. Now, while I understand that the author was forced to do this to finish the story, it ruined what had been developing into an intriguing plot for me.
To summarize, this is a novella well worth a try, even with its flaws, and it did intrigue me enough to consider downloading the first book in the series Etchings of Power and giving Aegis of the Gods a try.
May 6, 2012
The Shadowbearer is a prequel to Terry C. Simpson's Etchings of Power (Aegis of The Gods #1). As far as prequels go, I thought this one made a strong showing. Perfect for those just beginning in this rich, well-thought out world, and fans of the first book will get some extra insight into how the world became what it was in Etchings of Power.
Stefan Dorn is the one we follow in this installment. He's a battle-hardened warrior and immensely loyal to his family and King. His army of The Unvanquished have fought for decades. After what should be this army's last battle, Stefan wants peace for himself and his men. They have more than earned it. After years away from home things aren't what he expects upon his return.
Stefan is a steadfast, strong character. He makes the right decision regardless of what the cost may be. His only weakness comes in the form of his family. He loves them with a passion and would do anything for them. King Nerian has been an important person in Stefan's life for years and a personal hero to Stefan. I have to say that Nerian doesn't hold up well under the pressure of power he has gained. He makes a wonderful villain!
The Shadowbearer is just as full of epic battles, evil nemesis, and twisted plottings that were in Etchings of Power. I should also mention that the 'magic' system used in the books is well-thought out and very unique. This is a series I'll enjoy keeping up with :)
Stefan Dorn is the one we follow in this installment. He's a battle-hardened warrior and immensely loyal to his family and King. His army of The Unvanquished have fought for decades. After what should be this army's last battle, Stefan wants peace for himself and his men. They have more than earned it. After years away from home things aren't what he expects upon his return.
Stefan is a steadfast, strong character. He makes the right decision regardless of what the cost may be. His only weakness comes in the form of his family. He loves them with a passion and would do anything for them. King Nerian has been an important person in Stefan's life for years and a personal hero to Stefan. I have to say that Nerian doesn't hold up well under the pressure of power he has gained. He makes a wonderful villain!
The Shadowbearer is just as full of epic battles, evil nemesis, and twisted plottings that were in Etchings of Power. I should also mention that the 'magic' system used in the books is well-thought out and very unique. This is a series I'll enjoy keeping up with :)
May 10, 2012
Terry Simpson has done it again!
I'm VERY picky about the fantasy I read. I get uppity about anything that isn't George R.R. Martin, Patrick Rothfuss, Terry Pratchett, etc...
This is a different sort of book than what authors like that produce, but it appeals to me in a different way. It's fun slash-tastic sword and sorcery. Don't get me wrong, there's an original world, a cool system of magic, and some touching character scenes. But mostly, it's an action movie.
The action starts the story off with the end of a war by an Unvanquishable army, which the main character Stefan Dorn, is the leader of. He's a hero with a moral code, the respect of his men, and a lovely family waiting for him back home. At first I wondered what the tension of the story could be, but then I realized when Stefan came home from his latest victory to visit with his king. The king is $%#@ing crazy! Step-by-step, he begins to transform his kingdom into an evil empire, and Stefan is forced to help. Stefan has to decide, loyalty to his King and former best friend or prevent the world from spiraling into chaos.
It's a great and fun read. A bargain at $3.00.
I'm VERY picky about the fantasy I read. I get uppity about anything that isn't George R.R. Martin, Patrick Rothfuss, Terry Pratchett, etc...
This is a different sort of book than what authors like that produce, but it appeals to me in a different way. It's fun slash-tastic sword and sorcery. Don't get me wrong, there's an original world, a cool system of magic, and some touching character scenes. But mostly, it's an action movie.
The action starts the story off with the end of a war by an Unvanquishable army, which the main character Stefan Dorn, is the leader of. He's a hero with a moral code, the respect of his men, and a lovely family waiting for him back home. At first I wondered what the tension of the story could be, but then I realized when Stefan came home from his latest victory to visit with his king. The king is $%#@ing crazy! Step-by-step, he begins to transform his kingdom into an evil empire, and Stefan is forced to help. Stefan has to decide, loyalty to his King and former best friend or prevent the world from spiraling into chaos.
It's a great and fun read. A bargain at $3.00.
June 7, 2012
The Shadowbearer: Prequel (The Aegis of Gods)
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Knight Commander Stefan Dorn, leader of the Unvanquished, has known only war, death and, victory. All in the name of his loyalty to King Nerian the Lightbearer, a man he idolized. Until now.
Everything he thought he knew about the King, his people, and his world is coming to an end. At a time when there should be peace, he's once again called to war.
Torn between shocking changes at home, his family, loyalty to his men and his King, Stefan wishes only to enjoy life away from the battlefield. But with the new campaign comes a rabid, unforgiving enemy and a potential cataclysm.
Follow him as he fights to save his family, his people, his honor, and his birthright from the grips of the shade. Can he save them all? If not, which will he choose, which will he lose?
The Shadowbearer is a rousing and engaging prequel to Etchings of Power and a worthy addition to the Aegis of the Gods series.
The Shadowbearer is the second book in the Aegis of Gods Series by T. C. Simpson. The book centres on Stefan Dorn, a Knight Commander in the Seti and Leader of the army.
Having read Etchings of Power and knowing T. C. Simpsons work my standards were set pretty high. I am very pleased to say those standards were met and pushed even further.
The book opens straight into the action, with our Protagonist, Stefan, at a battle to conquer opposing nations to bring them into the Setian Empire. After the battle we learn that Stefan is also known as Stefan the Steadfast and that he commands an army known as The Unvanquished.
We also see his more human side that wants his soldiers, who have fought and bled for him and their King, Nerian, to have peace and be allowed to go home and settle down, have families and peaceful lives.
One thing that is done particularly well within this book are the battles and fight scene's, T. C. has found a balance between describing and actively engaging in a big scale battle or smaller fight and also at times just highlighting key moments or bypassing the events and addressing them after the fact. Which give the story a very smooth flow and doesn’t bog it down with too much description, which is an easy mistake to make.
The story takes twists and turns where characters have unexpected changes and become the villains or become heroes that you support. We see a few familiar characters from Etchings of Power that are in a very unfamiliar role.
Even though the Shadowbearer is the second book in the Aegis of The Gods, it does not require you to have read Etchings of Power. You could comfortably read this story first and then go onto Etchings as it fulfils the role of prequel perfectly.
As with Etchings, T. C. makes it very difficult to review a story without giving away too much. So I will summarise that, this book is absolutely fantastic, it meets the standards of its predecessor and pushes the bar higher. My only complaint about The Shadowbearer is that it was not long enough, as you want the story to continue and allow you to stay immersed in the incredible world that is Denestia.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Knight Commander Stefan Dorn, leader of the Unvanquished, has known only war, death and, victory. All in the name of his loyalty to King Nerian the Lightbearer, a man he idolized. Until now.
Everything he thought he knew about the King, his people, and his world is coming to an end. At a time when there should be peace, he's once again called to war.
Torn between shocking changes at home, his family, loyalty to his men and his King, Stefan wishes only to enjoy life away from the battlefield. But with the new campaign comes a rabid, unforgiving enemy and a potential cataclysm.
Follow him as he fights to save his family, his people, his honor, and his birthright from the grips of the shade. Can he save them all? If not, which will he choose, which will he lose?
The Shadowbearer is a rousing and engaging prequel to Etchings of Power and a worthy addition to the Aegis of the Gods series.
The Shadowbearer is the second book in the Aegis of Gods Series by T. C. Simpson. The book centres on Stefan Dorn, a Knight Commander in the Seti and Leader of the army.
Having read Etchings of Power and knowing T. C. Simpsons work my standards were set pretty high. I am very pleased to say those standards were met and pushed even further.
The book opens straight into the action, with our Protagonist, Stefan, at a battle to conquer opposing nations to bring them into the Setian Empire. After the battle we learn that Stefan is also known as Stefan the Steadfast and that he commands an army known as The Unvanquished.
We also see his more human side that wants his soldiers, who have fought and bled for him and their King, Nerian, to have peace and be allowed to go home and settle down, have families and peaceful lives.
One thing that is done particularly well within this book are the battles and fight scene's, T. C. has found a balance between describing and actively engaging in a big scale battle or smaller fight and also at times just highlighting key moments or bypassing the events and addressing them after the fact. Which give the story a very smooth flow and doesn’t bog it down with too much description, which is an easy mistake to make.
The story takes twists and turns where characters have unexpected changes and become the villains or become heroes that you support. We see a few familiar characters from Etchings of Power that are in a very unfamiliar role.
Even though the Shadowbearer is the second book in the Aegis of The Gods, it does not require you to have read Etchings of Power. You could comfortably read this story first and then go onto Etchings as it fulfils the role of prequel perfectly.
As with Etchings, T. C. makes it very difficult to review a story without giving away too much. So I will summarise that, this book is absolutely fantastic, it meets the standards of its predecessor and pushes the bar higher. My only complaint about The Shadowbearer is that it was not long enough, as you want the story to continue and allow you to stay immersed in the incredible world that is Denestia.
July 19, 2012
Quite simply excellent.
For those who are waiting for the follow-up to Terry C Simpson's Etchings of Power, the first in his Aegis of the Gods series, The Shadowbearer isn't it. Well, not exactly, but as a prequel it sits in the same world and it will more than satisfy anyone who hungers for more of Simpson's writing.
In Etchings of Power, the author set some high standards -- in the quality of the writing, the storytelling, and in the presentation of the ebook. Well, The Shadowbearer shows no relaxation of those very high standards.
The novel achieves a couple of neat tricks: firstly, it sets the scene for the Aegis of the Gods series; secondly, it piles on the mystery and the intrigue for the series to come. In either aspect, it takes the reader deeper into the peoples and cultures of Ostania and Denestia, expands on the histories and struggles of the kingdoms and empires, and enhances the world the author has so carefully crafted.
Politics and intrigue, warfare and treachery, heroic deeds and conflicted loyalties, with larger-than-life characters who are nevertheless all to human in their doubts, fears and frailties, the story will pull you into its flow from the first page.
The novel focuses of the exploits of Stefan Dorn -- Knight Commander in the service of King Nerian -- a hero to his people who must face some severe tests, both personal and political, in the service of his people and his king.
With dark times looming, the choices Dorn makes will have repercusions far and wide, in ways that this reviewer cannot say, so as to ensure no hint of spoilers.
Suffice to say, Simpson has produced a great piece of work that is not to be missed.
Mark Cantrell,
Author of
For those who are waiting for the follow-up to Terry C Simpson's Etchings of Power, the first in his Aegis of the Gods series, The Shadowbearer isn't it. Well, not exactly, but as a prequel it sits in the same world and it will more than satisfy anyone who hungers for more of Simpson's writing.
In Etchings of Power, the author set some high standards -- in the quality of the writing, the storytelling, and in the presentation of the ebook. Well, The Shadowbearer shows no relaxation of those very high standards.
The novel achieves a couple of neat tricks: firstly, it sets the scene for the Aegis of the Gods series; secondly, it piles on the mystery and the intrigue for the series to come. In either aspect, it takes the reader deeper into the peoples and cultures of Ostania and Denestia, expands on the histories and struggles of the kingdoms and empires, and enhances the world the author has so carefully crafted.
Politics and intrigue, warfare and treachery, heroic deeds and conflicted loyalties, with larger-than-life characters who are nevertheless all to human in their doubts, fears and frailties, the story will pull you into its flow from the first page.
The novel focuses of the exploits of Stefan Dorn -- Knight Commander in the service of King Nerian -- a hero to his people who must face some severe tests, both personal and political, in the service of his people and his king.
With dark times looming, the choices Dorn makes will have repercusions far and wide, in ways that this reviewer cannot say, so as to ensure no hint of spoilers.
Suffice to say, Simpson has produced a great piece of work that is not to be missed.
Mark Cantrell,
Author of
March 7, 2013
This book is the prequel to the Aegis of the Gods series. The centre character of the story, King General Stefan Dorn, is put into several difficult positions where decisions are made for him, and he doesn’t like many of those. Still, being who he is he tries to work through everything, even when the King Nerian the Lightbearer (who was as a father to him once) starts making less and less sense.
Terry Simpson wrote a fast-paced book with great imagery, well balanced characters and he shows us the struggle of a man who wants to hold on to his values and is forced to rethink just about everything that he has fought for. (And I just love the way of travel!)
Terry Simpson wrote a fast-paced book with great imagery, well balanced characters and he shows us the struggle of a man who wants to hold on to his values and is forced to rethink just about everything that he has fought for. (And I just love the way of travel!)
September 20, 2013
Although the Shadowbearer does have an excessive amount of battles, able to satisfy the most bloodthirsty of readers, its characters and plot left me indifferent. I couldn't connect to them or the story for long in order to appreciate the imagery given in the battles. Recommended to readers with a knack for...well, battles.
June 25, 2012
As in the first book the action is fast and furious lending to an entertaining read
August 11, 2018
Hmm, not really thrilled about this one. It was a struggle to get through. It made sense in the beginning, but as it went along, it made less and less sense until it just fell off the radar entirely. No, I don't think I'll be reading any more of these.
October 25, 2013
I am not too proud to admit I didn't quite get this one.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews